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Transcript of Tennis View magazine - Fall 2009
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:08 AM Page 3
4 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
features48 ROGER FEDERER
A Special Tribute to the 15 Grand Slam World Record Holder
29 PLAYER APPRAISALA Seasonal Showcase
GREAT ACTS30 Roger Federer32 V. & S. Williams 34 Andy Roddick 36 Elena Dementieva37 Svetlana Kuznetsova37 Robin Soderling
SHORT FALLS38 Rafael Nadal40 Novak Djokovic40 Andy Murray41 Dinara Safina42 Jelena Jankovic43 James Blake43 Mardy Fish43 M. Larcher de Brito
COMEBACKS44 Maria Sharapova46 Tommy Haas46 Lleyton Hewitt
ContentsFALL 2009
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6 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
FIRST SERVE 12 Rafa and Anti-Doping13 Economic Impact14, 20 Interesting Tidbits15 Carla Suarez Navarro16 Peace of Mind18 US Open 200922 WTA Fall Schedule24 ATP Fall Schedule
GEAR & STYLE 26 Racquet Technologies
STROKES & STRATEGY56 Teach Me Return Serve58 Teach Me Topspin60 Code of Conduct
CLUB+COURT62 Powerfully Petite
8 Reasons I play
63 Match Conflict-Resolution
HEALTH65 Benefits of Walking66 Nadal's Knee Tendonitis
GAMESETMATCH72 Last Laugh 74 Final Frame
REGULARS8 Staff + Contributors10 Publisher’s Note
ADVERTISING SECTIONS67 Buyers Guide Directory
departments
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ContentsFALL 2009
IT MATTERS
p
Puts More Energy WhereY
Today.
Rebel.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:09 AM Page 6
Plug Into It.And Turn On Your Game.
Prince HasDiscovered A New Source Of Energy.
Introducing
ENERGY WHERE IT MATTERS
princetennis.com
Puts More Energy WhereYou Want It — Into Your Shot.Available in six distinct models for different player types.Demo An Today.
Gael Monfils PlaysThe Rebel.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:09 AM Page 7
Carole A. Poppleton is a professor of English at Maryland
Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD. In her spare time
she enjoys hiking with her dog, yoga and playing tennis.
She hopes to see all of the Grand Slams played live, and
eventually advance to a 4.5 ranking. Read how ancient
Toltec wisdom may help your inner game of tennis, page 60.
4
Charly Rasheed, director of tennis at Wild Dunes Resort,
South Carolina, was recently appointed chair for the South
Carolina junior player development. Rasheed has a passion
for teaching and has introduced tennis to his sons Ian (5),
and Isaac (3). Read Topspin Forehand, page 58, where
Rasheed expresses the value of topspin in your arsenal.
4
Scott Mitchell is the head tennis professional at
Charlotte Country Club, North Carolina. He was named
2008 PTR clinician of the year, and in 2006 he and his
wife Ashley reached No. 1 in the USA husband/wife
mixed doubles. Turn to page 56 where Scott explains the
importance of Return Serve.
4
Kimberly Campbell says she’s the “tall, zany girl in the cor-
ner trying to balance in high heels.” The Newnan, Georgia
resident has published two nonfiction books and her work
has appeared in two anthologies and several magazines.
Turn to page 62 where you’ll learn of her wacky reasons
for loving tennis.
4
Kim Cashman has had a lifelong love affair with tennis. She
played college tennis and then competed on the women’s
satellite tour. She’s currently a head professional and tennis
store owner in Clearwater, Florida. When she’s not running
her business, you can find her on the courts. Turn to pages
26 and 63.
4
TENNISVIEWTHE ULTIMATE TENNIS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE2009
PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Teresa Thompson
CIRCULATION / SUBSCRIPTIONSRana Mickelson, Jeanie Meyers
ART DIRECTORAntoni Pham
DESIGNMartie Lopez
SPECIAL PROJECTSLeigh Ann Baccich, Maribel Gross
INTERNRaechel Kenealy
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORSKimberly Campbell, Kim Cashman, Scott Mitchell, Carole A. Poppelton, MJ Thompson, Charly Rasheed
ART / PHOTOGRAPHYLeslie Billman, Jon Burdick, Matt Dunn, Arron Spencer
ADVERTISINGTeresa Thompson, [email protected]
BACK ISSUES, EXTRA COPIES, ARTICLE REPRINTS, EDITORIAL/ART [email protected]
FEEDBACKEmail comments, suggestions, or compliments to [email protected] Attn: FEEDBACK. Please include your name, phone number and email address. Letters chosenfor publication may be edited for length and clarity.
TENNIS VIEW is published by:TAZ Publications, LLCPO Box 7282 / Seminole, FL 33775
Tennis View (ISSN 1937-7894) is published quarterly (4 times a year) by TAZPublications, LLC. Copyright 2009 by TAZ Publications, LLC. Title “Tennis View”is registered US Patent and Trademark Office. The opinions expressed in TennisView magazine are not to be considered official expressions of TAZPublications, LLC. TAZ Publications, LLC does not accept any responsibility forthe actions of its readers. TAZ Publications, LLC encourages safe participationin all sports and activities. Any activities described in this magazine are exclu-sively undertaken at the readers’ sole risk. All rights reserved. Reproduction inwhole, or in part, of any material in this publication without written permissionof TAZ Publications, LLC is expressly prohibited. Publisher reserves the right toaccept or reject all advertising matter. Publisher does not assume responsibili-ty for errors, omissions, and/or changes in advertising or editorial material.
