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Issue 35 June 2016

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CanDjokovicWin

TheGrandSlam?

byMarcoDiNardo

By�winning�the�French�Open�title

this�year,�Novak�Djokovic�hasbecome�only�the�fifth�player�toachieve�a�career�Grand�Slam�in�theOpen�Era.�The�Serb�is�also�the�firstplayer�since�Rod�Laver�in�1969�towin�all�four�Majors�consecutively,

albeit�not�in�the�same�calendar�year.Djokovic�started�his�Slam�winningstreak�at�Wimbledon�in�2015,�thentook�the�US�Open�that�same�year,

followed�by�the�Australian�Open�andRoland�Garros�in�2016.�He�is�also�thefirst�player�since�Kim�Courier�in�1992

to�win�the�first�two�Slams�of�theyear.�The�big�question�now,�ofcourse,�is�whether�he�will�be�able�to

complete�the�elusive�Grand�Slam,that�is�winning�all�four�Slams�in�thesame�calendar�year.�It�has�been�done

only�three�times�in�history,�and�onlyonce�in�the�Open�Era�(Don�Budge�in1938�and�Rod�Laver�in�1962�and

1969).�Djokovic�has�said�that�nothing�is

impossible,�though�he�prefers�to�stayfocused�on�the�present.�However,�ifhe�does�manage�to�win�Wimbledon,

it�seems�unlikely�that�he�will�be�ableto�keep�his�mind�from�driftingtowards�the�US�Open.�In�addition�tobringing�him�closer�to�a�Grand�Slam,a�win�at�Wimbledon�would�make�himthe�first�player�since�Rod�Laver�towin�the�first�three�Slams�in�a�season.

It�would�also�equal�Nadal’s�feat�ofwinning�three�Slams�on�three

different�surfaces�in�thesame�year�(the�Spaniard�won

Roland�Garros�in�2010�onclay,�Wimbledon�on�grassand�the�US�Open�on�hardcourt).�Finally,�a�victory�atWimbledon�would�allow

Djokovic�to�win�his�fifthconsecutive�Slam,�somethingthat�nobody�has�ever�done�inthe�Open�Era.�Budge�won�sixstraight,�but�that�was�in1937-1938.

�If�Djokovic�is�able�to�win�theGrand�Slam,�a�host�of�recordswould�be�broken.�He�would

even�equal�Budge’s�feat�ofsix�in�a�row,�something�thathas�never�been�done�in�the

Open�Era.�Therefore,�evenfor�a�player�of�Djokovic’stalents�in�an�era�where�there

is�no�particularly�strong�rivalto�take�him�on,�this�seemslike�a�tall�order.�The�Serb

might�be�the�favorite�inevery�tournament�he�enters,and�he�might�only�be�two

Slams�from�these�historicfeats,�it�still�seems�morelikely�than�not�that�he�will�fall

short�somewhere.�Thestatistics�are�certainly�againsthim,�and�so�is�common

sense.�However,�records�aremade�to�be�broken,�andDjokovic�has�proven�himselfcapable�of�breaking�many�ofthose.�Perhaps�he�proves�usall�wrong�after�all.

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CanDjokovicWin

TheGrandSlam?

byMarcoDiNardo

By�winning�the�French�Open�title

this�year,�Novak�Djokovic�hasbecome�only�the�fifth�player�toachieve�a�career�Grand�Slam�in�theOpen�Era.�The�Serb�is�also�the�firstplayer�since�Rod�Laver�in�1969�towin�all�four�Majors�consecutively,

albeit�not�in�the�same�calendar�year.Djokovic�started�his�Slam�winningstreak�at�Wimbledon�in�2015,�thentook�the�US�Open�that�same�year,

followed�by�the�Australian�Open�andRoland�Garros�in�2016.�He�is�also�thefirst�player�since�Kim�Courier�in�1992

to�win�the�first�two�Slams�of�theyear.�The�big�question�now,�ofcourse,�is�whether�he�will�be�able�to

complete�the�elusive�Grand�Slam,that�is�winning�all�four�Slams�in�thesame�calendar�year.�It�has�been�done

only�three�times�in�history,�and�onlyonce�in�the�Open�Era�(Don�Budge�in1938�and�Rod�Laver�in�1962�and

1969).�Djokovic�has�said�that�nothing�is

impossible,�though�he�prefers�to�stayfocused�on�the�present.�However,�ifhe�does�manage�to�win�Wimbledon,

it�seems�unlikely�that�he�will�be�ableto�keep�his�mind�from�driftingtowards�the�US�Open.�In�addition�tobringing�him�closer�to�a�Grand�Slam,a�win�at�Wimbledon�would�make�himthe�first�player�since�Rod�Laver�towin�the�first�three�Slams�in�a�season.

It�would�also�equal�Nadal’s�feat�ofwinning�three�Slams�on�three

different�surfaces�in�thesame�year�(the�Spaniard�won

Roland�Garros�in�2010�onclay,�Wimbledon�on�grassand�the�US�Open�on�hardcourt).�Finally,�a�victory�atWimbledon�would�allow

Djokovic�to�win�his�fifthconsecutive�Slam,�somethingthat�nobody�has�ever�done�inthe�Open�Era.�Budge�won�sixstraight,�but�that�was�in1937-1938.

�If�Djokovic�is�able�to�win�theGrand�Slam,�a�host�of�recordswould�be�broken.�He�would

even�equal�Budge’s�feat�ofsix�in�a�row,�something�thathas�never�been�done�in�the

Open�Era.�Therefore,�evenfor�a�player�of�Djokovic’stalents�in�an�era�where�there

is�no�particularly�strong�rivalto�take�him�on,�this�seemslike�a�tall�order.�The�Serb

might�be�the�favorite�inevery�tournament�he�enters,and�he�might�only�be�two

Slams�from�these�historicfeats,�it�still�seems�morelikely�than�not�that�he�will�fall

short�somewhere.�Thestatistics�are�certainly�againsthim,�and�so�is�common

sense.�However,�records�aremade�to�be�broken,�andDjokovic�has�proven�himselfcapable�of�breaking�many�ofthose.�Perhaps�he�proves�usall�wrong�after�all.

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Nadal–(Almost)

BacktoHisBest

byMarcoDiNardo

Having�to�retire�from�Roland�Garros�was�amassive�blow�for�Rafael�Nadal.�He�had�justexperienced,�for�the�first�time�in�a�very�longwhile,�a�period�of�sustained�success�on�hisbeloved�clay.�In�the�first�two�rounds�of�FrenchOpen,�in�fact,�Nadal�seemed�to�be�in�the�best

physical�and�mental�condition�of�the�year,�andindeed�many�years.�He�lost�just�nine�games�inhis�first�two�matches,�half�of�the�18�thatDjokovic�lost�over�the�same�period.�It�seemed

highly�possible�that�he�could�compete�with�thelikes�of�Djokovic�and�Wawrinka�for�the�trophy.�

But�just�as�it�seemed�as�if�the�old�Nadal�wasback,�disaster�struck.�A�wrist�injury,�first�pickedup�at�the�Masters�1000�in�Madrid,�came�back

with�a�vengeance,�forcing�the�Spaniard�toretire�from�the�French�Open�for�the�first�timein�his�career.�Even�though�he�had�not�lost�a

match,�his�quest�for�a�tenth�French�Opencrown�came�to�a�premature�end.�

Yet�despite�this�massive�setback,�Nadal�mighttake�some�comfort�in�the�fact�that�he�had�a

tremendous�clay�court�season.�In�fact,�thenumbers�seem�to�point�to�him�soon�fullyregaining�his�clay�court�dominance�from�yearspast.

�Today�we�will�examine�the�results�from�thethree�best�players�over�the�European�claycourt�season,�and�see�how�Nadal�shapes�upagainst�the�competition.�Novak�Djokovic:

Masters�1000�Monte-Carlo:�second�round,�0wins�and�1�loss

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Nadal–(Almost)

BacktoHisBest

byMarcoDiNardo

Having�to�retire�from�Roland�Garros�was�amassive�blow�for�Rafael�Nadal.�He�had�justexperienced,�for�the�first�time�in�a�very�longwhile,�a�period�of�sustained�success�on�hisbeloved�clay.�In�the�first�two�rounds�of�FrenchOpen,�in�fact,�Nadal�seemed�to�be�in�the�best

physical�and�mental�condition�of�the�year,�andindeed�many�years.�He�lost�just�nine�games�inhis�first�two�matches,�half�of�the�18�thatDjokovic�lost�over�the�same�period.�It�seemed

highly�possible�that�he�could�compete�with�thelikes�of�Djokovic�and�Wawrinka�for�the�trophy.�

But�just�as�it�seemed�as�if�the�old�Nadal�wasback,�disaster�struck.�A�wrist�injury,�first�pickedup�at�the�Masters�1000�in�Madrid,�came�back

with�a�vengeance,�forcing�the�Spaniard�toretire�from�the�French�Open�for�the�first�timein�his�career.�Even�though�he�had�not�lost�a

match,�his�quest�for�a�tenth�French�Opencrown�came�to�a�premature�end.�

Yet�despite�this�massive�setback,�Nadal�mighttake�some�comfort�in�the�fact�that�he�had�a

tremendous�clay�court�season.�In�fact,�thenumbers�seem�to�point�to�him�soon�fullyregaining�his�clay�court�dominance�from�yearspast.

�Today�we�will�examine�the�results�from�thethree�best�players�over�the�European�claycourt�season,�and�see�how�Nadal�shapes�upagainst�the�competition.�Novak�Djokovic:

Masters�1000�Monte-Carlo:�second�round,�0wins�and�1�loss

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Masters�1000�Madrid:�winner,�5wins�and�0�losses

Masters�1000�Rome:�final,�4�winsand�1�lossRoland�Garros:�winner,�7�wins�and0�lossesTotal:�16�wins�and�2�losses

Success�rate:�88.9%�Andy�Murray:Masters�1000�Monte-Carlo:�semi-finals,�3�wins�and�1�lossMasters�1000�Madrid:�final,�4�wins

and�1�lossMasters�1000�Rome:�winner,�5wins�and�0�lossesRoland�Garros:�final,�6�wins�and�1

lossTotal:�18�wins�and�3�lossesSuccess�rate:�85.7%

�Rafael�NadalMasters�1000�Monte-Carlo:

winner,�5�wins�and�0�lossesATP�500�Barcelona:�winner,�5wins�and�0�losses

Masters�1000�Madrid:�semi-finals,3�wins�and�1�lossMasters�1000�Rome:�quarter-

finals,�2�wins�and�1�lossRoland�Garros:�third�round,�2�winsand�0�lossesTotal:�17�wins�and�2�lossesSuccess�rate:�89.5%

�As�you�can�see,�despite�the�factthat�he�played�so�few�matches�atRoland�Garros,�Nadal�had�a

wonderful�clay�season.�In�fact,�hissuccess�rate�is�greater�thanDjokovic,�who�actually�went�on�towin�the�French�Open.�

Murray,�who�had�a�surprisinglystrong�clay�season,�also�falls�shortof�Nadal’s�success.�Nadal�won�13consecutive�matches�from�Monte

Carlo�to�Barcelona�and�Madrid.Djokovic,�in�contrast,�only�had

nine�wins�between�Madrid�andRome,�while�Murray�had�11between�Rome�and�RolandGarros.�

Also,�we�cannot�forget�the�ninthtitle�he�won�at�Monte�Carlo�andBarcelona.�Truly�extraordinarynumbers,�especially�when�oneconsiders�that�he�is�also�chasinghis�tenth�title�at�the�French

Open.�The�most�important�thing�forthe�Spaniard�at�this�time�is�to

get�fully�healthy�so�that�he�cancompete�at�Wimbledon�and�theOlympics.�For�his�tenth�win�at

Roland�Garros…that�will�have�towait�until�2017.�But,�as�we�haveseen,�based�on�what�he�has

done�this�year,�nothing�isimpossible�for�Rafa.

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Masters�1000�Madrid:�winner,�5wins�and�0�losses

Masters�1000�Rome:�final,�4�winsand�1�lossRoland�Garros:�winner,�7�wins�and0�lossesTotal:�16�wins�and�2�losses

Success�rate:�88.9%�Andy�Murray:Masters�1000�Monte-Carlo:�semi-finals,�3�wins�and�1�lossMasters�1000�Madrid:�final,�4�wins

and�1�lossMasters�1000�Rome:�winner,�5wins�and�0�lossesRoland�Garros:�final,�6�wins�and�1

lossTotal:�18�wins�and�3�lossesSuccess�rate:�85.7%

�Rafael�NadalMasters�1000�Monte-Carlo:

winner,�5�wins�and�0�lossesATP�500�Barcelona:�winner,�5wins�and�0�losses

Masters�1000�Madrid:�semi-finals,3�wins�and�1�lossMasters�1000�Rome:�quarter-

finals,�2�wins�and�1�lossRoland�Garros:�third�round,�2�winsand�0�lossesTotal:�17�wins�and�2�lossesSuccess�rate:�89.5%

�As�you�can�see,�despite�the�factthat�he�played�so�few�matches�atRoland�Garros,�Nadal�had�a

wonderful�clay�season.�In�fact,�hissuccess�rate�is�greater�thanDjokovic,�who�actually�went�on�towin�the�French�Open.�

Murray,�who�had�a�surprisinglystrong�clay�season,�also�falls�shortof�Nadal’s�success.�Nadal�won�13consecutive�matches�from�Monte

Carlo�to�Barcelona�and�Madrid.Djokovic,�in�contrast,�only�had

nine�wins�between�Madrid�andRome,�while�Murray�had�11between�Rome�and�RolandGarros.�

Also,�we�cannot�forget�the�ninthtitle�he�won�at�Monte�Carlo�andBarcelona.�Truly�extraordinarynumbers,�especially�when�oneconsiders�that�he�is�also�chasinghis�tenth�title�at�the�French

Open.�The�most�important�thing�forthe�Spaniard�at�this�time�is�to

get�fully�healthy�so�that�he�cancompete�at�Wimbledon�and�theOlympics.�For�his�tenth�win�at

Roland�Garros…that�will�have�towait�until�2017.�But,�as�we�haveseen,�based�on�what�he�has

done�this�year,�nothing�isimpossible�for�Rafa.

