While I consider Novak Djokovic’s 5 set 2012 Australian Open final victory over Rafael Nadal to be the greatest match ever played (to this point?), this should be an interesting documentary.
Author: Dan Martin
I am a proud husband and father. I have my PhD from the University of Dayton and love theology, philosophy, ecology, and tennis among other things.
Is Tennis Dying in the US? Part 1
A couple of weeks ago, a strong junior player asked me, “Don’t you think tennis is a dying sport in the US?” My first reaction was to think no followed by I hope not. I didn’t vocalize either of those views though. I tried to think about things as this is a complicated question. …
Food for Thought on Nadal’s Grand Slam Haul
Howard Bryant of ESPN pointed out after the 2017 US Open that those dismissing Nadal as only a threat on clay are wrong due to Rafa having as many non-clay majors as Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg. 11 Roland Garros Titles = Borg + Wilander + Courier’s Haul or 11 Roland Garros Titles = Borg…
French Open Memories: 1991
I already wrote about the 4-year Courier-Agassi Wars of 1989-1992. There was another memorable clash of US players in 1991. Jimmy Connors took on 1989 Roland Garros champion Michael Chang. On paper, this didn’t look like much of a match. Jimmy Connors did win the 1976 US Open on Har-Tru/green clay, but it was 1991…
3rd Season: St. Xavier Sweeps Kentucky’s State Titles – Part 2: Good Memories Made
At the level of ethnography, tennis tournaments are always interesting. Tennis is obviously being played, but a lot of other things are going on as well. This was especially true at the high school level. Happy Reunions First, I seem to bump into people I know at any tennis tournament I attend. This is true…
3rd Season: St. Xavier Sweeps Kentucky’s State Titles – Part 1 Match Impressions
I will look at last weekend’s 2018 Kentucky High School Athletic Association state tennis championships from the perspective of an observer/coach and from the perspective of ethnography. Match Impressions – Singles and Doubles Semifinal Rounds Saint Xavier and Manual High School dueled in their regional contest and entered the final day of the state tennis…
Roland Garros 2018: Men’s Thoughts
Not shockingly, I think the top tier of contenders for the 2018 Roland Garros crown is occupied by a lone individual. Here are my tiers of interest for the second Grand Slam event of 2018: Tier 1 – Rafa Rafael Nadal is ranked #1, the defending champion, a 10-time champion (!), and won Monte Carlo,…
Djokovic vs. Nadal: 51
Nadal when asked if he misses playing against Djokovic: “It’s better to not play him.” — Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) May 19, 2018 Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will square-off for the 51st time tomorrow. That alone is noteworthy, but when one considers how tightly meshed their careers have been, especially since early 2011, it…
Tennis Power Rankings 2018: Clay Update Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Madrid
Clay Brings Changes at the Top Rafael Nadal – Even with a loss in Madrid, which has never been Rafa’s best clay event, his 50 straight sets won on clay and titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona make Rafa the hot hand on tour and favorite for an 11th(!) Roland Garros title. Change since last ranking…
Second Season: Saint X wins Regional Title with Eyes on the State Tournament
What a Difference 1 Week Makes The 6th Region of Kentucky’s 16 high school tennis regions crowned a familiar champion before regional realignment goes into effect in 2019. Saint Xavier’s tennis team absorbed a tough upset loss on Senior Day 1 week ago. At the same venue, Saint X fended off duPont Manual High School to…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 