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issue 33 Maria Sharapova - Between doubt and truth

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MariaSharapova–

BetweenDoubtAnd

Truth

byValerioCarriero

On�Monday,�March�7,�Maria�Sharapova�madea�major�announcement�at�a�pressconference.�She�had�made�her�intentions�todo�so�clear�in�the�days�leading�up�to�theevent,�and�speculation�had�run�rampant�as�to

what�she�would�tell�the�world.�Everythingfrom�retirement�to�a�pregnancy�had�been�putforward�as�possible�explanations�for�theconference.�One�thing�was�clear,�however:�itwould�not�be�another�advertising�campaignfor�one�of�her�products.

�When�the�time�came,�fans�around�the�worldbreathlessly�tuned�in�for�the�bombshell�ofthe�year,�as�Maria�Sharapova�announced�she

had�tested�positive�for�a�banned�substanceat�the�Australian�Open.�Of�course,�she�didnot�just�leave�it�at�that.�The�substance?

Meldonium,�something�most�fans�have�neverheard�of.�Sharapova�had�been�taking�it�for�adecade,�but�it�had�only�been�on�the�list�of

banned�substances�for�tennis�players�sincethe�start�of�2016.�The�World�Anti-DopingAgency�had�sent�out�a�notice�to�all�active

players�notifying�them�of�the�addition,�butSharapova�had�not�noticed�­�or�so�she

claimed.�Doubts�about�her�story�were�raised�by�critics

of�the�former�world�number�one.�It�is�difficult

to�imagine,�they�argued,�that�someone�withsuch�a�large�management�team�would�letsuch�an�important�announcement�gounnoticed.�She�maintained�that�she�had�beentaking�the�drug�­�which�is�used�mostly�in�the

treatment�of�certain�heart�conditions�­�forlegitimate�reasons�all�these�years.�Butskeptics�don’t�believe�her�story,�which�issimilar�to�those�told�by�several�other�Russianathletes�who�have�also�been�caught�usingthe�drug.�It�seems�like�an�awfully�big

coincidence�that�so�many�athletes�suddenlyhave�health�issues�and�have�been�told�totake�this�drug,�which�has�for�long�beenassociated�with�enhancing�sports

performance.�That�being�said,�Sharapova�is�not�without�her

defenders.�She�took�full�responsibility�for�thefailure,�saying�that�she�had�indeed�receivedthe�e-mail�herself�but�failed�to�follow�the�link

that�showed�the�list�of�banned�substances.She�also�seemed�genuinely�remorseful�in�herpress�conference,�and�it’s�hard�to�believe

that�she�is�such�a�good�actress�as�to�soperfectly�pull�of�such�pretense.�

But�perhaps�the�most�logical�argument�touse�in�Sharapova’s�defense�is�this:�she�is�notan�idiot.�Had�she�known�the�substance�was

MariaSharapova–

BetweenDoubtAnd

Truth

byValerioCarriero

On�Monday,�March�7,�Maria�Sharapova�madea�major�announcement�at�a�pressconference.�She�had�made�her�intentions�todo�so�clear�in�the�days�leading�up�to�theevent,�and�speculation�had�run�rampant�as�to

what�she�would�tell�the�world.�Everythingfrom�retirement�to�a�pregnancy�had�been�putforward�as�possible�explanations�for�theconference.�One�thing�was�clear,�however:�itwould�not�be�another�advertising�campaignfor�one�of�her�products.

�When�the�time�came,�fans�around�the�worldbreathlessly�tuned�in�for�the�bombshell�ofthe�year,�as�Maria�Sharapova�announced�she

had�tested�positive�for�a�banned�substanceat�the�Australian�Open.�Of�course,�she�didnot�just�leave�it�at�that.�The�substance?

Meldonium,�something�most�fans�have�neverheard�of.�Sharapova�had�been�taking�it�for�adecade,�but�it�had�only�been�on�the�list�of

banned�substances�for�tennis�players�sincethe�start�of�2016.�The�World�Anti-DopingAgency�had�sent�out�a�notice�to�all�active

players�notifying�them�of�the�addition,�butSharapova�had�not�noticed�­�or�so�she

claimed.�Doubts�about�her�story�were�raised�by�criticsof�the�former�world�number�one.�It�is�difficult

to�imagine,�they�argued,�that�someone�withsuch�a�large�management�team�would�letsuch�an�important�announcement�gounnoticed.�She�maintained�that�she�had�beentaking�the�drug�­�which�is�used�mostly�in�the

treatment�of�certain�heart�conditions�­�forlegitimate�reasons�all�these�years.�Butskeptics�don’t�believe�her�story,�which�issimilar�to�those�told�by�several�other�Russianathletes�who�have�also�been�caught�usingthe�drug.�It�seems�like�an�awfully�big

coincidence�that�so�many�athletes�suddenlyhave�health�issues�and�have�been�told�totake�this�drug,�which�has�for�long�been

associated�with�enhancing�sports

performance.�That�being�said,�Sharapova�is�not�without�her

defenders.�She�took�full�responsibility�for�thefailure,�saying�that�she�had�indeed�receivedthe�e-mail�herself�but�failed�to�follow�the�link

that�showed�the�list�of�banned�substances.She�also�seemed�genuinely�remorseful�in�herpress�conference,�and�it’s�hard�to�believe

that�she�is�such�a�good�actress�as�to�soperfectly�pull�of�such�pretense.�

But�perhaps�the�most�logical�argument�touse�in�Sharapova’s�defense�is�this:�she�is�notan�idiot.�Had�she�known�the�substance�was

now�banned,�she�surely�would�not�havethought�she�would�escape�detection

indefinitely.�Indeed,�to�think�that�she�wouldcontinue�taking�the�drug�after�learning�that�it’sbeen�banned,�fully�aware�of�the�stringent�teststhey�undergo�on�a�weekly�basis,�is�madness.�Itseems�pretty�clear�that,�at�the�very�least,�she�is

being�truthful�when�she�says�she�did�notknowingly�take�a�banned�substance.�However,�that�does�not�clear�up�the�questionof�whether�she�took�the�drug�in�order�toenhance�her�performance.�The�creator�of�the

drug�has�gone�on�record�detailing�that�thedrug�can�be�used�to�improve�an�athlete’sphysical�performance,�and�that�it�has�likelybeen�used�for�that�purpose�until�now.

�At�this�point�there�are�more�questions�thananswers,�and�it�remains�unclear�what�effect�of

this�incident�will�have�on�Sharapova’s�careerand�legacy.�Her�final�punishment�has�still�notbeen�decided,�and�how�much�of�that

punishment�she�ends�up�serving�is�also�anopen�question.The�truth�is�we�might�never�know�Sharapova’s

real�intentions�for�taking�the�drug,�but�the�factof�the�matter�is�that�the�damage�has�beendone.�Fans�will�never�look�at�her�in�quite�the

same�way�again,�the�Tour�might�be�changed�inways�we�can’t�even�imagine�at�this�point.

now�banned,�she�surely�would�not�havethought�she�would�escape�detection

indefinitely.�Indeed,�to�think�that�she�wouldcontinue�taking�the�drug�after�learning�that�it’sbeen�banned,�fully�aware�of�the�stringent�teststhey�undergo�on�a�weekly�basis,�is�madness.�Itseems�pretty�clear�that,�at�the�very�least,�she�is

being�truthful�when�she�says�she�did�notknowingly�take�a�banned�substance.�However,�that�does�not�clear�up�the�questionof�whether�she�took�the�drug�in�order�toenhance�her�performance.�The�creator�of�the

drug�has�gone�on�record�detailing�that�thedrug�can�be�used�to�improve�an�athlete’sphysical�performance,�and�that�it�has�likelybeen�used�for�that�purpose�until�now.

�At�this�point�there�are�more�questions�thananswers,�and�it�remains�unclear�what�effect�of

this�incident�will�have�on�Sharapova’s�careerand�legacy.�Her�final�punishment�has�still�notbeen�decided,�and�how�much�of�that

punishment�she�ends�up�serving�is�also�anopen�question.The�truth�is�we�might�never�know�Sharapova’s

real�intentions�for�taking�the�drug,�but�the�factof�the�matter�is�that�the�damage�has�beendone.�Fans�will�never�look�at�her�in�quite�the

same�way�again,�the�Tour�might�be�changed�inways�we�can’t�even�imagine�at�this�point.

Djokovic,The

RecordMachine

byMarcoDiNardo

It�is�useless�to�deny�it.�In�the

last�5�years,�the�courts�havehad�a�ruler�capable�ofunseating�from�the�top�ofthe�sport�behemoths�such�asRoger�Federer�and�RafaelNadal.�We�are�talking,�of

course,�about�NovakDjokovic�who,�afteridentifying�an�intolerance�togluten�as�his�main�problem,

has�completely�dominatedmen’s�tennis�in�almost�everyrespect.

�Since�2011�Djokovic�hasbecome�the�man�to�beat�in

the�purest�sense�of�thephrase.�In�those�five�years,Djokovic�has�of�course�not

always�been�the�worldnumber�one,�but�even�whenhe�was�not�statistically�in�the

top�spot,�one�certainly�stillgot�the�sense�that�he�wasthe�guy�nobody�wanted�to

play.�2011�and�2015�were�hismost�memorably�dominantyears,�while�the�middle

period�saw�him�lose�ground,statistically�at�least,�to�RafaelNadal�and�even�RogerFederer.�But�an�“off”�year�forDjokovic�still�includes�atleast�one�Slam�win�alongwith�a�host�of�other�trophies.

Indeed,�nothing�provesDjokovic’s�stranglehold�ofthe�men’s�Tour�better�thanan�examination�of�the

records�he�has�broken�overthe�past�few�years.�Some

might�even�argue�that,�givenhis�current�trajectory,Djokovic�will�retire�as�thegreatest�player�to�ever�haveplayed�the�game.�Such�a

conclusion�is�still�very�far�off,but�a�look�at�his�numbersmakes�one�pause�for�a�whilebefore�dismissing�the�notion.�So�what�are�the�records�that

Djokovic�holds?�Moreimportantly,�which�recordsdoes�he�not�possess?�In�thisarticle,�we�will�examine�both

in�order�to�determinewhether�he�might�one�daybecome�the�best�player�ever.

�Grand�Slam�titles�wonOf�all�the�records�in�tennis,

this�is�considered�by�manyto�be�the�most�important.�Aswe�all�know,�the�record

belongs�to�Roger�Federer,

who�has�won�17�Slam�titlesin�his�career.�Djokovic

currently�stands�at�11,�andtherefore�needs�to�win�atleast�another�six�to�equal�therecord.�That�is�not�eventaking�into�account�that

Federer�is�still�active,�andmight�very�well�still�add�totally.�Many�experts�arguethat�the�Serb�will�be�able�tobeat�the�record�withoutmajor�problems,�winning�an

average�of�2�Slams�perseason�over�the�next�threeseason.�Personal�Prediction:�Djokovicwill�not�break�this�record.Although�he�often�shows

himself�to�be�the�best�playerin�the�world,�he�does�notmake�efficient�use�of�all�his

opportunities�in�Slam�finals,especially�at�Roland�Garros,where�he�has�never�won�the

event.�He�could�equal�the

record�if�Federer�does�notwin�any�more.

