US OPEN 2009

Roger Federer goes into this years US open as firm favorite to take out his third Grandslam singles title for the year.Can Andy Murray live up to his new World ranking of 2.Andy Roddick's form is the best it has been for some time,and Novak Djokovic always threatens.Can Rafael Nadal win here, its the one Grandslam that has eluded him. I will be giving regular updates and also a preview of the women's top 5 contenders tomorrow.

Where's the logic?

So the 16s National Teams event will now consist of three players the number 4 and 5 spots have been omitted and no doubt a new match format.Will this be gradually filtered through to each age groups ie 12s and 14s in New Zealands National Teams Competition?.I thought Tennis New Zealand was encouraging participation? This proposal was apparently put forward by the regions and then carried.I know tennis Southern did not get much of a chance to comment.Often the number 4 and 5 players of the team are the keenest and may get the most out of the event ,mixing with the top players ,this may be their biggest goals in tennis they reach and certainly an achievable one and one to keep these players playing the sport of tennis.As a coach I have had many of my students play in the National Junior teams events and trying to make a regional team is certainly a big factor for juniors to come along to coaching and play in local events.Personally I am disappointed with this step and i see it as a backward step.One reasoning behind the cut was costs to the region.Another case of letting the players down as much of the funding is being eaten up by administration and very little going into players.Why not cut back in admin i could think of some area's already that we would not miss.In a very important age the 16s ...its an age group we need to encourage our players, I know many of these 4 and 5 players will turn their back on tennis and move to another sport.......I cannot blame them! Please comment and let me know your thoughts.The above picture is a Flash back Southern 16s gaining silver medal at Nationals.The number 4 that year Emma John's played a big role in helping Southern achieve that result.So players like Emma now will not get that chance to excel on a National front.Sorry Jesse and Steph for covering your pictures....players like you have now become obsolete.!

Good News

Good news arrived in my Email Box today from Ghassan Beidas father of Bassam Beidas who this week was playing in Cairo Egypt in a F13 Futures .Partnering college team mate from Pepperdine , Omar ALTMANN the unseeded pair won the final of the doubles beating locals KAMAL AITA, Ramy and MOUSSA, Mohamed also unseeded .Bassam also unseeded and having to go through qualifying, knocked out the top seed on route to the final of the mens singles event where he will meet second seed Karim MAAMOUN a household name of egypt tennis.I worked with Bassam as a 12/13 year old and knew he had the drive and the work ethics to achieve good results.I believe this is his first ever futures singles final and wish him the best of luck for the final.Below are Beidas and Altmann playing for Pepperdine.Bassam is foreground.Check all the results.The top photo sees' local South Canterbury juniors Annabel Ellis and Robbie Wigley having some time out at training.Check all the results from the ITF Cairo here

How far has the men's game progressed since Connors and Borg?

This excellent article in the New York Times tells of the current male players and how they have More Power, More Speed and Unmatched Depth than in era's gone by. Federer says "Talent is not enough anymore,” I’m talking about talent, let’s say, in your hands. Like about touch and feel and spin. I’m not saying that it used to be. But it used to bring you a long way before and not anymore,Combine that power with the speed and athleticism on the tour, and Federer said it was no longer enough for professionals to win with technical precision, or superior strokes.Here is a link to the full article.

I'm on the Catwalk!

The Montreal Fashion show preceding the tournament is always a highlight.Novak Djokovic provided a real highlight when he removed his coat to reveal nothing but the above!

Term 3 all systems go

First of all let me apologize for being missing in action for the past few days.But back now and posting resumes! The above picture are junior tennis players in action during our 3rd term.School holidays on this side of the world(New Zealand) revolve around 4 terms unlike our friends on the other side of the world that have a long summer break.

Where's Rafa?

Well Rafael Nadal will no doubt soon return to the tour, lets hope when he does his knee problems will be behind him.The worst mistake an athlete of any sport after an injury is come back too early.This video has some great footage of Nadal in his rehabilitation set to the song Hit Me with your best shot!.Please comment.Hope you enjoy it.