Tennis Man

News, facts, history, and opinions about the sport

  • The Diary of Lady Mary of Wimbledon

    Chapter 2: When Mary met Mentalist P. F. Hadow, a Serialised Tennis Novel

    Patrick, The Mentalist, as I liked to call him, due to his unique magical, mind-reading, telepathic, precog, psychic, fortune telling ability, was a mesmerising experience. It’s no wonder that he beat my one time animal lover, Spencer Gore. The one and only match, the “challenge round” as Spencer called it, was where my rugged Harrow School boy Patrick proved his gladiatorial masculinity in the ring. Spencer’s volleying style didn’t have a chance against my mentalist’s exotic Sri Lankan, Sinhalese, Tamil, Ceylonese, bright red juicy lobster technique, sending his balls high into the sky. I loved it when after giving Spencer a good thrashing, he walked up to him, in the most confrontational way imaginable, and whispered into his left ear “You’re such a soft sissy… Go back to your woman, and tell her I’m available to satisfy her quench for a real man’s masculine squeeze.” That was my cue to approach Patrick. I grabbed his hand, and dragged him to the Dog and Fox pub on 24 High Street in Wimbledon Village, where I got as high as possible on cat sized aphrodisiac oysters, before I put my deep ocean drenched tongue into his ear, and cleaned his wax filled love tunnel. I continued to pleasure my man of all men in the same vain, day and night, with no break, 24/7, until he decided for some bizarre reason, to return to his full time work in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), as a Ceylon black tea plantation marshal. I told him I’d finance a luxury Wimbledon lifestyle for him through my embarrassingly large trust fund, but he was adamant that his 6 children in Kotte needed their father to teach them in the ways of Eastern business. Of course, I can take a hint, and so I agreed to accept his line, and my eyes moved on and began to scan south west London with ultra high definition falcon vision, searching for a man that would be able to keep my insatiable maternal instinct as filled as possible.

  • Do you want to learn how to play?

    Tennis has a fairly well-defined set of rules, though nuances can occur. Here’s a breakdown of the core elements:

    Basic Gameplay:

    • Objective:
      • The aim is to hit the ball over the net and within the boundaries of the opponent’s court, making it impossible for them to return it.
    • Serving:
      • The game begins with a serve. The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
      • The server gets two attempts to land the serve in the correct box. A failed serve is called a “fault.”
    • Returning:
      • After a legal serve, the opponent must return the ball before it bounces twice.
    • Points:
      • A point is won when a player fails to return the ball legally.

    Scoring:

    • Game:
      • Points are scored as “love” (zero), 15, 30, and 40.
      • To win a game, a player must win four points, with a two-point lead.
      • If the score reaches 40-40, it’s called “deuce.”
      • After deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game (advantage, then game).
    • Set:
      • A set is won by the first player to win six games, with a two-game lead.
      • If the score reaches 6-6, a “tiebreak” is typically played.
    • Match:
      • A match is won by winning the majority of sets.
      • Men’s Grand Slam matches are best-of-five sets.
      • Women’s and most other matches are best-of-three sets.

    Key Rules:

    • Lines:
      • A ball landing on a line is considered “in.”
    • Net:
      • If a serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box, it’s a “let” and the serve is replayed.
      • If a ball in play hits the net and lands in the opponent’s court, the point continues.
    • Faults:
      • Faults occur when:
        • The serve lands outside the service box.
        • The server steps on or over the baseline before hitting the ball (foot fault).
        • A player fails to return the ball before it bounces twice.
        • A player hits the ball out of the court boundaries.
    • Tiebreaks:
      • Tiebreaks are played when a set reaches 6-6.
      • Points are scored 1, 2, 3, etc.
      • The first player to reach seven points, with a two-point lead, wins the tiebreak.

  • The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre

    Sports centre inspired by the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, located in high-end resorts and holiday complexes. It offers tennis programs for adults and children, with training based on the methodology used at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar.

    Here are some key features:

    • Locations: The original academy is in Mallorca, Spain, but there are other locations, such as at the Sani Resort in Greece, and Costa Mujeres near Cancun, Mexico.
    • Facilities: The centres typically offer tennis courts (both clay and hard courts), padel courts, fitness centres, swimming pools, and sometimes additional amenities like spas and pro shops.
    • Programs: They provide individual and group coaching packages for all ages and abilities, with programs often incorporating Nadal’s personal values and ethos.
    • Coaching: Expert coaches provide training, with sessions focusing on technical and physical training.
    • Partnerships: The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre at Sani Resort offers reciprocal benefits with the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca.

  • “You cannot be serious!”

    John McEnroe (1981 Wimbledon)

    American former professional tennis player, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Here’s a summary of his career and impact:

    Career Highlights:

    • Dominant Player: McEnroe was known for his exceptional shot-making, volleying skills, and competitive spirit. He held the world No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles.
    • Grand Slam Titles: He won seven Grand Slam singles titles (four US Open, three Wimbledon), nine men’s doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title.
    • Rivalries: McEnroe had legendary rivalries with players like Björn Borg, Jimmy Connors, and Ivan Lendl, which defined an era of tennis.
    • Doubles Prowess: He was an exceptional doubles player, forming a dominant partnership with Peter Fleming.
    • Fiery Temperament: McEnroe was notorious for his on-court outbursts and confrontations with umpires, which often overshadowed his talent.

    Beyond the Court:

    • Broadcasting: After retiring from professional tennis, McEnroe became a successful television commentator for tennis events.
    • Other Ventures: He has also pursued interests in music, art, and acting, often playing himself in comedic roles.
    • Legacy: McEnroe remains a prominent figure in the tennis world, known for his outspoken personality and contributions to the sport.

    Quick Facts:

    • Full Name: John Patrick McEnroe Jr.
    • Born: 16 February 1959, in Wiesbaden, West Germany
    • Playing Style: Left-handed, aggressive serve-and-volley
    • Career Titles: 77 singles, 78 doubles
    • Hall of Fame: Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999

  • 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.