A great concept is the IPTL as it spices tennis up, long overdue. Tennis can get a little dreary especially at the Grand Slams due to the repetitive nature of the scoring system. The thing I have always disliked about tennis is the lack of reward for great shots.
A player can come up with a 'tweener' screamer or a volley hit from around his back for a winner that surely deserves a bit more than a scratch on the score card. If the above mentioned happens in tennis it can go unnoticed unless it's perhaps on game point for the player who is clever enough to hit it.
I designed my own tournament in my home town of Albany Western Australia around ten years ago that had a unique system of scoring. I felt it was about time it received a 'tweak' for the better. The format was not unlike the Hopman Cup that is played in our capital City each year, teams of two, one doubles match and two singles.
My idea however was to play the doubles match first, one set of short deuce games, first to seven. If it got to six all then the tie breaker was a race, first to 7 points only. This was then followed by two mini singles matches.
These were first to 10 points, if it reached 9-9 the next point won the match. These matches were a short taste of singles, a ten minute match, just enough to wet the appetite of a singles enthusiast without the usual physical demands of singles.
If your team won the doubles with a score of seven games to five well quite simply your team received seven points, the opposition five. If you won your mini singles match 10-7 then you received those points as did the opposition and so on with the other singles match. A typical score card would read; 7-4 (doubles), 10-6 (first singles), 5-10 (second singles). That gave a score of 22 for Team A and 20 for Team B, a two point ball game where every point and every game counted.
From memory we added two bonus points for a match win, a small reward for getting over the line that may have made the difference at the end of the day. We had plenty of juniors playing in Division B and C and the points format kept them in the contest until the final match. Each division had eight teams, so each team played seven matches. There was no packing the bags after a first round loss.
The top two teams in each Division then played off in a final of the same format and it made for some remarkably close matches. One from memory came down to the final point of the second singles match, entertaining to say the least. That was simply a way of tweaking the local tennis scene's way of presenting the usual 'ho hum' type of tournament with a 'ho hum' way of scoring. I call it 'thinking outside the square'.
I believe that the IPTL is thinking outside the square at last in a sport that has needed a boost in the way in which it delivered it's format.
Watching Grand Slam matches where some games went to deuce seven times can quite often become the cause of channel switching. This is especially the case for those viewers keen on a result as opposed to the die hard tennis fan.
If I had a choice on watching 50 over cricket matches or the 20/20 I would watch the latter any day of the week.
And what of those advantage sets at Wimbledon, the Australian Open and in Paris where some matches reach 14-14 in the fifth ? Zzzzzzzzzzz.
I believe that the ITPL has the game right where it should be, a spectacle, one that is a shortened format where going to sleep or channel switching is not an option. It should have happened a long time ago, the game has long been in need of a different scoring structure.
So that's my take on the new tournament at the time where most players would be taking a break from the game so what does it tell you of their mind set ? At last, something fresh, a way to enjoy the game without the intensity and physical demands of the usual structure that at times can be likened to watching marathon runners do 40 kilometers. Zzzzzzzzzz again.......
So to my Tournament ? Haven't played it in years. The local Association is more interested in 'ho hum' tournaments and Committee Members apparently know best. I did in fact try to get it up and running again a year ago and I didn't think I was asking for too much.
I put the idea to four hugely successful local Businesses for just $150 sponsorship each and a chance to be involved in something new but it was just way too hard for all of them. Life's like that......
A name ? I called it 'The Super Tie Breaker Tournament', I felt it had a good sound to it. A mate of mine actually referred to it as 'The Thompson Cup', that was flattering. It may never happen again but I am glad it was once played and I am also glad it was something designed to give the game a face lift.
If nothing else I would like to think that as a coach, player and tennis fan I do actually think outside the square, just as the brains trust behind the IPTL have done. Thank goodness for originality.........
Saturday, 6 December 2014
Friday, 5 December 2014
'THE WALL AND THE COURT' Part 13
I saw another kid play in Perth in 1985 who was also a remarkably gifted tennis player, Jamie Holmes. From Victoria I believe, Holmes partnered Kilderry in doubles in another junior championship. Now from memory in this particular tournament Holmes beat Kilderry easily in the final of the boys 14's, 6-2, 6-2, almost certain of the score.
What was so bizarre about this win was that Holmes was also only 12 years old at the time. Most 14 year old's struggled to beat Kilderry, even some 16 year old's so for a 12 year old to do so and with such ease was rather outrageous.
Kilderry and Holmes won the doubles so easily it was ridiculous. Watching kids play with that sort of ability was entertaining and these two always played up at least one age group, sometimes two. They were simply way too good in their actual age group. Their shot selection at age 12 was remarkable to say the least.
These two along with Sterzl who I was lucky enough to play were amongst the best kids in Australia for their age, all from different States. Kilderry was from Perth, Sterzl from Adelaide and I believe Holmes was from Victoria, no relation to my coach Peter Holmes.
