A Sad Reflection on Tennis in NZ by Clem Apted Piako Tennis Coach

It was only by chance that I discovered what remains of the once flourishing Hinuera Tennis Club. Hinuera is a small Town between Matamata and Tirau, slightly off the beaten track but boasting an excellent Primary School, well maintained Rugby grounds and a nice Bowling Club.There in the middle of all this is the Tennis Club, four Courts that once saw hundreds of  matches are now covered in moss and grime. I looked through a grubby window into the Club house, and saw a box of Trophies and an Honours Board acknowledging the Ladies' and Men's Club Champions from years past, on the floor were a couple of old nets in pretty good condition, not so the moss covered nets on the Courts. I asked the Receptionist at the Primary School what happened to the old Club, her reply, ‘don’t know’.  There are a lot of questions to ask about the demise of a once active Tennis Club that once  competed in the local competitions, held there Club Champs and had loads of Juniors, it was like a scene from the Twilight Zone!, fortunately vandals haven’t wrecked the place, only time and a complete lack of interest. The question what went wrong?, who is to blame?, Tennis Clubs used to be the centre of activity in Country Towns,what happened to the members?, do you blame the Local Council for not keeping it going?, why didn’t the Schools next door take over the Club and use the facilities, were NZ Tennis aware of what was happening?. My purpose of visiting the School was to promote my Tennis Programme with the obvious aim of getting kids playing the sport, some how I doubt they will be venturing next door to the Hinuera Tennis Club.     Clem Apted coaches at 5 Tennis Clubs, including Award Winning Te Aroha and Tatuanui Clubs, the smallest Club he Coaches at is Tirau that has nine Juniors, he is a Registered NZ Tennis Coach.

I told you Tennis is just for the rich----Wake Up Tennis Australia

I am infuriated at the cost to succeed in tennis, Please take the time to read what is happening across the ditch, as Tennis New Zealand copy's most things it wont be long before this happens here.

Former Davis Cup player Richard Fromberg, now a private coach, agrees that the result of a flawed system is that the rich go further, while the poor stay home. ''I just think that the points-based system has to be strongly reviewed,'' says Fromberg. ''Not enough kids are getting the opportunity for this coming tournament, and the rankings are completely false, because the points-based system is encouraging kids to travel to remote places, and it's favouring the kids that are financially well-off that can afford to do so.''

Tennis Australia has changed its eligibility to National Junior Events. Read the article and uproar here , LINK

Is this growing the game?Distance is a huge problem in Australia and as you read the article juniors are cheating the system by entering Australian Money Tournaments to increase their ranking points to qualify for Nationals.

I will be adding my views to the release of TNZ High Performance program and the Elite Targeted Athlete , just need to think it through and weigh up CEO John's comments "But don’t expect immediate results says Johns who stresses that the new Targeted Athlete strategy is a long term plan saying “we are not expecting the four selected players to win every match they play from now on-wards as its about potential and how we can collectively harness that potential to ensure that they are the very best prepared to take on the rigors of a touring tennis professional" says Johns .Forgive me readers I am a little skeptical with these comments from the former Surf Life Saver.

The Eye is back!

