Summer Olympics: An American in Paris

Roland Garros, Summer Olympics, Nadal's Torch

Over a year of planning to finish off my tennis bucket list.

Mascot, mom, and me. Opening Ceremony on the Seine

Last May, I woke up at 4AM for lottery tickets. Got my mom and myself seats along the Seine!

I wore my TeamUSA Tennis polo from a few Olympics at the opening ceremony and made sure my mom had the official swag to go for this big, once-in-a-lifetime event.

Cat A - the single most expensive pair of tickets (publically available) for any Olympic Event

After about an hour of fancy security checkpoints, we finally reached the river and boardwalk. From where we sat, the Eiffel Tower and the American Church (green spire) were visible in the background. We are on the river's banks, situated next to the ceremonial USA House official float.

As we walked pass the USA House pier, I inquired about one of their colleagues who would be there.

Pins and stickers from the US Olympic and Paralympic Foundation (Colorado Springs)

She was in the Major Gifts charity department, also based in Southern California. One of the ladies said she knew of two different Kates -one was who sent me the US pins to bring with me to trade!

The USA House is basically the American Olympic Village. Staffed by the amazing folks of USOPC.
TeamUSA supports our nation's Olympic athletes at every Olympics - both Summer and Winter - from training to trials to tournaments.

Check out their official LA 2028 Olympic gear!

The performance polos are the most functional (usually sold out or on a waitlist). The big hot items are the homecoming for LA 2028. Returning to the States and the 3rd time for Los Angeles, California.

Cameras were everywhere. Choreographed sequences were set at every major lock of the Seine. Performers, actors, and celebrities were all staged for key moments of this international event.

Around the globe, in every time zone, billions of people were watching it all play out.

Being part of the boat parade of countries floating down the river was an honor. Many smaller nations shared a boat together. Exhibition performances were happening for miles, stretched out along the riverside. I saw a lot of flags, friends, and families who had waited years for this day.

When Spain was introduced, I found it odd that I did not spot Rafa on board...

Later that night, I discovered why.

At the Eiffel Tower - I watched the French soccer star, Zinedine Zidane receive the torch from a hooded character (who looked like someone from the Assasin's Creed game).

Zidane walks down the Trocadero with the torch Then, who does he pass the flame to...?

None other than Rafael Nadal!!

Rafa accepted it with a smile, a hug, and such a loud crowd roar!

Even the commentators hinted he might be the one to light it.

That should have been the best lighting ceremony epic moment right there, in my opinion.

But instead, he gets on a speedboat. Two tennis GOATs Nadal and Serena. They rode on a speedboat back down the Seine as part of a procession of torchbearers all the way to the ballon blimp.

The show was even more spectacular on TV.

Can you imagine holding onto a propane torch with the light of the Olympics in your hands while on a speed boat? Combined with wet and windy conditions - they had to carry in hand the torch's open flame while it was whipping around them at their hair level...it could have gone very bad.

The rains got steady and heavy at that point.

That night, I'm certain every country's athletes got soaking wet.

The rain just never stopped. Ranging from drizzle to torrent sheets of water.

Only a few minutes of reprieve in between. Everyone was absolutely soaked. Yet many stayed! 

Walking many kilometers between the subway and the Seine along FDR Drive.

I'll forever share those memories from that night with every athlete and fan there.

Olympic Rings at Roland Garros

USA and Spain

My mom's first trip to Europe. Her first live pro tennis match

TLDR;

Waking up at 4AM for tickets. Researching the top events. Olympic Tennis at Roland Garros.

My mom's first time in Europe. Scheduling in day trips. The monsoon that was the opening ceremony. Tennis  GOATs, Sports Legends, all boats on the Seine.

Walking in Lyon among the old town for a quieter side of France. The French train disasters leading up to and during the Olympics. Missing a diving competition. Expect strikes or delays.

Taking my mom to her first tennis event ever at Roland Garros. Watching the tennis gold, silver, and bronze medalists. Celebrating with TeamUSA fans at the swimming arena and next to the raised flags for the podium medal ceremonies.

Inspiration and National Symbolism

The aura of the Olympics. The flame and the meaning of its legacy. For the hosting nation for its showcase year is the true benefit. The Games have united a World and rekindled the spirit of brotherhood. Shining publically for the World to see for a few weeks. Sports as diplomacy.

The athletes dedicate themselves every 4 years to dedicate their entire lives and childhood dreams to represent their nation. Their friends and families travel halfway around the world to see them accomplish their athletic dreams in front of the whole world.

The Golden Slam accomplished by Djokovic was historic and a fitting tennis ending.

2028 Olympics returning to the USA!

The Hollywood-LA 2028 Games will be movie magic.

From SF to LA, much of California will participate in the festival.

Los Angeles will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and then Superbowl in 2027.

Plenty of dress rehearsals to welcome the World to our home.

Why LA is better for sports and global tourism

• Weather
• Most outdoor events won't be delayed in the land of 300 annual days of sunshine.
• In France, we experienced very hot 95+ degree days plus rain delays at many events.
• Air conditioning is not banned
• Transportation
• French bus/train strikes were very common and disruptive, from traveling 3 different years
• Riding on the SNCF, we were delayed over 5 hours going to Paris (over 800K passengers)
• Charles De Gaule Airport (the maze and labyrinth)
• Geography and Sights
• Events will be much more spread out; leading to fewer gridlocked security zones.
• In Paris, most restaurants and shop owners saw revenue drop 50% in the Summer of 2024
• The main Paris tourist sights were all clustered in tight security parameters with various rules and lockdown regulations that confused or scared away most tourists
• English Speakers
• The most widely spoken language among countries in the World
• French is spoken by less than 4% of the World
• Important to have volunteers and staff from other continents (Europe, Australia, Asia)
• International Appeal
• Natural beauty of the American West and National Parks
• Amazing beaches and more capacity to handle international travelers
• Visiting other US cities for a perfect family summer vacation in July

European summer grass report of 2021

Tennis Tourism for Germany in 2021 was too soon

As a tennis journalist, I was able to enter Europe in June 2021 before the official tourist restrictions were lifted for vaccinated Americans. This article offers a glimpse of reality for American travelers and foreign tennis fans considering a European vacation this summer.

