Australian Open Needs to Be Pushed Back Later in ATP Schedule: A Fan’s Take

Players have to be on their game immediately at the start of the season after a six-week layoff that just might not be enough in this age of highly athletic tennis. I'm all for extending their offseason another six weeks and giving them a true break to rest their minds and heal their bodies. If …

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Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi on beach stroll after buying Brad Pitt’s Malibu mansion

By Laura Schreffler Last updated at 8:32 AM on 10th January 2012 They are said to have paid Brad Pitt $2m less than the asking price for his on-the-market mansion, and now it appears that Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are reaping the rewards of their negotiating powers. The female power couple took their …

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Coming attractions: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Demtri Martin, Yelawolf

New shows/updates DEMETRI MARTIN: Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., BarrymoreTheatre, 2090 Atwood Ave. Tickets are $35 throughbarrymorelive.com, 241-8633 or Barrymore outlets. All ages. The 8p.m. show has sold out and an 11 p.m. show was added. JOHNNY CASH 80TH BIRTHDAY BASH w/ Liam Ford, Josh Harty, TheMidwesterners, Whitney Mann, Earl Foss & …

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Tennis birthdays – Jan. 4, 2012

The current captain of the French Davis Cup team was a very good player in his day, reaching No. 4 in singles and No. 3 in doubles. The lefty won 11 singles titles, including two Masters Series events, and reached the final in eight others in singles. He has 28 doubles titles, including the world …

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New balls for 10 and under

Leroy Brown, Gleaner Writer Tennis is fast becoming one of the most attractive sports for young players worldwide, and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) is making an effort to keep the momentum going with a rule change designed to make the sport more attractive to young players. The ITF announced on January 1, that as …

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Australian Open Needs to Be Pushed Back Later in ATP Schedule: A Fan’s TakeEllen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi on beach stroll after buying Brad Pitt’s Malibu mansionComing attractions: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Demtri Martin, YelawolfTennis birthdays – Jan. 4, 2012New balls for 10 and under

Jan
27

Australian Open Needs to Be Pushed Back Later in ATP Schedule: A Fan’s Take

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1327708028 45 Australian Open Needs to Be Pushed Back Later in ATP Schedule: A Fan’s Take

Players have to be on their game immediately at the start of the season after a six-week layoff that just might not be enough in this age of highly athletic tennis. I'm all for extending their offseason another six weeks and giving them a true break to rest their minds and heal their bodies. If the ATP season starts then in late February, the Australian Open could either be inserted at the beginning of the schedule or after a few ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.

If you allow the players to truly rest and then let them get back on their games with a couple of high-level tournaments prior to the Australian Open, I think you vastly improve the quality of that Grand Slam. I'm a tennis fan, but it's hard for me to get excited about tennis when it's still winter in most of the tennis-playing world. I know it's summer in Australia, but the average high temperature for Melbourne in January is 78 degrees versus 75 degrees in March. That doesn't sound like much, but there is definitely a chance for more comfortable playing weather if the Open is moved back six weeks or more.

There's roughly three weeks between the end of the French Open in early June and the start of Wimbledon later in the month. The last Grand Slam of the year, the U.S. Open, starts roughly eight weeks later. By inserting the Australian Open roughly eight weeks from the French Open, you can achieve more of a symmetry to the tennis season.

Obviously, there are going to be future changes made to the ATP schedule, and I would be highly surprised if the Australian Open is not moved. I think it ultimately benefits the players a great deal and improves the flow of the tennis season as a whole.

Julie is an avid tennis fan since the days of John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. She thought about pursuing tennis but could never master the serve. She expects the 2012 ATP season to be one of the most highly competitive ever.

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Jan
27

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi on beach stroll after buying Brad Pitt’s Malibu mansion

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1327706829 51 Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi on beach stroll after buying Brad Pitts Malibu mansion

By Laura Schreffler

Last updated at 8:32 AM on 10th January 2012

They are said to have paid Brad Pitt $2m less than the asking price for his on-the-market mansion, and now it appears that Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are reaping the rewards of their negotiating powers.

The female power couple took their first public stroll in Malibu yesterday since purchasing the A-list actor’s waterfront pad last month.

The casual couple turned romantic as they enjoyed the unseasonable winter warmth.

A glass act: Brad’s Malibu mansion has generous large windows and overlooks the Pacific Ocean

No doubt they will be happy in the new beachfront estate, which includes separate houses, a pool, atennis court and expansive lush gardens.

The sprawling 4,100 square foot property also has privatebeach access and is set back off the Pacific Coast Highway by a long privatedriveway.

The main house has four bedrooms and four baths, a large chefskitchen with stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors, three fire places and atop of the range security system.

Ocean’s Eleven: Ellen and Portia have a lovely view to enjoy

A nice place to entertain: The home’s family room overlooks the ocean

The home has had extensive renovations in the past couple ofyears with an additional story added by the environmentally conscious designerChristopher R. Sorensen.

