This seems obvious, right? We owe it to ourselves, our opponents and our partners to carefully read the rules of tennis. It would probably be a shock to learn how many active players haven’t done so. And, even worse, how that fact doesn’t stop them from arguing about the minutiae of the game! Don’t be that player. “Ignorance of the rules constitutes a delinquency on the part of a player and spoils an otherwise good match,” the USTA rule book tells us.
But let’s back up for a second and make sure we’re all on the same page. It would help to qualify the ‘rules’ we should be following. The USTA Friend At Court (quoted above) is the best resource for social players and absolute doctrine for league players. This lengthy manual covers the basic rules of tennis as established by the International Tennis Federation. It also includes a section entitled The Code: The Players Guide to Fair Play and the Unwritten Rules of Tennis. The Unwritten Rules… did you catch that? USTA experts know well that situations arise outside of what’s covered by the basic rules of tennis. Most of us can keep score. We are aware that the alley is in for doubles and out for singles, for example. But what happens if a ball drops out of a player’s pocket during a point? If a cell phone rings during a match, is that a hindrance? Can a player ask a spectator for input on a line call? The answers to such questions are in The Code.
*In case you’re wondering, if a ball drops out of a player’s pocket or skirt unintentionally, only the opposing team or player can call a let, which allows the point to be replayed. This is considered a courtesy, but it seems like a no-brainer—no one wants to see an opponent twist an ankle by stepping on a loose ball. That said, if a player seems to be dropping balls on purpose to prevent losing tough points (really, who would do that?), no let is called and the offending player loses a point. But I would think long and hard about accusing someone of such shady behavior—better to suggest they find a more secure place to stash balls. And always remember to silence your phone before a match. If your phone rings during play, your opponent can claim the point. As for asking spectators about line calls, the answer is always no.
This is much easier to do when you’re confident in your understanding of the rules. Deescalating potential arguments works so much better when you know what you’re talking about—in tennis and in life. That doesn’t mean you have to become the overbearing rule police. People don’t react well to that approach. Try statements such as: “Good news, I was just reading the USTA rule book section that covered this exact scenario.” Or, “this situation arises so often, it’s covered by the USTA code. Their policy actually makes sense and is fair to everyone.”
If you can’t remember a specific guideline—there are a lot—it’s best to say so. Try this, “I know this is covered by the USTA. I’m not sure of the specific regulation, but I think we can all try to agree on a fair solution.” This tactic can be quite disarming as opposed to coming in hot. And perhaps your opponent has the answer, so it pays to listen to their explanation. Of course, if it seems tailor-made to benefit them, I might be suspicious. But, again, staying steady and reasonable is best.
To settle disputes, many team captains carry a printout of the Friend At Court in their tennis bags which makes sense. Anyone can do so, but it might detract from the fun quotient to start flipping through pages during a match. So, what to do if an opponent simply won’t accept your explanation of the rules? Let’s first agree on what not to do. Don’t become angry or unkind—full stop. Try to cool things down, rather than raise the temperature. Certain players might never listen to fact or reason, so it pays to find a compromise in the moment, even if it involves replaying or conceding a point. You just can’t win some on-court arguments, so it’s no use getting upset. There are players who hope to fluster and distract their opponents by stirring up drama—don’t fall for it. Turn your frustration into determination and focus on winning with your racquet and athleticism. Control yourself and lean into the underlying values repeatedly expressed in The Code which are all about ‘fair play.’ A Guide to Fair Play is part of The Code’s subtitle—it’s right there
“If a player serves out of turn during a tie-break game and the error is discovered after an even number of points have been played, the error is corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after an odd number of points have been played, the order of service shall remain as altered. A fault that was served by the opponent(s) before the error was discovered shall not stand. In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that was served before the error was discovered shall stand.”
OK, so this is Rule 27d from the ITF regulations in the Friend At Court. I think we can agree that this is confusing, at best. It also illustrates how tough it is to keep a working knowledge of every tennis edict and bylaw in your head. So don’t feel bad if you aren’t sure—just problem solve and play through as peacefully as possible. This positive attitude can be contagious. You can always refer to the rule book later to be prepared for next time. But don’t take points you don’t deserve or didn’t earn. (Better to keep careful track of serving order, no?)
Of course, many teams/players can get confused during long matches and lose track of scores and serving/receiving order. Here’s a reminder of what to do in this case: If a doubles team accidentally switches receiving order during a game, they stay that way until said game is finished. They switch back to playing their correct courts in the next game. If they make a mistake in terms of serving—the wrong player serves—the error is corrected immediately—during the game being played. Got it? As for disagreements on scores, the overriding rule is to go back to a score that all players can agree on. And don’t sweat it too much. This isn’t life or death.
The USTA Code clearly states that playing tennis with integrity enriches our lives, and who can argue with that? To do so involves ‘knowing the rules,’ ‘winning with humility and losing with grace,’ ‘being fair,’ ‘acting with character,’ ‘maintaining composure,’ and ‘giving others the benefit of the doubt.’ Doing all of that is reason to be proud; winning while behaving poorly is not. Trying to prevent a loss by looking for loopholes in the rules is just plain icky.
What’s important to keep in mind about rules: They are written to keep the game fair, and to prevent gamesmanship. This is the key to settling disputes on court. Make sure that everything you say and do is in the service of fairness. During a recent USTA morning doubles match I participated in, a flock of loud honking geese came seemingly out of nowhere and flew over the court just as a player was serving. She screamed and hit the ball straight down onto her own court. Everyone laughed and agreed to a let. She served again and all was well. Plus, we had fun!
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There are two main types of stretching, dynamic and static. Dynamic stretches are active stretches where you stretch your muscles while using them, whereas static stretches are what we typically think of as stretching. In other words, dynamic stretches are movement-based stretches, and static stretches involve holding a stretch for a certain amount of time.
Begin with 5-10 minutes of general body warm-up, such as jogging or another light aerobic activity like jumping rope. Once your muscles have warmed up, you can do a series of dynamic stretches to prepare your muscles for use during the match. After a match, it’s crucial to do static stretches during a cool-down to prevent injuries.
The following exercises are some suggested dynamic stretches that you can do before your match.
Arm Circles (forward and backward)
Purpose: Loosens the shoulders, essential for powerful serves and overhead shots
How to Do It:
Arm Swings
Purpose: Enhances shoulder flexibility, vital for serving and volleying
High Knees
Purpose: Promotes better running mechanics and footwork
Leg Swings
Purpose: Enhances your range of motion for quick lateral movements
Side Lunges with Reach
Purpose: Improves lateral stability and flexibility
Torso Twists
Purpose: Loosens up the spine and improves rotational mobility to generate power in your strokes
The following exercises are some suggested static stretches that you can do after your match.
Calf Stretch
Purpose: Reduces tightness and improves flexibility, reducing calf strains
Hamstring Stretch
Purpose: Reduces tightness and improves flexibility, preventing hamstring strains
Shoulder Stretch
Purpose: Promotes relaxation and alleviating tension in the deltoids and rotator cuff muscles after a match
Spinal Twist
Purpose: Improves rotational mobility, key for powerful strokes
Quadriceps Stretch
Purpose: Relieves tightness and improves flexibility, promoting better range of motion and reducing the risk of injury
Tennis Elbow Stretch (Wrist Extension and Flexion)
Purpose: Strengthens writes, which are prone to cause tennis elbow pain
Stretching is an important part of a tennis player’s pre-match and post-match routine. Not only will it enhance your game by improving quickness, stability, and strength, but it will also help prevent injuries. Spending 10 minutes doing dynamic stretches before a match and 10 more minutes doing static stretches after a match will help you to be able to continue playing tennis for a lifetime. Your future self will be thanking you for helping to reduce soreness and tension in your body, keeping you in peak condition, and giving you a competitive edge on the court.
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To get the most out of a tennis trip, pack smart. Your mode of transportation will make a difference, obviously. Air travel requires a more serious edit than just throwing bags into a car. But either way, we’re talking about essentials that help you shine on court and off. Plan to be comfortable, ready for action and always looking put together. Simple mantra: Up your game. Go for a slightly elevated version of your at-home tennis self.
The TSA allows tennis racquets to be carried on airplanes. That said, some airlines may have different rules, as the average racquet is longer than some carry-on specs allow. Frequent tennis flyers will tell you that they always fly with their racquet(s) in a carry-on tennis backpack with the handle(s) sticking out and usually have no problems at all. And once you arrive, you’ll have a tennis bag to bring to the court. It’s best to find out if your carrier has any specific policies, of course. You can pack your racquet in a bigger suitcase and check it, but it’s probably wise to wrap it in bubble wrap or some other protective outer layer.
After your trusty tennis racquet, your tennis shoes, though bulky, are next on the list. It’s tempting to travel with them on if you’re flying, but don’t. Save them for the court, that’s what they’re for, and they’ll last longer as good playing shoes if you take care of them. If you don’t have a good shoe bag, get one (or more). These indispensable items are perfect for protecting your shoes and keeping the rest of your gear clean. Don’t clay and Har-Tru just seem to get everywhere?
A good athleisure sneaker is great for travel wear and a versatile option to have on a trip. Nike, Veja, Adidas, New Balance and Superga make sneakers that are super comfy and can be worn with just about anything. Bring along a pair of sporty flip flops or slides (try Athleta, Fit Flop, Lululemon or Hoka) as well. These will work in the locker room, spa, poolside or out and about with shorts or skirts. If you’re traveling to an upscale resort with a cute bar or lovely dining room (yes, please), perhaps add a dressier sandal or flat to your packing list. And don’t forget extra sport socks.
