Tennis

[Butkus51]

2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

Every year Wimbledon FU 1 to 3 men & women draws.  This year is no exception.  One big FU is in the men’s draw, 1st round mind you.

# 6 Taylor Fritz, USA vs Jack Draper, UK-England (not seeded).  In June 2025 (last year) Draper was ranked #4 in da World, #1 for UK-England but got a bad injury in August 2o25 and sat out for 8-9 months which saw his rankings drop down to #175.  Draper just recently (6 weeks ago) return playing on the tour again and has done well going into the Qt’s and Semi’s in some tournaments.  Draper is a top #5 player when healthy.  These 2 top players should not have been scheduled for a 1st rd match up.

One of these guys will lose the match and mess up their chance to move up the draw.  Wimbledon has got to do a better job with their draws.  There are 2 others men and 2 on the women side.  But, Taylor vs Draper is da Big FU…  Cheers

• This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Butkus51.

[Butkus51]

Serena Williams has un-retired and will play Wimbledon at 44 yrs old.  Serena played 2 dbl’s tournaments the last 3 weeks and have been practicing and getting into condition for 4 months.  All dis is for a part time come back, playing only in da majors and da bigger 1000 tournaments.

Hm, I have doubts she will make it at 44 yrs of age.  Tennis is a brutal sport, one must be in Xlent condition, have sharp reflexes, quickness, keen eyes but at 44 these things have diminished + injuries are gonna happen.  I feel Serena might make 3 rds, but advancing further, I say Nope.  She said it’s not about money, but missed da competition of tournament play.  Good luck to Serena.

PS.  I read a report dat when top players try a come back at past 40+ yrs old, less than 1% found success.  The only athlete dat I can recall is boxer George Forman who came back at age 45 and did well.  Oh, her sister Venus at 46 yrs old plays limited tournaments and have not gone past 2 rounds.  Dang, boxers Manny Pacquiao and Roger Mayweather Jr are trying a come back due to financial reasons.  Come on now, who will pay to see them box again?   Cheers

 

[Java]

Floyd?

 

Didn’t he  say he was worth $100 Mil at one point?

[Butkus51]

Bruddah Java, Floyd M net worth at one time was est to be 500 M to 550 M.  But, recently read he is facing financial problems.  Sold & selling stuff to pay for tax liens and most likely debts.  He is a big time gambler and spender for luxury stuff.  Stupid man…  Cheers

[Java]

That is ridiculous to be so smart to amass that fortune and not live off just the int or gains.  And to think you’re going to make those sums forever.

[Butkus51]

Bruddah Java, dang after 28 days,, I just caught my bad (Roger Mayweather Jr), yes I meant Floyd M, Jr…  Cheers

[RWC]

Serena is a joke, she’s just like the Clinton’s and never goes away lol.

Mrs. privileged gets a wildcard and doesn’t even have to qualify. It’s right into the first round and the main singles draw where she will play #53 Maya Joint. Serena can’t move anymore the footwork is long gone. About the only weapon she has left is her serve, and even that won’t carry her too far.

Doubles with her sister could be a different story where they might even get into the second week.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by RWC.

[Butkus51]

Yep RWC, Serena got in with a wildcard due the legacy, past champs rule and consideration by Wimbledon tournament officials.  This special rule and benefit applies to the Major’s and 1000 tournaments.  I do not have a problem with dat benefit.  But, I feel all past champions should just stay retired and enjoy life.

I read dat Serena has several successful businesses, high paying endorsements & projects dat generate good income, about $40 M to $50 M annually.  SW estimated net worth = $450 M.   Plus, her husband, Alex Ohanian = $150 M.  So money is not an issue.

I believe Venus should retire already.  Seeing her lose in 1st rounds is sad to watch.  Venus does not need money either, her net worth = $110 M and makes $6 M to $7 M annually…  Cheers

[Butkus51]

1st Rd., Wimbledon

Serena Williams (L) vs Maya Joint, 3 sets (3-6, 7-6, 3-6).  M. Joint, 20 yrs old, UK-England, ranked #87 world, upcoming youngster, like her tennis game.  Serena showed good fight, but made too many un-forced errors (bad tennis).  She needs to put in more time at practice, but with her busy schedule and in between Major’s is it a smart thing to do?  I say Nope. She should utilize your valuable time towards her Biz, projects, endorsements and most of all her family (kids).