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RolandGarros–TimetoForget

byValerioCarriero

"Next�year,�I'll�be�ready�for�anything."�These�could�very�well�be�the�words�of�a�student�who�has

passed�his�exams�by�the�skin�of�his�teeth�with�very�little�preparation,�vowing�to�not�make�the�samemistake�again�the�following�term.�Of�course,�as�time�moves�on�so�do�our�thoughts,�and�suchpromises�are�soon�forgotten.�But�the�above�words�are�not�from�a�student,�they�are�from�Guy�Forget,�the�director�of�Roland

Garros,�and�tennis�fans�around�the�world�are�hoping�that�he�does�not�forget�them�any�time�soon.�This�year’s�event�was�underwhelming�by�any�stretch�of�the�imagination.�A�lot�of�it�was,�of�course,down�to�bad�luck.�The�rain�was�disastrous,�playing�havoc�with�the�schedule�and,�more�importantly,

the�quality�of�play.�Angry�players�loudly�voiced�their�disappointment�at�being�made�to�play�in�suchpoor�conditions,�and�that’s�not�even�mentioning�the�fact�that�several�high�profile�players�­specifically�Rafael�Nadal�and�Roger�Federer�­�had�to�withdraw�from�the�tournament�due�to�injuries.�But�not�everything�had�to�do�with�luck.�Indeed,�the�biggest�problems�at�Roland�Garros�are�not�dueto�luck,�but�to�decades�of�poor�planning�and�short-sightedness.�The�French�Open�is,�simply�put,

behind�the�times.�There�are�no�lights�and�no�roof�over�the�showcase�court,�and�the�grounds�are�sosmall�that�the�tournament�feels�cramped�even�on�quiet�days,�of�which�there�aren’t�many.

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These�issues�have�been�raised�time�and�again,�but�particularly�vocal�criticism�came�in�2012,�whenStanislas�Wawrinka�vented�about�his�inability�to�finish�his�match�against�Jo-Wilfried�Tsonga�in�a

reasonable�time.�Gilbert�Ysern,�then�the�tournament�director,�said�that�he�knew�it�was�a�sensitiveissue,�but�re-iterated�that�he�did�not�want�players�playing�at�night.�He�did,�however,�hint�that�lightingwould�be�addressed�by�2017.�Whether�this�will�happen�remains�to�be�seen,�but�even�if�it�did�it�would�be�a�small�step�to

modernizing�a�Slam�tournament�that�has�fallen�way�behind�its�peers.�The�best�estimates�have�a�roofbeing�built�on�the�main�courts�not�before�2020,�and�realistically�only�much,�much�later.�This�centralproblem,�then,�will�likely�continue�to�plague�the�tournament�for�the�better�part�of�a�decade.�Thisyear,�Novak�Djokovic�had�to�play�on�three�consecutive�days�in�order�to�make�up�for�time�lost�to�therain.�Neither�he�nor�the�fans�were�happy�about�this,�but�it�seems�as�if�nothing�can�be�done�about�it�inthe�near�future.

�The�other�main�problem�­�the�size�of�the�event�­�is�also�not�easily�solved.�Roland�Garros�occupies�8.5hectares,�a�minuscule�size�compared�to�17�in�Melbourne,�18�at�Wimbledon�and�18.5�in�New�York.�Afirm�decision�on�the�exact�nature�and�timing�of�an�expanded�tournament�has�been�delayed�again�and

again,�and�though�many�proposals�have�been�made,�nobody�has�any�real�idea�when�the�French�Openwill�move�to�a�new�location�or�get�bigger�in�its�current�one.�The�size�of�the�event�was�highlighted�inan�embarrassing�manner�this�year,�when�commentators�pointed�out�that�even�though�the

tournament�was�so�small,�they�could�still�not�fill�up�the�stands�for�a�men’s�quarter-final�betweenDominic�Thiem�and�David�Goffin.�It�was�a�spectator�mutiny�that�will�haunt�the�organizers�for�sometime�to�come.

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Perhaps�a�mutiny�was�justified�after�the�way�fans�were�treated�in�some�circumstances.�Fans�weremade�to�wait�hours�on�end�with�no�clear�indication�as�to�whether�play�would�resume.�They�feltcheated,�then,�when�play�was�abruptly�called�off�and�they�were�refused�full�refunds.�Forget

defended�all�the�decisions�related�to�delays.�“The�decision�to�suspend�or�resume�the�game�is�solelyfor�the�supervisor�Stefan�Fransson,”�he�said.�“Respect�for�the�game�has�always�taken�precedence.”�

In�short,�“thank�goodness�it’s�over”�is�sadly�how�most�fans�are�viewing�the�2016�French�Open.�Froman�entertainment�point�of�view,�everything�was�sadly�lacking�as�well.�A�Grand�Slam�without�RogerFederer�is�just�unthinkable,�and�Nadal�having�to�withdraw�due�to�an�injury�himself�severelydepleted�the�men’s�draw�of�talent.�It�was�nice�to�see�a�youngster�like�Thiem�finally�play�well�on�abig�stage,�and�the�inspirational�story�of�Kiki�Bertens�and�her�fight�back�from�cancer�was�wonderfulto�watch,�but�overall�the�event�was�unimpressive.

�The�main�headline,�of�course,�after�everything�is�said�and�done,�is�Djokovic’s�historic�victory,followed�by�another�Williams�failure�and,�perhaps,�the�passing�of�the�baton�to�the�young�GarbineMuguruza.�The�Serb�now�holds�all�four�Grand�Slams�and�is�in�a�good�position�to�make�a�real�run�atthe�Calendar�Slam.�As�for�Williams,�time�will�tell�if�she�is�finally�able�to�equal�Steffi�Graf’s�record�for

number�of�Slams.�Perhaps�by�the�time�the�next�French�Open�rolls�around�we�will�all�have�forgotten�about�thisuninspired�edition,�but�we�hope�the�organizers�do�not.�They�can�hardly�afford�another�disaster�likethis,�and�one�can�only�hope�that�it�spurs�to�them�to�get�the�tournament�to�a�modern�standardsooner�rather�than�later.

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Parigi2016:anteprimadel

futuro

byFedericoMariani

L’edizione�2016�del�Roland�Garros�può,�suo

malgrado,�coincidere�con�l’inizio�di�una�nuova

era.�Dopo�tanto�(troppo)�tempo�trascorso�nella

speranza�di�un�agognato�ricambio

generazionale�valido�e�­�contestualmente�­�nel

terrore�di�un�tennis�senza�Federer�e�Nadal,�lo

Slam�parigino�sbatte�in�faccia�agli�appassionati

un�torneo�senza�i�più�amati.

Roger�non�si�è�presentato�a�Bois�de�Boulogne

saltando�un�Major�come�non�accadeva

sostanzialmente�da�sempre,�dal�1999,�con�in

mezzo�65�presenze�consecutive�ai�nastri�di

partenza.�Il�compare�Rafa�si�è,�invece,�ritirato�in

corso�d’opera�con�un�forfait�dettato

dall’ennesimo�infortunio�che,�con�trenta

candeline�sulla�torta�e�un�fisico�oltremodo

usurato,�fa�intravedere�l’anticamera�del�baratro

(sportivo).�Insomma,�quanto�visto�al�Roland

Garros�potrebbe�rappresentare�l’anteprima�di

ciò�che�sarà�del�circuito�in�un�tempo�tutt’altro

che�lontano,�anzi�più�vicino�di�quanto�si�ritiene

nell’immaginario�comune.�Ma�cosa�sarà�del

circuito�maschile�nell’era�post-Federer&Nadal?

Quanto�perderà�il�tennis�dopo�il�ritiro�dei�due

campionissimi?�Ci�sarà�qualcuno�in�grado�di

raccoglierne�l’eredità�non�solo�tecnica�ma

soprattutto�carismatica?

Difficile,�anzi�forse�impossibile�rispondere�oggi

con�un�certo�grado�di�fiducia�su�quesiti�che

affliggono�l’intera�Atp�e�che�insidiano�di

incognite�un�circuito�che�ha�vissuto�nell’ultimo

decennio�una�straordinaria�età�dell’oro,�basti

pensare�che�degli�otto�tennisti�nella�storia

capaci�di�conquistare�tutte�le�prove�dello�Slam,

ben�tre�appartengono�alla�stessa�generazione.

Si�può,�però,�provare�a�ipotizzare�ciò�che�sarà.

È�ragionevole�­�e�se�vogliamo�anche�comodo�­

credere�che�l’Atp�possa�ripercorrere�il�cammino

tracciato�dalla�NBA�nei�primi�anni�del�terzo

millennio.�Grazie�a�Michael�Jordan�il�basket

americano�ha�vissuto�un�vero�e�proprio�boom

passando�dall’essere�il�fratello�minore�di

baseball�e�football�fino�a�diventare�un

fenomeno�planetario�con�un’identità�culturale�e

sociale�ben�marcata.��auspicabile�uno�stesso

percorso�per�il�tennis�che,�da�sport�di�nicchia�(o

poco�più)�qual�era,�si�è�trasformato�quasi�in

uno�sport�popolare�aprendo�le�sue�frontiere�a

una�fetta�di�pubblico�sempre�crescente.�Tale

crescita�clamorosa�può�esistere�soltanto�se

supportata�e�promossa�dai�campioni�che�­�in

campo�e�fuori�­�hanno�la�possibilità�di�attrarre

nuovi�appassionati.�

Tutto�ciò�è�avvenuto�con�Federer�e�Nadal,

grazie�a�Federer�e�Nadal�che�non�si�sono

limitati�a�mostrare�in�campo�cose�inedite,�si

sono�spinti�oltre.�Sono�stati�(e�sono)�talmente

forti�da�far�avvicinare�con�fervore�anche�chi�il

tennis�lo�masticava�poco.�Sono�stati�(e�sono)

meravigliosamente�diversi�da�aver�creato

attorno�alle�loro�figure�due�fazioni�che�sfociano

spesso�e�volentieri�nel�più�vivo�e�viscerale�del

tifo.�Una�componente�che�fa�storcere�il�naso�ai

puristi�del�Gioco�ma�che,�pragmaticamente

parlando,�ha�portato�soldi,�molti�soldi,�e

attenzioni�provenienti�da�ogni�latitudine�della

terra.�La�tesi�che�si�intende�avvalorare�tramite

questo�ragionamento�si�basa�sul�fatto�che�se

prima�erano�in�10�a�seguire�il�tennis�e�oggi�quei

10�sono�diventati�100,�in�un�domani�senza

ovviamente�Federer�e�Nadal�i�100�non

torneranno�10.�Forse�non�saranno�più�100,�ma

verosimilmente�saranno�85-90,�non�certo�10.

Questo�perché�quell’enorme�nuova�fetta�di

neofiti�che�si�è�innamorata�del�tennis

nell’ultimo�decennio�si�è�nel�frattempo

fidelizzata,�assuefatta,�e�non�abbandonerà.

Federer�e�Nadal�hanno�accompagnato�il�tennis

in�una�nuova�dimensione�facendo�la�fortuna

(economica�ed�emozionale)�di�questo�sport.�I

tennisti�di�oggi�e�soprattutto�di�domani

possono,�dunque,�partire�con�una�base�di

popolarità�solidissima,�impensabile�fino�a

qualche�stagione�fa.�Non�si�può�dare�responsi

su�ciò�che�sarà�a�livello�tecnico�e�carismatico,

ma�è�a�ben�vedere�sciocco�attendersi�di

rivivere�i�fasti�dell’età�odierna�così�come

sarebbe�sciocco�abbandonare�la�nave�quando

Roger�e�Rafa�non�saranno�più�al�timone.

Page 19: Tennis World english 35

Parigi2016:anteprimadel

futuro

byFedericoMariani

L’edizione�2016�del�Roland�Garros�può,�suo

malgrado,�coincidere�con�l’inizio�di�una�nuova

era.�Dopo�tanto�(troppo)�tempo�trascorso�nella

speranza�di�un�agognato�ricambio

generazionale�valido�e�­�contestualmente�­�nel

terrore�di�un�tennis�senza�Federer�e�Nadal,�lo

Slam�parigino�sbatte�in�faccia�agli�appassionati

un�torneo�senza�i�più�amati.

Roger�non�si�è�presentato�a�Bois�de�Boulogne

saltando�un�Major�come�non�accadeva

sostanzialmente�da�sempre,�dal�1999,�con�in

mezzo�65�presenze�consecutive�ai�nastri�di

partenza.�Il�compare�Rafa�si�è,�invece,�ritirato�in

corso�d’opera�con�un�forfait�dettato

dall’ennesimo�infortunio�che,�con�trenta

candeline�sulla�torta�e�un�fisico�oltremodo

usurato,�fa�intravedere�l’anticamera�del�baratro

(sportivo).�Insomma,�quanto�visto�al�Roland

Garros�potrebbe�rappresentare�l’anteprima�di

ciò�che�sarà�del�circuito�in�un�tempo�tutt’altro

che�lontano,�anzi�più�vicino�di�quanto�si�ritiene

nell’immaginario�comune.�Ma�cosa�sarà�del

circuito�maschile�nell’era�post-Federer&Nadal?

Quanto�perderà�il�tennis�dopo�il�ritiro�dei�due

campionissimi?�Ci�sarà�qualcuno�in�grado�di

raccoglierne�l’eredità�non�solo�tecnica�ma

soprattutto�carismatica?

Difficile,�anzi�forse�impossibile�rispondere�oggi

con�un�certo�grado�di�fiducia�su�quesiti�che

affliggono�l’intera�Atp�e�che�insidiano�di

incognite�un�circuito�che�ha�vissuto�nell’ultimo

decennio�una�straordinaria�età�dell’oro,�basti

pensare�che�degli�otto�tennisti�nella�storia

capaci�di�conquistare�tutte�le�prove�dello�Slam,

ben�tre�appartengono�alla�stessa�generazione.

