World Tennis Magazine

Unique Tennis Perspectives

brad gilbert

Who are the best American Tennis TV Commentators?

by

Former US Olympian, Fed Cupper, top 20 WTA star and long-time tennis journalist and insider Andrea Leand reveals her picks as the best American tennis TV commentators. Readers are encouraged to comment on their picks for best TV commentators below in the comment section of this article, on the World Tennis Magazine Facebook page or via twitter at @WorldTennisMag

By Andrea Leand

 

It was well past midnight when Justin Gimelstob reached his hotel room and made do for dinner munching left over peanuts and olives. His last summer stop in NYC for a 18 day US Open stint as broadcaster for CBS and Tennis Channel capped a whirlwind schedule like none he knew when competing on the ATP Tour. While Gimelstob enjoyed his successes on tour as a top American junior, pro career high ranking of No. 63 and over 2.5 million in prize money. his infectious personality always seemed as big as, if not bigger than, his game. His quick wit, self-deprecating humor and keen enthusiasm for the sport have translated as well on television as they did in the locker room. He has shown the same determination to one day become a top broadcaster – like Matt Lauer – as he did maximizing his ability on court.

That’s not to say making the transition from court to commentator has been easy or – as in the case of his much tweeted, daily travails with blackberries, IPADS, flight times and passports – glamorous. With his many hats – he’s a member of the ATP Player Council – and recent marriage to Cary Sinnott, Gimelstob still has proven indefatigable in the booth. His hustling for interviews and candid insights add needed dimension to otherwise often staid broadcasts. His unflapable spirit and passion for the job have disarmed players like Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Serena Williams and given viewers cause to smile. Who else would gush about attending a three-hour NBC Olympic Seminar to get in word with Bob Costas and Al Michaels or be so enthused about getting to the courts at Wimbledon to commentate his first match of the day that he forgot his suit? Either way, Gimelstob has our attention as one of the top five faces to watch.

John McEnroe: No one is better than John McEnroe. His intelligence, experience, analytical preciseness and natural way of communicating in a poignant yet concise way make him the standard to which all others aspire.

Lindsay Davenport: Lindsay Davenport is the best female color commentator on air and hands down the “Newcomer of the Year.” Davenport is so politically correct these days and trying so hard to be a team player that she probably won’t like being singled out. But like it or not, she does stand out. Many have tried to emulate McEnroe, but, without the same smarts, insight and clarity, have failed miserably. Davenport is the only one who comes close. She doesn’t try too hard with overbearing, non-stop mumble jumble. She understands that she is covering pro tennis, not reporting on Iran for CNN. She realizes that the tennis is the star and never talks over points. Davenport also proves there is a shelf life to this job. Her insights show that she really knows the players. She has played against this generation of stars, been in the locker room with them and kept quiet tabs on everything that goes on. And like McEnroe, she is not afraid to be candid. Her remarks and smooth cadence in communicating them to the viewers make her easy on the ears and interesting to even the game’s insiders.

Rennae Stubbs: Australian-born Stubbs has been commentating for non-American channels for years, so it is difficult to call her a newcomer – but she is one to American audiences who enjoyed her comments during the Italian, French, Wimbledon and Olympic broadcasts. Stubbs loves the game, lives the tour and has infused that intrinsic knowledge in her capacity as commentator. Who else could describe once taking Samantha Stosur to the emergency room in Miami as she did? Such anecdotes and experiences make her a welcome breathe of fresh air and material While Stubbs is a ham and loves the spotlight, she handles being the (third) man on the commentating team – the point person on court-well, she doesn’t talk over her colleagues or points but gives well-placed, quick witted observations.

Brett Haber:Most of the company play by play guys are well healed professionals, who all do a pretty good job. Brett earns kudos for his efforts in going beyond in doing his homework about the players and matches so that he can converse with his color commentators and bring out their best insights.

Justin Gimelstob and Brett Haber
Justin Gimelstob and Brett Haber

Darren Cahill, Brad Gilbert, Patrick McEnroe: All terrific, all with their own styles. All professional, knowledgeable and with undeniable channels to the players and behind the scenes business of the game. They are also true team players. But some have wondered if they lose their individual identity when sandwiched together.

Mary Joe Fernandez: Bright, capable and with undeniable channels to the players as US Fed Cup captain (and marriage to Federer agent Tony Godsick). Mary Joe has the material and the discipline to be a valuable member of the team – when she is able to get a word in edgewise.