�Consecutive�quarter-finalsreached�in�Grand�SlamtournamentsAnother�record�that�belongs

to�Federer�is�that�ofconsecutive�quarter-finalsreached�in�Grand�Slams.�TheSwiss�reached�36�between2004�and�2013,�stoppingthe�run�he�started�at

Wimbledon�in�2004�whenhe�lost�in�the�second�roundof�that�tournament�nineyears�later.�At�the�moment,

Djokovic�has�reached�27consecutive�quarter-finals,and�is�therefore�quite�close

to�the�all-time�record.�Personal�prediction:�The

Serb�will�break�this�record.He�obviously�needs�to�do�soon�his�current�streak,�as�he�is

too�old�to�start�from�scratch

again.�But�it�seems�veryunlikely�that�anyone�will

beat�him�before�the�quarter-finals�in�a�Grand�Slam�in�thenext�three�years.�ATP�World�Tour�Finals

titlesYet�another�record�thatFederer�holds�is�the�numberof�titles�won�at�the�ATPWorld�Tour�Finals.�The�Swisshas�won�this�event�six�times,

triumphing�in�2003-2004,2006-2007�and�2010-2011.Djokovic�has�already�brokenthe�record�of�consecutive

titles�won,�winning�for�fouryears�in�a�row�from�2012�to2015.�He�is�still�one�shy�of

equaling�Federer’s�record,having�won�five�in�total.�Personal�prediction:�Djokovicwill�break�this�record�by2019,�winning�at�least�two�of

the�next�four�editions�of�the

tournament.�Even�if�Federerwere�to�win�another�title,

the�Serb�will�likely�win�morein�the�end.�Masters�1000�trophiesFinally,�a�record�that�does

not�belong�to�Roger�Federer.The�player�to�have�won�themost�Masters�1000�titles�isRafael�Nadal,�who�has�won27.�Djokovic,�with�26�wins,�isvery�close�to�the�Mallorcan.

Nadal,�however,�will�need�toonce�again�dominate�the�clayMasters�1000�events�if�hehas�any�hope�of�holding�on

to�this�record.�Personal�Prediction:�Djokovic

probably�will�win�one�of�thetwo�Masters�1000�events�inthe�North�American�swing

(Indian�Wells�or�Miami),�so�ifNadal�does�not�win�theother,�the�Serb�will�have

equaled�the�record.�Hard�to

Djokovic,The

RecordMachine

byMarcoDiNardo

It�is�useless�to�deny�it.�In�the

last�5�years,�the�courts�havehad�a�ruler�capable�ofunseating�from�the�top�ofthe�sport�behemoths�such�asRoger�Federer�and�RafaelNadal.�We�are�talking,�of

course,�about�NovakDjokovic�who,�afteridentifying�an�intolerance�togluten�as�his�main�problem,

has�completely�dominatedmen’s�tennis�in�almost�everyrespect.

�Since�2011�Djokovic�hasbecome�the�man�to�beat�in

the�purest�sense�of�thephrase.�In�those�five�years,Djokovic�has�of�course�not

always�been�the�worldnumber�one,�but�even�whenhe�was�not�statistically�in�the

top�spot,�one�certainly�stillgot�the�sense�that�he�wasthe�guy�nobody�wanted�to

play.�2011�and�2015�were�hismost�memorably�dominantyears,�while�the�middle

period�saw�him�lose�ground,statistically�at�least,�to�RafaelNadal�and�even�RogerFederer.�But�an�“off”�year�forDjokovic�still�includes�atleast�one�Slam�win�alongwith�a�host�of�other�trophies.

Indeed,�nothing�provesDjokovic’s�stranglehold�ofthe�men’s�Tour�better�thanan�examination�of�the

records�he�has�broken�overthe�past�few�years.�Some

might�even�argue�that,�givenhis�current�trajectory,Djokovic�will�retire�as�thegreatest�player�to�ever�haveplayed�the�game.�Such�a

conclusion�is�still�very�far�off,but�a�look�at�his�numbersmakes�one�pause�for�a�whilebefore�dismissing�the�notion.�So�what�are�the�records�that

Djokovic�holds?�Moreimportantly,�which�recordsdoes�he�not�possess?�In�thisarticle,�we�will�examine�both

in�order�to�determinewhether�he�might�one�daybecome�the�best�player�ever.

�Grand�Slam�titles�wonOf�all�the�records�in�tennis,

this�is�considered�by�manyto�be�the�most�important.�Aswe�all�know,�the�record

belongs�to�Roger�Federer,

who�has�won�17�Slam�titlesin�his�career.�Djokovic

currently�stands�at�11,�andtherefore�needs�to�win�atleast�another�six�to�equal�therecord.�That�is�not�eventaking�into�account�that

Federer�is�still�active,�andmight�very�well�still�add�totally.�Many�experts�arguethat�the�Serb�will�be�able�tobeat�the�record�withoutmajor�problems,�winning�an

average�of�2�Slams�perseason�over�the�next�threeseason.�Personal�Prediction:�Djokovicwill�not�break�this�record.Although�he�often�shows

himself�to�be�the�best�playerin�the�world,�he�does�notmake�efficient�use�of�all�his

opportunities�in�Slam�finals,especially�at�Roland�Garros,where�he�has�never�won�the

event.�He�could�equal�the

record�if�Federer�does�notwin�any�more.

�Consecutive�quarter-finalsreached�in�Grand�SlamtournamentsAnother�record�that�belongs

to�Federer�is�that�ofconsecutive�quarter-finalsreached�in�Grand�Slams.�TheSwiss�reached�36�between2004�and�2013,�stoppingthe�run�he�started�at

Wimbledon�in�2004�whenhe�lost�in�the�second�roundof�that�tournament�nineyears�later.�At�the�moment,

Djokovic�has�reached�27consecutive�quarter-finals,and�is�therefore�quite�close

to�the�all-time�record.�Personal�prediction:�The

Serb�will�break�this�record.He�obviously�needs�to�do�soon�his�current�streak,�as�he�is

too�old�to�start�from�scratch

again.�But�it�seems�veryunlikely�that�anyone�will

beat�him�before�the�quarter-finals�in�a�Grand�Slam�in�thenext�three�years.�ATP�World�Tour�Finals

titlesYet�another�record�thatFederer�holds�is�the�numberof�titles�won�at�the�ATPWorld�Tour�Finals.�The�Swisshas�won�this�event�six�times,

triumphing�in�2003-2004,2006-2007�and�2010-2011.Djokovic�has�already�brokenthe�record�of�consecutive

titles�won,�winning�for�fouryears�in�a�row�from�2012�to2015.�He�is�still�one�shy�of

equaling�Federer’s�record,having�won�five�in�total.�

Personal�prediction:�Djokovicwill�break�this�record�by2019,�winning�at�least�two�of

the�next�four�editions�of�the

tournament.�Even�if�Federerwere�to�win�another�title,

the�Serb�will�likely�win�morein�the�end.�Masters�1000�trophiesFinally,�a�record�that�does

not�belong�to�Roger�Federer.The�player�to�have�won�themost�Masters�1000�titles�isRafael�Nadal,�who�has�won27.�Djokovic,�with�26�wins,�isvery�close�to�the�Mallorcan.

Nadal,�however,�will�need�toonce�again�dominate�the�clayMasters�1000�events�if�hehas�any�hope�of�holding�on

to�this�record.�Personal�Prediction:�Djokovic

probably�will�win�one�of�thetwo�Masters�1000�events�inthe�North�American�swing

(Indian�Wells�or�Miami),�so�ifNadal�does�not�win�theother,�the�Serb�will�have

equaled�the�record.�Hard�to

say�if�Djokovic�will�win�theclay�events�if�Rafa�is�at�top

form.�If�Rafa�wins�at�leastone�Masters�1000�beforeRoland�Garros,�at�that�pointhe�will�have�the�confidenceto�win�others,�and�the�record

will�be�his.�Otherwise,Djokovic�beat�the�record�bythe�end�of�the�season.�Total�number�of�seasonsended�as�world�number

oneThis�record,�in�both�totalseasons�and�consecutiveseasons,�belongs�to�Pete

Sampras,�who�was�numberone�for�six�consecutive�yearsbetween�1993�and�1998.

Djokovic�is�currently�stillonly�at�four�seasons�in�totaland�second�in�a�row,�having

been�number�one�in�2011,2012,�2014�and�2015.�If�heended�2016�as�the�number

one,�he�would�come�close�tothe�total�number�of�years�inthe�position.

Personal�Prediction:�Djokovicmanages�to�equal�Sampras(but�not�overtake�him)�as�far

as�total�seasons�at�numberone�is�concerned.�He�will�dothis�by�ending�as�number

one�in�two�of�the�next�threeyears.�However,�it�will�not�bepossible�for�him�to�break�therecord�for�consecutiveseasons�at�number�one.�Total�number�of�weeks

spent�at�number�one

The�next�record�returns�toRoger�Federer.�The�Swissspent�a�total�of�302�weeks�inthe�top�spot,�while�Djokovic

is�currently�at�185.�Federerwill�likely�not�be�able�to�add

to�his�record,�but�then�it�willbe�very�hard�for�Djokovic�toreach�303.�Personal�Prediction:�Djokovic

will�fail�to�break�this�record.He�is�still�too�far�behindFederer’s�count.�Though�hewould�likely�want�to�breakthis�record�more�badly�thanthe�one�for�total�years�ended

as�world�number�one,�it�isvery�unlikely.�Conclusions

Following�my�personalpredictions,�I�believe�thatDjokovic�will�break�the

record�for�consecutivequarter-finals�at�GrandSlams�and�number�of�titles

won�at�the�ATP�World�TourFinals.�As�for�the�totalnumber�of�seasons�ended�at

number�one,�he�will�be�able

to�match�but�not�to�breakthe�Pete�Sampras’�record.�In

terms�of�consecutive�yearsat�number�one,�he�doesn’tstand�a�chance.�He�will�alsonot�be�able�to�break�therecord�for�total�number�of

Slams�or�weeks�spent�at�thetop�of�the�rankings.�Finally,the�biggest�unknown�is�thenumber�of�Masters�1000titles�won.�He�might�breakthis�one�very�soon�if�Nadal

falters,�but�then�again�hemay�fail�to.�So�Djokovic�will�likely�end�up

with�at�least�a�few�of�the�all-time�records,�but�not�themost�prestigious�one.

Whether�this�dents�his�casefor�being�the�greatest�playerof�all�time�remains�to�be

seen.

JelenaOstapenko

byAlexBisi

Angelique�Kerber’s�victory�over�SerenaWilliams�in�Melbourne�has�again�shown�thatthere�is�room�at�the�top�for�new�stars,�and

Jelena�Ostapenko�has�recently�proven�that�sheis�as�likely�as�anyone�to�one�day�rise�to�the�topof�the�women’s�game.�A�native�of�Latvia,�Ostapenko�was�born�in

1997,�and�in�late�February�she�surprised�herpeers,�and�perhaps�even�herself,�by�reachingthe�final�of�the�prestigious�WTA�event�in�Doha,losing�the�championship�match�in�a�toughthree-setter�to�Carla�Suarez�Navarro.

�Ostapenko,�who�loves�to�dance,�has�been�on

the�radar�of�a�few�in-the-know�pundits�for�awhile,�but�she�has�now�officially�introducedherself�to�the�wider�tennis�public.

