Inside Tennis

What Kind of Boxer Would Federer Make?

inside_tennis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:18:23 GMT

I just learned boxer Manny Pacquiao ran away from home at 14 because his father ate the family dog. Now that's rough! http://bit.ly

Federer, on the other hand, used to cry when matches didn't go his way. Come to think of it, he still does. http://bit.ly/2Z0AOV

Champions Series Returns to Surprise, AZ

inside_tennis — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:14:22 GMT

With 19 Grand Slam singles titles between them, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi and Mats Wilander headline the second-annual Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships in Surprise, Arizona, October 8-11. They will be joined by Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Ferreira, Aaron Krickstein, Jimmy Arias, and Mikael Pernfors as the eight-player field competes for $150,000 in the four-day, round-robin tournament.

The CTCA Championships at Surprise is the seventh of eight events on the 2009 Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

"The players associated with the Champions Cup Series are all thrilled to finally have a competitive forum in the United States where they can show off their talents and continue to do what they do best -- play high quality, competitive tennis," said Jim Courier, founder of InsideOut Sports & Entertainment.

Andre Agassi, 61 career titles (8 Grand Slams) is the only player to achieve the “Golden Slam.” Mats Wilander, 40 career titles (8 Grand Slams) is the youngest man in history to win four grand slams by the age of 20. Jim Courier, 29 career titles (4 Grand Slams). Wayne Ferreira, 26 career titles, holds the male record for most consecutive Grand Slam appearances. Mark Philippoussis, a Wimbledon and US Open finalist. Jimmy Arias, at age 15, was the youngest player to achieve a world ranking. Aaron Krickstein, with 9 career titles was the youngest player to reach the world Top 10 at age 17. Mikael Pernfors, French Open Finalist.

Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including 14-time major tournament champion Pete Sampras, four-time U.S. Open champion John McEnroe, two-time French and Australian Open champion Jim Courier and others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team.

Matches are played in the best of three set format, with the 3rd set consisting of a Champions tie-break, defined as the 1st player to reach 10 points with a margin of 2 points.

– Tournament Session Schedule –

Thursday, Oct. 8:

Session 1 @ 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 9:

Pro Am @ 4 p.m.

Session 2 @ 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10:

Kids Day @ 10 a.m.

Session 3 @ Noon

Session 4 @ 5 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11:

3rd Place Match @ Noon

Championship Match follows

Individual session tickets are $45 for gold seating and $35 for silver. Series Packages are available and include all five sessions, invitation to a player meet-and-greet and a 10% savings from individually purchased tickets.

Tickets may be purchased at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, 14469 W. Paradise Lane. They are also available online at www.surpriseaz.com/tennis.

Sizing Up the Modern Game

inside_tennis — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:51:29 GMT

AP/Kathy Willens

It used to be that height was a disadvantage in tennis.

Tall players couldn't move as quickly as their shorter, more nimble counterparts. Low, flat returns would give them trouble, bouncing just below their knees causing back and knee issues as they stooped low to attempt a return.

But then the game changed. As racket head size increased and spin became a major offensive tactic, balls were bouncing higher, giving the player of average height trouble to make the return in their comfort zone. And athleticism and strength were incorporated into the training programs of major pros, making tennis athletes stronger and more athletic to meet the demands of the new high-intensity game.

This made way for the advantages that height does offer: big first serves, incredible reach at the net and for returning would-be aces, coupled with the strength required for all-court coverage.

The average height of player's in the top-16 of the ATP tour is 6'2", including John Isner (6'9"), Ivo Karlovic (6'10"), Marin Cilic (6'6"), Mark Philippoussis (6'5") and Mario Ancic (6'5").

And then there's the 6'6" Juan Martin del Portro. The 20-year-old from Argentina experienced a break-out summer in 2008, winning four consecutive events in the U.S. Open Series and making his way into the tennis spotlight. Fast forward to the 2009 U.S. Open, where del Potro not only won the final in a five-set thriller, but beat both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the process.

And it's not just his height and his 134 m.p.h. serve that makes him such a formidable opponent. His on-court movement is surprisingly quick for his size, and his greatest weapon, his blistering cross-court forehand, kept Federer scrambling during the Open final and was eventually the shot that spelled his downfall.

So in addtion to the gifts a player needs to succed in pro tennis -- exceptional athletic ability, hand-eye coordination, and a solid work ethic -- you can add to the list towering height.

Unfortunately, this latest addition isn't something that can be learned.

The Serena Incident

inside_tennis — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:48:37 GMT

Arguing with officials is nothing new in tennis.

John McEnroe in his day was, arguably, the king of on-court discrepancies. Not to be forgotten is Ilie Nastase's 18-minute boycott during the 1979 U.S. Open disputing a line call by the chair umpire. The tradition continues today with Andy Roddick, whose no slacker at giving a linesperson what for.

But what transpired Saturday night at the U.S. Open women's semi-final between Serena Williams and an U.S. Open official has taken things to a new level. Regardless of the validity of the call that claimed Serena made a foot fault, Williams' 10-second berating of the official goes beyond the realm of poor conduct.