As regular readers and followers would of noticed that it has been sometime between posts.Thank you for all those that have emailed to check if all was ok.I was hoping that a miracle may sweep the country and have tennis heading in the right direction.Alas it has not.Whilst not posting I have kept an "eye" on developments or lack there of.Yesterday reading the Marina Erakovic farce I again thought tennis in the news for the wrong reason. Erakovic is the only tennis player in New Zealand with any world profile of note.Reading some of her statements really hit home to many of the problems often brought to light on this blog. Marina gave strong advice to any junior contemplating  a tennis career. Erakovic said the only hope for young players from New Zealand is if they have a different passport, pointing to the recent defection of 18-year-old Cameron Norrie, New Zealand's leading junior, to the UK earlier this year. It follows Sacha Jones' switch to Australia in 2012."[Cameron] actually asked me should he do it or not, and I told him 'yes' without even a second thought. He's going to get a coach paid for, he's going to get access to facilities to train at - there's just no comparison," she said.
       I bet this sent crazy tennis parents in a spin and running to the birth certificates just to double check.I am amazed still how many parents gauge the success of their child by results achieved locally.Yes Crazy tennis parents are alive and well in New Zealand.Knowing a few (way too many) the real tennis equation is does the child really want to put in the sacrifices, dedication and hard work.Mostly these factors are parental driven and that is why many fail.Oh the other thing is the parents bank balance, sadly in this sport the money factor is important and for me ..too many spoilt kids are kept in the sport for the wrong reasons and too many "gutsy" juniors are lost to the sport because of the money factor.
     Marina cannot get any help from the governing bodies so how is the "average Joe blow" going to survive...they are not and end up lost to other sports. I did keep an eye on the Junior Fed and Davis Cup results and New Zealand fielded a team in the Fed Cup team At Worlds.I have to ask this question why on earth did the New Zealand Number 1 not go to this event electing to play low grade ITF'S, ...instead part time players with little match play were included.And if you want to check their playing records go to Configure rankings and see how many recent matches they had under the belt before being selected for this event.There has to be a good reason!Tennis New Zealand has publicly remained silent but there are rumours , one would expect any funding allocated to elite players would warrant availability to these events.I know there are always two sides to the story so lets hear it.
     Rubin Statham made a return to Davis Cup play,good to see him back in the fold and hopefully it was on his terms not TNZ that he played.I am always amazed at the continual overlooking of strong coaches and administrators for position of note and "yes" guys and girls getting positions that they are truly not worthy of. I have said it time and time again tennis in this country is being run by an elitist body with many of them having way too much time on their hands. We do not cater for the masses ...the time comes when juniors and parents say the cost and the elitism is way too much to continue in the sport.
   I was related a story from a coach why a junior was playing tennis.The father said they played golf and tennis because of the status of people playing and to enhance his future,whoops little did this parent know some people in the tennis circle you need to stay real clear of.Here is the link to the Marina story LINK

I could not finish this post without a Bernard Tomic story. This clown and his over sized head ceases to amaze me with his antics.Yes schoolies week on the Gold Coast and look who turned up to celebrate his fantastic 2013 season.NOT! Yes he is really preparing for the summer of tennis and no doubt a second round loss at the Aussie Open.The report said well he is just a 21 year old but I cant remember seeing Nadal, Federer etc at schoolies week or similar. Yes Bernie until you deflate that ego of yours then 2014 will be much the same as 2013 or worse!

Tony Osborne Reports- Johns and Patterson fiddle while Tennis in NZ continues to burn

For 6 days and 7 nights it was said Nero played the fiddle as Ancient Rome burned, technically this was not true as the violin wasn’t invented. Historians may have got it a little wrong!. Getting it wrong seems to be the habit of Steve Johns CEO of Tennis NZ  and his side kick David Patterson who is the departing Chairman . Can anyone tell me why these two people were seen sipping champagne while attending the ITF Annual Dinner in Paris? The formal function was held at The Palace of Versailles, Dinner suited dignities and their wives  in evening dress were entertained with Chamber music and caviar, the big question who paid for these two failures to attend?. I’m not suggesting they are not entitled to a night out but lets consider the cost of Air Fares ,Accommodation, meals, dinner suit hire, cab fares... the list goes on. What sort of picture does this represent to the average Club member, the hard working committee member and the Club Coach who mows lawns and cleans the dunnies at the club to subsidise his paltry income from coaching. The same coach has never seen Johns, never talked to him and who has never received a reply to his endless emails with suggestion how Tennis in this country could be improved. Recently my wife and I holidayed at a Coastal Town  in the North Island  we fancied a hit so we visited the local Tennis Club where we met the Local Club Pro, we paid our 10 bucks, and after a hit we chatted with the Pro about the state of Tennis in NZ, we asked if he was a Registered Coach with NZ Tennis, the reply was’ no way mate ‘I keep away from that organisation’. I got on the phone when we returned from our holiday and asked the same question of several Coaches throughout NZ, and sadly received similar comments. Coaches in this Country, want nothing to do with the National Body!, not all Coaches that is, but I’m guessing 90%. How many Coaches are actually registered?. NZ Tennis would have a better idea of the exact numbers, just go to Find a Coach, and see how many coaches there are for your area, very few if any!. Coaches see no benefit in being registered,’what’s in it for me’, scenario. So Mr Johns and Mr Patterson, wouldn't it be better to put some time and effort into finding solutions to the sorry state of Tennis in this Country,rather then sipping Champagne in Paris?.