�A�product�of�Nick�Bollettieri’s�academyproduct,�she�has�a�very�good�two-handed

backhand�which�she�often�uses�to�impose�herwill�on�her�opponents.�Indeed,�it�is�mostly�dueto�her�backhand�that�she�has�been�able�to�win

seven�ITF�singles�titles�so�far.�2015�was�the�first�year�in�which�she�started�to

really�test�herself�on�the�WTA�Tour.�Shereceived�a�Wild�Card�at�Wimbledon�and�evenwon�a�match�(ironically�beating�Carla�Suarez

Navarro�in�the�first�round)�before�bowing�outto�Kristina�Mladenovic.�Buoyed�by�her�performance�at�Wimbledon,�aswell�as�her�continued�success�in�ITF�events,she�managed�to�qualify�for�the�US�Open�andagain�win�her�opening�round�match.�When�she

finally�lost�to�Sara�Errani�in�the�second�round,it�was�only�after�a�long�fight�and�winning�thefirst�set�6-0.

After�the�US�Open,�she�reached�the�final�of�theevent�in�Quebec�City,�but�lost�at�the�finalhurdle.�But�at�41�in�the�rankings�and�rising�fast,it�seems�only�a�matter�of�time�before

Ostapenko�starts�competing�for�the�big�eventson�a�regular�basis.

JelenaOstapenko

byAlexBisi

Angelique�Kerber’s�victory�over�SerenaWilliams�in�Melbourne�has�again�shown�thatthere�is�room�at�the�top�for�new�stars,�and

Jelena�Ostapenko�has�recently�proven�that�sheis�as�likely�as�anyone�to�one�day�rise�to�the�topof�the�women’s�game.�A�native�of�Latvia,�Ostapenko�was�born�in

1997,�and�in�late�February�she�surprised�herpeers,�and�perhaps�even�herself,�by�reachingthe�final�of�the�prestigious�WTA�event�in�Doha,losing�the�championship�match�in�a�toughthree-setter�to�Carla�Suarez�Navarro.

�Ostapenko,�who�loves�to�dance,�has�been�on

the�radar�of�a�few�in-the-know�pundits�for�awhile,�but�she�has�now�officially�introducedherself�to�the�wider�tennis�public.

�A�product�of�Nick�Bollettieri’s�academyproduct,�she�has�a�very�good�two-handed

backhand�which�she�often�uses�to�impose�herwill�on�her�opponents.�Indeed,�it�is�mostly�dueto�her�backhand�that�she�has�been�able�to�win

seven�ITF�singles�titles�so�far.�2015�was�the�first�year�in�which�she�started�to

really�test�herself�on�the�WTA�Tour.�Shereceived�a�Wild�Card�at�Wimbledon�and�evenwon�a�match�(ironically�beating�Carla�Suarez

Navarro�in�the�first�round)�before�bowing�outto�Kristina�Mladenovic.�Buoyed�by�her�performance�at�Wimbledon,�aswell�as�her�continued�success�in�ITF�events,she�managed�to�qualify�for�the�US�Open�andagain�win�her�opening�round�match.�When�she

finally�lost�to�Sara�Errani�in�the�second�round,it�was�only�after�a�long�fight�and�winning�thefirst�set�6-0.

After�the�US�Open,�she�reached�the�final�of�theevent�in�Quebec�City,�but�lost�at�the�finalhurdle.�But�at�41�in�the�rankings�and�rising�fast,it�seems�only�a�matter�of�time�before

Ostapenko�starts�competing�for�the�big�eventson�a�regular�basis.

DominicThe

Dominator

byFedericoMariani

Dominic�Thiem�started�February�knocking�onthe�door�of�the�Top�10.�Indeed,�judging�by�thequality�of�his�wins,�it�might�be�that�he�isalready�a�Top�10�player,�and�the�rankings�justneed�to�catch�up�to�him.�In�a�short�space�oftime�he�has�beaten�beat�Nadal,�Ferrer,

Dimitrov�and�Tomic,�while�also�winning�twotitles�in�Buenos�Aires�and�Acapulco.�Manypundits�have�compared�his�demeanor�andtalent�to�that�of�Stan�Wawrinka,�and�the�Swiss

has�certainly�done�all�right�for�himself,�so�thatcomparison�bodes�well�for�the�Austrian.�

From�Buenos�Aires�to�Acapulco�and�Rio,�Thiemwon�13�of�14�matches,�two�titles�(the�fourthand�the�fifth�in�his�career)�and�reached�two

semi-finals.�He�is�now�less�than�300�pointsfrom�a�Top�10�spot,�and�given�his�current�pacehe�will�certainly�get�there�sooner�rather�than

later.Last�season,�Thiem�exploded�onto�the�scenewith�three�tournament�wins�(Gstaad,�Umag

and�Nice),�but�so�far�his�2016�campaign�hasalready�surpassed�2015’s,�and�it’s�not�even

April!�Indeed,�his�meteoric�rise�has�causedmany�fans�and�commentators�to�breathlesslypredict�that�he�will�one�day�rule�the�Tour.�Atthe�very�least�he�is�a�Top�5�talent,�and�one�can

perhaps�argue�that�he�is�already�playing�at�thatlevel.�His�technical�resemblance�to�Stan�Wawrinka�israther�remarkable.�As�with�Stan,�Thiem�needsspace�and�time�to�be�able�to�make�the�most�ofhis�massive�groundstrokes,�and�because�of�this

clay�is�his�preferred�surface.�Wawrinka’s�mainstrength�is,�of�course,�his�devastating

backhand,�and�while�Thiem�does�not�quitepossess�Stan’s�firepower�in�this�department,�he

executes�the�shot�with�a�natural�efficiency�thatlooks�almost�lazy.�And�when�he�hits�it�well,�it�isalmost�unplayable.�Adding�to�his�talent�and�technical�proficiency�is

his�fighting�spirit,�which�is�certainly�uncommonin�a�player�his�age.�He�has�reached�six�finals�inhis�career,�winning�five.�Of�the�12�tie-breaks�hehas�played�in�2016,�he�has�won�9.�These�arenumbers�that�one�usually�associates�only�withthe�very�best�players�on�the�Tour.�In�Buenos

Aires�he�was�forced�into�tie-breaks�severaltimes,�and�always�came�out�on�top�when�itmattered�most.�Indeed,�so�far�Thiem�isundefeated�in�2016�when�he�has�been�pushed

to�three�sets.�It�takes�a�special�kind�ofconfidence�to�beat�Rafael�Nadal�in�a�third�settie-break,�especially�when�you�have�already

saved�a�match�point.�And�confidence�issomething�Thiem�does�not�lack�­�it�is�evidentfrom�the�second�he�sets�foot�on�the�court�that

he�believes�he�can�win�each�and�every�matchhe�plays.�

As�with�Stan,�however,�Thiem�does�have�hisflaws.�He�can�often�be�found�very�far�behindthe�baseline�­�too�far�back�to�effective

pressure�opponents.�His�return�is�also�subparand�it�has�some�way�to�go�before�it�can�beconsidered�anything�close�to�world�class.�The

good�news�is�that�he�is�still�young,�and�whilethere�is�room�for�improvement,�there�is�alsotime�to�improve.

�That�being�said,�in�the�short�term�he�willstruggle�because�of�these�shortcomings.Staying�five�meters�behind�the�baseline�on�clayis�well�and�good,�but�when�it�comes�to�fastersurfaces,�he�will�definitely�struggle�to�makeany�sort�of�headway�against�superior

competition.�It�is�extra�problematic�because�ofthe�many�points�that�are�tied�up�in

DominicThe

Dominator

byFedericoMariani

Dominic�Thiem�started�February�knocking�onthe�door�of�the�Top�10.�Indeed,�judging�by�thequality�of�his�wins,�it�might�be�that�he�isalready�a�Top�10�player,�and�the�rankings�justneed�to�catch�up�to�him.�In�a�short�space�oftime�he�has�beaten�beat�Nadal,�Ferrer,

Dimitrov�and�Tomic,�while�also�winning�twotitles�in�Buenos�Aires�and�Acapulco.�Manypundits�have�compared�his�demeanor�andtalent�to�that�of�Stan�Wawrinka,�and�the�Swiss

has�certainly�done�all�right�for�himself,�so�thatcomparison�bodes�well�for�the�Austrian.�

From�Buenos�Aires�to�Acapulco�and�Rio,�Thiemwon�13�of�14�matches,�two�titles�(the�fourthand�the�fifth�in�his�career)�and�reached�two

semi-finals.�He�is�now�less�than�300�pointsfrom�a�Top�10�spot,�and�given�his�current�pacehe�will�certainly�get�there�sooner�rather�than

later.Last�season,�Thiem�exploded�onto�the�scenewith�three�tournament�wins�(Gstaad,�Umag

and�Nice),�but�so�far�his�2016�campaign�hasalready�surpassed�2015’s,�and�it’s�not�even

April!�Indeed,�his�meteoric�rise�has�causedmany�fans�and�commentators�to�breathlesslypredict�that�he�will�one�day�rule�the�Tour.�Atthe�very�least�he�is�a�Top�5�talent,�and�one�can

perhaps�argue�that�he�is�already�playing�at�thatlevel.�His�technical�resemblance�to�Stan�Wawrinka�israther�remarkable.�As�with�Stan,�Thiem�needsspace�and�time�to�be�able�to�make�the�most�ofhis�massive�groundstrokes,�and�because�of�this

clay�is�his�preferred�surface.�Wawrinka’s�mainstrength�is,�of�course,�his�devastating

backhand,�and�while�Thiem�does�not�quitepossess�Stan’s�firepower�in�this�department,�he

executes�the�shot�with�a�natural�efficiency�thatlooks�almost�lazy.�And�when�he�hits�it�well,�it�isalmost�unplayable.�Adding�to�his�talent�and�technical�proficiency�is

his�fighting�spirit,�which�is�certainly�uncommonin�a�player�his�age.�He�has�reached�six�finals�inhis�career,�winning�five.�Of�the�12�tie-breaks�hehas�played�in�2016,�he�has�won�9.�These�arenumbers�that�one�usually�associates�only�withthe�very�best�players�on�the�Tour.�In�Buenos

Aires�he�was�forced�into�tie-breaks�severaltimes,�and�always�came�out�on�top�when�itmattered�most.�Indeed,�so�far�Thiem�isundefeated�in�2016�when�he�has�been�pushed

to�three�sets.�It�takes�a�special�kind�ofconfidence�to�beat�Rafael�Nadal�in�a�third�settie-break,�especially�when�you�have�already

saved�a�match�point.�And�confidence�issomething�Thiem�does�not�lack�­�it�is�evidentfrom�the�second�he�sets�foot�on�the�court�that

he�believes�he�can�win�each�and�every�matchhe�plays.�

As�with�Stan,�however,�Thiem�does�have�hisflaws.�He�can�often�be�found�very�far�behindthe�baseline�­�too�far�back�to�effective

pressure�opponents.�His�return�is�also�subparand�it�has�some�way�to�go�before�it�can�beconsidered�anything�close�to�world�class.�The

good�news�is�that�he�is�still�young,�and�whilethere�is�room�for�improvement,�there�is�alsotime�to�improve.

