Archive for November, 2013
Open era slams
The grand slams (last won by an American)
Australian: all, women’s (Serena’10) & men’s (Agassi’03)
French, all, ladies (Yahoo) (Serena’13) & men’s (Agassi’99)
Wimbledon: all, ladies (Serena’12) & men’s (Sampras’00)
US Open: ladies (Serena’14) & men’s (Roddick’03)
The last American man to win a grand slam was Andy Roddick at US Open 2003. Roddick would play three Wimbledon final (2004, 2005 and 2009) but all lost to Roger Federer. The last time was particularly heart breaking: 5–7, 7–6(8–6), 7–6(7–5), 3–6, 16–14. I remembered we were driving home from the piano camp at up state and getting up date from my daughter. I did not think that Roddick would have it but he did courageously, unfortunately lost in a tight tie break. He would retire in 2012, being an one slam champ.
Win Win
Charles’ built was like the linebacker Lawrence Taylor. I have seen him around the park from time to time, not because his presence and his resemblance to my favorite Giants but his agile movement on the court and text book swings. He was a great player, a solid 4.0.
One day I was hitting with two guys I found on the court. After watching us from outside of the fence, during the break, he came in and invited me to play.
The two guys gasped. Did he mean one of them, I hesitated.
“I watched you play. Not many girls play single hand back hand. You have it naturally and play beautifully.” He complimented me.
He did pick me. I was overjoyed. I am conscious of my own ability and would never ask to play with a better player, unless she or he initiated it. Then I thought about Mr. Huang on the badminton court and worried briefly: what did I have to offer? I was weak and essentially a beginner.
I walked to my side of the baseline on a cloud. He sounded genuine and those few words put me at ease. We rallied for a while then he suggested a set. I was barely 3 at the time, mind you. At his level, he had the ability to make the game and he more than generously did. The fact that a great player was willing to play with me, motivated me to no end. I played my heart out as much as not to disappoint him, and as to prove to him that I was willing to learn and to play. He could swat me like a fly just like Mr. Haung. Instead, he managed to keep the rallies long enough for both of us to enjoy. On the few points that I did mamage brilliantly he would tacitly relent.
This match illustrated perfectly what a great player, or country in that matter could elevate and motivate a new comer.
China’s surge does not have to build on other’s decline. Just ask Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Serena: do they welcome the challenge or prefer to sit at the top alone? China’s surge will only push America to become better.
USA, please do not squander your lead, the world needs a good cop.
China, jiayou, you are almost there.
The 2nd match: a sweep
It happens bit too early that I’ve problem to field three courts, despite of 15 player roster. I’m the one who voted against the rescheduling but I did ask for one only because the season has just started. Then a few hours later at our first match two mates decided they could spare me the misery. So full lineup.
However, the flight coordinator and opposing captain were informed (of the rescheduling) and court was canceled and .. then .. rebooked. I’m embarrassed for causing so much trouble. As it happened the opposing team has issue too: one of players was on call and may be taking incoming calls during the match.
Anyway. Ron and I played 3D and the guy looks older than us but out ran any of us. And of courses robbed me of a few ‘winners’. It’s unbelievable that he got to every single shot, so fast.
Two questionable line calls: one was baseline, I called it out and Ron signed as good. In it was.
Another one was a cross court shot from the girl, which I called it out and the guy gestured displeasure. I looked at my partner who said nothing. So out it was.
2D has a close match.
One mate showed up at Wednesday (11/13 at NTC) practice because we forgot to cancel it. Very sorry. It’s the first fime hopefully won’t happen again. More pix on FB.
1st match
Our first match of the season went underway Sunday night at Roosevelt Island, as away team; won only 3D.
Li Na
• It’s hard to understate coach Carlos Rodriguez’s impact on not only Li‘s tennis but also her personal growth. “Maybe it’s different, Chinese and Western, because I think the Western people, they like to share how they’re feeling now. For myself, if I’m feeling something, I never try to talk to the team. I always block it. I’m always feeling I’m strong enough, I can fix everything.
“But I think this is a weakness. I think the real strong person, if they feel something, for sure, they will speak out, because they find someone who can help them to make even stronger. So that’s why I was feeling terrible every time I talked to Carlos. But now I am feeling much better, because I try to open my mind a little bit to share the feelings.”
• More psychoanalysis from Li: “I think when I grew up, the [reason] I cannot show how good I am is because when I won a tournament, the coach was so tough. If I make a mistake [in training], for sure she would say, ‘What? You just win one tournament. Are you thinking you can win another one? Why didn’t you train harder?’ I think she always punished me all the time. I didn’t have [confidence] to show how good I am.”