Fall 2009 Volume 2 | Issue 3 Printed in the USA.
fall contributors
8 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
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TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:10 AM Page 8
Visit www.TennisViewMag.comand click on subscriptions, thengo to Past Issues.
To pay by check or credit cardemail [email protected] details.
$8 per issue includes S/H (deliveries within the US)
Enjoy the savings and delivery convenience of a subscription. 1-year $16 or 2-years $20Tennis View publishes quarterly.
Named: "One of theHottest MagazineLaunches of the Year,"by Media Industry News.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09_1-963183217.e$S:F09 7/30/09 7:48 AM Page 9
Founder/Publisher
PUBLISHER | TERESA THOMPSON
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10 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
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[Special Note] I wish tocongratulate Roger Federer forhis fabulous record breakingaccomplishment of 15 GrandSlam titles. Readers pleaseenjoy the photo collage pres-entation highlighting some of Rogers greatest careermoments [p.48]. In addition,I extend good wishes to Rogerand Mirka for the birth oftheir twin daughters CharleneRiva and Myla Rose, born July 23. Roger says it was thegreatest day of their lives.
L-R: Liezel Huber, Serena Williams, Cara Black and Venus Williams, following the Wimbledon semis.
Boundaries andInnovations
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Statement: The No. 1 ranked singles’ player and doubles’ team are expected to wintournaments.**Disclaimer: This is true except when the No. 1 player or team faces Venus and/orSerena Williams, especially in a Grand Slam event.
Case in Point: Cara Black and Liezel HuberCara Black and Liezel Huber are entirely committed to doubles andhave reigned at the top for two years. Ironically, their biggest threat isnot the No. 2 team, but the No. 10 team, Venus and Serena, who playdoubles sporadically. Regardless of Black and Huber’s top ranking andexperience, they were dealt a shocking blow by the Williams in thesemis at Wimbledon. The No. 1 team was pummeled, 6-1, 6-2.
Case in Point: Dinara Safina As the No. 1 singles’ player, Dinara Safina wins about 70-percent of hermatches, and she anticipates winning her first Grand Slam when thetime is right. Her championship chances would improve if she couldavoid a Williams’ encounter. She has defeated Serena only once inseven tries, and only once in four attempts against Venus. As we recall,Safina most recently lost to Venus in the semis at Wimbledon, 6-1, 6-0.
The sisters appear to have a renewed desire to control the league,and even though they are two of the oldest women on tour (Venus, 29,and Serena, 28) they plan to play a lot longer. I hope so. Not because I enjoy watching lop-sided 50-minute matches, but in addition to witnessing amazing shots, I look forward to see how the loser respondsto their next opposition.
During this age of Venus and Serena supremacy, Dinara Safina, CaraBlack, Liezel Huber, and other WTA players may not accomplish all oftheir career goals. I bet, however, that they will realize their potentialand learn plenty about themselves. I believe that somewhere in therankings is a player who finds that breaking the roadblocks set by theWilliams is essential to accomplishing their dreams. During strugglingtimes, necessity is the mother of invention.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09_1-963183217.e$S:F09 7/30/09 7:43 AM Page 10
Andy Roddick9th Annual
Charity Weekend
Saturday December 12, 2009Dinner Dance Gala
6:30 pm
Polo Club Boca Raton
Ticket Price: $250
Sunday December 13, 2009Tennis Exhibition1:00 pm (Kid’s Zone starts 11:30 am)
Boca Pointe Country Club
Ticket Prices:Courtside: $100Canopy: $75Reserved: $50Bleacher: $25
Sponsored by:
* Children under 12 free with
paid adult admission in
reserved and bleacher seat-
ing only
**$5 service fee per ticket
To purchase tickets and for more info, contact the Andy Roddick Foundation at 561.620.9449
or visit www.andyroddick.com
Proceeds bene!t local children’s charities including: Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund, Habitat for
Humanity, Boys Town, Back to Basics Angel Fund, Here’s Help, Inc., Florence Fuller, Kids in Distress,
Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center and A Safe Haven for Newborns.
Tickets on SaleMonday, September 14 at 10am
Invited Guests: Venus and Serena Williams, Justin Gimelstob, Shahar Peer, Brenda Schultz-McCarthy
DSaturd
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Canopy: Courtsid Ticket Pr
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Exhibition
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TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:10 AM Page 11
FIRST SERVE | TIDBITS
Wants Freedom I'll go back to Mallorca, and who will know where I’llbe or if I have access to the Internet to send e-mails tomy family? Now, if they knock at my door in Mallorcaand I’m not there, they're going to give me a warning.It’s not fair.
Wants PrivacyI was in Madrid with my friends on my only free evening.Then my mother called and said the guys were at myhouse for this anti-doping control. I don't know if, fromthe legal point of view, this is correct. That is, for themto know where you are every single moment of your life.It's wrong. It's a high price to pay to play tennis.
Supports Richard GasquetRichard Gasquet is a good friend of mine, and I dis-cussed this with him. He's most certainly not takingcocaine. You know what the world is like today. Whenyou go to a party, if you kiss a girl who has takencocaine, anything can happen. That's the reality, andthis can destroy your life or your career.
