Ball Gone

Not that this hasn’t happened before, but this time I was purely a spectator. The other day while out at the sometimes-more-casual-than-I-would-prefer Moose League (actually not a league – just sounds good), I was coming off court and noticed about four or five players debating whether or not two different sets of balls were dead (no longer suited for play).

We are never lacking for near-fresh balls or a new can with so many players playing different leagues, clubs and all over town. This is why I stood back and observed such a meeting of the minds and these various testing methods.

Wow! I've Been Eating Since I Got Here

I wrote this article several years ago when I was in the fitness biz, which I imagine I still am involved with in some fashion.

I can't say I have learned much more about holiday eating since then. Much still holds true and except for those who are predisposed to over-eating (and perhaps these individuals as well) - we tend to eat more (or gain more body-fat) over the holiday season. This is not a shocker and I attribute this to four factors.

Scuba Duba Do. Do You?

I was a lifeguard as a teenager, have been on or in three oceans, sailed many seas and lived in four coastal towns. In fact, I am overlooking the lake as I write this.

But who is the first in my family to scuba dive? My sister.

She recently went on a diving trip to the Grand Bahamas with Columbia Scuba, hosted by UNEXSO.

Dogs Do Love Tennis

This is a follow up to my article Cats Don't Love Tennis. 

I was bouncing around the Web searching for information for an upcoming article and I stumbled across the following video.

Of course most of us are aware of this, but this is proof for those of you who are still trying to get your cat to play with a tennis ball for more than two seconds and actually enjoy it.

Equipment Update - SPORTLINE Water Bottle

I know this is exciting stuff. Not really, but you have to love those little things you buy and use that always work and don't seem to go away

This is one of them. Fortunately, I can't lose it.

8 months later and it has a few more dings in the base from being dropped on the tennis court, falling off a piece of gym equipment or being launched from my bicycle during some crazy maneuver.

What's for Dinner? Uh, well...

I saw this tweet in my in-box a few hours ago from @mrsgnation (supposedly Brad Gilbert's wife - unconfirmed) and the image in the preview pane, at quick glance, looked like a cow. Well it's not - it's a goat. And her (@mrsgnation) tag line "I know things." is quite catchy with this in-your- face image of a goat in a field of grass and flowers. 

This reminded me of a totally relative yet completely unrelated (figure that) tennis story which is probably what the Gilberts need most. Okay...whatever.

Hair, Nails, Skirts...Talons

All cohesion and teamwork can come together on the tennis court between friends and then again, well...maybe not.

Most of us know the potential dangers of mixed doubles teams consisting of significant others and spouses. See 'Til Match Point Do We Part.

And many of us male doubles partners may have some of the same issues to address on court, perhaps in a different manner, right or wrong (unproductive/destructive), just 'cause we're guys.

Just Act! (He Survived)

In February of 2006, while at my desk, speaking with one of my members at the gym, one of our personal trainers shouted, "We have a member down".

From where I was, I got a glimpse of the scene, realizing a few people were assisting someone on the main work-out floor.

I ran to the small white wall-mounted cabinet which contains the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) we had recently installed.

When I returned to the scene of the incident, indeed two members whom saw another collapse had begun CPR.

Andy...The Rocket

Okay, I stepped off the radar screen for nearly five months. There has been a new edition (addition as well) to the family (she’s wonderful). We are working on developing a new Web app, I am launching a Web development business with some associates and I have yet to take Our Tennis Team to the point I planned to many years ago. There is much to do. But, life is good.

And then I learn Andy Roddick is retiring from professional tennis. I hate to see this, but it’s his call and I have a feeling he will still be around in our Tennis World. Life goes on.

War in the Land of the Morning Calm

The following was inspired by my father, who served us all and fought in a war rarely recognized. Thankfully he is still living, vibrant and often, my tennis partner.

In addition, I was more so inclined to write about this as I was the thankful recipient of a book (for which my father contributed) accounting for many events and the day-to-day lives of those who were ultimately called upon to perhaps provide the ultimate sacrifice - life. 

London Broil (Food Recipe) - February 2009

This is a wonderful beef dish when done right and can be cooked court-side if you have a grill at your club.  If not, this is one of the few tasty beefs you can enjoy cold and serve at your next match or later in salads, or in other ways, such as hors devours.  Throw in a horse radish dip and you are done.

