The Jensen Zone: 2016 … The Year in Gear and in Scandal

May 16, 2016 | By Luke Jensen
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What a great time of year to be playing tennis and what a crazy year 2016 has been so far in the world of pro tennis!

First, the match-fixing and gambling scandal and now Maria Sharapova fails a drug test? I'm not sure how closely you have been following the drama off the court, but Sharapova failed a drug test using a substance that has been legal since she began using it in 2006! I feel so bad for her and what this might do to a first ballot future Hall of Fame tennis icon! The bottom line is that it is Sharapova's responsibility, and in a globally-televised press conference, she demonstrated tremendous poise and took full responsibility over her actions.

My take is that the WTA Tour let Sharapova and the game down. It is so important in a landscape of doping suspicions that our players are fully aware of the changes and additions to the drugs that are banned by the sport’s governing body. Sharapova has been such a huge and impactful player for the sport. Why has the WTA not gone through the new banned list of banned substances for 2016 and cross-referenced it with what players on the tour are taking? The ball has been dropped on this, and the game will be hurt because of it.

I feel terrible that a 28-year-old superstar who dedicated her life to the sport and is now derailed in this manner. It just goes to show that when you’re winning, life is rocking, but when you’re down, you find out what people are all about. Keep fighting Maria! Get healthy and come back better than ever! Use the time to reflect and improve! This game can be both inspiring and cruel. Hang tough and go win more Grand Slam titles when you are back at 100 percent.

With that out of the way, let's talk to the tennis gear geeks! I just switched out of my Luxilon after shredding my elbow on a wicked forehand howitzer shot. I've gone to a softer NXT for now to give the old elbow a rest. My question to you is: How is your gear helping your game? I am a massive demo guy. I tinker and try different frames and strings for the best performance possible. These days as a player halfway to 100-years-old, my game plays like it. So I have gone to game improvement rackets that give me a little more push when my game needs a boost.

Remember to fit the frame to your best shot. This shot for me is the second serve. My groundies, volleys and first serve are all aces, even in a sandstorm, but my second serve can go a little crazy. So I make sure any new frame I try I play a set to test it under pressure. I play a full set with only one serve and see how much confidence the frame provides me. If the frame goes too crazy, I send it back to the mother land for recycling.

I recommend trying all types of gear for elite performance and comfort. String, grips and shoes are big, and most players overlook this. Most shoes break down in the upper area before the bottom tears open. This means foot problems and its real tough to move with painful feet.

Stay on your toes in the gear game and play nothing but aces next time you go for a victory!


Luke Jensen

Raised in Ludington , Mich., Luke Jensen’s resume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles titles and singles/doubles victories against Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Jim Courier, Patrick Rafter, Michael Stitch. Jensen and his brother, Murphy, won the 1993 French Open doubles title. He was also a member of the US Davis Cup Teams that reaches the finals in 1991 and won in 1992. His ambidextrous play, including his ability to serve the ball with either hand at 130 mph, earned him the nickname “Dual Hand Luke.” Luke is currently director of racquet sports at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y.. He may be reached by phone at (315) 403-0752 or e-mail lukejensen84@yahoo.com.

 

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