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fred stolle

Hall of Famer Fred Stolle Endorses “Absolute Tennis” Book By Marty Smith

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“Absolute Tennis: The Next And Best Way To Play The Game” by New York Athletic Club Director of Tennis Marty Smith is the most exciting new book release in the tennis instructional category. The book is endorsed by former French and U.S. singles champion and International Tennis Hall of Fame member Fred Stolle. The following is the foreword that Stolle contributed to the book.

 

Tennis players move up, back, left, and right at varying speeds with different types of footwork. They hit the ball fast or slow, deep or short, high or low, flat or with heavy spin. They play against a variety of opponents whose style of play can range from relentlessly aggressive to incredibly patient. During a match, emotions can quickly swing up and down and concentration may fade in and out. The spectrum of physical and mental skills required in tennis is broad, so when Marty Smith told me about his plan to write a comprehensive tennis instructional book, I thought it was a terrific idea. His book “Absolute Tennis” appreciates the wide-ranging nature of the sport and is a great read for tennis enthusiasts both new and experienced to the game.

Acknowledging the fact that tennis is a very athletic game, Marty starts by discussing balance, the kinetic chain, and movement. Next, he takes you through grips and each phase of every stroke, giving you insights to improve your technique and play your best tennis. At each step, he pairs his instructional text with engaging individual and frame-by-frame photographs of the world’s top players to illustrate his explanations. Federer’s serve, Nadal’s forehand, Djokovic’s return, and Murray’s backhand are a few of the strokes that are highlighted. Marty discusses not only the strokes of today, but also explores strokes that may be used in the future. Viewing tennis through the prism of the game’s increasing speed, athleticism, and serving prowess, he explains how swings could evolve and makes a compelling case for three unconventional shots. Following the chapters on the key athletic principles and the strokes, Marty dedicates the last third of the book to strategy, the mind, and fitness. Successful tennis players “think” well on the court and his chapters on singles and doubles strategy provide tips on how to play smart.

Additionally, his extensive chapters on psychology and fitness with teach you how to focus the mind to compete in a more consistent and confident manner as well as how to train your body to move faster and last longer. Back in my day, we did not have access to advice on psychology, stretching, nutrition, etc that are now such an important part of training for the elite athlete. Marty’s goal is absolutely clear. He wants to teach you a tremendous amount, all while entertaining you with his holistic, practical, and forward approach to tennis. So read on to gain a deeper understanding of tennis and learn how to improve different parts of your game. If you put his advice into action, you will have more fun on the court and win more, just as his many students over his decades of coaching have done.

 

“Absolute Tennis” is a thorough and comprehensive guide to tennis instruction and in improving one’s tennis game compiled in an insightful and visually engaging book by Smith, the long-time Director of Tennis at the New York Athletic Club. The book is highlighted by Smith’s three unconventional strokes that may become accepted techniques as the game continues to evolve and become faster. The book also includes Smith’s meticulous explanations of every stroke in the game as well as over 500 narrated photographs and 75 drills and exercise explanations that simulate match-play situations, hone stroke technique and boost fitness. Recognizing that tennis is a highly athletic, tactical, and mental game, Smith also dedicates a large part of the book to the body, singles and doubles strategy and the mind. Readers will learn how to improve footwork and movement, integrate winning game plans, and use their inner voice to play with more confidence and success.

“Absolute Tennis” is available for sale and download wherever books are sold, including here on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937559742/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_XhyUzbSQF7YA7  More information on the book can be found at www.AbsoluteTennis.net

Smith has been the Director of Tennis for more than 20 years at the famed New York Athletic Club, the No. 1-rated athletic club in the United States. A native of Australia, he was a top five-ranked Australian junior players and was the two-time Southern Conference singles and doubles champion at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He graduated from UTC with a double degree in Economics and Finance and also received his MBA at St. Thomas University in Miami. He is a resident of Pelham, NY.

Said Gerold Marzorati, former editor of The New York Times Magazine and author of Late to the Ball, “Marty Smith is not only an enthusiastic and wise teaching pro with boundless knowledge of mechanics, technique, and strategy. He is also a cutting-edge theorist. This is a book for recreational players, promising young players and their parents, club pros, college-level coaches or anyone who grasps that clear, comprehensive understanding is  a means to improvement. Absolute Tennis will transform your game – and could well transform the game itself.”

