Elena Dementieva's Chances of Winning a Slam

article

-1

2010-03-03T14:46:00-05:00

Playerpress

60 7781 <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"> <link rel="File-List" href="file:///Users/roger/Library/Preferences/Microsoft/Clipboard/msoclip1/01/clip_clip_filelist.xml" />  <style type="text/css">  </style>  </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> Someone asked recently, "Does Elena Dementieva have a chance of winning a Grand Slam", and my reply was:   <o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p> Who cares! Just to watch the most beautiful legs on any woman in this known universe is a pleasure for me. Since I AM a "Leg Man", I hope she wins a major, or anything else because I would really like to see more of her.   Imagine that jump'in around a pair of black 6" spike heels and baby doll PJs. I'd like to see a Dementieva calendar. Tall girls don't usually have great legs but she has got 'em! And, I love the short little dresses she wears; As Charlie Callius use to say "Nahng Nahng Nahng"!   All testosterone aside, I think she has the power, stealth, and speed to win a big one. She just needs to get a more aggressive "Come to the net, put the pressure on" type of game. Cleaning up her serve to stop the double faults would go a long way.   There are other girls that can hit the angles and lines better like Sarina and Venus or have a stronger mental focus (Justine Henin) and until she climbs to this level of shot making and steel concentration, she's gonna be stuck where she is. Maybe a mental reprogramming CD would help her get that edge.    The most important thing in achieving a breakthrough in any level of any sport is your belief system, that's what your INNER mental picture of your abilities believes. You can change this belief system by hypnosis, and mental visualization to reprogram your inner mind to actually feel like you've already won, to "Fool" your mind to think you've already reached your goal, or in this case to think you have actually won a Grand Slam.    Once you've beaten the "Winner" or the one who's suppose to be the winner, and you've established a personal history like that, it begets more Grand Slam wins, and you don't THINK you can win, you KNOW you can win.   When Del Potro beat Federer at the U.S. Open last year he got over that hump of "I can do it". Kim Clijsters was able to defeat Caroline Wozniacki (first time finalist in US Open) because she was a previous champion, had done it before, she had the personal history of winning to draw from,  Wozniacki had never won a major title.   A great football coach once said "It's really hard to win a Super Bowl, until you lost one". The mind is a funny thing, you can "Fool" it to make it think you're a winner, or you can let it "Fool" you to make you think you can't. The choice is up to you. As they say, between two seemingly equal competitors, "It's all mental anyway"   Keep your eye on the ball   Roger - The Tennis Pro <a href="http://www.awinnersway.com/tennis"> </a> <img width="143" hspace="5" height="174" align="left" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/tennisrog.jpg" /> <o:p></o:p>    76.97.188.228

2010-03-03T14:46:00-05:00

elena-dementieva-s-chances-of-winning-a-slam

Yes 174.36.241.149, 68.5.26.212, 38.98.19.68, 123.125.66.133, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.233, 76.97.188.228, 72.44.61.86, 204.236.198.91, 216.24.142.47, 64.13.147.187, 89.151.116.61, 75.101.170.136, 72.13.91.40, 67.207.201.144, 216.24.142.46, 184.73.20.47, 65.52.26.149, 70.37.70.228, 174.129.142.69, 174.129.90.99, 66.249.67.186, 78.13.25.86, 174.36.10.166, 66.172.194.105, 142.166.170.61, 97.74.144.200, 75.101.219.83, 75.101.232.109, 114.182.50.82, 67.195.115.214, 75.101.233.125, 123.21.148.206, 72.44.41.146, 75.101.238.112, 62.249.32.77, 66.235.124.55, 174.37.80.224, 38.99.96.233, 188.192.166.139, 66.249.68.227, 119.63.198.5, 71.95.178.68, 80.239.242.214, 91.143.109.40, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.141.199, 87.250.252.241, 85.17.226.119, 98.245.154.11, 64.13.222.190, 67.218.116.131, 81.94.194.34, 81.94.206.226, 174.129.139.3, 66.249.68.236, 66.249.68.8, 203.97.214.229, 208.80.193.58, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.65.40