Tracy Austin: We haven’t seen as much of Austin this year as she has been commentating for the BBC. But in a career where aesthetics count, Austin deserves recognition for best presentation. Her hair, make-up and attire are always perfectly put together, age appropriate and camera friendly-and something her female colleagues should take note.

Roddick’s masterpiece over Federer harkens back to 2003

by

Suddenly, it was 2003 again for Andy Roddick, slashing and hustling and playing with extreme confidence, just as he did as he torched his way through a series of tournaments leading to the U.S. Open title that year.

His clothes bore a Reebok logo instead of today’s Lacoste crocodile. Brad Gilbert was in the coaching box then instead of Larry Stefanki. And he’s a bit of a different player now than then — much more confident in his backhand and using it to annoy Roger Federer with no-pace slice crosscourts to within an inch or two of the baseline.

Andy Roddick in his win over Roger Federer

But as I watched this Monday night masterpiece unfold, it did seem like nine years ago, when Andy slammed through Indianapolis, Montreal and Cincinnati and on to New York to win his only Grand Slam — in fact, the last American man to win a major.

He was 27-1 on that roll through the Open, including a win in the semifinals at Montreal over Federer, and this third-round 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-4 win over Federer on Key Biscayne had that same feeling of prominence.

Roddick loves night tennis. You get the feeling Federer does not as you recall his other evening losses at Key Biscayne. But with Roddick, the juices were flowing for this prime time match, even after going down meekly in the second set. He had great body language. He did a lot of toweling off, but he always seemed to be in a hurry for the next point.

There wasn’t a hint of the injuries that has forced his game to regress for much of the past two years and, while he doesn’t have Federer’s overall skill, he does have that serve and he was just driving it Monday night — 74 percent firsts in play in the final set with seven aces.

He used his serve to ward off four break points in Game 2 of the final set. He slammed a 135 mph ace up the middle to hold at 4-2, then a 127 mph ace down the middle from the ad court to hold to 5-3. And, finally, a crunching service winner on the final point, deep to the corner of the ad court with Federer throwing his right arm out, futilely, in an effort to get a return.

It was all there for Roddick on this evening and he looked by far the fresher player in the final set. There will be memorable points from this match. There was Roddick in the second game of the final set displaying beautiful footwork to line up an inside-in. There was Roddick breaking to 2-1 in the final set, buggy-whipping a running forehand that must have left Federer gaping.

Andy began this match content to get on Federer’s backhand with those crosscourt backhand slices, but when Roger began timing those shots better in the second set, Roddick made the adjustment. Once again, he was hitting inside-out forehands instead of backhand slices — just like 2003.

And once again, he was winning — just like 2003.

Charles Bricker can be reached at nflwriterr@aol.com

Sam Querrey Signs Three-Year Racquet Deal With Babolat: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

by

Querrey signs three-year racquet sponsorship contract with Babolat

Sam Querrey signs with Babolat

World No. 85 Sam Querrey, who has finished in the Top 100 in South African Airways ATP Rankings for five consecutive years, has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with racquet manufacturer Babolat. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The Las Vegas resident will play with the AeroPro Drive GT Plus. “I am thrilled to be part of the Babolat team,” said Querrey. “I think with this racquet in my hand I can make a quick rise back to the top.” A six-time singles winner on the ATP World Tour, Querrey has been ranked as high as No. 17, a ranking he achieved in January 2011. “Sam is a natural fit for Team Babolat. Not only is he a remarkable talent, but he is also the type of well-rounded, well-respected individual we seek to represent the Babolat brand,” said Seth McKinley, Babolat International Sports Marketing Manager.