London Broil is not a cut of beef as some butchers would have you believe.  London Broil is a technique used to cook a flank or top round steak/roast cut of beef, which takes advantage of the beef's texture by marinating thoroughly.  This is the key to enjoying what you will find to be a very versatile main course, just off the grill or eaten later.

Nonetheless, London Broil is lean, very tasty and may be served in many fashions. 

RECIPE

This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and roughly the same or less for cooking, along with 4 to 8 hours allowed for marinating.

Ingredients

• Flank Steak or Top Round Steak/Roast (some grocers or butchers may label these cuts as London Broil) - approximately 8 to 14" in length and 1 to 2" in thickness.
• Salt (fine grain, not coarse)
• Lemon Pepper
• 1 Large White Onion
• 2 Medium to Large Lemons (thinly sliced)
• 1 Bay Leaf
• A few Whole Cloves of Garlic(2 to 4)
• 1 Bottle Dry Red Wine

Preparation and Cooking

1. Rub salt into the both sides of the cut of beef.
2. Sprinkle the meat on both sides with Lemon Pepper.
3. Place onion slices and lemon slices in a pan or dish slighter larger than the cut of beef.
4. Place cut of beef in dish atop the ingredients already added.
5. Pour in wine to cover at least half the thickness of the steak.
6. Add bay leaf and cloves to the wine marinade.
7. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.  (We once had this plastic marinating container which you could flip completely over with no worry of spillage - haven't seen one since.  If you have or find one, please let us know.)
8. Allow to marinate, 4 to 8 hours, turning the meat 1 to 3 times.
9. Set the height of your grill, if possible, to within 3 to 5" of the heat.
10. Cook at 500 degrees (Broil) for 3 to 5 minutes each side.
11. Remove, wrap in foil or cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.
12. Slice at an angle (roughly 45 degrees) across the short width of the steak.  This is key and makes a huge difference in enjoying the texture and flavor of the beef.

Serve immediately as the main course of a meal, along with a potato course and a raw vegetable or salad; add to a healthy salad, warm or cold, or serve cold later:

• As part of a sandwich with your favorite condiments - mustard or mayonnaise based.  Tomato and vinegar based sauces are not allowed.
• Sliced into smaller portions for dipping in horse radish sauce or a little taste of raw minced horse radish.
• Along with your favorite spicy or sweet relish atop your favorite cracker.

Closing Notes:

1. If reheating, bring London Broil back to room temperature only - nothing more.
2. Au jus does London Broil no justice.  Choose another sauce.

Whether post-match or while hanging out with some tennis friends, or relaxing with the family, enjoy your London Broil with a medium to heavy red wine, such as a Cabernet or a Claret (klar- it) such as one from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, sipped slowly.

Transitioning to the Slice Kick (Topspin) Serve

About 17 or so years ago I moved away from a flat first serve to a slice (which doesn’t imply kick/topsin) serve. Prior I was tossing more directly into the court rather than more down the base line and ripping it. Flat power (relative to level of play) serving, using so much forward motion of the body can be quite exhausting, inefficient use of the body and the over-the-net-and-in-the-service box window gets much smaller.

Sometimes You Have to Be an Ass – Part One

Many years ago I lived at this dated, yet wonderful apartment community in Charlotte, NC.

The architecture was timeless, not a single hardwood was felled unnecessarily, the property sat on rolling hills and it was on Providence Road. One could look at all 20 plus miles of Providence Road and not find a bad neighborhood or community, no matter how intense the search.

Sometimes You Have to Be an Ass – Part Two

I was living at an apartment community and although I could not be classified as a certified teaching pro, I mentioned to the property management that I would be glad to assist anyone wishing to learn how to play tennis. No big deal - I was willing to charge a measly $20 to $30 dollars an hour.

I also took the opportunity to assist the community staff with establishing a schedule for the tennis court as we only had one. The court was in great condition and had somewhat of a covered patio, much like a gazebo, which is rare for most any individual court.

I scheduled a court time with and a friend and we headed to the court to work on her game as she had just taken up the sport. 

The Backhand Slice – The Silent Killer

Oh, how do I say this?

Do I need to? A well executed backhand slice is one of the nastiest shots in tennis to deal with.