Elena Dementieva's Chances of Winning a Slam

No Elena Dementieva, mental reprogrammin, winning tennis

-1

Elena Dementieva's Chances of Winning a Slam

447

writer

article

-1

2010-03-02T00:13:00-05:00

Playerpress

50 7758 <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"> <link rel="File-List" href="file:///Users/roger/Library/Preferences/Microsoft/Clipboard/msoclip1/01/clip_clip_filelist.xml" />  <style type="text/css">  </style>  </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> Bad Director of Photography   Did ‘ya ever want to get your hands around the throat of the guy that keeps changing the active camera on a tennis match? He’s called the DP or director of photography, and the “Active” camera is the one that actually is transmitting the picture you see on your screen. Some directors seem to think they’re creating a Pulitzer prize potential winner, and want to “Capture” all the intensity of each of the players by zooming up their nose hairs or to the back of the retina of their eyeballs, in a close-up just before they serve or are waiting to receive serve. Like this is going to involve the viewer on a much deeper level. Then they forget to push the transfer button soon enough and we the viewers never get to see that 137 mph serve in the first place! What idiots! They need to go back to videography school and take production 101, which teaches “Communicate the information FIRST! Then there’s the guy who thinks we’d like to watch the match from 2 feet above the court sitting at the very back corner of the court. He’s probably never actually played the game in the first place, so how would he know it’s…IRRITATING!   <o:p></o:p> I say, “Why don’t you just get someone who actually PLAYS tennis to be the director if you want to deliver the information…once again…the information, to the viewer. Once in a while it may be nice to watch Nadal do his 5 point hair push, butt pull, pocket check, ball bounce, and snarl…just before serving, but everyyyyy time?! PULLEEAASE! Just show me the match so I can see the action and 100% of it AS it happens, that’s all I ask. The worst of this type of mis-display of information was in the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships recently on the TENNIS CHANNEL. This DP has absolutely no clue of what tennis is about, and was definitely going for the record in bad camera choice all the time.   <o:p></o:p> All in all if they would just follow the rule KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid, we would all be grateful.   <o:p></o:p> Don’t make me come down there,   <o:p></o:p> Roger the Tennis Pro   76.97.188.228

2010-03-02T00:13:00-05:00

let-us-just-watch-the-match

Yes 123.125.66.91, 68.5.26.212, 66.249.67.154, 76.97.188.228, 216.24.142.45, 184.73.30.105, 204.236.198.91, 66.249.68.184, 89.151.116.56, 70.37.70.228, 75.101.240.79, 67.202.5.6, 72.13.91.40, 67.202.7.134, 79.99.6.106, 208.74.66.38, 208.74.66.39, 64.13.147.187, 174.36.241.157, 72.44.38.12, 174.129.151.29, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 83.149.199.55, 75.101.139.240, 75.101.176.194, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.141.199, 72.44.61.86, 206.83.86.2, 128.241.112.231, 38.99.96.233, 84.80.153.143, 186.137.24.219, 201.254.105.122, 66.55.145.4, 72.44.54.68, 71.41.201.34, 212.90.208.220, 67.195.113.247, 216.129.119.11, 218.28.29.236, 38.98.19.68, 66.172.194.105, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.170.61, 87.250.252.241, 119.63.198.59, 174.129.139.3, 66.249.67.49, 66.249.68.8

Let us just watch the match!

No videography direction, bad camera selection, poor director of photography, TENNIS CHANNEL

-1

Let us just watch the match!

447

writer

article

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2009-12-23T19:17:02-05:00

Playerpress

81 6707 It occurred to me that in my previous column I forgot to mention Elena Dementieva. She is consistently one of the top players in the game. She always challenges at grand slams. She's won an Olympic Gold Medal, but yet she's always so easy to overlook. That's in part because she still hasn't won a grand slam or been to No. 1 in the world. I hope that I am wrong, but I don't think that trend will change this year. I love Elena. I love watching her play. I think she is the best mover in the game. She moves gracefully around the court, but she can also come up with some big shots on both sides of the ball. Her serve has improved, but it can still be a liability on important points. To me the biggest problem with Elena is that she gets too tight when the match is on the line. I still don't think she fully believes she can win a slam. She played a great match against Serena Williams at Wimbledon. The best women's match of the year. However, Serena came up with the goods on the big points, while Elena got tight. I hope that 2010 will be the year Elena loosens up and goes for it on the big points and finally believes she can be the best. The game is there all she needs is the belief. And if she does believe, the women's game will be that much better for it. 173.142.31.189

2009-12-23T19:17:02-05:00

dementieva-the-forgotten-player

Yes 66.249.68.233, 174.36.228.154, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.67.229, 204.111.41.251, 174.129.157.222, 94.71.218.193, 67.195.112.159, 173.142.225.254, 142.166.3.122, 87.250.252.241, 142.166.170.101, 66.249.67.67, 66.249.68.150, 75.69.201.117, 66.249.67.84, 142.166.170.104, 86.80.185.138, 209.249.53.105, 218.28.29.236, 38.99.98.21, 91.143.109.40, 173.124.156.124, 209.249.53.43, 119.63.198.29, 123.125.66.51, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.67.58, 66.235.124.54, 76.67.80.51, 66.249.67.185, 207.241.228.152, 66.249.68.143, 174.127.132.157, 71.65.246.118, 74.53.3.132, 212.159.154.233, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.67.162, 65.55.207.27, 67.195.114.42, 98.21.204.67, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.68.202, 67.218.116.131, 205.209.170.11, 69.115.241.123, 209.191.123.35, 174.132.242.42, 65.55.106.181, 203.131.250.162, 67.195.112.114, 66.249.68.204, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.106.180, 65.55.207.134, 67.195.37.188, 216.129.119.11, 65.55.106.111, 67.195.112.88, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 207.46.204.182, 66.249.68.81, 68.5.26.212, 66.249.67.186, 38.98.19.111, 78.13.25.86, 66.172.194.105, 114.182.50.82, 123.21.148.206, 123.125.66.123, 188.192.162.24, 67.195.113.247, 119.63.198.26, 207.46.195.227, 203.97.214.229, 66.249.68.236, 66.249.65.40, 66.249.65.36