My last tournament in Western Australia before I headed to Queensland was a junior tournament at the Reabold Tennis Club in Floreat, Perth. I made the last 16 of the boys 16 age group and the last 8 of the Boys 18's.
I remember my win over Marcus Keizer in the round of 16, my Fremantle conqueror. I won 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 but I would have given that back to have the Fremantle Championship, such is life.
I lost in the quarter's against a giant by the name of Eugene Simkovic who owned a missile for a serve. He beat me comfortably 4 and 1, tough to get enough serves back to beat guys like Eugene.
Back in the 80's we had State rankings that were pretty easy to look up, now days it seems there are just Australian Rankings, a bit harder to work out. With points accumulated in the boys 16's age group I left Western Australia with a ranking of 7.
I am uncertain of the boys 18's age group but I had made a semi plus a quarter in the space of a few months so I suppose I had a ranking of something. I wasn't that obsessed with a ranking as some were and are now but it gave an indication that you were matching it with some good players.
My Parents thought perhaps full time tennis training in Queensland would get my tennis obsession fulfilled one way or the other. That's where I headed as a 16 year old, Brisbane, the Sunshine Capital of Australia to hit tennis balls up to 6 hours a day.
No point in being at school any longer if I left most lunch times to go play tennis.......
Chapter 14, Brisbane, on it's way....
What was so bizarre about this win was that Holmes was also only 12 years old at the time. Most 14 year old's struggled to beat Kilderry, even some 16 year old's so for a 12 year old to do so and with such ease was rather outrageous.
Kilderry and Holmes won the doubles so easily it was ridiculous. Watching kids play with that sort of ability was entertaining and these two always played up at least one age group, sometimes two. They were simply way too good in their actual age group. Their shot selection at age 12 was remarkable to say the least.
These two along with Sterzl who I was lucky enough to play were amongst the best kids in Australia for their age, all from different States. Kilderry was from Perth, Sterzl from Adelaide and I believe Holmes was from Victoria, no relation to my coach Peter Holmes.
My last tournament in Western Australia before I headed to Queensland was a junior tournament at the Reabold Tennis Club in Floreat, Perth. I made the last 16 of the boys 16 age group and the last 8 of the Boys 18's.
I remember my win over Marcus Keizer in the round of 16, my Fremantle conqueror. I won 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 but I would have given that back to have the Fremantle Championship, such is life.
I lost in the quarter's against a giant by the name of Eugene Simkovic who owned a missile for a serve. He beat me comfortably 4 and 1, tough to get enough serves back to beat guys like Eugene.
Back in the 80's we had State rankings that were pretty easy to look up, now days it seems there are just Australian Rankings, a bit harder to work out. With points accumulated in the boys 16's age group I left Western Australia with a ranking of 7.
I am uncertain of the boys 18's age group but I had made a semi plus a quarter in the space of a few months so I suppose I had a ranking of something. I wasn't that obsessed with a ranking as some were and are now but it gave an indication that you were matching it with some good players.
My Parents thought perhaps full time tennis training in Queensland would get my tennis obsession fulfilled one way or the other. That's where I headed as a 16 year old, Brisbane, the Sunshine Capital of Australia to hit tennis balls up to 6 hours a day.
No point in being at school any longer if I left most lunch times to go play tennis.......
Chapter 14, Brisbane, on it's way....
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
'THE WALL AND THE COURT' Part 11
The City of Fremantle Junior Championships in 1984 was a chance to right some wrongs, to try to put the finishing touches on a match. It had been something that I had difficulty doing against the State's best players.
Unbeknown to me I had gained some ranking points in enough tournaments and came into the Fremantle Championship with a seeding in the boys 16's. I finally felt as though I belonged on court with the City's best juniors, after all my ranking supposedly confirmed this.
I had gone to the board to check the draw after the long drive from Albany with Dad and much to my surprise I saw my name with a Number 7 next to it.
I did the sums; 'Ok i have a good draw, I can get to the last 8, that will look good on my resume'. I also entered the boys 18 and under for a bit of match practice, nothing more, nothing less. I would be cannon fodder, no risk.
The grass courts at the Fremantle Tennis Club were surprisingly hard however, I noticed the even bounce after a short hit with a mate. Perhaps it would be kind to my predominantly base line game, I could only hope. I do not remember who I beat in my first two matches of the 16's but I was in the Quarter's, the spot I had hoped I would make it to, I was to play Tim Scott.
Now I had met Tim at a Tennis Camp at a College in Perth where many of the State's junior players from both the country and city were invited to rub shoulders, great concept. I remember meeting Tim and his best buddy, doubles partner Andrew Sanders, great blokes. I got to know these two pretty well over the course of the five day live in camp at a Perth College. I hit with them each day and got to know their games'.
Both had a serve and volley game and were a good doubles unit, tough to pass once they got to the net. I remember they were seeded number 1 for doubles, Tim 5 for singles and Andrew 3, both on my side of the draw. I knew I would have to get past both if I wanted a crack at the title.