�That�being�said,�in�the�short�term�he�willstruggle�because�of�these�shortcomings.Staying�five�meters�behind�the�baseline�on�clayis�well�and�good,�but�when�it�comes�to�fastersurfaces,�he�will�definitely�struggle�to�makeany�sort�of�headway�against�superior

competition.�It�is�extra�problematic�because�ofthe�many�points�that�are�tied�up�in

tournaments�with�fast�surfaces�(Wimbledonand�the�US�Open,�among�many�others).�If�he

truly�intends�to�become�a�Top�5�player,�he�willhave�to�be�able�to�play�well�at�these�big�events,which�will�require�a�significant�change�to�histactics.�His�big�serve�will�help�keep�him�inmatches�for�now,�but�to�win�them�he�needs�to

come�closer�to�the�baseline.�One�benefit�he�has�which�Wawrinka�neverenjoyed�is�that�he�is�flourishing�early.�Wawrinkawas�a�late�bloomer,�but�Thiem�already�has�aclear�advantage�when�it�comes�to�titles�won�as

well�as�his�mental�toughness.�Unfortunately,however,�he�has�not�been�able�to�play�his�besttennis�at�the�Slams.�Indeed,�he�looks�his�age�atthe�Majors,�and�in�2015�he�managed�to�win

only�four�Slam�matches�all�year.�With�the�waythe�rankings�are�constructed,�no�player�willever�get�anywhere�near�the�top�unless�he

performs�well�at�Slams.�As�good�as�he�has�beenin�best-of-three�set�matches�so�far�in�his

career,�he�has�been�terrible�in�best-of-five�setcontests.�Whether�this�is�a�fitness�issue�is�notclear,�but�one�thing�is�certain:�he�has�to�figureit�out,�and�fast.�

At�23�Thiem�is�not�exactly�a�youngster.�In�theold�days,�when�players�regularly�lifted�their�firstSlams�before�the�age�of�20,�he�would�beconsidered�a�veteran.�In�the�modern�game,though,�he�is�maturing�remarkably�quickly.These�days�tennis�players�tend�to�peak�around

28,�so�Thiem�is�way�ahead�of�the�curve.�Evenwith�his�shortcomings�he�already�a�handful�forevery�opponent�he�faces,�and�he�is�sure�to�onlyget�better�with�age.�The�sky�is�the�limit�for�this

young�man,�and�his�career�will�be�fascinating�towatch.

Italy’sGolden

Generation

byValerioCarriero

August�17,�2009�was�an�historic�day�for�Italianwomen’s�tennis,�and�destined�to�change�thefate�of�an�entire�generation.�On�that�day,�FlaviaPennetta�became�the�first�Italian�woman�tobreak�through�the�seemingly�impossible�barrierof�the�WTA�Top�10.�This�followed�a�season�of

incredible�results,�yet�the�best�was�still�tocome.�A�little�less�than�a�year�later,�on�the�redclay�of�Paris,�Francesca�Schiavone�won�her�firstGrand�Slam�title,�and�it�wasn’t�just�her�first�­�it

was�Italy’s�first.�In�2011�she�nearly�did�it�again,but�lost�in�the�final�against�Li�Na.�

But�the�French�Open�would�hold�more�glory�forItalian�women:�in�2012�Sara�Errani�reached�thefinal�before�losing�to�Maria�Sharapova,�who�was

gunning�for�her�personal�career�Grand�Slam.But�Errani�built�on�that�success�and�hasremained�near�the�top�of�the�women’s�game

ever�since.�The�next�member�of�Italy’s�golden�generation�is

Roberta�Vinci,�who�for�a�long�period�of�timewas�overlooked�by�the�press�and�fans.�But

despite�that,�she�flourished�on�the�doublescircuit,�racking�up�Slam�win�after�Slam�win�withErrani.�All�told�she�has�won�five�Grand�Slamdoubles�titles,�and�has�also�lifted�the�Fed�Cup

four�times�between�2006�and�2013�(along�witha�lost�final�in�2007).�And�in�2015�she�put�up�aperformance�that�would�make�her�un-ignorable­�she�reached�the�final�of�the�US�Open,something�her�more�celebrated�compatriotshad�never�managed.�Not�only�that,�but�shebeat�Serena�Williams�to�get�there!

�On�the�other�side�of�the�net�in�the�final�at

Flushing�Meadows�was�Flavia�Pennetta,another�oft-overlooked�member�of�Italy’s

dream�team.�Vinci�would,�with�her�performancein�New�York�and�on�the�eve�of�her�33rdbirthday,�finally�realize�her�dream�of�reachingthe�Top�10,�and�in�doing�so�also�delivered�adream�for�Italy:�an�all-Italian�final!�The�fact�that

it�came�on�the�hard�courts�of�the�US�Openmade�it�all�the�more�incredible,�as�Italianstraditionally�don’t�do�well�there.�Four�Italian�women,�then,�have�reached�or�wonGrand�Slam�finals�in�less�than�a�decade.�A�true

miracle�comparable�only�to�other�traditionallystronger�tennis�superpowers�such�as�Russia,the�Czech�Republic�and�Germany.�Other

powerhouses,�such�as�France�and�Spain,�have

come�nowhere�close�to�matching�suchconsistency�recently.�

It�is�therefore�perfectly�reasonable�to�talkabout�Italy�as�one�of�the�greatest�tennis�powerof�the�2000s.�Two�Slam�champions�in�singles

and�three�finalists;�three�former�number�onedoubles�players�along�with�six�Slam�wins;�four

Fed�Cup�trophies�and�two�Top�10�singles�players.�Truly�a�haul�of�honors�that�anybody�would�be�proudof.

�The�present�and�recent�past�for�Italian�tennis�has�certainly�been�very�bright.�The�question�now�iswhether�the�next�generation�can�pick�up�where�this�golden�one�has�left�off.

JuanCarlosFerrero:“Itell

thechildrenthatwithout

working,youcannot

achieveanything”

We�interview�Juan�Carlos�Ferrero�who�tells�ushow�his�daily�routine�is�at�the�academy�and�ifhe�sees�himself�as�a�tennis�coach�in�the�future.

Juan�Carlos�Ferrero�opens�us�the�doors�of�his

academy,�JC�Ferrero�Equelite�Academy.�Hereceives�us�and�tells�us�how�his�daily�routine�isbecause�he�lives�at�the�academy�and�he�usuallytrains�with�the�children�who�train�there,�he

advises�them�from�his�experience�of�being�theex-number�1�in�the�world.Juan�Carlos,�what�calls�me�the�most

attention�is�to�see�the�difference�betweenother�Academies�which�also�havereputation;�you�live�daily�there,�don’t�you?

Some�professional�tennis�players�have

academies�with�their�names�but�without�a

behind�job�your�name�is�not�useful.�JCFerrero-

Equelite,�apart�from�having�great�professionals

as�Toni�(Antonio�M.�Cascales)�or�Samuel�López,

I�am�also�there.�We�have�an�extra�that�other

academies�don’t�have�and�this�is�that�I�live�at

the�facilities�and�I�know�the�players,�I�advise

them�or�sometimes,�I�even�train�or�play�a

match�with�them.

It�will�be�one�of�the�reasons�that�makechildren�decide�to�come�to�Equelite,�won’tit?�Knowing�that�you�will�be�there,�watchingand�advising�them…At�the�end,�this�is�important�and�it�is�possiblethat�they�come�for�that�reason�but�I�wouldprefer,�and�I�think�that�a�lot�of�them�come

because�of�our�reputation.�I�have�been�workingfor�more�than�25�years�and�the�list�of�players

who�have�come�to�the�academy�is�amazing.�Wehave�always�had�good�players,�both,�boys�and

girls,�and�this�is�the�thing�that�people�have�tovalue.�To�stay�here,�they�have�to�value�thetreatment�they�received,�in�the�sports�andpersonal�level�and�here�that�treatment�is�verygood.

�What�do�you�like�the�most�of�working�withchildren?I�don’t�usually�work�with�children�but�when�I�doit�and�I�am�on�the�court�with�them,�the�best�isto�see�how�happy�they�are�on�the�court�and

the�things�that�they�ask�me.�For�them,�it�is�likean�adventure�and�if�you�help�them�to�live�it,they�will�be�more�passionate�about�the�sport.�

Is�it�sometimes�difficult�to�work�with�them?Each�person�has�good�and�bad�points.�Inaddition,�they�are�in�a�difficult�period,�with�the

puberty�and�other�things.�Some�of�them�arealso�under�pressure,�more�than�they�shouldhave�for�his�age.�We�are�with�them�and�we

have�to�help�them�as�much�as�possible.

How�do�you�usually�advise�the�guys�whodream�with�achieve�the�top?

I�advise�them�that�they�have�to�work�hardbecause�if�they�don’t�do�it,�they�aren’t�going�toachieve�anything.�I�also�ask�them�humility.�

With�the�emergence�of�tennis�players�such

as�Carla�or�Garbiñe,�are�you�noticing�that

more�girls�want�to�be�tennis�players�now

than�before?

Not�too�much.�This�has�been�happening�for�along�time.�We�have�an�unrepeatable�generationof�players�with�more�than�10�Top�100�and�2�or

3�in�the�TOP�10�for�some�years�and�this�is�notbeing�reflected�in�the�base�tennis.�We�have�toachieve�it�and�make�shorter�distances�betweenthem�with�projects�such�as�the�Open�Promesas

Circuit�and�the�Street�Tennis�which�have�beentaking�for�some�years�but�just�in�a�nationallevel.

�How�do�you�usually�spend�a�day�at�theacademy?

I�try�to�have�breakfast�in�the�café�every�day.

There,�I�inform�about�what�is�happening�at�the

academy�and�if�somebody�needs�anything,�heor�she�can�come�to�talk�to�me.�After�that,�I�go

to�the�court�where�the�players�are�training�andfrom�this�point�my�day�can�vary�a�lot.�I�alwaystry�to�stay�on�a�court�with�any�group�at�leastonce�a�week�and�every�afternoon�I�go�to�thegym�to�train�with�the�players�who�are�finishing

their�training.�What�are�you�most�proud�of�the�Academy?I�am�really�proud�of�having�got�it�without�anykind�of�subvention�neither�help�and�today�it�isa�training�center�worldwide�known�in�the

tennis�world.�In�my�sports�life,�clearly,�when�Iwon�the�Roland�Garros�and�achieve�number�1in�the�worldwide�ranking.In�my�personal�life,�I�can�say�that�I�feel�proud�of

my�family,�my�wife�Eva�and�our�daughter�Vega.�How�did�you�decide�to�build�an�academy�like

this?It�was�something�that�it�was�happening.�I�didn’tbuild�it,�I�grew�up�in�it�and�this�is�other�thing

which�differentiates�us�from�other�academieswith�good�reputation.�Toni�(Cascales)�built�thisacademy�for�me�and�for�other�partners:�we

played�well�but�we�lived�far�from�the�placewhere�we�lived�and�we�spent�a�couple�of�hoursby�car�every�day.�Thus,�we�started�to�live

among�6/8�players�and�3/4�employees�in�asmall�house�with�a�gym�and�two�courts.�When�Igrew�up�and�I�started�to�win�tournaments,�I

decided�to�invest�money�at�the�academy.�WhenI�retired,�I�decided�to�continue�living�there�andhelp�the�children�to�achieve�their�dream�as�my

coaches�had�helped�me.�Paddle�tennis�is�practiced�by�a�lot�of�peopleand�you�also�practice�it�a�lot.�Do�you�teachPaddle�or�do�you�have�it�planned?I�don’t�play�a�lot.�I�have�played�sometournaments�because�I�am�really�competitive

and�I�want�to�continue�competing�in�any�way.As�I�played�some�tournaments,�I�would�like�to

JuanCarlosFerrero:“Itell

thechildrenthatwithout

working,youcannot

achieveanything”

We�interview�Juan�Carlos�Ferrero�who�tells�ushow�his�daily�routine�is�at�the�academy�and�ifhe�sees�himself�as�a�tennis�coach�in�the�future.