Said former top 40 ATP singles player Alex Bogomolov, “Absolute Tennis is the definitive modern tennis instruction book. It covers tennis with advice that is interesting, incisive, and useful. There are the chapters on psychology and fitness that my friends on the pro tour will find helpful, while the chapters on strategy and strokes will guide recreational players to play smarter and hit the ball with more power, control, and belief.”

Founded in 1987, New Chapter Press (www.NewChapterMedia.com) is also the publisher of “The Secrets of Spanish Tennis” by Chris Lewit, “Andy Murray, Wimbledon Champion: The Full Extraordinary Story” by Mark Hodgkinson, “The Bud Collins History of Tennis” by Bud Collins, “The Wimbledon Final That Never Was” by Sidney Wood, “Titanic: The Tennis Story” by Lindsay Gibbs, “Sport of a Lifetime” by Judy Aydelott, “Macci Magic: Extracting Greatness From Yourself And Others” by Rick Macci with Jim Martz, “How To Permanently Erase Negative Self Talk So You Can Be Extraordinary” by Emily Filloramo, “Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion’s Toughest Match” by Cliff Richey and Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, “The Greatest Tennis Matches of All-Time” by Steve Flink, “The Education of a Tennis Player” by Rod Laver with Bud Collins, “Roger Federer: Quest for Perfection” by Rene Stauffer, “The Days of Roger Federer” by Randy Walker, “Jan Kodes: A Journey To Glory From Behind The Iron Curtain” by Jan Kodes with Peter Kolar, “Tennis Made Easy” by Kelly Gunterman, “On This Day In Tennis History” by Randy Walker (www.TennisHistoryApp.com), “A Player’s Guide To USTA League Tennis” by Tony Serksnis, “Court Confidential: Inside The World Of Tennis” by Neil Harman, “A Backhanded Gift” by Marshall Jon Fisher, “Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games” by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli (www.Boycott1980.com), “Internet Dating 101: It’s Complicated, But It Doesn’t Have To Be” by Laura Schreffler, “How To Sell Your Screenplay” by Carl Sautter, “Bone Appetit: Gourmet Cooking For Your Dog” by Suzan Anson, “The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According to Hoyle” by Stewart Wolpin among others.

 

 

Fred Stolle
Fred Stolle

 

“Absolute Tennis” Book By Marty Smith Released By New Chapter Press

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New Chapter Press announced the release of the new innovative tennis instructional book “Absolute Tennis: The Best and Next Way To Play The Game” by Marty Smith.

“Absolute Tennis” is a thorough and comprehensive guide to tennis instruction and in improving one’s tennis game compiled in an insightful and visually engaging book by Smith, the long-time Director of Tennis at the New York Athletic Club. The book is highlighted by Smith’s three unconventional strokes that may become accepted techniques as the game continues to evolve and become faster. The book also includes Smith’s meticulous explanations of every stroke in the game as well as over 500 narrated photographs and 75 drills and exercise explanations that simulate match-play situations, hone stroke technique and boost fitness. Recognizing that tennis is a highly athletic, tactical, and mental game, Smith also dedicates a large part of the book to the body, singles and doubles strategy and the mind. Readers will learn how to improve footwork and movement, integrate winning game plans, and use their inner voice to play with more confidence and success.

“Absolute Tennis” is available for sale and download wherever books are sold, including here on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937559742/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_XhyUzbSQF7YA7  More information on the book can be found at www.AbsoluteTennis.net

Smith has been the Director of Tennis for more than 20 years at the famed New York Athletic Club, the No. 1-rated athletic club in the United States. A native of Australia, he was a top five-ranked Australian junior players and was the two-time Southern Conference singles and doubles champion at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He graduated from UTC with a double degree in Economics and Finance and also received his MBA at St. Thomas University in Miami. He is a resident of Pelham, NY.

Said former U.S. and Roland Garros singles champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer Fred Stolle, “With detailed explanations of the strokes illustrated by photos of the greats, and in-depth discussion of tactics, psychology and fitness, Absolute Tennis helps players achieve their best game. Marty Smith is an outstanding teacher and his advice will work for you as it has for his many students over his decades of coaching.”

