Olympics Tennis

As tennis continues to grow its fans and players will always be arguing on what determines a good player and which skills are the most important to have.

There are arguments that can be made for a handful of different elements of the sport, and while it may all boil down to a matter of opinion, it’s still fun to look at the possibilities.

Here are the most important factors. Let’s see which one you think matters most.

Looking back at top players in history such as John McEnroe, the question to ask is, is it volleying? All things considered, a regular game may be a danger for either opponent and end a point without trouble.

Many tennis buffs would argue that the modern game favors baseline play over the net. After all, look at the dominance of Rafael Nadal from the back of the court. Even players like Andy Roddick, who once spent more time at the net, are recently favoring the baseline and opting for ground strokes.

Any player with a powerful serve can easily take control of the court if their opponent is unable to break them and this will give them an overall advantage. Take Roddick as a good example of a big serve.

And what about the speed of the players? It obviously helps out a lot if the player can reach the ball every time and the opponent then has to work that bit harder to gain a point.

I think that the x-factor wins over all others. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have a mental attitude that goes with winning. The type of ‘no lose’ attitude which, I think gives them an edge over their opponents.

With the ability to rarely be rattled, their stoic composure and never say die attitude wins them so many more matches than the stats would indicate.

There are qualities which are vital to any great tennis player and as the world of tennis progresses on, these qualities are debated over by fans and players alike.

There are arguments that can be made for a handful of different elements of the sport, and while it may all boil down to a matter of opinion, it’s still fun to look at the possibilities.

I have listed a few elements to consider. Which do you think are important?

What about volleying? A game that it going too smoothly can become a disadvantage for opponents as point may easily be lost. Just take a look back at players of the past such as John McEnroe.

Is baseline play across the net favoured by modern games? A Lot of tennis experts would argue in favour. Andy Roddick would spend time playing the game from the net but he now prefers the baseline play. And take the example of Rafael Nadal who also takes control from the rear of the court.

On the other hand, a powerful serve gives a player an edge no matter what the circumstances. Someone with an elite serve (i.e. Roddick) can easily dictate the tone of a match if their opponent has a hard time breaking them. A big serve makes the rest of every point far easier.

How about speed though? Guys like Nadal can get to just about every ball, making it extremely difficult for their opponents to win points. The harder your opposition has to work for a point, the more unforced errors you’ll ultimately cause.

The last factor is the x-factor, and the one that I personally feel matters most. This is the mental game. The superstars like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have some of the toughest mental games in the history of the sport.

With the ability to rarely be rattled, their stoic composure and never say die attitude wins them so many more matches than the stats would indicate.

To many, the month of February is one of the worst of the year. Depending on where you live, this could easily be the coldest month, forcing you to spend much of your time inside.

On the positive side, there are some exciting events that should help to pass the time during this month. It’s also the shortest month there is, as the 28 days should help to bring an end to February more quickly than with other months.

Here are a few things that should help to make February more interesting if you can’t stand the thought of this month. Keep busy with these, and you’ll enjoy yourself as the time passes.

First off, there are the holidays. There are a few of them, with some having more significance than others. During the second day of the month, there’s Groundhog Day, which obviously holds more novelty than anything else. Regardless, it’s a milestone in some senses as it marks the beginning of the end of winter.

If there’s someone special in your life, Valentine’s day will give you the opportunity to do something fun and romantic with your loved one. Maybe you can even plan a weekend getaway for the two of you, as the holiday falls on a Sunday this year.

Later in the month, you may be fortunate enough to enjoy the day off for President’s Day. Depending on your job, you may get a weekday off, and hopefully you’ll make the most of this.

Now that we’ve covered the annual holidays, let’s take a look at some of the exciting developments in the sports world that are primed to take place during the course of the month. It all starts with the winter Olympic games in Canada, as the best athletes from around the world will convene to compete with one another for two weeks.

There’s also the beginning of the 2010 NASCAR season, as the Daytona 500 marks the beginning of the NASCAR year on February 14th. If you’re a fan of the sport, you’ll surely want to tune into this high profile race.

The idea behind mascots is to select something for a competitive team, an animal, person or thing that is somehow supposed to bring the team good luck. It is not always about emulating the traits the selected mascots embody, although that may be the origins. It’s easy to see why a football team might want to call itself the Rams or the Tigers, but sport mascot designs include a wide range of things, even colors.

It may be more accurate to consider that the mascot is something to rally around, something that brings the community in closer association with the team. It’s a way for the fans of the team to identify with the players on the field. School colors work in much the same way. If the team has selected an animal like a cougar as its mascot, then you are likely to see all manner of representation of cougars for the fans. From shirts to jackets and shoes to key chains, the image of the cougar marks those who carry or wear them as fans that support that team.

