Did you know that the game of tennis has French roots? It’s tough to pinpoint the exact origin of tennis as we know it today, but France heavily influenced the development of the game particularly its vocabulary. Modern tennis terminology derives from 12th century France where the game was enjoyed by French aristocracy. Here are [...]
Tennis and Yoga
February 27, 2007 By 1 Comment
Many professional tennis players practice yoga to help improve their game. For centuries, regular yoga practice has been proven to develop balance, flexibility, stamina, and strength. Tennis is a mental sport as well as a physical one, and the meditation involved in yoga can help train the mind to relax and improve concentration during matches. [...]
Federer: Stamp of Approval
February 26, 2007 By 2 Comments
Roger Federer set a new record in tennis this week, celebrating his 161st week at #1 in the world rankings. Jimmy Connors held the former record at world number one, achieving 160 consecutive weeks between July 1974 and August 1977. Federer’s streak at number one began on February 2, 2004 and will seemingly continue indefinitely. [...]
Clijsters: No Trophy For This Wife
February 25, 2007 By Leave a Comment
After competing for the last time on her home turf in Belgium, Kim Clijsters paid teary tribute to her local fans. Though Amelie Mauresmo won the Proximus Diamond Games and thereby the diamond-studded tennis racquet, Clijsters is more focused on the diamond engagment ring sparkling on her own left hand. She and her fiance American [...]
McEnroe on Federer
February 23, 2007 By Leave a Comment
The Sydney Morning Herald conducted a funny yet insightful interview with John McEnroe recently. McEnroe touches on everything from Jimmy Connors’ motivation to Federer’s similarity to Borg and admits that he doubts he could have beaten Roger even in his prime. McEnroe’s advice to Federer’s opponents? Stop being so nice, get aggressive, get in his [...]
Wimbledon Levels Playing Field
February 22, 2007 By Leave a Comment
At long last, all four Grand Slam championships will pay both the men and women equal prizes. Wimbledon has yielded to the pressures of modern day and follows the example set at last year’s French Open, paying the male and female champions on an equal scale. Wimbledon’s exact prize amounts will be announced in April. [...]
How a Tiebreak Works
February 20, 2007 By Leave a Comment
A few people have asked the great question recently, “What’s going on when they are playing a tiebreak? It doesn’t make sense to me.” Here’s what happens: when two players are tied at 6-6, the set is usually determined by one more game called a “seven point tiebreak.” You count the points using ordinary numbering. [...]
Henin Less the Hardenne
February 19, 2007 By Leave a Comment
It must be truly tough to go through a divorce and lose your world number one ranking at the same time. This is what Justine Henin is facing, yet she refuses to surrender her career. Justine recently separated from husband Pierre-Yves Hardenne and revealed publicly that she is in great pain and shock. She is [...]
Belgium Honors Clijsters
February 16, 2007 By Leave a Comment
The city of Antwerp in Belgium has honored native tennis great Kim Clijsters with a small museum of sorts, highlighting her career. Clijsters plans to retire at the end of this tennis season and Belgium wants to ensure that her legacy endures. Beginning in February, Kim’s most important trophies and other career mementos will be [...]
Robin Williams: On the Ball
February 15, 2007 By Leave a Comment
In addition to being a talented comedian and actor, did you know Robin Williams also plays a vicious game of tennis? Tennis.com features a hilarious interview with Williams in their Backcourt section. When asked why he prefers tennis to golf (unlike much of his home town San Francisco), Williams says he considers the game “chess [...]