Seeks A CompromiseThe vast majority of players are against the Anti-DopingRule. I don't have the impression that it's good to put somuch pressure on us. They harass us. The ITF should dosomething about it, or come up with another solutionfor us to play tennis in a more tranquil way. I’m the firstone who wants the sport totally clean; it’s just not nicethat they’re at your room at 8 o’clock in the morning.
>>
Rafa’s View on Anti-Doping “I WANT MORE OF A NORMAL LIFE,” says Andy Murray. Roger Federer adds, “It’s not fun for anyone.” Fernando Gonzalez insists tennis players are clean and have nothing to fear. These sentiments are in response to the Anti-Doping Rule that requires players to inform drug-testers of their whereabouts for a period of one hour every day, weekends included. Rafael Nadal dis-agrees with the system and is upset that his friend, Richard Gasquet of France, was suspendedfrom tennis after testing positive for cocaine earlier this year. Nadal says the Anti-Doping Ruleis unfair and he wants the International Tennis Federation to make changes.
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Rafael Nadal
speaks
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TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:11 AM Page 12
Caroline Wozniacki No, the down economyhasn’t affected me in par-ticular. I still can spend theway I want to spend, butyou can see people aroundwhose lives have changed.And I was looking to buy ahome and I saw all thehouses for sale, you know,bank owned homes – somany families and compa-nies have problems rightnow. I’m sure it will turnaround – sooner or later.
Marion BartoliI’ve always been aware of theeconomy. Even though moneyisn’t a problem, I see all aroundme the tough times people arehaving. I’ve never spent money oncrazy things that I didn’t need. I’vealways been careful with mymoney and I try to have a normallife and not make it obvious howmuch money I have.
Vera Zvonareva Being tennis players, wealways spend a lot on
traveling, coaching andstuff, and I think it’s toughfor everyone, but the bet-ter you play, better livingyou will make. I’m sureeveryone feels it, the
sponsorships in general,any sport, and tennis is
not an exception.Everyone feels a little bitof a slowdown, and we
tennis players are human,too. We feel it as well.
Patty Schnyder It's affecting so many people; we(tennis players) should be happywe still have a job with the oppor-
tunity to earn good money.
Dominika Cibulkova I have definitely noticed it, Ithink everyone has. The USdollar is very low right now.Even for us, prize money attournaments is much lower
than what it used to be. I think everyone is affected
in some way.
Economic Impact
FALL 2009 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM 13
TIDBITS | FIRST SERVE
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:11 AM Page 13
FIRST SERVE | TIDBITS
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HOW ARE YOU AND TIGERWOODS SIMILAR?Roger Federer: Success, I guess. We've
been at the top for a very long time. When
you talk about golf, you talk about Tiger ;
when you talk about tennis, you talk about
me. Our mindset and approach are similar.
We're very driven. We try to not only just
play well, but we try to dominate.
Before hitting tennisballs, Maria Sharapovaalways warms hershoulder up first bythrowing a football.
“It looks like he's [RafaelNadal] actually a little bit tired
to me. Even though he haswon easily in his first tworounds, it doesn't look like
he's fresh enough. Maybe hewas playing too much. I thinkit's going to be a tough chal-
lenge for him to win this time,actually,” said the Russian,
who forecast Nadal’s RolandGarros fate correctly.
ANA REORGANIZESAna Ivanovic, struggling to regain the form that earned
her top status, was reduced to simplifying her goals. “My
goal is to just try and enjoy the match. I wasn't really
looking for any outcome or looking too much into the
tournament. I just wanted to enjoy,” Ivanovic said when
asked about her goals as the defending champion of
Roland Garros. Ivanovic lost in the fourth round to
Victoria Azarenka and said she was proud of her efforts.
After the match, the Serbian slipped out of the top ten
rankings and later fired her coach Craig Kardon.
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COURT COMMANDO: I'm a controlfreak. I love controlling. You know, I'mused to that. That's how I was taught to play.
OFF-COURT QUIRK: I'm a little bitobsessive. But I think every tennisplayer – every athlete – is eitherobsessive or compulsive or something,because you can't get this good with-out some kind of a little idiosyncrasy.
GREAT QUOTE: I live my life. I don'twant to play a role in it.
Have you played Venus in anyother game or sport and who won?I'm terrible at ping pong. I hit too hardand the court's too small.
Why is Venus so slow to adoptthings like Twitter and Facebook? She's really artsy and into smart thingslike learning languages and gettingdegrees. I'm into Twitter. We're quitedifferent.
Venus on Venus
Serena on Venus
IS ELENA DEMENTIEVACLAIRVOYANT?
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:41 AM Page 14
FALL 2009 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM 15
You appear shy. How would your closestfriends and family describe you? They would say that I’m a very calm person whenI’m not on the courts. I’m quite introverted, but little by little I’m becoming more open.
Most children learn to hit a backhandwith two hands. Did you? Even when I was very small, the first time I hit a backhand I did it with one hand. Since I hadthe strength to use it, my coach didn’t try tochange it. I never thought of changing.
Under what circumstances is a one-handed backhand advantageous? When I’m either running for a ball or whenI’m finding it hard to reach a ball, one handis easier to make the shot. With higher ballstwo hands would be better than one.
Describe the difficulty of playing atop 10 player. When I play with a top ranked player, the bigthing that I notice is the rhythm of the ball – ithas more power. And top players play the impor-tant points very well!