Serena and husband must do a lot of soul searching.  Dang Serena go fishing…  Cheers

[Butkus51]

The great Bjorn Borg (11 majors titles) retired young 27 yrs old (burn out).  Due to financial reasons (failed Biz) attempted a comeback at age 35 and got killed.  It was painful watching his diminished tennis game.  Wipe Out.

[RWC]

Butkus, some really good tennis the last couple days a lot of the Americans doing well. Didn’t like seeing Shelton going out so early to a qualifier no less that was a big disappointment.

Like I said yesterday Serena can’t  move anymore and that was evident today this was no surprise. Yes the footwork isn’t too bad for 44, but there is no way can she play on that level anymore. Her game plan to hit down the middle and take away the angles worked for a while only because Joint misses way too much.
I’m wondering if Serena came back because she really misses tennis and the fight OR does she miss being on national TV and all the limelight? The only TV exposure she gets are those Ozempic commercials. For two days now it’s been all Serena on ESPN.

On the Borg comeback I’m not sure but didn’t he show up with wooden racquets in Monte Carlo when all the other players were using graphite? He had no chance. Still one of my all time favorites to dominate on Clay at the French, and do the same on the fast grass at Wimbledon like he did is amazing.

[Butkus51]

Bruddah RWC, yep we have a lot of Americans, men and women advance after their 1st Rd matches.  The men no chance of winning Wimbledon.  Women, I see a Wimbledon Champ.  I think Anisamova has a good shot winning it.

I do not know why Serena really came back.  Saw a recent interview and she said she is super busy (work and raising kids).  She must miss the game very much to put more on her plate?  For her to get good again is gonna take mucho practice, cross training which will take mucho hours per week.  Does she have the time and will to do that and for what?

Shelton match was a big upset.  His opponent, Otto Virtanen, Finland is ranked #91 world.  Saw the match.  I’m not a Shelton fan, I think he is one cocky kid (grunts loudly, punk ass body language) and dislike how his father coaches him during matches.  Shelton was up 8-5 in the tie break and his cockiness got in the way and played stupid shots and let Virtanen back in, 8-8.  Virtanen won the tie break 11-9.  Virtanen plays calm and steady, made Shelton make un-force errors.  Shelton 1st serves was off and had to rely on 2nd serves.  He normally, win easy pts on his 1st serves.

Borg come back, he tried the composite graphite rackets but he did not like them.  So, he went back to his wood, Donnay Borg Pro, 70″ head and 85 lbs tension (nuts).  He was the only player at that ultra tight string tension.  But, he just did not have the game to match the power game.  I’ve been around a long time and have seen the evolution of the game.  Shoot the current players are just to good due to (superior rackets, high tech strings, semi western and full western grip, modern swing mechanics, fast swings which drives hard balls, players are more fit and stronger, explosive movements & crazy cardio.  Men and women are power hitters.

The day of McEnroe constructing points and moving in taking the net is no more.  His approach shots would be met with hard, powerful passing shots.  The day of Connors spinning in his serves would be useless and not good tennis today.  And, the great Chris Evert would get killed by the #30 ranked players of today.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by Butkus51.

[RWC]

Great post Butkus thanks for sharing your insights. I think you’re 100% right that none of the men among the Americans will win the title.  Shoot we have to go all the way back to Roddick at the Open to find a Major winner right? The Sampras, Mac, Connors, Agassi, Courier days are long gone since we had a pack of great Americans. Of course Connors and McEnroe were in their prime a little before the other three.

You make an interesting point regarding Evert, Connors and McEnroe playing against today’s players. I was playing some years back in this tournament and was talking to Dennis Ralston and Tommy Tucker ( Larry Stefanki’s old coach) and asked what they thought was the biggest difference between today’s players versus the players from the 70’s and 80’s.

