Twilight Zone Tuesday

I have to admit, I am still chewing on Serena Williams' epic upset loss today. Not even sure what to say about that yet. I will say though that I admire her for being able to say afterward that "It's just life. Things could always be worse." That is some perspective! I'll have more to say on that match once I digest it.

In other news, IdTA had quite a good weekend at the Gatorade Open. Staff members took home the 4.0 mens and 9.0 mixed doubles titles yesterday. Way to represent!

Expect more frequent posting now that a major is being contested. I will warn you in advance to ignore the spelling errors as they will most likely be due to me being tired from being up at 3am to watch the French live.

SERGIO!!!!!!!

Well, it's official. Novak Djokovic parted ways with his clothing sponsor, Sergio Tacchini this morning. I find myself lost at sea after hearing the news. I am like a ship with no rudder, a map with no legend. I mean if the Djoker is not with Tacchini, where o where will I ever find another shirt with a FREAKING DRAGON on it!!!! How on Earth will I begin to replenish my collection of tacky clothing bearing the images of mythical beasts or even better, giant self portraits of Djokovic himself?!! It was a 10 year deal and I was planning on a yearly supply of ridiculous outfits to wear on court. And now what am I left with? Why Novak why?..............................

Ok, all kidding aside this deal sounds like it wasn't good for either party. Apparently the contract was very incentive laden and Djokovic activated all of his incentives with his monster season last year. That meant Tacchini had to pay up. Appartently they had all sorts of U.S. distribution problems and that inhibited their sales to the point that they could not afford to pay on what they owed Djokovic. Word is Djokovic is about to or already has signed with Uniqlo, another smaller company from Japan that outfits Kei Nishikori. My money is on it being a short term deal and that he will be sporting one of the big names come next year. Good luck on your new deal Novak. I am just bummed I won't get to see you rip a dragon in half when you tear off your shirt in a victory celebration any more. That was the best chance we had of keeping the dragon population in check! Oh well, maybe Uniqlo will make you a shirt with Godzilla on it..............

Tourney Time!!

Starting tomorrow, tennis courts around the valley are going to be jam packed with players as high school state tournaments get underway. This weekend is the culmination of all the hard work these kids have put in this season and for seniors, their entire high school career. Our staff is going to bounce around to different sites and I am hoping there will be great crowds out supporting their kids, friends and classmates as they play for season ending glory. And for all you high school players out there, get in touch with us and become instructors this summer! Have fun doing something you love and helping to grow the game of tennis. Also, don't forget there is life after high school tennis. It's called USTA LEAGUE!!! Join up and keep your playing days rolling. Good luck to all the players in each tournament and here's to some great tennis this weekend!! 

Pro Tour Feeling Blue....

Well the pros are in Madrid this week and the big story is the fact that this year the tournament directors switched the surface to BLUE clay from the traditonal red. The response from the players has been pretty negative so far with many top players saying it is too slippery and plays much faster than traditional clay. Coming from a place where we have blue football fields, I can understand the tournament's desire to create some marketing buzz. I can also see how their explanation that it makes it easier to track the ball on TV would be true. However, I don't know how the ATP and WTA approved the switch without garnering any early feedback from their players. I know the ATP has said that this is essentially a "test" year and the surface will be evaluated after the tournament. With that said, it just seems like a bit more player involvment this year would have potentially cut back on the negative press they are getting right now. I am all for innovation that brings more people to the sport, I just think there are ways to innovate while still honoring tradition. What do you think? Do you like a radical change like blue clay? Or would you like to see tradition stay in place?

"Champions keep playing until they get it right."
Billie Jean King

Clown Shoes

A certain unnamed person in our office just received her set of the most ridiculous tennis shoes ever in the mail today. The best way I can describe them is that a unicorn threw up on a pair of shoes. However, I bet she will do well in them as her opponents will either be blinded or be too busy trying to figure out why those shoes exist to play properly. I will include a picture when I can but I thought I should give you fair warning that it is coming first.........