Tony Osborne

Murray comes of Age

Just a few comments re Andy Murray's Wimbledon win. I have to say that Murray was prepared to do what ever to win and he was like a human backboard as he dismantled Djokovic's game and broke him mentally.Murray ran down and retrieved Novak's best shots , causing Novak to go for more winners as he became impatient 42 unforced errors will not win you a Wimbledon Final.Murray diffused Djokovic's serve returning a high percentage of first serves.  Djokovic failed to attack Murray's second serve and Murray knew he could just put it in the box without Djoker taking any attack to it.Murray outserved Djoker and won the Ace battle 9-4.Murray's two hander was outstanding as was his deft slice backhands.Novak tried to come to the net and drop shots in the last set to try to break up Murray , this really played into Murray's hand as there was no way these tactics would win the final.Some critisize Andy for being to passive but he also won the winners hit 36-31.Murray is a tough player, he has worked hard and he has learned a lot from losing previous finals.On this form it will be hard to to stop him gaining more grand slam titles in the future.I have to mention mother Judy as much as she irritates me sometimes in the players box.She has been the driving force and no doubt sacrificed a lot to get her son to where he is. I have found a very good article re Judy on line Click HERE

A good tip for juniors , keep your eye on the ball like Andy Murray below!

The Eyes Wimbledon 2013

Well readers Wimbledon starts today, sorry I have not posted but a very close family member passed away.I will try to post some interesting views and reports , the match I will be watching today is Wawrinka vs Hewitt , and I am tipping a Hewitt win!  Nadal and Federer is in action and really the women need to lift their game..it's really a bore and I won't be tuning in to many of the early round matches.There will be upsets tonight the transition to grass is always interesting.

I will be updating the Local scene soon....Just a short post today still not back to 100 % 

Nadal Imprint on History and Roland Garros

Nadal wins 8th Roland Garros title.A true champion that will inspire or has inspired a new Generation of champions.Nadal is honest and respectful ,he gives his best ....most times that is enough but a few times he has come up short, it's these times that make a champion it's not how many times you get knocked down its about how many times you get back up.Congratulations Rafa!

Serena speaks French----

Slam Bam and Thank you Maa'm

Is Serena Williams the GOAT? She sent Maria packing her bags for the grasscourt season.Maria did play well but no one can stop Serena she is clearly the Number 1 Lady and Heads to Wimbledon to add another slam! Have we another Hingis ? Belinda Benic from Switzerland won the Girls title and in an earlier post I said unseeded Christian Garrin from Chile was one of the favourites..well he won the Boys title.

Competition Winners - Congratulations Ken and Fuzzy Yellow Balls for taking out the Ladies with a correct Last selection being Serena Williams. There was no Men's winner.

Well done Serena 2013 Ladies champion and her second title here.

Road to Rafa

Nadal will win his 8th Roland Garros men's title and create history when he defeats David Ferrer later today.Head to Head it is 19/4 in favor of Rafa.Ferrer deserves his chance and a place in the final and has not dropped a set tournament.Rafa will have to play at his best , he cannot take Ferrer to cheaply and he won't.Emotions will be hard to contain as it was in the semi final against Djokovic and this will no doubt be a special win. This is tennis and nothing can be set in stone but Nadal will be lifting that trophy for sure.

Rafa shows us why he's Rafa --And one of the Greats to play the game.

My posts have taken a little bit of a different track,I am currently in Australia visiting family and that all I can say at this moment. I can access the net even in outback Australia so I wrote this little postcard below.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria- Ladies 2013 ROLAND GARROS FINAL- thoughts with the eye.