They thought as far as the top 10 goes there wasn’t much difference, but the top 200 isn’t even close it is so much deeper and today’s players would dominate. Of course keep in mind it would be with everyone using the same equipment. I wanted to share that story since you brought it up. Hope you’re still getting out on the court and enjoying the game.

[Butkus51]

Bruddah RWC, Always good talking tennis with you.  Wish more guys here were into tennis.  C. FresnoMike is one, but he hardly comes here.  He coached at Fresno St back in the 70’s.  I love tennis.  Played the 4 major sports in HS, but I always wanted to play tennis.  I was fascinated by the game.  Picked it up right after grad HS, also took up swimming.  I’ve been heavily involved with both sports ever since.

I still play along with my wife, but mostly doubles.  In singles, just rally ground strokes and play out 10 pt. games.  When I came to Calif picked up Paddle Tennis down at Venice Beach and W.LA and just recently Pickle ball.

I string rackets on the side (side biz) since Hawaii days.  I play with Head Prestige Pro, 98″ head, love the racket.  When I started 1957, played with the Jack Kramer Autograph (great wood racket) and for many years, up until 1974.  It’s too bad we do not have men tennis players dat can win a Major championship.  Our guys are just not athletic enough to be in the top 4 and contend winning a Major.

Women side is much better.  Jess Pegula, CoCo Gauf, Amanda Anisimova can win a Major.  Up coming youngster Iva Jovic, just 18 yrs old, from Torrance, Calif has the potential to be another great American.  Like her game a lot.  Jovic parents are from Serbia.

Question.  What racket you play with and string tension and type of strings?

[Butkus51]

Forgot to mention dat Madison Keys has a good chance winning Wimbledon too.  Yeah, we have 4 girls dat could end up with the championship trophy…  Cheers

[Butkus51]

Went into my memory bank.  I wrote:  When I started 1957, played with the Jack Kramer Autograph (great wood racket) and for many years, up until 1974.  Correction played with it up until 1972.  Changed to the Head Pro Master, blue, aluminum frame.  Love the racket.  Strung it 4 knots, 60 m & 58 cross, Leona 66, 15 G.

Played with it until 1984, then switch to the Wilson Pro Staff, graphite, black, Pete Sampras racket.  Played with it until 1997, then switch to Head Prestige Pro or Tour until now (all the various models over the years).  I like sticking to one favorite racket; it becomes an extension of my arm and feel.  Many players like switching rackets all the time, not me…  Cheers

[RWC]

Today I play with a Kennix Black Ace and string it with Luxilon at 48 lbs. I’m still hitting with a lot of top so poly works best for me.

Wilson Kramer that was a classic wooden racket as was the Pro Staff I played with as a kid.

[Butkus51]

Bruddah RWC, If your string is Luxilon ALU Power dat is a hard, stiff string for senior players.  But, all Poly strings are hard, stiff.  Your string is good for the young guys, but they will develop arm, wrist, shoulder problems (injuries).  Your tension is OK.  My suggestion is to play with multi-filament strings.

I have been playing with multi-filament strings since turning 45 yrs (now 86).  It’s a nice moderate softer string, but has Xlent control and pop.  When I turned 60 yrs old,  I decreased the tension.  I strung my racket, 4 knots, 52 lbs mains, 50 lbs cross.  Most of my customers I string with 4 knots, on average 56 lbs mains, 53 cross.  For my senior customers I go with my tension.  I play with Tecnifibre X-1 ($22) or Wilson NXT ($23) 16 gauge, absolutely love the strings = A+ playability & response.

Once I played with graphite composite rackets at age 45, I strung it tight, 4 knots, 62 lbs mains, 59 lbs cross.  I wanted A+ control, touch, good feel on my serves, ground game, lobs, drop shots and volley’s.  With my Jack Kramer Autograph I strung it 4 knots, 60 mains, 58 cross, 15 gauge, nylon, Leona 66.

OK Brah enjoy the rest of Wimbledon…  Cheers

[Butkus51]

Clarification.  Some things I wrote were confusing.