Si�può,�però,�provare�a�ipotizzare�ciò�che�sarà.

È�ragionevole�­�e�se�vogliamo�anche�comodo�­

credere�che�l’Atp�possa�ripercorrere�il�cammino

tracciato�dalla�NBA�nei�primi�anni�del�terzo

millennio.�Grazie�a�Michael�Jordan�il�basket

americano�ha�vissuto�un�vero�e�proprio�boom

passando�dall’essere�il�fratello�minore�di

baseball�e�football�fino�a�diventare�un

fenomeno�planetario�con�un’identità�culturale�e

sociale�ben�marcata.��auspicabile�uno�stesso

percorso�per�il�tennis�che,�da�sport�di�nicchia�(o

poco�più)�qual�era,�si�è�trasformato�quasi�in

uno�sport�popolare�aprendo�le�sue�frontiere�a

una�fetta�di�pubblico�sempre�crescente.�Tale

crescita�clamorosa�può�esistere�soltanto�se

supportata�e�promossa�dai�campioni�che�­�in

campo�e�fuori�­�hanno�la�possibilità�di�attrarre

nuovi�appassionati.�

Tutto�ciò�è�avvenuto�con�Federer�e�Nadal,

grazie�a�Federer�e�Nadal�che�non�si�sono

limitati�a�mostrare�in�campo�cose�inedite,�si

sono�spinti�oltre.�Sono�stati�(e�sono)�talmente

forti�da�far�avvicinare�con�fervore�anche�chi�il

tennis�lo�masticava�poco.�Sono�stati�(e�sono)

meravigliosamente�diversi�da�aver�creato

attorno�alle�loro�figure�due�fazioni�che�sfociano

spesso�e�volentieri�nel�più�vivo�e�viscerale�del

tifo.�Una�componente�che�fa�storcere�il�naso�ai

puristi�del�Gioco�ma�che,�pragmaticamente

parlando,�ha�portato�soldi,�molti�soldi,�e

attenzioni�provenienti�da�ogni�latitudine�della

terra.�La�tesi�che�si�intende�avvalorare�tramite

questo�ragionamento�si�basa�sul�fatto�che�se

prima�erano�in�10�a�seguire�il�tennis�e�oggi�quei

10�sono�diventati�100,�in�un�domani�senza

ovviamente�Federer�e�Nadal�i�100�non

torneranno�10.�Forse�non�saranno�più�100,�ma

verosimilmente�saranno�85-90,�non�certo�10.

Questo�perché�quell’enorme�nuova�fetta�di

neofiti�che�si�è�innamorata�del�tennis

nell’ultimo�decennio�si�è�nel�frattempo

fidelizzata,�assuefatta,�e�non�abbandonerà.

Federer�e�Nadal�hanno�accompagnato�il�tennis

in�una�nuova�dimensione�facendo�la�fortuna

(economica�ed�emozionale)�di�questo�sport.�I

tennisti�di�oggi�e�soprattutto�di�domani

possono,�dunque,�partire�con�una�base�di

popolarità�solidissima,�impensabile�fino�a

qualche�stagione�fa.�Non�si�può�dare�responsi

su�ciò�che�sarà�a�livello�tecnico�e�carismatico,

ma�è�a�ben�vedere�sciocco�attendersi�di

rivivere�i�fasti�dell’età�odierna�così�come

sarebbe�sciocco�abbandonare�la�nave�quando

Roger�e�Rafa�non�saranno�più�al�timone.

Page 20: Tennis World english 35

RisingStarsAnd

TheirStats

byAlexBisi

Infosys�ATP�has�conductedsome�interesting�researchrelating�to�the�young�players

on�the�men’s�Tour.�

The�ATP�promoted�the#NextGen�campaign�inIndian�Wells�to�promote�theyoung�players�who�are�rising

up�through�the�ranks�and�arelikely�to�be�the�champions�oftomorrow.�This�particular�analysisfocused�on�serving�andreturning�with�the�score�at

0-30.�These�are,�of�course,important�moments�in�a

match,�and�the�results�showthe�top�youngsters’�ability�tohold�their�own�serve�in�a

tight�spot�and�to�break�theiropponents’�serve�when�theopportunity�presented�itself.

�In�this�first�half�of�theseason,�the�Top�8�players

managed�to�hold�their�serveon�average�50%�of�the�time

when�serving�at�0-30,�whilethe�top�youngsters�managedonly�37%�on�average.�

When�returning�at�0-30,�theTop�8�managed�to�break38%�of�the�time�on�average,while�the�youngsters�onlymanaged�26%.�The�analysis�shows�that

Alexander�Zverev,�EliasYmer,�Yoshihito�Nishioka,

Nick�Kyrgios,�Kyle�Edmund,Thanasi�Kokkinakis,�QuentinHalys�and�Andrey�Rublev�are

effective�at�holding�theirserve�while�at�adisadvantage,�while�Borna

Coric,�Hyeon�Chung,�TaylorFritz,�Jared�Donaldson�andFrancis�Tiafoe�are�good�at

breaking�serve�when�theyhave�the�opportunity.

�Interestingly,�Kyle�Edmundhas�a�higher�percentage�thanAndy�Murray�of�holding

serve�at�0-30,�whileDonaldson�and�Chung�havebetter�break�percentagesthan�Novak�Djokovic,�at�46%against�41%.�Zverev�is�in�the�Top�4�of

both�categories,�with�betterpercentages�than�David

Page 21: Tennis World english 35

Ferrer�when�serving�at�0-30,and�better�return

percentages�than�ThomasBerdych�at�0-30.

SERVING�0-301�Kyle�Edmund�502�Nick�Kyrgios�45�

3��Quentin�Halys�444��Alexander�Zverev�425��Elias�Ymer�41�6��Taylor�Fritz�38�7��Hyeon�Chung�35

�RETURNING�0-30T1�Jared�Donaldson�46�T1�Hyeon�Chung�46�

3�Alexander�Zverev�37�4��Borna�Coric�36�5��Taylor�Fritz�35�

6��Frances�Tiafoe�30�7��Andrey�Rublev�26

Page 22: Tennis World english 35

TheNext

GenerationCan

Wait

byGiorgioGiannaccini

It�seems�that�every�otherweek�we�hear�tales�abouthow�the�next�generation�isready�to�make�a�run�to�thetop�of�the�tennis�world.�Yet

for�the�most�part,�despite�allof�these�proclamations,�it�isthe�old�guard�that�still�walksaway�with�most�of�the�topprizes.�So�it�was�at�Roland

Garros�as�well,�even�thoughRoger�Federer�and�Rafael

Nadal�both�withdrew�fromthe�tournament,�leaving�thelikes�of�Djokovic�and�Murray

badly�outnumbered�by�theyoungsters.�Yet�still�it�wasDjokovic�who�finally

prevailed,�completing�hiscareer�Grand�Slam�bywinning�the�French�Open�for

the�first�time.�The�tournament,�described

by�many�pundits�as�perhapsthe�worst�Roland�Garrosever,�lost�one�of�its�main

attractions�early.�RogerFederer,�still�hampered�by�aback�injury�that�dogged�hisentire�clay�season,�withdrewfrom�the�competition�as�aprecaution.�While�a�massiveloss,�it�was�the�withdrawal�of

the�nine-time�championwhich�really�sent

shockwaves�through�thetennis�world.�Nadal�had�beenplaying�perhaps�his�best

tennis�in�years,�breezingthrough�the�first�two�rounds,

when�he�announced�that�hehad�a�wrist�injury�so�seriousthat�he�could�not�risk�goingback�out�on�court.�

In�short,�there�was�room�forthe�next�generation,�twomassive�portions�of�the�drawthat�would�usually�beoccupied�by�thesejuggernauts�was�wide�open,

but�nobody�could�really�takeadvantage�of�the�situation.�Let's�start�with�Nick�Kyrgios.

Talented�but�unstable,�theAustralian�has�long�beenpegged�as�a�future�superstar,

yet�when�he�came�up�againstthe�normally�fragile�RichardGasquet,�he�fell�dismally

short.�He�was�ousted�inthree�sets,�and�seemedcompletely�overmatched�by

the�more�experienced

Frenchman.�

Alexander�Zverev,�one�of�themost�promising�young�menin�the�draw,�reached�thethird�round�relatively�easilybefore�bowing�out�to�the

more�mature�Dominic�Thiem.It�was�a�tight�match,�butZverev�showed�that�the�stillhas�a�long�way�to�go�in�orderto�maximize�his�considerabletalent.

�David�Goffin,�not�exactly�aspring�chicken�at�25,�is�stillnevertheless�considered�a

top�candidate�to�become�afuture�superstar.�He�had�adecent�tournament�which

would�see�him�reach�acareer-high�of�11�in�the�worldrankings,�but�a�quarter0final

result�is�not�quite�goodenough�for�a�man�of�histalents,�especially

considering�the

Page 23: Tennis World english 35

opportunities�afforded�bythe�draw.�Still,�he�beat�the

likes�of�Nicolas�Almagro�andErnests�Gulbis�en�route�tothe�last�eight,�so�he�won’t�betoo�heartbroken�with�hisfortnight.

�In�the�quarters,�of�course,�hecame�up�against�Thiem,�whokilled�many�a�dream�thisyear.�Goffin�took�the�firstset,�and�seemed�the�more

comfortable�of�the�two�menfor�the�first�portion�of�thematch.�He�was�slightly�morepatient�and�tactical�with�his

play,�despite�theoverwhelming�power�of�hisopponent.�But�as�the�match

wore�on,�Thiem�found�hisgroove�and�Goffin’slimitations�became�more�and

more�apparent.�It�wasn’t�awalkover,�but�Thiem�wasclearly�the�stronger�player,

and�deserving�of�a�spot�in

the�semi-finals.�

So�the�final�four�featuredDjokovic�and�Thiem�on�theone�side�of�the�draw,�whileon�the�other�side�Wawrinkaand�Murray�loomed�large.�Of

the�four�spots,�then,�threewere�occupied�by�old-timers.�In�the�battle�of�the�oldguard,�it�was�Murray�who

managed�to�prevail�over�thedefending�champion.�It�wasa�result�that�would�havebeen�all�but�unthinkable�five

years�ago,�when�the�Scotwas�very�ordinary�on�theclay.�But�a�victory�in�Rome

this�year,�as�well�as�hisperformance�in�Paris,�provesthat�he�has�made�huge

strides�in�his�clay�court�gamein�recent�years.�

In�the�other�semi-final,

Dominic�Thiem�received�atennis�lesson�from�the�world

number�one:�6-2,�6-1,�6-4.�Itwas�a�massive�opportunity�forThiem�to�prove�all�of�thenext-gen�supporters�right,�butin�the�spotlight�he�failed

dismally.�He�obviously�has�thepower,�the�weapons�and�thetalent,�but�they�were�allproven�to�be�terribly�raw�andunrefined�when�compared�tothe�robotic�consistency�of�the

vastly�experienced�Djokovic.The�message�was�clear�for�allto�see:�your�time�has�not�yetcome.�The�final,�between�the

two�old�friends�and�rivals,�waswon�by�Djokovic�with�relativeease.

�At�least�for�now,�old�is�thenew�young.

Page 24: Tennis World english 35

AlbertRamos,ALong

TimeComingbyGiorgioGiannaccini

For�a�Spanish�tennis�player�who�names�clay�as

his�favorite�surface,�the�last�15�years�has�beenperhaps�the�most�unfortunate�time�in�historyto�try�and�get�to�the�top�of�the�sport.Competing�with�the�likes�of�Rafael�Nadal,David�Ferrer,�Fernando�Verdasco,�NicolasAlmagro�and�Feliciano�Lopez�is�hard�enough,

but�when�you�aren’t�as�obviously�talented�asthey�are,�it�can�be�a�very�difficult�challengeindeed.�

Such�has�been�the�fate�of�Albert�Ramos-Vinolas,�born�in�1988�and�destined�to�ply�histrade�in�an�era�of�unprecedented�talent�in

Spanish�tennis.�Tall�but�slender,�the�lefty�basedmost�of�his�game�on�extreme�topspin�andclever�point�construction.�Not�blessed�with�any

major�weapons�or�tremendous�power,craftiness�has�been�his�biggest�asset.�

In�the�bigger�tournaments,�Ramos-Vinolas�hasexperienced�his�fair�share�of�disappointment.In�2012�he�ran�into�an�in-form�Roger�Federer

at�Wimbledon,�where�he�got�a�6-1,�6-1,�6-1shellacking.�Even�though�it�was�a�disheartening

defeat,�2012�was�a�good�year�for�the�Spaniard,and�it�was�the�first�season�he�reached�a�Tour-level�final,�though�he�lost�to�Pablo�Andujar�inCasablanca.

�It’s�fair�to�say,�in�short,�that�Ramos-Vinolas�is�agood�player�who�can�compete�at�a�Top�50level,�though�at�the�same�time�one�who�wasnever�destined�to�reach�the�upper�echelons�ofthe�game.�That�hasn’t�stopped�him,�however,from�claiming�quite�a�few�illustrious�scalps�in

his�time�on�the�Tour.

In�2010�at�the�ATP�500�event�in�Barcelona,�hebeat�world�number�12�Fernando�Gonzalez,�at�a

time�when�the�Chilean�was�playing�some�of�thebest�tennis�of�his�career.�Unfortunately,�ourhero�could�not�carry�that�success�into�the�restof�the�event,�as�he�soon�lost�to�Ernests�Gulbis.In�2012,�he�beat�Richard�Gasquet�at�the�ATP

Masters�1000�tournament�in�Indian�Wells,where�he�reached�the�third�round.�He�wouldalso�reach�the�third�round�in�Miami�that�year,where�he�beat�world�number�15�FelicianoLopez.�A�year�later,�again�in�Miami,�he�oustedworld�number�14�Juan�Monaco�and�former

world�number�four�James�Blake,�but�waseventually�stopped�by�Jurgen�Melzer�in�thefourth�round.�Later�that�season,�in�Barcelona,he�overcame�Jerzy�Janowicz�and�Japan's�Kei

Nishikori�before�running�into�the�immovablewall�that�was�Rafael�Nadal.�

Fast�forward�to�2015�and�we�find�Ramos-Vinolas�winning�the�biggest�match�of�his�careeragainst�his�2012�conqueror�at�Wimbledon:

Roger�Federer.�The�victory�came�at�theShanghai�Masters�1000�tournament,�where�heupset�the�Swiss�7-6(4),�2-6,�6-3.�He�would

lose�to�Jo-Wilfried�Tsonga�later�on,�but�thathardly�mattered.�Beating�Federer�was�a�career-making�moment�for�him.