Grass Court Tennis

This seemed like an exciting opportunity to cover a couple important grass tournaments at the WTA Berlin and ATP Halle locations in Germany.

Held in mid-June, these were the key warm-up events for Wimbledon. Plus, I was eager and excited to finally be going to Europe for the first time since COVID-19 became our new reality.

Flying and Testing
Before my trip began, I was pleased to secure a round trip ticket for $500 USD on TAP Portugal from Washington DC to Lisbon and then Berlin and back.

Prior to flying, I used Same Day Health covid-19 testing to present a negative PCR test and associate it with my passport # in order to fly into Portugal. Even being fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine and having my CDC health card was insufficient for entry.

Getting PCR Tests in Europe

Once I arrived in Germany, daily COVID test documents were officially required by all hotels each night of my stay. In Berlin, I walked 20 minutes to Mitte (Center of the city) to get my test first thing in the morning. Test results for 75 Euros were guaranteed to come within 24 hours, though the results came back near the very tail end of that limit. However, a faster test would have doubled my testing cost.

In retrospect, a simple "rapid antigen" test at the airport for 40 Euros would have been the better option, but there was a lot of competing and conflicting information out there. Different countries and locations accept different types of tests for entry, increasing the complexity. TPG's frequent flying staffers had their own field reports that echoed similar confusion at European airports. It is definitely a big business for test companies that issue time-sensitive test results to desperate travelers.

The true cost I'd estimate was about $200-$300 more when you add in all the required PCR tests before and after the trip. It can be a bit cheaper if you plan can afford to wait at least 48 hours for the test results sent digitally.

Grass Tennis - Finally!?

Once I cleared the testing hurdle, I was able to attend the grass-court tournaments in Berlin and Halle.

Roger Federer made his appearance at the tournament he had won 10 times in Halle. The excitement of his appearance was enough to fuel the vast majority of excitement over the possibility that he might win and have a strong chance to win Wimbledon. The buzz was a hope to catch a glimmer of his past brilliance on his favorite surface.

Halle, Germany - round 1 victory for Federer

At his second-round match, he squeezed out his first set against Felix Auger Aliassime (FAA).

Winter Wimbledon - Tennis @ Indian Wells, CA? Tennis Fan's Preview

Indian Wells - Desert Tennis Oasis

Update BNP Paribas Open Photo Recap of 2024

After flying halfway around the world to watch the Aussie Open in January...

I decided to go check out the Indian Wells BNP Paribas tournament again for the 4th time. It will be the most appearances for me at any Masters 1000 event.

Update: Unfortunately, it was cut short in 2020, but I was still able to watch the Oracle Challenger Event on opening weekend and visit Joshua Tree and the Palm Aerial Tram again.

It will be postponed or rescheduled until later in 2021. The Aussie Open will begin in February to accommodate a 2-week mandatory quarantine for all players.

Below is a quick preview for our fans who want to plan ahead a trip. Plus a look at what has improved and any changes you should expect before heading here!

Brad Gilbert offers a few jokes and
predictions at "Beer with Brad"

Nearly all Top Players show up at this tournament
The Top 49 out of 50 showed up in 2013! You get to walk right up to the players practicing.

At matches, you get to watch from close seats that you would otherwise pay over a thousand dollars to see at the US Open*

Tennis Pros make it their Annual Reunion Location

I'm glad I got to do some photographs and videos of the tournament (more below)

All while meeting some terrific fans and tennis stars up close and personally.

Tennis Warehouse & Freebie Swag

• TennisWarehouse offered some play-tests with this year's new racket lines on their demo court.
  
  
• New sponsors every year - BMW owners get free parking now.

West Coast Road Trip

I had unused frequent flyer miles I needed to burn before they expired...so I flew to San Diego and drove 2 hours over the very scenic, snow-feathered Rt. 74 (Pines to Palms Hwy) to get there. The Big Horn winding road area looks like something straight out of a racing video game.

I landed a great AirBnB place that included 2 private tennis courts, a pool, plus a hot tub. More recently I stay at a private home 5 mins walk to the Tennis Stadium to avoid parking hassles. Lots of hiking trails near Joshua Tree too. Coachella is just around the corner for music lovers.

The local hosts are awesome with a lot of Indian Wells knowledge and there were a couple other tennis fans staying in the other room too, so it was definitely a great place to stay (much better value and cozier than a hotel room). Make sure you pack a jacket, though, because mornings can get a little chilly.

Indian Wells Media: Pictures | Highlight Videos

 

Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Known as the "5th Slam" so I wanted to make sure our "Grand Fan Slam" was truly complete and coverage now of all non-indoor Masters Series ATP 1000 Events

It contains the 2nd largest tennis-specific stadium in the world - only behind the mammoth Arthur Ashe Stadium. It's a great view of the NYC skyline, but where you could actually get a nosebleed if you climbed all the way up to row ZZ!

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden has some of the best practice court viewing for tennis players up close. I would say it is probably the closest you will ever be able to get down a near-court-level view of the players just 10-15 feet away.

General Parking was one thing that could definitely be improved with the 2000+ spots at the new grass lot as the way it was this year.

If you got there 1-2 hours after opening, it felt like Rush Hour traffic. So arrive early or Uber!

