Sports Then and Now

Novak Djokovic will need to toss away his recent disappointments if he wants to move to the top of the tennis world in 2010.

2007

Remember two years ago at the U.S. Open?  Remember how happy Novak Djokovic was and how happy he made the New York crowds with his impersonations of Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, and even Rafael Nadal?

While the guys growled, seemingly a little scratchy about his antics, Sharapova loved it and even sat in the Serb’s box with his parents!  Life was good then, Nole.  Wasn’t it?

Djokovic made it all the way to the finals of the 2007 U.S. Open, where he faced Federer down.  The Serb lost, of course.  Nerves.  Actually, he lost in straight sets to Federer, but the match was closer than it looked on paper.  That’s what everybody said, anyway.

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After being the number one player in the world in 1995, Andre Agassi had fallen to number 141 in 1997.

It goes without saying that drugs are bad – even recreational drugs. That is why it is impossible to get them, right?  If drugs are a cancer to our society, then, of course, as a society we are doing everything in our power to counter them, protecting our children, our community, our cities and our states.

It is much the same for harmful weapons like guns.  We do not allow children or citizens who may harms others access to something that presents such an immediate and present danger.  Right?

As a people, as a community, we are doing everything in our power to create a safe environment for all people living within our boundaries. We treat everyone who breaks the law the same within our equal and passionate justice system.

If you believe the preceding statements are true then you live in la-la land with the rest of the self-appointed name-callers and blame gamers who hug today’s headlines.  It is these holier-than-thou critics who instantly rise to criticize someone else’s behavior who irritate the lining in one’s stomach.

Recently Andre Agassi had the courage to stand up and confess his addition to methamphetamine during his professional tennis career.  In fact he states that in 1997 he was caught using crystal meth by the ATP during a routine drug test.

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Some people tend to forget that Andre Agassi hasn't always been the prim and proper "pitchman" that we have become accustomed to over the last few years.

Even though it has yet to hit bookstores, Andre Agassi’s new book “Open” has some revelations that are already causing some controversy. Most notably among them is his admission to using crystal meth during his career.

In his first entry for Sports Then and Now, noted tennis writer Rob York looks at the reaction some notables within the tennis world have had to the news along with perhaps how Agassi should respond to each comment.

What Martina Navratilova said:

“Shocking. Not as much shock that he did it as shock he lied about it and didn’t own up to it. He’s up there with Roger Clemens, as far as I’m concerned. He owned up to it, but it doesn’t help now.”

“Andre lied and got away with it. You can’t correct that now. Do you take away a title he wouldn’t have won if he had been suspended? He beat some people when he should have been suspended.”

How Agassi should respond:

Apparently when you when enough majors you feel you have the right to pass judgment on anyone who has won less. Sadly, Martina, your memory isn’t as good as your Grand Slam record: I didn’t win any titles while I was using meth, and only won a total of 12 matches in 13 tour events.

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Even Macy's balloons like Underdog wear out over time.

How many times can you inflate a balloon before the skin gives out – before the form will no longer hold air?  Can you extend its life by only rolling it out only once a year to fly above the crowds lining the pavement during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

I think of Underdog, somehow…always a favorite of mine.

If Underdog only flies once a year does that diminish his super hero powers when he does take to the air to save his darling, Sweet Polly Purebred?

These deep philosophical queries obviously have nothing to do with latex – but rather with the presumed deflating career of the greatest man ever to wield a tennis racket – Roger Federer.

I say this, tongue-in-cheek knowing many disagree with my assessment – understanding the comment may stir the fire again.  Such is the nature of our business – is it not?

Roger Federer is 28.  Most of the 28-year-olds I know are still babies – cloaked in baby fat and disgustingly wrinkle free. Read the rest of this entry →

Kim Clijsters has made a surprising run to the U.S. Open Finals.

Start spreading the news.  For the second year in a row the script for the finals at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York has to be re-written.  Oh, for the money to put a roof over our heads…it would seem reasonable insurance against pesky and obstinate mother nature.

Think of all the confusion and lost revenue caused by this year’s two-day rain delay.  It must drive the tournament organizers to abstraction.

Regardless – Sunday in New York promises to present some eye-popping, riveting men’s semifinal contests with number one Roger Federer vs. number four Novak Djokovic in one and Rafael, soon to be number 2 again, Nadal vs. number 5 Juan Martin del Potro in the other.

Add to that the final between surprising finalist Kim Clijsters and number nine seed Caroline Wozniacki and you have a smorgasbord of potential tennis classics ready for the big stage.
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Jimmy Connors was never one to hide his emotions.

James Scott Connors was a momma’s boy, and that became his strength as he battled his way to the top of men’s tennis.

As we settle in for another two-week extravaganza in New York, we must acknowledge the man who won the U.S. Open five times on three different surfaces.  Connors holds the record of having won 98 singles matches at the Open in New York.

With that outrageous attitude…cocky, self-assured, and in your face, Connors epitomized not only tenacious tennis, but New Yorker tennis.

The women in his life taught him to be strong, to stand on his own two feet, and fight for what was rightfully his.  His mother, a teaching pro, taught him how to play tennis.

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