Now to cut a long story short, I trailed Tim 4-6, 4-5, 30-40, I wasn't playing bad, just getting outplayed by someone who was exploiting my base line game on a surface that suited a good volleyer. I saved the match point, won the second in a tie break and belted him 6-1 in the third. Good match and good come back.
My effort in the 18's singles was rather crazy though as I made it to the last 8 as an unseeded player, I was playing with a never before experienced confidence, I don't know why.
My Quarter Final against the number 3 seed Tim Burrows was a match I will remember for two things, my confidence and my reluctance to call a line. At 6-3, 5-1 and match point to me I received a shot from Tim that was a foot out, I didn't call it, I played it and lost the point. It rattled me and Tim came back to 4-5 but I managed to serve it out. I believe that to this day I wanted to win on match point, not call a ball out for the right to shake hands as the winner.
I respected Burrows and his high ranking, I almost felt embarrassed to be leading him so comfortably. After all I was just a country kid who probably was hitting against a wall while the city players were learning strategies against one another. Strange feeling. I earned the right to play the number 1 ranked player in Western Australia for 18's , Dean Danzi.
Now Dean could play, he in fact once beat Darren Cahill, Coach of Andre Agassi, our match would be a massacre of epic proportions, I just knew it.
I played my semi of the 16's first though and saved a set point against Sanders at 4-5 in the first before winning in straight sets 5 and 3. Confidence ? Oozing with it, coming out of my sweat glands. My next match against Danzi was one I will remember for two different reasons, my lack of confidence against a guy with a big reputation and my 'other self'.
At 0-6, 0-2 I asked myself the question " What is your problem Glenn? Are you playing the ball or are you playing a reputation" ? Three all. Dean served , 4-3 , he broke me then served it out. Happy with my second set, livid at my first. The mind was overawed by a reputation and ranking at the beginning of the match. Is this how the big name players of today put a set in their pocket during the hit up ? I imagine so.
I shook Dean's hand, "Well played" , he said the same, nice bloke. I would loved to have played that second set first though, hind sight is a wonderful thing in tennis.
I lost the final of the 16's to the number 1 seed Marcus Keizer who I went on to beat the following year in another State Championship. His 4 and 1 demolition of me at Fremantle however left me with more questions than answers. Was I an early round player ? Was I not capable of winning a Championship ? Was I overawed at playing guys with many more ranking points than me ?
I went home with a head full of thought plus a semi final performance in an age division that I simply entered for a bit of practice. I made a final in my age division plus a quarter final doubles showing with Jonesey. Many ranking points gained, many questions unanswered, was this a sport I actually loved playing ?
Perhaps this chapter typifies the reasons why when I spend time with my kids we go to the beach, ride our bikes and kick a football. Teaching them tennis would be silly.....
Chapter 12 to follow
Unbeknown to me I had gained some ranking points in enough tournaments and came into the Fremantle Championship with a seeding in the boys 16's. I finally felt as though I belonged on court with the City's best juniors, after all my ranking supposedly confirmed this.
I had gone to the board to check the draw after the long drive from Albany with Dad and much to my surprise I saw my name with a Number 7 next to it.
I did the sums; 'Ok i have a good draw, I can get to the last 8, that will look good on my resume'. I also entered the boys 18 and under for a bit of match practice, nothing more, nothing less. I would be cannon fodder, no risk.
The grass courts at the Fremantle Tennis Club were surprisingly hard however, I noticed the even bounce after a short hit with a mate. Perhaps it would be kind to my predominantly base line game, I could only hope. I do not remember who I beat in my first two matches of the 16's but I was in the Quarter's, the spot I had hoped I would make it to, I was to play Tim Scott.
Now I had met Tim at a Tennis Camp at a College in Perth where many of the State's junior players from both the country and city were invited to rub shoulders, great concept. I remember meeting Tim and his best buddy, doubles partner Andrew Sanders, great blokes. I got to know these two pretty well over the course of the five day live in camp at a Perth College. I hit with them each day and got to know their games'.
Both had a serve and volley game and were a good doubles unit, tough to pass once they got to the net. I remember they were seeded number 1 for doubles, Tim 5 for singles and Andrew 3, both on my side of the draw. I knew I would have to get past both if I wanted a crack at the title.
Now to cut a long story short, I trailed Tim 4-6, 4-5, 30-40, I wasn't playing bad, just getting outplayed by someone who was exploiting my base line game on a surface that suited a good volleyer. I saved the match point, won the second in a tie break and belted him 6-1 in the third. Good match and good come back.
My effort in the 18's singles was rather crazy though as I made it to the last 8 as an unseeded player, I was playing with a never before experienced confidence, I don't know why.