Dementieva: The forgotten player

No Tennis, Elena Dementieva

-1

Dementieva: The forgotten player

1956

writer

article

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2009-12-23T19:17:00-05:00

Playerpress

65 6708 Serena Williams. I am not a fan. I think her tirade at the U.S. Open was terrible and that she's a bad role model for kids. However, there's no question in my mind she is the best tennis player in the world and she did deserve to be named the AP's top female athlete of 2009. She won the Australian Open and Wimbledon. She clearly had the best season in tennis. For all the bad things I could say about Serena the one thing I can't knock is her competitiveness and her heart. She never gives up. She never believes she's out of a match, or that she's ever going to lose. Her drive, and self confidence are what separates her from many other players. She has 11 slams and it's a shame she doesn't have more. She's had her share of injuries and she's been distracted by things off the court, which have kept her from fulfilling her complete potential. I truly believe she is the most talented player to ever play the game on the women's side. Margaret Court with 24 singles slams and Steffi Graf with 22 are considered the two greatest of all time, but if Serena would have been more focused earlier in her career she would catch Court's 24 slams. Serena has the biggest serve in the game and knows exactly when she needs to pull it out. I've never seen anyone better at coming up with the goods when they needed it the most. I think 2010 will be a great year in part because the one person who can challenge Serena - Justin Henin - will be back. It will be great to see the two of them pushing each other and making each other better. Hopefully, they will both stay healthy and on tour for everyone to see. I think Serena still has plenty left in the tank and I would like to see her reach all the potential she has inside. While I'm not a fan of Serena's, I love the game of tennis and I'm hopeful that this year we will get to see some of the best players to ever play the game, play at their very best. 173.142.31.189

2009-12-23T19:17:00-05:00

serena-simply-the-best-in-the-world

Yes 174.36.228.154, 67.195.111.172, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.68.233, 66.249.67.229, 142.166.3.122, 204.111.41.251, 174.129.157.222, 174.127.132.128, 63.215.202.234, 119.63.198.53, 38.99.98.21, 66.249.67.67, 142.166.170.101, 66.249.68.150, 24.126.116.88, 66.249.67.84, 209.249.53.105, 142.166.170.103, 87.250.252.241, 38.99.98.102, 123.125.66.105, 66.249.67.58, 66.249.67.185, 207.241.228.152, 66.249.68.143, 174.127.132.160, 71.65.246.118, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.67.162, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.207.97, 62.56.151.5, 66.249.68.248, 93.186.20.206, 66.249.68.202, 174.127.132.155, 69.115.241.123, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.245, 65.55.207.140, 67.195.112.85, 67.195.37.188, 203.131.250.162, 66.249.68.204, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.106.107, 67.195.112.114, 82.203.3.1, 213.133.110.166, 216.129.119.11, 65.55.218.159, 65.55.109.27, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.114.230, 207.46.199.44, 142.166.170.102, 174.127.132.114, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.199.41

Serena: Simply The Best In The World

No Serena Williams, tennis, Steffi Graf, Justine Henin

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Serena: Simply The Best In The World

1956

writer

article

-1

2009-12-23T19:13:00-05:00

Playerpress

68 6706 Soon the huge serves, dominating forehands and blistering backhands will return. The new tennis season is not far off (thankfully). I for one think 2010 will be a great one for both the men and the women. I will save my actual predictions for a later column, but I think both the men's and women's games are more competitive and compelling than ever. The men's game is wide open. I think Roger Federer will start to slow down. Rafael Nadal still has some good years left in him, but injuries are always a worry with him. Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro are also big contenders. Guys like Andy Roddick and Nikolay Davydenko are always dark horses to win a major and can't be completely overlooked. With so much depth and so many possibilities the men's game should be great this year and a lot of fun to watch. You never know what might happen next or when somebody might come out of nowhere to pull off a surprise. The women's game is even more intriguing to me. I think it's going to be a season full of surprises. I think 2010 is going to be the year of comebacks. One in particular stands out - Justine Henin. I think the Belgian will return to the top of the game. She is in my mind the best player in the world and a lot of fun to watch. Maria Sharapova will continue her comeback as she tries to win her first major since her big shoulder injury of 2008. I also think Jelena Dokic and Nicole Vaidisova could surprise people in comebacks of their own (but I'm also biased because they are two of my favorites). Obviously, Serena and Venus Williams as well as Dinara Safina and Kim Clijsters are the big threats to win slams. I also think Jelena Jankovic is going to have a big year. I could go on and on, because there are so many players that could have big, big seasons. Still for me, the smallest player is the one to watch, even though I'm not a fan. Welcome back Justine, things are about to get interesting. 173.142.31.189

