Isner-Mahut II

What a freak event. John Isner and Nicholas Mahut who played the longest match in tennis history at last year's Wimbledon, 11 hours and 70-68 in the fifth set, have been drawn at random to play in the first round again in this years event. It will be interesting to see on what court the Wimbledon officials put the match. If it were any other match between the #46 and #99 ranked players it is likely that the match would be put on an outside court. I expect that the Wimbledon committee will reward the gents for last year's effort and put the match on one of the main courts. It may be the the only opportunity that either player gets to play on the storied center court. (I am predicting a straight-set win by Isner)

And speaking of center court, Mike Russell, a native Detroiter, will have maybe his last hurrah at Wimbledon on center court as he has drawn Nadal in the first round. He will definitely have his work cut out for him to even make an impression on Nadal's game. Russell in barely hanging onto his spot in the top 100. He may need to win a challenger or two before the year is out to remain in the top 100 thru the end of the year.

Indian Village Member/Guest

I want to thank my friend Ken Prather for inviting me to the Indian Village Member/Guest Tennis event last weekend. Together Ken and I upset the number one seeded team in the quarter finals in 93 degree heat. Ken, who is 78 years young, played like a man half his age. This is the third year that Ken has invited me to be his playing partner and it has been one of the highlights of my summer the last three years. Although we fell short in the semi-final round it was a great time once again. Thanks again Ken.

If you have never been to the Indian Village Tennis Club, I suggest that you find the time to go. It is a little oasis on the boarder of Detroit and the community of Indian Village off of Jefferson and Parker. There is non-descript green fence and non-descript green gate and when you pass through that gate it is like you have entered tennis heaven. There sit three of the best kept clay courts that you have ever played on. The members are generous and sincere and chat on the flower lined veranda while waiting their turn to play. (Of course they may also enjoy an adult beverage while waiting to play) There is always some good natured heckling of the players on the courts when shots go awry as well as applause for players when a good effort is made. It is the secret tennis garden. A must see in Detroit if you love tennis.

The club is always looking for members and the price is relatively low to play on clay. The phone number is 313 331 9494, Judy Sarvis is the membership contact.

The Same Old Thing

What a disappointment. I was really looking forward to a Djokovic-Nadal final at the French Open. Instead I got the same old thing, a Nadal-Federer final in which I though that Federer had less than a 25% chance to win. The ending was predictable and not interesting to watch. Every time I got just a little excited the Federer may be turning the tables, Nadal imposed his will into the situation. Nadal is an animal who runs down each ball like it will be his last meal. It is truly inspiring to watch him. But, I would have really liked to have seen a contest where the outcome was in doubt.

The woman's draw was a hoot. I watched most of the Wozniacki match against Hantuchova and I have never seen a #1 seeded played less prepared to take the court. She looked totally lost and unprepared for the task of winning her first grand slam title. I was happy to see Li Na win the first championship for China. I was in China before the Olympic Games and the construction workers were working 24 hours a day to build the facilities in Beijing. I can imagine that they are now spending their time building red clay courts all over China with the same dedication..