Networking and Playing Tennis in the Desert -
Monterey Country Club

Dan Nabedrick (Twin Cities Tennis) runs an annual Tennis Tournament during the Indian Wells pro tournament in early-mid March every year.

Dan's friend Jo from Michigan actually was nice enough to invite me to play as a sub on his team.

It was a beautiful location, and Dan does an awesome job throwing the party's dinner party (at his private pad with his family).

He manages the Herculean task of running all the logistics on the 15 court facility. Great event, highly recommended! Super grateful as he's a great guy, tennis connector, with a wonderful family.

Recently, in 2017, they moved to the tournament championship of the Palm Desert Tennis Club.

I assisted as a "guest pro" and hitting partner with some of the guests. I even hit with the owner of the tournament's tennis windscreen manufacturer on the stadium court.  Lots of doubles, but occasionally you see a few singles specialists too. Fun networking event and evening parties. Lots of good sushi in IW.

Ian Westermann and the Essential Tennis have also been there several years giving his private VIP clinics. Kirby and Ira were great fun in 2017. Met Kevin and his wife in 2018. Nice ET family.

The Who's Who of Indian Wells - BNP Paribas Open

Nike / Wilson Alumni

Love these annual reunions. This is a super special treat for fans.

Some familiar names are here at these tennis conference meetings out on the grass.

Uniqlo Global Ambassadors- Team Federer and Team Nishikori

Tommy Haas - the new TD has his family up in Sacramento. He does his best as the new tournament director to coordinate this event every year. Worthy Charities, including the Eisenhower Health fund, where Rafa and Friends raise money. In the past, it was Hit for Haiti and other aid relief for natural disasters with Agassi and Sampras.

Tom Fey (the guy waving) was the local court organizer and puts folks in the wild card tournament and sets up the ATP Challenger event that occurs just prior to Indian Wells. He's always running around, super busy on the grounds with draw sheets and schedules. RIP, Tom.

He has offered to set me up to be a hitting partner and once to put me into the #13 spot for the men's 256 draw to sub in - but for one reason or another, I have never taken him up on it.

Michael Chang - my personal hero and the legend of Asian American tennis!

Finally caught up with him and his brother in 2018 - travels with Nishikori at the big events.

Larry Ellison and his Oracle Team

Perennials at the tournament as the new owner. We're so used to seeing him and his daughter sitting center stage on TV. He loves watching the matches.

New bigger stadiums, hawkeye on every court, and lots of money invested into the Oracle Challenger Series. Qualifier weekend is perfect for seeing the warmups and pros before the huge crowds.

The Oracle World parties in SF at awesome - they bring some of that tech energy into SoCal.

In some nostalgic ways, I still miss the classic Charlie Pasarell days of the Pacific Life Open too :)

Tickets Giveaway to Fans

We were able to give a couple of lucky fans of Tennis-Bargains.com some freebies, too!

Just like at the Aussie Open and US Open, we offer our loyal supporters a way to enjoy great tennis seats, even when the box office is officially sold out =)

Canadian Fans - watching Nadal practice

USTA and WTT Leagues
Another great way to play at the Tennis Garden is to compete in the USTA Nationals Tri-Level competition or the WTT (World Team Tennis) Rec League, which gets to actually play on the same (practice) courts that the pros used during the tournament.

The newest stadium features a 19,000 sq ft structure with 8,000 seats (roughly half the number of the main stadium). Right now the best general admissions seats are probably on Stadium 2 and 3 for the marquee matches.

However, with record-breaking attendance this year - it was especially hard to navigate around the large crowds on the middle weekend when both Saturday and Sunday morning sessions were completely sold out.

There are still some tickets left for the 1st and 2nd week:
Indian Wells tennis tickets online

Overcoming your Tennis Everest - a message for the aspiring tennis player

I left this comment for PJ (roadto45tennis.com) and World Tennis Congress organizer today in response to his post about recent setbacks.

Background: I came in contact with PJ way back in 2012 leading up to the first Tennis Congress. He was very nice and we had a nice long chat about NY’s Total Tennis vs other tennis academies. I stumbled upon this blog again the other day and so surprised to see his note about recent health issues and struggling with getting to NTRP 4.5. I hope this message finds you and your readers well, PJ!

My USPTA Tennis Coach Biography

I started out as a 3.0 USTA player.

Over a decade ago and picked up tennis late as a teenager. Climbing the next rung on the later was also my tennis life’s goal. My road too was paved with many hurdles, setbacks, multiple tennis injuries and heartbreak losses at USTA championships.

But right here I want to stop and say -
If a (small 5’5 Asian) guy with big dreams in his mid-30s can play the best tennis of his life – every person reading this blog can get there too! And become reigning DC Open 4.5 singles champion

The late, great boxer Muhammad Ali once said…

”Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”

My Tennis Origins: TennisUSA and Morry

A beginning and an end.
I started my company Tennis-Bargains.com around Summer of 2010.

It so happened it was around the same time that my first tennis teacher Ronald E. McDonald of TennisUSA past away.

Ron had taught me my first formal lesson of tennis at Arlington Parks and Rec. About 15 years later, I joined USPTA and this Sept I decided to renew again. Pass on the torch to another kid who wants to learn I guess. Sharing the memory of them, so that they can live on 15 mins of fame, through this short blog post.

Also a tribute to "Mori" (a dear friend and retired Navy officer) who stuck with me all those summer vacations while I came back to DC from Georgia Tech. Weekend morning tennis was the smart way to play. Morry taught me patience and never stop moving those feet!!

Today - I just wanted to take a bit of time to reflect and share how Tennis began for me.

Partly because I get asked the "how tennis started for me" question so many times, but also because I wanted to highlight two specific old men that were huge influences on me and my tennis game. Without them, I probably would have lost Tennis to time and schoolwork.