"I swear to God I'm (expletive) going to take this (expletive) ball and shove it down your (expletive) throat, you hear that? I swear to God," Williams said to the official.

The context: Kim Clijsters lead Serena one set to love, with Serena serving at 15-30 in the second to send the set into a tiebreaker. Serena lost her temper after the lineswoman called a foot fault, resulting in a double-fault. That moved Clijsters one point from victory. Williams then was penalized a point for a second outburst towards the linesperson. Because it happened to come on match point, it ended the semifinal with Clijsters winning 6-4, 7-5.

Williams was fined $10,000 Sunday for unsportsmanlike conduct and could face further penalties -- including a higher fine and a possible suspension -- for what U.S. Open tournament director Jim Curley described as her "threatening manner."

After what I'm sure was a good deal of pressure from her team and corporate sponsors, Serena issued this amendment on Monday to her previous press release:

Hey guys!!!
I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible — I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I’m a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I’m wrong.
I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it’s not the way to act — win or lose, good call or bad call, in any sport, in any manner.
I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad. I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.
Xxxx,
S

Although she has finally and offically apologized, her behavior begs the question, "Should Serena be suspended from professional tennis for her unsportsmanlike conduct?"

Competitive Spirit is in Kendrick's DNA

inside_tennis — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:35:33 GMT

!http://active.com/Assets/Tennis/kendrick_wimbledon_150x150.jpg|style=padding:10px;|align=left|src=http://active.com/Assets/Tennis/kendrick_wimbledon_150x150.jpg!

By Michael Cramton

Photos courtesy AthleticDNA.com

Exiting Centre Court following a first-round loss to Andy Murray at Wimbledon
this year, Robert Kendrick couldn't help but feel good.

The California-native known for his huge power game and devastating serve won
a set off the crowd favorite and world No. 4 before ultimately conceding to
defeat.

Part of the ATP's elite Top 100 and a regular to the grueling schedule of professional
tennis' Futures and Challengers circuits, Kendrick also achieved a life-long
goal of playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon, tennis’ most prestigious
destination.

But the moment was also special for another reason. His yellow and white uniform
was produced by Washington-based athletic clothing company, Athletic DNA, a
company in which he also owns an equity share.

The moment was a culmination of success on two levels: his on-court performance
as a professional tennis athlete and his off-court entrepreneurial efforts as
part-owner in the high-performance clothing company.

What better way to showcase your game and your growing business than Wimbledon's
Centre Court?

“I like that Athletic DNA really focuses on their players,” Kendrick
said. “There are only a handful of guys ranked in the top five, but there
are hundreds and thousands of hard-working athletes out there grinding away
365 days a year. Athletic DNA recognizes that.”

Founded to cater to the specific needs of competitive tennis players, Athletic
DNA's high-performance apparel is tested by pro players in some of the harshest
tennis conditions. Their efforts to raise the bar of athletic apparel has resulted
in ultra-lightweight, anti-odor and anti-bacterial materials that also offer
UV protection and rapid-dry moisture management.

“Athletic DNA is designed specifically for competitive tennis players,”
said Athletic DNA CEO Dan Willman. “Nothing like playing on Centre Court
at Wimbledon to know whether you're really going to stay cool and dry."

But it is their athlete-owned business model that is making quite the stir
in the industry. The company gives equity share to professional athletes and
coaches, making them the only company in tennis where local influential coaches,
academies and touring professionals can own a part of the company they represent.

Kendrick has been involved in the design, validation, and testing of the high-performance
apparel line. He’s also a featured model in the company’s marketing
efforts.

In addition to sponsoring touring pros like Robert Kendrick, Athletic DNA offers
an extensive junior sponsorship program. The company also gives equity in the
company to players and coaches.

Sales and Sponsorship Manager for Athletic DNA, Evan Zeder, has been very busy
with players, agencies and aspiring juniors wanting to be part of the innovative
start-up. “They respect that we're a grassroots company founded and owned
by players and coaches,” Zeder said.

"A lot of the juniors have seen our clothes at the US Open or at Challengers,
so they're ready to get on board," Zeder said. "It seems fitting that
we begin with the grass-roots tennis community, because that is what Athletic
DNA is all about."

2009 NCAA Champion coach Peter Smith and well-known fitness trainer Paul Pisani
are the latest to become equity owners in the company. “These guys see
the potential in what we're doing and share our passion for the sport,”
Zeder said.

Athletic DNA launches its online store this month making their tennis clothing
line available to everyone via the Internet. The high performance apparel line
includes performance T's, training T's, long sleeve shirts, shorts, socks and
hats.

Athletic DNA's release line utilizes the latest in textile technology, for
ultra-lightweight and comfortable clothing for high performance. “The pros
keep commenting on the lightweight feel,” Mike Calkins, Director of Player
Relations, said. “Players can't wait to get their hands on it.”

It’s been a few weeks since Kendrick’s Centre Court defeat. He’s
since returned to the training courts and the daily grind of the pro tour.

“I like that Athletic DNA recognizes all the guys out there like Ryler
DeHeart and myself and so many others,” said Kendrick. “It’s
about hard work, determination, and spirit.”