Said Gerold Marzorati, former editor of The New York Times Magazine and author of Late to the Ball, “Marty Smith is not only an enthusiastic and wise teaching pro with boundless knowledge of mechanics, technique, and strategy. He is also a cutting-edge theorist. This is a book for recreational players, promising young players and their parents, club pros, college-level coaches or anyone who grasps that clear, comprehensive understanding is  a means to improvement. Absolute Tennis will transform your game – and could well transform the game itself.”

Said former top 40 ATP singles player Alex Bogomolov, “Absolute Tennis is the definitive modern tennis instruction book. It covers tennis with advice that is interesting, incisive, and useful. There are the chapters on psychology and fitness that my friends on the pro tour will find helpful, while the chapters on strategy and strokes will guide recreational players to play smarter and hit the ball with more power, control, and belief.”

Founded in 1987, New Chapter Press (www.NewChapterMedia.com) is also the publisher of “The Secrets of Spanish Tennis” by Chris Lewit, “Andy Murray, Wimbledon Champion: The Full Extraordinary Story” by Mark Hodgkinson, “The Bud Collins History of Tennis” by Bud Collins, “The Wimbledon Final That Never Was” by Sidney Wood, “Titanic: The Tennis Story” by Lindsay Gibbs, “Sport of a Lifetime” by Judy Aydelott, “Macci Magic: Extracting Greatness From Yourself And Others” by Rick Macci with Jim Martz, “How To Permanently Erase Negative Self Talk So You Can Be Extraordinary” by Emily Filloramo, “Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion’s Toughest Match” by Cliff Richey and Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, “The Greatest Tennis Matches of All-Time” by Steve Flink, “The Education of a Tennis Player” by Rod Laver with Bud Collins, “Roger Federer: Quest for Perfection” by Rene Stauffer, “The Days of Roger Federer” by Randy Walker, “Jan Kodes: A Journey To Glory From Behind The Iron Curtain” by Jan Kodes with Peter Kolar, “Tennis Made Easy” by Kelly Gunterman, “On This Day In Tennis History” by Randy Walker (www.TennisHistoryApp.com), “A Player’s Guide To USTA League Tennis” by Tony Serksnis, “Court Confidential: Inside The World Of Tennis” by Neil Harman, “A Backhanded Gift” by Marshall Jon Fisher, “Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games” by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli (www.Boycott1980.com), “Internet Dating 101: It’s Complicated, But It Doesn’t Have To Be” by Laura Schreffler, “How To Sell Your Screenplay” by Carl Sautter, “Bone Appetit: Gourmet Cooking For Your Dog” by Suzan Anson, “The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According to Hoyle” by Stewart Wolpin among others.

 

Marty Smith with "Absolute Tennis"
Marty Smith with “Absolute Tennis”

“Tennis Fantasies With John Newcombe and the Legends” Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS – Camaraderie and competition were the watchwords for the 25th rendition of tennis’ longest-running and most successful fantasy camp, “Tennis Fantasies with John Newcombe and the Legends.”

This year’s camp was held October 21 – 26 at its longstanding location, the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas (30 miles from San Antonio). As befits a silver anniversary, the event was rapidly sold out, with 100 campers in attendance – including 79 alumni.

“Tennis Fantasies embodies the spirit we Aussies created during the years we were circling the globe,” said Newcombe. “We looked out for each other and made new friends wherever we went. By day, we practiced and pounded each other’s brains in. By night, we enjoyed our mates.”

For this year’s silver anniversary, founder and director Steve Contardi gathered the biggest cast in the event’s history.  Thirteen legends were in attendance — all of whom have won Grand Slam titles or represented their nation in Davis Cup play (often both). Legend captains were Hall of Famers Newcombe, Roy Emerson, Fred Stolle, Owen Davidson, Mal Anderson and Mark Woodforde, as well as such notables as Rick Leach, Brian Gottfried, Marty Riessen, Charlie Pasarell, Ross Case, Dick Stockton and rookie legend Murphy Jensen.

Said Jensen, “It’s amazing to be around people who I grew up watching as a kid – players who built the game. To be with them here, coaching and playing, has made for a wonderful experience.”

COMPETITION REVEALS CHARACTER

What makes “Tennis Fantasies” so distinct is its emphasis on competition. Certainly there is plenty of time for campers to hit, drill and learn from the legends in numerous clinics, fantasy matches and practice sessions. But the spine of the week is its three days of competition. Attendees are drafted on to one of four teams and play two matches each day – singles and doubles or, if desired, strictly doubles.