Head to Head Serena leads Shazza 13-2, Daddy Shazza has said that the Serena Monster was too powerful for his daughter , Serena is the one player she is truley scared of. Unfortunately Shazza Game plan consists of two ingrediants.1 Hit the ball Hard, and if that does not work Hit the ball harder! Serena has never been happier and more focused, Patrick has done well with her tennis and her heart.Shazza has to play a blinder, yep those power strokes have to land in! Her heart has been taken ...or I really think she has taken the Heart Of Grigor ..what she does with it  time will tell.She knows nothing about Men's tennis ..she was taken on in twitter by Chardy's Girl friend.To end below is the twitter war ...
Serena will answer all of Maria's problems today.

Ladies Competition

  Fuzzy Yellow Balls and Ken Have reached the final and may place their selection in the comments on this post.Fed's Fan was eliminated with Azarenka.

Men's Competition

The Men's See Steve1959 and Del Boy reach the final selecting Nadal .Unfortunately that is where it must end inthe men's as no other selection which is Ferrer is available.Jenny was eliminated with Tsonga.

Winner Roland Garros!

Roland Garros 2013 The Dirt Files - Day 12

Have had to cut my posts short as I have a rushed trip back to Aussie tomorrow. I hope to get some more posts up but at this stage not sure. May the best Man or Lady Win!

Ladies Competition

Your selection for Semi's should go in the comment section of this post. Cagey selections will be needed.

Men's Competition

Your Semi Final Selections should be placed in the comments section. Me Thinks a couple will be caught short if their selection wins their semi.

Roland Garros 2013 The Dirt Files - Day 11

Recap: I thought Tsonga had a chance against Federer but no way did I think it would be all over in three straight sets.Give credit to Tsonga and especially his coach Aussie Roger Rasheed who started working with Jo earlier this year. Tsonga recruited the Adelaide-born Rasheed to drive previously unseen levels of fitness and grit. "There's no limit, really, to where Jo can go and what he can do in the sport," Rasheed said. "He's eight in the world and he can add so much more to what he's already got. That's pretty exciting but I've got to deliver it, he's got to embrace it and we see where the cards fall after that.

Rasheed said ""Fitness is a big part of it. It's a bit of a no-brainer in my mind; why wouldn't you tick that box? Once you've done that, it keeps your mind in a better frame and the decisions you make on the court are more sound for longer periods of time.

"You add the tennis package to that, the technical and the structural. Jo spent 18 months without a coach and obviously thought he needed to be pushed and challenged and motivated to a new level. He needed to have someone's eyeballs on him to drive him. He gave me a call and to be honest, it's been a natural fit."

Tsonga has improved but Federer was very average to what we expect of the G.O.A.T. Federer made 34 unforced errors 19 of those off the forehand side! I was dissapointed with Fed when he does go down a lot of times his shot selection is terrible. Below are some comments Rodger made in his press conference.

"I don't need anything special to digest this defeat. I'm not a baby. I'm ready to play another tournament"

"crushing loss" but "give some credit to old Jo-Willy Tsonga, please."

"In a way, I've moved past this loss already. I don't know what's next, I'll talk to my team to ready for Halle,

Honestly Rodger your team does have some work to do, your year has not been great so far and Wimbledon will be a big test.I will post a classic Rodger shot below made in one of the early rounds just to remind us that Rodger is a true legend.

Yes Fed fans you can watch this over and over and Fed will always be at his best ! I know a few of you will be in let down mode so this picture is for you !

Other Big winners were Errani ,Williams and Ferrer. Williams was shown she is human just getting past Kuznetsova in three Errani and Williams meet in the semi's and Serena unless she breaks a finger nail will win this one. Ferrer sent Tommy Robredo packing showing how its done and I believe Ferrer is ready to reach his first grand slam final! Tsonga will not like to play some one like David who is tenacious , does not make unforced errors and makes you play , yep a lot of us have lost to players such as this even though we go onto the court thinking it should be a win!.Ferrer keeps good depth on his shots with good height over the net and I think he will be there to meet Nadal or Djokovic in the final.

My top three matches today follows below.

Shazza, Nads, and Djoker to all get through.