Your rankings have steadily climbed. Are you on target with your goals? My ranking has gone up quite rapidly but I’m not surprised,because I have worked hard for it. For now I would like to keepit going. I would like for tennis to continue to be my job for along time. And I hope to enjoy playing as much in the futureas I do now.
navarroQuietly BreakingObscurity
Season-ending Singles Rankings
AT-A-GLANCEBorn: Sept 3, 1988Country: SpainResidence: Barcelona, SpainHeight: 5’4” Weight: 137Turned Pro: 2003Current ranking: 33Plays: Right; one-handed backhandWEAPON: Cross-court backhand
- Teresa Thompson
CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO is quiet, composed, petite andhas a whaling one-handed backhand. She is often com-pared to Justin Henin. “Justine was one of my idols when I was a young player. It's really nice to be compared to herbecause she was a great No. 1,” says Suarez Navarro. It’stime to get to know Spain’s rising star.
613358 289
16950 ‘09
‘08‘07
‘06‘05
‘04
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PROFILE | FIRST SERVE
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:12 AM Page 15
FIRST SERVE | HAWK-EYE
Peace of Mind
What the pros say...
Serena Williams
I don't mind it.Sometimes it suckswhen you knowyour ball is out andthey challenge it.But other than that,I don't really use ittoo much unless I'msure I’m right.
UNLIKE FOOTBALL, WHERE LONG delays follow instant replay, ten-nis utilizes Hawk-Eye technology that provides instant gratificationand allows for continuous play. In its infancy, Hawk-Eye wasn’tembraced by every player, but after more than three years ofcalling shots “in” or “out,” the system is widely accepted andoften preferred.
HAWK-EYE FACTOIDS• Official debut: March 23, 2006, Sony Ericsson Open, Miami.• Men challenge twice as often as the ladies.• Challenge success of women: 36% • Challenge success of men: 35% • Instant replay appeals that overrule original call: 30%
57% Challenge Success
Novak Djokovic
It's not that I haveeyes of the falcon orsomething, but I'vebeen quite success-ful with Hawk-Eye.Some players likethe system, somedon't. But I'm onthe side of the play-ers who really likeHawk-Eye. I think itbrings entertain-ment for fans, andit's interesting. Onthe other side, itgives players achance to overrulethe first call, which
is good.
55% Challenge Success
Roger Federer
It's helped me andnot helped me.That's why I stillbelieve it's unneces-sary. And it's onlyon center court. I don't even know ifit's on grandstand.But all the othermatches, poor guys,they don't havechallenge systems.Ask them whetherthey think theycould use the challenge system on Court 8.
39% Challenge Success
Rafael Nadal
Sometimes I ask for Hawk-Eye.
I don't know why –maybe to relax a lit-tle bit. Sometimes I am wrong andmake a mistake,and other times I think the machineis not exactly okay.
36% Challenge Success
SvetlanaKuznetsova
I’m disappointedwhen they don’toffer Hawk-Eye.Sometimes I go onthe court and I’mlike, damn, noHawk-Eye linecalling. But
I think I have a veryhigh percentage of making my ownHawk-Eye calls. Sowhen I’m like 80%sure of a call I askfor it, maybe 70%.Some players useHawk-Eye just for no reason.
35% Challenge Success
Andy Murray
Players don't challenge thinkingthe ball is definitelyin. A lot of times atthe end of sets,match points, or in tie breaks guyswill challenge ballsthat they normallywouldn't do. If yougive a player onechallenge a set andtheir life dependedon it, I think theywould be very goodat the calls a lot of times.
25% Challenge Success
BY M.J. THOMPSON
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THE 2008 US OPEN was the biggest and most successful US Open in its 40-year history. Revenue, attendance, website traffic, and concession sales hitall-time highs, fueling added excitement for this year's Slam as organizersprepare for a bigger extravaganza. The United States has the most
singles champions-Men's Singles: 85 titles by 26 men.
Women's Singles: 89 titles by 36 women
Richard Sears, Bill Larned, and BillTilden are tied for the most men'ssingles titles with seven (7).
Molla B. Mallory won the US Open 8times, the most of any woman.
The US Open is the only major to beplayed on three different surfaces:grass, clay, and hard.
Jimmy Connors is the only player to have won the US Open on allthree surfaces.
Arthur Ashe Stadium is the biggesttennis stadium in the world. It seats23,200 spectators.
The only major to play outdoormatches at night under lights.
The only major to have final-settiebreakers - the others play the finalset until one player wins by two games.
It was the first major to implementthe instant-replay review system,Hawk-Eye, in 2006.
Martina Navratilova played in 21 con-secutive US Opens, from 1973 to1993. Her rival, Chris Evert, played in19 consecutive US Opens, from 1971to 1989. -Compiled by Raechel Kenealy
USOpen2009A Big Act to Follow
FIRST SERVE | TIDBITS
US OPEN FACTS
"The record-setting 2008 US Open wasthe ultimate convergence of sports,celebrity, business and entertainment,"said Arlen Kantarian, CEO Pro Tennis,USTA. "We are extremely appreciativeof our fans coming out in record num-bers, particularly in the midst of a chal-lenging economy."
Showcasing the ATP and WTA's topplayers, the Grand Slam remains thehighest-attended annual sportingevent in the world - more than 720,000fans packed the park. For the first time,Arthur Ashe Stadium celebrated arecord 99 percent of capacity in 2008.
This year, American favorites AndyRoddick and Serena Williams areexpected to give their competition trou-ble, as both are enjoying great momen-tum following fantastic performances atWimbledon. As recalled, Roddick facedRoger Federer in the final and played athrilling five-sets before narrowly losing.Serena beat her sister Venus in the finaland then the duo played together andwon the trophy in doubles.