Juan�Carlos�Ferrero�opens�us�the�doors�of�his

academy,�JC�Ferrero�Equelite�Academy.�Hereceives�us�and�tells�us�how�his�daily�routine�isbecause�he�lives�at�the�academy�and�he�usuallytrains�with�the�children�who�train�there,�he

advises�them�from�his�experience�of�being�theex-number�1�in�the�world.Juan�Carlos,�what�calls�me�the�most

attention�is�to�see�the�difference�betweenother�Academies�which�also�havereputation;�you�live�daily�there,�don’t�you?

Some�professional�tennis�players�have

academies�with�their�names�but�without�a

behind�job�your�name�is�not�useful.�JCFerrero-

Equelite,�apart�from�having�great�professionals

as�Toni�(Antonio�M.�Cascales)�or�Samuel�López,

I�am�also�there.�We�have�an�extra�that�other

academies�don’t�have�and�this�is�that�I�live�at

the�facilities�and�I�know�the�players,�I�advise

them�or�sometimes,�I�even�train�or�play�a

match�with�them.

It�will�be�one�of�the�reasons�that�makechildren�decide�to�come�to�Equelite,�won’tit?�Knowing�that�you�will�be�there,�watchingand�advising�them…At�the�end,�this�is�important�and�it�is�possiblethat�they�come�for�that�reason�but�I�wouldprefer,�and�I�think�that�a�lot�of�them�come

because�of�our�reputation.�I�have�been�workingfor�more�than�25�years�and�the�list�of�players

who�have�come�to�the�academy�is�amazing.�Wehave�always�had�good�players,�both,�boys�and

girls,�and�this�is�the�thing�that�people�have�tovalue.�To�stay�here,�they�have�to�value�thetreatment�they�received,�in�the�sports�andpersonal�level�and�here�that�treatment�is�verygood.

�What�do�you�like�the�most�of�working�withchildren?I�don’t�usually�work�with�children�but�when�I�doit�and�I�am�on�the�court�with�them,�the�best�isto�see�how�happy�they�are�on�the�court�and

the�things�that�they�ask�me.�For�them,�it�is�likean�adventure�and�if�you�help�them�to�live�it,they�will�be�more�passionate�about�the�sport.�

Is�it�sometimes�difficult�to�work�with�them?Each�person�has�good�and�bad�points.�Inaddition,�they�are�in�a�difficult�period,�with�the

puberty�and�other�things.�Some�of�them�arealso�under�pressure,�more�than�they�shouldhave�for�his�age.�We�are�with�them�and�we

have�to�help�them�as�much�as�possible.

How�do�you�usually�advise�the�guys�whodream�with�achieve�the�top?

I�advise�them�that�they�have�to�work�hardbecause�if�they�don’t�do�it,�they�aren’t�going�toachieve�anything.�I�also�ask�them�humility.�

With�the�emergence�of�tennis�players�such

as�Carla�or�Garbiñe,�are�you�noticing�that

more�girls�want�to�be�tennis�players�now

than�before?

Not�too�much.�This�has�been�happening�for�along�time.�We�have�an�unrepeatable�generationof�players�with�more�than�10�Top�100�and�2�or

3�in�the�TOP�10�for�some�years�and�this�is�notbeing�reflected�in�the�base�tennis.�We�have�toachieve�it�and�make�shorter�distances�betweenthem�with�projects�such�as�the�Open�Promesas

Circuit�and�the�Street�Tennis�which�have�beentaking�for�some�years�but�just�in�a�nationallevel.

�How�do�you�usually�spend�a�day�at�theacademy?

I�try�to�have�breakfast�in�the�café�every�day.

There,�I�inform�about�what�is�happening�at�the

academy�and�if�somebody�needs�anything,�heor�she�can�come�to�talk�to�me.�After�that,�I�go

to�the�court�where�the�players�are�training�andfrom�this�point�my�day�can�vary�a�lot.�I�alwaystry�to�stay�on�a�court�with�any�group�at�leastonce�a�week�and�every�afternoon�I�go�to�thegym�to�train�with�the�players�who�are�finishing

their�training.�What�are�you�most�proud�of�the�Academy?I�am�really�proud�of�having�got�it�without�anykind�of�subvention�neither�help�and�today�it�isa�training�center�worldwide�known�in�the

tennis�world.�In�my�sports�life,�clearly,�when�Iwon�the�Roland�Garros�and�achieve�number�1in�the�worldwide�ranking.In�my�personal�life,�I�can�say�that�I�feel�proud�of

my�family,�my�wife�Eva�and�our�daughter�Vega.�How�did�you�decide�to�build�an�academy�like

this?It�was�something�that�it�was�happening.�I�didn’tbuild�it,�I�grew�up�in�it�and�this�is�other�thing

which�differentiates�us�from�other�academieswith�good�reputation.�Toni�(Cascales)�built�thisacademy�for�me�and�for�other�partners:�we

played�well�but�we�lived�far�from�the�placewhere�we�lived�and�we�spent�a�couple�of�hoursby�car�every�day.�Thus,�we�started�to�live

among�6/8�players�and�3/4�employees�in�asmall�house�with�a�gym�and�two�courts.�When�Igrew�up�and�I�started�to�win�tournaments,�I

decided�to�invest�money�at�the�academy.�WhenI�retired,�I�decided�to�continue�living�there�andhelp�the�children�to�achieve�their�dream�as�my

coaches�had�helped�me.�Paddle�tennis�is�practiced�by�a�lot�of�peopleand�you�also�practice�it�a�lot.�Do�you�teachPaddle�or�do�you�have�it�planned?I�don’t�play�a�lot.�I�have�played�sometournaments�because�I�am�really�competitive

and�I�want�to�continue�competing�in�any�way.As�I�played�some�tournaments,�I�would�like�to

continue�playing�others�and�I�will�also�playothers�of�the�tennis�senior�circuit.�With�respect

to�the�academy,�we�have�really�good�facilitiesand�we�have�a�paddle�school�for�competitionand�for�beginners�too.�About�the�guys,�you�have�at�the�Academy,�is

there�any�that�you�believe�that�have�a�greatpotential?�Who?

We�have�some�players�with�a�lot�of�potential.

The�academy�has�with�limited�places�to

guarantee�it.�We�have�a�great�Junior�group,

some�of�them�have�ATP�points�and�good

ranking.�I�am�convinced�that�any�of�them�will

make�a�great�leap�and�will�be�Top�200/300.�In

addition,�we�have�a�desirable�group�with�boys

of�15�years�old.�Apart�from�Nicola�Kuhn�who

has�already�had�international�recognition.�We

also�train�with�Carlos�Sánchez�and�Rafa

Izquierdo,�both�are�15�years�old�and�Spanish

and�they�were�finalists�of�the�Master�Marca�sub

16�and�are�Top�5�of�their�category.�As�far�as

girls,�we�have�some�good�players�but�they�arestill�too�young�to�say�their�names.

�Training�Young�players,�don’t�make�you�feelyou�want�to�be�a�coach�in�a�future?It�is�something�which�I�would�like�to�do�in�thefuture.�I�have�already�had�really�positive

experiences�with�Nico�Almagro�and�otherplayers�of�the�academy;�in�addition,�I�am�theCaptain�of�the�UCAM�Absolute�Team.�Can�you�see�yourself�training�a�Young�boyand�make�him�be�a�top?

Yes,�but�not�now�in�the�future�as�I�have�justsaid.

Whyitisimportantto

understandwhenyoumake

atacticalerror

byFedericoCoppini

Truly�understanding�tactical�mistakes�is�thefirst�step�to�making�better�choices�on�thetennis�court.�If�you�do�not�understand�yourmistakes,�you�can�never�learn�from�them,�andare�doomed�to�repeat�them!

�Why�is�avoiding�tactical�mistakes�important?If�you�are�able�to�use�proper�tactics�on�thetennis�court,�your�game�will�become�instantlymore�productive.�Indeed,�simply�taking�notice

of�the�fact�that�you�are�not�using�the�correcttactics�is�already�a�huge�step�in�the�right

direction.There�is�a�substantial�difference�betweenrecognizing�a�tactical�error�and�fixing�it.�A�lot�of

work�goes�into�fixing�the�bad�habits�that�haveconspired�to�force�you�into�making�a�tacticalerror,�but�once�you�have�put�that�work�into

your�game�it�will�be�the�better�for�it.�Other�advantages�of�recognizing�tactical

errorsOnce�you�truly�understand�tactics�and�howthey�play�into�your�game,�you�will�be�able�to

develop�new�strategies�based�on�those�tactics.��But�how�are�you�supposed�to�know�the

difference�between�a�tactical�error�and�atechnical�error?After�you�have�committed�an�error,�always�askyourself:�was�I�balanced�and�well-placed�to�hitthe�shot�that�I�hit?�If�the�answer�is�“yes,”�thenmost�likely�is�it�was�a�technical�error,�but�if�theanswer�is�“no,”�then�you�have�most�likely�fallen

prey�to�a�tactical�error.Also�ask�yourself:�given�my�opponent’s�positionand�my�current�technical�abilities,�did�I�hit�the

right�shot?�If�the�answer�is�“yes,”�then�probablyit�was�a�technical�error,�and�if�the�answer�is

“no,”�it�was�a�tactical�one.The�most�difficult�tactical�error�to�identify�andunderstand�is�the�one�that�does�not�result�in�alost�point.�This�mistake�is�almost�“invisible”�as�itdoes�not�lead�to�the�end�of�the�point,�but�it

does�put�you�in�a�negative�position�in�the�rallythat�eventually�does�contribute�to�the�loss�ofthe�exchange.��How�to�understand�“invisible”�tactical�errorsIt�is�not�easy�to�understand�tactical�errors�that

do�not�have�immediate�consequences�duringthe�point.�However,�through�some�tactical

analysis�of�your�own�and�others’�play,�you�maysoon�come�to�understand�the�situation�clearly.

Here�are�some�analytical�starting�points:1)�Use�your�own�personal�experiences,�as�wellas�those�of�others,�to�identify�popular�tacticsand�how�they�are�applied.�Then�you�must�askyourself�during�a�match�whether�your

opponent�is�trying�to�use�these�tactics,�or�eventry�and�implement�them�yourself.2)�Spend�some�time�before�or�after�matchesthinking�about�what�shots�you�should�play�incertain�situations,�and�whether�they�aretactically�sound.�Be�sure�to�take�your�current

technical�skillset�into�account,�and�also�analyzewhich�direction�would�be�the�most�effective�for

your�shot.3)�Try�to�apply�these�tactics�in�your�matches,

and�practice�them�until�they�become�secondnature.�When�they�do,�you�will�find�that�yourgame�has�taken�a�huge�step�in�the�rightdirection.�

In�conclusion,�improving�your�tennis�is�not�justabout�having�a�good�backhand�or�serve.�Youmust�take�tactics�into�account�as�well,�and�usethem�to�complement�your�technical�talents.�Tobecome�better�at�tennis�you�need�to�thinkmore�and�more�about�tactics�and�strategy,�and

your�game�can�improve�tremendously�byfocusing�on�these�two�elements.

