Comment

Like most, I love the new challenge system in the professional game. Imagine though, if it had been in place in decades past. We'd have missed the theatrics of players like McEnroe, Connors and Nastase.

As much as those antics were maligned at the time, I think most tennis observers would agree they added spice and drama to the game. In addition to the great talent of these players, they are also famous for being 'brats' on the court. They (and most tennis analysts) look back nostalgically at their behavior; they even relish it. Those episodes are indelibly stamped on the history of the game. But, to the delight of many, those childish outbursts are history, and tennis has truly become a gentleman's (and gentlewoman's) game.

One final note on the challenge system. Perhaps the only ones who dislike it are the linespeople. I often feel sorry for them. When a call is challenged, they're under the gun and under the microscope. TV directors never fail to train the camera on them after the challenge replay. If they're right, they can breathe a sigh of relief. If they're wrong, they're goats, and must feel quite embarrassed.

Tennis Tip

There's more to watching the ball onto the racket than the old adage "You can't hit what you don't see." In addition to that, and the added benefit of keeping your head still, focusing your eyes and mind on the point of contact can keep you from tightening up and facilitate a good swing. It's analogous to the old "bounce, hit" mental routine, in that if your mind is engaged in focusing on the ball, it leaves much less room for doubt and fear to enter in and affect your stroke. So, make an effort to focus on the point of contact, and you'll find yourself making good shots under pressure.