Emirates Airlines partners with United States Tennis Association

According to a press release, the United States Tennis Association and Emirates Airlines announced a global, integrated sponsorship of the US Open and US Open Series. As part of the agreement, Emirates becomes the “Official Airline of the US Open” and the title sponsor of the “Emirates Airline US Open Series,” whose 10 events combine to form the summer hardcourt professional tennis season and lead into the US Open. The seven-year partnership will enable the airline to strengthen its connection with U.S. consumers through a long-term investment in U.S. sport. The sponsorship rights include integrated consumer experiential elements and substantial digital media assets and opportunities. Emirates will have a significant on-court presence and also receive global promotional rights. In 2011, the US Open Series collectively reached a U.S. viewing audience of 39 million and drew more than 800,000 fans. “Our new partnership with the USTA and sponsorship of the prestigious US Open represents a further strengthening of Emirates’ presence within the United States,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice-Chairman of Emirates Airline & Group. “With the launch of Seattle, our sixth U.S. gateway on March 1, Emirates will soon offer 59 flights a week to North America, connecting more U.S. consumers than ever to our vast global network spanning six continents.” “Our continued expansion across the country and the advent of a new brand era for Emirates makes this the perfect time to embark on our first major, national sponsorship in the United States,” continued Sir Maurice. “Through this partnership, we hope to create a deeper connection with our customers through sharing in and supporting their passions. Emirates is a strong champion of North American sports and this sponsorship will enable us to enhance the fan experience at these tournaments while building a lasting relationship with tennis in the U.S.” “This partnership truly is a combination of prestigious global brands and we’re thrilled to welcome Emirates Airline as a USTA Corporate Champion,” said Lew Sherr, Chief Revenue Officer, USTA. “While we look forward to supporting Emirates’ efforts to build awareness in the U.S., we’re also excited to leverage their global network and promote our events to an equally sophisticated, global clientele.” Through the sponsorship, Emirates will enhance attendees’ experiences and engage with viewers through mainstream and digital platforms and an on-site presence during all US Open and Emirates Airline US Open Series events. During the 2012 US Open in New York, which will be played this year from August 27 – September 9, Emirates will create an integrated fan experience – both on and off the court – demonstrating the airline’s award-winning, world-class service, as well as opening doors to Emirates’ network of destinations across six continents. As presenting sponsor of the US Open Club, Emirates will enhance the on-site upscale dining venue and provide interactive elements to elevate attendees’ overall involvement at the event. Travelers on Emirates will enjoy in-flight content featuring classic US Open matches and recap programs. Emirates Skywards members will also enjoy onsite promotional experiences. Emirates will be integrated into all Emirates Airline US Open Series broadcasts across CBS Sports, ESPN2 and Tennis Channel through on-air billboards, interstitials and in-broadcast features. When combined, the 2011 US Open and US Open Series drew more than 1.5 million fans and provided more than $40 million in prize money to men’s and women’s professional tennis players. “This sponsorship provides Emirates with a unique opportunity to engage with local communities across the United States through the USTA’s community initiatives,” added Sir Maurice. “By building bridges with local communities through sport, Emirates hopes to unite fans, engage in meaningful conversations and bring global cultures together.”

Tennis Channel to count down Top 100 Greatest Players

Starting on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. EST, Tennis Channel will rank the top 100 tennis players to ever pick up a tennis racquet. 100 Greatest of all Time Presented by Ally Bank is a five-night, weeklong special series that will cross generations and gender as it counts down the most elite tennis players to ever play the game. The No. 1 all-time tennis player in history will be unveiled at the conclusion of the final episode on Friday, March 23. “This is a televised answer to the old sports saying that great athletes don’t just compete with their contemporaries – they compete with everyone who ever played the game, said Laura Hockridge, Vice President, Original Programming, Tennis Channel. “No one has devoted this much air time to exploring and ranking the top 100 tennis players in history and, while we don’t think viewers will be surprised with the names at the top of our list, we expect this series to add to the ongoing fan debate, rather than settle it.” Tennis Channel’s 100 Greatest of all Time rankings were decided by an international committee of players, journalists, coaches, historians and industry representatives. Participants hailed from six continents and included the International Tennis Hall of Fame. During the 2011 voting and selection process, the series’ producers spent several months taping interviews and collecting footage before editing the individual episodes this winter. In all, the entire project has taken about a year to prepare.

USTA Eastern to bring back tennis to Intrepid with Patrick McEnroe on February 23

Tennis is returning to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City on February 23 when ESPN tennis broadcaster and former French Open Doubles champion Patrick McEnroe hosts a 10 and Under tennis clinic. Hosted for the second consecutive year at the Intrepid, the clinic will give children the opportunity to learn the game of tennis using special equipment tailored to their age and size. Children will also have the chance to meet McEnroe, who also serves as the General Manager of USTA Player Development. “We are very excited to bring 10 and Under Tennis aboard the Intrepid once again,” said Michelle Blake Wilson, Managing Director of Marketing and Communications for USTA Eastern. “And we are fortunate this year to be joined by Patrick McEnroe, who is using this kid-friendly format to train high-performing junior players across the country.” In addition to the clinic, there will be many on and off-court activities including a photo station and raffles every hour for a chance to win kids’ size tennis racquet and free tickets to the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden, featuring Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki. The BNP Paribas Showdown will be played at the World’s Most Famous Arena on March 5. The Intrepid is located at Pier 86 (46th Street and 12th Avenue) in Manhattan.