Packing tennis separates that mix and match is a solid gameplan—daily outfit planning becomes a no-fuss breeze. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to throw a favorite showstopper, like that Etoile tennis dress or Tory Burch skirt and polo set to take you from court to lunch or cocktails. Just don’t skimp on the tennis clothes. Like most tennis players, you’ll want to play as much as possible, so you’ll need fresh attire throughout the trip. A bathing suit (or two, depending on your destination) is an essential. A nice swim, soak in a hot tub or trip to the spa really helps with recovery. Have a light tennis sweater and a zip up or two on hand for pre-match warmups and after play. We love the options from Aimee and Lulu, Renwick Sport, Runway Athletic and Lacoste. A pair of sweatpants or leggings make sense, unless you’re headed somewhere quite warm. In that case, comfy and/or smart-looking shorts are key. A pretty shirt dress (Athleta and Tuckernuck) is perfect for social events or a night out during the trip, if that’s on the agenda. And pack presentable PJs for travel… because our mothers always said so.
Bring what helps you play your best. Hat, visor, sport sunglasses, wrist bands, extra hair ties, elbow brace, athletic tape, replacement over grips--these small items can make a big difference if you need them and don’t have them on hand. Sunscreen is usually easily purchased, so it’s not necessary to lug a huge bottle or tube if that’s inconvenient, but bringing a good facial moisturizer with SPF or a sunscreen stick with a formula that stays put even in the heat is a wise choice. (Banana Boat, Neutrogena and Bare Republic make excellent, highly protective versions.) And don’t forget a separate lip balm, preferably with sunscreen. Check out Super Goop, Sun Bum and Aquaphor lip protectants. For these little things plus wallet/ID, bring a great looking wristlet that holds the bare essentials. This helps organize your backpack, tote or carry on, and doubles as a small purse or clutch when heading out to lunch, dinner, happy hour or that massage that you definitely earned. As for toiletries, etc.—you do you. But maybe bring along some analgesics or heat therapy patches to take the edge off any tennis aches and pains that might pop up. Cosmetics-wise, do yourself a favor and keep it simple. A tinted moisturizer and bronzer or blush should do the trick for a healthy, “I just won my match” glow, even if you have to fake it ‘til you make it.
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Tennis and wine—a match made in heaven—not necessarily at the same time, of course. The Tennis and Wine Camp at the Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia allows you to properly enjoy both. A ski resort in the winter, this beautiful spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains is also home to the Wintergreen Tennis Academy featuring 19 courts--16 outdoor clay and three indoor hard. The Tennis and Wine Camp begins on a Friday with a tour of a nearby vineyard and a wine-pairings luncheon. Switch gears on Saturday and enjoy a full day of fast-paced clinics and instruction with a focus on winning strategies.
Wine and cheese tastings are part of the Hopman Adult Tennis Programs at the Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida. Good thing, because players will need a bit of R & R after the five hours of daily instruction included in the schedule for these intensive tennis getaways. Diehards can also add private lessons and complimentary extra court time. The program is tailored to fit each player’s level with a focus on strength and fitness as well as tactics and technique. Top tennis pros often train at Saddlebrook, which makes sense—the facility boasts 41 courts, featuring all the Grand Slam surfaces. If it’s good enough for them, count us in, too. Maybe they won’t take advantage of the Saddlebrook’s gorgeous pools, spa, restaurants and bars, but we sure will!
The adult camps at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas Hill country are perhaps the most intense we’ve found, but thanks to a focus on fun and positive feedback, players might not even notice how hard they’re working. With six- and three-day options, these programs are designed to build confidence and skill, helping players to reach their specific tennis goals. Started by legendary Aussie champion John Newcombe, the ranch is all about positive vibes and sweat. Days are filled with clinics and instruction, keeping the pro-to-student ratio as low as possible for more personalized coaching. The pros also join players for family-style meals, and rumor has it, epic karaoke sessions in the evenings.
Players looking for a little more luxe in their tennis camp should consider Cliff Drysdale Tennis Programs at the Inn at Perry Cabin near the Chesapeake Bay in St. Michaels, Maryland. This stately waterside retreat is set on 26 acres of gardens, orchards and sprawling green lawns, and offers golf, sailing and croquet, as well as tennis at its beautifully appointed racquet club. While the setting is stylish and old school, the inn’s adult programs offer innovative tennis instruction complete with lessons, clinics and video analysis upon request. Access to the fitness center is included, and optional extras include treatments at the lovely spa.
The IMG Academy, one of the premier training locations for aspiring professional athletes, also hosts adult tennis camps for all levels. Players will have access to top instructors at this state-of-the-art, 55-court facility in Bradenton, Florida (formerly known as the Nick Bollettieri tennis center), where lessons and clinics focus on physical and mental aspects of the game. The 4- and 6- night programs include nutritional advice and video analysis of your groundstrokes and footwork which can be very enlightening, to say the least. Hardcore campers can upgrade to the Breakthrough package which adds an hour of private instruction to the daily schedule. Participants stay at the nearby Legacy Hotel which is the perfect place to relax and recharge after a long day on the court.
Nike Adult Tennis Camps are popping up across the country. There might be one scheduled in your area—check the website below. These weekend camps are held at various tennis facilities such as colleges, high schools and tennis clubs and feature hours of tennis instruction per day for attendees who are grouped by ability. Lodging is typically not included, so the format is more of a day camp situation, but the tennis is taken quite seriously. Net results: three continuous days of hardcore tennis can affect real improvements in your game. Pickleball players take note: similar Nike Adult Pickleball camps are offered as well, providing excellent instruction and hours of intense practice.
Six days of non-stop pickleball… If this sounds like a dream, you should consider signing up for a SunCoast Pickleball Camp in Montreat, North Carolina. Offered in May and September, these comprehensive camps are designed improve every aspect of your game. Instruction is divided into phases, starting with Serve and Return and ending with Put Aways and Attacks (our favorite!). Dinking, third shot drops, strategy and court position are covered as well. Attendees stay at the Montreat Conference Center and all meals are included, along with nightly social activities such as trivia contests or dancing to live music.
Pickleball’s popularity is now official. USTA Adult Pickleball Camps are being offered at the USTA’s national campus in Orlando, Florida. (That’s the United States Tennis Association—so we’re talking a legitimate stamp of approval. Maybe tennis and pickleball can get along?) These three-day sessions include over 12 hours of instruction focusing on consistency and control at the net, smart approach strategies and serve/return effectiveness. (One-day camps are available as well.) Players are grouped with no more than four to a court, so be prepared to hit lots of balls. Intangibles: The facilities are part of an amazing sports complex set on 64 acres that’s dedicated to helping athletes improve so you’re sure to feed off of all the competitive energy in the air.
Players looking to customize their pickleball camp experience should check out LevelUp Pickleball which designates camps for different levels. These one and two-day sessions are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced and are offered at resorts and pickleball facilities across the country. Participants receive instruction fine-tuned to their abilities and goals, which allows for maximum improvement and player development. A video analysis of stroke mechanics is included as well. LevelUp’s website makes it easy for players to search for camps suited to their skills in a particular location, so finding the right session is a snap.
Rise Pickleball Camps feature excellent instructors including Rise’s founder, Rob Davidson. Formerly on the pro tour, Davidson now dedicates himself to teaching the game to others and he’s very good at his job. Rise Pickleball’s 3-day camps, usually held at resorts in Arizona, are extremely popular with picklers in the know. Targeted to 3.0-3.5 players, the sessions are designed to introduce a particular technical skill, drill that skill and then use it in point play. You’ll work on court awareness and communication with partners, too. For an even more immersive experience, Rise is adding five-day destinations camps to its schedule. The first one will be held in Hamilton, Montana on courts surrounded by majestic mountain skylines. (Accommodations are not included, but Rise provides info on places to stay.)
]]>It doesn’t take long to realize that the dos and don’ts of pickleball are what makes it unique, challenging and downright addictive. Note to tennis players giving pickleball a try: Just because you don’t like the kitchen rules does not mean you don’t have to follow them (or get grouchy). You can’t serve and volley and you can’t stand on top of the net to crush ‘sitters,’ no matter how much you’ll enjoy doing it. Truth is, once you play more pickleball, you realize that the kitchen (or no-volley zone) is essential. It would be chaos out there if the ball could be smashed from anywhere on court.
So, what’s going to be different? A few new rules and guidelines were recently adopted, and more are under consideration for the future. Many of the new regulations are clearly intended to smooth out the game at the professional level, or at increasingly popular amateur tournaments. But social players will be affected by certain tweaks of the US Pickleball Official Rulebook.
The biggest area of debate has to do with the serve. For context, the serve is another area that radically separates pickleball and tennis—in the way the ball is hit, as well as in the shot’s relation to the game. In tennis, the serve is meant to be a weapon. A well hit serve is supposed to win points outright, or at least set up the point distinctly in the server’s favor. (‘Supposed to’ is key—some of us are still simply trying not to double fault.) In pickleball, the serve is intended to start the point—not to overwhelm it. Of course, good picklers manage to stay within the rules and hit serves that are hard to return. I like to play with these people.
Serving 101: The serve must have an upward arc, the paddle should be lower than the server’s wrist and the ball should not be contacted higher than the server’s waist. (A recent rule was proposed to change this body part to the hip joint since waists are often indiscernible… ouch. The rule was voted down.) Most people get the job done just fine with a volley serve. That is, they drop the ball from their non-paddle hand and hit it before it reaches the ground.
Serving rules came under scrutiny when players started to spin the ball with their hands before hitting it. This caused the ball to bounce unpredictably and gave the server a distinct advantage. Last year, this spin serve was deemed illegal to protect the true spirit of the game. Players now must simply drop the ball and hit it (out of the air). It IS legal to impart spin on the ball with the paddle, if the trajectory and contact point are legit. (Let’s all work on that while it’s still allowed!) In related news: Referees and returners (in non-officiated play) used to have the right to call a fault for an illegal serve. That rule has been toned down. Now, it’s strictly permissible to call for a replay (instead of a fault), since it’s quite difficult to be certain a service motion is unacceptable.
Sounds simple enough (not really), but many players still aren’t satisfied. These folks want the volley serve to be entirely replaced by the drop serve. The drop serve is struck after a player drops the ball and it bounces once. This would eliminate, advocates say, any disputes on court as to whether the server’s hand was putting spin on the ball. The drop serve would also eliminate any potential gamesmanship that would arise from calling for a replay. There’s a concern that returners might take advantage of the replay rule by objecting to every serve they can’t return—um…. we all know the type.