�That�is,�until�Roland�Garros�2016�rolled�around.In�the�first�round,�he�enjoyed�a�hard-fought

victory�against�Horacio�Zeballos,�beforeousting�another�Argentine,�Marco�Trungelliti,�inthe�second.�Another�tough�fight�was�in�store�in

the�next�round,�this�time�against�the�in-formAmerican�Jack�Sock.�After�losing�the�first�set�ina�tie-break,�he�won�the�next�two�beforedropping�the�fourth.�The�fifth,�however,belonged�to�him,�and�he�moved�on�to�his�firstfourth�round�appearance�in�a�Slam.�

"A�lifetime�achievement�award,"�Eurosportcommentator�Federico�Ferrero�called�his

Page 25: Tennis World english 35

AlbertRamos,ALong

TimeComingbyGiorgioGiannaccini

For�a�Spanish�tennis�player�who�names�clay�as

his�favorite�surface,�the�last�15�years�has�beenperhaps�the�most�unfortunate�time�in�historyto�try�and�get�to�the�top�of�the�sport.Competing�with�the�likes�of�Rafael�Nadal,David�Ferrer,�Fernando�Verdasco,�NicolasAlmagro�and�Feliciano�Lopez�is�hard�enough,

but�when�you�aren’t�as�obviously�talented�asthey�are,�it�can�be�a�very�difficult�challengeindeed.�

Such�has�been�the�fate�of�Albert�Ramos-Vinolas,�born�in�1988�and�destined�to�ply�histrade�in�an�era�of�unprecedented�talent�in

Spanish�tennis.�Tall�but�slender,�the�lefty�basedmost�of�his�game�on�extreme�topspin�andclever�point�construction.�Not�blessed�with�any

major�weapons�or�tremendous�power,craftiness�has�been�his�biggest�asset.�

In�the�bigger�tournaments,�Ramos-Vinolas�hasexperienced�his�fair�share�of�disappointment.In�2012�he�ran�into�an�in-form�Roger�Federer

at�Wimbledon,�where�he�got�a�6-1,�6-1,�6-1shellacking.�Even�though�it�was�a�disheartening

defeat,�2012�was�a�good�year�for�the�Spaniard,and�it�was�the�first�season�he�reached�a�Tour-level�final,�though�he�lost�to�Pablo�Andujar�inCasablanca.

�It’s�fair�to�say,�in�short,�that�Ramos-Vinolas�is�agood�player�who�can�compete�at�a�Top�50level,�though�at�the�same�time�one�who�wasnever�destined�to�reach�the�upper�echelons�ofthe�game.�That�hasn’t�stopped�him,�however,from�claiming�quite�a�few�illustrious�scalps�in

his�time�on�the�Tour.

In�2010�at�the�ATP�500�event�in�Barcelona,�hebeat�world�number�12�Fernando�Gonzalez,�at�a

time�when�the�Chilean�was�playing�some�of�thebest�tennis�of�his�career.�Unfortunately,�ourhero�could�not�carry�that�success�into�the�restof�the�event,�as�he�soon�lost�to�Ernests�Gulbis.In�2012,�he�beat�Richard�Gasquet�at�the�ATP

Masters�1000�tournament�in�Indian�Wells,where�he�reached�the�third�round.�He�wouldalso�reach�the�third�round�in�Miami�that�year,where�he�beat�world�number�15�FelicianoLopez.�A�year�later,�again�in�Miami,�he�oustedworld�number�14�Juan�Monaco�and�former

world�number�four�James�Blake,�but�waseventually�stopped�by�Jurgen�Melzer�in�thefourth�round.�Later�that�season,�in�Barcelona,he�overcame�Jerzy�Janowicz�and�Japan's�Kei

Nishikori�before�running�into�the�immovablewall�that�was�Rafael�Nadal.�

Fast�forward�to�2015�and�we�find�Ramos-Vinolas�winning�the�biggest�match�of�his�careeragainst�his�2012�conqueror�at�Wimbledon:

Roger�Federer.�The�victory�came�at�theShanghai�Masters�1000�tournament,�where�heupset�the�Swiss�7-6(4),�2-6,�6-3.�He�would

lose�to�Jo-Wilfried�Tsonga�later�on,�but�thathardly�mattered.�Beating�Federer�was�a�career-making�moment�for�him.

�That�is,�until�Roland�Garros�2016�rolled�around.In�the�first�round,�he�enjoyed�a�hard-fought

victory�against�Horacio�Zeballos,�beforeousting�another�Argentine,�Marco�Trungelliti,�inthe�second.�Another�tough�fight�was�in�store�in

the�next�round,�this�time�against�the�in-formAmerican�Jack�Sock.�After�losing�the�first�set�ina�tie-break,�he�won�the�next�two�beforedropping�the�fourth.�The�fifth,�however,belonged�to�him,�and�he�moved�on�to�his�firstfourth�round�appearance�in�a�Slam.�

"A�lifetime�achievement�award,"�Eurosportcommentator�Federico�Ferrero�called�his

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exploits�at�the�end�of�the�match."The�recognition�of�a�guy�who�has

always�worked�very�hard,�hedeserves�it."�Most�observers�thought�thatwould�be�the�end�of�it.�Lying�in

wait�for�him�in�the�next�round�wasa�serious�contender:�Milos�Raonic.Though�the�Canadian�was�not�athis�best�on�clay,�he�had�madeserious�strides�in�2016,�and�wasplaying�very�well�indeed.�When

the�Spaniard�won�the�first�set�6-2against�Raonic’s�monstrous�serve,it�raised�a�few�eyebrows,�but

there�were�few�spectators�who

really�gave�him�much�of�a�shot.Surely�Raonic�would�bounce�back,they�thought.�But�when�the

second�set�also�went�to�theSpaniard,�6-4,�people�reallystarted�to�take�notice.�In�the�end

it�was�over�fairly�quickly,�astraight-sets�victory�for�AlbertRamos-Vinolas,�the�biggest�upset

he�had�scored�since�beatingFederer�so�many�months�before.�

Our�hero’s�journey�came�to�an�endin�the�next�round,�when�he�lost�todefending�champion�StanislasWawrinka.�It�was�not�a�particularlyclose�match,�but�Ramos-Vinolashad�already�painted�his

masterpiece,�and�was�more�thanhappy�with�his�work�at�the�year’ssecond�Slam.�The�only�questionthat�remains�now�is,�how�much

further�can�he�push�himself?Given�his�upward�trajectory�overthe�last�few�years,�it�might�be�a�bitfurther�than�even�he�imagines…

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exploits�at�the�end�of�the�match."The�recognition�of�a�guy�who�has

always�worked�very�hard,�hedeserves�it."�Most�observers�thought�thatwould�be�the�end�of�it.�Lying�in

wait�for�him�in�the�next�round�wasa�serious�contender:�Milos�Raonic.Though�the�Canadian�was�not�athis�best�on�clay,�he�had�madeserious�strides�in�2016,�and�wasplaying�very�well�indeed.�When

the�Spaniard�won�the�first�set�6-2against�Raonic’s�monstrous�serve,it�raised�a�few�eyebrows,�but

there�were�few�spectators�who

really�gave�him�much�of�a�shot.Surely�Raonic�would�bounce�back,they�thought.�But�when�the

second�set�also�went�to�theSpaniard,�6-4,�people�reallystarted�to�take�notice.�In�the�end

it�was�over�fairly�quickly,�astraight-sets�victory�for�AlbertRamos-Vinolas,�the�biggest�upset

he�had�scored�since�beatingFederer�so�many�months�before.�

Our�hero’s�journey�came�to�an�endin�the�next�round,�when�he�lost�todefending�champion�StanislasWawrinka.�It�was�not�a�particularlyclose�match,�but�Ramos-Vinolashad�already�painted�his

masterpiece,�and�was�more�thanhappy�with�his�work�at�the�year’ssecond�Slam.�The�only�questionthat�remains�now�is,�how�much

further�can�he�push�himself?Given�his�upward�trajectory�overthe�last�few�years,�it�might�be�a�bitfurther�than�even�he�imagines…

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ADreamOf

Wimbledon…In

France

byNiccolòInches

With�Wimbledon�just�around�the�corner,�grassfever�is�thoroughly�gripping�the�tennis�world.Even�France,�the�hosts�of�the�French�Open�onclay,�seem�to�be�getting�into�the�spirit�of�grass.

Of�course,�that�shouldn’t�be�surprising.�Afterall,�French�players�have�a�knack�for�grass,�and

often�do�better�at�SW19�than�at�their�homeSlam.�Richard�Gasquet�has�twice�reached�the

semi-finals�at�The�Championships,�while�Jo-Wilfried�Tsonga�authored�a�sensationalelimination�for�Roger�Federer�in�2010.�Not�to

mention�the�exploits�of�the�2006�Wimbledonchampion,�Amelie�Mauresmo,�as�well�as�1997

finalist�Cédric�Pioline.�Nicolas�Mahut,�too,�had

the�most�celebrated�moment�of�his�career�at

Wimbledon,�when�he�played�the�longest�match

in�history�against�John�Isner�in�2010.

With�so�much�success�on�grass,�it�seems�only

natural�that�the�French�would�start�growing

grass�courts�on�their�own�turf,�and�that�is

exactly�what�has�happened�in�the�city�of

Deauville�in�Normandy.�The�brainchild�of

Grégory�Brussot�and�Martin�Besançon,�these

are�the�only�grass�courts�in�France�apart�from

the�court�in�the�British�Embassy�in�Paris.�Fans

of�faster-paced�tennis�will�soon�have�as�many

as�14�courts�to�play�on,�but�it�will�cost�them

€40�per�hour�to�do�so.

Brussot�and�Besançon�say�that�they�were

inspired�to�take�on�the�project�by�an�article�in

L'Equipe�in�2007�which�asked:�"Grass�courts,

why�not?".�Et�voila:�the�result�is�that�four

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courts�are�already�usable,�with�more�beingprepared�for�the�future.�"This�Deauville�isextraordinary,"�Gachassin�said�of�the�project.

"The�club�will�certainly�be�a�candidate�to�host�aweekend�of�Davis�Cup�or�Fed�Cup.”�

The�stated�objective�of�the�club�is�to�eventuallyhost�a�Challenger�tournament�or�ATP�250event.�In�the�meantime,�it�will�be�enjoyed�by

local�residents.�“In�a�region�with�a�greattradition�of�clay�court�tennis,�this�addition�canonly�be�an�asset,�especially�for�young�people,”the�head�of�the�local�league�said�of�the�club.“You�can�open�important�windows�for�youth

competitions,�regional�and�non-regional.”�Also�of�interest:�the�possibility�of�luring�topplayers�to�the�club�as�they�prepare�for

Wimbledon.�But�all�of�that�is�in�the�far�future,�of�course.Until�then,�an�exhibition�tournament�will�takeplace�at�the�club�in�order�to�properly�break�it

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in.�Former�Top�50�player�Marc�Gicquel�and

current�world�number�230�Axel�Michon�will�be

present,�alongside�Jérémy�Chardy�and�Quentin

Halys.

�Even�TennisWorld�had�a�chance�to�test�out�thecourts�during�the�inauguration�celebrations.

The�grass,�unfortunately,�was�rather�slipperydue�to�recent�rains.�"The�grass�is�cut�between�8�and�10millimeters,"�Besancon�explained,�specifyinghow�the�club�provides�for�"two�types�of�soils.

One�for�the�Center�Court,�which�wasimplemented�with�the�help�of�the�experts�atthe�Queen’s�Club�in�England.�The�other,�is�fromthe�French�company�Natural�Grass,�which�is

characterized�by�the�so-called�"substratebundle"�which,�with�the�addition�of�sand,accentuates�permeability�and�allows�for�rapid

re-use�of�the�court�in�case�of�rain.�The�clubalso�employs�two�full-time�“gardeners”�to

oversee�the�courts,�as�well�as�a�supervisor�whooversees�their�work.�The�founders�are�using�golf�clubs�as�theirbusiness�model,�at�least�for�the�first�few�years

of�the�young�institution’s�life.�Although�a�thirdof�the�budget�is�covered�by�the�localauthorities,�already�23�private�partners�havecome�forward�to�turn�the�club�into�amultifunctional�establishment�that�featuresconference�rooms�and�a�restaurant.�It�will�be,

the�organizers�hope,�the�incubator�for�grasscourt�greatness�in�France,�leading�hopefully�notonly�to�tournaments�and�the�interest�ofinternational�players,�but�of�future�French

Wimbledon�champions.

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BeautyOnTheCourt

byRiccardoZuliani

Aesthetics�is�everything�to�some�people.�Toothers,�it�mean�even�more�than�that.�To�them,it�is�the�heart�and�soul�of�an�event.�For�such

people,�one�of�the�greatest�delights�in�theworld�is�attending�a�tennis�match�in�whichRoger�Federer�is�playing.�Of�course,�in�tennis�aesthetics�can�be�a�tricky

concept.�One�match�might�end�in�straight�sets,and�contain�some�of�the�most�beautiful�tennisanyone�has�ever�seen.�Another�might�finish

with�the�exact�same�scoreline,�but�be�theugliest�match�ever�played.�Mistimed�shots,

unforced�errors,�overly�nervous�players,�poorplaying�conditions…there�are�many�ways�a

match�can�be�ugly.�But�not�when�Federer�is�on�the�court.