It is this hard work and competitive spirit that drives Kendrick to succeed.
Competition, you could say, is part of his athletic DNA.

+For more information or to purchase Athletic DNA clothing online, visit www.AthleticDNA.com . +

TennisTV.com Offers Live Streaming Tennis

inside_tennis — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:55:22 GMT

There's good news for tennis fans who are tired of being at the mercy of their local cable provider for live tennis coverage.

The ATP recently launched a re-vamped live streaming website with unique access to live and on demand, top-level tennis from both the ATP and WTA tours.

Covering a total of 41 events and offering more than 700 live matches, TennisTV.com provides live feeds not just from center court, but also the outer matches from the entire event. Now you can catch all the drama and excitement that leads up to the main events.

Choose from a $129 season-long tour pass, or $20 for individual tournament all-access pass. Membership also allows access to highlights, player interviews, features and all the live tennis you can handle.

Downside: Macs aren't invited unless you're running an Intel machine. You need the latest versions of Windows IE, Microsoft Media Player and Flash 9.0 or later. It also helps to have a good deal of RAM and a decent graphics card for optimal viewing.

On the plus side, hook your computer up to your TV and say goodbye to your cable provider.

http://www.tennistv.com/

ATP Bracket Challenge Returns

inside_tennis — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:33:52 GMT

Last year's popular ATP bracket challenge returns this season with the "Game. Set. March." 2009 Draw Challenge Circuit.

The circuit kicked off March 12 with a special double header at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (Mar. 12-22) and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami (Mar. 25-Apr. 5). The fan who earns the most points at these two ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments will win a VIP trip to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

"Game. Set. March" also marks the beginning of the season-long, 12-tournament 2009 Draw Challenge Circuit, which comprises all nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events and the three remaining Grand Slam tournaments. The winner at the end of the circuit, which concludes mid-November at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris, will also earn a VIP trip for two to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Additionally, any fan who picks a perfect draw at any of the 12 tournaments will win a VIP trip for two to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Plus, as part of the ‘Game. Set. March.’ contest, $1,000, $500 and $250 Tennis Warehouse shopping sprees will be awarded to the top three finishers at the BNP Paribas Open and the top three finishers at the Sony Ericsson Open.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/en/fanzone/challenge.asp

USTA Flex Leagues: You Call the Shots

inside_tennis — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:28:12 GMT

USTA's new Flex Leagues offer fun and competitive matches for players of all levels—from beginner to advanced. You’ll get all the thrills, excitement and fun of USTA League, but on your own schedule. You play whenever it’s convenient for you—weekends, mornings, nights, even on your lunch hour!

The Flex League format groups players of similar ability together in an organized seven to ten week league that allows participants to schedule matches on their own terms. Flex Leagues can be either singles or doubles, all organized by NTRP ratings, ensuring fair and competitive matches. What makes Flex Leagues so unique is that you play your matches when it’s convenient for you, as either player can take responsibility for setting up a match in any given week. That allows players to compete at a time and a date that’s mutually convenient.

Now in its fall season, Flex Leagues had a very successful initial run. Here are what players from across the country are saying about USTA Flex Leagues:

From Miami:

"I love the program. It let's me get on some real play during my real life."

"Excellent program. I will register for the next one, too, and widely recommend Flex to my friends"

"I love the idea! If it wasn't for the Flex League I wouldn't be playing at all!"

"So far so good! I have played 3 matches, all of the people I have met have been great, and we will continue to keep in touch and arrange more matches!"

From Indianapolis:

"I think the Flex Leagues are a great idea! You leave the decisions up to the players, and no where else could you play in two different rating systems in the same league!"

"I enjoy playing in the Flex League because there is no pressure like a competitive team atmosphere. You just play for fun!"

From Chicago:

"I have greatly enjoyed the flex league and can't wait for next season!"

"Something always seems to come up with my calendar, so I love that I don't have to forfeit the match. I can just reschedule for another day and still get to play!"

"Flex Leagues are a great way to practice playing matches without any real pressure. I signed up for this league in order to get more playing in since I'm not able to commit to a certain day each week. This league has been the first time in years that I've been able to get on the court to play with people that are equally as interested in playing."

From Flagstaff, AZ:

"I live in Flagstaff, AZ, where there are precious few, if any, female singles players at my level (upper 3.5 to 4.0). I adore tennis, played for two years on our Forest Highlands USTA 3.5 league in the summers, and actually tried to play for a Scottsdale league last winter, when it’s impossible to play outdoors in Flagstaff. Being a Realtor, my schedule can go from wide open to “a client wants to see property NOW” in an instant. Playing for the Scottsdale league was stressful and no fun. Being responsible to the rest of my team, I’d have to jump in the car every Thursday afternoon no matter what else was going on, rush down I-17 for 2.5 to 3 hours to a location I wasn’t familiar with, tumble from the car and start a match as late as 7:00 PM. It was horrible, and there were times I actually cried.