Roland Garros 2013 The Dirt Files - Day 10

Recap: Another Classic served up by Wawrinka and Gasquet . Stan was the man winning 8-6 in the third. Its a shame for those watching Television that the coverage is not flexible, they concentrate on matches that are for gone  conclusions and we see way to little of matches such as these. Hate to say I told you so but Aussie Junior Nick Kyrgios was bundled out of the French Open Junior yesterday. I really think that this was bad management after winning a round in the Men's main draw..he admitted to nerves going back to the juniors.He has proven a point by reaching Number 1 junior in the world and had great success last year ..for me its a backward step and as I said he was on a hiding to none.He does have a chance of making it but what I saw in his match against Stepanek he does have some areas of his game that need plenty of work, his backhand needs to improve as well his mobility and point structure , he wins a lot by being just to strong physically but that levels out when he  plays someone he cant dominate by raw power.The fact, apart from First round wins by Nick and Ash Barty Australia have had nothing to cheer about and really some poor results coming from the juniors.Only one Aussie girl was in the main draw of the Juniors Sarah Tomic(Bernard's Sister) and let me say she's not as good when comparing at the same age as her Big Brother.She lost first round.Well its pleasing to see Mikhail Youzhny taking the advice of Gulbis on that players are boring , never is Mikhail boring he still provided entertainment as he was thrashed yesterday by Tommy Haas. Watch Below.

Tsonga vs Federer is by far the stand out match of the day below are my top three. I am really finding the women's event to be a bore so far!Perfect example Hampton vs Jankovic you could sear Hampton has never played in a tournament before , this was not great for the promotion of Women's tennis. Really apart from Serena its all to ordinary so far.And if you like Serena belting up her opponents then great but it makes for boring viewing,

And the Daily Dirt issue follows below.

Competition Mens

Congratulations to Steve 1959 -Tsonga Del Boy - Tsonga,
Jenny- Haas , Your Quarter final selection can be made in the comments section of this post.

Eliminated this Round - Ken- Gasquet, Feds Fan- Almagro, Fuzzy Yellow Balls -Almagro

Competition Ladies

Well done to Ken - Kirilenko , Fuzzy Yellow Balls - Kirilenko and Feds Fan- Sharapova 

Eliminated was Tony Osborne - Hampton

Post your Quarter Final Selections in the comments section of this post. Good Luck.

Roland Garros 2013 The Dirt Files - Day 9

Recap - The worst part at watching tennis at home is that you are pretty much stuck to watching one of the show court matches.A classic match between Almagro and Robredo was being played whilst many had to watch Serena pulverize another player.I really think that the television coverage is quite boring and very stereotyped more court switches and interviews should be mixed with the live coverage of a show court.Rodger went 5 with Simon, not convincing some great shots but not a high quality match over the distance.Serena Belted Vinci and unfortunately for Anna Ivanovic Radwanska could hit 4 balls back in a row.Have you ever wondered how much players earn per round at Roland Garros? Below is the earnings per round .Where I am going with this after the Grand Slam chart I will post what the majority of tennis players earn in the future tournaments. Its been applauded that their has been an increase at the major tournaments but nothing major for the hopefuls that sit 190 + in the world.

Not a bad payout , especially for wildcards that did not have to qualify.Young Australians Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios won a round and earned a $45,465 pay check.Both received Wildcards to the main draw in a reciprocal arrangement with the French who get Wildcards for players to the Australian Open.I think both are deserving but of course they did not play there way into the event as other qualifiers did. Ok looks glamorous does it not.But take players trying to make  like Rubin Statham New Zealand's top player he and many more are really battling to make enough money to pay expenses whilst building their ranking points.These guys are doing it tough and have no funds for coaches and some eventually have to leave the tour because of finances.With little support from National body's what chance have these players who are busting their "guts" to get ahead. Below are the prize money on offer at the 10,000 and 15,000 ITF Future events.

So Rubin won the singles event a week ago at a 15,000 ITF event in Korea, after Deduction take home pay was around $1365.00 the following week Statham lost early.During the same week Statham won the doubles..take home was around $330.00 Take in account of Travel etc there is little left from the winnings! Common Federer , Nadal and Murray  and co you can make a difference in advocating more prize money at the bottom end.Its very much the same with the Ladies and Serena etc should spend less time on nails and get behind the players of the future. These events need prize money increases , players need support teams just like the top guys but the reality is they cant afford a doctors visit let alone have a coach with them! They are limited to where they can play and how many events they can get to. Well that is my opinion!