The house was just one part of a property portfolio belongingto Brad and lady love Angelina Jolie that also includes homes in Malibu, LosAngeles, New Orleans, France and Italy.

No one knows why the wealthy pair chose to sell theproperty, which is set into a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Fit for a large family: The dining room has space for lots of seating

Downsizing: Ellen and Portia just put their $49million Beverly Hills compound on the market

Award winner: Brad Pitt accepted the Desert Palm Achievement Award in Palm Springs, CA over the weekend

Pitt, who attended the Palm Springs International Film Festival over the weekend with his lady love, purchased the house in 2005 after his split from then-wife Jennifer Aniston.

35-year-old Reese Witherspoon was spotted looking at the home this past summer.

But in the end, the Legally Blonde star and her new husband, Jim Toth, decided not to buy it. 

While the home was pricey, even by Hollywood standards, the price tag is certainly no problem for Ellen DeGeneres.

The comedian and actress is said to have a net worth of about$85million.

Forbes Magazine recently listed her as one of the wealthiest women in Hollywood.

According to Reuters, last year alone Ellen made $45million thanks toher syndicated talk show and endorsement deals, including a contract with Covergirl Cosmetics.

 

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Jan
27

Coming attractions: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Demtri Martin, Yelawolf

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Coming attractions: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Demtri Martin, Yelawolf

New shows/updates

DEMETRI MARTIN: Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., BarrymoreTheatre, 2090 Atwood Ave. Tickets are $35 throughbarrymorelive.com, 241-8633 or Barrymore outlets. All ages. The 8p.m. show has sold out and an 11 p.m. show was added.

JOHNNY CASH 80TH BIRTHDAY BASH w/ Liam Ford, Josh Harty, TheMidwesterners, Whitney Mann, Earl Foss & the Brown Derby andRobbie Schiller: Sunday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115King St. Tickets are $10 through majesticmadison.com. All ages.

BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES: Thursday, March 1, 8 p.m.,Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St. Tickets are $25-38 for thegeneral public, $25-34 for Union members and UW-Madison faculty and$10 for UW-Madison students through arts.wisc.edu, 265-2787 orCampus Arts Ticketing box offices. All ages.

YELAWOLF: Friday, March 2, 9 p.m., Barrymore Theatre, 2090Atwood Ave. Tickets are $20 and go on sale Friday, Jan. 27, throughbarrymorelive.com, 241-8633 or Barrymore outlets. All ages.

IMAGINARY CITIES: Saturday, March 3, 9:30 p.m., Regent StreetRetreat Stage, 1206 Regent St. Tickets are $8 throughtrueendeavors.com. 21+

HEY ROSETTA!: Monday, March 5, 6:30 p.m., The Frequency, 121 W.Main St. Tickets are $10 through majesticmadison.com. 18+

WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS w/ Bad Veins: Saturday, March 24, 9p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $15 and go on saleFriday, Jan. 27, through majesticmadison.com. All ages.

GWAR w/ Municipal Waste, Ghoul and Legacy of Disorder: Monday,March 26, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $25and go on sale Friday, Jan. 27, through majesticmadison.com. Allages.

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS: Wednesday, March 28, 9 p.m.,The Frequency, 121 W. Main St. Tickets are $10 in advance throughmajesticmadison.com, $12 at the door. 18+

TRAMPLED BY TURTLES: Thursday, April 12, 8 p.m., BarrymoreTheatre, 2090 Atwood Ave. Tickets are $20 in advance and go on saleFriday, Jan. 27, through barrymorelive.com, 241-8633 or Barrymoreoutlets, $25 at the door. All ages.

BASSNECTAR w/ Vibesquad: Friday, April 13, 8 p.m., ExhibitionHall at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way.Tickets are $30 in advance and go on sale Friday, Jan. 27, throughmajesticmadison.com, $35 at the door. All ages.

GOOD OLD WAR w/ The Belle Brigade and Family of the Year:Friday, April 13, 9 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave.Tickets are $12 through trueendeavors.com. 18+

INGRID MICHAELSON: Saturday, April 14, 8 p.m., Capitol Theaterat the Overture Center, 201 State St. Tickets are $24 in advanceand go on sale at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, throughoverturecenter.com, 258-4141 or the Overture box office, $27 at thedoor. All ages.

SARA WATKINS (of Nickel Creek): Saturday, April 21, 6 p.m., HighNoon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $15 and go on saleFriday, Jan. 27, through majesticmadison.com. 18+

JOHN EDDIE: Saturday, April 21, 9:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $15 through trueendeavors.com.21+

FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE: Sunday, April 29, 8 p.m., High Noon Saloon,701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $20 in advance and go on saleFriday, Jan. 27, through trueendeavors.com, $22 at the door.18+

GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS w/ Cold Specks: Wednesday, May 2, 8 p.m.,High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $12 in advanceand go on sale Friday, Jan. 27, through trueendeavors.com, $14 atthe door. 18+

Upcoming shows

WINTER DUBTACULAR w/ Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Passafire and PacificDub: Friday, Jan. 27, 9 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St.Tickets are $10 through majesticmadison.com. All ages.