With a Roddick-Williams American starline-up, the 2009 US Open has a goodchance to match last year's outstandingattendance records. Let the parties begin.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:13 AM Page 18
peachytan.comytapeach an.com
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:43 AM Page 19
“Once you step on the
court it doesn't matter
who you're playing, you
want to win. But once you
step off the court you're
friends again. the loser
always wants a few hours
to themselves. if you break
your friendships with all the
girls you lose to you won't
have any friends left
because you can't win
every match. it's important
to let go.”
–Caroline Wozniacki
FIRST SERVE | TIDBITS
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MISERY LOVES COMPANYFrench Open losses for Serena Williams
and Rafael Nadal made the calendar year
Grand Slam impossible for the two
Australian Open winners. “Honestly, I'm
glad I didn't go down alone, you know. We
both went down together,” said Williams.
SEPTEMBER1st, Gael Monfils, 1986
7th, Jamea Jackson, 1986
17th, Tomas Berdych, 1985
20th, Feliciano Lopez, 1981
27th, Serena Williams, 1980
OCTOBER2nd, Marion Bartoli, 1984
7th, Robby Ginepri, 1982
7th, Sam Querrey, 1987
15th, Elena Dementieva, 1981
18th, Martina Navratilova, 1956
NOVEMBER6th, Ana Ivanovic, 1987
22nd, Billie Jean King, 1943
25th, Guillermo Canas, 1977
27th, Rodek Stepanek, 1978
CELEBRATIONS
FelicianoLopez turns 28
Birthday
Q: Rafa, we know you love thepink shirt, but being supersti-tious, will you ever wear itagain since you lost at RolandGarros sporting pink?A: I am not superstitious and Ichange the color of the shirtsevery few tournaments. That hasnothing to do with the defeat. Ifit did, then I should have lostthe first match, no?
“When you're No. 1 in the world,for some reason people don't likeyou anymore. It's amazing howsociety works. I think peoplealways love the underdog, and theone that comes back from behind,or the one that's not expected towin. I'm probably that person.” –Maria Sharapova
Rethink Pink?
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:13 AM Page 20
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To enter for free, choose the “I do not intend to purchase a racket” option from the drop-down menu in the registration process on the Sweepstakeswebsite. Prizes (21): one (1) trip for two (2) to New York, NY for a 3-day, 2-night stay, and the opportunity to serve one (1) ball for $1,000,000 (payable
as a 40-year annuity); twenty (20) prize packs each including $500 of tennis equipment. Total ARV of prizes: $1,020,000. For complete details, including theOfficial Rules, and full prize details, go to www.PlayTennis.com/million. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Tennis Industry Association, Hilton Head Island, SC.
Buy a new tennis racket from your favorite retailer or pro shopJuly 15 – September 30, 2009.
Go to PlayTennis.com/millionRegister your new racket and
you could WIN a chance toserve for $1,000,000.(USD).
Over $10,000 in other prizes.
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Free entry available, details below.
© Tennis Industry Association Copyright 2009.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:13 AM Page 21
22 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
2/17/2009 2:47:58 PM
US Open Aug 31-Sept 13Flushing Meadows, New York Surface: Outdor HardPrize Money: TBA (2000 pts) usopen.org 2008 Winner: Serena Williams
Guangzhou Int’l Women’s Open September 14-20Guangzhou, ChinaSurface: Outdor HardPrize Money: $222,000 (280 pts)sports.21.cn.com 2008 Winner: Vera Zvonareva
Bell Challenge September 14-20Quebec City, CanadaSurface: Indoor CarpetPrize Money: $222,000 (280 pts)challengebell.com 2008 Winner: Nadia Petrova
Hansol Korea Open September 21-27Seoul, KoreaSurface: Outdor HardPrize Money: $222,000 (280 pts)hansolopn.com 2008 Winner: Maria Kirilenko
Tashkent Open September 21-27Tashkent, UzbekistanSurface: Outdor HardPrize Money: $222,000 (280 pts)tashentopen.uz 2008 Winner: Sorana Cirstea
Toray Pan Pacific Open Sept 25-Oct 3Tokyo, JapanSurface: Outdor HardPrize Money: $2,000,000 (470 pts)toray-ppo.coljp 2008 Winner: Dinara Safina
China Open October 2-11Beijing, ChinaSurface: Outdoor HardPrize Money: $4,500,000 (470 pts)chinaopen.com 2008 Winner: Jelena Jankovic
Generali Ladies Linz October 12-18Linz, AustriaSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: $222,000 (280 pts)generali-ladies.at 2008 Winner: Ana Ivanovic
HP Open October 12-18Osaka, JapanSurface: Outdoor HardPrize Money: $222,000 (280 pts)hp-open.com 2008 Winner: Caroline Wozniacki
Int’l Tennis Tournament-Kremlin Cup October 17-25Moscow, RussiaSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: $1,000,000 (470 pts)kremlincup.ru 2008 Winner: Jelena Jankovic
BGL Luxembourg Open October 19-25Luxembourg, LuxembourgSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: $222,000 (280 pts)bgl-bnp-paribas-open.lu 2008 Winner: Elena Dementieva
Sony-Ericsson Championships-Doha Oct 27-Nov 1Doha, QatarSurface: Outdoor HardPrize Money: $4,500,000sonyericsson-championships.com 2008 winner: Venus Williams
Commonwealth Bank Tournament of ChampionsNovember 4-8Bali, IndonesiaSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: $600,000commbanktennis.com *NEW EVENT IN 2009
SonyEricssonWTAtour.com
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2:47:58 PMTENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:14 AM Page 23
