No Djok: Serbian Collects Australian Open

Fab Four Leader Takes Tennis to a New Dimension

It was a mantra Pete Sampras loved to recite. Again and again we heard that to beat his great rival Andre Agassi, he had to play his very best.  After all his rival — the bald, pigeon-toed blaster — forced him to raise the level of his game to its greatest heights. And it’s just [...]

Victoria the Victorious

Inspired By Her Grandma, Azarenka Wins First Slam and Rises No. 1

Amidst the rough ‘n tumble of the Flordia Republican debate a surprisingly defensive Newt Gingrich explained that it wouldn’t make sense to deport grandmothers who are illegal aliens. Mitt Romney — recently coached up by a new debate counselor – pounced, saying immigration policy is NOT about 11 million grandmothers.  As for tennis, these days, it’s [...]

28 Questions

Examining the Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal Rivalry In the Wake of Their AO Semifinal

1. Is the Rafa-Roger rivalry the best in men’s tennis history? 2. Is it the best rivalry in international sports these days? 3. Like the Evert-Navratilova matches, do Nadal-Federer matches invariably deliver sizzling drama?

Where Have All the American Champions Gone?

“Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing…after they have exhausted all other possibilities.” — Winston Churchill The politician’s eyes twinkle. His voice quivers as he speaks of “a shining city upon a hill.”  The TV analyst muses on “American exceptionalism,” while down at the arena frenetic fans rock the gym with [...]

Tennis and the Meaning of Life

Let’s get one thing straight. It’s just a game, no big deal. Tennis is as simple as pie. Yellow ball and nifty racket: hit it over that net and into the rectangle and you’re home free. Win two or three sets, and you’re a hero. Gotta love it. “If you really think about it,” says Maria [...]

They Did Their Best Work In Sneakers

Steve Jobs, Roger Federer and the Zen of Genius

It was said that he looked “like some kind of aging vegan long-distance runner.” But truth be told, Steve Jobs was not much of an athlete. But so what. His mindset and inventions impacted sports. Then again, they affected everything.

Tom Brown: 1922-2011

’47 Wimbledon Finalist Remembered For No-Nonsense Intensity, Love of Game

SAN FRANCISCO — Tom Brown was distinctive. It wasn’t just that his memoir  —”As Tom Goes By” — was perhaps the best title of any tennis book ever. It wasn’t that, unbeknownst to many, he was a fabulous dad or that probably more than any other player he went from the top of the American [...]

Twin Peaking

The Bryan Bros. On Doubles, Djokovic and Davis Cup

MILL VALLEY, CALIF. — Inside Tennis caught up with the No. 1-ranked Bryan Bros. at the Esurance Classic, held Sept. 24-25 at The Club at Harbor Point in Mill Valley, Calif.  Their upset loss in the opening round of the U.S. Open behind them, Bob and Mike reflected on an otherwise standout year and looked [...]

Serena’s Storm; Djokovic’s Year of Wonder

A Look Back At a Super Wild, Super Weird U.S. Open

FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. — The entire stadium held its collective breath. After chair umpire Eva Asderaki uttered the fateful words, “It’s her point,” there was a hush in the vast arena. Everyone from primetime pop stars in the President’s Box and to Vinny in Row Z knew a storm was about to hit. The fury [...]

Rafa, Raw and Real

Nadal's Autobiography Reveals Much

The bronze lad has everything: Great looks, a good attitude and 10 Grand Slams. And now young Rafael Nadal has an autobiography entitled, simply, “Rafa.” You might dismiss the notion of a 20-something kid coming out with a bio. The book —written with John Carlin, (who penned the celebrated volume “Invictus,” on Nelson Mandela) — [...]