"This year, as I began to resign myself to the idea that I would not be playing much over the winter, I got an email about the Valley Flex League. It was like you guys created it just for me! Wow! A 3.5 AND 4.0 women’s singles league, with no team politics to contend with! I instantly signed up and am ridiculously happy I did that. I am able to stay with friends in the Valley so I schedule as many as four matches over two day periods, and have met wonderful, friendly, marvelous female singles players who enjoy tennis as much as I do and simply want to PLAY.

"Flex league is perfect for people like me. We love tennis, truly want to play competitively, but have extenuating circumstances – job schedules or distance or both! – that keep us from being able to happily commit to a team."

Flex Leagues are expanding across the country and plan to be in your market soon. For more information on this exciting new league tennis experience, visit USTAflex.com.

USTA Flex Leagues FAQs

inside_tennis — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:13:45 GMT

USTA Flex Leagues Frequently Asked Questions

What are USTA Flex Leagues?

USTA Flex Leagues group players of similar ability together in an organized 8-week season that allows players to schedule matches on when it best fits their schedules at a convenient location. Players sign up online for singles or doubles play using the TennisLink system. Players can track standings, scout opponents, report scores and schedule their matches while online.

How long has USTA Flex Leagues been around?

The USTA launched Flex Leagues in 2008 to better serve you - tennis players who want to play more tennis but lead a busy lifestyle. However, the USTA is not new to league play. The USTA has been a leader in organized league play for nearly 3 decades offering the countries largest recreational league – USTA League presented by Chrysler.

Do I have to be a USTA Member to play?

No! While USTA Members save $10 on the sign up fee per season, you do not have to be a member to play.

What does it cost to play?

The sign up fee is $35 for singles and $30 for doubles play. USTA Members save $10 off the sign up fee for both singles and doubles. The “home” player is required to supply the balls and arrange and pay if necessary for the court time.

I work in the city but live in the burbs. Where should I play my matches?

We’re flexible. You make the call. When you sign up you will have to select a zip code, city or metro area of where you would like to play. This will help us build our flights and be able to minimize the travel time to and from matches for you and your opponents.

What format of play is used?

Play either singles or doubles. Each match is best of three sets with a twelve point tiebreak at six all or a 10 point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set.

What levels of play are offered in my area?

All flights are based on the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) so you know you will be playing against players of a similar ability level. Play may range from 2.5 – 5.0 NTRP level. So whether you are starting up, getting back in the swing of things or a seasoned veteran there is a flight for you. NTRP Guidelines

I want to play doubles but don’t have a partner. Can you find me a partner?

Yes. The local tennis organizer will match you up with a partner once you have signed up for the league.

Download Wimbledon 2008

inside_tennis — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:44:53 GMT

In case you missed what is already being labeled as the best Wimbledon finale in tennis history, you're in luck. Wimbledon.org has a nice (free) byproduct of their live video coverage this year. It's a large number of the matches available for download and later viewing. In the case of the Nadal/Federer final, the match is broken up into three 600-MB downloads, so clear up some disk space first.

Find and download your match here:

http://wimbledon.mediazone.com/US/mens_singles.html

http://wimbledon.mediazone.com/US/ladies_singles.html

Thank you, Wimbledon!

7 Ways to Catch Wimbledon

inside_tennis — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:16:00 GMT

For those not fortunate enough to get the Tennis Channel, Wimbledon is the one time throughout the year that American audiences are able to gorge on great tennis coverage. Rarely do we get live early rounds, outer-court coverage and quality tennis coverage the game and the fans deserve.

From daily 10-hour streams on ESPN and ESPN2 to early rounds and quarterfinals on NBC, get ready to feast on the event from start to finish. Additionally, there are a number of non-traditional new medias that are helping to fill in the gaps. Careful, though, come July 6 this bountiful buffet will quickly return to the tennis famine we have sadly grown accustom to...

ESPN/NBC

Here's the 2008 Wimbledon TV Schedule including live, taped and video on demand schedules. Get ready to clear your calendars.

Radio Wimbledon

The official radio station of Wimbledon since 1992, Radio Wimbledon provides extensive commentaries for matches using a team of reporters around the grounds. You have to be within a 5-mile radius to catch the broadcast on your radio, but thanks to the Internet, you can catch the stream from your home office.

Wimbledon Live

Wimbledon LIVE is the official online video service for Wimbledon 2008. You can subscribe to get live and on demand video from up to eight courts including Centre Court and No.1 Court, previews, highlights, interviews and classic archive footage.

Slam Tracker

This is the IBM-driven Wimbledon score tracker. Flashy and addictive, makes a great compliment to Radio Wimbledon. Select "Live Scores" from drop-down menu and allow pop-up.

Live scores

Similar to Slam Tracker, more like Web 1.0.

ATP Videos

ATP's official site has re-launched in conjunction with their Feel the Power ad campaign. This video page offers some nice highlights and player interviews.

Get the Tennis Channel

Even though the Tennis Channel has to bow to the big boys during Wimbledon, it still offers some great highlights and taped matches from the bigger matches throughout the day. Otherwise, it offers a tennis fix 24 hours a day.

7 Tips for Playing on Clay

inside_tennis — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:37:10 GMT

Clay is dirty, unpredictable and can leave you face down in the dust. In short, some of the best tennis out there.