I have been playing with multi-filament strings since turning 45 yrs (now 86).  It’s a nice moderate softer string, but has Xlent control and pop.  Ideal for arm, wrist, shoulders injuries.  When I turned 60 yrs old,  I decreased the tension from 62 lbs M & 59 lbs cross to 4 knots, 52 lbs mains, 50 lbs cross.  Most of my customers I string with 4 knots, on average 56 lbs mains, 53 cross.  For my senior customers I go with my tension, 52 M & 50 C.  I play with Tecnifibre X-1 ($22) or Wilson NXT ($23) 16 gauge, absolutely love the strings = A+ playability & response.

[RWC]

This is great talking tennis I love it. No worries I understood everything you said.
Multi-filament are really good strings and playability is excellent, but the problem was durability, and I was breaking strings almost every week and it got too expensive. About ten years ago when I switched to poly the first string I used was the Babolat RPM Blast 17 ga. and I was hooked. It was a softer co poly monofilament and checked all the boxes. It was a couple years later I made the switch to Luxilon, just love the way it plays.

So far so good with no body issues but I’m sure the day will come when I’ll have to make the change. I really like your recommendations and my wife a strong 4.5 plays with NXT.

[Butkus51]

7-12-26

Results 2026 Wimbledon Championships and my thoughts.

Men Finals.  #1 J. Sinner, Italy (W) vs #2 S. Zverev, Germany, Russian blood, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.  Very good match.

Only one American #10 Taylor Fritz made the Rd of 16 and went onto the Qt’s.  European players dominate the men’s game and rankings.  Top 20 rankings:  12 Europeans, 4 Americans, 2 Russia, 1 Canada, 1 Australia.  Per country USA = 4, Italy = 3, so in respects America is doing well.  It’s just that no American has the game to win a Major championship.

Wimbledon and French Open missed #3 Carlos Alcaraz, Spain due to injury.  Hope he heals soon, love his game.  I think he is the most talented tennis player in the world, a Roger Federer 2.  In my mind he is the #1 player in da world.

Women top 20 rankings:  9 European, 5 USA, 3 Russia.  Per Country:  USA = 5, Czech = 3, Russia = 3.  So our girls are killing it in da Pro’s.  A Big Shaka to our Wahine’s.

Among our girls, I really like #9 Amanda Anisimova, 24 yrs old, game. I think she has all the shots in da book, great serves.  But, she needs to get in better shape,  and play smarter, goes for too much and makes untimely, crucial pts unforced errors.

I think #16 Iva Jovic, 18 yrs old is gonna win a Major title and become our #1 American.  Jovic has a great game, has all the shots, great serves, good athlete but still needs to get stronger, curb her unforced errors and play smarter points and more steady tennis.  Make her opponents make the errors.

Women final’s.  #9 Linda Noskova, Czech (W) vs #10 K. Muchova, Czech, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3.  Very good match in an all Czech final.  Noskova, 21 yrs old, comes from a strong Junior background winning 3 Junior Major’s.  Yeah, most of the top Pro’s now and over da years were Junior Champs.  So having strong Junior careers will most likely continue onto da Pro’s & make good money.

CoCo Gauf came close making the finals.  She lost in 3 tuff sets to Muchova.  Gauf had match point (9-8) but made a bad drop shot which Muchova saw and rip her counter shot.  Very dumb shot.  CoCo still needs to change her forehand (worst in da game), improve on her serves, weird serving motion and mechanics.  She was taught by her father (zero tennis background during her early years up to 15 yrs old) which caused her bad forehand and serves.  Heck,  all her Pro coaches can not fix.  CoCo is by far the best athlete in the women game, no one comes close.

I love Jess Pegula game, I just think she is not fit and athletic enough to make past the semi’s + her age is a factor (32 yrs old).  She has one the best mental game in da Pro’s, like a Chris Evert.  Shoot, Madison Keys is very talented, but over da years does not play smart tennis, goes for too much all da time which causes unforced errors.  But, she won the Australian Open in 2025 so she has the game to win Majors.  But, her age, 31 yrs old goes against her in big tournaments.