USTA and Nickelodeon launch “Tennis Really Rocks” Sweepstakes

On February 21, the USTA and Nickelodeon announced the kick-off of the “Tennis Really Rocks” sweepstakes as part of their ongoing partnership. One lucky child will win a grand prize trip for four to New York City to attend the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, the annual kick-off event for the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, as well as the opportunity to hang out with the stars of Nickelodeon’s brand-new live-action series How to Rock, Cymphonique Miller and Max Schneider. Fifty kids will win the first prize, which includes 10 and Under Tennis equipment such as tennis racquets and lower bouncing balls specifically designed for young children. The “Tennis Really Rocks” contest runs through April 1. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 or their parents can enter the contest at www.nick.com/TENNISROCKS. “Over the past few years we’ve been working with our industry partners to leverage our 10 and Under Tennis format and garner their support for our largest-ever youth tennis initiative,” says Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “With our agreement with Nickelodeon, we’re now stepping outside of tennis and reaching a much wider youth audience to engage them in tennis. Our goal is to get them to try tennis and then keep them in the game.” Also as part of the USTA and Nickelodeon partnership, Miller and Schneider will make appearances, throughout the year, at USTA events aimed at kids and be featured in commercial and promotional spots promoting youth tennis.

Querrey drops Nainkin as coach, hires Brad Gilbert

American Sam Querrey has split with coach David Nainkin and has hired Brad Gilbert on a trial basis.  ZooTennis’ Colette Lewis first reported that Gilbert was hired to work with Querrey. TENNIS.com has learned that Gilbert will still consider his role as an ESPN tennis analyst as his full-time job. His commitment to coaching the No. 85 ranked Querrey will be on a week to week basis. Gilbert is currently in Memphis working with Querrey at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships. The American won his first round match on Tuesday in three sets over Alejandro Falla.

Wozniacki, Ivanovic named Global Brand Ambassadors for Dubai Duty Free

Former World No. 1s Caroline Wozniacki and Ana Ivanovic have been named global brand ambassadors for Dubai Duty Free. The Dubai Duty Free Player Ambassador Program is a prestigious initiative between the WTA Tour and Dubai Duty Free, which recently extended its partnership through 2014. “Dubai has a special place in my heart and it feels great to return this year as defending champion of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Being an ambassador for Dubai Duty Free is a great honor and it gives me the opportunity to help promote one of my favorite destinations,” said Wozniacki. “I am really flattered that Dubai Duty Free asked me to become its brand ambassador. It is a great company that has also been extremely supportive of women’s tennis. I always get excited about traveling to Dubai as it is one of the most exciting cities in the world,” said Ivanovic.

Djokovic to open title defense at Sony Ericsson Open on Saturday, March 24 (Session 10)

World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic will begin his quest for a second consecutive Sony Ericsson Open title in Miami on Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m., which is Session 10. This year, the Serbian is looking to join Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras as the only man to win the Sony Ericsson Open at least three times. The Sony Ericsson Open will be played from March 19-April 1 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.SonyEricssonOpen.com or by calling (305) 442-3367.

Har-Tru acquires J.A. Cissel Manufacturing and Century Sports

Charlottesville-based Har-Tru, the leading provider of clay courts, lighting and court accessories in the tennis industry, announced the acquisition of the tennis operations of J.A. Cissel Manufacturing and Century Sports. The acquisition allows customers to have more access to a wider selection of products and the best brands in tennis accessories and surfacing marketplace. “The acquisition supports and aligns with Har-Tru’s mission to develop innovative tennis products that help our customers maximize their potential,” said Anderson McNeill, President of Har-Tru Sports and Charles Luck. “The acquisition allows us to stay competitive in the sports supply segment and focused on our path of developing champions around the world.” Headquartered in Lakewood, N.J, Cissel and Century provide complementary extensions of Har-Tru’s product offerings. The acquisition also creates synergies in product innovation, product sourcing, and new product development. Cissel and Century are being purchased from Bob Hellerson. “We’ve admired Bob’s product leadership and focus on introducing innovative and top-of-the-line tennis court accessories for years,” said Randy Futty, General Manager of HAR-TRU Sports. “This acquisition allows us to expand our current product offering to include accessories for clay and hard courts while giving us a chance to increase our reach and name recognition nationally and globally.”