2009-12-23T19:13:00-05:00

2010-is-going-to-be-awesome

Yes 66.249.68.233, 174.36.228.154, 67.195.111.172, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.67.229, 142.166.3.122, 204.111.41.251, 174.129.157.222, 174.127.132.126, 76.30.97.44, 63.215.202.234, 173.142.225.254, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.67.67, 72.77.122.107, 66.249.67.84, 142.166.170.101, 66.249.68.150, 72.30.142.161, 218.28.29.236, 142.166.170.104, 119.63.198.40, 96.42.212.119, 173.124.156.124, 123.125.66.32, 114.58.216.77, 66.249.67.58, 66.249.67.185, 207.241.228.152, 74.96.20.212, 66.249.68.219, 142.166.170.102, 66.249.68.143, 76.220.195.126, 174.127.132.154, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.67.162, 65.55.207.71, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.68.202, 67.218.116.131, 69.115.241.123, 66.249.68.245, 65.55.216.54, 66.249.68.149, 67.195.112.85, 66.249.68.113, 67.195.37.188, 203.131.250.162, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.106.203, 67.195.112.114, 142.166.170.100, 174.127.132.161, 216.129.119.11, 83.136.201.3, 65.55.104.13, 65.55.106.184, 208.115.111.245, 65.55.106.229, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.68.72, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.113.247, 142.166.170.81, 207.46.199.52

2010 Is Going To Be Awesome

No Tennis, Justine Henin, Roger Federer

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2010 Is Going To Be Awesome

1956

writer

article

-1

2009-12-23T19:09:00-05:00

Playerpress

74 6705 Tennis withdrawal. I think it's what every fan is going through right now. Luckily there are ways to get us through it. On youtube you can always find old matches from past years, including classics like Connors-Krickstien from the U.S. Open of 91. I've also discovered a site called tennis forum. It has pages for every player in the game and on there you can find videos for tons of matches on pretty much every player. It's a great way to pass the time if you're stuck inside while there's a snowstorm outside! At least there was some tennis this week as Nicole Vaidisova won her first match in 6 months in an ITF tournament in Dubai. She lost in the quarters but did win two matches. In two more weeks the new season will begin and we can all get back to watching live tennis matches. Until then just keep thinking positive thoughts and the new season will be here before you know it. TK 173.142.31.189

2009-12-23T19:09:00-05:00

tennis-adict-s-worst-nightmare

Yes 66.249.68.233, 174.36.228.154, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.67.229, 71.205.104.189, 142.166.3.122, 174.129.157.222, 38.99.98.21, 67.195.112.159, 64.53.198.184, 98.210.107.191, 66.249.67.67, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.150, 173.74.17.198, 66.249.67.84, 142.166.170.101, 72.30.142.161, 119.63.198.14, 209.249.53.105, 66.235.124.57, 123.125.66.100, 66.249.67.58, 216.153.190.227, 66.249.67.185, 64.12.117.75, 207.241.228.152, 66.249.68.143, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.65.119, 69.230.68.20, 66.249.65.109, 67.195.114.243, 66.249.68.137, 65.55.106.229, 66.249.67.162, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.68.202, 67.218.116.131, 67.195.114.42, 69.115.241.123, 66.249.68.245, 65.55.207.78, 66.249.68.149, 99.177.68.132, 187.21.45.182, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.112.85, 65.55.106.160, 203.131.250.162, 67.195.37.188, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.112.114, 213.133.110.166, 66.249.68.155, 65.55.207.21, 216.129.119.11, 216.203.45.199, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.68.187, 66.249.68.251, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.72, 207.46.204.244, 66.249.68.236, 142.166.170.102, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.178, 67.195.113.247, 142.166.170.104, 66.249.68.172, 66.249.68.210, 207.46.195.235, 64.111.24.143

Tennis adict's worst nightmare

No Tennis, offseason, videos

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Tennis adict's worst nightmare

