Court Six: November/December 2014
Impractical Jokers hit the Island
The truTV show “Impractical Jokers” came to Long Island recently and filmed a segment at Bethpage Park Tennis Center. For those not familiar with the program, Brian "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray, Joe Gatto and Sal Vulcano have entertained each other for years with hilarious practical jokes. And now, these real-life best friends challenge each other to outrageous dares and stunts … all caught on hidden camera. In these tennis scenes, four Long Island Tennis players were "taught" by the comedians. The show aired in late September.
Tennis world bids farewell to Li Na
Asia's first Grand Slam singles champion Li Na has called time on her 15-year tennis career due to "chronic" knee injuries. The current world number six won the French Open in 2011 and the Australian Open in 2014, as well as boosting popularity of the sport in Asia.
"It took me several agonizing months to finally come to the decision that my chronic injuries will never again let me be the tennis player I can be," said Li. "Walking away from the sport is the right decision for me and my family."
Serena Williams: “Congratulations to Li Na. A sad day for tennis, but I'm sure your future will be bright and the star you left on our sport will never dim.”
Rafael Nadal: Congratulations on your career, and I wish you all the best in your new life.”
Ana Ivanovic: “What an amazing person and champion! You will be missed on the Tour, but have an amazing new chapter ahead of you.”
Wozniacki forgets to pick up U.S. Open check
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal
After fulfilling her duties as U.S. Open runner-up following her finals loss to Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki headed back to Manhattan, putting tennis in the rear view as she prepared to enjoy New York Fashion Week. Finishing second at the U.S. Open brings a $1.45 million runner-up check. Except in this case, it did not. So, Wozniacki’s car had to turn around to go back to Queens, and 30 minutes after leaving the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, she was back to pick up her winnings.
Vic Braden: In memoriam …
Long Island Tennis Magazine columnist Steven Kaplan of Bethpage Park Tennis Center remembers longtime tennis player, instructor and television broadcaster Vic Braden …
One of the greatest coaches in tennis history, Vic Braden has died at the age of 85. Vic was a pioneer in the tennis instructional field. While other coaches were limiting their teaching to a reliance on personal experience, Vic was breaking barriers using science to support his instruction. Vic teamed with another pioneer, Dr. Gideon Ariel, who pretty much invented the field of computerized biomechanical analysis. Dr. Ariel was using a cutting edge "Dartfish" like system while we were walking around with 25-pound "mobile" phones.
Together, these two innovators brought tennis instruction out of the stone age and integrated science and technology with human performance. Sadly, progress in tennis performance science is lacking in U.S. tennis today.
Vic Braden was also a great personality and motivator. He was intelligent and made the learning of complex ideas easy and fun. He while be sorely missed.
Tweets from the pros
►Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole): Stefan, our baby angel was born! I am so proud of my beautiful wife Jelena! Thank you so much for your love and support. We love you all!!!
►Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert): Congrats to @DjokerNole and his wife Jelena on the birth of their son! Such a special time for them … Enjoy and appreciate!
►Justin Gimelstob (@JustinGimelstob): Congrats #PeytonManning Excellence personified
►Eugenie Bouchard (@GenieBouchard): Roaming the streets of Wuhan and getting asked to take pics with babies
►Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33): If you fly you must smell good … simple rule
►Serena Williams (@SerenaWilliams): I miss @GreenDay any new concert news???
►John Isner (@JohnIsner): Thanks to those who still support me during the tough times. I'll get better. #KeepPounding
►Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki): Yeaaaahhh!!! So happy to win against Sharapova today after 3 hours and 13 min on court! It was a tough …
►Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal): Congrats to the Women’s @usabasketball and to the Spanish team #SelFem for the great games you played throughout the World Cup #silver @FIBA
►Roger Federer (@RogerFederer): Thank you to all my fans in Shanghai for making @SHRolexMasters incredible! #happyRF
►Venus Williams (@VenusesWilliams): Winter #olympics 2018 here I come! #love #quebec
►Milos Raonic (@MilosRaonic): Had a great time yesterday in Tokyo with @newbalance @NBTennis Met great fans and the Raonic Robot. #NewBalance#NB10S
►Lindsay Davenport (@LDavenport76): Having fun walking the streets of NY w/this crew @justingimelstob @rennaestubbs @thetracyaustin @charlosfox
►Mardy Fish (@MardyFish): Man that Cowboys bandwagon is getting packed!
►Aga Radwanska (@ARadwanska): So happy to be returning to Perth for @HopmanCup with Jerzy. Great event and city! #TeamPoland
►Andy Roddick (@andyroddick): Couldn't be happier w all things @theARFoundation gala from last night! @dariusrucker is the man! Thanks to all supporters and sponsors!
►Sloane Stephens (@sloanetweets): Girls night out w/ grandma @DICKS shopping, taking selfies and whatnot. Clearly too many things to do in Fresno!
►Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios): I had a great evening, so grateful to be nominated @SportAusHoF & feel privileged to spend the evening with my bro @xkyrgios #NextYear
►Sabine Lisicki (@SabineLisicki): Can there be anything more annoying than a mosquito in your room!?!? #zzzz #letmesleep
►Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils): 1st day of practice with @tsonga7 #morning #happiness #home #smile #oklm #lamonf15
►Victoria Azarenka (@Vika7): What's the point of drinking a hot chocolate when I can't find damn marshmallows in my house? #someonestolemymarshmallows