World No.1 Rafael Nadal named 2010 US Open men’s top seed

by

FLUSHING, N.Y., August 23, 2010 – The USTA announced today that world No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, will be the top seed at the 2010 US Open in men’s singles.  The 2010 US Open will be played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., August 30 – September 12.  The women’s seeds will be announced tomorrow upon completion of the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

Nadal, an eight-time Grand Slam champion who is seeking his first US Open title, is the No. 1 seed at the US Open for the second time in three years.  He will be followed by No. 2 Roger Federer of Switzerland, a five-time US Open Champion; No. 3 Novak Djokovic of Serbia, the 2008 Australian Open champion (and 2007 US Open runner-up); and No. 4 Andy Murray of Great Britain, the 2008 US Open runner-up.

After missing much of 2009 with injuries and being unable to defend his 2008 French Open and Wimbledon titles, Nadal, 24, has won five titles this year including his fifth French Open and second Wimbledon titles.  Nadal will be seeking his first US Open title, which would make him just the seventh man to complete the career Grand Slam.  Nadal has reached the US Open semifinals in each of the last two years.

For 2010, the US Open followed the ATP World Tour rankings to determine the men’s singles seeds.  This is the ninth consecutive year that the US Open has seeded 32 players in both singles events.

The singles draws for the 2010 US Open will be revealed live on the US Open Draw Announcement Special on ESPN2, Thursday, August 26 at 12 PM ET.  Chris McKendry will host the one-hour show from Bristol, Conn., along with U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe Fernandez and Brad Gilbert. U.S. Davis Cup Captain Patrick McEnroe will lead the on-site coverage from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.

2010 US Open Men’s Singles Seeds

  1. Rafael Nadal, Spain
  2. Roger Federer, Switzerland
  3. Novak Djokovic, Serbia
  4. Andy Murray, Great Britain
  5. Robin Soderling, Sweden
  6. Nikolay Davydenko, Russia
  7. Tomas Berdych, Czech Republic
  8. Fernando Verdasco, Spain
  9. Andy Roddick, United States
  10. David Ferrer, Spain
  11. Marin Cilic, Croatia
  12. Mikhail Youzhny, Russia
  13. Jurgen Melzer, Austria
  14. Nicolas Almagro, Spain
  15. Ivan Ljubicic, Croatia
  16. Marcos Baghdatis, Cyprus
  17. Gael Monfils, France
  18. John Isner, United States
  19. Mardy Fish, United States
  20. Sam Querrey, United States
  21. Albert Montanes, Spain
  22. Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spain
  23. Feliciano Lopez, Spain
  24. Ernests Gulbis, Latvia
  25. Stanislas Wawrinka, Switzerland
  26. Thomaz Bellucci, Brazil
  27. Fernando Gonzalez, Chile
  28. Radek Stepanek, Czech Republic
  29. Philipp Kohlschreiber, Germany
  30. Juan Monaco, Argentina
  31. David Nalbandian, Argentina
  32. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia

FEDERER’S SHOCK LOSS TO SODERLING ENDS RECORD SEMIFINAL STREAK

by

Roger Federer’s record streak of 23 straight appearances in the semifinals of a major tournament is over.

Robin Soderling, the Swede who handed Rafael Nadal his first career loss at Roland Garros last year, defeated the world No. 1 and reigning French champion 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in the French Open quarterfinals Tuesday.

“It feels great,” said Soderling to ESPN2’s Brad Gilbert. “I love to play on his court…It feels great to finally win a match against Roger.”

Soderling, who lost in the final of the French Open last year to Federer by a 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4 margin, lost all 12 previous matches against Federer.

“I came close a few times,” he said to Gilbert. “One or two times I was a bit unlucky, but (today) I kept telling myself I could win.”

The last time Federer failed to reach the semifinals at a major came at the 2004 French Open, when he lost in the third round to Gustavo Kuerten.