Upsets by top players.  #1 Sabalenka, Belarus, loss in Rd 16.  #2 Rybankina, Kazh, loss in Rd 16, #3 Swiatek, Poland, loss in 3rd Rd 32.  Sad, Swiatek is losing her game and struggling (loss her confidence, mental game).  Over 2 years, she has changed several coaches, but it has made things even worst.  She needs a good sports psychologist…  Cheers

• This reply was modified 4 weeks ago by Butkus51.

[RWC]

I still see Gauf’s horrible drop shot on match point. A really good first serve on that point set up the short ball for her to win the match. Too bad I thought it was her tournament to lose and sure enough she did.

I was pulling for Zverev reaching his 2nd Major final in the last month. It was a battle of big serves and a pretty good match with Sinner being just a little steadier. Sinner’s serve has really become a big weapon the last couple of years where it’s so tough to read.

I’m with you that Carlos is still the best player, but he’s been off a long time with that wrist injury. Hope he’s back for the Open.

[Butkus51]

It boggles my mind why can’t coaches fix CoCo’s forehand and serve?  Forehand: grip bad, extreme western and horrible swing.  She has the worst forehand I’ve ever seen.  Serve: Very bad motion and grip.  Her motion and grip is all bad.  I think all her coaches are afraid to fix, change her forehand and serve because they must have been told by someone in her family or by CoCo, do not touch my forehand and serve.  If they do they will get fired (no more paychecks), so they just appease her.

Cause a good Pro can fix these two things in 9 to 12 months.  Hell, I could fix these 2 things, I would not be afraid to tell her the God’s truth.  She is only 22 yrs old and must fix them or time will run out.

Forehand:  I would tell her use a semi western grip and end up with across her chest swing.  She tries to emulate Rafa Nadel’s high swing.  Hell Rafa forehand swing was unique and only he could do it.  I would show lots of film of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Sinner, C. Alcaraz, Amanda Anisimova, Jess Pegula, Neomi Osaka.  All these players use proper grips, have modern forehands and swings.  Best in the game.

Serve: I would tell CoCo use the classic Continental grip for the Kick, Flat serves, Eastern grip for the Slice serves.  Her wrist is too stiff and must lossen her wrist until contact.  She must jump up, explode upwards with the toss slightly in front of her head and look up until contact.  She is dropping her head before the contact (bad goes into the net and dbl faults a lot)  She is using a semi Western grip (all bad).  I would show CoCo a lot of tape of Roger Federer, Rod Laver, E. Rybakina, A. Anisimova, Martina Navratilova.  These players have great serves and motion.

Cheers

[Butkus51]

7-21-26

Dam how could I leave out the greatest tennis serve of all time, Pete Sampras.  Yeah, I would show a lot of tape of Pete to CoCo, watch and learn.  Also, Jack Kramer and Pancho Gonzales too…  Cheers

[Java]

my favorite serve was Roscoe Tanner. remember him?

ka boom

[RWC]

My wife years ago went to Tanner’s serving clinic at Sherwood CC. He taught to hit the serve almost at the top of the toss and not let it drop.

[Java]

I tend to do that.  And I get about one out of 4 first serves in.  If I’m lucky.  And then my second is the biggest joke of a lollipop you’ve ever seen.

to give you an idea.  I’ve played doubles and my first serve has regularly eaten up club pros.  I’m sure a touring pro would have no problem.  But I’ve just blown away club pros.

my second serve?  Has been returned and sometimes shoved down my throat by the little lady who is there to take lessons from the cute club guy and spend her time snacking and sun bathing the rest of the day.

I’ve had days I got my first in a lot and man I’m like the rooster out there.  Prancing.  One bad dude.    Most of the time I’m praying. “Please go in. Please don’t hit my doubles partner.  Please don’t leave the court and go into the restaurant    On the fly”.

humbling lol.