Yup, no matter how many pages are added to the rulebook, it can’t entirely eliminate attempts to game the system. Some players will always test the loopholes and limits of the rules as written. Fortunately, most people come to the court with a desire to display good sportsmanship, to win fair and square. The motion to eliminate the volley serve was rejected for 2024, but its proponents will no doubt keep pushing for it. Stay tuned.
Sportsmanship surely comes into play in another important game changer. The pickleball rule book now states that players should not wear clothes that match the color of the ball. A bright yellow ball is hard to see against a bright yellow shirt, for example. This is presented as a guideline rather than a rule. However, referees can ask players to change if their clothes are deemed the ‘wrong’ color--keep that in mind if you sign up for a tournament. As for rec players, US Pickleball seems to be asking us nicely to make sure we aren’t accidentally causing our opponents difficulty with our outfits. No one would purposely dress like a pickleball to cause confusion, would they? Hmm… Recently, it was proposed that tournament referees judge attire based on ‘appropriateness’ as well as color which is to be defined as ‘normal and customary.’ So, wear normal clothes to play pickleball… got it.
Expanding the kitchen by a foot. Nooo! An eight-foot-long kitchen would make third shot drops almost too easy and covering dinks would be tougher for the less mobile. Smashing the ball would also become harder for amateur players. Let’s not ruin all the fun! (The rule was proposed to make net play harder for the very tall players such as top tennis pros who have taken up the game and can too easily dominate the net from seven feet away, but it failed to gain enough support to be included in the 2024 rulebook.)
More color confusion. The pickleball rules committee is looking into rulings that would govern the color of paddles, disallowing any paddles that are the same colors as pickleballs.
Rally scoring. Still under review by US Pickleball, this proposal suggests that pickleball formally adopt a system that rewards a point after every rally so either side can score, not just the serving player or team. Faster matches and fewer side outs with no score change make the game more exciting, say fans of the system. In fact, it’s already being used in Major League Pickleball (professional) tournaments and seems to be gaining favor, especially among singles players. That said, it seems rally scoring is being seriously considered for sanctioned play, not rec. No worries, then—now that you’ve mastered the current (somewhat complicated) scoring system, it probably won’t be changing anytime soon.
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Ah, tennis… a game fraught with drama, tension, emotion--and that’s just at a USTA 3.5 match. Imagine the level of intensity at the top of the game. It’s no wonder that writers often turn to tennis for juicy source material, and we’re all for it. For those who want to get in on the action, here's a list of great tennis books including romances, memoirs, thrillers and mysteries, all of which feature compelling stories with high tennis IQs.
Who didn’t read The Devil Wears Prada, the best-selling fashion mag takedown by Lauren Weisberger? Well, now it seems that the Devil makes you wear KSwiss. In Weisberger’s The Singles Game, the main character is a top tennis pro about to play at Wimbledon. Tennis phenom Charlie Silver can’t wait to get out on court, but the All-England club has a problem with her Nike shoes. The bright pink soles do not meet the strict ‘white attire only’ standard. Forced to change into a pair of KSwiss sneakers, Silver ends up taking a bad fall during her match that breaks her wrist. The novel focuses on her comeback, during which she hires a notorious new coach, and changes her image from tennis ‘good girl’ to ‘badass Warrior Princess.’ She flirts with all manner of rule-breaking, but does she cross the line? (There’s just one glaring plot hole--KSwiss tennis shoes are great!) |
In Taylor Reid Jenkins’ Carrie Soto is Back a 20-time Grand Slam champion decides to come out of retirement at age 37 to seek another major trophy. If this reminds you of a certain someone, you’re right. The author says she was inspired by Serena Williams’ long and illustrious career. Serena, 41, has hinted at making a comeback, but to do so would represent an enormous challenge. Sounds like the perfect plot for a tennis novel! Carrie Soto is an ambitious and inspiring heroine, ready to do whatever it takes to become a champion again. Reid Jenkins clearly knows enough about the game and the professional tour to craft an exciting and important story. The book looks at sexism, racism and other negative forces at play in women’s professional tennis. As gripping as a tightly fought match, Carrie Soto is Back examines important questions as well. Most notably, is the price one pays for being a ruthless competitor too high? |
In The Tennis Partner, physician Abraham Verghese tells the story of his complex friendship with a troubled young medical student, David Smith. The two bond after becoming hitting partners, and much of their relationship plays out on the tennis court. Dr. Verghese and Smith are equally serious players who demand perfection from themselves in all endeavors. When challenges arise in their personal and professional lives, one seems able to cope while the other spins out of control. Dr. Verghese must come to terms with the limitations of his power to heal, and finally make peace with prioritizing his own health and happiness. |
Things are not as proper as they seem at a weekend tennis party hosted by a wealthy British couple in this fun and fast-paced novel by Madeleine Wickham. A getaway to an English manor house does sound lovely–tennis, cucumber sandwiches and witty conversation would be more than enough, but rather less like a novel. Luckily for readers, The Tennis Party is full of plot twists involving financial schemes, ex-lovers and shocking revelations that play out against a backdrop of expensive tennis whites and Pimm’s Cups. Wickham fills the book with a devastating mix of British humor, intrigue and surprising characters–a truly winning combination. (Fans of the Shopaholic books will be happy to know that Madeleine Wickham is a pseudonym for best-selling author Sophie Kinsella who wrote the series.) |
Can a washed-up tennis player and a frustrated writer help each other out of their respective slumps and find love in the process? That’s the question posed in the novel Painting the Lines by Ashley R. King. Writer Amalie Warner has lost her inspiration since publishing her first novel some years ago. Julian Smoke is a sexy but failed tennis player who is determined to become a winner once more. After a chance meeting, Amelie is initially repelled by his arrogance. But something about Julian intrigues her, reigniting her creative spark. Amalie decides that telling his story could put her career back on track, but slowly discovers that her interest in Julian is more than just professional. King has penned a bouncy tennis rom com that is sure to delight readers who are fans of one, or both, of those things! |
Love. Set. Match. by Taylor Lunsford is another tennis romance that’s sure to win hearts, and minds too! It centers on highly ranked player Emerson Grace who has vowed to win a Grand Slam. Tired of second place, she is about to start her winning campaign when risqué photos of her are made public. At the same time, her longtime ex, Rob Aston, contacts her out of nowhere. Her training is derailed by these distractions, and she must examine her commitment to the sport amid personal chaos. When Rob defends her publicly, calling out the media and organized tennis for their outdated attempts to shame her for the revealing pics, she begins to reconsider their split. More than just a second chance romance, the book tackles important issues regarding privacy and societal judgment. But it’s also spicy and fun, with lots of steamy… tennis. |
Anyone who has ever had a crush on a cute young tennis pro, and we know you're out here, will enjoy 40-Love, a novel by Olive Dade. When assistant principal Tess Dunn has a bikini top mishap involving a rogue wave while on vacation, the damsel in distress is assisted by the resort’s young tennis pro, Lucas Karlsson. He’s Swedish, gorgeous and 26. 40-year-old Tess is hesitant at first, but the two can’t deny their mutual attraction. Their relationship starts out as purely physical, but when feelings deepen, the two are forced to make some tough decisions. Are they a true match? Or was it all just a vacation fling? Light and frothy, 40-Love is what’s known in publishing as a ‘beach-read,’ but sometimes that’s exactly what we want to get our hands on. |
'Write what you know,’ is a well-known adage in the book business and it seems that novelist J.R. Thornton has done just that. A nationally ranked junior tennis player who went on to play tennis at Harvard University, Thornton lived in Beijing as a teenager where he practiced with the Chinese National Team. His novel, Beautiful Country, looks at the world of junior athletes in China and the intense training they must endure. Chase Robertson, a 14-year-old reeling from the death of his brother, is sent to play tennis in China by his father, hoping the change and rigorous schedule will give his life direction. Chase encounters culture shock at every turn and is deeply affected by the cutthroat competition that compels young tennis players there to do almost anything to succeed. He earns the friendship of one of his teammates, but his loyalties are tested when dark secrets are revealed. |
If the idea of a tennis murder mystery sounds intriguing, checkout Drop Shot by Harlan Coben. The novel centers around the shooting of former tennis prodigy, Valerie Simpson, outside of the U.S. Open stadium in New York City. Although her career had recently faltered, Simpson was attempting a comeback at the time of her murder. Part of her campaign involved seeking representation by well-known sports agent Myron Bolitar who was in the stadium when the shots rang out. He vows to find her murderer to honor the young star’s legacy. His quest leads him down a path of old rivalries, besotted stalkers, accusations of physical abuse, more killings and even mafia ties. Drop Shot is set largely in the highbrow world of tennis clubs, but the book shows how low people can sink when they decide that winning is the only thing that matters. |
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The replay system, known as “Hawk-eye,” employs a system of cameras to meticulously track the trajectory of a tennis ball on the court. These cameras capture a series of images, which are then processed by computers to construct a 3D representation of the ball’s path until it makes contact with the court. Interestingly, the same technology is also used in other sports, such as cricket, rugby, and volleyball. However, one notable exception to its adoption is clay court tournaments, such as the French Open. Since tennis balls leave marks on clay, chair umpires still rely on these marks if a player decides to challenge a call. The US Open, on the other hand, has implemented electronic line calling for all plays, reducing the need for line judges and changing the role of a chair umpire to managing the electronic system.
While not currently as prevalent as Hawk-eye, some tournaments, such as the ATP Cup, Next Gen Finals, and the US Open, have started utilizing a video assistant review system to help umpires make decisions when players challenge situations such as double bounces and balls hitting a player or the net. The umpire will receive a replay on a tablet, and the umpire can then confirm the original call, overturn it, or let the call stand if there isn’t enough evidence to overturn it.
