Archive for April, 2007

Whether you are gearing up for the tennis season or looking for a good beach read, Wicked Backhand recommends the following books about tennis.

The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
This classic book discusses the inner game of tennis but this philosophy adapts well to any path in life. Making the connection between mind and body, learning to trust yourself, and focusing are illuminated here.

Tennis Fundamentals by Carol Matsuzaki
Study the basics of tennis with this handy primer. You have to put it into action to learn it, but this book will give you a starting place to figure out fundamental tennis shots, smashes, and serves.

Shape Your Self by Martina Navratilova
Martina exposes the details of her lifetime fitness regimen, distilling over 50 years of research into this absorbing book. Learn her secrets and strategies and change your life — fitness benefits much more than one’s tennis game.

Tennis and the Meaning of Life by Jay Jennings, editor
This collection of fiction with a focus on tennis will make you laugh and maybe even cry. Most of all, you’ll be amazed by the roles that tennis can play in life. Bud Collins describes the book as “championship stuff.”

The United States takes on Spain in the next round of the Davis Cup in Winston-Salem, North Carolina beginning April 6. Leading the Davis Cup team for the US in the quarterfinals will be three of the Top Ten ranked players in the world: #3 Andy Roddick, #9 James Blake, and of course the world’s #1 doubles team, Bob and Mike Bryan.

Playing for Spain will be Tommy Robredo, David Ferrer, and doubles team Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco. Rafael Nadal will not be part of his country’s team this year.

For complete television coverage of the Davis Cup quarterfinals, visit USTA.

Official Men’s Rankings (ATP Tour)

1 Roger Federer
2 Rafael Nadal
3 Andy Roddick
4 Nikolay Davydenko
5 Fernando Gonzalez
6 Tommy Robredo
7 Novak Djokovic
8 Ivan Ljubicic
9 James Blake
10 Tommy Haas

Official Women’s Rankings (WTA Tour)

1 Justine Henin
2 Maria Sharapova
3 Amelie Mauresmo
4 Kim Clijsters
5 Svetlana Kuznetsova
6 Martina Hingis
7 Nadia Petrova
8 Nicole Vaidisova
9 Jelena Jankovic
10 Anna Chakvetadze