06 April 2009
Andre Agassi was the ultimate golden child
I can't believe how he always seemed in complete control of the game. With an unbelievable level of athletic fitness, Andre Agassi simply wore the other players down. It's exhausting and intimating just watching that level of play.
03 April 2009
John Newcombe was a doubles phenomenon
I can't name a more reliable doubles partner than John Newcombe. He's an Australian prodigy. With his powerful second serve, he caught opponents off guard and used it to dominate the rest of the match.
02 April 2009
Fred Perry is a true British hero
As both a tennis star and an Englishman, Fred Perry dominated the world of tennis. I can't believe he didn't even pick up a racket until he was 18. It blows my mind that a person could conquer a sport so late in the game.
01 April 2009
Don Budge was an early amateur legend
I can't believe the list of accomplishments Don Budge rang up before he was even considered a professional. He managed to dominate the sport tennis in the thirties and he was only considered an amateur at the time.
Ivan Lendl set a new standard for sheer dominance in the sport of tennis
For a period in the late eighties to the early nineties, Ivan Lendl owned the sport of tennis. He created new standards for what it took to be the best. When the next generation started training, he was unquestionably their benchmark.
30 March 2009
When it comes to tennis, I'd like to partner with John McEnroe
With an explosive backhand swing matched only by his own explosive temper, John McEnroe revolutionized the sport of tennis. If I could pick anyone for a doubles match, John McEnroe would be my number one hands down.
Roger Federer is my Swiss tennis champion.
With his mastery of technique Rodger Federer is unquestionably my Swiss tennis champion. HeÕs a natural at the sport and he makes tennis look effortless. I wish I could do anything with the same ease at which he is on the court.
27 March 2009
Pete Sampras revolutionized the importance of aggressive play
Pete Sampras showed me the importance of being number one. His aggressive style of tennis emphasizes the importance of never giving up. It an amazing example of how hard work can take a person to the top.
Bjorn Borg was a teenage tennis prodigy
Bjorn Borg never failed to blow me away. He not only conquered tennis at a young age, but he managed to hold on to his records for decades. His unconventional style of play inspires me to no end.
25 March 2009
Rod Laver is a true tennis champion
I wasn't really aware of the earlier successes of Rod Laver, but I couldn't believe just how much he'd accomplished. A true player, he was racking up grand slams before there was even a lot of money involved.
20 March 2009
Chris Evert's Game Left Me on the Sidelines
I’m not going to be stepping onto a clay court with Chris Evert anytime soon and I doubt you will either, considering she has the best singles record in history. All we can do, along with the rest of the world, is admire her from the sidelines.
Steffi Graf's Mastery Inspires Me to Try Harder
Steffi Graf will always amaze me. The way she forced opponents to adapt to her style was unparalleled. Her athleticism and mastery of the game will always encourage me to try harder.
18 March 2009
I Wouldn't Two Seconds on the Court with Billie Jean King
I get exhausted just watching Billie Jean King play. I can’t imagine actually stepping onto the court and being at the end of that serve! When it came to rushing the net, Billie Jean was truly king.
Suzanne Lenglen is My Personal Role Model For Opening The Doors For Women in Sports.
I consider Suzanne Lenglen as an early champion of a women’s right to play sports. With her sophisticated dress and rebellious spirit she opened the doors for athletic females. She’s an inspiration to our current era.
I wish I Had Been As Driven As a Teenager as Maureen Connolly Was
Maureen Connolly showed me how determination from an early age can allow me to achieve anything. It’s surreal to think she won a National Championship at 16! I better go practice.
11 March 2009
Helen Willis Moody is My Definition of Cool Under Pressure
Helen Willis Moody was one of the greatest players of her time. I don’t know how someone could win a nation title at 17 and remain stone faced! I wish I was that cool under pressure.
Monica Seles Showed Me What It Means to be Tough
Monica Seles is the definition of an iron woman! I can’t believe she returned to the court after her injuries. It showed a level of determination that continues to inspire generations of up and coming tennis pros.
Serena Williams is my pick for this year's unbeatable star
Serena Williams is a force to be reckoned with. I can’t imagine being able to serve a tennis ball at 120 mph! I look forward to seeing her defend her US Open and Australian Open titles this year.
10 March 2009
Margaret Court is a Great Tennis Player from Australia
Margaret Court is my favorite Australian tennis player. If I had to play a doubles tournament, I wouldn’t find a better partner. I can’t believe how many Grand Slam titles she’d won!
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