In a match that incorporates replay technology, each player is granted three unsuccessful challenges per set, with an additional challenge if the set reaches a tie-breaker. If a player challenges a call and is successful, the player is not charged with a challenge. This means that, theoretically, a player could make an unlimited number of challenges as long as they are correct, but they can only make three unsuccessful challenges per set since they are charged with a challenge each time they are incorrect. Any unused challenges do not carry over into the next set.
In matches that utilize VAR, while line calls cannot be challenged since those tournaments also use Hawk-eye instead of line judges, players receive the same three unsuccessful challenges per set and an additional challenge if the set reaches a tie-breaker.
Players can only make a challenge when play has stopped. Whether the point ended or the player intentionally stops play to challenge a call, challenges can only be made when play has paused. If the player waits too long to challenge, the chair umpire may deny the request for a challenge.
If the play is reviewed electronically, the decision becomes final and cannot be challenged again. If the line judge originally called the shot “in,” but Hawk-eye reveals the shot was actually “out,” the point is awarded in favor of the receiving player. Conversely, if the line judge originally called the shot “out,” but Hawk-eye shows the shot was actually “in,” the point is replayed. In that scenario, if the chair umpire determines that the shot was unreturnable, they can award the point to the player who hit the ball.
Hawk-eye has changed the game of tennis since its inception in 2006. Even in the last few years, the game has evolved to rely more and more on technology to reduce human error. Challenges add to the excitement and drama of a match, and the next time you witness a thrilling tennis match, you’ll be armed with a deeper understanding of how challenges work.
We’re looking forward to a smashing holiday season this year with lots of tennis, gift-giving and celebration. So why not get the party started with these adorable tennis wallpapers? The ready-to-download images for Androids and IPhones feature cheerful designs in modern holiday colors—perfect for setting a festive mood!
‘Tis the season to hit volleys… and dinks, drop shots and drives! Yes, we are ready for a holiday filled with fun, friends, family and lots of pickleball, and these cheerful pickleball wallpapers are the perfect inspo for channeling the holiday spirit. The ready-to-download images for Iphones and Androids will remind you that it’s ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ all day long.
]]>Tennis is known to be a solitary sport where it’s just player against player or team against team on the court. Unlike many team sports where coaches design plays, call for substitutions, and motivate players to overcome hurdles, tennis players must navigate matches on their own. However, if a player does have a coach, there are a few instances when coaching is allowed, so we’re going to go over those scenarios. Also, coaching rules have recently changed on the pro tours, so we’ll explore those changes as well.
According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), coaching is “communication, advice or instruction of any kind and by any means to a player.” In most cases, coaching is not allowed in any tournaments that follow ITF rules. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) also follows the protocols set forth by the ITF, thus making coaching prohibited in USTA tournaments. Given the definition, besides not being able to receive verbal instructions from a coach, coaches must also refrain from using hand signals or communication through electronic devices.
Instead of coaching a player through a match, a tennis coach’s role is to properly train the player during practices and offer an analysis of the opponent prior to the match. The coach also notes the player’s performance during the match and offers feedback for improvement after the match.
Despite the general understanding that coaching is not allowed in tennis, there are a few exceptions to the rule. For the everyday player, coaching is allowed when playing recreationally and can help a player improve quickly while learning the ins and outs of tennis. School tournaments will likely have their own rules regarding coaching, but most will allow coaching during changeovers and set breaks. When players start to play in USTA tournaments, that’s when the aforementioned rule against coaching is enforced.
The USTA specifies that a player may bring written notes to the court that were prepared before the start of a match and read them during the match. However, as previously mentioned, players cannot receive electronic communications from a coach.
Players may receive coaching if play is suspended. The USTA further clarifies that players may receive coaching during a 3-minute or 10-minute rest period, but coaching is not allowed during the following situations:
There is also an exception for team events since the ITF states that “in team events where there is a team captain sitting on-court, the team captain may coach the player(s) during a set break and when the players change ends at the end of a game, but not when the players change ends after the first game of each set and not during a tie-break game.”
If coaching occurs when it’s not supposed to, players may face warnings, point deductions, or even disqualification.
In recent years, professional tennis has begun to allow players to receive coaching, albeit still to a limited degree. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) began allowing players to request on-court coaching once per set in 2020. On the men’s side, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) began allowing off-court coaching during the summer of 2022. The ATP’s rules regarding off-court coaching indicate that:
Tennis will always be an individual sport that pits player against player. Even with the introduction of a limited amount of coaching at the professional level, those few words of advice still require players to execute the strategies on their own.
In essence, if you have a coach, take advantage of their wealth of knowledge during practices and warm-ups, and incorporate their feedback after matches, but enjoy the challenge of the sport knowing that you’re going to grind it out on your own.
]]>Tennis elbow really hurts. Some players might just feel a twinge now and then. They can even play through it, maybe wearing a brace on their forearm. But anyone who has really suffered from serious tennis elbow knows how painful and debilitating it can be. Playing tennis becomes impossible, which is super frustrating, especially when you love it, and have worked hard to get your game to a certain level. But what people don’t talk about enough is that tennis elbow can interfere with your daily life. Simple, routine activities can trigger severe pain. I know this for a fact, because it happened to me. I had trouble gripping almost anything, let alone a tennis racquet, especially if I tried to straighten my arm at the same time. So, my tennis elbow journey has been all about getting back on court, and living pain free.
Ok, some basic info… Tennis elbow, aka lateral epicondylitis, is caused by injury to the tendons that attach our forearm muscles to our bones. The tendons can be inflamed, or even torn—ouch! The repetitive motions involved in hitting tennis balls can cause this type of injury, but there are factors that make it more likely. Racquets that are too stiff, too heavy, too light or strung too tightly with unforgiving string—all can be bad for our arms. A single hitting session with the wrong racquet can cause tennis elbow pain to set in. (Be careful when you demo new racquets—opt for arm-friendly equipment if you’re susceptible to overuse injury.) Improper technique is also a risk, but how many social players have perfect technique? Bottom line: tennis elbow will probably affect quite a few of us at some point.
I developed tennis elbow for the first time years ago, not long after I started playing tennis as an adult. The pain was so intense that I absolutely had to stop playing. Rest was key, but I was impatient. I tried everything I could think of to speed my recovery. I went to physical therapy, got acupuncture treatments, underwent shockwave therapy and Active Release Therapy (both treatments work to stimulate or manipulate the tendons to induce healing).
So, I spent a lot of money NOT playing tennis. (Not to mention all that time!) After seven months, I felt ready to play again, but with some added support. I wore a shock absorbing arm band for a while, (until it felt better to play without it). I made sure I warmed up carefully before playing—don’t let anyone tell you that ‘mini tennis’ is a waste of time! I took a few lessons to adjust my stroke mechanics—turns out following through high is good for my forehand AND my elbow. I used my Theraband FlexBar faithfully. (It’s a bendy rubber thing that you twist and release in a series of exercises to increase flexibility and strength.) Also, I had to stop playing with my husband—he hits the ball much harder than I’m used to and attempting to return his heavy shots was straining my elbow.
So, I was back in the swing for a few years, until I strained it during a clinic. The drill was simple enough. We were practicing 'dipping' the ball at our opponents' feet from the baseline while they were trying to approach the net. Great doubles shot, but I hit too many of them that day. Plus, I was exaggerating the motion required to create the necessary topspin, coming over the ball almost too much with an inadequate follow through. By the end of the clinic, I was hurting. I couldn’t believe my tennis elbow was back—not as bad as before, but bad enough. This time, I didn’t waste a minute, starting acupuncture therapy right away. Although acupuncture seemed to provide the most healing relief last time, I think it is better for the final step of the recovery process, not the first one. I needed a new, more definitive solution.
Like most of us when a problem arises, I started scouring the internet. That’s how I discovered the Fiix Elbow system. And yes, I’m going to sound like a commercial for a bit…
What’s Fiix? It’s an at-home therapy machine that straps onto your arm and works to treat tennis elbow “at the root cause,” according to its inventors. Fiix is designed to mimic ‘scraping,’ (or the Graston Technique) a deep tissue massage technique that manipulates the point of injury to break up scar tissue and adhesions. This allows more blood to flow to the area, which helps it to heal. In addition to sessions with the Fiix machine (ten minutes, three times a week), the Fiix method involves a series of stretches and exercises. Users can keep track of this multi-faceted approach with an app on their phones. Even though my husband was skeptical, Fiix sounded good to me. Maybe I just wanted to believe that there was a real solution out there? One that didn’t involve expensive appointments with physical therapists and specialists, something that would let me take control of the problem at home. Fiix comes with a money-back guarantee, so I really had nothing to lose. But I admit that I still hesitated. Perhaps after trying so many ‘solutions’ that didn’t work, I didn’t want to get my hopes up…
After my acupuncture treatments and over a months rest, my elbow was feeling better enough to allow me to play some tennis, but it was not a 100%. The nagging pain was inhibiting my ability to really hit the ball, plus it was interfering with other activities as well. I felt twinges during my Peloton workouts, especially when I leaned on the bike’s handlebars. The best way to describe it--my elbow felt swollen somehow, and tender.
Now, I was ready to get serious about Fiix. I called the owner of the company, Tim Porth, and he said I probably had scar tissue and adhesions that were preventing my elbow from healing completely. Until I took care of those, he told me, I’d never feel back to ‘normal.’ So I decided I had to give it a try.
Day 1: I attached the Fiix machine to my arm, after applying the minty smelling cream that comes with it to my elbow and forearm. This step helps the massage bars inside the Fiix slide more easily over the skin. About those massage bars... they are bits of metal about an inch wide on a belt inside the machine. Once you turn on the Fiix, the rotating belt drags the bars across your arm over and over. I admit I was a bit nervous about applying such pressure to an area that has been so sensitive. I’m happy to report, it didn’t hurt to use. I actually felt better after my first 10-minute session. The next day, I felt some muscle soreness in the area, but not any real pain.
I kept up with the therapy for about two weeks, using the Fiix machine and doing the exercises. Then I played a friendly match which felt pretty good. Afterwards, I realized that for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t holding back on my serve. I was rusty, but going for it.