Whyitisimportantto

understandwhenyoumake

atacticalerror

byFedericoCoppini

Truly�understanding�tactical�mistakes�is�thefirst�step�to�making�better�choices�on�thetennis�court.�If�you�do�not�understand�yourmistakes,�you�can�never�learn�from�them,�andare�doomed�to�repeat�them!

�Why�is�avoiding�tactical�mistakes�important?If�you�are�able�to�use�proper�tactics�on�thetennis�court,�your�game�will�become�instantlymore�productive.�Indeed,�simply�taking�notice

of�the�fact�that�you�are�not�using�the�correcttactics�is�already�a�huge�step�in�the�right

direction.There�is�a�substantial�difference�betweenrecognizing�a�tactical�error�and�fixing�it.�A�lot�of

work�goes�into�fixing�the�bad�habits�that�haveconspired�to�force�you�into�making�a�tacticalerror,�but�once�you�have�put�that�work�into

your�game�it�will�be�the�better�for�it.�Other�advantages�of�recognizing�tactical

errorsOnce�you�truly�understand�tactics�and�howthey�play�into�your�game,�you�will�be�able�to

develop�new�strategies�based�on�those�tactics.��But�how�are�you�supposed�to�know�the

difference�between�a�tactical�error�and�atechnical�error?After�you�have�committed�an�error,�always�askyourself:�was�I�balanced�and�well-placed�to�hitthe�shot�that�I�hit?�If�the�answer�is�“yes,”�thenmost�likely�is�it�was�a�technical�error,�but�if�theanswer�is�“no,”�then�you�have�most�likely�fallen

prey�to�a�tactical�error.Also�ask�yourself:�given�my�opponent’s�positionand�my�current�technical�abilities,�did�I�hit�the

right�shot?�If�the�answer�is�“yes,”�then�probablyit�was�a�technical�error,�and�if�the�answer�is

“no,”�it�was�a�tactical�one.The�most�difficult�tactical�error�to�identify�andunderstand�is�the�one�that�does�not�result�in�alost�point.�This�mistake�is�almost�“invisible”�as�itdoes�not�lead�to�the�end�of�the�point,�but�it

does�put�you�in�a�negative�position�in�the�rallythat�eventually�does�contribute�to�the�loss�ofthe�exchange.��How�to�understand�“invisible”�tactical�errorsIt�is�not�easy�to�understand�tactical�errors�that

do�not�have�immediate�consequences�duringthe�point.�However,�through�some�tactical

analysis�of�your�own�and�others’�play,�you�maysoon�come�to�understand�the�situation�clearly.

Here�are�some�analytical�starting�points:1)�Use�your�own�personal�experiences,�as�wellas�those�of�others,�to�identify�popular�tacticsand�how�they�are�applied.�Then�you�must�askyourself�during�a�match�whether�your

opponent�is�trying�to�use�these�tactics,�or�eventry�and�implement�them�yourself.2)�Spend�some�time�before�or�after�matchesthinking�about�what�shots�you�should�play�incertain�situations,�and�whether�they�aretactically�sound.�Be�sure�to�take�your�current

technical�skillset�into�account,�and�also�analyzewhich�direction�would�be�the�most�effective�for

your�shot.3)�Try�to�apply�these�tactics�in�your�matches,

and�practice�them�until�they�become�secondnature.�When�they�do,�you�will�find�that�yourgame�has�taken�a�huge�step�in�the�rightdirection.�

In�conclusion,�improving�your�tennis�is�not�justabout�having�a�good�backhand�or�serve.�Youmust�take�tactics�into�account�as�well,�and�usethem�to�complement�your�technical�talents.�Tobecome�better�at�tennis�you�need�to�thinkmore�and�more�about�tactics�and�strategy,�and

your�game�can�improve�tremendously�byfocusing�on�these�two�elements.

THEIMPORTANCEOF

LOOKINGBELOWTHE

SURFACEOFMATCH

RELATEDBEHAVIOUR

byFedericoCoppini

Thereare3factorstoconsiderwhendevelopingunderstandingofplayermatchbehaviour:

i.)Context-Contextisthesituationinwhichthebehaviourcommonlyoccurs.So,forexample,aparticularbehaviormayoccuronlyincertainmatchsituations.

ii.)Form-Formisthebehaviourthatwesee.So,forinstance,aplayerwhogivesupwhenlosing,aplayerwhoplayspoorlyunderpressure,oraplayerwhoactsangrilywhennotmeetingexpectations.

iii.)Function-TheFunctionisthereasonforthebehaviour.Whenwelookatbehaviourthroughafunctionallenswearerepeatedlyaskingourselves,“Whatistheplayer’scurrentbehaviourintheserviceof?”“Whymightitbeoccurring?”Whenwelookdeeplyatplayermatchbehaviourwecanoftenseethatsimilarformsofbehaviourmayhavemanydifferentfunctions.Itisthefunctionthatisimportantforplayerstounderstandiftheywanttobeabletoregulatetheirbehaviour.

Consideraplayerwhogivesupwhenlosing.Thefunctionoftheirbehaviourcouldbealackofmotivationtoplaywell.Butoftenweincorrectlyblamegivinguponpoormotivation.Maybetheyarebecomingcaughtupintheirownthoughtssuchas“There’snothingIcando”andactinghelplessly.Ortheyalsocouldbeavoidingthepainthattheywill

experiencewhentheyactuallyloseaftertryingtheirbest.Inallthesescenariosthesameformofbehaviour-givingup-iscausedbydifferentfunctions.Conversely,onefunctioncouldbeseeninmanyforms.Forexample,thefunctionofaplayerwhohabituallyreducesandavoidsthedifficultinternalstatesofanxietyandpainthattheyexperiencesduringandafterapoorperformancecouldbeseenintheformofanger,givingup,poorconcentration,andexcusemaking.

Themoreweviewmatchbehaviourthroughafunctionallensthemoreeffectivewewillbeintargetingthecausalandmaintainingfactorsthatcontributetoabehaviouralpatternwhichisalwaysthefirststepinregulatingcompetitiveactions.

LookingatFunctionofCoachandParentBehaviour

Itisalsoimportanttodevelopawarenessofthefunctionsofourowncoachingandparentingbehaviours.Forexample,IknowthatwhenIhavetheurgetocommunicatemyfrustrationwithaplayer,therecouldbeseveralpotentialfunctionsofthisbehaviour.InsomecasesImaybemakingaconsciouschoicetomotivatetheplayerbybecomingangry.Butangeroftenservesotherfunctions.Imaybecaughtupinjudgementsoftheplayer’sperformancelike“that’snotgoodenough,theyshouldbedoingsomuchbetter”.

OrmaybeangerisservingthepurposeofunintentionallyreducingthefeelingofembarrassmentoranxietythatIexperience

atthepoorperformanceoftheplayer.

Andthischallengeisoftenexaggeratedforparentswhonaturallyexperienceemotionsmorestronglywhenwatchingplayerscompete.Soitisalsoimportantforcoachesandparentstomonitorinternalexperiencesifwearetoincreasetheintentionalityofourinteractionswithplayers.

Changingbehaviour,especiallywhenhabitual,ishardforplayers,coaches,andparents.

Butitcanbedoneefficientlywhenakeeneyeistakentounderstandthefunctionsofbehaviours.

THEIMPORTANCEOF

LOOKINGBELOWTHE

SURFACEOFMATCH

RELATEDBEHAVIOUR

byFedericoCoppini

Thereare3factorstoconsiderwhendevelopingunderstandingofplayermatchbehaviour:

i.)Context-Contextisthesituationinwhichthebehaviourcommonlyoccurs.So,forexample,aparticularbehaviormayoccuronlyincertainmatchsituations.

ii.)Form-Formisthebehaviourthatwesee.So,forinstance,aplayerwhogivesupwhenlosing,aplayerwhoplayspoorlyunderpressure,oraplayerwhoactsangrilywhennotmeetingexpectations.

iii.)Function-TheFunctionisthereasonforthebehaviour.Whenwelookatbehaviourthroughafunctionallenswearerepeatedlyaskingourselves,“Whatistheplayer’scurrentbehaviourintheserviceof?”“Whymightitbeoccurring?”Whenwelookdeeplyatplayermatchbehaviourwecanoftenseethatsimilarformsofbehaviourmayhavemanydifferentfunctions.Itisthefunctionthatisimportantforplayerstounderstandiftheywanttobeabletoregulatetheirbehaviour.

Consideraplayerwhogivesupwhenlosing.Thefunctionoftheirbehaviourcouldbealackofmotivationtoplaywell.Butoftenweincorrectlyblamegivinguponpoormotivation.Maybetheyarebecomingcaughtupintheirownthoughtssuchas“There’snothingIcando”andactinghelplessly.Ortheyalsocouldbeavoidingthepainthattheywill

experiencewhentheyactuallyloseaftertryingtheirbest.Inallthesescenariosthesameformofbehaviour-givingup-iscausedbydifferentfunctions.Conversely,onefunctioncouldbeseeninmanyforms.Forexample,thefunctionofaplayerwhohabituallyreducesandavoidsthedifficultinternalstatesofanxietyandpainthattheyexperiencesduringandafterapoorperformancecouldbeseenintheformofanger,givingup,poorconcentration,andexcusemaking.

Themoreweviewmatchbehaviourthroughafunctionallensthemoreeffectivewewillbeintargetingthecausalandmaintainingfactorsthatcontributetoabehaviouralpatternwhichisalwaysthefirststepinregulatingcompetitiveactions.

LookingatFunctionofCoachandParentBehaviour

Itisalsoimportanttodevelopawarenessofthefunctionsofourowncoachingandparentingbehaviours.Forexample,IknowthatwhenIhavetheurgetocommunicatemyfrustrationwithaplayer,therecouldbeseveralpotentialfunctionsofthisbehaviour.InsomecasesImaybemakingaconsciouschoicetomotivatetheplayerbybecomingangry.Butangeroftenservesotherfunctions.Imaybecaughtupinjudgementsoftheplayer’sperformancelike“that’snotgoodenough,theyshouldbedoingsomuchbetter”.

OrmaybeangerisservingthepurposeofunintentionallyreducingthefeelingofembarrassmentoranxietythatIexperience

atthepoorperformanceoftheplayer.

Andthischallengeisoftenexaggeratedforparentswhonaturallyexperienceemotionsmorestronglywhenwatchingplayerscompete.Soitisalsoimportantforcoachesandparentstomonitorinternalexperiencesifwearetoincreasetheintentionalityofourinteractionswithplayers.

Changingbehaviour,especiallywhenhabitual,ishardforplayers,coaches,andparents.

Butitcanbedoneefficientlywhenakeeneyeistakentounderstandthefunctionsofbehaviours.