How do I know? Because I use it to a fault, perhaps not.

I use the backhand slice when it becomes so effective and affordable.

Send me a weak shot about waist or chest high and I’m giving you back a ball that is difficult to interpret and may not leave the court enough for you to have a chance at striking it.

It took years (not many) to develop this, but it works. If you can use this shot effectively in singles, then you are golden.

Chelsea Moves On

I don’t know if an inordinate amount of British fans are following us or if soccer has the international presence I assumed it always has had.

I believe the latter to be true as I went to check my Twitter account and was inundated with endless tweets about Chelsea.

Andy Murray could have just won the French Open or Wimbledon and I don’t believe this would have passed through all the soccer media.

But, I love it. I began playing soccer in South Carolina when it was as welcome as Jai alia or farina for breakfast. We, my friends and many throughout the city, were pioneers, but more so, were the adults that created the YMCA league.

Soccer is such a wonderful sport, yet for the average American, most can’t appreciate the sport unless they have played it. I understand this. Even being an All-State player, I would rarely watch a match on TV even if I could find one back in the day.

Yet I will admit, when the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994, I didn’t work for about two weeks. Fortunately, I could afford to do so back then.

One will not find an unfit or out of shape soccer player. 90 minutes of running, positioning, jostling and playing the ball requires a lot. I’ve done it.

Congratulations to Chelsea and I hope you go all the way.

The Modern One-Hand Backhand

I bumped into an excellent video by Tom Avery on maximizing the one-hand top spin backhand stroke. This video is concise and covers his instruction from the proper points of view, making Tom's explanation easy to understand.

As soon as he had covered the basic parts of the stroke and completed a full swing from preparation to finish, I was reminded of one player, Roger Federer.

I remember years ago after winning a major match (those days when we were more likely to see Roger run around his backhand), he was asked what part of his game he wished to work on the most. "My top spin backhand", was his reply. Well, we know what has become of this - it's one of the most graceful and accurate one-hand backhand swings in the game.

Purple Taters

I here about some crazy things taking place when couples get together, but I’m not much into all that strange stuff. I’ve been there, but not on the couple level – my keys stay in my pocket if you know what I mean.

But, when you are hanging out with some tennis friends, having dinner and a few many (oxymoron) drinks, enjoying a nice spring evening, and the host asks, “Have you seen my wife’s taters?” one has to take notice and consider such a proposal. If nothing else, out of respect for such warmth and accommodation, one must respond to such a request.

Eye-Brain Preparation

We have all heard of eye-hand coordination, which to me relates to when one’s eyes are (through the brain) sending an adequate signal to the hands to perform the task at hand more accurately, with the most appropriate sense of direction and velocity.

I was reminded of this again by a tweet by Rick Salas @tennistennis.

One could probably paint this picture in at least a dozen different ways, but to sum all, I guess this is when the two, the eyes and the hands, are working harmoniously, with most efficiency and effectiveness.

Wow. I'm Beat.

Just created Pick a Pro on Find It. Trying to get our clothing on Amazon and I haven't written a thing in almost two weeks. Shoot me. On top of this, I have only played about 8 hours of tennis in the meantime.  I need some damn release - Moose League tennis tomorrow.

These and a few other things will be mentioned in our newsletter, SPIN, to be published in a few days.

In the meantime, Play the Game! We'll be back on track soon.

A Song for Tsonga

I showed praise for Jo-Willie (no disrespect at all – he has a killer first name) in my article Da Huh in Doha (Can I get a Mop Please?), regarding a match between him and Gael Monfils.

I believe we are giving audience to some of the best men’s tennis we have seen since the 70’s or early 90’s – just an opinion. The matches in the first decade of the new millennium were becoming too predictable. I don’t know how many tennis parties I threw or attended during this time when most guests were grabbing their tennis bags and saying “Who’s up for a match?” because most already knew the outcome of the match we were watching late into the second set.

Da Huh in Doha (Can I get a Mop Please?)

I decided to sit down recently and watch a replay of the final match of this year’s ExxonMobil Open in Doha on Tennis Channel.

It is Tsonga against Monfils and I’m loving watching these two French countrymen battle it out on court. It may not look like this at a glance as both players are such gentlemen on court.

