Today is the first day of Wimbledon.
For 2 weeks the tennis world gets to watch the game of tennis played on a unique tennis surface. And, as we all know, the transformation from the clay courts of Paris to the grass at Wimbledon is no walk in the park.
I've just finished reading a book called Borg Versus McEnroe. This book is a delightful recollection of the world of tennis circa 1979-1981.
The author describes how Borg prepared for Wimbledon after his customary win at the French Open.
Instead of playing warmup tournaments like many players do, Borg worked out at a private club in London called The Cumberland Club. Apparently, Borg was so bad the first few days, that many members joked that they thought they could beat him!
It was here on the private courts that Borg got his grass court timing down and beefed up his serve to the point that it was considered quite a weapon.
Working out with his coach Lennart Bergelin and some practice partners, Borg hit ball after ball spurred on by his incredible work ethic. And, at the end of the day, Borg could often be found in the clubhouse with the other members having a snack.
Today's great champion Roger Federer has a game well suited to grass so it's no great transformation for him. But for the modern day Borg, Rafael Nadal, the 2 weeks in betwen the French Open and Wimbledon are his only opportunity all year to change his clay court game for the grass courts.
So, let the grass court games begin.
Glenn Sheiner M.D. - author of Insider Tennis Strategies Different Tennis Tactics Work On Grass Than On Clay guaranteed to make you a smarter tennis player and take your tennis to the next level. Also, check out the world's top tennis humor screensaver
Tennis Cartoon Screensaver. You can download a trial version for FREE.
Technorati Tags Tennis
Technorati Tags Wimbledon
No comments:
Post a Comment