Trainingforthe

match?Trainingis

thematch!

byFedericoCoppini

The�player�and�the�game�Just�as�every�experience�in�life�prepares�youfor�future�events�in�your�life,�every�tennis

match�prepares�you�for�future�matches.Following�this�line�of�thought,�every�missedshot�or�tactical�error�may�be�a�result�of�you�notpaying�enough�attention�in�previous�matches�­

you�did�not�learn�from�your�past�mistakes,�soyou�are�doomed�to�repeat�them.�

Each�person�experiences�a�match�differently,and�whether�they�are�able�to�take�any�lessons

away�from�that�match�depends�a�lot�on�theirpersonality.�Most�people�are�only�able�to�lookat�a�match�retrospectively,�and�cannot�learn

while�in�the�moment.�You�can�still�learn�from�analyzing�a�match�once

it�is�over,�but�sometimes�the�most�effectivelessons�are�learned�in�the�present.�

It�is�interesting�that�players�will�often�try�andanalyze�their�matches�with�other�people�­�their

parents,�coaches�etc.�­�when�they�are�the�onlyones�who�truly�understand�what�happened�onthe�court.�They�are�the�only�ones�who�felt�theracquet�make�contact�with�the�ball,�who�feltthe�flow�of�the�points�and�the�pressure�of�themoment.�Therefore,�the�importance�of"learning�in�the�moment"�is�quite�clear.�

�In�the�end,�it�is�up�to�each�of�us�to�learn�fromour�experiences.�That�starts�by�completelyimmersing�ourselves�in�each�experience�­�forthat�is�the�only�way�in�which�we�will�truly�grow.

StrengthIn

Doubles

byUmbertoLongoni

If�someone�asked�you�which

characteristics�a�gooddoubles�player�must�have,you�might�think�of�certaintechnical�aspects,�such�as�a

good�serve�or�effectivereturn.�Good�positioning,rapid�footwork�and�aninstinct�for�net�play�mightalso�come�to�mind.�All�of

these�are�indeed

characteristics�of�a�gooddoubles�player,�but�there�area�few�other�things�I�would

add�­�some�psychologicalaspects.�First,�I�would�saythat�a�good�doubles�playerlikes�to�play�doubles,�anddoes�not�consider�it�a�last

resort.�He�likes�to�be�part�ofa�team,�and�feelscomfortable�sharing�andcommunicating�with�his

partner.�Most�people�think�that,�indoubles,�one�plus�one�equalstwo.�In�fact,�however,�two

good�doubles�players�can

add�up�to�more�than�thesum�of�their�parts.�This�isbecause�their�play�is

complementary,�with�oneplayer�making�up�for�theshortcomings�of�the�other.On�the�other�hand,�one�plusone�can�also�add�up�to�zero

if�the�players�do�not�workwell�together�or�if�they�arenot�comfortable�playingdoubles.�Misunderstandings

between�partners�can�leadto�larger�miscommunicationswhich�makes�effectiveteamwork�almost�impossible.Sometimes�doubles�partners

fall�into�a�relationship�of

“victim”�and�“persecutor,”with�one�person�dominatingthe�relationship�on�the�court.

This�never�translates�to�goodtennis.�Ups�and�downsPlayers�just�starting�out�or�of

intermediate�skill�might�findtheir�doubles�relationshipsfollowing�predictablepatterns�after�a�while.�This�is

particularly�true�if�the�pair�isnot�well�matched�or�if�thingsare�not�going�well�on�thecourt.�Early�on�in�a�match,mistakes�might�be�dismissedwith�a�“sorry”,�“never�mind”

or�“bad�luck.”�But�as�soon�asthe�pair�falls�badly�behind,

the�tone�changes�intosomething�more�unfriendly.Mutual�criticism�comes�tothe�fore�and�commentsbecome�spiteful�and�mean.

Sometimes,�especially�ifdefeat�is�drawing�near,�oneof�the�players�mightcomplete�lose�their�temper,giving�up�on�points�anddisplaying�indifferent�body

language.�They�might�alsostart�saying�things�tothemselves�that�are�clearlymeant�for�their�partner.

�Doubles�at�its�bestInstead�of�the�toxic

relationship�describedabove,�doubles�is�it�at�itsbest�when�players�can

cooperate�with�mutualrespect�even�in�the�darkesthours.�When�you�continue�to

trust�and�support�yourpartner�despite�thedifficulties,�it�increases�your

chances�of�turning�thematch�around.�Rememberthat�a�prerequisite�for

playing�well�in�doubles�isfeeling�free.�Free�to�be�boldwhen�the�opportunity

presents�itself,�free�to�makemistakes�or�commit�a�doublefault.�This�freedom�allowsplayers�to�have�fun�andalways�support�each�other.But�you�must�remember�thatit�is�a�two-way�street!�You

must�be�tolerant�if�youexpect�tolerance�in�return.

The�need�for�physicalcontact

It�is�no�coincidence�thatprofessional�teams�arealways�seeking�physicalcontact,�such�as�high�fives�orpats�on�the�shoulder.

Sometimes�the�frequency�ofcontact�might�even�strikethe�viewer�as�absurd.However,�it�is�important�forplayers�to�have�this�physicalcontact�on�a�regular�basis.�It

is�a�way�of�constantlycommunicating�teamharmony�and�mutualsupport.�They�do�it�because

they�always�need�each�other,even�if�it�is�a�very�bad�day.Try�it�on�court�yourself

sometime,�and�you�will�findthat�not�only�is�it�more�funto�play,�but�you�could�just

see�a�marked�improvementin�your�game.

StrengthIn

Doubles

byUmbertoLongoni

If�someone�asked�you�which

characteristics�a�gooddoubles�player�must�have,you�might�think�of�certaintechnical�aspects,�such�as�a

good�serve�or�effectivereturn.�Good�positioning,rapid�footwork�and�aninstinct�for�net�play�mightalso�come�to�mind.�All�of

these�are�indeed

characteristics�of�a�gooddoubles�player,�but�there�area�few�other�things�I�would

add�­�some�psychologicalaspects.�First,�I�would�saythat�a�good�doubles�playerlikes�to�play�doubles,�anddoes�not�consider�it�a�last

resort.�He�likes�to�be�part�ofa�team,�and�feelscomfortable�sharing�andcommunicating�with�his

partner.�Most�people�think�that,�indoubles,�one�plus�one�equalstwo.�In�fact,�however,�two

good�doubles�players�can

add�up�to�more�than�thesum�of�their�parts.�This�isbecause�their�play�is

complementary,�with�oneplayer�making�up�for�theshortcomings�of�the�other.On�the�other�hand,�one�plusone�can�also�add�up�to�zero

if�the�players�do�not�workwell�together�or�if�they�arenot�comfortable�playingdoubles.�Misunderstandings

between�partners�can�leadto�larger�miscommunicationswhich�makes�effectiveteamwork�almost�impossible.Sometimes�doubles�partners

fall�into�a�relationship�of

“victim”�and�“persecutor,”with�one�person�dominatingthe�relationship�on�the�court.

This�never�translates�to�goodtennis.�Ups�and�downsPlayers�just�starting�out�or�of

intermediate�skill�might�findtheir�doubles�relationshipsfollowing�predictablepatterns�after�a�while.�This�is

particularly�true�if�the�pair�isnot�well�matched�or�if�thingsare�not�going�well�on�thecourt.�Early�on�in�a�match,mistakes�might�be�dismissed

with�a�“sorry”,�“never�mind”

or�“bad�luck.”�But�as�soon�asthe�pair�falls�badly�behind,

the�tone�changes�intosomething�more�unfriendly.Mutual�criticism�comes�tothe�fore�and�commentsbecome�spiteful�and�mean.

Sometimes,�especially�ifdefeat�is�drawing�near,�oneof�the�players�mightcomplete�lose�their�temper,giving�up�on�points�anddisplaying�indifferent�body

language.�They�might�alsostart�saying�things�tothemselves�that�are�clearlymeant�for�their�partner.

�Doubles�at�its�bestInstead�of�the�toxic

relationship�describedabove,�doubles�is�it�at�itsbest�when�players�can

cooperate�with�mutualrespect�even�in�the�darkesthours.�When�you�continue�to

trust�and�support�yourpartner�despite�thedifficulties,�it�increases�your

chances�of�turning�thematch�around.�Rememberthat�a�prerequisite�for

playing�well�in�doubles�isfeeling�free.�Free�to�be�boldwhen�the�opportunity

presents�itself,�free�to�makemistakes�or�commit�a�doublefault.�This�freedom�allowsplayers�to�have�fun�andalways�support�each�other.But�you�must�remember�thatit�is�a�two-way�street!�You

must�be�tolerant�if�youexpect�tolerance�in�return.

The�need�for�physicalcontact

It�is�no�coincidence�thatprofessional�teams�arealways�seeking�physicalcontact,�such�as�high�fives�orpats�on�the�shoulder.

Sometimes�the�frequency�ofcontact�might�even�strikethe�viewer�as�absurd.However,�it�is�important�forplayers�to�have�this�physicalcontact�on�a�regular�basis.�It

is�a�way�of�constantlycommunicating�teamharmony�and�mutualsupport.�They�do�it�because

they�always�need�each�other,even�if�it�is�a�very�bad�day.Try�it�on�court�yourself

sometime,�and�you�will�findthat�not�only�is�it�more�funto�play,�but�you�could�just

see�a�marked�improvementin�your�game.

BackPain

InYoungTennis

Players–A

Growing

Concern

byAdrianoS.

More�than�50%�of�young�tennis�playerssuffer�from�lower�back�pain.�This�troubling

statistic�is�even�more�alarming�when�onerealizes�that�the�progression�of�backproblems�can�remain�unknown�to�the�playeruntil�the�first�painful�event.�The�L5�is�themost�frequently�affected�vertebrae,�but�inyoungsters�the�cause�of�the�back�pain�is

often�due�to�the�stretching�of�ligaments�andmuscles,�or�from�overuse�syndrome�withinflammation�of�the�facet�joints.Spondylolysis�and�spondylolisthesis�are�alsopossible�causes.�

A�recent�study�(Campbell�et�al)�published�inthe�Journal�of�Applied�Biomechanicsconfirmed�that�hyperlordosis�is�common

among�young�players,�caused�by

hyperextension�associated�with�the�servicemotion,�torso�rotation�in�open�stancegroundstrokes�and�the�execution�of�two-

handed�backhands.�All�of�these,�combinedwith�poor�internal�hip�and�shoulder�rotation,can�contribute�to�the�misalignment�of�the

L4-L5�facet�joints.�Because�of�this,�there�arecertain�movements�and�activities�that�youngplayers�should�not�participate�in�until�at�least

the�age�of�12.�These�include�very�fluidmovements,�excessive�training�and�long�trips

(where�excessive�sitting�is�required).�Aninteresting�recent�study�(Journal�of�Scienceand�Medicine�in�Sport,�Correja�et�al)�showed

that�players�with�lower�back�pain�have�incommon�an�abdominal�muscle�deficit,�loweractivation�of�the�extensor�muscles�and�lessmuscle�co-contraction.�All�of�these�factorslead�to�traumatic�movements�when�playingtennis,�and�could�cause�long-term�damage.This�is�definitely�a�subject�that�requiresextensive�further�study.�However,�it�is�important�to�note�that�not�all

back�pain�is�a�result�of�the�abovementionedphenomena.�A�mild�ankle�sprain�might�affectthe�entire�kinetic�chain�to�also�cause�backpain.�Conditions�like�tumors�and�kidneystones�must�also�be�considered�and�rules�out

before�assuming�that�a�young�player�has�aserious�back�condition.