Thank you, Ron.
Thank you, Morry.

My 1st Coach Ron McDonald - TennisUSA

Yes, that was his real name "Ron McDonald".

He first taught me when I was a teenager at a summer camp. Probably around 6th or 7th grade, he contracted for Arlington Parks and Rec. Teaching a bunch of kids at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. We had a couple older high school / college kids doing an internship or summer job helping out in our little summer tennis camp.

It was held in the morning I remember. Because after lunch I'd come home, hope on my Packard Bell Pentium 1 PC and play Warcraft II all afternoon on battle.net until my parents would make me do something else.

God, I loved those days. The A/C blowing cool air, me gulping down with a full bottle of Snapple Fruit Punch in one long continuous sugary gulp. After a long day of tennis, it was bliss. Summer days were always the best!

Wilson Matrix SPS Graphite

Green Wilson Racket: Matrix Comp - my first racket
Dad and I drove down to a sports store across the street from Eden Center - it's now the Hong Kong Palace where dim sum is served. I still remember going to my closet and found a tie-dye t-shirt with the words "Rad Tennis" scrolled in citrus colors. I wanted to be sure the store attendee knew I was one savvy 12-year-old that REALLY knew his sport.

At the time, I didn't want my parents to spend too much money.

So I just opted for something basic. Just long enough for the class trip and tournament. As a 6th-grader on his first field trip out to Front Royal for the end of the year trip, I was freaking excited! The teachers had announced a small tennis tournament that would be held for those who wanted to sign up. It was Doubles, and I was eager to learn. My parents signed me up after that. I was hooked!

My dad at the time also purchased a Prince Graphite (probably a bit too expensive for either of our novice skill level and to the ire of my mother when she saw the price tag). But there we would go and practice at the neighborhood courts at Lyon village or another tennis court with a few cans of balls.

I remember at one point when I was in the local dollar store. On the side aisle with all the misc nick-nacks was a plastic wrapped (not in a can) pack of three tennis balls (probably meant for a doggie toy) and I thought JACKPOT!! LOL :oD

Kei Nishikori and Michael Chang
US Open 2016

Emulating my idol's style - Michael Chang

Other kids had their own K-mart rackets and a few were not sure what hand to use. Ron would say, well if you want to be like Jimmy Connors, he was left handed!

Then Ron would look at me, so kid: who do you want to be like? My dad answered for me: "He's the next Michael Chang!". Ron smiled and looked me over. Alright, you gotta be fast then. Michael runs everything down. Ok then, I thought, that's what I'll do too.

It was in 1989 when Michael at the age of 16 won the French Open to the surprise of the world. It was a tumultuous summer with the events of Tienanmen Square having just occurred. The skinny kid with the thunder thighs would become a world champion with all eyes on him.

Yes, I even own a pair of Reebok Pumps :) Remember those?

How to "Fail Better" in Tennis: Self-Evolution required for long term Success

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail Better.”

Tattooed on Stanislas Wawrinka's forearm is this quote by poet Samuel Beckett.

The quote is especially meaningful because it describes the nature of struggle in life as in tennis. The trials and tribulations we all must endure to reach our goals. Because there is always an adversary, always an opponent (sometimes ourselves), the quote seems appropriately universal.

Stan said: "you need to take the positive of the loss and you need to go back to work.”

If we seek to win a tennis match and we fail, that lose is not a permanent outcome. To most players, defeat is the end result - it is not. Because there are inevitably more matches, more trials, more struggles against the same opponent or conditions in the future the key is to maximize the knowledge gained from that one result.

They say the definition of Insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results". Another way to put it: change a losing game plan, and stay the course with a winning one.

A great book I've recently discovered with a similar name "How to Fail..." by the creator of Dilbert is a funny and great read!

In sports, some players will have superstitions. If certain streaks continue, they will do silly things to help it along. Conversely, if they lose badly, they want to change anything/everything to get rid of the "curse".

Superstition aside; the fundamental principle is this: don't accept failure sitting down.

If there is any vested interest to win, then you have to change. If you show me someone who doesn't ever win and refuses to ever change or work harder, you have a fool.

If you keep trying and keep changing AND keep losing, then perhaps you need to find a different sport...but at least you know you made intelligent attempts - infinitely better.

Tennis offers you chances to evolve and grown within a match and outside a match. If you begin to feel the tide of a match going against you, what *must* start to happen:

Self Evolution: basic steps toward improvement

1) Awareness - figure out when your current trend is going south
2) Identification - Pick up the key indicators and important facts from what has happened - *why* things have changed.
3) Adjustment - What is Plan B? Do you have a plan B? If not, make one up - do not repeat the same patterns if it clearly does not work.
4) Modification - Are you able to implement this new game plan?
5) Assessment (and repeat) - If so, you have to take careful mental notes of how the change is effecting the game. If the opponent can re-adjust as well to your best attempts at plan B, be sure to know this is different than being incapable of executing properly - big difference.

Next article:
Most common mistakes people make going for Plan B.

Lessons from Rafa - overcoming injury in my own tennis season

Like my tennis hero - the superhuman grinder, Rafael Nadal - I too faced a debilitating injury last year in 2013. Out of the sport for about 2 1/2 to 3 months with moderate Tennis Elbow. I reluctantly skipped one of the major USTA NTRP Championships of the summer, one that I had fiercely competed for years prior.

But during that time, I honed in my game, let my tennis elbow recover. I performed strengthening drills with my red TheraBand FlexBar every day.

The toughest moments were getting out to the park and seeing a beautiful sunny day, but unable to hit.

That immobilization of the mind feels many times more painful and constricting than the physical pain of the injury. Every competitor wants to get back ASAP. But I knew I had to take it a step at a time.