The slower court, increased rallies and wide varity of shots require your game to be at its best. To help you adjust to the nuances of clay, here are seven strategies for perfecting your slide game.

Build Your Endurance

Although clay is a lower-impact game, the long rallies mean you must be in top condition. Your endurance will be tested in the longer matches mixed with intermittent short bursts of speed where balance, flexibility and composure are vital for economy of shot.

Diversify Your Portfolio

Playing on clay gives you a chance to use every shot in your repertoire. Cross-courts, drops, slices and topspin groundstrokes are essentials. And ball placement is crucial. If your arsenal doesn't contain these gems it's time to practice up, especially with drills that involve at least six shots.

All About the Angle

The serve and volley associated with hardcourt games is tough to reproduce on clay. Your best tactic is to drill cross-court shots and keep your opponent moving. You may have to hit a number of shots before you get the right chance to win the point. Eventually you will find yourself with a wide-open court where the wins is just a tap away.

The Slide

Although sliding into a shot isn't essential, it sure looks good. Sliding on clay takes a little getting used to at first, but is an effective way to slow momentum and prepare you for the return. Try sliding on a smooth surface at home wearing socks. Notice how the pros do it using the toe of their back foot to assist the stop and aid in the transition.

The Toughest Virtue: Patience

The slowness of clay refers not only to the slower speed of the bounce, but also the increased time involved in winning the set. Although down-the-line wins may come easy at first, once you tire you'll find your unforced errors increasing or your return dropping in speed. Instead of relying on your hardcourt strategy, stick to the cross-court game plan and wait for your winner opening.

Hit Behind Your Opponent

Clay is a slippery surface to play on and makes it difficult to change direction quickly. A good strategy when playing on clay is to aim your shots behind your opponent in hopes that they won't have the time or agility to change direction and return. The downside: Be ready for your opponent to do the same thing me to you.

Head South

If you can't go to Spain and hit with the best, find a clay court in your area and practice as much as you can. Dig into it, slide around, get dirty. It's not very often you get to play in dirt, so make the most of it.

Weekend with Vic Braden At Circle C Tennis Club

inside_tennis — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:20:20 GMT

!http://www.active.com/Assets/Tennis/vic_braden.jpg.jpg|style=padding:10px;|align=left|src=http://www.active.com/Assets/Tennis/vic_braden.jpg.jpg!

The "Circle C Spinners." That was the nickname Vic Braden gave to the group attending his clinic on Saturday because of the common errors with their swings.

Long-time tennis coach Vic Braden was the special guest of General Manager and top teaching professional Fernando Velasco at the Circle C Tennis Club in Austin, Texas. This unique opportunity provided those in attendance at the weekend clinic insight into improving their game. The format was simple: three forehands, three backhands and three serves while Vic videotaped you from behind the baseline. Then the group would retreat into the clubhouse to watch the tape and discuss the errors Vic found in their swings.

It's one thing to look for errors in real time, but when the tape is slowed to 1/32nd the problems become glaring. Vic's solution to the Circle C Spinners' common problem was simple: start low and end high. Most of the players were bringing their rackets back way above their knees and ending with a short follow through, causing them to rotate on their flat feet. Vic's suggestion: bring the racket back below the knees, stay on your toes, follow through and end high. It's that simple.

An afternoon with Vic and Fernando was enough to take the games of those who attended ever so much higher on the NTRP scale.

Check out the photos from the event:

If you haven't attended a Vic Braden clinic, you need to check it out. His humor and insight was a great benefit to all. And Fernando's hospitality and added critique made the event a truly special experience.

Vic Braden is a sports science researcher and licensed psychologist who has helped countless individuals realize their full potential in tennis as well as their professional lives. Most noted for his unique ability to produce amazing results in short periods of time, Vic has had a hand in nearly every facet of the game of tennis and has made immeasurable contributions to sports instruction as a whole. After many wonderful years in Coto de Caza, Vic has established the Vic Braden Tennis Colleges at premier resorts across the country. He is considered by many to be the best tennis coach in the world.

USPTA Master Tennis Professional Fernando Velasco is the General Manager and Director of Tennis of Circle C Tennis Club in Austin, Texas. Fernando is considered one of the top teaching professionals and managers in the country having been selected as “National Pro of the Year” by the USPTA and “International Pro of the Year” by the PTR. He is a sought-out speaker at National and International Tennis Professionals Conventions. He is ranked in the National USPTA, PTR, and National USTA and Texas.

Help Celebrate Tennis Month with a USTA Block Party

inside_tennis — Thu, 22 May 2008 04:10:42 GMT

USTA Tennis Block Party

For Active.com

All throughout the month of May the USTA is serving up tennis in a fun, exciting,
and dynamic way through a series of “Tennis Block Parties” to help
celebrate National Tennis Month.

Tennis Block Parties are series of grassroots events designed to highlight
the game of tennis in a fun and interactive way. Hosted at public parks facilities,
Tennis Block Parties are causin’ a racquet in your town—featuring
three hours of tennis instruction, interactive games, and attractions that offer
people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds the opportunity to learn and
enjoy the benefits of the tennis.