The loss also may prevent Federer from tying the record for most career weeks ranked No. 1 on the ATP computer with 286 weeks, currently held by Pete Sampras. Federer will lose the top ranking to Nadal in the next ATP World Tour rankings on June 7 if Nadal goes on to win the tournament. Federer’s weeks-at-No. 1 tally currently stands at 285 weeks.

Soderling blasted his groundstrokes through the slow, soggy conditions on the red clay court against the 16-time major title holder. Federer was simply overpowered by the Swede.

“He played the match of his life,” said ESPN2’s Darren Cahill. “I think he played better than he did last year when he beat Rafael Nadal.”

Said Patrick McEnroe on ESPN2, “Federer did not give this up. It was taken from him.”

McEnroe called Federer’s streak of 23 straight major semifinal appearances, “Maybe the greatest streak in the history of men’s tennis.” Ivan Lendl and Rod Laver stand in second place in that category, each reaching 10 straight major semifinals.

Soderling will next face Thomas Berdych of the Czech Republic in Friday’s semifinals. Berdych beat Russia’s Mikhail Youzhy 6-3, 6-1, 6-2.

RODDICK’S ADAPTABILITY WAS A BIG REASON HE WON SONY ERICSSON OPEN

by

By Charles Bricker

I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard veteran tennis players comment that they can’t change their games, can’t add a new facet to their games, can’t make a necessary adjustment in their games because “that’s just not me,” or “that’s not my game.”

What separates Andy Roddick at age 27, and that’s not to suggest he’s an isolated case, is that he has been open to change, and that’s a big reason why he won the Sony Ericsson Open on Sunday and why he’s picked up his fifth Masters (or ATP 1000) shield and first since Cincinnati in 2006.

Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick wins Sony Ericsson Open 2010

Players don’t like to change their play or modify how they play because they remember how many years they put in as juniors just to play well enough to turn professional. Now, at 26 or 27, merely thinking about change is mentally exhausting.

But Roddick understands, or been made to understand, that the men’s landscape has changed greatly since his near-undefeated run to the U.S. Open title in 2003. There is now Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and, somewhere out there recovering from injury, Juan Martin Del Potro.

Change or drown. That was the reality, and Roddick chose change. When he began his coaching association with Larry Stefanki on Dec. 1, 2008, he had picked the right catalyst. Like Roddick’s previous coach, Jimmy Connors, Stefanki didn’t need this job. He was comfortable, settled in with his family in southern California. And one thing has always been certain about Larry Stefanki — whether he was coaching John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Tim Henman or Fernando Gonzalez, there would be no ego involved. I think Roddick liked that enormously about Stefanki.

Roddick has gone through a few coaches in his career. Tarik Benhabiles was the perfect choice for his last junior years and his early pro years, teaching Andy how to be prepare for a professional career.

Then, the switch to Brad Gilbert, who was very high profile and pumped Roddick up to new heights. With Gilbert, he tore through the U.S. hardcourt season and won the 2003 U.S. Open.

Enter the more laid-back Dean Goldfine. Wayyyy laid-back and maybe too much so for Roddick. It didn’t last and, for a short time, Roddick worked with older brother John until he hired Jimmy Connors.

The blast-away, full speed ahead game that won that major wasn’t going to hold up as Federer, Nadal and others rose to the top. Roddick made some improvements. Connors worked some technical adjustments to his backhand that gave Andy more confidence in the stroke. But it was Stefanki who solidified the one factor that has made a difference in Roddick’s game today.

Patience.

One of the highest moments in Roddick’s semifinal win last Friday over Nadal was coming out on top of a 14-stroke rally that pushed Roddick to display not only his more reliable backhand but a willingness to grind hard — even against the best grinder in tennis.

It’s not easy changing a big-hitting personality into a patient player. The mind might be willing, but there’s a little bell that goes off in your head after the sixth shot that says, “I’ve got to end this point now.” It’s almost an addiction.

That’s what Stefanki and Roddick have overcome. When you can pick your spots to go to the power game, you become an infinitely better player.

Picking your spots means pumping up the aggression against Nadal but being smart enough to stay back against Tomas Berdych, who has a much less reliable forehand, in the final. Picking your spots means a willingness to get to the net, but not every time. It means knowing when to throw in a serve-and-volley point. It means controlling that impetuous streak that says, “I can hit this running forehand for a winner, even though it’s only a 10 percent shot.”