Recovery and Healing

I trained extra hard on my conditioning and stamina using the "Prepping Like a Pro" training program I had practiced with Yann and Dan during the previous winter.

Focusing on what you can change, and crushing it - that is what champions do. Disabilities are only limiting / crippling if you allow them to be, but mostly if it is allowed to affect you mentally.

The Desire to Compete

One day I even went to the practice wall, with a tennis elbow wrapped tightly. All the walls were taken and all the courts were full, and still I waited to see if I could try to muscle a few good strokes with a soft foam practice ball for youth. I tried both the red and the green. Fortunately, I did feel too much discomfort - however, as soon as I tried the regulation tennis ball, I could immediately feel my forehand twinge and had to stop.

Those 2-3 months could not have come at a worse time in the middle of the summer months when tennis is in full swing. I aggregated the injury in only the 2nd tournament of the season (Shilou Open). When I went out to participate in a Charity Event for wounded warriors a month later, I was not even half the player I was - losing in the first round for both singles and doubles. It was devastating.

The Will to Win, compels us. The Wisdom to Know how, enables us.

Speed bumps - Living the rest of your life

During those long tennis-less weeks I socialized more with friends and tried new activities that let my right arm rest. I echo'd what Pete Sampras experienced. For Pete during the summer of '99, he had to pull out of the US Open, but he recalled that "it was the best injury of my life because that’s where I met my wife" met some really supportive and encouraging women that helped me feel better and my mind off the game for a while. It was a very fun summer for me and probably one I will always remember fondly.

But after skipping the USTA NTRP Championship at College Park, and actually was relieved about not pushing my elbow any further. Content to be in the atmosphere, I just cheered friends on and visited the College Park Aviation Museum instead. I knew I would have 5-6 weeks to properly heal and then train to get back into form.

Returning to Action - the dividends of being well-prepared

By the end of September, I was able to regain my peek form and finally secured the DC Open title (NTRP 4.0) which I had been attempting to win for the last 4 years. It was a privilege to play on the same court as the Citi Open (ATP 500) event I had covered just about a month prior for Tennis-Bargains.com

My final tournament was out at Leesburg, VA in a beautiful facility called Ida Park. The tournament director was very professional and I have always had great memories from the very civilized competitors that I've faced there. It is one of the farthest treks for a Mid-Atlantic USTA tournament in the DC area, but in my opinion well worth it. The perfect court surface and slightly higher elevation out west also suits my game well.

By the end of that event, even though I lost in the Finals, it was a very good showing in the 2nd half of the season for me. I played solidly against a very strong adversary who was once on the same USTA team as me, during a very blustery late afternoon breeze, and we both had really long rallies.

Be the Best you *know* you can be

With that strong finish, I was able to secure the #1 ranking again for the Mid-Atlantic Men's Singles NTRP 4.0 section. The year also allowed me to "medal" in all of the notable DC area NTRP tournaments. Finishing with the finals or championship in all these locations is a very satisfying feeling. I still can remember each of the trophies and not only the final victory, but all the emotions and the electric atmosphere of USTA tennis.

I would highly encourage avid tennis players (especially singles players), to give USTA tournaments a try because it replicates the true spirit and intensity of professional tennis the best out of any of the formats available. It truly is an Open field of competition and you must learn to be completely self-sufficient in these single elimination rounds.

For next season, I hope to compete at the NTRP 4.5 level and will continue to document my experiences. And I hope for all the readers out there that read this and all my articles, I have been one positive step building toward your own goals in tennis.

Rafa's 2013 - a tale of Recovery from Tragedy, Human Perseverance and Reclaiming World #1

After a long 7 months layoff from tennis because injury, trained and trained, day in and day out. He missed out on the US Open and the Australian Open. Instead of rushing to jump back immediately, he fought perhaps the greatest battle of his life.

Uncertainty during difficult times

In his book, Rafa, he confesses about how his greatest fear - inertia. If he had to stop playing tennis even for a few days, what would happen? It has been ingrained as deep as breathing into nearly every day of his life since a child. Being able to put it on hold for over half a year and believe he could return, means his faith is truly strong.

Admittedly there was doubt for even the most passionate Nadal fans. The big question to the entire tennis world was if - not just when - he would ever return to the game.

Staying Focused on Rehab

Following doctors orders, he put away his tennis racket and did not play any tennis for 7 months! Always in the gym, stretching, strengthening, doing all the workouts he could without injuring himself in rehab. Updating his facebook page weekly with pictures in the pool or relaxing with his family - nowhere near a tennis court. He was spurred on by the inspiring encouragement from fans; Rafa pressed on and stay loyal to his team's advice.

The test of patience

Watching his rivals climb over him and his rankings - I'm sure it must have been painful to be completely absent in nearly 3 Grand Slams.

Patiently, he relinquished the US Open Hard court season, the Indoor European season, the year ending ATP World Tour finals. Even then after the new year, he tested the waters carefully yet listened to his body and his coaches - skipping the Australian Open.

The thousands of ranking points slipped away; millions of dollars in prize money forfeited; optimism followed by caution to wait just a little longer, then a few weeks more... the tennis world wondered if this was the end.

Only he would be able to show the world if he could rise again...

Then one title after another, starting with a ATP 250 final, and from there his confidence grew and his body became stronger...

• Brazil Open
• Mexico Open
• Indian Wells BNP
• Barcelona
• Madrid
• Rome
• Roland Garros
• Montreal
• Cincinatti
• US Open

Ultimately, 2013 World #1, ATP Comeback Player of the Year, and 10 titles dominating almost every major hard court and clay court tournament on the tennis tour.