ARAABMUZIK w/ Vinnie Toma and Jack Mulqueen: Thursday, Feb. 2, 9p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $10 throughmajesticmadison.com. All ages.

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA: Thursday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m., BarrymoreTheatre, 2090 Atwood Ave. Tickets are $23 in advance throughbarrymorelive.com, 241-8633 or Barrymore outlets, $25 at the door.All ages.

JEFF ROSS: Friday, Feb. 3, 8 p.m., Barrymore Theatre, 2090Atwood Ave. Tickets are $27.50 through barrymorelive.com, 241-8633or Barrymore outlets. All ages.

ZION I: Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St.Tickets are $13 in advance through majesticmadison.com, $15 at thedoor. All ages.

DEMETRI MARTIN: Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m., Barrymore Theatre, 2090Atwood Ave. Tickets are $35 through barrymorelive.com, 241-8633 orBarrymore outlets. All ages.

GIRLYMAN: Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E.Washington Ave. Tickets are $13 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $15 at the door. 18+

CORNMEAL: Saturday, Feb. 11, 9:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115King St. Tickets are $13 in advance through majesticmadison.com,$15 at the door. All ages.

HEARTLESS BASTARDS: Saturday, Feb. 11, 9:30 p.m., High NoonSaloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $13 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $15 at the door. 18+

COREY SMITH: Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 KingSt. Tickets are $10 in advance through majesticmadison.com, $15 atthe door. All ages.

KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE w/ Anders Osborne: Tuesday, Feb. 14,8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $20 in advancethrough majesticmadison.com, $25 at the door. All ages.

CHARLES BRADLEY & HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 8p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $15 inadvance through trueendeavors.com, $17 at the door. 18+

CATE LE BON w/ Pioneer: Thursday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m., TheFrequency, 121 W. Main St. Tickets are $8 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $10 at the door. 18+

EMANCIPATOR w/ Little People: Thursday, Feb. 16, 10 p.m.,Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $10 throughmajesticmadison.com. All ages.

SAGE FRANCIS: Thursday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $16 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $18 at the door. 18+

THE JAYHAWKS: Thursday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., Barrymore Theatre,2090 Atwood Ave. Tickets are $32 through barrymorelive.com,241-8633 or Barrymore outlets. All ages.

SOJA w/ The Movement: Friday, Feb. 17, 9:30 p.m., High NoonSaloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $15 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $18 at the door. 18+

TWO NIGHTS OF CARNAVAL w/ Mama’s Digtown Brass Band, TheHandphibians, Grupo Um Dois Tres and more: Friday, Feb. 17, andSaturday, Feb. 18, 9 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Ticketsare $12 per night through majesticmadison.com, $20 for both shows.All ages.

SHEARWATER: Sunday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E.Washington Ave. Tickets are $12 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $14 at the door. 18+

BRAD PAISLEY w/ The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery: Thursday,Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the AlliantEnergy Center, 1919 Energy Center Way. Tickets are $43.75 and$57.75 through the Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets,charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.All ages.

PROF: Thursday, Feb. 23, 9:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E.Washington Ave. Tickets are $10 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $12 at the door. 18+

TENNIS: Friday, Feb. 24, 9:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E.Washington Ave. Tickets are $12 through trueendeavors.com. 18+

THE WHITEST KIDS U’ KNOW: Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m., MajesticTheatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $18 through majesticmadison.com.All ages.

CHRIS WEBBY: Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115King St. Tickets are $15 in advance through majesticmadison.com,$18 at the door. All ages.

CROCODILES: Sunday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m., The Frequency, 121 W. MainSt. Tickets are $10 through majesticmadison.com. 18+

MEMORYHOUSE: Wednesday, Feb. 29, 8 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $8 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $10 at the door. 18+

BIG GIGANTIC: Thursday, March 1, 9 p.m., Barrymore Theatre, 2090Atwood Ave. Tickets are $16 in advance through barrymorelive.com,241-8633 or Barrymore outlets, $18 at the door. All ages.

REVEREND HORTON HEAT w/ Larry & His Flask and The GoddamnGallows: Thursday, Mar. 1, 9 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St.Tickets are $23 in advance through majesticmadison.com, $25 at thedoor. 18+

DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY MEN w/ Sam Llanas: Friday, March 2,9:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $15through trueendeavors.com. 21+

NIC COWAN: Friday, March 2, 9:30 p.m., Regent Street RetreatStage, 1206 Regent St. Tickets are $10 through trueendeavors.com.21+

VASKI: Friday, March 2, 9 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St.Tickets are $10 in advance through majesticmadison.com, $15 at thedoor. All ages.

COLIN HAY (of Men at Work): Saturday, March 3, 9 p.m., MajesticTheatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $25 in advance throughmajesticmadison.com, $28 at the door. All ages.

