What Were We Doing in 1999?

I remember living in Providence, RI and being at work following Serena Williams’ scoreline vs. Martina Hingis.  I was happy with this result because Hingis struck a negative nerve with me as a fan for the past few seasons.  Serena Williams worked her way through a tough draw (Kim Clijsters in the 3rd round, Conchita Martinez…

A Tennis Lesson from Homer Hickam or What Makes a Great Shot in Tennis

Homer Hickam’s 1998 memoir Rocket Boys was the basis of the 1999 film October Sky.  I enjoyed both immensely, but as usually happens films leave out key events in the interests of runtime.  One such exchange between Homer Hickam and Quentin Wilson was left out of the film, but it made an impression on me…

US Open 2019: September 1st Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM  (Noon start) [3] Roger Federer (SUI) vs [15] David Goffin (BEL) – This could be a long match.  I think the 3 of 5 set format helps Federer.  Goffin played well in Cincinnati and Federer started slowly in his first two matches at the US Open.  If Federer cannot push Goffin backward, an…

US Tennis TV is Stale

We live in a world where a little kindness can go a long way.  Complaining is the norm.  I am about to go with the grain, and I don’t particularly like doing so.  Yet, I think tennis as presented in the US by ESPN and NBC and, to a lesser extent, the Tennis Channel could…

US Open 2019: August 27th Women’s Singles Predictions

Match of the Day: [24] Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP) vs Alison Riske (USA) Muguruza is one of the most vexing players to predict. She holds two major titles and was also a major runner-up.  When she plays well, she looks like a star who could be setting the standard on the WTA Tour, but her style of play…

US Open 2019: Men’s Singles Predictions for August 27th

Men’s Match of the Day: [8] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) vs Andrey Rublev (RUS) Tsitsipas beat Federer in a major and beat Rafa on clay this year.  He battled Wawrinka in a great 5 set Roland Garros round of 16 loss.  However, the second half of his season has been a bit understated.  Has fatigue set in?  Are…

US Open 2019: Key Day 1 Match Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD Women’s Match of the Day – Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova Serena has won the US Open 6-times.  Maria Sharapova won the US Open in 2006.  Serena has dominated their head-to-head matches 19-3, but any match pitting two former champions and former #1s in the first round has to be the match…