The Junior Roland Garros Champs- I have written many times that high ITF junior rankings can be misleading , you have to look where points have been accumulated and also have an understanding that many of the elite juniors do not front up to a lot of junior events.Overnight former New Zealander now Great Britain Cameron Norrie who was ranked top 10 went out first round 7/5 6/2 convincingly  beaten ( points wise it was around 74 to 50).The young guy that beat him was Christian Garin from Chile aged 17. Garin was unseeded whilst Norrie was 15th seed. Garin since January has been playing Future events and doing pretty darn good reaching a couple of finals!.Another young player that had to qualify as his Junior ranking is in the 1,000s Albert Alcaraz Ivorra too out the 9 th seed yesterday.He has been playing futures also and made some finals this year.The same is happening you bet in the Girl's event yesterday five girls seeds went including the No 3 and No 4 seeds.A qualifier who I think is one of the favourites Sara Sorribes Tormo is also unseeded and won her first round .

Nick Kyrgios the World Junior Number 1 and who did well in the Main draw Men's, is top Seed for the Boys.I do not think he can win this event on clay , there are a number of reasons, the main is that he is back playing amongst his peers and the pressure is all on him, most of the other guys will be keen to play him and will lift their game as they have nothing to lose.I still think Nick has a way to go physically and moving on this surface so it will be interesting as the draw unfolds, I hope as an Aussie I am wrong.

I will try to keep you up to date with the juniors.

My Top 3 matches today are below.

It will be interesting to see how Nadal starts today, Wawrinka and Gasquet could be another classic and I am hoping Hampton wipes that fake smile of Jankovic.

Roland Garros 2013 The Dirt Files - Day 8

Recap: Feast of tennis yesterday and I was lucky to get to watch a few matches yesterday.New Zealand Marina Erakovic defeated in three sets    by Sloane Stephens.This was a terrible match Erakovic committed a total of 44 unforced errors , obviously her tactic was to go for it, It was SLAM BAM AND THANK YOU MA'AM TENNIS ,to add she also served 6 double faults.When she was able to bring Stephens forward with a drop shot it did work and the American was caught out...unfortunately Marina did not explore this enough and made way too many poor shot selections.Marina even got docked a point for receiving coaching from her support team..I do not think she did get an advantage because she obviously did not hear the  tactic..."keep the ball in the court Marina" Stephens made hard work of this match and I don't see her getting past her next opponent. Haas and Isner provided the match of the day and both fought to their best ability.I think Haas can get to the quarters not bad for an old guy!Well lots of clashes yesterday with the umpires and I can really feel for the players when they get the wrong mark checked..usually these chair umpires have never played the game and simply with no hawk eye get the mark wrong to many times.Sam Stosur again fell when expectations was high..she won the first set playing controlled aggressive tennis against Jankovic but then for no reason started her usual misses off balls she should of made.New Coach Sam ! Maria Sharapova Had words during her match and Benoit Pair'e lost it after being docked a point for receiving coaching also.Bob Brian used his smart phone to take a line call mark and he no doubt will be $2000.00 bucks lighter.He did get an official warning.Mr Gulbis is this what you want ...I think it adds to the drama to the event and we need a few moments like these. Keep up the Good work! No one will get close to the best in the business Jonny Mac so here is a video just to remind you if you have forgot!



Well not many matches for me stand out today but below are my top 3 picks.

And so with confrontation the theme below is the Daily Dirt

Competition Ladies

Round 4 selections now due , Congratulations to Tony Osborne-Errani , Ken - A.Radwanska , Feds Fan - A.Radwanska Fuzzy Yellow Balls - A. Kerber

Eliminated Bec- Stosur. Please use this post to submit your entry.

Competition's Mens

Time to Submit your round 4 selections. Congratulations to
Steve1959- Ferrer , Ken-Almagro- , Feds Fan - Ferrer Fuzzy Yellow Balls - Nishikori ,Del Boy - Wawrinka. Jenny -Ferrer 

Eliminated Bec -Monfils. Its getting tricky Good luck with round 4 and use this post for selections via the comments section.Mitch got confused with the rounds and unfortunately has been eliminated. 