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND: Saturday, March 3, 8:30 p.m.,Orpheum Theatre, 216 State St. Tickets are $25 in advance throughTicketmaster outlets, B-Side Records, charge by phone at800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com, $28 at the door. Allages.

AVA LUNA & LAURA GIBSON: Wednesday, March 7, 8:30 p.m., TheFrequency, 121 W. Main St. Tickets are $8 throughtrueendeavors.com. 18+

ELECTRIC SIX w/ Aficionado and Pink Mink: Friday, March 9, 9:30p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $12 inadvance through trueendeavors.com, $14 at the door. 18+

EMA w/ Nu Sensae: Friday, March 9, 9:30 p.m., The Frequency, 121W. Main St. Tickets are $10 through trueendeavors.com. 18+

DAVID WAX MUSEUM: Tuesday, March 20, 7 p.m., High Noon Saloon,701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $8 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $10 at the door. 18+

THE JOY FORMIDABLE w/ A Place to Bury Strangers: Tuesday, March20, 8:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $15 inadvance through majesticmadison.com, $17 at the door. All ages.

MEGAFAUN: Friday, March 23, 9:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E.Washington Ave. Tickets are $12 through trueendeavors.com. 18+

PINK FLOYD LASER SPECTACULAR: Friday, March 23, 8:30 p.m.,Orpheum Theatre, 216 State St. Tickets are $25 in advance throughTicketmaster outlets, B-Side Records, charge by phone at800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com, $27 at the door. Allages.

CURSIVE w/ Cymbals Eat Guitars and Conduits: Saturday, March 24,9:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $15through trueendeavors.com. 18+

NEEDTOBREATHE w/ Ben Rector: Sunday, March 25, 8 p.m., OrpheumTheatre, 216 State St. Tickets are $25 in advance throughTicketmaster outlets, B-Side Records, Strictly Discs, charge byphone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com, $28 at thedoor. All ages.

BEN KWELLER: Tuesday, March 27, 8 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E.Washington Ave. Tickets are $16 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $18 at the door. 18+

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS: Wednesday, March 28, 9 p.m.,The Frequency, 121 W. Main St. Tickets are $10 in advance throughmajesticmadison.com, $12 at the door. 18+

FANFARLO: Thursday, March 29, 8:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $12 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $14 at the door. 18+

WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS: Thursday, March 29, 8:30 p.m., MajesticTheatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $15 through majesticmadison.com.All ages.

JOHN HODGMAN: Friday, March 30, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115King St. Tickets are $25 through majesticmadison.com. All ages.

REPTAR: Wednesday, April 4, 8:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701 E.Washington Ave. Tickets are $8 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $10 at the door. 18+

LUCERO w/ William Elliott Whitmore: Thursday, April 5, 9 p.m.,Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $20 throughmajesticmadison.com. All ages.

WHITE RABBITS: Friday, April 6, 9:30 p.m., High Noon Saloon, 701E. Washington Ave. Tickets are $12 in advance throughtrueendeavors.com, $14 at the door. 18+

FUN: Wednesday, April 11, 8:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 KingSt. Tickets are $15 in advance through majesticmadison.com, $17 atthe door. All ages.

NERDIST PODCAST LIVE w/ Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray and Matt Mira:Thursday, April 12, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Ticketsare $26.50 through majesticmadison.com. All ages.

THE NAKED AND FAMOUS w/ Vacationer and Now, Now: Saturday, April14, 9 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 King St. Tickets are $16 inadvance through majesticmadison.com, $18 at the door. All ages.

CULTS: Tuesday, April 17, 8:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 KingSt. Tickets are $14 in advance through majesticmadison.com, $16 atthe door. All ages.

EXCISION: Thursday, April 19, 10 p.m., Barrymore Theatre, 2090Atwood Ave. Tickets are $25 in advance through barrymorelive.com,241-8633 or Barrymore outlets, $30 at the door. All ages.

TORTOISE: Wednesday, May 2, 8:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115King St. Tickets are $15 through majesticmadison.com. All ages.

NEON INDIAN: Saturday, May 5, 9 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 115 KingSt. Tickets are $13 in advance through majesticmadison.com, $15 atthe door. All ages.

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Jan
27

Tennis birthdays – Jan. 4, 2012

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1327700838 26 Tennis birthdays – Jan. 4, 2012

The current captain of the French Davis Cup team was a very good player in his day, reaching No. 4 in singles and No. 3 in doubles. The lefty won 11 singles titles, including two Masters Series events, and reached the final in eight others in singles.

He has 28 doubles titles, including the world doubles championship in 1990. And he was the key part of the victorious 1991 Davis Cup team for France.

Ah, to be young again …

Forget re-upped last year as captain of the Davis Cup squad, even after a devastating loss to Serbia in Belgrade in the final last month. He kind of got punked by the Serbs, who certainly made it seem as though Janko Tipsarevic would come out and play the fifth rubber. Instead, they got Viktor Troicki, who played the match of his life against a dead on his feet (and completely shattered) Michael Llodra.