My Quarter Final against the number 3 seed Tim Burrows was a match I will remember for two things, my confidence and my reluctance to call a line. At 6-3, 5-1 and match point to me I received a shot from Tim that was a foot out, I didn't call it, I played it and lost the point. It rattled me and Tim came back to 4-5 but I managed to serve it out. I believe that to this day I wanted to win on match point, not call a ball out for the right to shake hands as the winner.
I respected Burrows and his high ranking, I almost felt embarrassed to be leading him so comfortably. After all I was just a country kid who probably was hitting against a wall while the city players were learning strategies against one another. Strange feeling. I earned the right to play the number 1 ranked player in Western Australia for 18's , Dean Danzi.
Now Dean could play, he in fact once beat Darren Cahill, Coach of Andre Agassi, our match would be a massacre of epic proportions, I just knew it.
I played my semi of the 16's first though and saved a set point against Sanders at 4-5 in the first before winning in straight sets 5 and 3. Confidence ? Oozing with it, coming out of my sweat glands. My next match against Danzi was one I will remember for two different reasons, my lack of confidence against a guy with a big reputation and my 'other self'.
At 0-6, 0-2 I asked myself the question " What is your problem Glenn? Are you playing the ball or are you playing a reputation" ? Three all. Dean served , 4-3 , he broke me then served it out. Happy with my second set, livid at my first. The mind was overawed by a reputation and ranking at the beginning of the match. Is this how the big name players of today put a set in their pocket during the hit up ? I imagine so.
I shook Dean's hand, "Well played" , he said the same, nice bloke. I would loved to have played that second set first though, hind sight is a wonderful thing in tennis.
I lost the final of the 16's to the number 1 seed Marcus Keizer who I went on to beat the following year in another State Championship. His 4 and 1 demolition of me at Fremantle however left me with more questions than answers. Was I an early round player ? Was I not capable of winning a Championship ? Was I overawed at playing guys with many more ranking points than me ?
I went home with a head full of thought plus a semi final performance in an age division that I simply entered for a bit of practice. I made a final in my age division plus a quarter final doubles showing with Jonesey. Many ranking points gained, many questions unanswered, was this a sport I actually loved playing ?
Perhaps this chapter typifies the reasons why when I spend time with my kids we go to the beach, ride our bikes and kick a football. Teaching them tennis would be silly.....
Chapter 12 to follow
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
'LOVE IT'
The thing I love about writing these chapters on my earliest memories of tennis is the fact that it is factual, it actually happened. I find the whole process of writing about tennis rather soothing as it has lead me to events and situations that I found to be educational and rewarding. I have only ever done two things in life reasonably well and that's tennis and writing.
I used to get top marks in my class from early on in Primary School for my creative writing, funny how you remember certain things. My memory for the game is still rather sharp and I am enjoying putting things on this site that remind me of the sport I both love and dislike in many ways.
I refuse to teach my kids tennis, I don't want them to be as uncomfortable as I was when I first played the Albany Junior Tournament. Don't get me wrong, they can all hit a ball but I will not be going into the finer points of the game with them. I would like them to keep following team sports as they do now. Share the work load, physically and mentally.
The 10 chapters I have already written have come with little effort, the memory is there, it's simply a case of putting it in writing.
I recommend to all sports lovers who have played sport at any level, document the experiences you have had, share your thoughts, good and bad ones.
Hopefully one day my kids will read my chapters and understand why I am such an argumentative bastard, not towards them but to certain organizations and individuals. By the time I finish my current project even I may understand me a little better.
Worth a try I reckon.......
I used to get top marks in my class from early on in Primary School for my creative writing, funny how you remember certain things. My memory for the game is still rather sharp and I am enjoying putting things on this site that remind me of the sport I both love and dislike in many ways.
I refuse to teach my kids tennis, I don't want them to be as uncomfortable as I was when I first played the Albany Junior Tournament. Don't get me wrong, they can all hit a ball but I will not be going into the finer points of the game with them. I would like them to keep following team sports as they do now. Share the work load, physically and mentally.
The 10 chapters I have already written have come with little effort, the memory is there, it's simply a case of putting it in writing.
I recommend to all sports lovers who have played sport at any level, document the experiences you have had, share your thoughts, good and bad ones.
Hopefully one day my kids will read my chapters and understand why I am such an argumentative bastard, not towards them but to certain organizations and individuals. By the time I finish my current project even I may understand me a little better.
Worth a try I reckon.......
'THE WALL AND THE COURT' Part 10
Training for a sport such as tennis when you are a kid with a natural fitness level can seem at times to be a total waste of time. After all I could run all day, I was a sprinter, I once won 5 races at my Inter school Sports carnival including the anchor spot in the relay, I could move.
It's one thing though to run 100 meters, it's another to do a series of short sprints that may total a couple of kilometers or more in a three set match.
So it was an idea of Pete's to train me with court sprints, up and down the lines, forward and backwards that gave my body a true reflection of what was required during a match. He also gave me a volley and smash routine that really had me working hard.
A short sprint from the service line to the net, a series of volleys then back for a smash, touch the net with my racket, run backwards to the service line, start again. After 15 or 20 repetitions of this drill you knew it was doing you good, the lack of breath gave it away.