US Open Aug 31-Sept 13Flushing Meadows, New York Surface: Outdoor HardPrize Money: TBA (2000 pts) usopen.org 2008 Winner: Roger Federer
Open de Moselle September 21-28Metz, FranceSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: TBA (250 pts) opendemosell.com 2008 Winner: Dmitry Tursunov
BCR Open Romania September 21-28Bucharest, RomaniaSurface: ClayPrize Money: TBA (250 pts) bcropenromania.ro 2008 Winner: Gilles Simon
Thailand Open Sept 26-Oct 4Bangkok, ThailandSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: $608,500 (250 pts) thailandopen.org 2008 Winner: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
AIG Japan Open TennisChampionships October 5-11Tokyo, JapanSurface: Outdoor HardPrize Money: $1,226,500 (500 pts) aigopen.jp 2008 Winner: Tomas Berdych
China Open October 5-11Beijing, ChinaSurface: Outdoor HardPrize Money: $3,337,000 (500 pts) chinaopen.com 2008 Winner: Andy Roddick
Shanghai ATP World Tour-Masters 1000 October 11-18Shanghai, ChinaSurface: Outdoor HardPrize Money: $5,250,000 (1000 pts) jussevent.com NEW EVENT
IF Stockholm Open October 17-25Stockholm, SwedenSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: TBA (250 pts) Ifstockholmopen.se 2008 Winner: David Nalbandian
Int’l Tennis Tournament-Kremlin CupOctober 19-25Moscow, RussiaSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: $1,080,500 (250 pts) kremlincup.ru 2008 Winner: Igor Kunitsyn
Bank Austria Tennis Trophy Oct 26-Nov 2Vienna, AustriaSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: TBA (250 pts) bankaustria-tennistrophy.at 2008 Winner: Philipp Petzschner
Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon Oct 26-Nov 2 Lyon, FranceSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: TBA (250 pts) gptennislyon.com 2008 Winner: Robin Soderling
St. Petersburg Open Oct 25-Nov 1St. Petersburg, RussiaSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: $750,000 (250 pts) spbopen.ru 2008 Winner: Andy Murray
Davidoff Swiss Indoors Basel November 2-9Basel, SwitzerlandSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: TBA (500 pts) davidoffswissindoors.ch 2008 Winner: Roger Federer
Valencia Open 500 November 2-9Valencia, SpainSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: TBA (500 pts) valenciaopen500.com 2008 Winner: David Ferrer
BNP Paribas Masters November 8-16Paris, FranceSurface: Indoor HardPrize Money: TBA (1000 pts) bnpparibasmasters.org 2008 Winner: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Barclays ATP World Tour Finals November 22-29London, EnglandSurface: Indoor Hardbarclaysatpworldtourfinals.com 2008 Winner: Novak Djokovic
ATPWorldTour.com
24 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:21 AM Page 24
ATP WORLD TOURFEEL THE PASSION
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T TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:22 AM Page 25
GEAR & STYLE | EQUIPMENT
“IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT,” is oftenthe mentality of too many tennis playerswhen they consider buying a new racquet.If you’re closed-minded, you’re missingout on the technological advancementsthat may enhance your game.
The main objective of tennis racquetcompanies is to research technologiesand develop a better racquet. As aresult, new frames are introduced on an ongoing basis with game-improvingtechnologies and superior materials andconstruction. Will one of these new rac-quets be “the one” that will magicallytransform your game? Maybe.
Before searching for a new racquet youmust first evaluate your game and deter-mine what areas need improvements – perhaps you want more topspin, more control, better touch, or more power? Nowyou’re ready to sift through racquets lookingfor ones that match your criteria. You’ll want tohit the court and play-test to help narrow yourselection. This process can be fun and educational,but, at the same time, be time consuming and frus-trating. Be patient and keep testing. If you try enoughracquets eventually you will find your “soul mate” of tennis frames.
Control vs. PowerWant more power and depth with yourstroke? Try a larger-headed frame withlighter weights and bigger beams. Doyou already generate your own powerand you’re looking for more control?Go for a smaller-headed frame withthinner beams.
Lead Tape:You can change the weight and/orbalance of your tennis racquet byadding lead tape in certain places.Most certified racquet techniciansaare trained in racquet customiza-tion, but if you want to give it a try,here is a guideline.
To increase head weight, add the lead tape directly at the 12 o’clock position.
To increase the torsional stability of the racquet, add the lead tape to the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock posi-tion. This will reduce the “twisting”motion on off-center hits.
To make the racquet more headlight, add the lead tape inside thebutt cap or under the grip.
Say, Yes! To microfiber fabric socksCotton socks are terrible for your feet. Even thoughcotton is a natural fabric, it absorbs moisture whichthen gets stuck in your shoes causing blisters. Mosthigh performance socks are made from a microfiberfabric with moisture wicking characteristics. Thisallows the moisture to get pulled away from yourfoot and circulate to keep you dry and cool. Ifyou’re still using cotton socks, give the new socktechnology a try and you’ll be happy you did.