Roddick has that now — a beautiful combination of styles that he can incorporate when the moment is right.

It hasn’t been a smooth ride to this new comfort zone for him and, certainly, there have been some self-doubts since that U.S. Open triumph in 2003. “Any athlete who says he doesn’t have a ‘what if’ moment probably isn’t being too honest with you,” Roddick said.

After he lost in the second round at Wimbledon in 2008 to Janko Tipsarevic, playing wimp tennis down the stretch of the final, fourth set, there was some negative thinking.

“I openly talked to Brook (soon-to-be wife Brooklyn Decker) and wondered if the best of it was gone,” Roddick explained. “I didn’t know. I honestly didn’t know. But I knew there was a way to find out, and that was to kind of go back to the drawing board and give myself every opportunity to succeed. Luckily, that’s given me some good days.”

After taking Federer to the wall, losing an excruciatingly long fifth set in the Wimbledon final last year and after the way he’s played this year, Roddick will be one of the favorites at the All England Club. On fast surfaces, he’s earned the right to be mentioned in the same sentence with Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray. He’s no longer, “Oh, and maybe Roddick could be a spoiler.”

But, first, there is the clay season, which is underway today. It appears that Roddick will play only Madrid (May 9) and possibly the team event at Dussendorf the week before the French Open as preparation for Roland Garros, and though he has had some success on clay, it’s not his best surface.

He’ll spend the next month getting his body ready for the special rigors of playing on dirt and he’ll be bouyed by his best-ever fourth-round finish at the French a year ago.

He’s made a lot of changes in his game to get this far on the fast courts. Is there a reason he can’t make a major adjustment to clay as well?

Charles Bricker can be reached at nflwriterr@aol.com

WILL FEDERER’S GRAND SLAM SEMI STREAK END AT 22?

by

By Chris Kane

When we think of the unbreakable streaks in sports we immediately think of Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak in 1941. Or, if we look a little closer to the present, perhaps UCLA’s 88-game winning streak in the early 1970s under the auspices of John Wooden, Lew Alcindor and Bill Walton comes to mind.  While neither of these records is likely to be broken any time soon, there are several reasons to consider Roger Federer’s streak of 22 straight Grand Slam semifinals the most impressive of all.

This is a debate that might be deemed fruitless (or perhaps two fruits….apples and oranges) by many but consider that in DiMaggio’s streak he batted 91 for 223 or .408. This means that he batted an average of 3.98 (and even more when you add the walks he took) times per game and only needed to succeed once per game to extend the streak.  In order to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, you have to win five matches meaning that Federer has won 110 matches in a row to reach 22 straight (109 technically backing out the walk over he had over Tommy Haas in the round of 16 at Wimbledon in 2007 which the ATP does not count as a win on Federer’s record). It is 100% vs. 41%.  Advantage Federer.

Ok, still not convinced?  Let’s compare each streak to the competition.  Prior to Federer’s 22 in a row the previous record was shared by Ivan Lendl and Rod Laver at 10 each.  In other words, Federer’s streak is MORE THAN DOUBLE the previous record.  Taken from a different angle, it would take an additional THREE YEARS of making each Grand Slam semi for anyone reaching 10 just to tie Federer.  Almost unfathomable given the depth in the men’s game today.  Never mind that the second longest current streak is ONE held by…the semi finalists at the US Open Nadal, Djokovic and Del Potro.   As for DiMaggio?  There are over 35 such hitting streaks that are more than half way to his 56.  Your witness.

Let’s pick up on that point about the depth in the men’s game.  Although Brad Gilbert tends to beat this point into the ground on a daily basis (and he would know)…he’s right.   With the prize money at stake, racquet technology and training methods available to today’s players, the game has never had the quality and depth of talent it does today.  One only need to look at the quality of Federer’s first round opponent at this year’s Australian Open, No. 37 Igor Andreev, to be convinced of this point.  This is where the UCLA streak fails the test.  The word parity did not reach the world of college basketball until well after John Wooden’s retirement.  Despite getting the most out of his players he had a virtual monopoly on the talent of the day.  Even if you don’t agree with that point…It’s still 110 to 88.  Game, set and match.

Ok, hopefully at this point you have been convinced that Federer’s Grand Slam Semis streak is the greatest in all of sports.  The question now becomes, is it about to end? Although this has been a very bad bet over the past five plus years the chances it reaches 23 aren’t looking good.