Three weeks in, I started looking forward to my Fiix sessions—the overall sensation had become more soothing than uncomfortable in any way. I just sat there watching TV, while the machine quietly worked its magic. That said, I still noticed elbow pain during my Peloton workouts. I called Tim from Fiix. He said that it’s normal for pain to persist or worsen during the course of therapy. Overall, the Fiix treatment takes eight weeks, and it’s important to stick with it the whole time for best results.
After a month of Fiix, I played some pickleball and felt fine.
A couple of weeks later, I played tennis with a friend on a Saturday, and booked a ball machine on Monday. My elbow felt OK afterward, if not perfect. (I thought that was a good test—ball machine sessions provide a lot of intense, repetitive hitting.) I was worried that the pain might start up again after hitting so many groundstrokes, even if I didn't notice it immediately. So I kept up with the Fiix sessions and paid extra attention to how my elbow was feeling. After a week, I was so relieved that the pain never reestablished itself.
Hit the eight-week mark. I’m playing more tennis, and while I’m not completely pain-free– every now and then I’ll notice a twinge– but I’m feeling better, maybe even… cured. One true sign of my recovery—I’m not really thinking about tennis elbow. (When it’s really acting up, try not to think about it all day!) That said, since I wasn’t hurting, maybe I skipped a few Fiix sessions, and forgot to do the exercises here and there towards the end? I wanted to be honest about that, so anyone considering giving Fiix a try should know they could be even more strict about its protocols than I was.
Again—I’m back on court, and not worrying about my elbow which is great news—especially considering where I started. I’m going to stick with the smart approach to tennis—preventative gear, careful warm-ups, proper technique, stretching and strengthening—and I’ll have my Fiix Elbow therapy machine and acupuncturist at the ready just in case.
Players in the market for a high-quality tennis bag should take note. What follows is a thorough scouting report on the features to look for when shopping for the best in tennis duffels, totes and backpacks. It’s all about intuitive design, superior materials and solid construction.
Tennis players at all levels understand how important it is to be prepared for each match, practice, clinic or hitting session. That’s why the most user-friendly tennis bags have a variety of pockets and compartments for maximum organization of equipment and essentials. A bag should look great on the outside, but it’s the interior configuration that really sets the best bags apart. There should be a spot for just about everything players might want to have on hand before, during and after play.
Take phones, for example. We all mute them during matches, right? But honestly, we have busy lives with careers and families. We need to be able to check our phones quickly at changeovers without rummaging around. So, it’s super helpful to have a designated, plush phone pocket that’s easily accessible even if a bag is closed or zipped shut. As for enhancing performance, a well-organized bag helps us seamlessly adapt to conditions which can make the difference between an L or a W. We love having lined pockets for sunscreen—reapplying quickly is key when playing for hours outdoors. Sunglasses, too, should have a dedicated, protective pocket—it’s not unusual for players to take sunglasses on and off repeatedly during matches and being able to locate them easily, and keep them safe, makes such a difference.
Another feature to look for is a slip-in sleeve that holds a water bottle securely and upright--less likely to spill--and easy to grab. The best bags have places for tennis ball cans and multiple racquets--when you play a lot of tennis, it’s hard to imagine showing up to a match without a backup. Zip compartments for tennis shoes are also a game changer. Everyone knows those Adidas or KSwiss tennies should be worn on court only, but it’s easy to forget. Changing shoes after play becomes routine when there’s a convenient place to stow them. Fans of larger bags should look for a style that’s roomy enough to easily carry a nice size towel and a change of clothes. Wet/dry compartments are also great for stashing post-match sweaty outfits and gear. In addition to big pockets, look for multiple small pouches to hold the must-haves you’ll want to access in a hurry. Think lip balm, keys, hair-ties, grip lotion, Liquid IV packs, granola bars, wrist bands, extra over grips, athletic tape and perhaps that good luck charm you’ve come to count on?
In tennis, a brilliant game plan must be followed up with proper execution. It’s the same for equipment — smart design ideas must be realized with the highest standards in mind. For example, aluminum hardware, which is super-strong and lightweight, is used in the construction of the best tennis bags. Strong hooks to clip bags to courtside fences, keeping them off the ground, are another excellent feature. If clipping isn’t an option, many upscale bags have small ‘feet’ to keep them off the Har-Tru. Also look for YKK zippers, a durable industry standard and the choice of high-end brands the world over. Fabrics should be fade- and water-resistant, retaining their gorgeous colors even after hours in the sun, and withstanding the challenges of spills, sweat and sudden downpours. Materials should be eco-friendly and free of PVCs (poly-vinyl chlorides: potentially toxic chemicals used to make plastics).
We love the athletic side of tennis—we give it our all on court. But tennis is, and always has been, a stylish sport, and it’s fun to lean into that. There are days when putting together the perfect tennis ‘fit is the best part of the game. Again, this doesn’t mean playing hard isn’t what tennis is all about. Or that style ever beats substance. That said, high-quality tennis bags should be made with clean lines, elegant fabrics and beautiful colors. This way, they can double as purses, are perfect for travel, and can easily transition from courtside to errands, lunches and appointments.
At Doubletake, so much thought goes into making sure that our bags meet the needs of real tennis players. As tennis players ourselves, we put everything we know about the game into our bags’ design, offering a wide assortment of compartments and pouches for the items needed to play the best tennis possible. We also have our totes, duffels and backpacks made to be both beautiful and strong at a facility used by top outdoor gear manufacturers. Our products are built to last, no matter what players put them through — and tennis bags do get a workout, used indoors and out in all kinds of weather, overstuffed (you know who you are) and thrown into car trunks. We included high-grade aluminum, the finest zippers and fabrics and the sturdiest threads to create cute tennis bags that are versatile, stylish, smart, dependable and strong. Sounds like we’ve created our bags in the image of our ideal tennis game (and doubles partner)!
]]>Most tennis tournaments use single-elimination brackets, but if you and a group of tennis-playing friends want to set up a tournament that guarantees several matches per player, a round-robin format is the way to go. By using this format, players aren’t eliminated if they lose a match since they will play every other player at least once. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of setting up a round-robin tennis tournament and explain the pros and cons of using this format.
The most basic format for a round robin is to set up a schedule where each player plays against every other player once in a single round. The player with the most wins over other players wins the tournament.
A round robin can work with as few as three players. For example, if Allison, Brittney, and Caroline are playing in a round-robin tournament, Allison will play Brittney, Brittney will play Caroline, and Caroline will play Allison.
If Allison beats Brittney and Caroline, her win-loss record will be 2-0. If Brittney beats Caroline, her win-loss record will be 1-1. Since Caroline lost both of her matches, her win-loss record will be 0-2. That means Allison is the winner of the round-robin tournament.
However, with only three players, it is possible to end up with a tie. If Allison beats Brittney but loses to Caroline, and Brittney beats Caroline, each player will have a win-loss record of 1-1. If that occurs, according to USTA rules, the top two players play a deciding match. To determine the top two players, look at the scores of the individual matches and total the number of games won within each match. Using the same example, if Allison beat Brittney with a score of 6-4, 6-3, Brittney beats Caroline with a score of 6-3, 6-1, and Caroline beats Allison with a score of 6-4, 7-5, then Allison won 21 games, Brittney won 19 games, and Caroline won 17 games. Allison and Brittney would play a deciding match to determine the winner of the tournament.
The biggest advantage of a round-robin tournament is that players get to play multiple matches and aren’t eliminated when they lose. This creates a fair and inclusive playing field since players test their skills against every other player, and the luck of the draw isn’t a factor that would knock weaker players out in the early rounds of the tournament.
The biggest disadvantage of a round-robin tournament is the amount of time it takes for players to play against every other player. In a single-elimination tournament with 16 players, it would take 15 matches to determine the winner. In a round-robin tournament with 16 players, it would take 120 matches for each player to play against every other player once.
For a tournament coordinator, scheduling a round-robin tournament can be far more complicated than a single-elimination tournament because of the number of matches involved. There also isn’t a final match that gives fans an exciting finish to the tournament.
Given the pros and cons of a round-robin tournament, if more than five players are involved, it would be faster to blend the tournament format by dividing the players into groups. Depending on the number of players involved, they could be divided into two or four groups. The first part of the tournament would be a round robin with each player playing the other players in the group. Then the top players from each group would play each other in a single-elimination bracket. This format is used by other sports as well, such as the FIFA World Cup.
To set up a round-robin tournament, start by choosing a date and registering participants. Once the number of participants has been determined, set up a match schedule. This can be done by hand on a grid, or you can even find online round robin generators. (Here are two:
Tournament Scheduler
Round Robin Generator
If you are creating the schedule by hand, make sure to list the names randomly or in alphabetical order and not by skill level. This ensures that weaker players are not going to play a string of stronger players.
When hosting a round-robin tournament, the more courts you have, the faster the tournament will go. Assign the courts used for the first round of matches, but the subsequent court assignments should be made as matches finish since matches will finish at different rates.
Make sure that participants are aware of the tournament rules and scoring system. Will you use best-of-three matches, ad or no ad, etc.? After each match is played, record the match score and keep track of each player’s win-loss record.
At the end of the tournament, recognize the winners or top performers with trophies or other awards. Some possible categories to recognize include the winner, runner-up, most improved player, and best sportsmanship. Leave participants with a positive experience so they want to participate in future tournaments.
Organizing a round-robin tennis tournament can be an exciting experience for everyone involved. By following these steps, you can create an inclusive and enjoyable event that allows players to showcase their skills, build connections, and foster a love for tennis. Clear communication, fair scheduling, and proper organization are the keys to hosting a successful round-robin tournament that will be remembered for years to come.
]]>Tennis players aren’t paid like many professional athletes. They don’t earn yearly salaries or sign multimillion dollar team contracts. Competing at a high level is expensive, and tennis players are basically self-employed. Prize money is key, but sponsorships account for the biggest pay days in tennis. It’s almost impossible to stay in the game without a lucrative deal or two… or ten? And sometimes competing for sponsors is as tough as a Grand Slam match. Players must keep winning to secure support. Stay in the top ten —and you’re golden. Players on the way up—or down—must get a bit creative. Overall, we’ve noticed some interesting financial partnerships that speak to the popularity of the game worldwide, and others that allow players to express who they are and what’s important to them.