Familiar as veterans are with the format, it remains nerve-wracking to play a match with a Grand Slam champion coaching the opponent. Rookies also savor the chance to prove themselves – and become veterans within minutes of competing.

“I’ve done thousands of clinics and pro-ams but it’s a whole different way to get to know someone when you watch them compete,” said Davidson. “There’s something very powerful about seeing how people deal with pressure – not if they win or lose, but how they handle each moment.”

According to Emerson, “This week is all about effort. From Davis Cup to someone playing for my team, to me it’s all the same – competition, people putting themselves into the thick of battle and showing all the sportsmanship and fighting spirit that this game is all about.”

“It’s quite nerve-wracking and compelling,” said Stolle. “I think I’ve lost five years off my life watching these campers compete.”

“It’s very simple,” said Contardi. “Each day, half the people there win, half the people lose – and then they all have every meal together. The next day they go out and do it again.”

A COMMUNITY LIKE NONE IN TENNIS

But the spirit of Tennis Fantasies goes far beyond the lines, towards the affinity built by campers and legends as teammates, rivals and friends – often sharing in many of life’s passages, from love and marriage to birth and death. “We’ve come to care about each other, to know each other in a very close, special way,” said Newcombe. “Tennis is what we all love, but we all know it’s just a game – and what matters most is the way we relate to one another, not just as competitors but as people.”

So it is that at the close of each year’s camp, all of the Australian legends commence a sing-a-long with the campers of that exemplary Aussie song, “Waltzing Matilda.”

2013 EVENT TAKES PLACES OCTOBER 20-25

The 2013 rendition of Tennis Fantasies takes place October 20 – 25, 2013. Newcombe, Emerson, Davidson and Ross Case are also the headliners for a mixed doubles Tennis Fantasies event that will take place March 7 – 10, 2013.  For more information, contact Steve Contardi at 1-800-874-7788 or 513-489-9700 or stevec@towneproperties.com or visit www.tennisfantasies.net

 

John Newcombe with Charlie Pasarell
John Newcombe with Charlie Pasarell

Lagardere Books Net Loss Related To Sports Marketing Division: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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Lagardere hit by major write-down losses related to sports marketing division

Andy Roddick in action in Indian Wells, California (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Paris-based Lagardere reported a net loss of $707 million (EU) compared to net income of $163 million (EU) in 2011 largely because of a major write-down loss related to its sports marketing division, Lagardere Unlimited. The loss in the sports division reported losses of $895 million (EU), of which $550 million (EU) was from Lagardere Unlimited and a $310 million (EU) charge on its 20 percent stake in Canal Plus, the French pay-TV group. The group has blamed the steady decline in the economy and poor prospects of Lagardere Unlimited for the charge. The sports unit has been in several costly litigations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India in connection with cricket rights. Further, the media group has also suffered from the non-renewal of a handful of contracts, including the French Football Federation. “If one puts to one side the ‘accident’ of sport, the group overall did well in 2011,” said Arnaud Lagardere, the company’s Chief Executive.

USTA awards $900,000 in grants to grow youth tennis

According to a press release, the United States Tennis Association just announced that 18 communities across the country will receive a $50,000 grant as part of its efforts to get more kids playing tennis. The contribution will be distributed over a three-year period to build new and adapt current tennis courts to accommodate 10 and Under Tennis, as well as support new programs. 10 and Under Tennis provides the opportunity to achieve immediate success by playing tennis on smaller courts, using smaller and lighter racquets and slower-moving and lower-bouncing balls. In total, the USTA will disperse $900,000 in grants to support its youth initiative and fund tennis programs. Community officials will work with the USTA to ensure that local organizers have the proper techniques and skills to implement this new method of teaching tennis to kids. The USTA and its USTA Sections will be working with partners, such as schools, public parks, youth organizations, tennis facilities, and pros to incorporate tennis into physical education classes, after-school programs and other youth programs to drive participation. Communities earning the grants in 2012 include Atlanta (East and West), Birmingham, Ala., Bayamon/San Juan, Puerto Rico, Honolulu, Hawaii, Jacksonville, Fla., Jackson, Miss., Lee County, Fla., Metro Phoenix East Valley, Ariz., Mobile, Ala., Northern Albany, N.Y., Northern Colorado, Pensacola, Fla., Richmond, Va., San Francisco, Calif., Salt Lake City, Seattle and Springfield, Mass. “We are excited to be working with the local tennis leaders in these communities to help introduce the game to more kids,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “We believe tennis is the sport of opportunity that provides a lasting effect on the lives of children.”