Some might consider it simply a clever marketing ploy, one facet of sports promotion. Revenue generated from the sale of mascot emblazoned trinkets and gear provides a means to defray the cost of travel and equipment for the team itself. Alumni are certainly another source of revenue, and they absolutely love their mascots. It is from the alumnus, that usually seen a more extreme form of mascot collection.

The mascot seems to be more than just that, the commercial side pales when compared to the motivational possibilities. The mascot doesn’t just give team a name, It gives them an identity. Even when they’re not practicing on the field were actually playing a game is not unusual for the players to wear the jacket’s emblazoned with their mascot everywhere. It becomes a part of their persona, who they are.

Likewise, fans absolutely love to wear jerseys like the ones the players sport on the field. The more closely they resemble the actual jerseys, the more coveted they are. Fans even choose their favorite player, and wear jerseys with their players name emblazoned on the back. It is a show of camaraderie and belonging.

For many universities, the mascot is a part of the history and culture of the school, deeply ingrained in the student body. The mascot along with the trophies in the glory case proudly displayed in the ministration buildings even play a role in recruiting. Ironically, the exact history of the mascots has been long lost. But no matter every school will have a story behind its mascot. The United States Air Force Academy is a reasonably young university, and he chose as its mascot the falcon. That they selected a bird is probably not a surprise because the falcon because it is known as the fighter jet of the avian world.

But not everything about mascots is without controversy. Names and references to items, religious practices and tribes of Native Americans have long caused friction. In 2005, the incidental aseptic for how they use of these mascots. They may be detained is a Native American symbol or name as a mascot from participating in a championship game under their jurisdiction.

One of the effective universities with Florida State, whose mascot, the Seminole, named after the Seminole tribe of the southeastern United States, would make them ineligible, threatened to sue the NCAA. What made this conflict interesting is the Seminole tribes within Florida loudly supported FSUs use of the icon. Seminole tribes outside of Florida were very much against it. It’s a clear example of the emotions sport mascot designs can generate, which is precisely what they are suppose to do.

Though the event is due to be broadcast live in 3D for the first time, there is nothing like being up close and personal with the world’s greatest football show. As such, it could well be time to take advantage of one of the 2010 World Cup packages that are available.

The World Cup will be one of the most exciting of course; as it comes rolling into the African continent for the first ever time. And to really get the best from the event, the people, the country and its rich culture, getting on with a package is certainly the way to go.

The packages available across the internet are many and varied, but they all tend to follow to the same sort of routine. They will include all flights and quite often transfers if needed, will cover accommodation and have a host for the duration of the stay. Most importantly of all of course, they will include the ticket to the match of your choice.

This is the case for the basic packages, at the start of the tournament as the group stages are being played out. It is possible to get 2010 World Cup packages to cover the group games, and later rounds including semi finals and even the final. However, for obvious reasons, these will be significantly more expensive.

There may also be restrictions on certain packages, depending upon what country you are booking from and which matches you are wanting to see. FIFA have put tough restrictions on the sale of match tickets for this event, so freedom of selecting matches cannot always be guaranteed.

Many of the top packages available also include fantastic excursions in areas of interest local to the stadia where the match is due to play. One of the most popular types are those that include safaris in the amazing parks. However, for a real treat, seeing the morning migration of wildebeest from a hot air balloon is something not to be missed.

Booking of the 2010 World Cup Packages can be done quite easily, with many operators. However, such are the restrictions; the process can take a little time. There is a crackdown on ticket touting in this year’s completion, so identities will need to be verified.

Prices are quite high of course, but do vary from package to package of course. However, they do offer what will for most be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and a chance to really soak up the atmosphere of one of the best sporting events the world hosts.

When looking online, though it will be tempting to look for the cheapest available, caution should certainly be exercised. Though tighter rules exist over ticket allocation, there are no guarantees that they will stop all confidence tricksters of course. As such, it is wise to go with a name you know, or have certainly heard about.

Booking your 2010 World Cup Packages with a reputable operator, that is accredited and protected within your own country will not just make for a safe and pleasant trip; but allow you to enjoy all the action without worry.

Prices are quite high of course, but do vary from package to package of course. However, they do offer what will for most be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and a chance to really soak up the atmosphere of one of the best sporting events the world hosts.

However, there are some cheaper packages available but, these do need to be approached with caution. Despite the restrictions and so forth, there are still going to be scam artists out there. Mindful of this, it is worth checking the reputability of the operator before booking.