[Butkus51]

The key Java, is to move your serves all over the box and give them, flat, kick, slice, spin and with me threw in an American Twist.  Most importantly get a high % of 1st serves in (70% to 80%) and always make your 2nd serves (Spin it in, Do Not double fault or give away 2nd serves, get them in.)  I served a very high % of 1st serves (75% to 85%) in and always made my 2nd serves.  Never doubled faulted.

My flat serves were clocked at 120 to 130 mph.

A very effective serve is the body serve, into his backhand side.  Ace is nice, but I liked serving wide (kick or slice) forcing the returner far out of the court, producing a weak, short return.  Then, I would rip dat short ball cross court (the Serve plus One tactic).  The S + O were just as effective as an Ace.

I had a relatively low toss, making it difficult for my opponents read my serves.  Quick, fluid serving motion.  I was an All Court Player (served and volley, strong baseline and had all the spins (top, slice, flat drive, side spins) in my forehand and backhand.  I had great patience, 25-35 shot rallies if needed.  I wanted to win every point.  I developed a killer stop volley and wicked drop shot (soft hands/racket head control).  I would neutralize my opponents taking the net with top spin lobs or hooking forehands and backhands.

PS.  I was a righty with a one hand backhand. My game plan was to play tennis, move them all over the court, take out their legs and lungs, do not make unforced errors, no double faults.  I had all the shots in da book.  Plus, I was strong, fast, quick with immense cardio…  Cheers

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 2 days ago by Butkus51.

[Java]

Agree w all you said except.   You demonstrate and have far more control.  Serious.  Mine is all.  100% power.  Aiming?? Hahaha I’m just hoping I keep the ball in the court.  Anywhere.  No spin.  All flat.  120-130?   Roscoe was 140 yes?   They isn’t or wasn’t me.  Mine isn’t as powerful as when I was younger.

and yea.  Second serve is all spin or mostly.  But not so much that someone who knows what’s coming can’t shove it back down my throat. And they do.

I’m a hack player who in his prime was very athletic and could cover the court.  And had a booming first serve.  Now the aches and pains of age show me some cute little 28 year old girl can cover the court better than me even if she has no strength and little coordination.  Aging sucks man lol.

So in summary at my best I was a one trick pony who could chase anything down.  And hold my own against better more talented players.  But was never mistaken for someone who was polished or had the shots.  And Would never go beyond round 2-3 in a local club tourney.  I won a round or two for my fraternity back in the day.

but today?  I’m just trying to hit with anyone who will take the time to take me on the court and put up with occasional break while I adjust my back. Knee or whatever else decided to act up that day lol

[Butkus51]

Brudda Java, try Paddle Tennis, smaller court, underhand serves, play with a pin pricked tennis ball.  I love Paddle Tennis.  Not sure if Orange County beach have PT courts?  Google it.  But, I would recommend playing Paddle Tennis it is a fun game and sport.

You can find top rated PT rackets for $90 to $150 online.  2 very good PT rackets:  Osomo-Brotow, seen it priced at $160 with 30% to 50% discounts.  2nd Head-Flash Pro, seen it priced at $95 to $110.  Both are Xlent PT rackets…  Cheers

[Butkus51]

Java, if there aren’t PT courts in OC, one can play it on a Pickelball court cause it’s almost the same dimensions and net height as PT courts.  No on tennis courts.  I’ve played PT on a Pickleball court and it’s fine.

Paddle Tennis court. 50 ft by 20 ft, net 31″ high.

Pickleball court.  44 ft by 20 ft, net 34″ high.

Tennis court.  78 ft by 27 ft, center net 36″ high and 39″ on the ends.  PT and PB nets are straight across and level.