Roland Garros 2013 The Dirt Files - Day 7

Recap : Some huge matches yesterday , if you have been checking a few of my top 3 matches you would of seen some of the best tennis so far at Roland Garros. This is a condensed report today so I can recharge battery's for today's feast of tennis. Rafa was upset over the scheduling and told his press conference it was a joke. He said Ladies only play best of three sets and to back up the next day is nothing ! Calm down Rafa you have looked nervous I can tell that this years title means a lot to you , you have not been at your best so my tip "is to calm the farm" I will be looking how you handle Fabio Fognini today!

Ok straight into my Top 3 matches of the day , I think I could have picked another 3 just as good.

Jankovic seems to beat up Stosur a little and this will see where Slamming one Slam Sammy is , brain vs brawn here, Paire is an up and comer he is French and may have the hometown edge on the fighting Samurai from Japan. The big match is Dimitrov vs Djokovic a week or so ago Dimitrov had a win against the Djoker ...I need to say he did not go on an win that tournament and the lack of consistency to beat a player such as Djoker in a slam I feel is not there yet.He did get a phone call from his new Girl friend Maria Sharapova hence the Daily Dirt Issue having some fun.The call was how to beat Djokovic.

If you want to leave in the comment section what you think she told him please do.
Ok where ever you are in the world today enjoy today's action. Before I go All of New Zealand will be hoping Marina Erakovic will win tonight ..whether they could be bothered to switch channels from the Rugby remains to be seen.

Roland Garros 2013 The Daily Dirt Day - 6

Recap: Rain Rain Go Away! Very frustrating for players but no doubt frustrating for fans that turned up and expected to watch Rafa his match along with a few more will be scheduled today.I have been listening a lot to Radio Roland Garros ..turning the sound down on the television ..radio has delay but its so much more fun than the Television.Does get a little silly at times but you find it is very informative especially about the players .

It was time to hit the road For Li Na , the knock out blow delivered by American Mattek-Sands . Have I mentioned how the American women are really on fire this tournament.Do not believe everything you read tennis in the USA is very competitive , very intense and would be a great place for good young juniors from our side of the world to play tournaments and gain invaluable experience . We have the idea that we must get to Europe! USA is a cheaper location and as I said a good environment for junior tournaments.

Hold on to your hats New Zealand , yes Marina has made it to the 3 rd round. She now plays American Sloane Stephens.
Anything can happen ,as we know clay is not Erakovic's favourite surface but this is tennis and anything at grand Slam level especially in the Ladies can happen.One of the commentators on radio said "how will New Zealand react"?
I think they thought dancing in the streets ..alas they have no idea of the tennis environment in this country.Marina of course attracts most of the funding  and Guys like Rubin Statham New Zealand No 1 male
receives little or no support from TNZ and refuses to play Davis Cup.Recently Cameron Norrie top 10 ITF junior defected to Great Britain.Let me have a dig at Great Britain right now ..no female from GB progressed past round 1.A nation that pours millions of Dollars into their tennis program each year is very much an under achiever.

I have mentioned a Blog called PsuedoFed before it really takes the "mickey" out of Federer...but you have to laugh... he writes as if Fed is writing to his fans here is a small section from his latest post 

"Hello Mon fans,

I thought it was time to make the little waves and say hi from Paris (France).

Even though I have a reasonably good route on My way to the finals, I’ve been a little down lately. The fact that I have to play at all is starting to dwell on the brains. I chatted about it yesterday with Roland and he said that next year he will look at having three draws, two for the other players that reach a semi-final, and the winner plays Me. I said I’ll think about it.

Anyway, I thought I would share what irritates Me a little bit of the times. Pet Peeves I believe they are called but as always fans, don’t buy them, get them from a shelter.

Here is the Link for the blog site CLICK HERE

Lots of great matches today below are my top three .

Benneteau has home town support , has beaten Rodger this year but lets face it he's up against the G.O.A.T Will the USA keep on a role with Lepchenko can she get past the 8 th seed.And can Simon play better than he did against Hewitt ..he will have to against the big serving Sam Querrey.

This has been a day 6 Dirt File Report.