1956

writer

article

-1

2009-12-23T12:20:00-05:00

Playerpress

51 6696  It's that time of year again, when awards are given for the best of the year.    Recently, <a href="http://www.tennisearth.com/news/tennisNews/Serena-Williams-named-the-2009-AP-Female-Athlete-of-the-Year-587827.htm">Serena Williams was named 2009 AP Female Athlete of the Year</a>.  Congratulations to Serena, who is great for women's tennis and for U.S. tennis.  But the silly part of this story is that Zaynetta came in second.  Zaynetta is the first female horse to win the Breeder's Cup.  What in the name of women's athletics is going on?  If we're including other species, why draw the line at horses?   Let's check all of the dog tracks, some female dog may have had a fantastic year.  Or perhaps there is some queen bee somewhere that had a more productive year than all the other queens.  Time to check with beekepers everywhere.     <a href="http://www.insideline.com/car-news/jimmie-johnson-is-aps-top-male-athlete.html">Jimmie Johnson was the AP top male athlete.</a>  It is the first time a race driver has won in 78 years of voting.  No word on where Johnson's car finished in the voting.  Actually, that may fall under the category of female athletes.  Kerri named her Mustang "Sally", which is probably obvious.  Maybe they will start voting for female robots too.     Of course, not only is it the end of the year but the decade is coming to a close.  The AP named <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/16/tiger-woods-ap-athlete-of_n_394047.html">Tiger Woods the athlete of the decade</a>.  Recently, Woods proved that not only is he a world class golfer but he also excels at bedroom gymnastics.  Lance Armstrong finished second, Roger Federer third, Michael Phelps fourth and Tom Brady fifth. 74.98.182.41

2009-12-23T12:20:00-05:00

athletes-of-the-year

Yes 174.37.205.87, 66.249.68.233, 67.195.111.172, 174.129.141.17, 69.26.219.2, 66.249.67.229, 67.195.112.159, 69.86.105.152, 63.215.202.234, 38.99.98.21, 94.71.218.193, 119.63.198.24, 72.30.142.161, 98.207.235.74, 87.250.252.241, 218.28.29.236, 24.16.186.87, 123.125.66.43, 207.241.228.152, 66.249.68.143, 66.249.68.38, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.65.97, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.67.162, 65.55.207.23, 67.195.114.42, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.68.202, 69.115.241.123, 91.199.50.100, 65.55.215.75, 67.195.112.85, 67.195.37.188, 142.166.170.102, 67.195.112.114, 38.99.97.10, 83.136.201.3, 65.55.109.194, 216.129.119.11, 208.115.111.245, 174.129.237.157, 65.55.207.102, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.72, 67.195.115.214, 207.46.195.231, 67.195.113.247

Athletes Of The Year

No Serena Williams, Jimmie Johnson, Tiger Woods

-1

Athletes Of The Year

793

writer

article

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2009-11-09T10:34:00-05:00

Playerpress

105 5997 <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"> <link rel="File-List" href="file:///Users/roger/Library/Preferences/Microsoft/Clipboard/msoclip1/01/clip_clip_filelist.xml" />  <style type="text/css">  </style>  </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> Well if you watched the Swiss Davidoff Indoor Open and witnessed Roger Federer’s defeat / mauling, from Novak Djokovic, you kind’a gott’a ask the question…has “Jokie” got Roger’s number…or has Roger just lost some of his competitive spirit?     After Djokovic won the last set 6 –2 it pretty well answers the question, “Does he think he can win”? This man Djokovic is going be a steam roller power house from now on and with a forehand like he has, coupled with a “I’ve beaten the best now”, attitude, you can bet you’ll see him at the top of the heap in the next few years.   <o:p></o:p> The question is, what happened to Roger? A bigger question is, what happens to any top champion after a while. I mean, how do you keep being the best, after you’ve done for so long. You gott’a say sometimes, “Oh what the heck, I’m just tired of all this “Winning stuff”, being the best, proving myself, coming from behind to win, I’m just going to relax and let down, my trophy room is too full, I’ve got too much money in the bank, FAGATABOUTIT! Your mind just needs a vacation as well as your body.   <o:p></o:p> Maybe that’s where Roger’s mind was last Sunday, and you know what…I don’t blame him. He needs a vacation, but you haven’t seen the last of him, ‘cause after a little while in Margaritaville, you get the taste for the "Blood of your opponent", and he’ll be back and look out, HE will be the steam roller, and don’t get in his way!   <o:p></o:p> We still love you Roger Federer!<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Keep your eye on the ball,   <o:p></o:p> Roger – The Tennis Pro 76.97.188.228