�The�Swiss�is�to�many�people�a�kind�of�tennisgod.�And�like�with�any�religion,�sometimes

when�a�god�stops�giving�to�his�people,�theirbelief�grows�even�stronger.�So�he�might�not�bewinning�every�tournaments�he�enters,�as�he

once�did,�and�he�might�not�have�won�a�Slam�inmany�years,�but�his�believers�still�believe.�Manypeople�who�go�to�see�him�play�are�not�merely

going�to�see�their�idol�tested�by�an�opponent,but�they�are,�in�a�way,�testing�themselves�andtheir�deeply�held�views.�People�go�to�see�Federer,�but�he�is�often�sodifferent�from�the�Federer�they�expected�thattheir�faith�might�be�tested,�at�least�for�aninstant.�But�then,�before�they�can�question

those�doubts�too�deeply,�he�delivers�one�of�themoments�that�seize�the�souls�of�every�memberof�the�audience.�A�moment�when�he�does�notjust�seem�to�be�the�absolute�master�of�tennis,but�the�very�essence�of�tennis�itself.�When�he�weaves�such�a�spell,�nobody�notices

his�errors.�Time�stops�whenever�he�performsan�action�not�worthy�of�his�lofty�reputation,and�triumphantly�resumes�when�he�again

preaches�to�the�converted�masses.�And�howthey�love�to�hear�his�sermons,�in�the�sanctuarythat�is�his�court.

�And�when�he�is�at�his�very�best,�when�eachpoint�leaves�the�audience�gasping�and�nudging

each�other,�even�Federer�seems�to�becomeconsumed�with�the�moment.�He�forgetshimself,�all�that�was�and�will�be,�all�his

affections,�all�that�has�led�him�to�be�there,totally�immersed�in�the�perfection�of�his�play.�Itseems�almost�as�if�he�joins�the�audience�towatch�himself�play,�for�it�is�so�good�that�evenhe�himself�does�not�want�to�miss�the�spectacle.�At�such�times,�the�pursuit�of�a�victory�seemsalmost�irrelevant.�It�will�matter�at�the�end�of

the�day,�but�during�the�match�it�is�on�nobody’smind.�It�ceases�to�be�a�hotly�contested�athleticevent,�somehow�rising�above�such�trivialthings.�Federer�is�not�an�overwhelming

champion�all�but�humiliating�his�opponent,�buta�benevolent�teacher,�taking�his�adversary�bythe�hand�and�showing�him�how�beautiful�the

game�can�be.�Federer's�opponent�will�do�his�part�in�realizing

the�big�show.�Taking�his�place�as�the�foil�toFederer’s�finesse,�he�serves�as�the�canvas�forthe�Master’s�paintbrush,�and�though�the�glory

may�not�be�his,�he�is�still�connected�to�thegenius�in�a�very�real�way.�And�as�the�lastmoment�passes,�as�the�last�brushstroke�leaves

the�canvas,�the�masterpiece�will�be�complete.�Ifit�were�not�for�the�silly�rules�that�keep�Federerand�his�congregation�grounded�­�that�one�point

should�follow�another,�that�gestures�such�asclapping�are�mandatory�­�he�and�them�wouldprobably�float�away�on�the�breeze�towards�thesun.�In�some�ways,�the�fact�that�such�poetry�can�beachieved�despite�it�is�being�framed�by�theserules�and�regulations�make�the�achievement�all

the�more�remarkable.�It�is�like�when�a�poet,forced�into�form�by�a�set�meter�and�rhymescheme,�is�able�to�become�the�best�version�ofhimself,�flourishing�in�spite�of�external�forces

that�seem�to�limit�him.�When�attendingFederer’s�matches,�it�is�often�not�evennecessary�to�watch�the�rallies�or�the�flight�of

the�ball.�Just�observing�his�movement�and�hisfootwork�is�enough�of�a�show�in�itself�to�make�theticket�price�worth�it.

�When�he�is�in�full�flight,�he�will�show�you�not�justa�tennis�match,�but�a�full�history�of�tennis�with

the�depth�of�his�play,�the�width�of�his�expressivecapabilities.�

And,�happy�after�the�match,�everyone�will�go�backto�their�homes,�as�if�nothing�at�all�had�happened.Forgetting�that�they�have�been�judged�by�the�god

of�tennis,�unaware�of�his�goodness�and�thewondrous�things�he�had�shared�with�them.�They�will�one�day�tell�their�children�what�theysaw,�and�how�incredible�it�was.�What�they�won’teven�remember�is�that�he�lost�that�match.�It�didn’tmatter.�He�was�Roger�Federer.

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BeautyOnTheCourt

byRiccardoZuliani

Aesthetics�is�everything�to�some�people.�Toothers,�it�mean�even�more�than�that.�To�them,it�is�the�heart�and�soul�of�an�event.�For�such

people,�one�of�the�greatest�delights�in�theworld�is�attending�a�tennis�match�in�whichRoger�Federer�is�playing.�Of�course,�in�tennis�aesthetics�can�be�a�tricky

concept.�One�match�might�end�in�straight�sets,and�contain�some�of�the�most�beautiful�tennisanyone�has�ever�seen.�Another�might�finish

with�the�exact�same�scoreline,�but�be�theugliest�match�ever�played.�Mistimed�shots,

unforced�errors,�overly�nervous�players,�poorplaying�conditions…there�are�many�ways�a

match�can�be�ugly.�But�not�when�Federer�is�on�the�court.

�The�Swiss�is�to�many�people�a�kind�of�tennisgod.�And�like�with�any�religion,�sometimes

when�a�god�stops�giving�to�his�people,�theirbelief�grows�even�stronger.�So�he�might�not�bewinning�every�tournaments�he�enters,�as�he

once�did,�and�he�might�not�have�won�a�Slam�inmany�years,�but�his�believers�still�believe.�Manypeople�who�go�to�see�him�play�are�not�merely

going�to�see�their�idol�tested�by�an�opponent,but�they�are,�in�a�way,�testing�themselves�andtheir�deeply�held�views.�People�go�to�see�Federer,�but�he�is�often�sodifferent�from�the�Federer�they�expected�thattheir�faith�might�be�tested,�at�least�for�aninstant.�But�then,�before�they�can�question

those�doubts�too�deeply,�he�delivers�one�of�themoments�that�seize�the�souls�of�every�memberof�the�audience.�A�moment�when�he�does�notjust�seem�to�be�the�absolute�master�of�tennis,but�the�very�essence�of�tennis�itself.�When�he�weaves�such�a�spell,�nobody�notices

his�errors.�Time�stops�whenever�he�performsan�action�not�worthy�of�his�lofty�reputation,and�triumphantly�resumes�when�he�again

preaches�to�the�converted�masses.�And�howthey�love�to�hear�his�sermons,�in�the�sanctuarythat�is�his�court.

�And�when�he�is�at�his�very�best,�when�eachpoint�leaves�the�audience�gasping�and�nudging

each�other,�even�Federer�seems�to�becomeconsumed�with�the�moment.�He�forgetshimself,�all�that�was�and�will�be,�all�his

affections,�all�that�has�led�him�to�be�there,totally�immersed�in�the�perfection�of�his�play.�Itseems�almost�as�if�he�joins�the�audience�towatch�himself�play,�for�it�is�so�good�that�evenhe�himself�does�not�want�to�miss�the�spectacle.�At�such�times,�the�pursuit�of�a�victory�seemsalmost�irrelevant.�It�will�matter�at�the�end�of

the�day,�but�during�the�match�it�is�on�nobody’smind.�It�ceases�to�be�a�hotly�contested�athleticevent,�somehow�rising�above�such�trivialthings.�Federer�is�not�an�overwhelming

champion�all�but�humiliating�his�opponent,�buta�benevolent�teacher,�taking�his�adversary�bythe�hand�and�showing�him�how�beautiful�the

game�can�be.�Federer's�opponent�will�do�his�part�in�realizing

the�big�show.�Taking�his�place�as�the�foil�toFederer’s�finesse,�he�serves�as�the�canvas�forthe�Master’s�paintbrush,�and�though�the�glory

may�not�be�his,�he�is�still�connected�to�thegenius�in�a�very�real�way.�And�as�the�lastmoment�passes,�as�the�last�brushstroke�leaves

the�canvas,�the�masterpiece�will�be�complete.�Ifit�were�not�for�the�silly�rules�that�keep�Federerand�his�congregation�grounded�­�that�one�point

should�follow�another,�that�gestures�such�asclapping�are�mandatory�­�he�and�them�wouldprobably�float�away�on�the�breeze�towards�thesun.�In�some�ways,�the�fact�that�such�poetry�can�beachieved�despite�it�is�being�framed�by�theserules�and�regulations�make�the�achievement�all

the�more�remarkable.�It�is�like�when�a�poet,forced�into�form�by�a�set�meter�and�rhymescheme,�is�able�to�become�the�best�version�ofhimself,�flourishing�in�spite�of�external�forces

that�seem�to�limit�him.�When�attendingFederer’s�matches,�it�is�often�not�evennecessary�to�watch�the�rallies�or�the�flight�of

the�ball.�Just�observing�his�movement�and�hisfootwork�is�enough�of�a�show�in�itself�to�make�theticket�price�worth�it.

�When�he�is�in�full�flight,�he�will�show�you�not�justa�tennis�match,�but�a�full�history�of�tennis�with

the�depth�of�his�play,�the�width�of�his�expressivecapabilities.�

And,�happy�after�the�match,�everyone�will�go�backto�their�homes,�as�if�nothing�at�all�had�happened.Forgetting�that�they�have�been�judged�by�the�god

of�tennis,�unaware�of�his�goodness�and�thewondrous�things�he�had�shared�with�them.�They�will�one�day�tell�their�children�what�theysaw,�and�how�incredible�it�was.�What�they�won’teven�remember�is�that�he�lost�that�match.�It�didn’tmatter.�He�was�Roger�Federer.

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AStoryToldOne

ShotAtATime

byRiccardoZuliani

Observing�your�forehand

from�across�the�court,�I�haveto�say:�beautiful.�It�isextraordinary,�the�elegantgesture�your�body�isengaged�in,�perfectlystringing�together�so�many

disparate�movements�intoone�coherent�flow,completely�focused�on�asingle�physical�goal.

�But�how�did�you�do�that?�Ihit�the�ball�at�you�with�such

violence�and�accuracy.�Youhad�almost�no�time�to�react,but�even�so,�or�perhaps

because�of�it,�you�managedto�get�yourself�into�theperfect�position.�If�I�had�not

hit�the�ball,�and�it�had�notmade�its�way�over�to�you,�ofcourse,�you�would�not�be�in

that�position.�But�I�did,�andit�reached�you,�the�result�ofmy�backhand.�But�it’s�not

just�a�backhand.�It�is�thegesture,�in�part,�of�an�armthat�hangs�by�my�side,�which

is�not�even�in�contact�withthe�racket�when�I�hit�theshot.�I�remember�that�thebackhand�was�the�last�shot�Iadded�to�my�repertoire.

Initially�of�the�two-handed

variety,�but�that�soonchanged.�When�I�say�Ilearned�a�proper�backhandlast,�I�really�mean�it:�I

mastered�even�useless�shotsbefore�I�learned�to�hit�a

backhand.�Useless�shotssuch�as�the�Veronica,�alsoknown�as�the�hotdog,�whichis�when�one�hits�the�ballbetween�one’s�legs�after

chasing�down�a�lob.�I�do�notknow�which�nickname�forsuch�a�silly�shot,�one�whichis�often�not�seen�at�all�forentire�matches,�is�moredelightful,�but�I�love�them

both.�I�learned�the�one-handed

backhand�for�the�simple�fact

that�it�seemed�to�me�themost�aesthetically�pleasingof�the�available�options.�The

gesture�is�always�unique�andirreproducible,�somehowremoved�from�and�above�the

basic�technical�principlesthat�underpin�it.�It�seemsmore�creative,�more

expressive…it�simply�hasmore�personality�than�the

alternative.�I�have�invested�a�great�dealof�sweat�and�tears�in�thebackhand.�I�worked�hard�to

allow�myself�the�ability�toplay�this�shot�of�elegantsimplicity.�At�the�end�of�mylabors,�I�have�achieved�somegood�results.�After�manyfailures�on�the�court�while

learning�this�tricky�shot,�iteventually�stabilized�andbecame�reliable�with�much

greater�frequency.�It

eventually�surpassed�thetwo-handed�backhand,which�had�given�me�such

stability�and�practicality,�butlittle�aesthetic�pleasure.�Andthis�journey�of�functionality

and�beauty,�which�has�takenso�long�and�demanded�somuch,�has�brought�me�here

today,�to�this�tournament,�tothis�final.

�It�is�definitely�the�biggeststage�that�my�right�arm�(verywell,�I�will�admit�that�my�leftarm�does�not�just�hang

there,�it�does�also�serve�itspurpose)�has�brought�me.My�backhand,�especially,brought�me�here.�My�story�iscondensed�in�this�one�shot,and�which�has�become�the

center�of�my�tennispersonality,�the�center�of�myself�on�the�court.�Behind�mylast�backhand�lies�all�my

shots,�all�my�games,�myevery�emotion�which�I�haveexperienced�on�the�court.

On�every�backhand�isengraved,�like�marks�on�aprison�wall,�every�backhand

that�I�have�ever�hit�in�mylife.�They�are�all,�in�a�waypart�of�each�other.