The thing about training with Pete was the realistic type of drills that he presented each time. You just knew that it was preparing you for a situation in a match that would eventually become second nature. I likened it to switching the light on in the middle of the night when you woke up for a pee, you can do it with your eyes closed.
Pete was no 'ball hitter', he was a Tennis Coach who could get the best out of you. There was no such thing as a 'great shot' with Pete unless you hit it perfectly. He made you strive for that 'great shot' that I have seen many 'ball hitters' take to a new level of incompetence.
During my fifteenth year I was invited to train with the State Squad by one of Western Australia's most respected and experienced Tennis Coaches and players, Rob Casey. I considered it a privilege to be asked to do a session with the best 16 to 18 year old's in the State, another eye opener to the level required to be successful.
Rob's training methods mirrored those of Pete's, tough, uncompromising and realistic to match play situations. I was very fortunate to have both witnessed and been involved with that sort of training from two fantastic Coaches of tennis. It toughened me up and made me strive harder.
'Ball hitters' were around in tennis but the good players knew how to distinguish between them and real Coaches. Usually the ball hitters would not get a follow up request for a lesson. So how do you pick the difference ? Easy, just look for the one who keeps stopping play to explain to the student that what they did lacked substance or thought. Look for the one who is brutally honest with a student's current form and ability. The one who explains in detail as to what is in fact the weakness and how to fix it. Above all look for the one who has the ability to explain two scenarios; Why the shot went in and why the shot missed, there's an art to explaining both.
Rob and Pete never gave praise unless it was warranted and that's what I liked about both of them. My biggest hint as to whether I was going ok with my tennis was Rob asking me on the way from court after my loss to Hampo "You get a set Glenn ? Good effort, he's a good player". That made me feel good. Rob was the number one ranked player in the State at the time for men and he coached Hampo, he knew his ability. Perhaps in some small way he was acknowledging mine.
Great Tennis Coaches are hard to find, especially now days as no one is quite sure now what a 'coach' is capable of as the big advertising slogans often hide their inability to teach the game. Nature of the modern way of 'coaching' tennis.
I don't believe that either Rob or Pete used a gimmick once, their knowledge and ways of teaching spoke volumes as far as who they were to the game of tennis in Western Australia. I am glad I was raised in an environment that only rewarded success and hard work and didn't give false hope by rewarding mediocrity.
Some times when I teach the game now days I wonder whether I am too honest with my appraisals of students' ability. I never think about it too much though as I learned from two of the best.........
Chapter 11 to follow
It's one thing though to run 100 meters, it's another to do a series of short sprints that may total a couple of kilometers or more in a three set match.
So it was an idea of Pete's to train me with court sprints, up and down the lines, forward and backwards that gave my body a true reflection of what was required during a match. He also gave me a volley and smash routine that really had me working hard.
A short sprint from the service line to the net, a series of volleys then back for a smash, touch the net with my racket, run backwards to the service line, start again. After 15 or 20 repetitions of this drill you knew it was doing you good, the lack of breath gave it away.
The thing about training with Pete was the realistic type of drills that he presented each time. You just knew that it was preparing you for a situation in a match that would eventually become second nature. I likened it to switching the light on in the middle of the night when you woke up for a pee, you can do it with your eyes closed.
Pete was no 'ball hitter', he was a Tennis Coach who could get the best out of you. There was no such thing as a 'great shot' with Pete unless you hit it perfectly. He made you strive for that 'great shot' that I have seen many 'ball hitters' take to a new level of incompetence.
During my fifteenth year I was invited to train with the State Squad by one of Western Australia's most respected and experienced Tennis Coaches and players, Rob Casey. I considered it a privilege to be asked to do a session with the best 16 to 18 year old's in the State, another eye opener to the level required to be successful.
Rob's training methods mirrored those of Pete's, tough, uncompromising and realistic to match play situations. I was very fortunate to have both witnessed and been involved with that sort of training from two fantastic Coaches of tennis. It toughened me up and made me strive harder.
'Ball hitters' were around in tennis but the good players knew how to distinguish between them and real Coaches. Usually the ball hitters would not get a follow up request for a lesson. So how do you pick the difference ? Easy, just look for the one who keeps stopping play to explain to the student that what they did lacked substance or thought. Look for the one who is brutally honest with a student's current form and ability. The one who explains in detail as to what is in fact the weakness and how to fix it. Above all look for the one who has the ability to explain two scenarios; Why the shot went in and why the shot missed, there's an art to explaining both.
Rob and Pete never gave praise unless it was warranted and that's what I liked about both of them. My biggest hint as to whether I was going ok with my tennis was Rob asking me on the way from court after my loss to Hampo "You get a set Glenn ? Good effort, he's a good player". That made me feel good. Rob was the number one ranked player in the State at the time for men and he coached Hampo, he knew his ability. Perhaps in some small way he was acknowledging mine.