2009-11-09T10:34:00-05:00

federer-s-mind-on-vacation

Yes 68.5.26.212, 66.249.67.238, 38.98.19.111, 174.36.241.157, 66.249.68.227, 98.189.178.167, 67.195.112.109, 200.126.226.16, 123.125.66.104, 76.97.188.228, 75.101.197.164, 83.149.199.55, 216.24.142.47, 38.108.180.131, 69.209.195.235, 85.242.131.220, 67.195.114.233, 67.218.116.134, 67.218.116.131, 213.149.247.102, 216.129.119.11, 98.225.247.61, 66.249.68.242, 119.63.198.46, 213.55.95.60, 174.127.132.10, 66.249.67.206, 67.195.37.172, 58.152.138.40, 67.218.116.164, 190.230.148.91, 67.218.116.130, 216.129.119.41, 216.129.119.40, 66.249.65.199, 66.249.65.200, 67.195.112.159, 193.227.223.1, 94.67.126.187, 66.235.124.54, 208.43.229.68, 216.226.170.4, 81.26.234.17, 65.55.107.180, 66.249.67.174, 66.249.68.230, 74.125.16.3, 209.202.168.80, 66.249.68.172, 163.1.5.153, 66.249.67.229, 66.249.68.178, 66.249.68.195, 66.249.68.233, 94.65.245.191, 67.195.111.172, 84.98.16.18, 173.58.84.253, 88.159.73.53, 87.250.252.241, 65.55.107.179, 98.216.38.91, 207.241.228.152, 66.249.68.219, 66.249.68.166, 66.249.68.143, 65.55.106.111, 91.76.136.207, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.67.162, 66.249.68.137, 72.250.248.156, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.67.136, 65.55.109.184, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.68.245, 66.249.68.149, 66.249.67.218, 65.55.106.108, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 142.166.170.103, 65.55.207.26, 195.70.135.137, 66.249.68.204, 66.249.68.120, 38.99.97.10, 66.249.68.155, 130.209.239.6, 83.234.14.150, 208.115.111.245, 65.55.106.156, 67.195.112.88, 190.58.209.176, 66.249.68.187, 66.249.68.72, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 207.46.204.192, 66.249.67.154, 67.195.113.247

Federer's Mind on Vacation

No Roger Federer, Federer's loss

-1

Federer's Mind on Vacation

447

writer

article

-1

2009-11-04T22:06:00-05:00

Playerpress

72 5936   <meta content="" name="Title" /> <meta content="" name="Keywords" /> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" /> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 10" name="Generator" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 10" name="Originator" />  <style type="text/css">  </style>Does anyone remember his or her Greek mythology? Since I lived in Greece for over 2 years, learned how to speak Greek, played with a Greek band, spent the night dancing in the Plaka and more…it has more of a personal relationship with me. In Greek mythology it was a standard “Thing” when the “Gods” or at least one of them gave a little “Help” to one of the warriors or athletes in a heated battle or contest. <o:p></o:p>   This gave them an edge over the other competitors, and ALMOST every time helped that contestant come out a winner. <o:p></o:p> If you watch any sport (and tennis is the focus here) it seems that the same type of thing happens, but it only happens in the favor of the competitor who doesn’t “Blow it” in terms of “Giving” the point away, or make a ton of unforced errors. It always seems like the luck…if you want to call it that, goes to the more consistent, medium pace, pick-your-time to attack…player.<o:p></o:p> In the contest with Roger Federer and Andreas Seppi in the Basel Switzerland tournament going on now, that phenomenon was all too clear. Seppi is a hot player, but lacks the constant ability to keep the pressure on. He makes some great shots, but then gives just as many away, and the “Gods” don’t favor that.<o:p></o:p> He had his chances with Federer, like all players do, but “The Fed” was just as I have mentioned in a previous article like “Water on a Stone”, wearing him away, making a few unconscious shots, but mostly just keeping the pressure on all the time. The result, unforced errors by Seppi, and in the end another loss to the champion. <o:p></o:p> Another mind blowing situation for the non-champion in most cases, is when they do get a chance to win the point, blow the champ out of the water, so to speak…they can’t believe the opportunity is there and STILL miss the shot. The open court (or opportunity) is so apparent they want to turn to the people in the stands and say, “Hey, look at this open court”, and that one thought causes them to blow it.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p> If you watch any match between two competitors of equal ability or standing, the upper hand always goes back and forth several times, and what tips the scales in one player’s favor is usually one or two points, calls or events. If it goes against the recognized champion the crowd loves it, but the champ just gets tougher, that’s what makes them the champion. So…it’s mental toughness apparently that wins out, the ability to turn a losing situation in to a winning opportunity. That’s why they call that person a winner. <o:p></o:p> So…let’s congratulate all the winners out there, be they on T.V. or on the local park tennis court. It’s your mind that makes you a winner, and not the racquet, not the Gatoraid, not your coach, just YOU! So…the next time you come from behind to win, pat yourself on the back, congratulate yourself, have that extra beer, and say “Yes, I did it because I AM a winner, and I deserve it!<o:p></o:p> You'll be better the next time you play because of the added confidence!<o:p></o:p> Best of luck and Keep your eye on the ball<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p> Roger the Tennis Pro 68.5.26.212