You,�on�the�other�side�of�thecourt,�are�going�to�be�hit�by

a�very�long�story,�a�storythat�has�been�written�oneshot�at�a�time�for�many,many�years.�A�story�thatcould�never�be�fully�written

by�mere�words.�Becausewhat's�coming�to�you,�dearopponent,�is�the�latest�andmost�recent�outcome�of�thegreat�story�in�which�we�areboth�participating.�A�story

that�involves�dizzying�highsand�devastating�lows,�andwhich�continues�to�expandwith�every�rally,�with�every

shot.�The�media�does�notcare�about�these�details,they�only�want�a�quick

snapshot�after�each�match,but�the�story�does�not�care,it�keeps�going�no�matter

what.�But�as�you�prepare�to�hit

your�shot,�I�can�see�yourstory�as�well.�You�are�about

to�express�yourself�with�thatshot,�with�the�violence�andimagination�that�has�takenyou�years�to�perfect.�All�thetournaments,�rankings,

triumphs,�joys�and�tearshave�lead�ultimately�to�thismoment.�You�are�about�totry�and�show�everyone�whyyou�are�here,�and�your�shotmight�very�well�change�the

fate�of�not�only�this�matchand�your�career,�but�mycareer�as�well.�And�as�I�waitfor�you�to�hit�that�shot,�I

cannot�help�but�admire�thetechnical�perfection�of�yourstance�as�you�wait�to

execute�it.�You're�perfect�in�this

historical�preservation�of�amovement,�and�it�goesbeyond�the�physical�reality

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AStoryToldOne

ShotAtATime

byRiccardoZuliani

Observing�your�forehand

from�across�the�court,�I�haveto�say:�beautiful.�It�isextraordinary,�the�elegantgesture�your�body�isengaged�in,�perfectlystringing�together�so�many

disparate�movements�intoone�coherent�flow,completely�focused�on�asingle�physical�goal.

�But�how�did�you�do�that?�Ihit�the�ball�at�you�with�such

violence�and�accuracy.�Youhad�almost�no�time�to�react,but�even�so,�or�perhaps

because�of�it,�you�managedto�get�yourself�into�theperfect�position.�If�I�had�not

hit�the�ball,�and�it�had�notmade�its�way�over�to�you,�ofcourse,�you�would�not�be�in

that�position.�But�I�did,�andit�reached�you,�the�result�ofmy�backhand.�But�it’s�not

just�a�backhand.�It�is�thegesture,�in�part,�of�an�armthat�hangs�by�my�side,�which

is�not�even�in�contact�withthe�racket�when�I�hit�theshot.�I�remember�that�thebackhand�was�the�last�shot�Iadded�to�my�repertoire.

Initially�of�the�two-handed

variety,�but�that�soonchanged.�When�I�say�Ilearned�a�proper�backhandlast,�I�really�mean�it:�I

mastered�even�useless�shotsbefore�I�learned�to�hit�a

backhand.�Useless�shotssuch�as�the�Veronica,�alsoknown�as�the�hotdog,�whichis�when�one�hits�the�ballbetween�one’s�legs�after

chasing�down�a�lob.�I�do�notknow�which�nickname�forsuch�a�silly�shot,�one�whichis�often�not�seen�at�all�forentire�matches,�is�moredelightful,�but�I�love�them

both.�I�learned�the�one-handed

backhand�for�the�simple�fact

that�it�seemed�to�me�themost�aesthetically�pleasingof�the�available�options.�The

gesture�is�always�unique�andirreproducible,�somehowremoved�from�and�above�the

basic�technical�principlesthat�underpin�it.�It�seemsmore�creative,�more

expressive…it�simply�hasmore�personality�than�the

alternative.�I�have�invested�a�great�dealof�sweat�and�tears�in�thebackhand.�I�worked�hard�to

allow�myself�the�ability�toplay�this�shot�of�elegantsimplicity.�At�the�end�of�mylabors,�I�have�achieved�somegood�results.�After�manyfailures�on�the�court�while

learning�this�tricky�shot,�iteventually�stabilized�andbecame�reliable�with�much

greater�frequency.�It

eventually�surpassed�thetwo-handed�backhand,which�had�given�me�such

stability�and�practicality,�butlittle�aesthetic�pleasure.�Andthis�journey�of�functionality

and�beauty,�which�has�takenso�long�and�demanded�somuch,�has�brought�me�here

today,�to�this�tournament,�tothis�final.

�It�is�definitely�the�biggeststage�that�my�right�arm�(verywell,�I�will�admit�that�my�leftarm�does�not�just�hang

there,�it�does�also�serve�itspurpose)�has�brought�me.My�backhand,�especially,brought�me�here.�My�story�iscondensed�in�this�one�shot,and�which�has�become�the

center�of�my�tennispersonality,�the�center�of�myself�on�the�court.�Behind�my

last�backhand�lies�all�my

shots,�all�my�games,�myevery�emotion�which�I�haveexperienced�on�the�court.

On�every�backhand�isengraved,�like�marks�on�aprison�wall,�every�backhand

that�I�have�ever�hit�in�mylife.�They�are�all,�in�a�waypart�of�each�other.

You,�on�the�other�side�of�thecourt,�are�going�to�be�hit�by

a�very�long�story,�a�storythat�has�been�written�oneshot�at�a�time�for�many,many�years.�A�story�thatcould�never�be�fully�written

by�mere�words.�Becausewhat's�coming�to�you,�dearopponent,�is�the�latest�andmost�recent�outcome�of�thegreat�story�in�which�we�areboth�participating.�A�story

that�involves�dizzying�highsand�devastating�lows,�andwhich�continues�to�expand

with�every�rally,�with�every

shot.�The�media�does�notcare�about�these�details,they�only�want�a�quick

snapshot�after�each�match,but�the�story�does�not�care,it�keeps�going�no�matter

what.�But�as�you�prepare�to�hit

your�shot,�I�can�see�yourstory�as�well.�You�are�about

to�express�yourself�with�thatshot,�with�the�violence�andimagination�that�has�takenyou�years�to�perfect.�All�thetournaments,�rankings,

triumphs,�joys�and�tearshave�lead�ultimately�to�thismoment.�You�are�about�totry�and�show�everyone�whyyou�are�here,�and�your�shotmight�very�well�change�the

fate�of�not�only�this�matchand�your�career,�but�mycareer�as�well.�And�as�I�wait

for�you�to�hit�that�shot,�I

cannot�help�but�admire�thetechnical�perfection�of�yourstance�as�you�wait�to

execute�it.�You're�perfect�in�this

historical�preservation�of�amovement,�and�it�goesbeyond�the�physical�reality

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of�simply�preparing�to�hit�alittle�yellow�ball.

�Perhaps�then�it�is�not�somuch�the�way�in�which�you

bend�your�legs,�lower�yourshoulders,�stretch�your�leftarm�as�if�to�indicate�that,yes,�this�is�exactly�the�storyyou�want�to�tell.�Perhaps�it�ismore�about�the�fact�that�youardently,�with�dignity�andrespect,�refuse�to�back

down,�and�step�up�to�eachand�every�shot�and�challengewith�superb�style�andconfidence.�Possibly�youcan’t�even�help�it.�You�have

so�many�memories,�so�manyexperiences�driving�your

every�movement,�that�youcannot�help�but�perform�theaction�the�way�you�do.�I

cannot�imagine�anything�buta�happy�outcome,�from�yourperspective,�from�yourencounter�with�the�ball.�You�are�simply�amazing,�soimpassively�carrying�out�yourtask�despite�pressure�from

so�many�sources,�unruffledin�the�midst�of�the�mostterrible�of�storms.�Of�course,once�you�hit�the�ball�I�knowthat�it�will�be�my�turn�to

take�my�position,�my�turn�toact.�I�know�at�that�point�I�will

feel�the�unbearable�weightof�history�pressing�down�onmy�racket.�I�have�a�chance�to

change�the�very�course�ofhistory�itself,�and�thethought�overwhelms�me�tothe�point�that�I�simply�wantto�sit�down�on�the�court�andthink�deeply�about�all�ofthese�philosophicalquestions.�But�I�cannot.�For

that�is�not�my�destiny.�Mydestiny�is�to�react.�To�act.�Tostrive.�To�triumph.

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of�simply�preparing�to�hit�alittle�yellow�ball.

�Perhaps�then�it�is�not�somuch�the�way�in�which�you

bend�your�legs,�lower�yourshoulders,�stretch�your�leftarm�as�if�to�indicate�that,yes,�this�is�exactly�the�storyyou�want�to�tell.�Perhaps�it�ismore�about�the�fact�that�youardently,�with�dignity�andrespect,�refuse�to�back

down,�and�step�up�to�eachand�every�shot�and�challengewith�superb�style�andconfidence.�Possibly�youcan’t�even�help�it.�You�have

so�many�memories,�so�manyexperiences�driving�your

every�movement,�that�youcannot�help�but�perform�theaction�the�way�you�do.�I

cannot�imagine�anything�buta�happy�outcome,�from�yourperspective,�from�yourencounter�with�the�ball.�You�are�simply�amazing,�soimpassively�carrying�out�yourtask�despite�pressure�from

so�many�sources,�unruffledin�the�midst�of�the�mostterrible�of�storms.�Of�course,once�you�hit�the�ball�I�knowthat�it�will�be�my�turn�to

take�my�position,�my�turn�toact.�I�know�at�that�point�I�will

feel�the�unbearable�weightof�history�pressing�down�onmy�racket.�I�have�a�chance�to

change�the�very�course�ofhistory�itself,�and�thethought�overwhelms�me�tothe�point�that�I�simply�wantto�sit�down�on�the�court�andthink�deeply�about�all�ofthese�philosophicalquestions.�But�I�cannot.�For

that�is�not�my�destiny.�Mydestiny�is�to�react.�To�act.�Tostrive.�To�triumph.

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FasciitisOfTheFoot:ACommonDisorder

AmongTennisPlayers

byRodolfoLisi

In�my�sixth�book�on�tennis,�entitled�"Disorders

of�the�Lower�Limbs�in�Tennis"�(Edizioni

Arachne,�www.aracneeditrice.it,�€�10),�I�deal

with�the�most�common�conditions�of�the�lower

limbs�in�tennis�player�(Figure�cover)

One�of�the�most�common�conditions�is�plantar

fasciitis.�Plantar�fasciitis�(plantar�or�enthesitisor�rear�talalgia)�is�often�accompanied�bycalcification�(heel�spurs)�at�the�level�of�themedial�calcaneal�tuberosity.�It�is�a�common

disorder�of�the�foot�and�often�caused�byoverexertion�or�overuse.Excessive�tension�on�the�ligament�on�its

calcaneal�insertion�(when�standing�or�walking)causes�inflammation�and�pain.�The�pain�at�firstcan�be�infrequent�and�focused�on�the�back

part�of�the�foot,�but�soon�spreads�across�the�arch�towards�the�toes.�Poor�training�techniques�whileexercising�or�simple�overuse�can�cause�the�condition.�Neurological�factors�can�also�play�a�role�incontracting�plantar�fasciitis,�as�can�obesity,�congenital�deformity�or�secondary�trauma.

�Patients�will�complain�of�pain�in�the�medial�region�of�the�calcaneus,�especially�in�the�morning�andafter�periods�of�resting.�With�movement,�the�pain�may�disappear�but�reappear�when�remaining�idlefor�an�extended�period.�In�a�more�advanced�phase,�the�pain�may�be�constant�even�when�moving,

and�can�be�quite�severe.�It�is�appropriate�to�consider�­�in�addition�to�the�patient's�medical�history�­various�factors�that�may�be�addressed�in�order�to�resolve�the�condition�over�the�long�term.�These

include�the�patient’s�weight�and�physical�activities.�Physical�examination�will�identify�the�point�of�pain:�palpation�and�acupressure�may�aggravate�the

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symptoms.�There�is�usually�noteworthy�edema.If�present,�the�swelling�will�likely�be�located�at

the�rear�of�the�foot�and�be�rather�limited.�Onemust�­�in�the�case�of�plantar�fasciitis�­�performa�radiological�examination�of�the�right�and�leftfoot�under�load�in�two�standard�projections,focusing�on�the�axial�assessment�of�thecalcaneus.�One�must�also�include�the�pelvis,�hip

and�knee�in�the�radiographic�screening�if�onesuspects,�after�the�initial�examination,�they�arecontributing�factors.�Ultrasonography�is�of�great�help�in�the

assessment�of�calcifications,�integrity�andstructural�characteristics�of�the�ligament.�Onecan�easily�detect�the�presence�of�nodules�orlumps�with�this�method.�The�examination�is

painless,�repeatable�and�free�from�side�effects,making�it�the�tool�of�choice�for�diagnosis�in�thiscase.

�CT�and�MRI�must�only�be�conducted�ifparticular�questions�need�to�be�answered�(such

as�better�bone�structural�assessment�andaccurate�visualization�of�soft�tissue).�

Cortisone�therapy�is�only�to�be�used�for�shortperiods�of�time,�ideally�only�once.�Otherwise,the�risk�of�damage�to�the�ligament�is�high.

Cortisone�"draws"�the�water,�causing�wettingof�the�fibers.�The�hydrogen�bonds�of�thecollagen�are�loosened�and�the�plantar

aponeurosis,�therefore,�becomes�moreyieldable.�Medications�can�be�usefully�appliedvia�mesotherapy,�usually�anti-inflammatorydrugs�or�a�simple�saline�solution.�Treatment�of�the�pain�is,�of�course,�very

important.�Shock�Wave�Therapy�­�consideredby�many�to�be�the�treatment�of�choice�­�exertsanti-inflammatory�and�analgesic�effects,promoting�revascularization.�The�structural�andmetabolic�connective�tissue�needs�enough

vitamins�and�minerals,�meaning�that�a�decreaseof�animal�products�is�recommended�while

healing.�This�reduces�the�acidity�of�the�bloodand�the�promotes�the�production�of�free

radicals.�

It's�always�imperative�to�assess�static�anddynamic�foot�support.�Using�a�simple�X-ray,one�can�make�use�of�orthotics�to�correct�anysupport�deficiencies.�Since�the�condition�is�very�often�a�dysfunction

of�the�Achilles-plantar�system,�the�use�ofstretching�exercises�for�the�fascia�tendon�isstrongly�advocated.�For�example,�the�patientcan�squeeze�a�tennis�ball�under�the�sole�of�hisfoot�until�he�experiences�a�feeling�of

tenderness�(Figure�2).�This�will�"desensitize"the�fascial�fibers,�based�on�the�principle�thatrepeated�stimulation�can�reduce�the�pool�oflocal�algogenic�mediators�and/or�the�thresholdof�neuronal�excitability.