Vince Spadea’s “Play Like A Pro” 6-DVD Tennis Instructional Series now available for Pre-Order

Former Top 20 ATP World Tour star Vince Spadea has created an exceptional 6-DVD Tennis Instructional Series called “Play Like A Pro” which is now available for pre-order for just $129.95. Spadea, who earned victories over tennis stars including Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Marat Safin, Patrick Rafter and James Blake in a career that started in 1993, shares his remarkable insight and experience with you in the 6-DVD collection. In the series, Spadea shares his vast knowledge as a player and coach to personally teach you all the proper techniques, mechanics and strategies for improving your consistency and shot making skills. Spending most of the year in Los Angeles personally teaching high profile clients including sports figures and celebrities including rock singer Gavin Rossdale, Spadea also spends time in his hometown of Boca Raton, where he can frequently be seen on the courts at Mar-A-Lago, one of Donald Trump’s properties in Palm Beach, Fla. To learn more about Spadea’s “Play Like A Pro” DVD series or to order, please visit www.vincespadeadvds.com.

Turnberry Isle Miami Resort offers a two-day Grand Slam event featuring tennis legend Fred Stolle

For just $250 per person, tennis fans in Miami for next week’s Sony Ericsson Open can play tennis and mingle with 18-time Grand Slam champion Fred Stolle at The Turnberry Isle Miami Resort from March 23-25. The fun-filled weekend will include a pro-am round robin and meet & greet at 5 p.m. on Friday followed by a wine and cheese reception. Then on Saturday, tennis enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy a two-hour group clinic followed by an organized match-play event that begins at 9 a.m. A tennis drill and open play session on Sunday will round out this once-in-a-lifetime experience. By submitting the $250 fee to participate, you will have the opportunity be included in all the tennis activities with Stolle, enjoy unlimited court time throughout the weekend, a wine and cheese reception and save 30 percent at the Tennis Pro Shop. Spaces are limited for this event and reservations are required in advance by calling (305) 933-6925 or by emailing Elisabeth Cusack at ecusack@turnberryislemiami.com.

adidas launches micoach Tennis

Last week, adidas launched micoach Tennis, bringing together the digital and physical world in ways never imaginable in an iOS app. Visualize your speed stats collected by the miCoach SPEED_CELL, a device that sits inside a cavity of the adipower barricade 7.0 tennis shoes or clips onto your laces to measure your speed, rallies and distance from every direction covered during your tennis matches or training sessions. World famous tennis star Andrea Petkovic of Germany will take you through a sports experience unlike any other. Experience the training system professional tennis players use to stay at the top of their game. Share and compare your tennis stats with your friends or the entire world via Facebook, Twitter or email, and get in-game rewards for your real-life workouts. Send them to micoach.com where they will be compared with stats from tennis players from all over the world. miCoach SPEED_CELL is for smartphone, tablet, PC or MAC available for $70 at adidas Sport Performance stores or shopadidas.com.