Year of Greatness: Reborn

Rafa not only came back in 2013, it turned out to be his best year of his career. The world witnessed a legend who crystallized the competitive tennis fuel in his soul so completely. In his essence so dedicated to the sport (every atom of his being, as he put it) that nothing could stop him.

The half-time intermission was over, he was ready. Not just 60% or 80% or 90% but his mind/body was hungry for it - like a predator that had not feasted. Absolutely determined. driven. unstoppable.

How many professional athletes in Any sport can go in into rehab for 7 months, come on the field in mid-season and still regain the pinnacle of champions by year's end.

Great Champions find a way. Vamos Rafa. See you in 2014!

Ball Line Calls in Tennis ... Being Human

I'm writing this article because recently it has come to my attention that the "bad line call" is in fact a part of tennis. Everyone who has ever played tennis regularly has missed line calls at some point in time...

Both on the ones that were actually out (whether on a serve or on the sideline/baseline) but we played anyway AND when we made inaccurate out calls on balls that were actually in. But we made in good faith with our less than "Shot-Spot-perfect" eyes.

Yes. You are, I am, we all are H-U-M-A-N. It happens....A lot actually!

Nobody is perfect, nor faultless (Players nor Officials)

Just look at this: 2013 Australian Open Challenge Statistics compiled after this year's Grand Slam tournament. At the Top Professional Level of tennis in the ATP and WTA, the players themselves, were wrong more than 2/3 of the time (about 70% of the time, the challenger was incorrect).

Remember, there are only a very limited in the amount of challenges available per set, so you can assume that they challenged because they genuinely felt unsatisfied with the ruling made on the court.

What is maybe more interesting is how often the Officials were wrong. Even when you have officials on every line and highly-paid umpires, they were actually "Caught" by Shot-Spot being wrong about 25% of the time, and those points had to be overturned or replayed. Just for the record, that was (at least) 189 times during that tournament alone where the officials were wrong, to be precise, according to the Australian Open website.

So that means that even these are paid and trained officials during the average match are missing about 1 or 2 calls per match at a Grand Slam. And yes, this is when those players are actually playing for millions of dollars AND Wimbledon is on the line =)

Therefore in amateur matches and local pick-up games, you can expect to have a few missed calls (both in the caller's favor and sometimes a mistake in NOT calling and against their favor). If we make all calls in good faith, then for the most part, it should even out in the end. Or at least not effect the final outcome of a match...

What we do and how we react to this is the important part.

You cannot immediately over-react and assume your opponent is a cheater. Getting mad or upset or rattled about one bad call is a mental weakness.

You should assume they made a mistake and not a deliberate one. If it happens continually, then go ask for a line judge. It helps free up both players to hit the ball and not worry as much on making every call perfectly.

The USTA code of tennis says you can challenge or ask for a confirmation on the call from your opponent, but without an official there watching it is your Opponent who has the Right to make the call on his/her side of the court then you should accept it and move on. Important: *If you didn't see the ball land and space between the line and the ball, you should always assume it was in.*

2012 ATP World Tour Finals - Starts Nov 5!

ATP World Tour Finals (Nov 5- Nov 12) in London

*This year Rafael Nadal is still recovering from injury and has been forced to pull out of the London Finals. In his place will be World #9 Janko Tipsarevic.

It will be interesting to see how Federer does indoors, perhaps his favorite surface, if last year's results repeat themselves.

Interestingly enough, Del Portro was able to upset Federer in his hometown Basel Final in a thrilling match. This year, it feels like many players have a chance to make a run to win their respective Groups A and B.

Who do you think will win? Vote for your pick!
Last year's winner (Scott C.) received a free Amazon Gift Card!

Tennis TV Online

If you're interested in getting live streaming access to tennis year round for only ~$11/month, check out TennisTV.com's Special Offer

3 Behaviors of Successful Tennis Players

Sportsmanship

1) Do Not be Lazy.

If you have a goal, a dream, a passion to be the best - you cannot be lazy. There are no superstars in the world that can stay #1 in any sport if they sit back on their laurels. Really - try and name one. Can you imagine how much work, diligence, and struggle plus sacrifices they had to make to get to #1? It is not such a sexy topic, and we'd all like to imagine success can come cheaply or free - but I can tell you it doesn't.

Look at Messi. Look at Federer. Look at LeBron James.

At some point, they had to humble themselves and ask themselves if they love it enough? They had to grind harder, train longer, and keep their faith strong. Through pain, through defeat, through pressure - they came a long way in their journey to the top of their own mountain.

"Hard Work" is not a miracle pill you can pay $3 to get a daily fix.

2) Do not be Rude.

Smart or dumb, we owe it to our fellow man to extend him a fair challenge. To prove worth on an equal playing field. Ours should not be to judge, when we ourselves are imperfect.

Extend common courtesy of politeness. Respect cultural and social differences. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt before we cast the first stone.

Being "Rude" or "Lazy" are completely deliberate choices we have control over.
These should be 4-letter words in any tennis student's vocabulary.

Only Human.
Also just because the stars have riches and/or fame, their private lives should not be our public tabloid fuel. There is a great price that comes with great power/fame/wealth...but however envious or upset or disturbed we are about their status, we need to remind ourselves that they are human too.

Being greeted in a sincere manner goes much further, than expecting them to behave as circus animals on a stage for you at every moment in public.

3) Seek to understand from others.

Open your mind. Try to know yourself, know the terrain, know your enemy. Do not be afraid to ask for help or advice.

Figure out what went right or what went wrong, after every match. Watch replays from pros.

Learn. Grow. Think Beyond. Never think you know everything, never think someone new cannot show you something new.

Winning is not good enough. Never stop learning or trying to get better.

"Seek excellence in all endeavors"...as my HS Calculus teacher would say.