It�is�reasonable,�then,�to�provide�somereinforcement�for�the�pelvic�girdle�and�the

spine�so�that�the�movement�of�the�foot�takesplace�with�the�necessary�synergy�and

coordination.

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Leadership

byNickBollettieri

Throughout�my�life,�I�have�beenso�fortunate�to�do�so�manythings�including�parachuting�at

West�Point�on�my�80thbirthday,�traveling�to�Iraq�andAfghanistan�to�speak�to�ourtroops,�and�flying�with�thefamous�Blue�Angels�in�asophisticated�F-18.�My�pilot�was

Scott�Beare,�who�I�have�sincebecome�very�close�friends�withand�we�have�shared�ourthoughts�and�opinions�about

leadership�to�each�other.�Let’s�talk�a�bit�about�the�role�of

a�leader�and�start�out�with�a�fewparagraphs�from�Lt.�Scott�Beare

and�Michael�McMillan’s�booktitled,�“The�Power�of�Teamwork:Inspired�by�the�Blue�Angels.”

�The�Role�of�a�leader�carries�agreat�honor�and�responsibility.

Now�let’s�focus�on�those�thatcannot�be�a�leader:1.�A�leader�that�always�makes

excuses2.�Stays�in�the�background�andhides�behind�a�desk�Both�Kenneth�Blanchard�Ph.D.and�Spencer�Johnson�M.D.�think

that�effective�leadership�startsin�the�heart:�“Your�heartcontrols�your�motivation,�yourintent,�and�your�leadershipcharacter.”�They�explained�that,

“Managers�might�set�goals�andthen�disappear�until�you�screw

up.�Then�they�fly�in,�make�a�lot

of�noise,�dump�on�everybodyand�then�fly�out.�They�think

that�is�great�leadership.�“�I�started�the�Academy�in�1976with�6�to�8�coaches�along�withmy�close�friend�Mike

Depalmer.

Believe�me,�I�did�not�knowvery�much�about�starting�anAcademy�but�there�were�a�fewsimple�rules�that�I�quickly

learned�when�I�was�aparatrooper.1.�We�always�had�a�policy�whenpart�of�a�jump-�An�officer�or�a

sergeant�would�always�leadthe�jump�or�be�the�last�tojump.�I�was�an�officer�and

understood�why�this�was�thepolicy.�Let�me�share�a�story

with�you:�On�a�particular�jump,I�was�first.�On�our�way�to�adrop�zone,�a�young�privatewas�sitting�next�to�me�andasked�me�if�I�was�going�to

jump.�I�said�in�a�positive�voice,“Yes.”�Even�though�I�wasscared�to�death,�me�knowingmy�role�as�a�leader�helped�givehim�the�confidence.�Heresponded.�“If�you�jump,�I

jump.”

2.�As�our�Academy�began�toexpand,�I�realized�how

important�it�was�that�everyonereceives�the�credit�for�a�superpractice,�you�perform�as�a

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team.No�matter�what�anyonethinks,�my�experience�has

taught�me�that�successfulleaders�embrace�the�powerof�teamwork.�Tapping�into

the�innate�strength�that�eachperson�brings�to�the�table.

A�very�close�friend�of�mine,Marilyn�Nelson,�and�former

CEO�of�the�Carlson�Companyexplained�to�me�that�no�onein�their�company�is�moreimportant�than�anyone�else,

no�matter�what�their�role�is.

In�closing,�a�leader�must�bethe�one�that�accepts�successor�failure�and�never�shiftstheir�role�of�being�a�leader.

PS.�There�is�no�greater�gift

to�your�employees�than�asimple�pat�on�the�back.

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WorkHard,

WorkSmart

byFedericoCoppini

Anyone�who�regularly�reads

my�posts�will�know�howpassionate�I�am�about�threethings:�tennis,�the�UFC�and

music.�In�particular,�that�ofNoel�Gallagher.�You�will�alsoknow�that�I'm�a�big,�bigbeliever�that�you�get�outwhat�you�put�in�in�sport,�and

indeed�life.�There�are�no�twoathletes�in�the�world�thatprove�my�point�more�thanConor�McGregor�and�Ronda

Rousey,�the�two�biggeststars�in�UFC�right�now.�Ronda�Rousey�defended�her

UFC�title�in�just�34�secondsin�her�last�fight�following�herlast�three�previous�fights

that�lasted�14�seconds,�16seconds�and�1�minute�6seconds.�These�were�world

title�fights�against�the�best�inthe�world�and�demonstrates

why�Sports�Illustrated�votedher�the�most�dominantathlete�in�the�world.

�Conor�McGregor�burst�on�tothe�UFC�scene�two�years�ago

and�has�broken�every�recordin�the�sport�on�his�way�towinning�the�InterimFeatherweightChampionship�of�the�World

last�month.�Many�would�say�that�thesetwo�athletes�were�born�that

way,�but�what�those�peopledon't�realise�is�that�thereprobably�isn't�an�athlete�onthe�planet�who�works�harder

than�Rousey�and�McGregor.It�is�true�that�every�athletein�the�UFC�has�put�in

thousands�of�hours�ofgruelling�hard�work�to�get�tothe�leading�mixed�martial

arts�(MMA)�organisation�inthe�world.�To�become�an

elite�MMA�athlete,�you�needto�be�elite�in�all�combatsports.�Boxing,�Wrestling,�Jiu

Jitsu,�Muay�Thai,�to�namejust�a�few.�And�as�well�astheir�skill�levels�being�off�ofthe�chart,�so�are�their�fitnesslevels.

�What�separates�Rousey�andMcGregor�from�the�rest�istheir�obsession�with�MMA.It's�something�they�can't

turn�off.�Ronda�is�known�forher�incredible�work�rategoing�back�to�the�dayswhere�she�became�the�firstAmerican�woman�to�win�aJudo�medal�at�an�Olympics.She's�transferred�that�workethic�to�become�the�bestfemale�mixed�martial�artist�in

the�world,�with�manyexperts�saying�she�is�twentyyears�ahead�of�all�of�her

rivals.�

She�says�“I'm�very�bad�atresting.��I�have�a�problem,�I'llgo�defend�my�belt�and�I’ll�be

in�the�gym�two�days�later.�Idon't�know�what�to�do�withmyself.”�When�referring�toher�last�opponent�BetheCorreia,�she�stated�“I've�had

so�many�thousands�ofexperiences�this�girl�couldnever�possibly�have�betweenwhen�she�decided�MMA�wascool�until�now.�She'll�never

catch�up.”�Conor�has�said�in�differentinterviews�that�“myobsession�is�movement”�andalso�that�he�is�"obsessed

with�the�game"�and�is�knownfor�spending�hours�studyingmovement�both�of�humans

and�animals�in�their�naturalhabitat.

�Like�Rousey,�McGregor�isn'tvery�good�at�resting.�"It's�all�Ithink�about,�it's�24/7.�I�trainall�day�here�and�travel

around�to�different�gymsand�when�I�get�home�late�atnight�my�adrenaline�is�stillracing�so�I�often�shadow�boxin�my�room.�I�think�you�haveto�have�that�obsession�to�get

to�a�high�level."�His�girlfriend�of�eight�yearsDee�Devlin�reiterates�the

point�by�saying�“he�doesn'thave�hobbies,�he�doesn'tplay�golf.�Anything�he�does

outside�of�his�training�isrelated�to�his�training,�likerunning.�Even�watching�a

movie�is�hard�for�him.�Toconcentrate�on�something[other�than�fight�or

movement�related]�for�twohours�is�a�hard�thing�forConor�to�do.”

�Tom�Egan,�friend�andtraining�partner�of�McGregor

comments�“this�is�his�life.This�is�all�he�loves�to�do.After�he�beat�Dennis�Siver,

we�pretty�much�got�somefood�and�went�to�the�gym.That's�our�hobby.”�The�other�thing�thatimpresses�me�so�much�aboutthese�two�fighters�is�their

completely�unshakableconfidence�and�self-belief.Though�all�fighters�in�anycombat�sport�need�to�beincredibly�confident�when�in

an�environment�where�thereis�a�real�risk�of�serious�injury,

Rousey�and�McGregor�have�aself-belief�like�I've�neverseen�before,�on�a�differentlevel�to�99%�of�otherathletes�and�of�which�I�find

truly�inspiring.�Where�does�this�confidencecome�from?�Simple.�Frompreparation,�the�hours�andhours�dedicated�to

improving�their�craft�anddeveloping�their�skills,mindset,�movement,technique,�etc.,�etc..�When

every�waking�minute�isdedicated�to�becoming�thevery�best,�by�putting�the

hours�in,�by�living�andbreathing�the�game,�byremoving�yourself�from�your

comfort�zone�every�day,there�is�no�room�for�doubt.�

There's�a�saying�in�the�fightworld�‘train�hard,�fight�easy’and�Muhamed�Ali�said

famously�on�training�hard“don't�quit.�Suffer�now�and

live�the�rest�of�your�life�as�achampion.”�Though�Rousey�andMcGregor�are�very�differentin�the�way�they�promote

themselves�(Ronda�doesmost�of�her�talking�in�theoctagon�whereas�Conor�isvery�loud�and�brash�and�very

forefront�with�his�confidencein�himself�and�theweaknesses�he�sees�in�hisopponents.�It�is�hisMuhamed�Ali�like�trash�talkand�the�fact�he's�backed�up

everything�he�has�said�so�far,

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WorkHard,

WorkSmart

byFedericoCoppini

Anyone�who�regularly�reads

my�posts�will�know�howpassionate�I�am�about�threethings:�tennis,�the�UFC�and

music.�In�particular,�that�ofNoel�Gallagher.�You�will�alsoknow�that�I'm�a�big,�bigbeliever�that�you�get�outwhat�you�put�in�in�sport,�and

indeed�life.�There�are�no�twoathletes�in�the�world�thatprove�my�point�more�thanConor�McGregor�and�Ronda

Rousey,�the�two�biggeststars�in�UFC�right�now.�Ronda�Rousey�defended�her

UFC�title�in�just�34�secondsin�her�last�fight�following�herlast�three�previous�fights

that�lasted�14�seconds,�16seconds�and�1�minute�6seconds.�These�were�world

title�fights�against�the�best�inthe�world�and�demonstrates

why�Sports�Illustrated�votedher�the�most�dominantathlete�in�the�world.

�Conor�McGregor�burst�on�tothe�UFC�scene�two�years�ago

and�has�broken�every�recordin�the�sport�on�his�way�towinning�the�InterimFeatherweightChampionship�of�the�World

last�month.�Many�would�say�that�thesetwo�athletes�were�born�that

way,�but�what�those�peopledon't�realise�is�that�thereprobably�isn't�an�athlete�onthe�planet�who�works�harder

than�Rousey�and�McGregor.It�is�true�that�every�athletein�the�UFC�has�put�in

thousands�of�hours�ofgruelling�hard�work�to�get�tothe�leading�mixed�martial

arts�(MMA)�organisation�inthe�world.�To�become�an

elite�MMA�athlete,�you�needto�be�elite�in�all�combatsports.�Boxing,�Wrestling,�Jiu

Jitsu,�Muay�Thai,�to�namejust�a�few.�And�as�well�astheir�skill�levels�being�off�ofthe�chart,�so�are�their�fitnesslevels.

�What�separates�Rousey�andMcGregor�from�the�rest�istheir�obsession�with�MMA.It's�something�they�can't

turn�off.�Ronda�is�known�forher�incredible�work�rategoing�back�to�the�dayswhere�she�became�the�firstAmerican�woman�to�win�aJudo�medal�at�an�Olympics.She's�transferred�that�workethic�to�become�the�bestfemale�mixed�martial�artist�in

the�world,�with�manyexperts�saying�she�is�twentyyears�ahead�of�all�of�her

rivals.�

She�says�“I'm�very�bad�atresting.��I�have�a�problem,�I'llgo�defend�my�belt�and�I’ll�be

in�the�gym�two�days�later.�Idon't�know�what�to�do�withmyself.”�When�referring�toher�last�opponent�BetheCorreia,�she�stated�“I've�had

so�many�thousands�ofexperiences�this�girl�couldnever�possibly�have�betweenwhen�she�decided�MMA�wascool�until�now.�She'll�never

catch�up.”�Conor�has�said�in�differentinterviews�that�“myobsession�is�movement”�andalso�that�he�is�"obsessedwith�the�game"�and�is�knownfor�spending�hours�studyingmovement�both�of�humans

and�animals�in�their�naturalhabitat.

�Like�Rousey,�McGregor�isn'tvery�good�at�resting.�"It's�all�Ithink�about,�it's�24/7.�I�trainall�day�here�and�travel

around�to�different�gymsand�when�I�get�home�late�atnight�my�adrenaline�is�stillracing�so�I�often�shadow�boxin�my�room.�I�think�you�haveto�have�that�obsession�to�get

to�a�high�level."�His�girlfriend�of�eight�yearsDee�Devlin�reiterates�the

point�by�saying�“he�doesn'thave�hobbies,�he�doesn'tplay�golf.�Anything�he�does

outside�of�his�training�isrelated�to�his�training,�likerunning.�Even�watching�a

movie�is�hard�for�him.�Toconcentrate�on�something[other�than�fight�or

movement�related]�for�twohours�is�a�hard�thing�forConor�to�do.”

�Tom�Egan,�friend�and

training�partner�of�McGregorcomments�“this�is�his�life.This�is�all�he�loves�to�do.After�he�beat�Dennis�Siver,we�pretty�much�got�somefood�and�went�to�the�gym.

