Blog Posts From Inside Tennis Tagged With 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

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.

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.

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

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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.

Texas A&M Tennis Club: Campus Champions

inside_tennis — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:31:22 GMT

With the Texas A&M Tennis Club looking to become a six-time winner of the college club tennis Campus Championship, we caught up with Tennis Club President David Hoover to get his take on the secrets behind the club's success, thoughts on the Tennis on Campus program and the difference between club and varsity tennis.

Can you give me a little back story on the history of the A&M Tennis Club?

Our club was founded in 1992, and our practice times are still the same as then. Our dues are $40 for the year.. one of the cheapest in the country. I have heard dues ranging up to $320 per year, which is kinda ridiculous.

Your club is a five-time Campus Champion. What's your secret to success?

We keep practices fun and social, players get to know each other really well. Each year, it really turns into one big group of friends that hang out on and off the court. That keeps people coming back.

Also, we do a pretty good job of mixing experienced players with the new guys. Whether it's for nationals or just normal club stuff, we do a pretty good job of passing along information and guidance from the veterans so that, as years go on, the fun and success continues. At nationals, rarely do the younguns play a key role, but they're there and gain some experience and see how things are done. When it's their turn a year or two down the road, they're ready.

We've been lucky to have some pretty great officers that are committed to club and make it great for everyone else. It's hard work, but our club appreciates it.

Can you give me a profile of one of the players in your club?

Matt Sumrall: president 04-06, on the nationals team for the 5th time this year, volunteer asst. coach for women's varsity team.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of the Tennis on Campus program? How has it helped your leadership/organization skills?

The ToC program is great! Tennis clubs existed before, but everything was much less organized and left entirely up to college students to organize and run. ToC has really helped grow club tennis across the country, made it easier to start a new club and keep an old one going, and provided us with a great, organized tournament schedule.

How do you like the WTT format?

We love WTT. This co-ed format keeps both the guys and the girls coming back.

How do you rate club tennis vs. intramural? How about vs. college varsity?

Our tennis intramurals are tournament brackets with a round played once a week. While they are competitive with us in numbers, there is no social aspect at all. Intramural players just show up, play and leave.

A few of our players in the club have played varsity tennis somewhere, and lots more could have played somewhere but just decided instead to go to TAMU and focus on school. Unlike varsity teams, our club has no meetings, no required practices and definitely no conditioning. All the fun without nearly the time commitment!

Have you ever played your school's varsity team?

Two years ago, the women's varsity team used some of our best players as practice partners. The club has always been very supportive of the varsity tennis programs; we always have a good number out there cheering for the Aggies at home matches. The varsity coaches and players have been very supportive of the club over the years as well, often lending us the use of our varsity tennis courts and even coming to support us at some of our home matches!

Congratulations on your recent win over the Longhorns. How do you feel going into the Campus Championships later this month?

UT has always been a great rival for our tennis club and matches don't get much closer than our final at the Texas Sectionals! The Campus Championships are getting bigger and tougher each year so I'm sure there will be several great teams this year, but A&M is ready to go and give it our all!

Public Parks Championships: Interview with Ken McAllister

inside_tennis — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:34:58 GMT

With the upcoming 82nd Annual National Public Parks Tennis Championship, Inside Tennis spoke with USTA Texas Regional Executive Director Ken McAllister on the importance of tennis in public parks, the growth of the game and what it means be a part of this 82-year-old grass roots tradition in tennis.

Can you give me a little back story on the history of tennis in public parks? The first National Public Park Tennis Championships were held in St. Louis in 1923 at what is now the Dwight Davis Tennis Center, named after the founder of the Davis Cup and President of the USNLTA, who was from St. Louis. It was sponsored by the USTA, then called the United States National Lawn Tennis Association. It was men only until 1930, when a women's draw was introduced. For many years, the winners of those draws were automatically invited to play in the US Nationals until it became the US Open in 1968. In 1948, when the NPPTC was hosted in Los Angeles, junior draws were introduced. The first African American to win was in that same year and was the well-known Oscar Johnson, later recognized by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Age division events were added in 1959. Up until sometime in the 1990's, players qualified to play in the national event by winning their local events played at public parks. We are currently being assisted by Active.com to revive that tradition while keeping the event open to all who wish to play.

How does it feel to be part of such an historic event as the Public Parks National Championship? As a player who grew up playing only on public courts, it presents a good feeling of being part of a larger and historic picture of tennis for the average Joe. Of course, the truth that many of the greatest players - Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, etc. - also grew up on public courts adds to the credibility.

Can you capture in words the experience of being at the Championship? What is the atmosphere like? The atmosphere is more down home than dramatic. Although there are many nationally ranked players entered, all of us are in a public park setting, and it is frankly very relaxing.

What role do public parks play for young tennis players looking to learn the sport? Although affordability and open access are two obvious pluses for youngsters learning at public centers, the mix of skill levels, backgrounds, and athletes allow for an atmosphere of growth. The key here is whether the parks will hire professionals to bring in the programming and teachers such as our last venue, the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center in Fort Lauderdale, does. When that happens, the opportunity is greater than it is in the private sector.