https://www.google.com/search?q=compare+dimensions+of+american+paddle+tennis+courts+vs+tennis+and+pickleball+courts&sca_esv=57bf68f8668ef300&biw=1207&bih=597&ei=Rq9maoGRFZC_kPIPj8nKqAE&ved=0ahUKEwiBzOy_1fGVAxWQH0QIHY-kEhUQ4dUDCBA&oq=compare+dimensions+of+american+paddle+tennis+courts+vs+tennis+and+pickleball+courts&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiU2NvbXBhcmUgZGltZW5zaW9ucyBvZiBhbWVyaWNhbiBwYWRkbGUgdGVubmlzIGNvdXJ0cyB2cyB0ZW5uaXMgYW5kIHBpY2tsZWJhbGwgY291cnRzSNa0AVCcDVj_pwFwAXgBkAEAmAFtoAGiFKoBBDM1LjK4AQzIAQD4AQGYAhKgAoINwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICDhAAGOQCGNYEGLAD2AEBwgIXEC4Y3AYYuAYY2gYY2AIYyAMYsAPYAQHCAggQABiJBRiiBMICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFEAAY7wXCAgoQIRgKGKABGMMEwgIFECEYoAHCAgUQIRirAsICBRAhGJIDwgIFECEYnwWYAwCIBgGQBg-6BgYIARABGAmSBwQxMS43oAf2gAGyBwQxMC43uAfnDMIHCTAuMS45LjcuMcgHmAGACAE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 1 day ago by Butkus51.

[Java]

You mean pickle ball?   I played a tournament  w my son  Father’s Day in San Antonio.

it’s ok.  I don’t mind tennis.  But I’m just not what I ever was athletically if that makes sense.  My sons are just such better athletes now but they’re all in their 20s so what do you expect right?

[Butkus51]

No I’m suggesting you ought to play Paddle Tennis.  Look it up, if you like tennis, Paddle Tennis would be an ideal substitute.  All the best Paddle Tennis players are or come from a tennis background.

I Googled if Orange County has public Paddle Tennis courts and it came up only some of the private clubs and no known public courts.  But, you can play it on Pickleball courts.  PB is pretty similar court dimensions to PT courts.  I’ve tried playing PT on a PB court and it works.  Anyway, it’s Xlent dat you exercise a lot (run and play tennis).  I believe exercise is a big Key to one’s good health…  Cheers

PS.  My wife and I just started playing Pickleball.  It’s an OK game/sport.  My gripe are the rules, scoring points, and sets,  dat stupid Bucket line/space and most of all the bad bounce.  Wind is a killer (balls so light).  But, over all it’s fun and good for us since the court is small and there’s less running and movement vs tennis.  Again, tennis players will do well in this sport…

 

• This reply was modified 1 week, 6 days ago by Butkus51.
• This reply was modified 1 week, 6 days ago by Butkus51.

[Butkus51]

Bruddah RWC something I caught in your post.  You wrote dat you guys went to RT tennis clinic in Sherwood CC (which is in Thousands Oak, Ventura County), but I thought you live in Orange County and near Newport Beach?  Dat’s a longways apart, no?

• This reply was modified 1 week, 6 days ago by Butkus51.

[RWC]

She went to his serving clinic years ago before we were married not me. Yes I grew up in Newport from 2 years old until my 20’s before leaving.

 

[Butkus51]

Hmm, I swear I read a discussion between you and Bruddah Balls about living near the beach and seeing sunsets almost daily.  One day Balls walked the beach to see a sunset, you told him we must have passed each other?   Then, I chimed in saying I envy you guys; wish I could afford living near a California beach and coastline.  California coastline = best climate in da world.

Anyway no big deal Bruddah RWC, sometimes my memory and brain gets all mixed up…  Wipe out.

[Butkus51]

Bruddah RWC something I caught in your post.  You wrote dat you guys went to RT tennis clinic in Sherwood CC (which is in Thousands Oak, Ventura County), but I thought you live in Orange County and near Newport Beach?  Dat’s a longways apart, no?  Shoot, I’m sure OC have Xlent tennis Pro’s (Newport Beach Tennis Club, UC Irvine, or any Jr College)…  Cheers

[Butkus51]

Oh yeah, Roscoe Tanner (lefty) had booming serves.  RT toss was very low, hitting the ball right at the apex (like you noted).  He had a quick, fast serving motion.  Very hard to read his toss and serves.  Plus, lefty players serves are so tough it has such a different spin and flight.

Others who had low toss: Nick Kyrgios, Alex Dolgopolov, Goran Ivanisevic, John Isner & Jimmy Connors.