Of course, had he had Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as his second singles player, the point might have been moot.

But 2012 is Forget’s last year, absolutely, guaranteed. He’s already taking over as tournament director at the Bercy event, and also has taken on an ambassador role with the French Open. It’s probably time, anyway.

Hrbaty had a good career until he struggled with injury in 2008 and his ranking dropped down to No. 250. He made a pretty good effort in 2009 to get it back up there by paying a ton of Challenger events, but he stood at No. 141 to start that season and spent most of it on the Challenger circuit. 2010 was no different; he officially retired at the end of the season.

He reached a high of No. 12 in singles in Oct. ’04, and was a top-15 player in doubles as well.

Hrbaty’s last match came at home in Slovakia, where he lost to Igor Kunitsyn in a third-set tiebreak in the quarterfinals of a Challenger event in 2010.

He said goodbye at an offseason exhibition at home at the end of 2010, featuring countrywoman Dominika Cibulkova, Thomas Muster and the immortal Anna Kournikova (plus some on-court cheerleaders).

Ultimately, he may end up being best known for his fashion risks. The pink shirt with the cutouts on the back he wore at the 2005 U.S. Open exposed him to mass ridicule, but gave his sponsor a whole lot of ink. “The shirt itself is actually nice. You don’t sweat as much,” he said at the time, with a straight face (but with his fingers crossed behind his back, and probably his toes, too).

Hrbaty celebrates his birthday doing commentary on tennistv in Auckland. Yes, it’s kind of an unlikely pairing, and internet viewers no doubt are being challenged by his Slovak accent and his female broadcast partner’s heavy Kiwi accent. But it’s an international kind of sport.

He still has a doubles ranking (No. 872). His retirement was sort of put on hold for a couple of events in 2011, in February and June, where he beat some not-bad players. He also played three doubles events in 2011.

She was known as the queen of the Challengers. But the lefthanded American wasn’t ever really able to break through at the top level of the WTA Tour.She was a good doubles player, having topped out at No. 66 in Aug. 2009. Her best in singles was No. 89 in 2008, when she finally broke into the top 100 (however briefly).

Ditty handled things well; she didn’t turn pro until she was nearly 23 years old, after earning a degree in early childhood education from Vanderbilt University while playing top-level college tennis.  She reached the semi-finals at the Bell Challenge in Quebec City in 2008.

Ditty won a round at a Grand Slam event (with Carly Gullickson, first round U.S. Open doubles) for the first time in her career in Aug. 2008 (they had received a wild card).

Injury hit; Ditty didn’t play from the U.S. Open 2008 to March of 2009. And even then, when she returned, she stayed in the U.S.

A year ago, Ditty was ranked No. 289 in singles, No. 188 in doubles. Right now, she’s at No. 458 in singles, No. 255 in doubles. Her last match was a first-round loss to countrywoman Shelby Rogers in Raleigh last May. She and Gullickson also lost in the first round of doubles, and she officially retired in June after winning 39 ITF titles (30 of them in doubles).

Here’s what she said.

“I feel really good about what I accomplished. I don’t think about it like I’ve done this or that. The experiences are more valuable to me than the records, or wins and losses. The memories, seeing the world and the friendships you make, those are the main things.

“I could go to any city in the world and find somebody I played tennis with. Tennis is such a small world when you meet people. It’s been an awesome experience.”

Ditty is currently the director of tennis at the Bellefonte Country Club in Ashland, Kentucky.

She’s not necessarily a remarkable player by any standard. But the amazing thing about this girl is how hard she hits the ball. She’s tiny; a couple of years ago, there was no way she even weighed 100 pounds (even though she was listed at 5-7 and 126 pounds). She was scary small, although she has filled out, slightly, since then.Still, despite hitting two-handed off both sides, she was No. 78 in the world in singles three years ago. She’s barely in the top 400 now, not playing much as she concentrates on doubles.

Two years ago, she was in the top 10 in doubles; she’s at No. 35 now but hit the $1 million mark in career earnings late in 2009. The lack of a regular doubles partner in 2010 probably hurt her; in 2009, she played most with Shuai Peng, who has had injury issues.

In 2011, she also played with quite a few partners, but often with Galina Voskoboeva towards the end of the season. They’re the No. 3 seeds in Brisbane this week.

Hsieh has eight WTA Tour titles – and 20 singles and 19 doubles titles on the minor-league ITF circuit.

Just goes to show you tennis players come in all shapes and sizes.

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Jan
27

New balls for 10 and under

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1327699648 24 New balls for 10 and under

Leroy Brown, Gleaner Writer

Tennis is fast becoming one of the most attractive sports for young players worldwide, and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) is making an effort to keep the momentum going with a rule change designed to make the sport more attractive to young players.

