Stumbling Across the Finish Line 20
I love the challenges of managing my stories.
New Stories
National Clay Court Championships: A Chance to Reboot My Game 193
Nearly two years since the last National. Now, I am two days away from the National Clay Championships. New Orleans Tennis Club founded in 1876, the oldest tennis club in the country. It will be great to be back in the mix. The first day buzz of seeing players who I have been competing with for over 30 years. First practice on the clay in the humid south tomorrow. Pumped for feeling the dirt under my tennis shoes.
What Was Really Happening in Tucson at Tennis Congress 22
When we go somewhere we usually have an idea of why we are going and what we expect to find.
Then, when we least expect it, we find something so different that it is disorienting.
That is what happened in Tucson last week.
Opening Night Welcome: Tennis Congress 2015 16
Three days of teaching from some of the best minds in the industry.
Three days of learning by some of the most passionate recreational athletes in the country.
How about that for some serious synergy?
So how do you get the most out of it?
Roger vs. Novak Once Again 12
My hope and thought is that this match has the potential of being like the first Rocky vs. Apollo fight. A fight where both landed a knockout punch to end the match.
Tennis though can’t end like that. Someone wins the last point.
Serena: The Princess and the Pea 87
You are the best ever. You lost because you were beaten by a better player on that day. That is what happens in sport. It is about today. Your rhythm was thrown off because of any extra day due to the rainout? Your opponent didn’t play the way your two prior opponents played? It was hard to play with the pressure of having to win the Grand Slam? You were tired from so many matches?
Are you Princess who cannot sleep because of a pea under the mattress?
As Roberta Vinci said in her post match interview after beating Serena, I am sorry.
I am sorry Serena but I need to write about you and disappointment I feel.
Roger vs. Novak Redux 13
As many of you know, I am all about stories. Stories that players tell themselves that don’t work to get them what they want. And stories they tell themselves that create the possibility of being who they need to be to bring the very best out of themselves in the biggest moments of performance.
The Most Special Two Weeks in Tennis: Grass Court Tennis at Wimbledon 18
The press and the fans have stories about every player. It is important that the player has a story going that will give them the best chance to ignite the highest end of their talent and skills. So that, win or lose the score, they can look in the mirror and say, “I have no regrets. I brought my best.”
French Open Storylines 6
For all of these athletes it is about right practice, right attitude, right thinking. If that is in their mix then they play, win or lose, and have no regrets. As they compete to be the best version of themselves, they will be able to sit back and observe the results that come their way with the dignity and class of the great champions.
Watching My Game Marinate 11
And during the process of getting ready to compete, I remind myself to maintain patience with myself. The fact that I have found my game through eliminating unnecessary parts may be a story of the past. I have changed. Now, I see, that finding Bob has a lot to do with throwing a lot of new ideas into a big pot. Stirring the pot. Turning the heat down low and letting it all marinate. In the end it will be what it is. A new me. A better version.