Danielle Collins has been sporting a new logo on her tennis gear. Formerly with New Balance, the American player is now working with the Austrian company waterdrop. Selling glass and steel water bottles with nutrition cubes to ‘drop’ in, waterdrop is all about reducing plastic waste and offering alternatives to sugary beverages. Flavors include electrolyte and energy blends with natural caffeine. Known for her feisty on court persona, Collins might consider the calming Zen blend with thyme and lemongrass. Or maybe the Focus cube with green coffee and lime—she forgot the ten-point third set tiebreak rules at the Australian Open this year and celebrated winning a match before it was over. (Thankfully, she did win the second-round contest after resuming play.) In a post-match interview, the University of Virginia grad admitted to getting confused about scoring rules —we feel you, Danielle. At least she was able to laugh about the misunderstanding. Win or lose, Collins’ matches are always exciting, thanks to her explosive groundstrokes and true grit.
Since Collins started working with waterdrop, more tennis players have partnered with the firm. Novak Djokovic, who you may have heard of, and Taylor Fritz have signed waterdrop deals. But in a twist on the tennis sponsorship equation, Djokovic said he believes so deeply in waterdrop’s mission he’s going to act as brand ambassador and invest his own money into the company.
Another interesting sponsorship involves the entire WTA tour. Tennis fans will have heard of the on-going controversy over Chinese player Peng Shuai. Soon after accusing a government official of sexual misconduct, Peng wasn’t seen or heard from publicly, except through an official message that was ultimately deemed inauthentic. The WTA responded by refusing to hold any tennis tournaments in China until Peng was shown unequivocally to be safe and free. This decisive action caught the attention of Stephen MacMillan, CEO of Hologic, a medical diagnostic tech firm with a social conscience. The WTA’s support of Peng so impressed MacMillan that Hologic signed a huge contract to become the prime WTA sponsor for years to come. Hologic is dedicated to reducing ‘healthcare disparities’ across the globe by providing greater access to modern diagnostic tools and has started an initiative to focus on the health of female athletes. The saga continues as the WTA seeks new ways to pressure China beyond a complete boycott of the region. We'll all stay tuned.
Sponsorship shifts are also noteworthy—often alerting us to interesting, less-mainstream brands. For example, Iga Swiatek, the number one player on the WTA tour, recently signed a deal with On Running, a high-performance shoe and apparel company that is expanding into the tennis market. The Swiss-based firm already has some serious tennis cred–one of their top investors and collaborators is Roger Federer. Players Sloane Stephens and Sophia Kenin both saw their big name (Nike and Fila, respectively) sponsorships recently come to an end. The two are now working with Free People Movement, an athletic wear line from Free People, the ‘boho-chic’ clothier. The collection has pieces that won’t be seen on everyone else at the tournament or tennis club, such as the high-waisted, flouncy Get Your Flirt On skirt which looks super cute and comfy. Donna Vekic parted ways with Nike but isn’t sweating it—she’s designing her own tennis clothes. She signed a deal with the international brand UomoSport to help create a new women’s collection called DonnaSport.
Sponsorship champ Naomi Osaka made headlines by becoming the highest paid female athlete, edging out former number one Serena Williams. The Japanese player’s intriguing personality and sense of style have helped her attract sponsors beyond tennis, including Louis Vuitton, Nissan, TAG Heuer, MasterCard and Beats Audio, earning her over $50 million between 2021 and 2022. What’s truly notable is that she’s remained marketable despite taking a break from tennis. The latest news–Osaka gave birth to daughter Shai this summer. Her fans have also been excited to see that she’s recently been hinting at a tennis comeback on social media. Osaka’s global celebrity has clearly transcended the game, leading to some unconventional partnerships involving her favorite non-tennis activities. A passionate gamer, she teamed up with the makers of Fortnite to create an Osaka character for the popular video game. The character’s clothes have been designed ‘to pay homage to her Japanese and Haitian heritage,’ according to Vanity Fair magazine.
Sure, it’s still standard practice for players to vie for the tennis ‘big four’ – shoe, apparel, racquet, luxury car and/or watch sponsorships. (Yes, this is paraphrasing from the movie Jerry Maguire which famously outlined the ‘four jewels of the celebrity endorsement deal.’) But when players team up with less predictable sponsors, we often get to know more about them. American phenom Coco Gauff is supported by Italian food giant Barilla Pasta, for example, (among many other sponsors, including New Balance), and the company’s website features photos of Gauff making her favorite spaghetti recipe. And if you’d like to experience a truly sublime tennis sponsorship, google ‘Matteo Berrettini makes Caprese Salad.’ In a collab with the olive oil giant Colavita, the charming Italian tennis player is filmed doing just that--and hitting a tomato with a tennis racquet in the process.
From who makes what call to what qualifies for a hindrance, we’ve broken it all down for you. Here, we’ve compiled all of our downloadable cheat sheets.
Serving first can be a huge advantage in tennis, but how do you decide who gets the privilege? Waiting on an opponent to show up to a match can be frustrating, but did you know there are rules about how late a player can be before she has to forfeit the match? Whether you’re new to tennis or just need some clarity about the less-often used time restrictions, we’re here to make sure that your match begins and proceeds by the book.
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Whether you’re new to the game of tennis or a seasoned veteran, if you haven’t played a tiebreak recently, chances are that you need a refresher on scoring and procedures. If you’ve only played the regular 7-point set tiebreak, we’ll also introduce you to the 10-point match tiebreak and the Coman Tiebreak Procedure. While we will explain the ins and outs of tiebreaks, the real gem is our handy cheat sheet, which is available for download at the end of this blog post.
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Tennis has one of the strangest scoring systems of any sport, so we’re here to help you understand the basics of tennis scoring, as well as give you a bit of a history lesson about how the scoring system came about.
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Can we all agree that hindrances are a bother? But what exactly is a hindrance in tennis? According to the USTA, “A hindrance refers to a situation in which a player is hindered from making a shot by anything that is not within the player’s control other than a permanent fixture or a spectator’s outcry.” This definition is a bit vague, so we’re going to break down what qualifies as a hindrance and what you should do if a hindrance occurs during play.
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When it comes to making calls in recreational or unofficiated competitive tennis, sometimes it can be confusing as to who has the right to make the call. Tennis is a game of millimeters, and it’s also a game of good sportsmanship, so when a disagreement happens due to a call, which is bound to happen, it can leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. We’ve boiled down the rules about who makes what calls because no one wants to be known as “the lady who makes bad calls.”
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]]>First, familiarize yourself with the layout of the court.
Tennis players play a match, which consists of sets, made of games that consist of points. To win a tennis match, a player needs to win two sets. To win a set, a player needs to win at least six games. To win each game, a player needs to win at least four points.
If both players win three points, the score is 40-40, or “deuce.” At deuce, a player must win two points in a row to win the game.
For a more detailed description of tennis scoring, check out this article.
To decide who starts serving, one player generally flips a coin or spins a racket. The winner can choose to start serving, receiving, or the end of the court to start playing on. To get some in-depth insights into the coin toss, check out this article.
After the sides have been determined, you should warm up. The warm-up should be five to ten minutes, and it is not a chance to practice. Hit shots directly to the opponent at a medium pace, and try to loosen up your muscles and get a feel for the ball. Don’t forget to warm up your serve at this time as well.
Before the start of every point, the player serving should call the score out loud so the person receiving can hear it. The score is stated as the server’s score and then the receiver’s score.
The first server starts serving behind the baseline on the deuce side, and the opponent returns from the deuce side. The serve must be hit crosscourt into the service box to start the point.
The server has two chances to hit the serve inside the service box. If the server does not hit the first serve into the correct service box, it’s called a “fault,” and the server gets another chance. If both attempts don’t go into the correct service box, it’s a “double fault,” and the receiver wins the point.
When the serve hits the net before bouncing in the correct service box, it’s called a “let.” If “let” happens during the first serve, the player will have two more chances to put the serve in. If it is during the second serve, the player has one more chance to put the serve in.
For more details about serving, check out this article.
The player returning must hit the serve back after the bounce. The point will go on until somebody hits the net, hits the ball out, double bounces, hits the body of a player, if the racket or the player touches the net, or if a player hits the ball more than once in a row.
Changing ends of the court happens in every odd-numbered game, for example, after playing the 1st game, 3rd game, 5th game, and so on. Players do not take a break during the first changeover, but there is a 90-second changeover after every subsequent odd-numbered game. For more details about time rules, check out this article.
To win a set, a player must win six games by a two game advantage. If a set gets to 6-6, a tie-break is played to decide who takes the set. A tie-break is played to seven points. A margin of at least two points needs to be met as well (e.g.,7-5 or 8-6). An in-depth description of tie-break procedures can be found here.
Alternative no Ad-Scoring system
Point by point is the same as the traditional scoring system. The only difference is when both players reach 40-40 or deuce in the game. The player winning the next point wins, and the player returning the serve chooses on which side to return.
Umpires and line judges only call matches in high-level tournaments. Most recreational tennis players make their own calls, and it is important to show good sportsmanship by being honest at all times. If the ball touches any part of the line, the ball is good. If you’re not sure whether the ball was in or out, the ball is good. You can only call balls that bounce on your side of the court. “Out” calls should be made immediately. If you’re unsure if the ball was out, you should continue to play the point. Even if you think the ball is going to bounce out of the court, you should always let it bounce because if you catch it on the fly, you lose the point.
If you’d like a detailed breakdown of which player should make the call in questionable scenarios, check out this article.
In a doubles match, you and your partner play the other two players on the other side of the net. Remember that doubles alleys are part of the equation, so if the ball bounces in the doubles alleys, the ball is in.
Whoever starts serving serves for the whole game. Usually, the player with the stronger serve will serve first. After finishing each service game, it is the turn of serve for the other team.
