Tag Archives: tennis

What a racket

Posted on November 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

Dear ESPN:

This note is for the team calling today’s ATP World Tour Finals, but it’s becoming an epidemic in the coverage of professional tennis –

The flip flop

The announcers start the match making strong, definitive statements about the fitness/world standings/chances of each player in the match in progress. But the moment that the momentum switches — no matter the reason, no matter how unexpected — the TV personalities abandon every previous statement, and run to the other side.

Political candidates look steadfast and true in comparison.

Every original statement is changed. Every prediction overturned. And since TV announcers always work in teams of two or three, they work together to rewrite history. So, by the end of the match, it appears they knew all along that ______________ would defeat _____________.

Gee whiz — didn’t you?

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Posted in Celebrities, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Sports, Television, TV

Tagged ATP World Tour Finals, celebrities, entertainment, ESPN, flip flop, Humor, life, professional tennis, Sports, Television, television announcers, tennis, tennis match, tennis racket, tennis world standings, TV

Advantage, Carla

Posted on September 19, 2012 | 3 Comments

For all the people who have asked me over the years how I can love tennis as much as I do without playing the game…

Guess who’s taking lessons?

I was inspired by a Groupon that was sent out during the US Open — six private lessons with a tennis pro for one-third of the regular price.

Couldn’t pass up that deal.

I had to wait until after my Italy adventure to begin, so today was my first lesson, and I could not have had a more beautiful day. Sunny skies. Cool temps. And me, actually doing pretty darn well.

I guess I can plan to play at next year’s Open.

Yeah, right.

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Posted in Humor, Life, Sports

Tagged Groupon, Humor, life, private lessons, Sports, tennis, tennis lessons, tennis pro, US Open

Back and forth

Posted on September 8, 2012 | Leave a comment

I am not one to debate politics. It’s wasted breath, in my book. And someone usually gets mad (even if they won’t admit is).

But today I found myself arguing about — of all things — tennis players. And realized it sounded much the same.

My opponent was a Federer man. Me? I’m Djokovic all the way. We had both been to US Open earlier in the week, and our conversation of shared experiences quickly dissolved into a volley of insults.

He finds Nole cocky. I think Roger defines arrogance. While we both agree that Federer is an amazing player, I find him boring to watch; he finds Fed fluid.

I like a player with personality which Djokovic has in spades. My opponent finds some of his schtick funny, but he’s a Federer man. I’m Nole all the way.

Yep. We made a lot of progress, like most political discussions.

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Posted in Commentary, Humor, Life, Relationships, Sports

Tagged commentary, debate, Humor, life, Novak Djokovic, politics, Relationships, Roger Federer, Sports, tennis, volley

Ain’t no sunshine

Posted on September 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

Yesterday I braved the storms.

I made the trek to Flushing and the US Open.

The rain had stopped. The courts were dry. I bought my hot dog and my soda in its 2012 souvenir cup.

Joining the faithful in the cheap seats, I shared my towel to wipe off the raindrops and then settled down to enjoy almost an entire set of tennis between the retiring Andy Roddick and Juan Martin Del Potro.

And then it started to rain.

I waited a bit. Then the players left the court. So I did, too.

By the time I got to the train tracks just outside the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the night session had officially been canceled.

I’m still happy to have made the journey yesterday…but not today.

The forecast is CRAP.

NOTE — After an initial two-hour delay, play resumed at the US Open. Damn forecasters never get it right.

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Posted in Entertainment, Humor, Life, Sports, Weather

Tagged ain't no sunshine, Andy Roddick, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, cheap seats, entertainment, Flushing New York, forecast, hot dog, Humor, Juan Martin Del Potro, life, New York, night session, rain, raindrops, souvenir cup, Sports, storms, tennis, tennis courts, US Open, weather

How to make it rain

Posted on September 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

These US Open tickets are replacements for a night session that was canceled due to rain last year…and today’s forecast is looking wet as well.

When I watch from home, the tennis matches are kissed by the sun. When I plan to attend?

The skies ‘weep’ with joy!

Keep your fingers crossed, everyone. I’m hoping my unintentional rain dance comes up dry tonight.

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Posted in Entertainment, Humor, Life, Sports

Tagged day session, entertainment, how to make it rain, Humor, life, night session, rain, rain dance, rain delay, Sports, sun kissed, tennis, tickets, US Open, weather, weather forecast

Sporting manners

Posted on September 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

Professional tennis players:

With a few exceptions, you display great sportsmanship.

You begin and end each match with a handshake at the net, and can often be seen applauding your opponent’s play at the conclusion of a particularly well-placed volley.

You also seem compelled to apologize when good luck comes your way…in the form of the tennis ball clipping the net and falling on the other side of the court. Immediately your hand pops up, your face adopts a look for shame.

Really? Are you truly sorry? And for what — that a 50/50 chance, a coin toss went your way this time? Why apologize for that? It will probably go the other guy’s way next time. The fates will equal things out, I’m sure.

And if they don’t? You can wave at your opponent when you hoist the trophy. Believe me, he’ll get it.

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Posted in Commentary, Humor, Life, Relationships, Sports

Tagged 50 50 chance, coin toss. trophy, commentary, Humor, life, Relationships, sporting manners, Sports, sportsmanship, tennis, tennis ball, tennis court, tennis etiquette, tennis match, tennis net, tennis players, tennis players applauding opponent's shot, tennis players shaking hands at net, US Open, volley

Sugar love

Posted on August 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

Watching US Open tennis always inspires me to be more active. But this year?

It’s making me crave sweets.

Every time Maria Sharapova is interviewed before or after a match, the commentators are talking about her new line of candies called Sugarpova. Turns out the tennis champion has a real sweet tooth.

Man, it really shows.

Her candies do look good (like you can mess up sweets). But I appreciate fun names and creative packaging.

I wanna try “Sporty Sugarpova,” lemon-lime gum that looks like little tennis balls — how cute is that?

Of course, it was first to sell out on her website.

She also sells gummies and sours, all in fun shapes and bright colors. And the prices are reasonable, too.

I really want those tennis gumballs. Gotta scour the neighborhood sweet shops that are selling them and see who has them in stock. If you find them first, drop The Egg a line? Or better yet…

Save me a bag.

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Posted in Celebrities, Commentary, Design, Food, Humor, Life, Sports, TV

Tagged candy, creative packaging, food, gum, gumballs, gummies, Humor, lemon-lime, Maria Sharapova, sours, Sports, Sporty Sugarpova, Sugarpova, sweet shop, Television, tennis, tennis balls, tennis champion, TV, US Open tennis

Nole

Posted on August 26, 2012 | Leave a comment

Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer?

As the US Open Tennis Tournament begins at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing tomorrow — and Rafa Nadal is out due to injury — the rivalry is back in the forefront.

Not to discredit Andy Murray’s gold medal at the Summer Olympics…but still –

Novak or Roger?

This video answers that question for me.

Who can be one of the greatest tennis players of all time and still have fun? Put on a good show for the kids assembled at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day? Not take himself — or his celebrity — too seriously?

I’d support that guy any day.

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Posted in Celebrities, Children, Commentary, Entertainment, Life, Sports

Tagged Andy Murray, Arthur Ashe Kids Day, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, celebrities, children, commentary, Flushing New York, gold medal, greatest tennis player, life, New York City, Novak Djokovic, Olympics, Rafa Nadal, rivalry, Roger Federer, Sports, tennis, US Open