Sampras vs Agassi - Live Blog (Somewhat)

Okay, so I haven't done a live blog just yet, but I hope this a fantastic match whereas I don't find myself repeating what we all know about these two tennis legends, particularly when on opposite sides of the court.

It's dificult not to appreciate either of them as tennis players for what they bring to the game, but somehow most everyone I have ever met has a strong preference for one over the other.

Grab Your Racket Cruises

The bulk of the Web pages at Grab Your Racket Cruises have been updated.

Please check out Cruising with Oscar Wegner (Renown Tennis Instructor), sailing out of Long Beach, California late May and early June aboard the Carnival Paradise.  Oscar will be conducting group lessons and clinics at the BNP Paribas Open.  Tournament begins March 7 at Indian Wells, California.

We are one month out from setting sail on our Sony Ericsson Hosted Cruise Event, but there is still time to get onboard.

Not So New(s)

If you didn’t already know, Jim Courier was elected as Davis Cup Captain last year.  Jim is undoubtedly and doggedly one of the best the game has ever seen and one of the few pro circuit retirees whom has stayed active in so many aspects of tennis.  His personality has been so prevalent at the court level, not only in the press box.  If you haven’t had a chance to go to a Davis Cup event stateside, you should do so if possible.  If nothing else, you will get to see Americans play throughout the entire event.

Up to 60% Off Otto Clothing

All Beefy-T's and pre-printed Hanes Toddler and Infant Tee's are reduced to 40% of oiginal price.  This discount is good for in-stock items only and the selection becomes more limited everyday.  Check them out at The mOtto Shop.

Spitting on Court

Okay, so I have never given much thought, outside of common decency, to the issue of spitting, until Tiger Woods was recognized and penalized for spitting on the green during a round in Europe.

Nothing against Tiger by any means.  My occasional golf partners have done things on the fairway (not the green) none will ever admit to.

Yet, this whole incident, which gained international attention, made me think, "Are there any rules by the USTA, ATP or any governing body which address the same?"

There may be a ruling or constitution regarding such by some tennis entity, but I was exhausted in finding any information regarding this.

Oh yes, I have seen, on occasion, a person (most likely male) take it upon himself to expel his lungs or throat of whatever and launch a loogie...read more at Spitting on Court.

Wild Dunes - February 2011

Great Tennis and More, as Usual

The Photos

I don't believe I shall ever tire of spending time in Charleston and staying at Wild Dunes.  Who would, particularly when taking in some tennis with the pro's at the club?

Friday was, for the most part, a planned evening downtown. This was definitely not the best meal and service I have ever experienced for a well established provider of food, beverage and entertainment in Charleston, so I will forego mentioning their  name.  It may have simply been a bad day or they were short of staff.  Who knows?  It's February in Charleston.

Saturday morning was time for a little work-out and then some time on-court.  This appeared to be our first day on the upward slope to warmer weather here in the Carolinas, yet the wind made this not so realized.

I had asked if Charly Rasheed (for whom many of you may be familiar - Tennis Director of one of the Top Five, if not often better, tennis resorts in the country, for many years running) was available, but Charly was on court during our court time...read more at Wild Dunes - February 2011.

Owen Davidson (Our Tennis Cruise Celebrity) Inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame

Owen Davidson was just inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame on
January 26th.  This comes on the heels of his induction into the International
Tennis Hall of Fame this past summer!  We are thrilled once again to have him
join us on our March Tennis Cruise.

It's not too late to join the fun for our March Tennis Cruise aboard the
Norwegian Epic!

The ship is filling up, but there is still some availability.

Package includes: 7 Night Cruise, Tennis Drills Onboard and at
Selected Ports With Legend Owen Davidson, Multiple Group Activities On And Off The Ship, Transportation From Miami Airport, Tickets And Transportation To Two Sessions Of The Sony Ericsson Open In Key Biscayne, Florida.

Dates: March 23- Meet and Greet
March 24 & 25- Sony Ericsson Open
March 26- April 2- 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Learn more at Grab Your Racket Cruises.

Charleston, South Carolina - 2 Unique to go Unnoticed

Not only did Charleston receive Best Tennis Town for 2010, for a variety of reasons, from the local community participation in recreational and league tennis to the wonderful venue at Daniel Island and two of the top resorts in the country – Wild Dunes and Kiawah Island, it is also home to The Original Pluff Mud Apparel. 

That’s right Charleston, not only are you the honoree of this unique tennis award, you also are the headquarters for the distinctive clothing dipped in the mud along the marsh lines surrounding your beautiful city – yes, it works and they are very unique.

In recognition of these two facts, we are doing two things.

Firstly, we are conducting a quick survey to discover how many of you would be interested in having Tennis Cruises scheduled out of the Port of Charleston.  I spoke with our tennis vacation planner and she believes it may be time to do so.  To participate, please click here.

Secondly, we have included The Original Pluff Mud Apparel at The mOtto Shop and if you mention Our Tennis Team when visiting their Web site or contacting them, you will receive 10% off.

So, give us your thoughts on tennis voyages and vacations, and take advantage of a Charleston original – Pluff Mud Apparel.