The ITF announced on January 1, that as of that date, a new rule would be introduced worldwide for players 10 years and under. Under this rule, 10 years and under competitions can no longer be played using the regular yellow tennis ball. Instead, there will be the mandatory use of red, orange or green tennis balls. These younger players will also play on smaller sized courts.

This change is so far reaching that it is put alongside the rules that introduced the tie break, foot fault, set breaks, and optional scoring methods. It is a part of the ITF Tennis 10s programme which supports the use of slower and lower bouncing balls, shorter and lighter tennis racquets, and smaller courts, all designed to make it easier for young players to play the game.

More friendly tennis

The element of fun, it is hoped, will make tennis more friendly to youngsters and make them want to move from stage to stage at a structured pace.

The new red tennis ball is made from foam or felt and is 75 per cent slower than the regular yellow tennis ball. This ball will be used by the age group five to eight and they will play on a court that is 12 x 6m. The orange coloured ball is 50 per cent slower than the regular ball and is designed for the eight and nine year olds who will play on a 18 x 6.5m court. The nine to 10 year old players will use a green ball that is 25 per cent slower than the yellow ball but they will play on full-sized courts.

The use of these new balls on an experimental basis has been taking place for some time, and the results have been so far-reaching and positive that the ITF believes that their use should now be made compulsory. Young tennis players, it has been reported, have been showing great improvement in their games, and the number of youngsters coming into tennis is also said to be improving as a result.

In supporting the new rule, ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti has stated that “The rule change is a great step forward for tennis” and added that “it is great to see such good results in terms of increased participation.”

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Jan
27

Wozniacki tops tricky Niculescu

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1327698427 92 Wozniacki tops tricky Niculescu

Caroline Wozniacki likes to search for the right word. I realized this last April when I asked about on-court coaching; she had the perfect word in her head (possibly “critical”) but couldn’t find it and insisted it would haunt her. I noticed this again when I watched her last presser. Asked whether she’s putting more spin on her forehand, Wozniacki said it’s a good way to push an opponent off the court, that it’s a good shot that’s… something, but she wasn’t sure what. Not “understated,” the first word that came to her lips, or “underestimated,” one word offered to her; she meant “underrated” or maybe “underused.” If Wozniacki’s desperately seeking the right word to describe this match, she could do worse than “commanding.”

A few games into this entertaining third-round match, you could tell the world No. 1 would beat world No. 32 Monica Niculescu. That it was just a matter of the score (6-2, 6-2) and time (76 minutes).

Wozniacki adjusted well to an opponent always described as crafty. Niculescu varies her pace, slice, and grip, and she plays with two hands off both sides or sometimes one. She’s no easy out, but Wozniacki never let her into this one. She chipped away at Niculescu’s two-handed forehand, time and again, with pace, height, depth, or angle.

You have to credit Niculescu for her effort, especially late in the second set. She tried to move the ball around more and also hit harder. When Wozniacki served for the match at 5-1, Niculescu fought off one match point with a winner that clipped the baseline and eventually broke, on her fourth break point, with a backhand volley winner. But in the next game Wozniacki broke for the match, winning her second match point with a down-the-line backhand winner.

This was a commanding performance from Wozniacki, who hit a surprising 23 winners against 13 errors. She also approached the net 25 times. A few times she was lured in, but mostly you suspected she was preparing for a second week Down Under.

This was Niculescu’s first match against a current No. 1. She’s played Wozniacki twice before, but the last time was in 2008, and both are better players today. Niculescu, the highest-ranked of five Romanians in the Top 100, finished in the Top 30 for the first time last year. It was a breakout year for her, and highlights include her lone WTA singles final (Luxembourg, where she lost to Victoria Azarenka) and a fourth-round showing at the U.S. Open.

After the match Wozniacki, was asked about that necklace from boyfriend Rory McIlroy. Everyone, please stop! The only question more boring is, “Petra, how has your life changed since you won Wimbledon?” Wozniacki was also asked about her likely opponents in the fourth round, Christina McHale or Jelena Jankovic. Wozniacki, who will lose her No. 1 ranking if she doesn’t win that next match, said she expects a match full of long rallies. And you know it’s—what’s the word?—true.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at 4:23 pm and is filed under Tennis News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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Jan
27

RealClearSports – Edberg on the Court? Time Out of Mind

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1327697248 25 RealClearSports Edberg on the Court? Time Out of Mind

For a few seconds, just an instant, I thought I was suspended in the most powerful, lucid dream I had yet experienced. And it occurred in the filtered winter light of day.

It was late Friday morning, and I had turned on the Tennis Channel to view the semifinal matches from the Qatar Open in Doha, one of several tournaments that kick off the calendar year in advance of the Australian Open. Though it’s only a 250 event, meaning the least important from the standpoint of ranking points a player can accumulate, the field is always strong. This year was no exception, as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were in the draw.

The semifinal matchups promised to be entertaining, with Federer taking on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the man who defeated him on his beloved Wimbledon grass last summer, and Nadal playing athletic if erratic Frenchman Gael Monfils.