Head Tape:Using head-protection tapecan drastically improve thelife of your tennis racquet.For only a few dollars theuse of the tape will not onlyreduce the wear on theplastic bumper guard, but itwill also reduce the chanceof small cracks in theexposed graphite. Also,most bumper guards can bereplaced for a nominal feeby your racquet stringer.
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TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:23 AM Page 28
FALL 2009 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM 29
CONTENTS
Great Acts 30-37
Roger FedererVenus & Serena WilliamsAndy RoddickElena DementievaSvetlana KuznetsovaRobin Soderling
Short Falls 38-43
Rafael NadalNovak DjokovicAndy MurrayDinara SafinaJelena JankovicJames BlakeMardy FishMichelle Larcher de Brito
Comebacks 44-46
Maria SharapovaTommy HaasLleyton Hewitt
BY TERESA THOMPSON Grand Slam heaven. That’s how tennis fansdescribe summer 2009. There were veteranrevivals, mental meltdowns and extraordinaryfeats. And no one will soon forget the injuries, the grunting and unexpected defeats. It was aseason Martina Navratilova and John McEnroecalled as one of the best, which included twowomen named Williams, a Swiss, and Andy fromthe mid-west. Inside these pages you’ll relivesome of the best moments and look forward tothe final Slam of the year at the US Open.
player>>
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30 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
“I know how much the record meant to him and he knows how
much the record means to me,” Federer said. “In a way, I still feel
like we share it, just because he was such a wonderful champion.”
Following Wimbledon the new rankings showed Roger had
resumed the No. 1 spot. The consummate perfectionist had spent
10 agonizing months at No. 2 – the majority of ATP No. 1 record
holders recover the top spot within one month of losing it. When
Federer reclaimed No. 1 he did it without facing his arch rival, Nadal.
That scenario stirred debate regarding the validity of his success.
“Roger needs to buy [Robin] Soderling some champagne for
getting Nadal out of the way,” said John McEnroe, after Soderling’s
surprise win at Roland Garros.
However, sports psychologist Adam Naylor said Federer earned
the titles fair and square: “Critics that suggest Federer had an easy
path to the finals fail to appreciate the level of performance of an
elite athlete.”
Federer’s ultimate French Open goal was to face Nadal in the
finals. “That’s just the way it goes. It’s not the mistake of the one
who wins at the end. You never know how [Nadal] would have
played – he had the injury. Tennis moves very quickly, you know.”
“I'm happy at least that I became No. 1 in the world by winning
the tournament, not just by him [Nadal] not playing at all, or by me
playing decent or someone else playing decent and getting to No. 1.
That's not the way it's supposed to be. You’re supposed to win big
matches and big tournaments to get back No. 1,” said Federer.
Nadal is a close second in the rankings. If his tendonitis of the
knees improves and he returns to schedule, he will wrestle Roger
for position. Remember, Nadal’s record against Federer is good. He
beats him two-thirds of the time. Incidentally, when they have met
on hard courts their record is even. That may soon change if they
meet in Flushing Meadows.
The Swiss will bring calm confidence through the hard court sea-
son and continue to build on his staggering successes.
No Finish Line
Rederer
roger
Roger Federer is on top of the world. Back-to-back wins at Roland Garros and
Wimbledon gave the Swiss 15 Grand Slam singles titles, bumping him beyond Pete
Sampras’ record, an achievement that Sampras expected to stand for decades.
PAGreatActs
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Little sisters have a knack for stealing the spotlight from
their siblings, as fans witnessed during the Wimbledon final
with the Williams’ sisters.
Venus attempted to win her sixth Wimbledon title, but
little sister Serena snatched the crown with a 7-6(3), 6-2
defeat. The win brought Serena’s Grand Slam singles titles
tally to 11 – Venus holds seven.
Serena said that her game plan was to move Venus (who
played with a heavily strapped knee) side-to-side. Venus
assured her fans and the media that her injury didn’t affect
the outcome.
Following their singles match, the sisters met Australian’s
Rennae Stubbs and Samantha Stosur in the doubles’ final.
Throughout the tournament, the Williams’ echoed a theme:
stay focused.
“We were really serious and never wanted to underesti-
mate anyone, no matter if we were far ahead or not. We
really wanted to win the title,” said Serena. The American’s
prevailed, 7-6(4), 6-4.
“One out of two’s not bad,” said Venus.
Hard court season may play havoc on Venus’ aching knee,
but one would imagine that Serena will pick up the slack at
the US Open. Serena says she brings her best game to the
Slams and always enters a tournament expecting to win.
And who are we to doubt her?
Double Trouble
William
s
venus & sere
na
Is there anything that the William sisters can’t achieve? Not only do they dominate the
WTA Tour, but they also dabble in fashion, writing, modeling and theatre. And in
between the commotion, they spend quality time with their pet dogs and regularly send
Tweets to their fans. Venus and Serena took a two-week break from their extracurric-
ular activities, swung their racquets at Wimbledon, and made tennis headlines.
PAGreatActs
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Throughout Wimbledon Roddick remained emotionally steady
and physically sound. His energy was channeled into a simple
task: Fight one battle at a time.
“I’m just trying to stay the course, to go about my business,”
said Roddick.
One-by-one Roddick’s rivals fell – Jeremy Chardy, Igor Kunitsyn,
Jurgen Melzer, Tomas Berdych, Lleyton Hewitt, and Andy Murray.
“That’s the most complete, intelligent match I’ve ever seen
Andy Roddick play,” said television commentator Mary Carillo fol-
lowing his semifinal’s encounter with Murray.