Great Tennis Coaches are hard to find, especially now days as no one is quite sure now what a 'coach' is capable of as the big advertising slogans often hide their inability to teach the game. Nature of the modern way of 'coaching' tennis.
I don't believe that either Rob or Pete used a gimmick once, their knowledge and ways of teaching spoke volumes as far as who they were to the game of tennis in Western Australia. I am glad I was raised in an environment that only rewarded success and hard work and didn't give false hope by rewarding mediocrity.
Some times when I teach the game now days I wonder whether I am too honest with my appraisals of students' ability. I never think about it too much though as I learned from two of the best.........
Chapter 11 to follow
Monday, 1 December 2014
'THE WALL AND THE COURT" Part 9
1983 was a year I will remember as one that I learned much from the game of tennis, from my opponents and Coach Peter Holmes. The hitting with young Mark Leuba was the perfect way to implement the tactical and technical input from Pete.
I began 1984 well, I won the 16 and under division at the Albany Junior Open 7-5, 7-5 in the final against good buddy Dale Jones. I also gained some revenge on John Knuimann in the final of the Lawley Park Club Championships 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. I never forget a score.
It was however my form against Mark that really gave me an indication I was heading in the right direction. I remember a match I played with Mark, we played best of 5 and I beat him 1,4 and 3. I believe that the day I turned 15 on January 25 1984 I gained confidence. I was no longer intimidated by Mark's Number 1 State Ranking , I played the ball, not his reputation.
We had such a strong group of players in Albany that a State Squad comprising a group of 13 to 16 year old's from Perth came to town to play our best players. I was fortunate enough to gain a spot, from memory eight players per team. I suppose that Holmsey's influence and our local talent offered a great weekend's competition for the squad from the City.
I played a kid by the name of Graham Watson first up and was getting smashed 5-1 in a first to nine games match.
I believe that's when I first started to think about tactics, what was working and what wasn't. I still remember reeling off 8 games straight beating Watson 9-5, a good win.
My next match was against Damian Hampson and 'Hampo' and I got along well, he was a funny guy and a great player.
I was getting beaten 6-2 but came back and had a point to level at 8 all but he saved it and won 9-7. Hampo was ranked 3 in the State for 16's.
I was disappointed in the loss to Hampo but I won a doubles match with Pete and Albany won the weekend easily, our country tennis players showed up the City's best juniors. I put that down to Pete's coaching and an endless amount of practice and match play opportunities for all of Albany's best players.
I knew all of the Perth juniors' rankings as I followed their profiles through tournament results. Part of me had a high respect for their tennis achievements, the other part of me felt like an equal.
I proved in '84 though that as a 15 year old I could match it against guys who were ranked way higher than me. In fact I didn't even have a ranking until I was nearly 16. If I did have one I didn't know the number, wasn't interested.
I played two State Championships and had two near misses. I in fact drew Mark in the first round of one tournament and lead by a set and 4-3. I won just one more game. I also lead Hampo in another by a set and a break, I won just three more games. The area that I was struggling in was the 'equal' self evaluation, part of me didn't believe I could beat these guys.
This was strange because my form against Mark was impressive in our many practice matches. I felt the issue was that I was in some sort of fish bowl at State Championships, big crowds, big reputations, ranking points up for grabs. A whole new 'uncomfortable' World for a kid from a small town. It may have had something to do with that first ever Albany tournament I played. There was much that I did not like about tournaments.
Putting my near misses into perspective, Mark lost in the final of the tournament that he struggled past me in the first match. Could I have made it to the final if I had beaten him ? I questioned myself for a long time after the loss.
The loss to Hampo was especially disappointing as he went on to win the title. Perhaps that title could have been mine but I will never know.
I still believe that playing seeded players in the first or second round can work to the challenger's advantage. Early on in tournaments is the time to play them, before they get grooved. I will never begrudge a tough first match, that's when all players are at their most vulnerable.
My one and only State Title came in the form of a Doubles win with my good mate 'Jonesey' which I documented in an earlier chapter. I enjoyed doubles but I yearned for recognition in singles, not just a reputation as a country kid who could push the City's best. I wanted a title. The work rate had to improve.......
Chapter 10 to come
I began 1984 well, I won the 16 and under division at the Albany Junior Open 7-5, 7-5 in the final against good buddy Dale Jones. I also gained some revenge on John Knuimann in the final of the Lawley Park Club Championships 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. I never forget a score.
It was however my form against Mark that really gave me an indication I was heading in the right direction. I remember a match I played with Mark, we played best of 5 and I beat him 1,4 and 3. I believe that the day I turned 15 on January 25 1984 I gained confidence. I was no longer intimidated by Mark's Number 1 State Ranking , I played the ball, not his reputation.
We had such a strong group of players in Albany that a State Squad comprising a group of 13 to 16 year old's from Perth came to town to play our best players. I was fortunate enough to gain a spot, from memory eight players per team. I suppose that Holmsey's influence and our local talent offered a great weekend's competition for the squad from the City.
