Tennis Man

Author: Mark

  • The Diary of Lady Mary of Wimbledon

    Chapter 1: When Mary met Spencer, a Serialised Tennis Novel

    The bearded hunk of a man Sir Spencer Gore. His muscular Herculean legs obscured by those opaque white trousers made me swallow with a strange sense of intense obsession. The match lasted only 48 minutes, but my god! Those were the best 48 minutes of my entire 1877 summer… I had to meet him and I did. He took me to his cottage on the common, and he showed me his collection of antique coins from ancient Roman times. He advised me to invest in a metal called tin at the exchange, and shared with me the secret of tin… That it was called tenn in Swedish, the inspiration for the naming of the racquet sport. His knowledge of high culture made me quiver. I told him, “Give me a baby Spencer” and he responded “the brigadier is ready to make his move” and it was all over in the space of just over 6 minutes and 23 seconds. I never saw him again after that brief moment of spontaneous tennis, but I carried his baby for 9 months. I gave birth to a wonderful baby boy in 1978, and named him James.

  • Quarter-Final Qatar

  • What is a Tennis Ball Machine?

    Portable device that automatically launches tennis balls at adjustable speeds, frequencies, and trajectories.

    It is a valuable training aid for tennis players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

    Key Features:

    • Ball Feed: The machine holds a quantity of tennis balls and feeds them into a launching mechanism.
    • Speed Control: The machine allows adjustment of the ball’s launch speed.
    • Feed Rate: The machine allows adjustment of how frequently balls are launched.
    • Trajectory Control: The machine often allows adjustment of the ball’s trajectory, including height and angle.
    • Spin Control: Some machines can impart topspin or backspin on the balls.
    • Oscillation: Some machines can oscillate horizontally and/or vertically, simulating a wider range of shots.

    Benefits:

    • Consistency: The machine provides a consistent feed of balls, allowing players to focus on technique and repetition.
    • Footwork: The machine can be used to practice footwork by placing balls in different areas of the court.
    • Timing: The machine helps players develop timing and reaction skills.
    • Shot Practice: The machine can be used to practice specific shots, such as forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves.
    • Convenience: The machine allows players to practice independently, without needing a hitting partner.

    Types:

    • Portable: These machines are lightweight and easy to transport.
    • Commercial: These machines are more powerful and durable, designed for frequent use in clubs and academies.
    • Battery-powered: These machines offer portability and convenience, ideal for use on courts without access to power outlets.
    • AC-powered: These machines offer consistent power and are suitable for extended practice sessions.

    Brands:

    • Lobster
    • Spinfire
    • Sports Tutor
    • Wilson
    • Gamma

    A tennis ball machine can be a valuable investment for any tennis player looking to improve their game. It offers a convenient and effective way to practice a variety of shots and improve overall skills.

  • Doha Tennis Cat

    Refers to a stray cat that made an unexpected appearance during the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025 tennis tournament in Doha. The cat first appeared during a match between Aryna Sabalenka and Ekaterina Alexandrova, causing a brief interruption as it casually strolled across the court. The incident quickly became a sensation among tennis fans and social media users, with many sharing memes and jokes about the cat.

    Interestingly, the same cat returned the next day during a match between Ons Jabeur and Sofia Kenin, further endearing itself to the tennis community. The cat’s appearances added a light-hearted and memorable moment to the tournament.

  • Hotel du Vin & Bistro Wimbledon

    Located at Cannizaro House, West Side Common, London SW19 4UE, UK. It is a modern hotel in a grand mansion overlooking its own parkland with British and Mediterranean dining.

  • I Need a Place Near the Wimbledon Tennis

    While finding the most expensive apartment currently listed in Wimbledon requires checking the very latest real estate listings, some strong contenders and factors that influence high prices in the area include:

    Factors that make Wimbledon apartments expensive:

    • Location: Proximity to the All England Lawn Tennis Club (where the Wimbledon Championships are held), Wimbledon Village, and good transport links (like the Tube and train) drive up prices.
    • Views: Apartments with views of the tennis grounds, Wimbledon Common, or the London skyline command higher prices.
    • Size and Features: Large apartments with multiple bedrooms, luxurious finishes, private balconies or terraces, and amenities like parking or concierge services are more expensive.
    • Exclusivity: Apartments in gated developments or prestigious buildings tend to be pricier.

    Where to look for expensive apartments:

    • Wimbledon Village: This area has a mix of period properties and modern developments, often with high price tags.
    • Parkside: This area near Wimbledon Common is known for large, detached houses, but some apartments here are also very expensive.
    • Southside Common: This area also has some exclusive properties with large gardens and a secluded feel.

    To find the most expensive apartment currently on the market, you can also check these resources:

    • Local estate agents: Contacting estate agents in Wimbledon, such as Robert Holmes & Co, Savills, or Knight Frank, will give you access to the latest listings.
    • Property websites: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket often have listings for high-end properties.
    • Luxury property websites: Websites specialising in luxury real estate may have listings for the most expensive apartments in Wimbledon.

    Keep in mind: The real estate market is constantly changing, so the most expensive apartment today might not be the most expensive tomorrow.

  • Who is Martina Hingis?

    Swiss former professional tennis player who achieved a World No. 1 ranking in singles, doubles, and became the youngest-ever Grand Slam champion. She won 5 Grand Slam singles titles, 13 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, and 7 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.

    Hingis was known for her exceptional court craft, versatility, and tactical prowess. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013.

  • Who is Maria Sharapova?

    Retired Russian professional tennis player.

    Here are some key highlights of her career:

    • Five-time Grand Slam champion: She won Wimbledon (2004), the US Open (2006), the Australian Open (2008), and the French Open twice (2012, 2014).
    • Former World No. 1: She held the top ranking for 21 weeks.
    • Career Grand Slam: She is one of only ten women to have won all four Grand Slam titles.
    • Olympic silver medalist: She won silver in women’s singles at the 2012 London Olympics.

    Sharapova was also known for her business ventures and endorsements, making her one of the most recognisable and highest-paid female athletes in the world.

  • Who is Emma Raducanu?

    British professional tennis player who made history by winning the 2021 US Open at the age of 18.

    Her victory was remarkable as she entered the tournament as a qualifier and won ten consecutive matches without dropping a set. She is the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade in 1977.

    Raducanu’s win sparked a wave of excitement and national pride in Britain, and she has since become a global sensation, known for her talent, determination, and grace on and off the court.

  • Fun Tennis T-shirts from Leroytee.com

    Situated at 2900 W Ray Rd #2, Chandler, Arizona 85224, United States, they are swiftly carving out a niche in the online fashion industry. They specialise in stylish printed T-shirts, merging unique designs with premium quality to cater to fashion enthusiasts across the United States.

    Leroytee believe that fashion is a dynamic form of personal expression. Their assortment includes everything from custom prints to contemporary styles, ensuring there is a design for every fashion preference.

    Their mission is to deliver a superior shopping experience, complete with user-friendly navigation, personalisation options, and efficient delivery services. The brand has been designed with the intention to symbolise creativity, exceptional quality, and total customer satisfaction.

    Leroytee invite customers to dive into their world, where each T-shirt is a statement of your individual style.