Great lefty players:  Rod Laver, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, Ben Shelton, Jack Draper.  Rafa Nadal was ambidextrous.  In tennis he played left hand (serves, forehand, overheads).  But, in everyday things he used his right hand.  Amazing talent.

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 2 days ago by Butkus51.

[Butkus51]

Wimbledon Junior Tournament, 2026

Our Juniors did well at Wimbledon.

Boys Championship Tournament (64 top boys draw).  Winner/Champ, USA, Jordan Lee, 16 yrs, 6-3, 185 lbs, Orlando, Fl, ITF-World Jr rankings = #8, #1 16’s USA, #3 USA.  Congrats to Jordan.  His mom is a tennis instructor in Orlando, Fl.

Girls Championship.  USA, Janae Preston went to the Semi’s, very good showing.  Preston, 16 yrs, #6 ITF World junior rankings, #1 USA, Henderson, Nv.  She has a bright future.

Jordon Lee and Janae Preston will have tough decisions whether to play college tennis or go Pro.  Personally, I feel HS kids should play college tennis at least for 2 years.  They should enjoy their youth, interacting with other college kids and slowly mature into adulthood.  The Pro tour game is a lonely and brutal experience for players under 20 years old.

Our boys and girls are doing well in the ITF World junior rankings.  Top 20 boys, USA leads the world = 6 players (#3, #5, #8, #12, #15, #20).  Next countries: Italy = 3, Spain = 3  Top 20 girls, USA has 3 players #6, #17, #20.  Next Czech = 3 players and Russia = 3 players.

Our USTA development program has been producing top juniors over 30+ years.  Our top kids are 70% subsidized which is good stuff which eases financial concerns for families and players.  Lessons at regional training centers, equipment, clothes, shoes (free), families out of pocket = travel expenses.  But, many times the top players have sponsors which covers their travel expenses.  Shaka…  Cheers

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 3 days ago by Butkus51.

[RWC]

Nice to see Jordan win the Title, who incidentally beat Leyton Hewitt’s son Cruz in 3 sets.

[Butkus51]

Bruddah RWC, I’ve believed this idea since picking up tennis back in 1957.  If our best athletes played tennis, like these European and other countries we would dominate tennis on the men and women game.  But, our best athletes play FB, BB, BaseB, Soccer, Track & Field, etc…  USA tennis has average athletes.

When I began tennis, I notice how un-athletic my opponents were.  I was so much stronger, faster, quicker then my opponents.  Then, I looked over the college and pro players and took notice of the average athleticism.

The other countries best athletes either play soccer or tennis, dat’s it.  And, dat’s why they dominate the rankings.  Plus, these countries began Junior tennis development before the USTA got their sheet together.  Before 2000, our top tennis players went the private instructions which only rich parents could afford.  Glad, our USTA development program is now competing & subsidizing like the other countries.  Just wish more of better athletes get into tennis at an early age (5 yrs to 8 yrs old)  We must steal them away from FB, BB, BaseB & Soccer…   Cheers

PS.  Good examples, look how top athletes like the Williams sisters, and now with CoCo Gauff have done in tennis.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 3 days ago by Butkus51.

[Butkus51]

Rating our Men’s Pro tennis players athleticism.  1-10

#9 Taylor Fritz 7, #10 Ben Shelton 8, #18 Learner Tien 8, #19 Frances Tiafoe 8.5, #20 Tommy Paul 7, #34 Brandon Nakashima 7

International.  J. Sinner 10, Carlos Alcraraz 10+, Alex Zverev 9, Novak Djokovic 10, R. Federer 10, R. Nadal 10+

 

[Butkus51]

Hmm, I swear I read a discussion between you and Bruddah Balls about living near the beach and seeing sunsets almost daily.  One day Balls walked the beach to see a sunset, you told him we must have passed each other?   Then, I chimed in saying I envy you guys; wish I could afford living near a California beach town and coastline.  California coastline = best climate in da world.

Anyway no big deal Bruddah RWC, sometimes my memory and brain get mixed up…  Wipe out.

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