On Thursday, the USTA announced a new change in rules for the U.S. Open ballpersons, who will now roll the ball from point-to-point as opposed to throwing between positions. Rolling the balls when changing positions is traditionally the way it is done at the other Grand Slams. “By rolling between positions, we are putting…
In any player’s life, there are defining moments. These moments can take place while playing a match, while watching someone else play, or simply by having a conversation. When looking back at my 42 years in this game as a player and a coach, I can single out a few events that had a lasting…
Think back to the last Grand Slam final you saw … the winner and runner-up always raise the microphone and shout out to their team, thanking them for their unwavering support. In order for any athlete to reach the highest level of performance, there are underlying principals which can serve as a guide to the…
In the summer, people from across Long Island and New York City flock to the Hamptons, to enjoy the sun, while sitting by the pool or ocean, and taking part in an array of outdoor activities. Each town in the Hamptons has its own unique feel, with a variety of activities available from simply going…
Competitive players often find that they cannot maintain consistent play, focus and a strong positive attitude during matches. Let’s consider a “Competitive Player” as one who, at any level, plays matches that are important to them. We would expect a higher-level player to be more evolved and a less-experienced player to be less-evolved, but…
Maria Sharapova and American Madison Keys, a 2018 French Open finalist, have withdrawn from the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham, England. The event takes place June 18-24, just weeks before the start of Wimbledon. Sharapova said she needed rest after reaching the French Open quarterfinals. Keys, who just finished a run to the finals of…
I was thinking about all of you who follow this column and have been extremely loyal after all these years. I was thinking about your tennis … your wins, your losses, while looking ahead to see what is next. It came to me to ask you … Are you improving? Do you feel that all…
Coming back from our first men’s tennis match with a win in tow in the van back to Oneonta, N.Y., with the players asleep in the back, is some of the best time for me to gather my thoughts. I comprised our efforts and appreciated their win almost as much as they did. I knew…
The New York Empire, presented by Citi, has announced the themes for each of its seven home matches during the 2018 season at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Featuring live entertainment, games, food trucks and face painting, the team will welcome guests of all ages as top-ranked American…
Silent Partner Tennis, a division of Deuce Industries Ltd., was founded in 1989 by Dr. John Bassili. A recreational tennis player and psychology professor, John had a dream. He sought a reliable tennis partner. One that would play on his schedule and help improve his game. Meanwhile, John’s son was progressing through the ranks as…