Familiar Faces, Familiar Places - DC Open Revisited

DC Open Adult Open Championships

William Fitzgerald Tennis Center, Washington DC (Sept 7-9) - USTA Mid-Atlantic Tournament

Just last month in August, the ATP 500 Citi Open was held at the same location in Washington DC. It was known as the Legg Mason tournament for many years and recently switched over.

It was great that we were able to practice on the very same courts as the men and women pros just 4-5 weeks ago were competing and practicing on. The stadium court would have been the perfect place to play the Sunday finals, which surprisingly was not locked.

But seeing it without all the chairs and banners gives it a different, more apocalyptic feeling. Also, I found out that they took the smaller Grandstand and show courts and covered them in a bubble - probably for the winter indoor season.

Citi Open - Practice Courts (same ones used for DC Open in Sept)

New Practice Courts

Since last year, DC had taken a row of rarely-used Har Tru clay courts in the back corner and converted them to new Deco Turf hard courts. A smart move in my opinion. Playing on them was nice as this summer, while covering the Citi Open, most of the pros practiced or played at least once on the same surface.

So my first match was on Court 1 - the same one that Pablo Andujar (#33 in the world) had practiced on. Later, in the Semi's I was on the Court 3 where Xavier Malisse had been playing around just a month prior.

Granted that the USTA tournament was for amateurs, it included some high levels including the Men's Open players with the 1st and 2nd seeds facing off in the Sunday Final.

Familiar Faces in the DC Tournament Scene

Ms. Salie

As always, Ms. Salie was the referee and has been there for many, many DC tournaments. I've seen her at the Howard University (Banneker), Turkey Thicket and several other courts through the years. Always smiling but also knowing when to lay down the law. She will come by, put up the singles sticks and then wish you a good match. You can trust her calls and rely on her to be there when there's a problem.

Mr. Harris

My favorite part of these annual summer USTA tournaments are the pleasant people who include fellow players at various levels and NTRPs. This year I was lucky enough to run into my role model, in the 50's and over division, Mr. Harris.

This guy is the nicest tennis player and person you'll ever meet on or off the court at these USTA tournaments. Also, he knows how to win with what he's got; an improv man with jazz talents, he reins in the hardest hitters and more determined foes. He is also a perennial - practically ever tournament I have enter in the past 2 years, he is there. Right as rain.

Last month, he was even voted by his peers for the Sportsmanship Award at the Bruce Francis Memorial Tournament.

Babolat Tennis Bag

During the last tournament, I saw that he was carrying around a Babolat Team bag along with another blue duffle bag. It just so turned out that I had just received an extra one - this one a 6-pack, just slightly bigger Babolat Team bag that I was planning to use for my upcoming bag review and then simply give away to another one of my many Tennis-Bargain Fans. But then I thought to myself - here's a man, with all his wins and matches, deserves a spare tennis bag.

In the past, I've thought of these gifts as "spoils of war" - which is what I call my treasure chest of strings, grips, bags, clothes, even custom shoes that go to victors of tennis - dripping in sponsorship and marketing juice, they dress you up nice and pretty to make them look good and their stuff sell like hotcakes.

But here was a man sporting none of that. Sunscreen stained and battle-tattered polos, still fighting and coming up with win among the best in the arena. Sure he will still win and lose like everyone else, but his mindset is what is incredible. He doesn't need to boast himself (doesn't even fist-pump or say com'mon), nor put anyone else down to succeed. He's always positive and gives you a bear hug at the end, win or lose.

"Greatful Dead Bob"

So I approached him to offer a new Babolat Bag to him. And being Mr. Harris, he insists that it be donated to another guy - someone who if you just met, you might say looks like he came "straight out of a Grateful Dead concert" because of his tie-dye shirts and straw brimmed hat :) whom I'll call "Bob".

Well Bob had just lost his first round match and was looking a little bit down. I had seen him in a previous tournament but thought nothing much - he was a big, round fella riding who had rode his bike (probably from the metro). I looked at the black backpack he had been hauling his stuff in - it was beat up pretty badly and had to be tied close with some extra string.

Mr. Harris always knew who needed help and his selflessness is never lost on him. I found out later that Bob sometimes went around collecting used tennis using his bike helmet as a bucket sometimes...probably to give them to some kids later on or use as practice balls? Bob was very grateful for the unexpected gift. And I had a found a good home for the bag. Worse players like me, have owned much newer equipment and been blessed with much nicer tennis clothes. It was fitting that a good heart and strong player be rewarded for once.

Worthy Prizes for Worthwhile People

All the trophies, medals and ribbons you collect as Champion are just pieces of metal and fabric in the end...they will only go so far toward making you happy and remembered off the tennis court.

In the end, you have to give back. To your own charities. In your own way. Don't let others tell you or sway you with constant begging or wallowing or complaining. You can't always find them advertised on a big billboard - sometimes it's just one man, sometimes it's just one bag.

Deserving folks are out there in the real world - just have to find them, or ask Mr. Harris to point them out.

You'll feel a sense of inner contentment / "cosmic balance" and satisfaction that somehow the big titles and ranking points just do not provide.

Giving Back: feels impossible when you have little or nothing to give. Yet feels natural when you see these people have everything to gain.

Rain Delays - the Bane of Tournament Tennis

Canada's Week of Rain

Have you seen all the rain that Toronto and Montreal got this week? It threw off the schedule so badly that most of the players had to play 2 matches on the same day to get into the quarterfinals. They are doing everything they can to squeeze in the men's and women's semifinals late at night.

Also with a 2+ hour rain delay that occurred at the tail end of the first set in DC at the Citi Open, it really put a damper on the TV guys who were probably showing replays of semi's the night before. Many fans who attend the ATP Finals are older, have kids/families and time is scarce so generally those long delays mean when play finally starts back up, only about 3-4 rows of people actually can stay for the conclusion.

