Tennis & The Laws of Nature: Prof. Stephen Hawking Explains

Professor Stephen Hawking, one of the world's greatest scientists, explains how tennis is governed by the timeless laws of nature  . . . the same laws which drive our entire universe. 

Enjoy!

Gary

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Video: Laws of Nature - Stephen Hawking's Grand Design

By: DiscoveryTV

Body Language vs. Facial Expression: What Gives Away Your True Colors?

Photo Credit: Reuters
 
In a study published in the journal Science (Nov. 29, 2012), researchers found that body language, more than facial expression, is far more revealing of a person's true feelings and emotions.

Hillel Aviezer, a psychologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and his team analyzed dozens of images of elite tennis players at critical win-or-lose points at major tournaments such as the U.S. Open.

"There is lots of money involved, it's lots of egos involved, it's very high stakes. You have a lot of points in the game where people could have very positive emotions or negative emotions," observed Aviezer.

Aviezer's team showed three groups of 15 survey participants photographs of only a player's face, or only a player's body, or sometimes both. The team wanted to know if the respondents could accurately gauge if the player was having a positive or negative emotion.

Result. Observers who saw the player's body could more accurately tell if the player was happy or upset. Those who only saw the player's face were much less correct in their assessment.

The player's body was far more telling of his or her true emotions.

Bottom line: Observe carefully your opponent's or any player's body language. It tells you almost all you need to know about what they are really feeling.

Best,
Gary

For more reading: "Is Your Partner Sad? Body Language Speaks Volumes", LiveScience

Lessons from Bodybuilding: What Does It Take to Win?

Third Year Anniversary of Timeless Tennis

Timeless Tennis is 3 years old!

It's been 3 years, almost 300 posts, and over 60,000 page views, and my Blog is still going strong. 

It's committed to the idea that the art of tennis teaches, inspires, and offers insights from history, and lessons for life.

The court of tennis is like the canvas of life - reflecting battles, challenges, defeats and victories. 

And showcasing the whole range of human passions - courage, despair, fear, and hope and so much more.

Thanks for reading and sticking with me.

All the best in things tennis and otherwise. 

Happy Holidays!
Gary
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Video: Timeless Tennis - Third Year Anniversary

Music: One Republic "Good Life"

Want to test your tennis acumen? Can you recognize some of these players, books, magazine covers, and things tennis? Try it. 

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic Wins 2012 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

London, England - November 12, 2012

In the year-end finish of the tennis season, Novak Djokovic (No. 1 SER) defeated Roger Federer (No. 2, SUI) in straight sets for the 2012 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals title at the O2 Arena in London, 7-6 (6), 7-5.

Federer sprinted to an early lead, only to be quickly blunted by the hard-charging Serb.

Remarked Djokovic, "I've experienced his aggressivity [before], really trying to put his mark on the match." 

This time Djokovic was ready with all the answers. 

Said Federer after the match, "You have to get over the finish line in the set, and obviously at the match. He was better at that today."

It was Djokovic's second year-end title at the annual Masters championship, where the top eight players finish the tennis season.

"I believe that this year [2012] has been even more successful for me [than the last]."

The same can be said for the tennis season itself in the year 2012 - even better than before.

Congratulations to all the players, fans and supporters of the ATP and professional tour. 

Thank you for a fantastic season!

See you next year!
Gary

The Evolution of the Modern Forehand - A Tennis Odyssey from Borg to Lendl to Federer

Image: OptimumTennis

Video: Borg Lendl Federer - Forehand's Evolution
By: matteodinenno 

Time: 02:55

The Year-End WTA Championships: Serena wins!

--Istanbul, Turkey on October 28, 2012

Serena Williams (No. 3, USA) defeated Maria Sharapova (No. 2, RUS), 6-4, 6-3, at the season-ending WTA Championships, winning it for the third time.

2012 was a stellar year for Serena. This year she also won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and Olympic Gold. 

Serena finishes No. 3 in the world.

Congrats to Serena, Maria, World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, and all the players on the WTA tour this year. 

2012 was a fantastic year for women's tennis.

See you next year!

Gary