So, if you’re lookin’ to get into the game, have some fun, compete,
or just work on your fitness, grab your family and friends and head out to the
USTA Block Party that’s hittin’ your town!

Block Parties by state:

AZ 5/4/08 Chandler Chandler Tennis Center

AZ 5/17/08 Flagstaff Flagstaff Athletic Club Mulitplex

AZ 5/24/08 Phoenix Phoenix Tennis Center

AZ 5/31/08 Prescott Prescott Racquet Club

CA 5/4/08 San Diego Balboa Tennis Club

CA 5/10/08 Upland City of Fontana - San Sevaine Park

CA 5/17/08 Riverside Riverside Community College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue

CA 5/17/08 Los Angeles Griffith Park - Riverside Courts

CA 5/18/08 Santa Monica Reed Park, 7th & Wilshire

CA 5/18/08 Valencia Summit Park

CO 5/10/08 Fort Collins Northside Aztlan Center / Lee Martinez Park

CO 5/17/08 Fraser Fraser Town Courts

CO 5/17/08 Arvada Arvada Tennis Center

CO 5/17/08 Denver Washington Park & City Park

CO 5/17/08 Denver City Park

CO 5/17/08 Castle Rock Castle View High School

CO 5/31/08 Boulder CO Boulder South Tennis Courts

CT 5/3/08 Stamford Scalzi Park

CT 5/31/08 Branford East Shore Park

DE 5/14/08 Dover Dover Park

DE 5/15/08 Middletown Middletown High School

DE 5/16/08 Wilmington Rodney Street Park in the Street - 11th and Market Streets

FL 5/2/08 Cape Coral Rutenberg Community Park

FL 5/3/08 Pompano Beach Lee High School

FL 5/4/08 Melbourne Kiwi Tennis Club

FL 5/10/08 Clearwater Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex

FL 5/10/08 Tampa Hillsborough Community College (Tennis Complex)

FL 5/23/08 Melbourne Fee Ave. and Desoto Parks

GA 1/12/08 St. Marys Camden County High School

GA 3/8/08 Cartersville Dellinger Park Tennis Center

GA 5/2/08 Macon Downtown Square

GA 5/10/08 Savannah Daffin Park , Leisure Services of Savannah

GA 5/27/08 Scottsdale Glenlake Tennis Center

GA 6/7/08 Albany Albany

HI 5/3/08 Honolulu Central Oahu Regional Park

HI 5/16/08 Honolulu Honolulu Hate - State Capitol

HI 5/31/08 Lihue Kauai Community College

ID 5/10/08 Idaho Falls Several parks, schools, and private courts through out
the city

ID 5/11/08 Boise Julia Davis Park

ID 5/17/08 Twin Falls Twin Falls High School courts

ID 5/24/08 McCall McCall Donnellly High School Tennis Courts

ID 6/14/08 Ketchum Atkinson Park Tennis Courts

IL 5/17/08 Springfield Washington Park Tennis Center

IL 5/17/08 Pekin Parkside Athletics

IL 5/17/08 Moline Quad City Tennis Club

IL 5/18/08 McHenry Knox Park Tennis Courts

IL 6/19/08 Decatur Fairview Tennis Complex

IN 5/17/08 Munster Community Park Tennis courts

IN 5/31/08 Chersterton Sand Creek Country Club

IN 6/1/08 Indianapolis Barbara S.Wynne Tennis Center (1805 E. 86th st)

IO 6/14/08 Davenport Central High School

KN 4/19/08 Auburn Kossover Tennis Center

KS 5/3/08 Lawrence Lawrence Tennis Center

KS 5/10/08 Wichita Lynette Woodard Community Center

KY 5/2/08 Hopkinsville Ruff Park

KY 5/28/08 Mayfield Scott Thompson Tennis Center

KY 5/18/08 Corbin Corbin High School Tennis Courts

KY 5/17/08 Pikeville Bob Amos Park

KY 5/17/08 Lexington Lexington Tennis Club

KY 5/18/08 Ashland Ashland Tennis Center

KY 5/27/08 Frankfort Franklin County High School

KY 5/24/08 Louisville Jefferson County Public Park

MA 6/28/08 Marshfield Marshfield High Tennis Courts

MA 5/24/08 Springfield Tennis Courts in Forest Park

MA 5/31/08 Williamstown MCLA-Joseph Zavatarro Athletic Complex

MI 5/17/08 Detroit Peterson Park

MI 5/17/08 Spring Lake Norton Pines Athletic Club

MN 5/3/08 Grand Marais Cook County High School Tennis Courts

MN 5/10/08 Rosemount High School Tennis Courts

MN 5/17/08 Maple Grove Maple Grove Senior High School

MN 5/17/08 Fridley Moor Lake Lifetime Fitness

MN 5/17/08 Apple Valley Eastview High School

MN 5/17/08 Crookston Crookston High School Tennis Courts (8 Courts)