Too Much for Tomic – Please Dad, Can’t You See I’m Busy

I don’t know what has been going on with Bernard Tomic and his father/(coach I guess), but obviously Ward isn’t ready for the Beave to go it on his own yet.

Actually, this is a bad analogy, because Ward and June would allow Beaver to venture out into Mayfield and make his own mistakes. Eddie Haskell was usually his only obstacle. Of course Wally would save the day, but only if necessary.

Tennis and Fitness

Dainyell Fox
Tennis Pro and Personal Trainer

Tennis is a competitive sport and on most levels we are rewarded with the social aspects as well, yet, tennis is not a substitute for a complete form of physical health and the answer to all your fitness needs, even if you are a pro – ask them.

Tennis, recreationally or otherwise, requires much more from the human body and incorporates many  more movements (great stuff) and brings into play a variety of muscle groups, joints and associated tissues, than those required of most other sports (the studies have been done).

Moose League – Play that Money Ball

Many years ago, actually about 30 years ago, a man named Moose began a tennis league, well not a league actually, but soon was to be titled such.

Before I had ever heard of or met the commissioner of the league, I was introduced to his son with Moose’s Son attached to his name as if I was supposed to know who the heck they were speaking of. They could have said Son of Elk, Born of Buffalo or Offspring of Otter and it still wouldn’t have meant a damn thing to me. If it would have been Son of Sam I would have been a little concerned.

Looking Back, I Could Have Been in the Dog House

Many years ago, my mixed tennis partner, for whom I also shared a relationship off-court, had a very strong game and we would rarely wait to find another mixed team to stir up a match.

Often we would hit against two guys and usually did well and went undefeated as an 8.5 team a few seasons later.

Blinded by the Light (Court Orientation)

Until the earth axis shifts (tilts) more than it has done at such a sloth-like pace over millions and millions of years, the most playable tennis court orientation (end-to-end) seems to be north-to-south or a variation thereof, some degrees off, depending on the latitude location of the court.

There is probably a formula for most any geographical location to provide for maximum sunlight coverage on the court throughout the day and less facing sunlight during early hours in the morning and later in the day. Of course, what a court owner or builder chooses to do is affected by slope of the land and the density and type of current foliage and that expected to mature in height over time.

Grin and Bear It

I am certain most of us know someone whom has gone through or is going through a break-up in a relationship or marriage.

And then we know those whom tend to take these troubles out on most anyone at most anytime, for whatever or no reason, for months on end. Hey, it happens to the best of us.

As a member of a country club back in the ‘90s, where we had 11 courts, with only two being clay, most members cherished the opportunity to get a reservation for the clay.

The U.S. Open, in March?

The temperature here in South Carolina is already beginning to spike somewhere in the 80’s and the water traffic on this little cove is becoming more prevalent.

If it weren’t for the threat of pollen (the interior looked like one huge tennis ball last year when I left for three days last year and intentionally left five windows open – idiot), the doors would be open 24/7.

Okay, so we haven’t quite reached the heat and humidity here that we experience in late August, a time of year when I know the U.S. Open is soon to come, but it damn well feels like it, particularly after watching the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

The True Brush Stroke Top Spin Forehand

After reading Charly Rasheed’s book, Brain Alignment: The Art of Focus in Tennis, I imagine I began analyzing the mechanics of my swing a little more as I was trying to strike the ball earlier if I could. Check out Brain Alignment: The Art of Focus In Tennis

We all see the pro’s do it and it usually requires a western or extreme (if that be the proper term) western grip and coming more so up and upward through the ball than driving the ball forward with the racket, body and arm momentum.

Water You Talkin’ About

I don’t get too excited about water/sport/drink containers, but I can sure get pissed about them. Well not really, but enough to warrant attempting a 3-pointer toward the trash can.

When I say container, I don’t down mean coolers, jugs or thermoses. I am speaking of that basic in-a-single-hand bottle that you can chug from. The one (or two) you may carry to the courts in your bag to refill with the court-side available refreshment (that spouted water cooler you hope is cleaned and replenished often), the pro shop faucet or whatever.

Brain Alignment – The Art of Focus in Tennis

A few years ago a friend and I headed over to Wild Dunes, the wonderful resort in Charleston, SC, rated as one of the top ten tennis getaways in the country for the last many years.