Kuerten to be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 14 in Newport

Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten, a former world No. 1 and three-time French Open singles champion, has been elected to receive the highest honor in tennis, induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I., on Saturday, July 14. Recognized as one of Brazil’s most famous and successful athletes in history, Kuerten’s induction was announced last week in a special ceremony in São Paulo at the offices of Banco do Brasil, a long-time sponsor of the former tennis champion. “During my career in tennis I was fortunate to have many victories, but the Hall of Fame induction is a special one,” said Kuerten. “I was inspired by lots of great tennis players, like Maria Esther Bueno and Thomas Koch, two of the biggest Brazilian tennis players, and I have also always greatly admired Hall of Famers including Borg, McEnroe, Sampras, and Agassi. To be honored in the same category as those great players is amazing. Probably one of my greatest accomplishments was being able to get Brazilians excited about tennis, and to elevate attention for Brazil as a tennis nation. I’m so happy to be able to celebrate this honor here in Brazil with the people who supported my career, and I look forward to the induction celebration in the United States in July.” Kuerten compiled a 358-195 record while competing on the ATP World Tour, including winning 20 singles and eight doubles titles. Earning more than $14.8 million in tournament prize money throughout his career, Kuerten played his last professional match in 2008 at Roland Garros where he lost to Paul-Henri Mathieu in front of 15,000 fans. During the match, Kuerten wore the same blue and yellow outfit he wore in 1997 when he captured his first Roland Garros title. The 35-year-old has been elected in the Recent Player Category. Additional members of the Class of 2012, who were previously announced, include Spanish tennis great Manuel Orantes, in the Master Player Category; tennis administrator and promoter Mike Davies in the Contributor Category; and Randy Snow, who has been elected posthumously in the Recent Player Category for his accomplishments as a wheelchair tennis player. The remainder of the Class of 2012 will be announced in the month ahead. “King of the clay courts, Guga was one of the most popular players of his era, and he achieved tremendous success during a time when some of the greatest players in history were active, including Hall of Famers Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and Michael Chang,” said Christopher Clouser, Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Enshrinee Nominating Committee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, I extend sincere congratulations to Guga on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to celebrating with him and all of the Class of 2012 inductees in July.”

2012 World TeamTennis schedule released

The 2012 World TeamTennis Pro League schedule kicks off on Monday, July 9, with the defending champion Washington Kastles hoping to continue their 16-match winning streak that started last summer, as they face off against the Orange County Breakers in Irvine, Calif. WTT officials just last week released the 59-match schedule for the three-week regular season of the WTT Pro League presented by GEICO, which runs July 9-28 and concludes with the WTT Finals Weekend from September 14-16 in Charleston, S.C. One of the most highly anticipated matches this summer will see former world No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Hingis lead the New York Sportimes into a match against seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams and the Kastles on Monday, July 23 SECFU Arena at the University of Albany in Albany, N.Y. The two former top-ranked WTA stars faced each other 21 times while on tour, with Hingis holding an 11-10 edge. Hingis is expected to play at least 10 of the Sportimes’ 14 matches, including five at the Sportimes’ regular home venue Sportime Stadium at Randall’s Island in New York, N.Y., and matches in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Albany. Venus will also play in Washington, D.C. on July 24, two days after sister Serena’s only WTT match of the season on July 22, also in the nation’s capital. Lindsay Davenport, a former world No. 1 and winner of 55 career singles titles including three Grand Slams, will be playing most of her 2012 schedule close to her home base in Southern California with the Orange County Breakers in Irvine, Calif. Davenport missed the entire 2011 season due to pregnancy. The former American star will play all seven Breakers’ home matches at Bren Events Center on the campus of UC Irvine, and will travel to play matches in Sacramento, Springfield and Boston. World No. 8 Mardy Fish will play home matches for the Sacramento Capitals on July 12 and 13. Former four-time University of Georgia All-American John Isner will return to the Boston Lobsters this summer for two matches, July 23 at home against the Philadelphia Freedoms, and July 24 in Albany against the Hingis-led Sportimes. Australian Mark Philippoussis, who was the top overall pick in last month’s Marquee Player Draft, will be in action on July 25 in Philadelphia then leads his Freedoms out west against Sacramento on July 27 and Orange County on July 28. For a full schedule and list of marquee player dates, visit www.WTT.com.

Ljubicic to retire next month at Monte Carlo Rolex Masters

Former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia announced his plans to retire at the conclusion of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters in April. The 33-year-old has had a very successful professional career, winning over 400 career singles matches, including 10 ATP World Tour singles titles. He also won the Davis Cup for Croatia in 2005, as well as a bronze medal in doubles with Mario Ancic at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Throughout his career that started in 1998, Ljubicic earned victories over noteworthy players including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Gael Monfils, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Gustavo Kuerten, Marat Safin and Carlos Moya. “It’s never an easy decision for any professional athlete to retire,” said Ljubicic. “I look forward to the next stage of my life. Tennis has given me so much and I want to continue to stay involved and contribute in some ways.”