I had tuned in slightly late and anticipated joining the Federer-Tsonga semi late in the first set. Sure enough, the first image I saw was that of Tsonga preparing to return serve.

It was after the camera pulled back to show the full court when it happened. It was as if I had been sent spiraling into some vortex in time. I heard the announcer say “Edberg,” and indeed, when I squinted I could see “Edberg” written in the score line. Even more unusual was that the figure sprinting across the screen looked indeed like Stefan Edberg, the Swedish tennis legend who retired 16 years ago. I immediately walked closer to the TV.

Yes, it was definitely him. For the sports fan, especially in tennis, the implanted memories of the graceful athlete’s movements are fixed in time. No one has ever used such a pronounced twist of the back on the serve, and no player today uses such a high ball toss. And surely no top player in the men’s game now has such a weak forehand. But how, why was he on the court?

Must be a rain delay, I thought, and they’re showing an exhibition. But it doesn’t rain in the desert, and there was that “Live” icon in the upper corner of the TV screen and the sponsor signage clearly indicating this was Qatar.

So what gives? Is this for real? Because from those initial glimpses of my tennis-watching past suddenly kinetically alive, it appeared that Edberg was holding his own against Tsonga. He was knifing volleys to all angles of the court, putting balls out of reach of the speedy Tsonga, just as he had done against Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras decades ago.

After a few minutes of this I started to get frustrated that the announcers weren’t in constant-update mode and telling the viewers why Edberg, who looks eerily similar to the way he did in the early 1990s when he was at his peak, was on the court. Where was Federer?

When the first set ended 7-5, the players shook hands at the net, and this “match” was obviously over. Finally, it was explained that Federer had withdrawn at the last moment with a bad back and didn’t want to jeopardize his chances in Australia. So Edberg, who was in Doha, volunteered to play Tsonga, serving as practice more than anything.

Though he’s 46, Edberg moved with such precision and attacked with a focused, quiet aggression that it leaves one to wonder why more players don’t attempt to occasionally institute this strategy more often. Granted, Tsonga was playing at only about 75 percent, but Edberg held his own in those rallies that seemed genuine.

It was all too rational an explanation. I wanted there to be some odder reason for seeing Edberg play. I had been transported back in time and didn’t feel like being brought back to the present just yet.

The main reason I felt this sudden disappointment at it being over was that it was so refreshing to see Edberg’s unique game against a current top player. The serve-and-volley is a vanished art, and no one in the open era – not even John McEnroe or Sampras – played this style of game with the elegance and precision of Edberg.

Sports fans have always engaged in the parlor game of “I wish I had seen so-and-so from the past take on the current No. 1.” And sometimes it nearly comes true. In 2008, Federer played Sampras in a series of exhibitions that were as good as one can expect from a retired player, as Sampras was. After watching those contests at the height of Federer mania, when so many were declaring him the best of all time, Sampras’ high level of play left some reconsidering their earlier assessments.

But seeing Edberg was different. It was so unexpected, so hazily dreamy that it made the occasion somehow more special. So special, in fact, that I don’t remember much of Monfils’ upset of Nadal in the other semifinal.

I’ve said for some time that men’s tennis is in the midst of a golden age, anchored by the exhilarating rivalry between Federer and Nadal in addition to current No. 1 Novak Djokovic. I consider myself lucky to have witnessed hundreds of matches up close the last 10 years. But sometimes it’s reassuring to get a visit from out of the past and have memories seared into the subconscious come to life one more time.

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Jan
27

exactly where where to acquire top quality masquerade masks.

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1327696049 57 exactly where where to acquire top quality masquerade masks.

On the web Distributors

One of many least difficult means of buying masquerade goggles will be coming from on the internet distributors. The majority of the web stores which handle halloween costumes regarding tennis balls, Halloween night as well as so on outfits may also be stocking the actual masquerade face masks. You will find numerous goggles regarding masquerade golf ball obtainable on the internet. You can observe the particular pictures as well as the seems from the masquerade face masks just before buying the actual hide on the web. Delivery from the on the internet halloween costume the same as almost everything will need regarding 7 days. The actual face masks with regard to masquerade basketball is going to be listed in between $4 to be able to $20.

Public sale sites just like Craigs list permit retailers to create their particular goods over the internet and also have provides coming from customers. These products usually are marketed inside a biding approach so that the actual bidder using the greatest cost benefits to purchase them. A lot of the items within these types of public sale web sites are often marketing items and you may actually obtain discount

Neighborhood Outfit Shops

The particular masquerade goggles will also be obtainable in neighborhood halloween costume shops. A lot of the retailers which use distinctive garments as well as halloween costumes for instance with regard to Halloween night can usually inventory the actual goggles regarding masquerade basketball. The particular face masks can be stored simply by typical clothes shops. The youngsters model with the masquerade goggles may also be common inside the youngsters portion of the actual clothes retailers. You are able to consequently check around your neighborhood clothes shop and also determine a great masquerade cover up regarding putting on to another location get together.