MN 5/17/08 St. Louis Park Aquila Park

MN 5/18/08 Shakopee Stans Park - Shakopee Jr. High

MN 5/31/08 Inver Grove Heights Simley High School Tennis Courts

MN 6/7/08 Mendota Heights Mendakota Park

MN 6/7/08 Saint James High School Tennis Courts

MN 6/12/08 Apple Valley Harding High School

MN 6/19/08 Rochester Soldier Field Tennis Courts (lighted)

MO 5/3/08 Rolla Ber Juan Tennis Complex

MO 5/3/08 Independence Mill Creek Park (1717 North River Blvd)

MO 5/24/08 Kansas City Barry Park - Park Hill High School

MT 5/4/08 Helena Civic Center Courts (back up LCTA Tennis Center)

MT 8/13/08 Anaconda Washoe Park

NC 5/3/08 Greensboro Hester Park

NC 5/17/08 Asheville Aston Park Tennis Center

ND 5/4/08 Bismarck Capital Racquet & Fitness Center

ND 5/7/08 Valley City City Park Tennis Courts

ND 5/13/08 Minot Hammond Park

ND 5/14/08 Grand Forks Register Tennis Complex or Center Court Fitness Club

ND 6/1/08 Grafton Westview or Leistikow Tennis Courts

ND 5/29/08 Jamestown Bolinger

NE 5/28/08 Omaha Gifford Park

NJ 5/3/08 Toms River Bey Lea Tennis Complex

NJ 5/4/08 Waretown Waretown Recreation Area

NJ 5/9/08 Newark Newark Bears Baseball Stadium

NJ 5/17/08 Williamstown St. Matthew’s Baptist Church

NJ 5/26/08 Toms River Ocean Tennis Center

NJ 5/31/08 Egg Harbor Township Tony Cangle Park

NJ 6/14/08 Pemberton Mirror Lake Tennis Courts

NY 5/5/08 Binghamton Binghamton Tennis Center

NY 5/10/08 New York Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

NY 5/17/08 Albany Albany Tennis Club

NY 5/17/08 Garden City Community Park Tennis Courts

NY 5/21/08 New Rochelle Albert Leonard Middle School

NY 5/24/08 Buffalo Riverside Park

OH 5/17/08 Cincinnati Triangle Tennis Courts (Reading Road & Wm.Howard Road)

OH 5/18/08 Sandusky Perkins Community Tennis Courts/Baywinds Athletic Club

OH 5/29/08 Groveport Groveport High School Tennis courts

OK 5/17/08 Edmond Kickingbird Tennis Center

OR 5/17/08 Grants Pass Gilbert Greek Parks - Grants Pass

OR 6/10/08 Hillsboro Hillsboro Tuesday Marketplace (civic center)

PA 5/3/08 Pittsburgh East Liberty Fire Station

PA 5/3/08 Lansdale Frog Hollow Racquet Club

PA 5/4/08 Philadelphia Seger Playground Tennis Courts, 10th & Lombard, Phil.

PA 5/10/08 Philadelphia Friends of Chamounix Tennis Courts (500 Chamounix Drive)