Petrova confirms U.S. citizenship application

Russia’s Nadia Petrova, who currently owns a home in Miami, confirms that she has applied for U.S. citizenship. The 29-year-old WTA Tour veteran says she feels very comfortable living in America, specifically South Florida. “I like the lifestyle. I like the weather. It’s just a perfect place for tennis,” said Petrova. “Everything’s so easy. You just come, you need to go to the pharmacy, drug store, it’s 24 hours open. Everything is here just for the people, you know. I just feel very comfortable here, relaxed atmosphere, and I don’t have to stress. I don’t have that crazy traffic like it is in Russia. I don’t have those cold winters.”

Sock faces the possibility of three months off ATP World tour

American teenager and world No. 334 Jack Sock, who won the 2011 US Open Mixed Doubles title with Melanie Oudin, may have a tear in his groin, and could miss up to several months on tour. Following his first round loss at the BNP Paribas Open, Sock received an MRI that happened to reveal a tear, but his personal physician wants him to have another one done this week on the east coast, so he is clear on how to proceed with the possible injury.

THE MORNING ROD LAVER WOKE UP IN A BATH TUB WEARING A TUXEDO

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It was 41 years ago at Wimbledon in 1969 that Rod Laver won leg No. 3 of his historic second Grand Slam. John Newcombe was his final-round victim in his fourth – and final – Wimbledon singles title. In this excerpt from Laver’s newly re-released and updated memoir THE EDUCATION OF A TENNIS PLAYER ($19.95, New Chapter Press, www.NewChapterMedia.com) written with Bud Collins, Laver discusses his victory in the championship match over Newcombe – and the celebration that followed…

To my mind, the whole match was a backhand I hit past Newcombe in the seventh game of that third set. Even though my mental outlook had been reinforced by the smash and the ace that held my serve, Newcombe still was ahead 4-2 and serving.

After I won the first point for 0-15, we got into an exchange and he belted a forehand crosscourt wide to my right. As I lunged for it he pressed tight to the net ready to cut off anything. He edged a bit to his left, figuring logically that if I got to the ball all I could do was try and slap it down the line. I got there, barely (“Rocket beats you with his bloody legs, that’s what,” said Fred Stolle). Adown-the-line backhand is my favorite in that situation. Everybody knew it, and I made up my mind I had to go the other way. (Pancho Gonzalez once said, “The dangerous thing about Laver is he hits the impossible shot when he’s out of position—the time you least expect it.”)

That was the time. I sliced like a man delivering a karate chop and sent a low under-spinning ball crosscourt. I still don’t believe the angle—and neither did Newcombe. The shot was a clear contradiction of everything we’d seen and done. There was no way it could clear the net and still land inside the court, yet it kept fluttering along somehow almost parallel to the net, eluding Newcombe’s frantic wave and landing just within the far sideline. You don’t plan a shot like that, not unless you’re on marijuana, and the only grass I’m partial to is Wimbledon’s. I had the general direction in mind and the rest just happened. It was nice to watch.

But Newcombe was shocked. I reckon the shot value was worth a lot more points than just that one to 0-30. There was enough of a crack in his morale for me to pour through. Moments later, I had his service game as he double faulted the last point.

Newcombe was faltering and I was doing everything I could to help him. I won my serve quickly, then whacked two good forehands and a backhand to get another break for 5-4.

“Hit the ball,” I kept reminding myself, but it was coming instinctively. On set point, the only bad bounce of the day saved Newcombe for a second. But I followed my next serve with a stiff backhand volley that gave me the set.

Now I was up 2-1 in sets, and I was determined to get him before he could recover.

He came in with the serve and I swatted a backhand down the line. All John could do was hurl himself after the ball, but it was well past him. He picked himself up and smiled despairingly. Everyone laughed good-naturedly, and a laugh is welcome in that place once in a while.

Two more backhands of mine pinched him at 0-40. Somewhere John found his serve for an instant, and he banged three good ones to pull himself to deuce. He was grunting as he served, tiring I could tell. I was peeved at not getting one of those serves back, then relieved when he missed by an inch with a lob that would have been trouble. My ad. He volleyed my return short, to the service line. For a long second it seemed the scene was frozen as we stood still facing each other at the net for this virtual match point. Which way would I hit the ball? He knew it didn’t matter since I almost surely could pass him whichever route I took, but he readied himself for a stab. I waited for the ball to bounce, took it with my backhand, and drove it straight down the line.

One-love for me with serve. I kept right on going to the cup, the check, and the victory party. The score was 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. On actual match point, I put away a smash of Newcombe’s final lob. It was a satisfying ending.