England was stunned. Murray’s loss ended their dream of a
British Wimbledon champion. But then, as Roddick fell to one
knee on Centre Court and fought back tears, their applause grew
louder and louder. At that moment, the crowd experienced clo-
sure with Murray and adopted the Andy from America.
Roddick then turned his focus to his toughest Tour opponent:
Roger Federer. “You don't go back to a Wimbledon final by acci-
dent,” said Roddick. “It certainly is a process. And it's probably
been a longer process than I would have liked.”
His renewed commitment to tennis had led him to hire a differ-
ent coach, train harder and improve his fitness. Still, after 4 hours
and 16 minutes and the longest fifth set in major final history,
Federer edged Roddick, 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14.
Fan’s cheered for Federer’s record 15 Grand Slam title win and
supported Roddick for making the accomplishment difficult.
“I’ve had a lot of short comings throughout my career, trying
hard is not one of them,” said Roddick.
He has upset Federer twice in his career – both victories were
on a hard court surface. Expect Roddick in combat zone come
September in New York.
Tennis Soldier
Roddick
andy
It appears that last year’s off-season was more like military boot camp for Andy Roddick
than a holiday break. He rang in the New Year with a fresh crew cut, chiseled physique
and poised to destroy. Despite the obvious changes to his physical appearance, there
was something curiously different with Andy. It was understood later at Wimbledon
2009: Roddick had morphed into a mature, purpose-driven man.
PAGreatActs
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36 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
Laborious TennisElena Dementieva accomplished what few WTA players have– she forced Serena Williams to work hard for her money.
"It was really, really tough," Williams said after the 2 hourand 49 minute Wimbledon match.
Dementieva said she played her best grass court matchagainst Serena, but the American prevailed, 7-6, 5-7, 6-8.
“She was serving very well today. I wasn't sure if it wasSerena or Andy Roddick on the other side, 125 all the time.
I really enjoy this kind of match when you have to pushyourself very hard and try to play an extra ball, an extra point.To play against the best players in the world makes it inter-esting for me,” said Dementieva.
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Dementieva
PAGreatActs
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:25 AM Page 36
An Unforgettable MatchRobin Soderling beat Rafael Nadal. In France. On Clay.
“I know how he can play, how dangerous he can be. I didn'tplay my best tennis. When one player is bad, they must lose,”said Nadal.
The loss ended Nadal’s French Open winning streak of 31matches, a record spanning four years. It was the underdog’sgreatest moment in tennis.
“I made what was supposed to be impossible, to beat Nadalon clay in the best of five sets, so I will remember that for along time,” said the Swede after his 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 victory.
He advanced to the final where he met Roger Federer. TheSwiss won, 6-1, 7-6, 6-4.
Afterwards, Soderling said he looked forward to a rematchand joked, “No one beats me 11 times in a row.”
However, when they met in the fourth round at Wimbledon,Federer prevailed again.
Soderling was asked what sport, if any, other than tennis, hecould dominate Federer.
“I think I could beat him in a marathon – easy. I think I'mstronger than him,” he said smiling.
robin
Soderling
Growing Trophy CollectionA Roland Garros title ended Svetlana Kuznetsova’s five-year Grand Slam drought. The 24-year-old beat fellowRussian, Dinara Safina, in 75-minutes, 6-4, 6-2. Her lastsingles’ title at a Major was in 2004.
“This is big. It didn't happen just by luck. To have twoGrand Slam trophies – that’s big,” said Kuznetsova.
The victory was extra special, she said, because her idoland confidante, Roger Federer, won in Paris, too.
“I was very happy for Svetlana that she was able to win.Russian tennis has been incredibly strong over the last fewyears. I always said I liked her game,” said Federer.
Kuznetsova said she couldn’t ask for anything morefrom the sport of tennis.
svetlana
Kuznetsova
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FALL 2009 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM 39
The King of Clay was expected to win his fifth straight RolandGarros title until the unimaginable happened. He lost.
Robin Soderling beat Rafael Nadal in the fourth round, 6-2, 6-7,6-4, 7-6. In search of an explanation for the profound upset,Nadal was drilled: “Was it the wind? Are you sick? Did you ade-quately prepare?”
An agitated Nadal replied: “Stop it. Stop it. Had I played mybest level against Soderling, maybe the results would have beendifferent. But he played a very good level of tennis and I didn'tplay well, so the results are what they are.”
Meanwhile, Soderling of Sweden, celebrated the biggestmoment of his career. “I didn't want him to make me run. I tried tobe the one to make him run.”
As it turned out, forcing Nadal to scamper may have beenSoderling's smartest scheme. After the tournament, Nadalannounced that he had been diagnosed with tendonitis of theknees. The painful and debilitating condition played a role in hisFrench Open defeat, and then forced the Spaniard to cancelWimbledon.
Due to circumstances arguably out of his control, Rafa makesthe Short Falls list.
Summer Limp
The former World No. 1 is neither gone nor forgotten, but merely taking a necessary break
from competition says orthopaedic surgeon Timothy Hosea. “The tendonitis finally pro-
gressed to the point where he couldn’t take it anymore…Nadal needs to let time and the
healing process take their course.” Nadal resumed training in late July with hopes of par-
taking in the hard court season. Beware fellow ATP, the twitchy Spaniard is rejuvenated
and would be expected to unleash the beast on Center Court. Vamos Rafa!
PAShortFalls
Nadal
rafael
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