PA 5/10/08 Lancaster Lancaster Tennis & Yacht Club

PA 5/10/08 Norristown Eisenhower Middle School Tennis Courts

PA 5/11/08 Orwigsburg Pottsville JFK Tennis Courts

PA 5/17/08 Allentown Oakmont Tennis Club

PA 5/17/08 Erie Frontier Park

PA 5/17/08 Reading City Park Tennis Courts

PA 5/17/08 Landisville Hempfield Sports Complex - New Stadium Tennis Courts

PA 5/17/08 Worcester Variety Club Camp & Developmental Center

PA 5/17/08 Norristown Norristown High School

PA 5/17/08 Hanover South Western Tri-Township Park

PA 5/18/08 Jenkintown Alverthorpe Park

PA 5/24/08 Pottstown Pottstown High School Tennis Courts

PA 5/24/08 Bryn Mawr Llanerch Country Club

PA 5/28/08 Philadelphia Phila. City Courts, 47th and Spruce Streets

PA 5/31/08 Pittsburgh Frick Park Red Clay Tennis Courts

PA 6/14/08 Collegeville Perkiomen Valley High School

PA 5/?/2008 Philadelphia Philadelphia Tennis Club or Althea Gibson Center

PR 5/3/08 San Juan San Juan Mariott

PR 5/3/08 Arecibo Tennis Everyone

PR 5/3/08 Guaynabo Sagrado Corazon

PR 5/3/08 Dorado Paseos Del Mar

PR 5/4/08 Manati Acropolis de Manati

PR 5/10/08 Dorado Caminos del Mar Tennis Club

PR 5/17/08 Gurabo Urb. Veredas Tennis Club

PR 5/17/08 Trujillo Alto Centro de Tenis Honda

PR 5/17/08 Juana Diaz Complejo Municipal de Juana Diaz

PR 5/17/08 Bayamon Ocean Park Tennis Club

PR 5/17/08 Ponce Ponce Hilton

PR 5/24/08 Aibonito Aibonito Tennis Club

PR 5/24/08 Ponce Albergue Olimpico Salinas

PR 5/24/08 Beyamón Complejo Deportivo Carcaño Alicea

PR 5/31/08 Aibonito Complejo Deportivo de Barranquitas

PR 5/31/08 Beyamón Rio Ondo / Valle Verde Tennis Club

PR 5/31/08 Ponce Club Deportivo de Ponce

S.C 5/ ? / 2008 N.Myrtle Beach Central Park

SC 5/17/08 Florence Timrod Park

SD 5/10/08 Sioux Falls McKennan Park

TN 5/1/08 Crossville Fairfield Glade Community Club

TN 5/3/08 Talbott Frank Lorino Park

TN 5/3/08 Chattanooga Hamilton Family YMCA Tennis Center

TN 5/3/08 Lebanon Mt. Juliet/Charlie Daniel’s Park

TN 5/10/08 Knoxville Tyson Family Tennis Center / Tyson Park

TN 5/13/08 Kingsport Liberty Bell Tennis Courts

TN 5/17/08 Franklin Centennial High School

TN 5/17/08 Clarksville Swan Lake Tennis Complex

TN 5/23/08 Nashville Nashboro Village Athletic Club

TN 5/24/08 Chattanooga Warner Park Tennis Courts

TX 4/12/08 Denton Warranch Tennis Center

TX 5/3/08 Houston Lee LeClear o r Memorial Park

TX 5/4/08 Keller Keller High School courts on Johnson Avenue

TX 5/5/08 Granbury Pecan Plantation CC

TX 5/8/08 Midland Midland High School Tennis Courts

TX 5/15/08 Pecos Pecos High School Tennis Courts

TX 5/17/08 Midlothian Midlothian Sports Complex

TX 5/17/08 Shallowater Shallowater High School

TX 5/18/08 Midland Perimian High School

TX 5/18/08 Weatherford Soldier Spring Tennis Center

TX 5/19/08 Lubbock Lakeridge Country Club

TX 5/31/08 Borger Borger High School Tennis Courts

TX 7/3/08 Midlothian Midlothian Sports Complex

TX 8/9/08 Arlington Arlington Tennis Center

UT 5/2/08 North Salt Lake Eagleridge Tennis Club

UT 5/10/08 Roy Roy High School Tennis Courts

UT 5/10/2008 West Valley Cenntenial Park

UT 5/17/2008 Ogden Mt. Ogden Park

UT 5/31/08 Clearfield Weber State University

VT 5/17/08 Jeffersonville Johnson State College/Windridge Sports Center

WI 4/25/08 Washburn Public Courts

WI 5/17/08 Brookfield Heyer Park

WI 5/17/08 Sussex Sussex Hamilton High School

WI 5/17/08 Neenah Southview Park, 200 W. Bell Street

WI 5/18/08 West Bend West Bend High Schools

WI 5/18/08 Eau Claire Altoona, WI 10th Street Courts

WI 5/18/08 Menomonie Menomonie High School Tennis Courts

WI 5/18/08 Oshkosh Oshkosh YMCA Tennis Center

WI 5/27/08 Watertown Brandt Park

WI 6/7/08 Oconomowoc Fowler Park

WV 5/17/08 Wheeling Oglebay Park

Live Coverage: PAC 10 Conference Championships

inside_tennis — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:11:35 GMT

RadioTennis.com will offer LIVE coverage of one of the most unique and enjoyable tennis events in the world, the PAC 10 Conference Championships.

The web cast will take place from historic Libby Park in beautiful Ojai, CA.

The web cast schedule is as follows:

Saturday: April 26: 10:00 AM: USA Pacific Time

Sunday: April 27: 10:00 AM USA Pacific Time

Although there are numerous divisions being played at Ojai over the week, RadioTennis.com's coverage will focus on the PAC 10 Conference Men's and Women's Championships. The PAC 10 Conference consists of the following Universities:

University of Arizona

Arizona State University

University of California - Berkeley

University of Oregon

Oregon State University

Stanford University

University of California - Los Angeles

University of Southern California

University of Washington

Washington State University

"It's difficult to explain the true essence of this tournament in a simple press release," states Ken Thomas "but there are a couple of factors that make this tournament very special. One factor is the tournaments' history. It's origins date back to 1887 (keep in mind that California didn't become a State until 1850). It is one of the oldest tennis events in the United States. There are actual photo's of players arriving by horse and wagon to play tennis in Ojai."

"The list of former players that have participated at Ojai is astonishing. It includes Bill Tilden, Tony Trabert, Bobby Riggs, Jack Kramer, Arthur Ashe, Billy Jean King, Pancho Gonzales, Alex Olmedo, Stan Smith, Jimmy Connors, Tracy Austin, Michael Chang, Lindsay Davenport, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe and the Bryan brothers. The "Wall of Champions" at the grandstand in Libbey Park names over 80 players who competed at Ojai, and won one or more "Grand Slam" titles as professionals."

"However, what I enjoy the most about Ojai is the atmosphere. It is played in a small agricultural/artist community that is tucked into a lush valley between the Pacific Ocean and the Southern California mountains. The venue is a public park. Those in attendance understand competitive tennis and appreciate the history of the event. The place will be packed with spectators, the sun always seems to shine, the tennis is first-class, the orange juice is sweet and life is just about as good as it gets when your at the Ojai."