Though accreditations vary from country to country, it is important to check all these details carefully. Further than this, going with a name you can trust will allow you to really kick back, enjoy the show, and hopefully cheer your team onto glory. After all, it is a party, and you want to relax and enjoy.

The Australian Tennis Open is hosted every January at the Melbourne Tennis Stadium in Flinders Park. The stadium includes the Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena (formerly Vodafone Arena) and a number of satellite courts within the complex. There are four major international grand slam tournaments held each year including the Australian Tennis Open, the French Tennis Open in Paris, Wimbledon in London and the US Tennis Open in New York. With the often extreme summer temperatures of Australia the Australian Tennis Open is regarded as one of the most physically demanding for players who often succumbing to the heat. The Australian Open is important in many ways, not least of which is because it is the first Grand Slam Tennis Tournament of the year. Temperatures during the two week tournament can often reach 40o and above with the court temperature often well above that. In an effort to minimise the impact of the heat the Australian Tennis Open organisers have installed retractable roofing systems over the main court that can be closed during time of extreme heat or rain. The main arena was named after Rod Laver, the only Australian and international player to have won all four Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments in one year, twice.

As would be expected during a tournament at this level, competition during the Australian Tennis Open is extreme and the atmosphere on court and within the stadium is electric. The tournament runs for two weeks. The women’s finals are played on the final Saturday in the second week and the men’s final is played on the Sunday of the second week. Men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles and juniors are played with as much competition as the head line matches. Matches are broadcast around the world by various networks and watched by many millions of viewers all looking for a glimpse of their favourite male and female tennis players competing in the Australian Tennis Open.

Attracting visitors and tennis lovers from all over Australia and from around the world to Melbourne each January, the Australian Tennis Open is the main international tourism event and attraction in Australia during this period. The two weeks of the tennis open is full of entertainment in and around the Melbourne Park complex with roving entertainers, concerts, markets and food all making this one of the great sporting events on the Melbourne international calendar.

Along with tickets for the Australian Open, people staying in Melbourne for the tennis can also buy concert tickets for the premium park shows and enjoy the varied entertainment and attractions that combine with the great tennis to make this a spectacular two weeks of entertainment. Players that competed during 2009 included Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, the Williams sisters, Dina Safina and many leading players on the world tennis tour. For the 2009 Australian Tennis Open most of the main tickets sold out in advance with average prices ranging from $19 and $174.

For the 2010 Australian Tennis Open the main matches will be played at Rod Laver Arena and ticket prices range from $55 up to $290 for the finals. Ticket prices for matches on Hisense arena start at $50. Tickets prices go up as the tournament progresses with quarter finals, semi-finals and the men’s and women’s finals all at premium prices. The Australian Tennis Open 2010 will be planned from January 18 to January 31 at the Melbourne Park in Melbourne Australia. The total seating capacity of Melbourne Park is around 15,000.

Martina Navratilova used to be the top female tennis player on Earth. Although she became a United States citizen in 1981, she was originally from Czechoslovakia where she was born in 1956 on October 18th. She was first introduced to tennis by her stepfather and coach, Miroslav Navratil. When she was only 15 years old, Martina became the national tennis champion of the Czech Republic. After competing in Orlando, Florida, she won her first title for the singles division when she was just seventeen. In 1975, she moved beyond being an amateur tennis player.

In 1975 she played and became a finalist in the Grand Slam singles tournament, although she was beaten by Evonne Goolagong Cawley in the Australian Open and by Chris Evert in the French Open that year. In addition, she lost the US open semi finals in 1975; however, that made her even more determined to obtain her green card. Fortunately, 1978 was a better year and after beating Chris Evert in the Grand Slam singles at Wimbleton, Martina obtained her worldwide championship title.

Navratilova was a women of great power and aggression because of which she raised the level of competition. Initially she was on the heavier side and she had to struggle a lot to get into shape for tennis. In this regard Nancy Lieberman, a basketball player, helped her. She underwent severe levels of fitness and exercising which finally got her into shape. She even learned the technique to use graphite racquets, which made her one of the most dominant tennis player.

She again beat Evert in the 1981 Grand Slam singles, in Australia Open. The next year she won the French and Wimbledon Open. In 1983, she won in three out of four Grand Slam events.

She surpassed every other tennis player and obtained the greatest winning percentage of any professional tennis player. In 1984, Martina proved her supremacy by winning the French Open Grand Slam, a great personal victory over her loss there in 1983. Philippe Chatrier, president of the International Tennis Federation, was so impressed with Navratilova’s victory that he dubbed it the Grand Slam. At the height of her career, Martina Navratilova only lost six singles matches in 2 years, i.e., from 1982 - 1984.