I played a kid by the name of Graham Watson first up and was getting smashed 5-1 in a first to nine games match.
I believe that's when I first started to think about tactics, what was working and what wasn't. I still remember reeling off 8 games straight beating Watson 9-5, a good win.
My next match was against Damian Hampson and 'Hampo' and I got along well, he was a funny guy and a great player.
I was getting beaten 6-2 but came back and had a point to level at 8 all but he saved it and won 9-7. Hampo was ranked 3 in the State for 16's.
I was disappointed in the loss to Hampo but I won a doubles match with Pete and Albany won the weekend easily, our country tennis players showed up the City's best juniors. I put that down to Pete's coaching and an endless amount of practice and match play opportunities for all of Albany's best players.
I knew all of the Perth juniors' rankings as I followed their profiles through tournament results. Part of me had a high respect for their tennis achievements, the other part of me felt like an equal.
I proved in '84 though that as a 15 year old I could match it against guys who were ranked way higher than me. In fact I didn't even have a ranking until I was nearly 16. If I did have one I didn't know the number, wasn't interested.
I played two State Championships and had two near misses. I in fact drew Mark in the first round of one tournament and lead by a set and 4-3. I won just one more game. I also lead Hampo in another by a set and a break, I won just three more games. The area that I was struggling in was the 'equal' self evaluation, part of me didn't believe I could beat these guys.
This was strange because my form against Mark was impressive in our many practice matches. I felt the issue was that I was in some sort of fish bowl at State Championships, big crowds, big reputations, ranking points up for grabs. A whole new 'uncomfortable' World for a kid from a small town. It may have had something to do with that first ever Albany tournament I played. There was much that I did not like about tournaments.
Putting my near misses into perspective, Mark lost in the final of the tournament that he struggled past me in the first match. Could I have made it to the final if I had beaten him ? I questioned myself for a long time after the loss.
The loss to Hampo was especially disappointing as he went on to win the title. Perhaps that title could have been mine but I will never know.
I still believe that playing seeded players in the first or second round can work to the challenger's advantage. Early on in tournaments is the time to play them, before they get grooved. I will never begrudge a tough first match, that's when all players are at their most vulnerable.
My one and only State Title came in the form of a Doubles win with my good mate 'Jonesey' which I documented in an earlier chapter. I enjoyed doubles but I yearned for recognition in singles, not just a reputation as a country kid who could push the City's best. I wanted a title. The work rate had to improve.......
Chapter 10 to come
'JUST IN CASE'
Just in case you have just tuned in, the past 7 or 8 chapters have been from my first memories of picking up a tennis racket. I am hoping that I will eventually get to the end and by that I mean up until now, my present days of swinging a racket which I still enjoy as much as when I was a kid.
The inspiration behind me doing this was in fact from a rather humorous comment I received from an individual who I can only describe as someone who thinks of himself as a 'guru'.
The comment I received was in fact through face book, something I do not in fact use to promote myself or my tennis coaching which I do on a part time basis. I use face book to communicate with friends.
I found the comment to be rather funny as this individual had a go at who I was. He thought he was qualified in this area as he had read several of my chapters and my views on the game of tennis. He even invited me to check out his profile, which I did, another tennis 'nobody', just like me. So what made this 'nobody' more qualified than my own 'nobody' profile ? His ego.
So what did I do ? Well I am a tennis player by nature, I returned serve as best I could, funny thing was I didn't receive a return from a return as I may have surprised him with my view on things. It may have been because mine was a rather long drawn out reply, possibly the equivalent of an A 4 size piece of paper full of my views.
Not quite sure why I didn't receive a reply as tennis 'guru's' are usually full of answers and ideas. So anyhow it got me thinking. Perhaps I could spice this whole thing up even more. Why don't I write not just a reply to 'Mr Guru' but also a reply to myself.
Why not do my best to explain just what it is about tennis that creates the above situation, the sort of situation that can only be described as tit for tat. After all that's what tennis is, a reply from an offer, an offer from a reply. It's a chance to show the opposition just what you have either with your game or your mind, or both.
Unfortunately I have not been able to take up 'Mr Guru's' offer of a challenge match which possibly would have still left some questions without answers. If i had won then it possibly would have been rather embarrassing for the young man as after all he was the one putting the reputation on the line, not me.
In saying that I believe I was still a big chance as he had lost to a young fellow who I had in fact beaten in straight sets in the same year he had lost to him, if that makes sense.
So back to my story. I am doing this because I believe that what I am writing is a factual version of my life in tennis and one that I am proud of. One day I may change the name of this whole site to 'The Tennis Nobody' because that's who I am, a 'nobody' in tennis, but I am one of many.
The game is full of 'nobody's', more so now than ever before. It's full of 'tennis guru's' who rely on face book to gain some sort of following and who drive around with big glossy signs on their cars. Apparently this makes them a 'guru' and creates business, interesting.