2009-11-04T22:06:00-05:00

the-tennis-gods

Yes 68.5.26.212, 66.249.67.238, 200.126.226.16, 66.249.68.227, 69.63.178.248, 123.125.66.28, 76.97.188.228, 75.101.197.164, 67.195.115.163, 83.149.199.55, 216.24.142.47, 174.37.205.82, 65.83.101.227, 38.98.19.111, 66.135.56.37, 194.36.10.7, 216.129.119.11, 129.234.193.194, 67.195.113.245, 67.218.116.131, 98.189.178.167, 67.218.116.134, 119.63.199.38, 66.249.68.242, 66.249.67.134, 66.249.67.130, 24.34.22.126, 67.195.112.109, 66.249.67.174, 216.129.119.13, 66.249.67.66, 216.129.119.43, 67.195.112.159, 67.195.111.172, 208.43.229.68, 71.30.138.199, 66.249.67.206, 65.55.207.48, 163.1.5.153, 209.202.168.80, 91.205.174.49, 87.250.252.241, 209.249.53.134, 173.57.183.135, 204.12.248.194, 209.249.53.179, 65.55.107.180, 66.249.67.229, 66.249.68.233, 66.249.68.143, 65.98.224.6, 65.55.106.210, 74.53.3.132, 65.55.207.94, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.106.131, 67.195.37.188, 142.166.170.100, 174.127.132.161, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.104.14, 67.195.112.114, 64.140.49.72, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.112.88, 207.46.199.45, 66.249.68.72, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.67.154, 207.46.195.233, 67.195.113.247

The Tennis Gods

No Basel Switzerland, Federer, Seppi

-1

The Tennis Gods

447

writer

article

-1

2009-10-18T12:22:00-04:00

Playerpress

103 5680 Athletes are a strange bunch of characters and personalities that sometimes exhibit some very strange behavior for what appears to be absolutely no reason, no logical founding, and it has absolutely no effect on the outcome of what ever they are trying to accomplish. These are called tics, and tennis players probably seem to be the worst because their tics can be observed so easily in any match if you watch them with the focus of picking up these idiosyncrasies. <o:p></o:p>   <h1>BALL BOUNCING<o:p></o:p></h1> When serving, this is “Dribbling” the tennis ball up and down like a basketball, for what seems to be an eon of time to someone watching the match. I can only imagine what the opponent on the other side of the court receiving the serve must feel like. I’d be screaming, “Just hit the damm ball will ‘ya!<o:p></o:p> In watching the Shanghai Open this weekend I counted Novak Djokovic bounding the ball an average of 12 to 14 (or more) times before actually throwing it up for the serve. Now I ‘gotta ask, what is going through their mind while all this is happening? Some people say it’s to achieve some kind of rhythm or attunement with the ball, the game, the…whatever. Being an instructor of the game for over 25 years and a high school coach for part of that time, producing several Cds and DVDs on the mental side of winning along with a book on that subject (<a href="http://www.awinnersway.com/tennis.html">http://www.awinnersway.com/tennis.html</a>) I think I’m qualified to comment on what does and does not give you a better chance to come out a winner. Bounding the ball 17 times before serving just uses your energy and makes for a mental distraction. So what’s the deal, if you don’t bounce it just right or just the right amount of times, you’re not going to get a good serve? You don’t need this going through your head right then, so just get on with it, your opponent will thank you, the crowd will thank you and you’ll probably have a better first serve percentage or at least the same. I wonder if anyone’s ever done a statistics analysis on “Ball bouncers” vs. “Non-bouncers” as it relates to first serve percentages? The problem is, the rank and file player sees it and they figure, “If it’s good enough for the pros, it’s good enough for me”, so they start doing it, now you got an epidemic of ball bouncers who think this is something the just “Gott’a do” to be good.<o:p></o:p> Here’s a tip, “Don’t waste energy for any reason”, you’ll play better, and win more matches…Duh!<o:p></o:p> <h1>RACQUET SPINNERS<o:p></o:p></h1> These are the people that after they hit the ball, in between strokes, they spin the racquet, yes WHILE the point is in progress. Where in Heaven’s name did they learn this (probably on television of course)? Talk about using up energy and making things more complicated, that’s the way to do it. Once again, just hit the ball! Every second you spend doing unrelated behavior wastes energy.<o:p></o:p> <h1>HAIR & CLOTHES ADJUSTMENTS<o:p></o:p></h1> This is something that makes me want to ask, “What is the coach thinking”, aren’t they suppose to pick up on any and everything that could make a player better at winning? Wouldn’t eliminating every little thing that is not essential to hitting the ball effectively, be better for the player?<o:p></o:p> Roddick - I see Andy Roddick pulling on his shirt every 30 seconds or always in between points. Why not just buy a shirt that doesn’t hang on you like a wet bead spread? You’ve got enough to think…or not think about, why be wearing a shirt you have to “Adjust” every point. Sleeveless shirts are the new rage, and they fit great, and don’t require any “Micro adjustment” all the time. Anyone you see wearing one never is pulling on it or messing with it. Just BUY ONE!<o:p></o:p> Nadal – Now here is one guy that is really off the deep end when it comes to tics and weird non-essential behavior. He has such a regimented behavior tic pattern it’s just a riot to watch. On change-overs he’s got two bottles of water he drinks out of, each one sitting in a specific place, and goes through the same “Dry off-drink water- knee bounce – towel off  proceedure. My wife and I are laughing so hard we can’t stand it watching him last night against Lopez in the semi’s at Shanghai. We even made up terms for the ritual he goes through before serving. First of all, his shorts (which look like Pjs) are obviously too tight because he’s always pulling them down by the ass end. So…it works like this, with the serve. 1- the “Shairapova pull-back” hair adjustment (she’s another one) it’s like there’s an invisible lock of hair on each side of his ear…but there isn’t…that he’s got to push back over his ear. He’s wearing a headband to KEEP the hair in place, but he does this “Over the ear” thing anyway. 2. The butt pull – Tugs at the back of his shorts in the gluteus maximus region. 3. The pocked check/push – Pushes down is pocket that his holding the second ball. 3. The Snarl – Left portion of his lip raises showing some teeth as the ball hand goes up. So…it’s the Hair push, butt pull, pocket check, ball bounce, Snarl – SERVE! Every single time, minus the ball bounce if receiving serve. <o:p></o:p> STATISTICS: In an average 3 set match 6-4, 4-6.6-4 (30 games) each player will serve an average of 120 serves. If they bounce the ball like Djokovic only 10 times before serving each time that’s 1200 bounces per match. Does that make any sense at all, if you’re trying to conserve energy?! If you’re Nadal and you do the Butt Pull, Hair push, Pocket check, when receiving as well as serving…in that same match (not counting tie breakers) you’ve just done almost 1000 pieces of unrelated behavior (not counting ball bouncing) that could have been eliminated and have nothing to do with winning.<o:p></o:p> Solution for them all: get a pair of shorts/shirts that fit, trim your hair, quit bouncing the ball and SERVE! You’ll play better, win more, and…we’ll enjoy watching more tennis in less amount of time!<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p> Keep your eye on the ball, and don’t make me come down there!<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p> Roger the Tennis Pro  201.254.119.56