A similar rain delay happened to me back at the 2009 Nadal vs. Djokovic US Open Final where there was a long delay that made me miss my flight back home. But like a true fan, I had to watch Rafa seal his last major to complete his career grand slam. I've also watched him playing through steady rain in Paris at the French Open, with just a baseball cap on while others were scrambling for their ponchos, umbrellas and many even for the exits. My opinion: it's worth getting a little wet to watch a legend.

Let's not beat around the bush - Rain Delays suck.

Fans may not come back or want to wait it out, and your TV crews will try their best not to show an empty stadium.

What happens when the weather drys? How do you fit 5 days of tennis into 3 1/2 days? Should there be an extra day of rest between the semis and finals? Is playing under a roof good or bad?

Back-to-back 3-set matches (up to 6 sets in 1 day)

Playing 2 back-to-back matches on same day is NOT the same as playing best of 5 match. Also players have to get back on the very next day usually to play again without the usual day off break. The next opponent you face in the 2nd match could have had a hour less of match time and an extra hour of recovery time. All of that matters in these rapid fire situations during the summer.

Mother nature is now deciding when players must play again

So as they are mentally preparing for a match while trying keep their body temperatures and heat rate up if they feel like they might go back on soon. They are waiting in the players locker room or lounges for the call to play. Having been there in those locker rooms, and I can tell you it can be pretty stressful game of "get ready and wait".

Rain-checks: Monday Finals

This is not ideal as Sunday Finals are the norm and get much higher viewers. But as the US Open has gotten in the last 3 out of 4 years, the rain delays during the 2nd week have eaten into players ability to count on their matches starting on time.

It is important the needs of the players be put of paramount importance. In the past, players such as Nadal have completed (and I believe rightly so) that they have been pushed to get on court and play even when the conditions are too wet to proceed. I know that it is tough financially to delay play, but if tennis is to be played at the highest level, you cannot push the players beyond safety limits in favor of court time or air time.

I am a firm believer that when both players agree to postpone, then the tournament director should oblige them.

Having a roof is another option, but I feel like it changes the dynamics of the game. Wimbledon is not suppose to be an indoor tournament, but for much of the Grand Slam and even the Olympics, many important matches and finals were played in that controlled environment.

Whether the players feel that is better than getting rain delayed is a good question.


What do you think? Post your comments below!

More tips for USTA recreational tennis players dealing with the rain and compressed schedules...

There are no free "Let's" or "Re-do's" in life. Make it Count.

You can't count on second chances.

Conditions are never going to be perfect and time will keep ticking away while you wait. Don't waste your opportunities. Have a game plan.

All you can do is prepare...

Well that and Work hard. Train well. Eat healthy. Pray. Keep fighting. Earn every point. Celebrate your wins. Try to learn from your losses. Then do it all over again.

In a nutshell, that's the life of a tennis grinder. That's my life.

Tennis: Merits of Sport

The optimist in me says Tennis is the great equalizer, the great meritocracy of sport - it's code and ideals are suppose to be based on the performance of the better man that day. Rich or poor, young or old, fat or thin - the law of the court determines your fate at the end of the match.

If you have shortcomings in health or in character. Tennis will expose them. It reveals Sin and makes them pay.

• Ever eat a Big Mac and drink a super-size Coke before exercising?
• Want to quit smoking but still stay thin?
• Enjoy alcohol too much sometimes and regret it later?
• Habit of partying too late before a big match?

Trust me - tennis will tell you to your face.

You don't need to appear on Biggest Loser, or buy nicotine patches, or go to AA to get instant feedback that you're doing something wrong to your body. :) Try to seek moderation in all things...

Even to get mentally tougher, feel more confident and learn self-discipline in your daily routine.

Play enough tennis, and you'll learn quick enough. Or for the stubborn enough, pass out trying to fight Biology and Tennis.


The price of true glory will come in blood, sweat and perhaps some tissue damage.There is No way to Buy yourself what is truly worth attaining.

Read the rest...and hope it will inspire you

Online Radio Show 3/19 - JC Live Interview with USTA's Alex Chan

On Monday, March 19 @ 7:30PM: catch my live streaming broadcast with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) community tennis representative, Alex Chan of USTA Virginia.

Show highlights:

Part 1: Intro: Who am I?

Part 2: #1 Mid-Atlantic Ranking - USTA Tournaments and Leagues

Part 3: How I found $17 US Open Tickets - Starting Tennis-Bargains.com

Part 4: Meeting Tim Henman and Marat Safin - Travels, Photography & Wikipedia Fame

Alex is host to the Asian American Tennis segment of the show and I have had the privilege to help work with him at tennis volunteering events too. During the interview, we will chat about my tennis background, USTA tournament record, tennis travels to tournaments, and reviewing tennis camps around the world + more.

It will also give me a chance to do a quick plug for my popular www.Tennis-Bargains.com website and the inspiration behind growing it to where it is today. I will try to make this iTunes Podcast available on my website later as a direct download as well.

If you enjoy my YouTube Videos then I hope you will enjoy this too. Should you have any questions you'd like to ask, please forward your questions to the host's email: alex@virginiatennis.com

Listen to internet radio with UR10s on Blog Talk Radio

Agassi Agassi inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame 2011

Andre Agassi was inducted into this year's Tennis Hall of Fame. Winner of the all 4 Tennis Majors and the Olympic Gold medal for the USA, he is a living legend of the game.

As a New Year's resolution, I pledged to finish reading his book, Open: An Autobiography. It wasn't hard, as I just had less than 100 pages left. But the final chapters were so good and the book was so tough to put down, that I completed my resolution on Day 1.