Tennis Quote of the Day: Tennis is About Real Estate

"In tennis, we're in the real estate business. You always want to earn real estate - you don't want to give it away. It's very important . . . that you always have the ability to move in. The best players always control the inside." 

--Coach Yann Auzoux
Fifth Set International, Inc.

*From You Tube Video:  
Learn to Return Like Federer,
Published Jan. 20, 2013

Tennis and Aging

"One of the great benefits of tennis relative to other sports is that you can play it for a lifetime. But playing tennis matches well into your later years comes with . . . loss of function - increasing physical weakness, slowed foot-speed, reduced visual acuity  and a host of other un-pleasantries . . . [But] if you are able to stay rational and practical about your tennis as you age, you can take advantage of its many positives: 

1. You will be emotionally more mature and controlled  . . . and may thus play even better.
2. You will have better perspective and be more able to remain unshaken by . . . momentary adversities . . .
3. You will have better understanding of percentage tennis, strategy, and your own strengths and weaknesses.
4. You will get great exercise . . . 

So enjoy . . .  you are lucky to be there." 

--Allen Fox, Ph.D.
Tennis Psychologist and Author
of "Winning the Mental Match",
from Tennis Magazine, Page 70,
(Jan./Feb. 2013 Issue)

Tennis Quote of the Day: Rafael Nadal on the Pleasure of the Effort

"When you are fit, with passion for the game, when you are ready to compete, you are able to suffer, and enjoy suffering." 

--Rafael Nadal, after losing the longest-ever Grand Slam final, 2012 Australian Open Final

"The Joker" is the King of the Deck: Australian Open 2013

Photo: AP

Melbourne, Australia --

Novak ("The Joker") Djokovic (No. 1, Serbia) defeated Andy Murray (No. 3, Great Britain) to claim the 2013 Australian Open men's singles Championship, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2.

The match was played before a capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena and a world-wide television audience in 3 hours and 40 minutes.

It was top-ranked Novak's 3rd straight Australian Open title, making him the first player in the Open Era to "three-peat" in Melbourne.

It was also Novak's 4th Aussie crown, and his 6th overall Grand Slam title.

"I love this court", exclaimed Djokovic. "It's definitely my favorite Grand Slam. It's an incredible feeling winning this trophy once more."

In the women's Championship Finals, Victoria Azarenka (No. 1, Belarus) defeated Li Na (No. 13, China) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, overcoming a boisterous crowd in favor of her opponent. 

It was Azarenka's second Australian Open title. "This one is way more emotional. It's gonna be extra special for me, for sure," exclaimed Azarenka.

In the men's doubles Championship Finals, the Bryan Brother twins from USA, Bob and Mike, prevailed in straight sets over the Dutch pair Robin Haase and Igor Sjisling, 6-3, 6-4.

It was their sixth Australian Open title, and their 13th overall Grand Slam title, the most ever for any men's doubles team. 

"To be a part of history is pretty special," remarked Mike Bryan, cementing their place as the most winning doubles team of all-time.

Congrats to all the winners, players, fans and supporters of the Australian Open 2013.

It was a fantastic tournament . . . See you next year!
Gary

Tennis Quote of the Day on Footwork and Speed: Patrick McEnroe

"Tennis is a running sport, and always will be." 

-- Patrick McEnroe, ESPN TV Commentator

January 25, 2013

During the Australian Open 2013
Men's Semi Final Between 

Andy Murray and Roger Federer

Video: What is the Beauty of Tennis? From Andre Agassi . . .

Image By: Quwatha Valentine

Andre Agassi explains the beauty of tennis - and it's lesson for life: To strive, To adjust, To overcome.

Best,
Gary

Ready? Play! Australian Open 2013