That's�our�hobby.”�The�other�thing�thatimpresses�me�so�much�about

these�two�fighters�is�theircompletely�unshakable

confidence�and�self-belief.Though�all�fighters�in�any

combat�sport�need�to�beincredibly�confident�when�in

an�environment�where�thereis�a�real�risk�of�serious�injury,

Rousey�and�McGregor�have�aself-belief�like�I've�neverseen�before,�on�a�differentlevel�to�99%�of�otherathletes�and�of�which�I�find

truly�inspiring.�Where�does�this�confidencecome�from?�Simple.�Frompreparation,�the�hours�andhours�dedicated�to

improving�their�craft�anddeveloping�their�skills,mindset,�movement,technique,�etc.,�etc..�When

every�waking�minute�isdedicated�to�becoming�thevery�best,�by�putting�the

hours�in,�by�living�andbreathing�the�game,�byremoving�yourself�from�your

comfort�zone�every�day,there�is�no�room�for�doubt.�

There's�a�saying�in�the�fightworld�‘train�hard,�fight�easy’and�Muhamed�Ali�said

famously�on�training�hard“don't�quit.�Suffer�now�andlive�the�rest�of�your�life�as�a

champion.”�Though�Rousey�and

McGregor�are�very�differentin�the�way�they�promotethemselves�(Ronda�doesmost�of�her�talking�in�theoctagon�whereas�Conor�isvery�loud�and�brash�and�veryforefront�with�his�confidencein�himself�and�theweaknesses�he�sees�in�hisopponents.�It�is�hisMuhamed�Ali�like�trash�talkand�the�fact�he's�backed�upeverything�he�has�said�so�far,

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that�has�played�such�a�bigpart�in�bringing�the�UFC�to�amore�mainstream�audience

here�in�the�UK.),�in�myopinion�they�are�bothexceptional�role�models�for

any�aspiring�athletesbecause�of�their�staggering

work�ethic�and�dedication.�Itis�this�work�ethic�anddedication�that�has�sentmany�men�and�women�tothe�top�of�their�chosen�field.

Too�many�to�mention�in�thisarticle.�Many,�many�names

you�would�have�heard�of�andprobably�even�more�that�youwouldn't�have�heard�of.�Toname�just�a�couple�ofathletes�who�reached�thepinnacle�of�their�sport.

Firstly,�Roger�Federer.Federer�is�widely�regarded

as�the�greatest�tennis�playerof�all�time�playing�aconsistent,�magnificent�level

of�tennis�so�good�that�youcould�easily�be�fooled�intothinking�he�was�given�a�god

given�talent,�that�he�wasborn�a�tennis�genius.�

The�truth�is,�Federer�put�inthe�hours.�From�the�age�of

four�years�old�he�spenthours�and�hours�watchingtennis�on�the�TV.�Andthough�tennis�was�hisfavourite�sport,�he�played�a

lot�of�football�and�squash�upuntil�the�age�of�twelve�whichhelped�him�become�the

amazing�athlete�he�is�todayand�arguably�the�best�moverwe've�ever�seen�on�thecourt.�There�was�nothingelse�he�wanted�to�be�otherthan�a�tennis�champion.

�Another�athlete�who�was

recently�described�as�thebest�free�kick�taker�ever�byBrazilian�legend�Roberto

Carlos�is�David�Beckham.Like�Federer,�it's�easy�tothink�that�he�was�born�with

that�magical�right�foot�butBeckham�spent�every�minutepossible�practicing�his�free

kicks,�corners�and�crosseswhen�he�was�a�kid.�He

practiced�for�hours�andhours�with�his�dad�up�untilturning�pro�where�he�wouldthen�stay�behind�long�afterhis�Manchester�United�team

mates�had�gone�home,practicing�his�dead�ball�kicks.Both�Federer�and�Beckham

were�obsessed�with�theirfavourite�sport�and�wereadamant�that�when�theygrew�up,�they�would�make�it.Despite�the�scepticism�oftheir�school�teachers.

�Where�we're�easily�fooled�is

when�these�masters�of�theircraft�make�it�look�so�easy.When�Federer�makes�his

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running�forehand�look�soeasy,�we�think�that�must�be

down�to�natural�talent.When�Michael�Jordan�madeit�look�so�easy,�that�must�bedown�to�natural�talent.�Inreality,�Federer�has�hitmillions�of�forehands�and

has�spent�hundreds�of�hoursworking�on�his�footwork,peRFecting�his�movement.And�in�Jordan's�case,�no�onecould�have�predicted�just

how�big�a�star�he�would�goon�to�become�when�he�wascut�from�his�school

basketball�team�when�he

was�15.�It�was�the�doggedhard�work�after�he�was�cutthat�made�Jordan�the�legend

that�he�is.�He�famously�oncesaid�"I've�always�believedthat�if�you�put�in�the�work,

the�results�will�come.�I�don'tdo�things�half-hearted.Because�I�know�if�I�do�then�I

can�expect�half-heartedresults."�And�another�time"some�people�want�it�to

happen,�some�wish�it�wouldhappen,�others�make�ithappen."

�Sticking�to�aspects�of�life�I

am�most�fond�of,�I’ll�give�youtwo�more�examples�from�theworld�of�music,�Jimi�Hendrixand�Noel�Gallagher.�JimiHendrix�is�regarded�as�thegreatest�guitarist�there�hasever�been�by�many

musicians.�Again,�if�you�askthe�average�man�on�thestreet,�he�will�tell�you�thathe�must�have�had�some�god

given�talent.�But�like�Rousey,McGregor,�Federer�andBeckham,�Jimi�Hendrix�was

obsessed.�Obsessed�withguitars�saying�“music�is�my

religion“�and�“my�goal�is�tobe�one�with�the�music.�I�justdedicate�my�whole�life�tothis�art”.�They�say�he�never,ever�put�his�guitar�down

and�that�he�even�took�itwith�him�to�the�bathroom.�Noel�Gallagher�along�withJohn�Lennon,�PaulMcCartney�and�Pete

Townshend�is�one�of�myfavourite�song�writers�of�alltime.�Just�last�month�whentalking�about�his�musical

talent�in�an�interview,�hesaid�“I�can�safely�say�that�Ididn't�get�a�head�start�in�life

at�all,�if�anything�the�deck�ofcards�was�stacked�firmlyagainst�me�and�I�got�to

where�I�am�today�by�sheerforce�of�will.�I�think�that�inlife,�if�you�are�realistic

enough,�you�can�achieveanything�you�want”�adding“my�aspirations�and�goals

were�to�be�the�biggest�rockstar�in�the�world�[and

achieved�it]�through�sheerdetermination”.�Every�example�I'vementioned�supports�the

work�Daniel�Coyledemonstrates�in�his�bookThe�Talent�Code�where�hedismisses�the�myth�thattalent�is�something�the�greatare�born�with�but�is

something�the�great�haveearned�through�hard�workand�deep�practice.�No�one�isa�born�champion.�Champions

work�incredibly�hard,incredibly�smart,�relentlessly.McGregor�said�after�winning

the�Interim�Featherweightbelt�last�month�"I�honestlybelieve�there�is�no�such

thing�as�self-made.�I�believethat�is�a�term�that�does�notexist.�For�me�it�certainly

doesn't."�These�athletes�and�musicians

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show�the�doggedness,�the

persistence�and�single-mindedness�that�is�neededto�become�the�best.�In�thecase�of�young�athletes

though,�this�single-mindedness�has�to�benurtured.�Like�I've�statedmany�times�in�previousposts,�it's�extremelyimportant�that�the�future

Federers�and�Beckhamsdon't�stick�to�the�one�sportand�just�like�Federer�did,

play�multiple�sports�until�the

age�of�12�years�old.�Though�ittakes�thousands�of�hours�ofhard,�smart,�deep�practice�tomake�it�to�the�top,�the

benefits�of�playing�multiplesports�at�a�young�age�and�theall-round�athleticism�thatbrings,�is�equally�important.�What�is�of�equal�importance,

which�every�athlete�andmusician�mentioned�herepossesses,�is�having�a�growth

mindset�and�the�ability�to

not�be�afraid�to�fail.�All�thehard�work�in�the�world�isn'tgoing�to�be�enough�if�youhave�a�fixed�mindset�and�are

afraid�to�fail.�So�work�hard,�work�smart,keep�a�growth�mindset�andDON’T�BE�AFRAID�TO�FAIL!

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This�top�is�made�of�fabric�sporting�Climachilltechnology,�which�uses�a�fine�mesh�of�polar

fiber�to�draw�away�heat�and�ensure�maximumfreshness,�even�during�the�longest�matches.

The�mesh�panels�enhance�ventilation�and�areelegantly�elastic,�allowing�it�to�follow�the�exact

movements�of�your�body.

The�entire�structure�is�made�from�recycledpolyester�that�has�less�impact�on�theenvironment�and�reduces�emissions.

To�accompany�the�top�is�this�tennis�skirt�whichperfectly�follows�the�movements�of�your�body,

even�during�the�most�intense�rallies.�

Created�together�with�the�top�for�some�of�thebest�players�in�the�world,�like�Garbine

Muguruza�and�Caroline�Wozniacki,�it�usesClimachill�technology�to�draw�moisture�awayfrom�the�skin�in�order�to�keep�you�fresh�andfocused.�

The�elastic�waistband�also�ensures�maximum

freedom�of�movement.

ADIDASBARRICADEROLANDGARROS

2016BYSTELLAMcCARTNEY

byEdoardoDiMino

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Every�detail�of�this�shirt�is�designed�to�improveyour�performance�on�the�court.�The

lightweight�fabric�is�ultra-breathable�to�keepyou�cool�and�confident,�and�the�new�designwill�allow�you�to�stay�ultra-comfortable�evenduring�the�longest�matches.�

The�new�athletic�fit�features�shoulder�seamsthat�have�been�moved�forward�for�maximumcomfort,�while�the�perforated�inserts�will�keepyou�cooler�for�longer.�

Made�from�100%�polyester�material�with�anti-

humidity�dye,�the�shirt�will�also�protect�youfrom�harmful�UV�rays.

The�new�Tournament�Crew�collection�wouldnot�be�complete�without�these�revolutionary

shorts,�designed�for�top�players�like�MilosRaonic.�

Made�from�ultra-lightweight�stretch�fabric,

these�shorts�have�a�mesh�gusset�and�backyoke�for�ultimate�breathability.�

The�fabric�also�stretches�to�allow�for�completefreedom�of�movement,�and�is�made�using�88%Nylon�and�12%�Spandex.�

NEWBALANCETOURNAMENTCREW

byEdoardoDiMino

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AdidasandYohji

Yamamotoagainat

RolandGarros

byEdoardoDiMino

Given�the�success�of�the�collaborationbetween�Adidas�and�Yohji�Yamamoto�lastyear,�it�only�makes�sense�that�the�two�worktogether�again�for�this�year’s�Roland�Garroscollection.�The�new�collection�drawsinspiration�from�the�camouflage�style�popular

in�the�1940s�and�1950s,�and�is�designed�tomake�you�feel�comfortable�while�distractingyour�opponent�with�your�sharp�fashionsense.�

Starting�with�the�women’s�line,�the�shirtfeatures�a�modern�design�with�clean�lines.

Sporting�the�ClimaLite�technology,�it�offers�asuperior�and�comfortable�fit�thanks�to�thesupport�brackets�on�the�front�and�the�back

of�the�garment.�The�skirt,�also�made�withClimaLite�moisture�fabric,�has�a�mesh�liningspecially�designed�for�a�feminine�silhouette.

The�left�leg�features�the�Roland�Garros�logo.

The�men’s�collection�starts�with�acomfortable�shirt�that�features�a�¼�zip�and�acasual�look�with�some�striking�graphical

designs.�The�shorts�sport�Climacoolventilation�technology,�which�guaranteesfreshness�and�maximum�comfort.�As�with�thewomen’s�line,�the�Roland�Garros�logoappears�on�one�leg.�

Made�in�collaboration�with�Yohji�Yamamoto,these�sneakers�offer�high�performance�and�a

unique�style.�The�design�offers�the�stabilityand�flexibility�which�each�shot�of�an�intenserally�requires.�It�caters�perfectly�for�playerswho�need�to�make�rapid�and�aggressivemovements.�The�Boost�technology�ensuresan�unbeatable�return�of�energy,�with�a�sense

of�incredible�lightness�and�speed.

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Graham�Williamson,�SeniorDirector

ofAdidas,explains:

"We�designed�the�new�collection�so�asto�minimize�distractions�for�the�players.The�result�is�a�maximum�functionalityfor�the�athlete�without�sacrificing�style"

LawrenceMidwood,directorofY-3design,says:

"We�were�honored�to�be�a�part�of�theRoland�Garros�collection�this�year,�andto�have�the�opportunity�to�createsomething�really�special�for�one�of�thebiggest�stages�in�tennis.�Our�goal�is�tobreak�the�clothing�patterns�in�tennis,combing�both�functional�utility�andvisual�appeal."

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Designed�for�emerging�young�tennis�players�likeAlexander�Zverev,�Head�has�introduced�a�special

edition�racket�that�is�a�restyling�of�the�popularSPEED�series.Inspired�by�the�Graphene�XT�Speed�line�ofrackets,�this�limited�edition�is�distinguished�by�itsoriginal�design.�It�presents�a�modern�and�freshtake�on�a�classic,�featuring�satin�metallic�colors.

�From�a�technical�point�of�view,�as�with�it’spredecessors,�the�Speed�Limited�Edition�offersonly�the�best�in�cutting-edge�tennis�techn.�Therevolutionary�Graphene�XT�technology,�which

allows�you�to�transfer�power�to�the�moststrategic�points�of�the�racket�for�better�energytransfer,�is�the�core�feature�of�this�product.�Withan�unstrung�weight�of�300g�and�16/19�stringpattern,�this�racket�is�designed�to�help�you�play

with�more�spin�than�ever.�The�racket�is�very�easy

to�play�with,�and�its�smooth�design�helps�you

generate�maximum�power.�This�racket�is�best�suited�to�intermediate�and

better�players�who�want�to�get�the�mostpower,�versatility�and�speed�from�their�game,��

�INFO:WEIGHT�(UNSTRUNG):�300�g�/�10.6�ozSTRINGS:�16/19

HEAD�SIZE:�645�cm²�/�100�in²GRIP�SIZE:�1-5

BALANCE�(UNSTRUNG):�320�mm�/�1�in�HLLENGTH:�Standard,�685�mm�/�27�in

PROFILE:�22�mm

TheHeadSpeedLimitedEdition–ANew

RacketForANewGeneration

byCarloCazzaniga

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