My early days of playing tennis required a racket, a desire, a hero to follow and a 'Coach' who knew the game. It did not have people who claimed to know the game but didn't, they would have been laughed out of the sport.
My journey through tennis enabled me to hit with guys who did in fact become professional players. My Queensland days are yet to be talked of but they were days of playing along side Pat Rafter and Neil Borwick, conqueror of former World Number 1 Boris Becker.
My days of playing tennis from age 13 to 21 when I traveled to Europe and even won a doubles tournament just near Paris have already been documented. My days of teaching the game have also been written about. I will still write about coaching in future chapters.
I got myself into trouble last season as I was too brutally honest in my assessment of tennis locally and I upset a few people. I am doing things a little different this season.
I am enjoying a trip down memory lane, it seems I also have an audience even though I am a tennis 'nobody' who has done 'nothing'. For some reason people 'hit' my site, I am still flattered, thank you.
As far as real 'hits' are concerned however I probably have hit twice as many tennis balls as many self proclaimed 'guru's' of the game. I believe that gives me the 'right' to talk about tennis so that's what I will be doing.
Whether it takes me another three or twenty three chapters to do so I will get to the end of my tennis journey which I have enjoyed and despised in many different ways.
If you are interested in a story about tennis from a 'nobody' please keep tuning in, if not well there are plenty more sites to look at........
Regards Glenn T
The inspiration behind me doing this was in fact from a rather humorous comment I received from an individual who I can only describe as someone who thinks of himself as a 'guru'.
The comment I received was in fact through face book, something I do not in fact use to promote myself or my tennis coaching which I do on a part time basis. I use face book to communicate with friends.
I found the comment to be rather funny as this individual had a go at who I was. He thought he was qualified in this area as he had read several of my chapters and my views on the game of tennis. He even invited me to check out his profile, which I did, another tennis 'nobody', just like me. So what made this 'nobody' more qualified than my own 'nobody' profile ? His ego.
So what did I do ? Well I am a tennis player by nature, I returned serve as best I could, funny thing was I didn't receive a return from a return as I may have surprised him with my view on things. It may have been because mine was a rather long drawn out reply, possibly the equivalent of an A 4 size piece of paper full of my views.
Not quite sure why I didn't receive a reply as tennis 'guru's' are usually full of answers and ideas. So anyhow it got me thinking. Perhaps I could spice this whole thing up even more. Why don't I write not just a reply to 'Mr Guru' but also a reply to myself.
Why not do my best to explain just what it is about tennis that creates the above situation, the sort of situation that can only be described as tit for tat. After all that's what tennis is, a reply from an offer, an offer from a reply. It's a chance to show the opposition just what you have either with your game or your mind, or both.
Unfortunately I have not been able to take up 'Mr Guru's' offer of a challenge match which possibly would have still left some questions without answers. If i had won then it possibly would have been rather embarrassing for the young man as after all he was the one putting the reputation on the line, not me.
In saying that I believe I was still a big chance as he had lost to a young fellow who I had in fact beaten in straight sets in the same year he had lost to him, if that makes sense.
So back to my story. I am doing this because I believe that what I am writing is a factual version of my life in tennis and one that I am proud of. One day I may change the name of this whole site to 'The Tennis Nobody' because that's who I am, a 'nobody' in tennis, but I am one of many.
The game is full of 'nobody's', more so now than ever before. It's full of 'tennis guru's' who rely on face book to gain some sort of following and who drive around with big glossy signs on their cars. Apparently this makes them a 'guru' and creates business, interesting.
My early days of playing tennis required a racket, a desire, a hero to follow and a 'Coach' who knew the game. It did not have people who claimed to know the game but didn't, they would have been laughed out of the sport.
My journey through tennis enabled me to hit with guys who did in fact become professional players. My Queensland days are yet to be talked of but they were days of playing along side Pat Rafter and Neil Borwick, conqueror of former World Number 1 Boris Becker.
My days of playing tennis from age 13 to 21 when I traveled to Europe and even won a doubles tournament just near Paris have already been documented. My days of teaching the game have also been written about. I will still write about coaching in future chapters.
I got myself into trouble last season as I was too brutally honest in my assessment of tennis locally and I upset a few people. I am doing things a little different this season.
I am enjoying a trip down memory lane, it seems I also have an audience even though I am a tennis 'nobody' who has done 'nothing'. For some reason people 'hit' my site, I am still flattered, thank you.
As far as real 'hits' are concerned however I probably have hit twice as many tennis balls as many self proclaimed 'guru's' of the game. I believe that gives me the 'right' to talk about tennis so that's what I will be doing.
Whether it takes me another three or twenty three chapters to do so I will get to the end of my tennis journey which I have enjoyed and despised in many different ways.
If you are interested in a story about tennis from a 'nobody' please keep tuning in, if not well there are plenty more sites to look at........
Regards Glenn T
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