tennis, life and a few things in between

Tennis ball launching machines began with a hand-cranked device patented by Rene Lacoste in the 1920s, which allowed for stroke repetitions. The first commercially viable machine was created by Bob McLure in 1970 using a vacuum cleaner motor, leading to the “Little Prince” and Prince Sports, Inc.

In modern times (ha ha ha), I think Lobster is the most well-known (?). Now comes the Slinger – my buddy got one. I find it useful betwenn my lessons: only very points that stick with me, unfortunately.

1. ^1.08 didn’t do well in game
2. ^1.07 practice w/ A Lot girls
3. ^1.05 practice: back & forehands are good
4. ^1.04 volleys & tossing
5. ^1.03 backhands; volleys
6. ^2026.1.02 fore & back
7. ^12.17 keep arm straight n extended
8. ^12.14 alone time, swing volleys
9. ^11.08 3 fingers
10. ^11.04 closed face forehand
11. ^10.25 mixed; volley
12. ^7.30 forehand & spin or drop
13. ^2.09 backhand

My left arm is still out of commission (coach said it was due to incorrect tossing…) but I need to have my dose of drug a.k.a. play some tennis: like practice my forehand and singlehand backhand.

topspin and backspin

Since I got back confidence of my forehand, on and off, I’ve been practicing it.

1. it feels right fm the get go: ht on the rise
2. the backspins: are they?
3. the forehand: need to hit early
4. the single hand backhand:

^{Two sets of players, who are very similar in age} 
Two Americans made into semi, only one won. But then she was bageled in the final. My heart went out for her: stay strong, be back soon.

Today is the mens’ final, Sinner def Alcaraz in 4 sets. These two kids are becoming fast revivals: they won all three slams, with US Open to go.

… I think the girls can use some make over -:)

Amanda Anisimova (2001; 2016, $6,545,206) def the screaming animal, made into her first slam final at Wimbledon. She failed to captured the first 4 match points, made the fifth on her opponent’s serve. I’m very happy for her.

Ok… the grip tape: is the shine side up or what? I redid two this morning before the match – matte side up, which is SO wrong. Oh well…

2019在法网看到她. 本来我们就要去晚饭 看到有个🇺🇸人 就看了一眼… 结果看到完.
好喜欢她 漂亮 安静 整体感觉特别棒 谈吐得体… 很快她爸爸过世 爸妈姐来自莫斯科 她生在新泽西. 沉沉浮浮 几年
虽然现在看起来有些肉嘟嘟的
还是喜欢她 [拥抱][爱心]

4️⃣ 心灵拷问时刻 … 又绑错面了
拆了重新绑
希望正确哈 [捂脸][捂脸]

Mom BB (1997-; 2021, $13m) def teenager Mirra Andreeva (2007-; 2022, $6m) in straight sets, both in tiebreak in their quarter final match.

The post match on court interview is heartwarming: she’s humble and genuine.

Jelena Ostapenko’s underwear inspection at Wimbledon, 2025

Is this for real? How could we allow this kind of thing done to female? Their queen is a divorced woman for Pete’s sake.

Reddit (removed by moderator), FB senior tip & padel tips

After Michael Phelps purple circles, cupping therapy seems to catching on in the West. The latest athlete is Ben Shelton at Wimbledon.

I’ve been watching his matches, only see it today when he played Lorenzo Sonego (1995-; 2013, US$ 7,778,599), def the Italian in 4 sets. Hope he stays health and take the crown, from the dial king to the real King of England -:)

The first Friday of 2025 Wimbledon. women’s doubles second round: Jelena Ostapenko & Su-wei Hsieh v Marta Kostyuk & Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Both Hsieh and Kostyuk top open back design. But I think Kostyuk’s is better.

Hsieh is too wide open, not really practical: who can wear it without showing the undergarment?

Other matches:

• the mens’ final, Jul 13
• Amanda into final July 10
• Shelton came back to finish the job
• Amanda Anisimova def D Galfi in 3
• Taylor Fritz de A. Davidovich in 4
• Madison Keys lost to Siegemund

Other matches and happening at 2025 Wimbledon:

• Bencic def Andreeva
• Jelena Ostapenko’s underwear
• Benny’s cupping marks
• Benny‘s 2nd round match def Hijikata

Benny (Atlanta, 2002-; 2022, $7,364,929 on 2025.7.03) is my favorite player: flashy, athletic, fun, … he also has a pair of likeable parents.

• the first Friday, 7.04

From the start, Ben reminds me of cartoon character in the tv show Rugrat (never watched it). He’s really fun to watch, a rascal.

He’s playing his second round match at Wimbledon 2025 today, against the Aussie player Rinky Hijikata (Sydney, 2001-; 2021, $2,861,238). Not sure why didn’t he close out the match at 4-5, 0-40 in the third. It’s suspended, till tomorrow.

American players have lost today to non American:

1. Tommy Paul lost to Ofner
2. Giron lost to J. Mensik
3. Sophia Kenin lost to J. Bouzas
4. Caty McNally lost to Iga
5. Caroline Dolehide lost Barbora Krejčíková
6. Katie Volynets lost to E. Cocciartetto

Happy to see

1. Emma Navarro def Veronika Kudermetova (1997-)
2. Danielle Collins def Veronika Erjavec
3. Hailey Baptiste def Victoria Mboko
4. … Will Ben make the 4th?

Two Americans played, Brandon Nakashima (2001-) def Reilly Opelka (1997-).

Ben also reminded me of Donald Young (Chicago, 1989-; 2004, $4,694,661) whose career didn’t really pan out. Somehow, Taylor Townsend (Chicago, 1996-; 2012,  $6,171,091) did.

A bragging day: 🎾 5-4, 5-1, 5-4 😉 … while my left forearm is still in pain. I took both 5-4 sets’ one point decider and won: the golden rule at my level is to make less error.

I got two treats: one is the last bag of Chinese tea from Georgia 🇬🇪 (the country).

Second, we went to Lilac, the dinner was pretty good.

The 3 sets of match went:

1. w/ Greg: trailing 0-3… At 4-4, 40-40, my partner indicates to Ed that I’ll be receiving.
2. w/ Ed: 4-0, 40-0, I was serving … hoping to close out 5-0, give Ed a payback for dragging him into getting a bagel
3. w/ lady P: a rare treat, playing with a girl. At 4-4, 40-40, she said, “I know you want this …” Sure, I took it … and won the one point decider.

🎾 5-4, 5-1, 5-4 😉 犒劳自己一下
喝杯精品茶 格外绿

第一局 0-3
第二局 4-0, 40-0 俺又心思思 … 搭档是上次和俺一起吃🥚 想替他挽回一下 很把自己当根葱[Lol]
第三节 难得和一女娃

今天俺打的不错
胳膊疼 只能靠集中精力- 迫不得已
想想 平时 如果也集中精力 是不是应该打的更好一些
人笨无药医