What do public parks represent to the growth of tennis? The mere statistical fact that 80% of all tennis is played on public facilities points to the obvious decisions that all of us in the industry should focus efforts where the players are. Although our mindset is that this is the bastion of recreational tennis, we can't forget that this is where the great Australian players of the 50's and 60's were discovered. This is where the athletes, currently being skimmed away by soccer, baseball, or football, can also have a shot at trying tennis. I predict that Quick Start Tennis will find its home in public parks and school courts.

What kind of diversity among players does the Championship feature? This may be the greatest feature of the NPPTC. This is where the great players and contributors from the American Tennis Association (the black national tennis organization) came from. I suspect that the NPPTC has the greatest racial diversity of all national tournaments. This is not because other events are closed, but it is because of the very nature that folks using the public venues better reflect the color of America. We have also advocated for offering wheelchair tennis events when possible as these events are most often offered at public tennis facilities.

The number of unique entries into the event is growing. Care to guesstimate the reason for this? #1 - tennis itself is on a general surge throughout the country. We are the fastest growing traditional sport in the US over the past 5 years. Secondly, our Board has been working more closely with Tennis in the Parks, the USTA, and the Sections to get the publicity out over the past few years. Thirdly, it did not hurt to have the National Tennis Center host the event in 2006, which spotlighted the NPPTC to many who had not heard of it.

Fantasy Tennis - ATP Bracket Challenge

inside_tennis — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:59:02 GMT

The ATP is sponsoring a neat fantasy game for pro tennis the season. It's the ATP Bracket Challenge Circuit with the grand prize of a VIP trip for two to any ATP tournament worldwide.

Here's how it works: For each of eight games, select the best bracket and win cool stuff. 1st place is $1,000 worth of Penn Head products; 2nd place is $500 of Penn Head stuff; 3rd place is $250 worth of gear. And for each event, if you pick a perfect bracket win a VIP trip for two to any ATP tourney. Not bad, huh?

So they're giving away these prizes for each event, plus the best bracket at the end of the season wins the VIP vacation.

Problem is, with the ATP field all goosey this season (Federer in a slump; Nadal dropping the ball; Mardy Fish, Tsonga and Davydenko stepping up) it's a tough field to predict.

Visit the ATP site to learn more: http://www.atptennis.com/5/en/fantasy/bracket.asp

Hawk-Eye Technology: Big Brother is Watching

inside_tennis — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:11:12 GMT

“If anyone's been listening to my commentary the past year then they know I'm in favor of using replay. I think it will make tennis more interesting.” -John McEnroe

I dropped out of tennis for a while. My wife and I had our first child; I started focusing on my career; moved to a new city. When I returned to the sport I quickly realized it had jumped into the 21st Century. I'm referring to this new technology called Hawk-Eye or Player Challenge. I was watching the '07 Rogers Cup when I first witnessed this impressive device for line calling and instant replay.

It does make tennis more interesting. But how is it changing the game?

According to the hawk-eye rules: Each player receives three challenges per set. When the player challenges a point and loses, the player loses that point and one challenge. If the player wins a challenge, he wins the point and the number of challenges remains as it was. If a player has no challenges remaining and they go on a tie break, he gets one challenge.

It's a rather fair system; a player can stop play and challenge a call. And if he is wrong he loses that point anyway. What it does do is break up the pacing of the game -- a bonus for Nadal who prefers this tactic to shake his opponents. And if the replay is in the challenger's favor, then its a huge psychological boost. In this way Hawk-Eye has become another tool in a player's gear bag; another aspect of player strategy adding to the psychological aspect of the game.

Personally, I think it's some of the most interesting ruling technology to come out of professional sports. But how accurate is it?

Using multiple high-frame-rate cameras, Hawk-Eye finds the exact 3D position of the ball at a series of time intervals leading into a bounce. From these 3D positions, a trajectory of the ball is calculated. Hawk-Eye uses this trajectory to project where the ball will first make contact with the ground and then how much the ball will compress and skid once it has contacted the ground. From this, the “bounce mark” is determined up to 2-3mm.

2007 Wimbeldon: In the third game of the fourth set, with Roger Federer a break down and serving at 30-30, he did not play at a ball near the baseline. He thought that it was out, the line judge thought it was out, the umpire thought it was out and a BBC freeze frame seemed to confirm this, too.

However, after a challenge from Rafael Nadal, Hawk-Eye showed the shot in. Federer lost his temper, declaring that the machine was “killing him” and demanded that it be turned off.

One of the biggest problems with this situation was the skidding of the ball following first contact, and the use of television-quality replay affecting the decision of the audience.

Television replays look deceptive because the cameras are at the wrong angle looking down at the ball. The ball also has a lot of motion blur and the cameras do not work at a sufficiently high frame rate to capture the crucial part of when the ball first touches the ground.

What television cameras see as the ball's contact area is actually up to 10cm further than first contact when accounting for ball skid. These frame rates are more accurate when viewing at the 100 fps of Hawk-Eye cameras (as opposed to 150 fps of tv cameras).

If Hawk-Eye technology was around in the 70s would we have still been witness to the fabulous tirades of McEnroe?

Probably.