Tip: Make sure to discuss with your partner which side of the court suits your style of play better. For example, if you are a righty, and your forehand is your best shot, it would be best for you to play on the deuce side (right side) of the court. It is also important to point out that you can’t change sides with your partner in the middle of the set. It is not until the set finishes that you can switch sides for returning serves if desired.
Now that you know the basics of how a tennis match runs, go out there, apply, and have fun! The rules may sound a bit complicated on paper, but once you play a couple of times, you’ll get the hang of it quickly! If you need some help figuring out what kind of equipment you need and where you can find a court, check out this article,
Squad goals: Rally your favorite doubles partners together and book a villa at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort community in Hilton Head. At the southern tip of the South Carolina coast, Hilton Head is famous for its unspoiled coastline and leisure-centric lifestyle. With 24 pickleball courts and 17 tennis courts, The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center is the hub of racquet sports activity in the area. The facility offers a full menu of pickleball clinics and match play opportunities. Dream team vacation: Palmetto Dunes’ Ladies Sports Getaway package includes 4 nights in a villa (hours of court time, golf, free bike rentals, a pickleball clinic and round robin play.)
The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, part of the Palmetto Dunes Resort complex with access to the same courts, provides a more traditional hotel setting (rather than the villa and home rentals.) Just steps from the Atlantic, it’s perfect for those seeking equal parts pickleball and beach vacay. Families have lots to do with a choice of pools, a spa and miles of sugary sand.
The all-new Pickleball Center at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is a picklers paradise. With 17 courts, a pro shop, instruction and group play for multiple levels, this recently renovated resort is the perfect retreat for pickleball enthusiasts. Players can enjoy the full-service spa and five pools during game breaks, and the courts are lit for evening matches, if the sun gets too hot. After a few days, you’ll be wondering what’s more magnificent—your third shot drop, or the desert sunset.
The pickleball-curious should consider a trip to The Boulders Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This gorgeous facility caters to all levels but features clinics targeted to complete newbies. After a few beginner sessions, participants will be ready for match play. This crash-course is the perfect preparation for joining pickleball groups back home. And if you’re still in the mood for trying new things, the Boulders provides access to a wide variety of desert-centric adventures, including rock-climbing, horse-back riding and hot air ballooning.
Those looking for a more boutique pickleball vacation should consider this low-key luxury of the Sage Hill Inn and Spa in Kyle, Texas. Set on 88 acres of pristine Texas Hill country outside of Austin, the hotel is comprised of just 20 unique living units, ranging from individual rooms to adorable cottages. It’s almost surprising that Sage Hill offers a Pickleball Pavilion with four lighted courts and a busy schedule of pickleball activities, including lessons, clinics, camps with guest pros and ‘experience packages,’ such as Pickle and Poison (pickleball and distillery tours) and Pickle and Poker. We like the sound of the Dink and Drink—a complimentary event for guests, featuring music, BBQ, frozen sangria and hours of open play on Sunday afternoons (held twice each month).
Known for its world-class tennis instruction, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Fernandina Beach, Florida now offers seven pickleball courts and on-staff instructors to help perfect your game. Progressive clinics here are designed to keep pace as your skills improve, preparing you for ‘Match Madness.’ This pro-guided ‘open play’ clinic allows players to test their skills in a match setting—keeping score and following all rules. Celebrate victory (or recover from loss) with a dip in the ocean, a massage at the spa, or a poolside cocktail. All-of-the-above works for us!
Up for rooftop pickleball? The Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada offers 13 courts on its fifth-floor rooftop pool deck – the most of any resort in Las Vegas. The Plaza organizes clinics and open-play sessions tailored to different skill levels, hosts corporate events, and guests at the hotel are offered a free lesson. The courts are also used for tournaments and pro play, so the facilities are first-rate. Oh, and when you’re not playing pickleball, there might be a few other things to do…. in Vegas. Yes, there’s a casino on site and multiple dining options so players can refuel.
Eight pickleball courts are available to guests at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa, an idyllic retreat off the coast of San Diego. Technically a sandy peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean, Coronado Island has long lured beach lovers to its shores. Now, pickleball fanatics can enjoy the laid-back vibe and sparkling coastline (there is mica in the sand, so the beaches truly sparkle) when they aren’t working on their dinks, drives and drop shots. Open play is available on Monday and Thursday mornings, and lessons can be arranged.
With four instructors on staff offering a full schedule of lessons, drills, clinics, camps and tournaments, The Broadmoor, located in Colorado Springs, is serious about pickleball. They offer themed Adult Pickleball Camps, such as the upcoming Pickleball, Pasta and Pizza weekend, which includes three of our favorite things so we are all for it. The courts are covered during the winter, so pickleball racquet sports are available all year at this historic mountain resort. The resort also offers a wide range of off-court activities that make the most of this spectacular location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Beginner Falconry anyone?
With their innovative designs and durable materials, Doubletake pickleball bags are ideal for travel. They provide ample storage space for all your gear while keeping it organized and easily accessible. Whether you opt for the convenient pickleball backpacks, stylish totes, or spacious duffels, Doubletake has you covered for all your travel needs.
]]>Add some bling to your bag with Doubletake charms. Made from stainless steel with a super shiny finish, they attach easily, adding instant personal style. Choose from capital letter Initial charms or express yourself even further with a charm from Doubletake’s Flair collection.
Add the elegance of a custom monogram to your Doubletake bag. All of our bags can be embroidered--just take yours to a local embroidery shop. You'll be amazed at the choices of fonts and thread colors that help turn your initials into a work of art!
Cute Doubletake tennis and pickleball patches add a pop of sparkle and fun. Attach them all—just leave room for those USTA district/state/national championship patches we know are coming someday!
Pickleballers can express themselves with keychains from Santa Barbara Design Studio. Made from leather and stainless steel, they tell the world you’re a proud Pickleball Mom or Pickleball Grandma who loves to Smash, Slice and Dink.
Pickleball keychain
Free up your hands with a convenient strap for your tennis gym bag. The adjustable Duffel Shoulder and Tote Strap makes our Parisii and London bags even more versatile, transforming them for convenient, cross-body carry. Available in black, grey and a chic navy/honey stripe.
Doubletake Duffel and Tote Strap
Decorate your pickleball bag with these five cheerful pin buttons from Pkl Party’s charming Sunshine button set. They’ll look great next to those sectional pins you’ve earned!
Pickleball ButtonsTennis is a sport that can be played for a lifetime. While you’ll be hard-pressed to find retirees playing popular youth sports such as football, basketball, or volleyball, tennis can be enjoyed well into retirement. While some pick up the sport as children, many don’t start playing tennis until adulthood, so it’s never too late to get started. While the youth have the advantage of power and speed, older players can often outmaneuver younger opponents through consistency and precision. In many ways, tennis is the sport most akin to chess.
There are many advantages to playing tennis. The sport gives you a great cardio workout, but because of the stopping and starting between points, you only need to run for about thirty seconds to a minute at a time, and you get to take breaks between games and sets. It also improves hand-eye coordination, balance, agility, and critical thinking.
While tennis isn’t really a team sport, it is a social sport. If you choose to play doubles, you will learn how to communicate and work together with your partner, but even if you play singles, you will likely play with friends or get involved in a league.
Tennis doesn’t require a whole lot of specialty equipment. All you need are a tennis racquet, a tennis ball, and tennis shoes.
Balls. While you don’t need to put too much thought into purchasing tennis balls, there are such things as practice balls. Tennis balls typically come in a pressurized can, and new balls bounce much higher than old balls. However, if you’re just practicing and not playing matches, and you don’t want to deal with balls losing pressure, you can purchase practice balls in a bag, which are much cheaper.
In the US, many neighborhoods have tennis courts for the community to use. There are also public courts run by local parks and recreation departments or schools, as well as private country clubs or tennis clubs. You can check out this tool from the USTA to find a court near you.
The best way to get started is to find a friend who plays and tag along. If you don’t know anyone who plays tennis, you can consider signing up for tennis lessons, and the coach will likely pair you up with some other students. Recreational leagues are popular, and you can find them in your area with a simple google search.
Tennis lessons are another consideration if you want to improve quickly and want an expert’s help with teaching you proper technique. Tennis lessons can range from $20-$100 or more per hour, with private lessons being more expensive than group lessons. In the US, the average price for tennis lessons runs between $60-$80 per hour. But don’t let the steep price hold you back from playing. Today, there are plenty of free videos online that teach you how to improve your strokes and your serves. One of our favorites is Essential Tennis. The key is to get out on the court and practice, practice, practice. Repetition will help you improve quickly.
Hopefully, now you’re convinced to give tennis a shot. While you don’t necessarily need to get bogged down with the rules of the game right away, it will be helpful to have a basic understanding of the flow of the game. Check out some of our other articles to give you a simple overview of different aspects of the game.
Tennis Scoring 101
Tennis Serving Rules 101
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If you go to a football or basketball game, you can expect loud cheering and maybe even some heckling, but tennis is a “gentleman’s sport” that requires fans to follow certain unspoken rules when watching your favorite players. Whether you’re cheering on friends playing in a local tournament, or you scored tickets to the US Open, we want to help you be able to enjoy your time as a tennis spectator and avoid committing embarrassing faux pas.
It’s expected that anyone who attends a competitive tennis match, regardless of the level of the match, remains quiet during all points. Umpires of high-level tournaments may ask the audience to quiet down before a point if the noise level is too high, and some players may pause before serving until the audience is quiet. While athletes who play most other sports learn to play with noise and distractions, tennis players are accustomed to silence during points, and since fans are accustomed to the same, you may be asked to be quiet by other spectators if you’re too noisy during a point.