2009-10-18T12:22:00-04:00

shanghai-open-tics-fidgets

Yes 68.5.26.212, 66.249.67.136, 201.254.119.56, 66.249.68.248, 200.126.226.16, 72.30.142.117, 123.125.66.113, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.155.45, 67.228.11.210, 72.30.79.93, 128.241.112.231, 174.46.170.180, 218.28.29.234, 72.30.79.47, 67.218.116.131, 119.63.199.42, 124.120.208.87, 216.129.119.11, 65.55.105.226, 72.30.87.99, 171.161.56.16, 38.98.19.66, 67.195.115.163, 216.129.119.13, 67.218.116.134, 66.249.67.133, 67.218.116.164, 216.129.119.40, 66.249.68.245, 216.129.119.43, 98.23.19.83, 216.129.119.41, 142.227.153.3, 64.38.3.50, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.68.227, 67.218.116.133, 67.218.116.166, 67.218.116.162, 66.249.67.238, 72.30.78.232, 174.46.170.182, 66.235.124.55, 67.195.113.245, 72.30.142.161, 98.189.178.167, 66.249.68.242, 66.249.67.174, 67.195.112.109, 67.195.114.233, 201.254.107.176, 65.55.207.25, 174.127.132.10, 205.209.170.2, 195.113.214.214, 82.130.28.24, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.65.200, 208.43.229.68, 65.55.106.231, 163.1.5.153, 38.99.98.16, 209.202.168.80, 66.249.68.195, 87.250.252.241, 209.249.53.134, 71.169.75.134, 209.249.53.179, 174.127.132.155, 65.55.207.74, 66.249.68.233, 207.241.228.152, 65.55.106.131, 65.55.107.180, 66.249.68.143, 74.53.3.132, 216.45.240.86, 66.249.65.109, 65.55.106.115, 67.195.114.42, 68.218.0.243, 209.191.123.35, 174.127.132.134, 65.55.106.211, 65.55.110.111, 65.55.106.179, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.106.181, 67.195.37.188, 38.99.97.10, 69.42.184.90, 66.249.68.184, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.68.187, 65.55.207.101, 67.195.112.88, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.72, 67.195.114.230, 207.46.199.43

Shanghai Open - Tics & Fidgets

No Shanghai Open, Fidgets, Tics, ball bouncing, clothes adjustments

-1

Shanghai Open - Tics & Fidgets

447

writer