The particular masquerade cover up can be a straightforward outfit which can be produced in the home. It is possible to reduce the deprive regarding fabric which can be linked on the eye being a blindfold. Then you’re able to take off the “V” formed incision on the heart in order to abandon the entire nasal area available. masquerade ball masks After that you can minimize square pockets in the eye area of the particular retract and also connect the actual fabric above the face in order to hold the openings match in the face. The actual cover up is better about sound off bits of garments. You may also reduce diverse styles within the retract to produce this seem a lot more excellent.

to be able to possess the openings suit in the eye. The particular cover up is most beneficial upon start barking items of garments. You can even reduce diverse styles within the retract to create this appear much more exceptional.

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Jan
27

Mayor Gray: D.C. man killed for his tennis shoes

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1327694875 59 Mayor Gray: D.C. man killed for his tennis shoes

At a candlelight vigil against gun violence Sunday night, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray spoke about the “tragic” and “incredibly disquieting” circumstances of the District’s third homicide of the year.

“One person killed another, in a gun battle,” Gray described in a video shot at the vigil, which was held at Shiloh Baptist Church. “There were casings all over the street.”

David Lee Robinson, 19, of Northwest Washington, was shot in the 5700 block of Foote Street NE about 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning, police said. He was pronounced dead at Howard University Hospital about 3 a.m.

Police do not have a suspect in custody or a motive in the case, but Gray said the shooting resulted from a robbery because Robinson’s sneakers were missing.

“He was being robbed for his Nike tennis shoes,” Gray said. “A life for a pair of Nike tennis shoes.”

Robinson’s death is the District’s third homicide of the year. Police said the death of 56-year-old Leroy Studevant of Washington was classified as the first homicide of 2012, followed by 21-year-old Howard Ricardo Sampler.

The Metropolitan Police Department offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a person wanted for any homicide committed in the District.

Anonymous information also may be submitted to D.C. Crime Solvers at 1-800-673-2777 or by texting a message to 50411. A reward of as much as $1,000 may be given if a caller’s information leads to an arrest and indictment.

For video of Gray’s speech at the candlelight vigil, visit NBC4.com.

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Jan
27

13abc.com: Toledo Breaking News, Weather and SportsFalcons Head to Cincinnati for Friday-Night Matchup

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1327693629 96 13abc.com: Toledo Breaking News, Weather and SportsFalcons Head to Cincinnati for Friday Night Matchup

BOWLING GREEN – The Bowling Green State University tennis team, after posting a win on the road to open the dual-match schedule, hits the highway once again, heading down I-75 for a Friday (Jan. 27) match at the University of Cincinnati.  Head coach Penny Dean's Falcons will meet the Bearcats in a 6:00 p.m. match at Western Tennis and Fitness Club.The Falcons are coming off of a 5-2 win at Duquesne last weekend, in the team's first dual of 2011-12.  BGSU captured two of the three doubles matches, losing a 9-8 verdict after a tiebreaker at the third flight.  In singles play, the Falcons captured four of the six matches to seal the victory.Junior Mary Hill and sophomore Nikki Chiricosta were victorious in both singles and doubles play at DU, teaming up for a win at the top doubles flight.  Senior Jessica Easdale and soph Emily Reuland each picked up singles wins, while juniors Maddy Eccleston and Jade Johnson won in doubles against the Dukes.The Duquesne match was the Falcons' first action in over two months, after a very successful fall schedule.  BGSU took part in four non-scored tournaments, with four of the seven team members also participating in the ITA Midwest Regional Championships.  All seven players on the roster had winning records in both singles and doubles in the fall.Cincinnati has a dual-match record of 0-2 after playing two tough opponents on the road last weekend.  Fourth-year head coach Angela Wilson's Bearcats lost to No. 20 Notre Dame, 7-0, and suffered a 6-1 setback against MAC power Miami.  UC participated in fall tournaments at Ohio State and MU.The Falcons lead Cincinnati, 19-10, in the all-time series between the teams, including a 5-2 victory at the Perrysburg Tennis Center last season (Feb. 5, 2011).  Two years ago, in the last meeting in the Queen City, the Falcons picked up a 5-2 win (Jan. 23, 2010).  BGSU has won four consecutive series meetings, after UC had taken six of the previous seven duals.  BG is 11-3 at home, 5-7 on the road and 2-0 in neutral-site matches (one early BG-UC match is site unknown). The Falcons are 11-8 against the 'Cats during Dean's head-coaching.Following this weekend's match, the Falcons will open the home portion of the schedule with two matches at the Perrysburg Tennis Center on back-to-back days.  BGSU hosts Chicago State on Saturday, Feb. 4, with the match set to begin at 3:30 p.m.  Then, the Brown and Orange will welcome UIC to the PTC the next day (Feb. 5), with first serve at 9:30 a.m.

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