And The Ball Bounces Again

Guess what? The US Open starts on the 27th, and I'm going to be tuned in for the next two weeks. Nadal isn't in, but Serena is. So we've got some excitement. And it's all about the tennis, the players, the commentators, the clothes and shoes, the sponsors, the endorsements, and the spectators. And it's all in New York City too!!!

Kathleen and I went to the US Open in 2004. We saw Serena. She's awesome in person. What a killer serve. With her new humbler attitude, Serena is my girl. If she can keep her tennis manners about her, I hope she takes the championship. But there's quite a few matches to go in a tournament. I'll be watching the matches along the way (even if I have to watch them taped and in the evenings).

I hope Martina does commentary. I never got to see her play at a tournament (in person and live), but she has been my inspiration in so many ways. And continues to be an inspiration today.

So join me. Watch a little of the US Open. You'll have a blast!!!

Go Serena, Go!!!

Serena, you're playing great tennis. And you've earned your place as a finalist at Wimbledon this year. Listening to you talk about yourself and tennis, you've matured beyond belief, and I like you even better.

For a while there you acted like a gifted and spoiled brat who had become accustomed to winning and being a champion. But now you've changed. Maybe your life-threatening illness woke you up to an awareness of gratitude for your blessed life. Because finally you seem grateful for the privilege to play professional tennis.

I've seen you play at the US Open, and you are a marval to watch. You are my second all time favorite tennis player (with Martina being my first and foremost). My hopes are with you as you play the championship match at Wimbledon this Saturday.

Go baby, go. We'll be watching and rooting for you. Just play your best game, and you'll be wonderful.

Not Serena's Night

Well, Serena lost a big one in the 1st round at Roland Garros  (a record breaker for her). Kathleen and I watched the match on tape, and it just wasn't Serena's night. Maybe she just couldn't rely on her serve or paint the lines like she usually does. And then there was the French crowd, who were vocally pulling for her French opponent. Or maybe as Kathleen speculated in a moment of new age color theory, her sea green outfit while beautiful was not a fierce enough color for winning a grand slam.

But regardless of the reasons for Serena's poor performance, after a second-set tie-break that Serena lost and that left her in tears, I think our American Champion realized she wasn't going to win this one. All that remained was saving face. And so she did; she played out the match like a champion.  She lost the match but not her dignity.