Things�to�consider-�It�is�important�to�check�Vitamin�D�levels

regularly,�as�these�can�worsen�apredisposition�for�back�pain.-�A�slow�walk,�which�acts�as�a�dynamicstretching�exercise,�is�simple�and�healthy,and�highly�recommended�before�and�afterexercise.

-�There�is�no�cure�and�there�are�no�miracles.Responses�to�treatment�are�subjective�andunpredictable,�so�prevention�is�always�betterthan�cure.-�It�takes�an�average�of�six�weeks�for�acomplete�recovery�after�an�acute�event.

Avoid�hacks�and�non-professionals!-�Avoid�corticosteroids�if�at�all�possible�

The�following�is�highly�recommended:-�Aquatherapy-�Mesotherapy

-�Acupuncture-�Yoga-�Postural�gymnastics

-�Hard�surfaces

SERENAWILLIAMS:THE

MENTALLYTOUGHEST

PLAYEROFALLTIME?

byFedericoCoppini

While�watching�the�women’s�Miami�Masters(2005)�singles�final�I�couldn’t�help�but�thinkabout�a�conversation�I�had�with�2005Wimbledon�doubles�champion�Stephen�Husslate�last�year.�We�were�chatting�about�what

comprised�mental�toughness�and�who�wethought�was�the�mentally�toughest�player�of�alltime.�I�remember�being�somewhat�surprisedwhen�he�concluded,�“I�tell�you�what,�it’s�hard�togo�past�Serena�Williams”.�

When�asked�why,�he�spoke�of�her�ability�to

play�her�best�in�the�most�important�matches;her�clutch�play�towards�the�end�of�sets;�herability�to�recover�and�win�from�dire�scorelines;

and�her�ability�to�roll�when�in�front.�Many�ofthese�attributes�we�saw�on�display�again�in�theMiami�final.�

While�arguments�against�Serena's�mentaltoughness�greatness�generally�centre�around

her�superior�physical�ability�competing�againsta�class�of�opponents�that�have�no�claim�to�all-time�greatness,�I�thought�I�would�take�a�closer

statistical�look�at�Serena’s�Grand�Slam�recordwhen�considering�the�arguments�for…�

1.)�Playing�Her�Best�In�Big�Matches�While�Serena�had�an�uncharacteristically�poorserving�day�in�Miami,�and�was�far�from�her�bestearly,�there�can�be�no�question�that�she�is�oneof�the�best�big�match�players�of�all�time.Serena�lives�for�the�last�weekend�in�Slams…And�at�17-4�in�Grand�Slam�finals,�she�has�an

incredible�habit�of�saving�her�best�for�last.�

2.)�Finishing�The�Job�When�In�Front

While�Serena�has�had�a�few�uncharacteristicGrand�Slam�losses�from�winning�positions�in

recent�years,�this�is�far�from�the�normthroughout�her�career.�She�has�traditioanally

attacked�victory�like�a�shark�smelling�blood�inthe�water�when�the�chance�to�finish�heropponent�presents.�This�tendency�has�also

been�well�learnt�in�the�locker�room�so�when�LiNa�threw�in�a�loose�game�to�get�broken�in�thesecond�set,�it�was�clear�that�the�end�was�near.��

3.)�Playing�Clutch�at�Crunch�Time�When�the�pressure�was�on�in�the�Miami�finaltowards�the�end�of�the�first�set,�Serenastepped�up�with�her�traditional�aggressivechoices�when�it�mattered�most.�As�Mary�JoeFernandez�said,�“Li�Na�didn’t�lose�that�set�as

much�as�it�got�ripped�away�from�her”.�Toexplore�Serena’s�history�in�this�regard�I�choseto�look�at�her�winning�percentage�in�Grand

Slam�sets�that�went�past�5-5�in�comparision�tosome�other�all-time�greats.�Serena�has�won

approximately�70%�of�7-5,�7-6,�and�advantage

Grand�Slam�sets�in�comparison�toapproximately�60%�for�Steffi�Graf�and�Martina

Navratilova.�That’s�quite�an�accomplished�pairto�make�look�like�inferior�pressure�performers!�

4.)�Recovering�From�Big�Trouble�In�the�Miami�final�Serena�needed�to�produce

her�fighting�qualities�in�the�first�set�when�down2�breaks�at�5-2.�She�answered�by�first�breakingand�holding,�then�followed�by�playing�an

incredible�3�points�to�break�again�from�setpoint�down�at�5-4�40-30.�As�impressive�as�thissnapshot�into�Serena’s�usual�when�huntingfrom�behind�was,�this�was�JUST�the�first�setafterall,�and�she�has�a�history�of�consistently

producing�much�more�Houdini�like�escapesfrom�dire�match�circumstances�during�herGrand�Slam�title�runs.�Consider�this….�In�10�of�her�17�Grand�Slam�title�runs�Serena�was

5�or�fewer�points�from�defeat�at�some�point�inthe�tournament,�providing�a�considerablecounter�to�the�argument�that�she�has�beensimply�too�good�for�her�opponents�across�her

career.�Additionally,�seven�times�opponentsserved�for�the�match�during�her�title�runs�only

to�be�run�down.�And�she�saved�match�pointson�3�occasions….�

While�it�has�long�been�argued�that�it�is�simplynot�possible�to�compare�different�eras.�And

comparing�the�mental�toughness�of�men�andwomen�has�it’s�own�challenges.�For�instance,�Iwould�think�that�competing�well�under

pressure�holds�slightly�more�weight�for�womenbecause�of�the�narrow�margin�for�error�in�bestof�3�set�Slam�battles�whereas�for�men�themental�endurance�of�competing�over�5�sets�ismore�important.�

So�while�we�could�argue�all�day�about�whateven�comprises�mental�toughness,�let�alonewho�is�the�mentally�toughest�player�of�all�time,Serena�must�be�considered�the�greatest�escape

artist�in�the�history�of�the�game.�And�that�she�has�followed�those�escapes�bygoing�on�to�win�Grand�Slams�so�regularly�is�acombination�without�comparison.

SERENAWILLIAMS:THE

MENTALLYTOUGHEST

PLAYEROFALLTIME?

byFedericoCoppini

While�watching�the�women’s�Miami�Masters(2005)�singles�final�I�couldn’t�help�but�thinkabout�a�conversation�I�had�with�2005Wimbledon�doubles�champion�Stephen�Husslate�last�year.�We�were�chatting�about�what

comprised�mental�toughness�and�who�wethought�was�the�mentally�toughest�player�of�alltime.�I�remember�being�somewhat�surprisedwhen�he�concluded,�“I�tell�you�what,�it’s�hard�togo�past�Serena�Williams”.�

When�asked�why,�he�spoke�of�her�ability�to

play�her�best�in�the�most�important�matches;her�clutch�play�towards�the�end�of�sets;�herability�to�recover�and�win�from�dire�scorelines;

and�her�ability�to�roll�when�in�front.�Many�ofthese�attributes�we�saw�on�display�again�in�theMiami�final.�

While�arguments�against�Serena's�mentaltoughness�greatness�generally�centre�around

her�superior�physical�ability�competing�againsta�class�of�opponents�that�have�no�claim�to�all-time�greatness,�I�thought�I�would�take�a�closer

statistical�look�at�Serena’s�Grand�Slam�recordwhen�considering�the�arguments�for…�

1.)�Playing�Her�Best�In�Big�Matches�While�Serena�had�an�uncharacteristically�poorserving�day�in�Miami,�and�was�far�from�her�bestearly,�there�can�be�no�question�that�she�is�oneof�the�best�big�match�players�of�all�time.Serena�lives�for�the�last�weekend�in�Slams…And�at�17-4�in�Grand�Slam�finals,�she�has�an

incredible�habit�of�saving�her�best�for�last.�

2.)�Finishing�The�Job�When�In�Front

While�Serena�has�had�a�few�uncharacteristicGrand�Slam�losses�from�winning�positions�in

recent�years,�this�is�far�from�the�normthroughout�her�career.�She�has�traditioanally

attacked�victory�like�a�shark�smelling�blood�inthe�water�when�the�chance�to�finish�heropponent�presents.�This�tendency�has�also

been�well�learnt�in�the�locker�room�so�when�LiNa�threw�in�a�loose�game�to�get�broken�in�thesecond�set,�it�was�clear�that�the�end�was�near.��

3.)�Playing�Clutch�at�Crunch�Time�When�the�pressure�was�on�in�the�Miami�finaltowards�the�end�of�the�first�set,�Serenastepped�up�with�her�traditional�aggressivechoices�when�it�mattered�most.�As�Mary�JoeFernandez�said,�“Li�Na�didn’t�lose�that�set�as

much�as�it�got�ripped�away�from�her”.�Toexplore�Serena’s�history�in�this�regard�I�choseto�look�at�her�winning�percentage�in�Grand

Slam�sets�that�went�past�5-5�in�comparision�tosome�other�all-time�greats.�Serena�has�won

approximately�70%�of�7-5,�7-6,�and�advantage

Grand�Slam�sets�in�comparison�toapproximately�60%�for�Steffi�Graf�and�Martina

Navratilova.�That’s�quite�an�accomplished�pairto�make�look�like�inferior�pressure�performers!�

4.)�Recovering�From�Big�Trouble�In�the�Miami�final�Serena�needed�to�produce

her�fighting�qualities�in�the�first�set�when�down2�breaks�at�5-2.�She�answered�by�first�breakingand�holding,�then�followed�by�playing�an

incredible�3�points�to�break�again�from�setpoint�down�at�5-4�40-30.�As�impressive�as�thissnapshot�into�Serena’s�usual�when�huntingfrom�behind�was,�this�was�JUST�the�first�setafterall,�and�she�has�a�history�of�consistentlyproducing�much�more�Houdini�like�escapesfrom�dire�match�circumstances�during�her

Grand�Slam�title�runs.�Consider�this….�In�10�of�her�17�Grand�Slam�title�runs�Serena�was5�or�fewer�points�from�defeat�at�some�point�in

the�tournament,�providing�a�considerablecounter�to�the�argument�that�she�has�been

simply�too�good�for�her�opponents�across�her

career.�Additionally,�seven�times�opponentsserved�for�the�match�during�her�title�runs�only

to�be�run�down.�And�she�saved�match�pointson�3�occasions….�

While�it�has�long�been�argued�that�it�is�simplynot�possible�to�compare�different�eras.�And

comparing�the�mental�toughness�of�men�andwomen�has�it’s�own�challenges.�For�instance,�Iwould�think�that�competing�well�under

pressure�holds�slightly�more�weight�for�womenbecause�of�the�narrow�margin�for�error�in�bestof�3�set�Slam�battles�whereas�for�men�themental�endurance�of�competing�over�5�sets�ismore�important.�So�while�we�could�argue�all�day�about�whateven�comprises�mental�toughness,�let�alone

who�is�the�mentally�toughest�player�of�all�time,Serena�must�be�considered�the�greatest�escapeartist�in�the�history�of�the�game.�

And�that�she�has�followed�those�escapes�bygoing�on�to�win�Grand�Slams�so�regularly�is�a

combination�without�comparison.