We were to meet some friends, take in some tennis and enjoy Charleston in February.  Although I had lived their many times before year round and the end of summer can become somewhat tiring with all the beach and tourist traffic, February is not my favorite month in Charleston. By the way, I don’t hate tourists – I feel like I have been one most of my life.

The day of check-in we stop by the tennis pro shop, meet Charly Rasheed and some of his staff, and my friend makes it sound as if she just signed us up for a group clinic in the morning. I’m thinking, “Great, we can have fun and relax tonight and not have to worry about some grueling tennis in the morning.” I was wrong.

Up(s) a Daisy (Whoops-a-Daisy)

The phrase has several meanings, for the most part very similar in origin and somewhat the same in meaning - from surprise in someone else’s err, one’s response to one’s own fault, to how to respond to a child whom just fell down.

The Brit’s coined the phrase in most any fashion and it is where the more abbreviated whoops we know today, originated.

Bad Line Calls

Before I get started on this topic I want to tell everyone that I want some feedback – some true feedback and comments.

I don’t feel that bad line calls are the number one topic of tennis play overall on the local and league level, but it almost always seems the most prominent issue (other than one’s own lack of good play) for players walking off the court after a match, win or lose (usually lose).

Cats Don't Love Tennis

Okay. I don’t dislike cats. I have had four in my adult years, but they don’t take to tennis like dogs do.

Dogs almost innately get excited about any tennis ball in their vicinity. Of course, if the tennis ball is moving, it becomes quite a bit more interesting. Dogs seem to go well with tennis balls.

One may throw another round object near their favorite Labrador Retriever and he or she may simply glance up at you as if you thought you just discovered dirt. But, if you toss a tennis ball, then it is game on.

The Tennis Channel

There are about two days out of any given year that there is not a professional tennis tournament taking place - one is my birthday, which is a day I try to forget and give thanks that I am still alive and the other is February 29^th, which only occurs, well you know, once every four years in the U.S. I have no clue what other countries and cultures do with that extra day that somehow balances out our celestial calendar.

Johnny Mac

I have no idea how many tennis fans and players either grew up watching John McEnroe play tennis or were later influenced by his type of play and court conduct.

I assume the latter is not the case unless one were to study Johnny Mac for the reasons most of us abhorred him during his prolific times on the pro tour.

I simply wish to know how many of you out there believe he is an ambassador for the sport of tennis.

Because, if you believe he is not, then let me know why and I will prove you wrong in an article to come soon.

Guga Gets In

I’m sitting here watching (replay) Copa Claro, an ATP 250 Tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina (the country reminds me of a story for another time). Ferrer is playing Almagro in the finals and is about to take him in the third.

I love watching clay matches and I’m truly in to this match, but Ferrer reminds (by name) me of Juan Carlos Ferrero and I am curious as to what he is up to. In 2003, I had the good fortune of seeing Roddick defeat him at the U.S. Open and meeting Andy in Times Square the very next day – another story for another time.

Pole Position - This Ain’t NASCAR – It’s Nassau

Once upon a long while ago, I had the good fortune of chasing some sailfish (and some tennis balls) down to the warm and clear waters in the vicinity of Nassau, Bahamas before Freeport and other destinations became the new places to go.

Good rum was only $1.50 a quart, the beaches weren’t so crowded and most vacationers there felt oh so privileged, yet this was still one of the cheapest vacations outside of the continental United States.

Four-Ball Tennis Cans

Okay, so tennis is full of much tradition, as we all know, from court attire (for the most part) to courtesies and etiquette, and obviously the rules. So what the heck is up with four-ball tennis cans?

I truly couldn’t find much history on this so I imagine these came about as a marketing ploy by one of the manufacturers; there is a collective group of players out there who cannot prevent whaling balls over the fence frequently; we have too many people playing on courts without fences (something I haven’t seen yet); or there are enough courts out there surrounded by hazards such as swamps, highway traffic, cliffs, dangerous animals, quicksand or something warranting having that one extra ball. 

Southern Section Combo Championship – Day 3

March 4

The team’s match got moved up by an hour or so.

The wind is kicking, but of course, it is blowing on both sides of the court.

Shots are getting tricky and what may be out is in, what may be in is out and what is out is wayyyyyy out.