In order to continue this streak Federer is going to have to beat Lleyton Hewitt in the round of 16 and, more than likely, Nikolay Davydenko (would anyone bet against that at this point?!) in the quarters.  On the surface you might say, hey, Federer is 16-7 against Hewitt including 14 in a row and is 12-2 against Davydenko (and let’s throw in 4-0 against Verdasco for good measure).  No worries mate!  Not so fast…

First, Hewitt.  In their last encounter Hewitt gave Fed all he could handle losing a tough four-set match in the third round of the US Open.  He employed an aggressive, attacking style and gave every indication in his post match interview with Darren Cahill Saturday that he intends to use it again.  Nadal has shown that the way you beat Federer is to get him out of his comfort zone.  You have to bring the fight right to him and Hewitt, playing in front of what is sure to be a heavily partisan crowd, is going to do just that.  When you add the fact that Hewitt will be well rested and highly confident in to the equation…the streak is in jeopardy.

Now let’s look at Davydenko.  Despite being perhaps the most non-descript player on the tour he also has to be considered its hottest player and arguably the favorite to win the entire tournament.  He has won 12 matches and two tournaments in a row including the Barclays World Tour Finals (defeating each of the year’s Grand Slam winners along the way) and has beaten Federer twice in a row (no one beats Nikolay Davydenko 13 times in a row!!??).  The second match with Federer was the most notable.  Fed had to have had revenge on his mind and yet Davydenko won that one in straight sets proving the outcome in London was no fluke.  He went on to defeat Nadal for the second straight time in the finals as almost an afterthought.  His confidence versus Roger will be sky high IF and when that much anticipated matchup materializes.

But here’s the thing about Federer.  He has had his doubters before and has almost always produced his best tennis under such circumstances.  He is going to need to reach in to his magic hat right now or we will be saying THE KING (and the streak) IS DEAD.  LONG LIVE THE KING!  This tournament just got interesting.

12 Years Ago This Week – Agassi Sits At No.141

by

Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi

It was 12 years ago today, on November 10, 1997, when the ATP computer rankings are released and Andre Agassi sits ranked at No. 141, his lowest since August 4, 1986. This week also marks the 12th anniversary of Agassi competing on the “challenger circuit” – the minor leagues of pro tennis – in an attempt to return to the top levels of pro tennis. Agassi’s drop in the rankings comes at a time, when, as revealed in his new book OPEN (click here to but the book), Agassi was taking the drug crystal meth. Agassi’s “lost” 1997 season features opening round losses in eight of his 12 events, while missing three of the four major tournaments.

Writes Agassi in OPEN, “I’m ranked number 141 in the world, the lowest I’ve been ranked in my adult life, the lowest I’ve dreamed of being ranked. Sportswriters say I’m humbled. They love saying this. They couldn’t’ be more wrong. I was humbled in the hotel room with Brad (Gilbert). I was humbled smoking meth with Slim. Now I’m just glad to be out here.”

As documented in the book ON THIS DAY IN TENNIS HISTORY ($19.95, New Chapter Press, www.TennisHistoryBook.com), on November 11, Agassi defeats Michael Tebbutt of Australia 6-2, 6-4 in the first round of the Luxor Challenger in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nev., his first of two challenger events. Says the 27-year-old Agassi after the win, “I feel like this is a step for me, and it’s part of my preparation in hopes of really getting myself back to where I know I can be. My shots haven’t gone anywhere. …I think since the summer of the Olympics, Cincinnati and the U.S. Open (in 1996) was the last stretch of really great tennis I’ve played. Since then, my foot speed lacked a little bit, which I’m starting to get back … once the footwork comes back and I’m in position, I’ve still got great shots….It feels good for me to come out here and grind it out with the boys. If I can get a day better every day, that’s all I can ask for.”

Agassi reaches the final of the event, where he is surprisingly defeated by No. 202-ranked Christian Vinck of Germany 6-2, 7-5 in final “I have my goals long-term, and this week was assisting me to getting there,” he says after the final. “I can’t start questioning the big picture because of this. It’s ridiculous. That’s what the press’ job is. For me, it’s just to go one at a time.”

Agassi re-dedicates himself to the game and returns to the No. 1 world ranking on July 5, 1999 – four weeks after winning the 1999 French Open and completing a career sweep of all four major championships.