After a point is clearly over, it is acceptable to cheer and clap for a point well-played. You can definitely yell your support for a friend or favorite player, but don’t jump the gun. Wait until the point is clearly over. Also, cheering and clapping are encouraged when a player wins a point with a strong serve, a “winner” (a shot that the opponent has no chance of returning), or a nice defensive play. However, avoid cheering when the player you are rooting for wins a point due to the opponent double faulting or committing an unforced error (mistake). At the opposite end of the spectrum from cheering is heckling or taunting, which is always inappropriate when watching tennis. Even if the player you’re cheering against loses his temper and throws a racquet, you shouldn’t add to the spectacle by jeering at him.
Unlike sports like football or basketball when fans can pretty much come and go as they please, going to and from seats during a tennis match is considered a distraction and is prohibited. Knowing when to get up from your seat at a tennis match is actually more akin to following the etiquette when watching a live theater performance or going to the symphony. You can only leave or return to your seat during changeovers (after every other game or after a set). Keep in mind that changeovers are only 90 seconds after a game and two minutes after a set, so you likely won’t be able to return to your seat until the following changeover at the earliest. Larger tournaments will have ushers who will let you know when you are able to return to your seat.
When watching baseball, many fans bring gloves with the hopes of catching a foul ball and keeping it as a souvenir. However, when watching tennis, if a ball ends up flying off the court and into the stands, the expectation is that whoever catches the ball throws it back on the court. Tennis balls are used for a certain number of games before they’re changed out for new ones, so keeping the right number of balls in play is important. If you end up catching a stray ball and don’t throw it back, you may actually get booed.
Lastly, in this day and age, pretty much everyone has a smartphone that takes calls and photos. When watching a tennis match, remember to silence your phone, and don’t make or take any calls during a match. While it’s perfectly fine to take photos, you also want to make sure that the camera feature is silent and that you do not use flash since that serves as a distraction to the players.
All in all, tennis requires spectators to behave with a certain level of respect and good sportsmanship, but it’s still a fun and exciting sport to watch live. Just keep in mind that the goal isn’t to restrict fans and keep you from having fun but is, instead, to make sure players are able to fully concentrate during their match. And if you’re still a little apprehensive about knowing how to behave while watching your first match, go with someone who will show you the ropes!
]]>In the men’s game, the ‘big three’ have won 65 of the last 80 Grand Slam tournaments in a run that started in 2003. Yes, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have had the game on lock for twenty years. But Federer has retired and Nadal appears to be succumbing to injury. Djokovic, still going strong at 36, now stands alone at the top of the game, having won 23 major trophies when he clinched the French Open this year.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe big story in men’s tennis, then, is how long can Djokovic keep winning? And who can stop him? So far, the ‘next gen’ challengers (Stefanos Tsistipas, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud) have fallen short in the most important matches. Only Daniel Medvedev has managed to defeat Djokovic in a final, winning the US Open in 2021--he hasn’t beaten him since. Insiders say the young Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz, with his Nadal-like topspin and superhuman court coverage will take Djokovic’s place at the top of the game. Vogue Magazine has already dubbed him the ‘new king of tennis.’ Alcaraz failed to meet the challenge when he faced Djokovic in the French Open final this year. But he came roaring back at Wimbledon, winning the title by beating Djokovic in an epic five-set match that lasted over four hours. We can’t wait to see what happens if the two face off again in 2023’s last major tournament, the U.S. Open.
Embed from Getty ImagesSerena Williams has been THE story in women’s tennis for more than two decades. She won her first Grand Slam in 1999, following that up with an astounding 22 more. Officially retiring after losing in the third round of the US Open last year, she will long (always?) be considered the GOAT (greatest of all time). She certainly changed women’s tennis forever, playing with unprecedented power and intensity. Her massive talent, combined with a compelling backstory and larger-than-life persona have made ‘Serena’ a global celebrity, transcending the game of tennis. Wow. Let’s agree that there will never be ‘the next Serena Williams.’
To qualify as a tennis star one must have the potential to win major titles as well as a personality that ‘clicks’ with fans. Naomi Osaka, winner of four Grand Slam trophies, captured the hearts of tennis audiences (and beyond) with her emotional honesty and brave decision to take a public stand on social issues. Osaka, who just gave birth to her daughter Shai, is currently off the tour. Tennis fans will have to wait and see if she returns to the top of the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesIga Swiatek, who won the French Open this year, is the current number one player in women’s tennis. Sports journos have coined the term ‘Iga’s Bake Shop’ because she’s been doling out ‘bagels and breadsticks’ to her opponents in a flurry of 6—0, 6—1 score lines. While Swiatek has yet to become a ‘household name’ despite her recent dominance, she’s quite popular in her own country of Poland. Her success has reportedly caused a ‘tennis boom’ there, inspiring many young people there to take up the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesSwiatek seems superhuman, but she faltered at this year’s Australian Open, losing in the fourth round. Aryna Sabalenka took that crown, unleashing a devastating onslaught of forehand winners. The 24-year-old Belarussian is certainly a tennis star, although this marked her first major singles title since turning pro in 2015. Fans have long embraced Sabalenka, thanks to her overwhelming power and candid personality. Surprisingly, both Swiatek and Sabalenka failed to make the finals of Wimbledon in July.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut their losses only added to the drama. This year’s Wimbledon ladies singles finalists were Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova. Vondrousova was the unexpected champion, becoming the first unseeded female player ever to win the tournament. The final was an emotional one–it was Jabeur’s third loss in a major final. She competed in both the Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2021 (losing to Elena Rybakina and Swiatek, respectively). Born in Tunisia, Jabeur is arguably the most successful singles player from an African nation ever to play the game. Her image graces billboards in her home country, according to a recent profile in Vogue Arabia, and Tunisians can purchase Ons Jabeur postage stamps. Her positive attitude has earned her the nickname “the Minister of Happiness” of the WTA, but even she couldn’t hide the pain she felt upon losing the Wimbledon final for a second time. She has vowed to come back stronger.
We officially want to retire the phrase ‘one-hit wonders.’ Any player who manages to win a Grand Slam tournament deserves to be celebrated indefinitely—looking at you Sloane Stephens, Barbora Krejcikova, Bianca Andreescu, Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina. These amazing women certainly have the talent to be champions once again, and we are cheering for them all. Rybakina won Wimbledon last year and competed in this year’s Australian Open final. Her three-set battle there against Sabalenka was one of the most exciting matches in recent memory, establishing an intriguing rivalry. Yes, please!
Winning on big stages is amazing (whether just once or, say, over twenty times). But with major wins comes pressure and expectation. An ability to handle these two foes often makes the difference between being a tennis star and a true legend. (Pressure is a privilege, Billie Jean King said, famously.) While almost all serious tennis players are hard on themselves, much of the detrimental ‘noise’ comes from outside sources.
Embed from Getty ImagesJournalists can be relentless. Social media presents an entirely new challenge, but good luck tuning it out--players hoping to court fans and sponsors are expected to engage. Excessive hype can be a real setback for budding champions. For example, American Coco Gauff, 19, and Brit Emma Raducanu, 20, both received outsized amounts of media attention. Their losses on court became, unfairly, too important. Wouldn’t it be great if the press backed off a bit, allowing the young players to catch up to their own promise…. Well, we can hope, can’t we?
Coco Gauff—still a teenager, mind you--is just one of an exciting crop of American tennis aces. Danielle Collins has become a Grand Slam runner up twice. Jessica Pegula has also been making deep runs into major tournaments, playing in four quarter finals thus far. (She and Gauff are currently crushing it as doubles partners.) Madison Keys just made a deep run in Wimbledon. Alycia Parks is currently ranked in the top 50 on the WTA tour. The six-foot one powerhouse from Georgia is poised to rise even higher. On the men’s side, Sebastian Korda, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe are all in the hunt for their first breakthrough into Grand Slam victory rather than playing the role of the worthy young opponent felled by a legend. Come on, guys—it’s your time! An American man hasn’t won a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick claimed the US Open in 2003.
So, a new tennis horizon is taking shape and we’re here for it. Outstanding play, emerging rivalries, first-time champions, fledgling winning streaks, all-time greats defying time—everything is up for grabs. There will always be ‘the next big tennis star,’ but when, and just how ‘big?’ Stay tuned!
]]>Can’t get enough pickleball this summer? You’re not alone. Seems like more people than ever are picking up the sport. To celebrate your love of the game, we’re offering a selection of adorable Summer Pickleball Wallpapers. These ready-to-download images in soothing summer shades of pink and teal are compatible with both iPhone and Android and phones.
Keep your opponents away from the net with deep returns into the corner. Our inspiring wallpaper will help you remember this smart strategy. (You can thank us later!)
What’s better than pickleball in perfect weather? This summery wallpaper captures the season’s on-court vibe beautifully.
Summertime tennis just “hits different”. Laid-back days, lovely weather, playing outdoors when everything is lush and green--a feeling of vacay is in the air which surely calls for more tennis. For added inspo, we’re bringing you Summer Tennis Wallpapers that perfectly capture the season’s vibe. These ready-to-download images in gorgeous retro pink and green are available for Androids and iPhones. Get them now and keep a little summer nearby all year long.
Deuce is another way to call the score when a game reaches 40-40. Since tennis scores go from 15 (one point), to 30 (two points), and then to 40 (three points), 40-40, or deuce, is when both players have won three points. In a typical game, the first player to win four points by a two-point lead wins the game. That means if a player with a lead has reached 40 and she wins the next point, she wins the game. However, if a game reaches deuce, a player must win two points in a row after deuce to win the game.
The player who wins the next point after deuce gets an "advantage," which is abbreviated as “ad.” If the player who has the advantage wins the next point, she wins the game. However, if the player who is behind wins the next point, the score goes back to deuce, and the game continues until one player wins two points in a row.
With regard to calling to score, if the server wins the first point after deuce, the score is “ad-in” (advantage-in), but if the opponent wins the point, the score becomes “ad-out” (advantage-out). In professional matches, you might hear the chair umpire indicate the player with the advantage by using the player’s last name (e.g., advantage-Williams).
Some tournaments employ a “no-ad” scoring system to shorten games and move the tournament along faster. However, most tennis matches, both recreational and competitive, use ad scoring, so study the graphic to help ensure that you know exactly what to do the next time you reach deuce.
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