Southern Section Combo Championships - Day 2

March 3, 2012

It’s Saturday and the team is taking on Mississippi and Tennessee at the off-site facility and the winds are no less friendly than the day before.

Well, not much to report as today was somewhat of a repeat performance of the first round as only one match was taken from the opponents in both competitions.

The day ran late and little time was given to get ready for the player’s party at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.

Southern Section Combo Championships - Day 1

March 2, 2012

It’s a pretty day, temperature is in the 70’s, but the winds are steady and then gusty at times.

We arrive at the Mobile Tennis Center which is tucked away in a complex which includes a performing arts theatre, an art museum and other community services. A pond or lake is visible from most any view.

The tennis center, with 60 courts is quiet impressive. The courts and courtside facilities are busy, yet the event seems to be well organized.

The team, a wild card entry, takes to court and they weren’t waxed by any means, but were only able to take one out of three matches from their competitors from Alabama.

Southern Section Combo Championships - Travel Log

March 1, 2012

We left for Mobile, Alabama early in the morn and the first leg to Atlanta would normally be full of monotony if I were able to ignore the five women I am riding with in a Suburban packed to capacity with tennis bags, coolers, luggage and snack baskets.  No one is going to starve or die of thirst on this trip.  We could break down in the middle of nowhere and survive for days.

The Greatest Tennis Entertainer

He is dubbed as the Greatest Tennis Entertainer and I have no idea, as for I know of no other to compare.

But, he is awfully entertaining and even more so, his court awareness and shot-resources are phenomenal.

Obviously (in the video on our blog), there is some choreography taking place here, but who cares – this guy loves playing the game and having so much fun with it.

What’s in Your Bag?

Let us know.

Here’s what is in mine:

Main Pocket

3 Prince EXO³ Rackets

2^nd Pocket

Way too many loose balls (bound for the hopper), 1 can of tennis balls

Would You Hand Me A Napkin Please?

We had a league match the other night and I don’t know if my partner or someone else brought over these onions rings before our match, but they were killer.

Oh my God.  I know, it may be difficult to get excited about onion rings, but when you can actually enjoy these during match play (on-court) because your opponent's play is so terrible, then you are golden, and so were the onion rings.

Where's the ketchup?

Maggie W

Arlington Heights, IL

Shut It Up

Nothing's wrong with a little ice-breaking convo before a league match and some friendly talk during the switch, but if you choose to chat it up with your partner throughout a match, even during play, please leave the court and take it home.

And, if you feel the need to chat it up during match play, please not discuss your marriage and how neglected (rightfully so) your parents were of you.

Please, spare me the agony of it all.

Diana C

Columbia, SC

That Whole Darn Inverted Forehand Backhand Thingy

What the heck is this?

I don’t see it often and I imagine I overlook or completely miss it the first few times it occurs on court.  But, what is that awkward stroke, if it can be called a stroke, that tennis players do, whereas using their forehand grip, turn the racket head 180 degrees, bringing the racket across the body (I need some graphics here), and then punch, hit, swat (whatever) at the ball?  This is all obviously in lieu of performing a normal and natural backhand stroke.

Up On the Roof Top, Ouch, Ouch, Ouch

Many years ago, several business associates and I attended a trade show in Dallas and were asked to come down a few days early to enjoy ourselves and spend time with some customers.  As for that agenda, until the trade show began, the order of the day was to enjoy ourselves (customers were nowhere to be found), and we did.

‘Til Match Point Do We Part (Happy Valentine’s Day)

Not all of us, but many of us, somehow will or have ended up (some, many times over) on the same side of the court with someone near and dear to us, perhaps our spouse or significant other.

This shared interest in tennis by two who also share a strong interest in one another comes in many forms and fashions and this courtship begins in just as many ways:

10 and Under Tennis - The Rules Have Changed

As of January 1, 2012, the rules for 10 and Under Tennis have changed based on rule changes passed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

For the most part, or in whole, these rules affect the physical and equipment parameters of the game - court dimensions, rackets and balls.

I truly hope the best for the ITF and USTA in being successful in this venture, but more so, the kids, parents and organizers. Us adults may have to find a way to sneak away from work during school hours to find an available court in the coming years, but so be it. In 10 or 15 years we may see more Americans in the top rankings and in the Slams - Yesss! It may be a good time to be in the tennis court construction business.