They rolled out the green carpet to protect that hallowed sod from the street shoes of the Duke of Kent who came down to make the presentations.

After Newcombe won his Wimbledon in 1967, he told Princess Marina, then presenting the trophy, that he was going to go out and get drunk. Good, straightforward Aussie talk. Also expensive talk. It takes an awful lot of beer to get an Aussie full.

Fred Stolle likes to illustrate that point with a story concerning a national championship he won with Roy Emerson in the U.S. “We were playing the U.S. Doubles in Boston,” said Fred, “and our pattern for that week was alternate sleeping. One of us would party one night while the other stayed home at the hotel. We’d reverse it the next night. One of us rested, we figured, was enough to win the championship.

“It was my night out before the semifinals when we were going to play the top American team, Clark Graebner and Marty Riessen. I was at this bash at a place on Beacon Hill when I got into conversation with a character they called the Baron of Hungary who hung around the tennis.

“The Baron wanted to make a little wager on the match the next day and asked me how much I liked myself and Emmo. Fivers, I said. ‘Baron, I’ll give you five-to-one and you can have Riessen and Graebner.’ The Baron brightened noticeably. We had the icebox well flanked, and he never let me move a step. ‘Have a beer, Fred’ was just about the extent of his conversation as the hours went by. He kept reaching in and opening them for me. I kept drinking.

“As we moved through our second case I looked at my watch and it was about two thirty in the morning. ‘Baron,’ I said, I’ve got to leave, I don’t want to be late for the match. It starts at noon, you know.’

“He wasn’t in very good shape, but he said, ‘Fred, don’t you think you ought to let Emmo know about the bet? He ought to realize how important the match is.’

“‘Right you are, Baron.’ It struck me then as logical and I picked up the phone and rang Emmo, waking him from a sound sleep. He was not pleased. I believe he called me a bloody idiot while I was explaining the bet.

“I nodded to the Baron in the stands before the match. He looked like he might have a headache, but he seemed pleased about what he thought was a sure thing. I never played better and we killed Riessen and Graebner.”

Beer is mother’s milk for an Aussie. I don’t know whether Newcombe could afford enough of it in his finest amateur hour to follow through on his statement to the Duchess of Kent. But I had won $7,200, and that will buy enough lager to do in even an Aussie.

We had some champagne Saturday evening to celebrate in our flat with George MacCall and his wife and my close friends from New Zealand, John McDonald and his wife. I struggled into my dress suit for the Wimbledon ball where I’d have the ceremonial first dance with the women’s champion, Ann Jones. It was the first time two left-handers shared the opening fox trot which was “Fly Me to the Moon.” I can’t remember which of us led, but we didn’t endanger the reputation of Marge and Gower Champion.

The last thing I recall about the evening was sitting in a discotheque called Raffles with the music and the beer flowing nicely. I was grinning a lot, and Aretha Franklin was wailing, “R-e-s-p-e-c-t . . .” Pat Stolle, Fred’s wife, was talking with Mary about naming our baby.

“Well,” Pat was saying, “I think Forest would be quite good if it’s a boy. Since the baby is supposed to be born during Forest Hills, it would be a nice remembrance, wouldn’t it?”

Mary didn’t think so.

Nor did she like the proposal of Slamma for a girl. Or Slammer for a boy. She didn’t seem to care for the tennis motif, and I assured her we wouldn’t name the kid Drop Shot because we already had a dog by that name.

Everything began to run together. I forgot about Newcombe, the Slam, Forest Laver, Aretha Franklin, dancing with Ann Jones . . . and I woke up much later that morning in the bathtub, my tuxedo still on. I’d never been so well dressed for the tub.

At about 7:00 a.m., Mary tells me, the phone rang. It was a call from a newspaperman in Australia who wanted to talk to me about my victory.

“This is Mrs. Laver,” she said.

“Well,” said the reporter, “is your husband available now?”

“Uh,” she mumbled, thinking of the body in the bath, “Rod’s out.” She didn’t want to lie and she didn’t want to tell the truth. I think that was a pretty good answer.

“Gone out at this hour?” the fellow persisted. “When will he be back?”

“In about five hours. Why don’t you try him then.”

The next time he rang I was ready to chat. I’d found my head behind the tub where it had rolled, and screwed it back on.