With the Aussie Open marking the beginning of the emerging 2010 tennis calendar year, the action is officially here again. There are a variety of participants comprising a group that is currently much more saturated than it’s happened to be in several years.

Long ago are the days of Roger and Rafa Nadal dominating each and every tournament. There are some additional players competing professionally who have legitimate chances every time a tournament starts.

Although Roger and Rafael Nadal sit on the leading two spots in the field of players, there are two or three players who might possibly wind up 2010 atop the field at the top. Let’s get a look at the most probable prospects now.

Typically, there is Roger Federer. He can constantly be regarded as the favorite to end atop the the ranks, since he’s done this almost every year through the duration of the most recent 10 years. However, his age of 29 indicates that he’s getting old.

If Rafael Nadal could remain free of injuries, there’s no reason to recognize that he won’t be able to end up there. Actually, many people think that he would have wound up there last season if he hadn’t been required to miss Wimbledon because of his knee pain.

Also in the mix is the young 20 year old Juan Martin Del Potro, whose incredible victory at Flushing Meadows surprised many tennis fans. To informed fans, the young talent’s breakthrough was not so much of a surprise. The Argentine is very gifted and has the potential to catch the tour’s top position this year.

Rounding out the field are a pair of additional prospective players. Why don’t we have a look at them both.

Novak Djokovic is one of these guys who experts thought would be # 1 sometime, although he hasn’t entirely arrived there as yet. He’s considerably more grown up at the age of 23, and might just ultimately enjoy both the mechanics and psychological prowess to make it happen.

Then, there’s Andy Murray. At the young age of 22, this Scottish star is also in the mix and hit as well as the second spot in 2009. With some meaningful titles this season, he may possibly become 2010’s dark horse.

Just a year and a half ago, Justine Henin ruled the WTA tennis tour, and many were calling her the best women’s player of our generation. It seemed like no one could stop the diminutive but powerful Henin.

Many were calling her the Roger Federer of women’s tennis, and deservedly so. She was simply unstoppable at her best. Why did she retire in 2008, then?

According to Henin, she had grown tired of all of the training and traveling that came with the grueling lifestyle of being a pro tennis player. As a result, she thought that a retirement would be the best personal move.

There were personal initiatives that she preferred to focus on, including a camp for children where she’d teach them how to play tennis.

There was definitely a void in the world of women’s tennis. The number ones of the world weren’t truly the best in the minds of some fans, because they wondered if Henin would still be at the top of the ranks. Out of nowhere, some wishes were granted a few months ago when she said she’d return to the sport.

Many wondered if Henin would be able to compete at the level she previously played at. After all, nearly two years away from the sport could leave her rusty and a bit older. Will she be able to return to the world’s number one ranking that she firmly occupied before she called it quits?

Boy, were they wrong. Justine Henin looked as if she never took a day off after easily beating Nadia Petrova in straight sets at Brisbane. The competitive fire still burns in this warrior. In fact, some people claimed that she looked as if she never even took a day off.

From here, there’s one thing on her mind, and no one’s doubting she can get there. Expect to see her back at the top in due time.

Another new season of tennis is upon us as the Aussie Open is underway. The women’s side of tennis is certainly interesting with Justine Henin back, but this article will focus on the men’s tour.

Gone are the days of Federer and Nadal dominating every tournament. There are some other players on the tour with legitimate chances every time a tournament begins.

Though Federer and Nadal occupy the top two spots in the world, there are a few players who could end up the year ranked at number one. Let’s take a look at the most likely finishers now.

No article like this would be proper without calling Federer the most likely person to rank atop the world. After all, he’s held a pretty firm grasp on the position for over eight years now. On the other hand, he’s getting older and others are catching up.

The player who poses the biggest threat to Federer is Rafael Nadal, who seems to have his number whenever they meet lately. Having beaten him during their last two grand slam finals matchups, the key to Nadal’s success this year will be his knees, which gave him problems last year.

Out of nowhere last year came Juan Martin Del Potro, a young sensation from Argentina who seemingly came out of nowhere to stun the world when he defeated Roger Federer in the finals of the US Open last year. Many believe that he could very likely finish the year at number one.

Then, there are two final players who will both have a go at the throne.

From Serbia comes Novak Djokovic, a player whose potential has long been known. Unfortunately, the talent of Federer and Nadal has been too great for him to surpass. This could change though, and 2010 could be his breakout year.

One final player worth mentioning is Andy Murray. Since he reached the world’s number two rank last year, his consistent showing at major events could put him in a position to surprise many fans should he capture a slam or two.