Tournament Fatigue at Manly Seaside Championships

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Tournament Fatigue at Manly Seaside Championships

Why Players Run Out of Fuel

The Manly Seaside Championships delivered the usual mix of brilliant rallies, long days, and unpredictable conditions. But if you looked closely this year, one thing stood out — a growing number of players who started strong, then faded. Not physically — but mentally.

What they were really battling? A drained mental battery.

The Myth of “Always On”

Most competitive players grind through matches in full-on mode — constantly thinking, anticipating, stressing, planning. Every point, every moment. That kind of intensity might feel committed, but it’s also unsustainable.

Mr. Miyagi had it right:

“Switch on, switch off.”

Switching Off Is the Secret Weapon

The best players know how to switch off between points — using those crucial 15–20 seconds to decompress, lower their heart rate, and mentally reset. Then they switch back on to play the next point with sharp focus and full intent.

The key? Play one point at a time.

Too many treat a tennis match like a 2-hour sprint, staying in full-activation mode from start to finish. That might work for a few games — but not for the long haul.

Mental energy is finite.  Burn through it too quickly, and everything starts to crumble:

  • Tactical clarity fades

  • Footwork slows

  • Emotional control slips

This was on full display in the latter stages of many Manly Seaside matches, and the Men’s Final.

One of the clearest examples was local hero Andre in the Men’s Final. After a brilliant, high-octane semifinal, he came into the final emotionally and mentally tapped out.

Early on, his ball-striking still had rhythm — but when the match got tight, he just couldn’t summon the same composure or clarity. The tank was empty. Not physically, but mentally.

Science Backs It Up

Recent research shows that even brief cognitive tasks  impair physical performance in repeated sprints and jumps — not by tiring the muscles, but by exhausting the mind.

At Manly Seaside, we saw this play out in real time:

  • Sloppy errors at key moments — not because of nerves, but because of mental overload.

  • Poor footwork in late sets, despite no visible signs of cramping or fatigue.

  • Emotional overreactions to routine mistakes — a sure sign the brain’s energy buffer is depleted.

Your Mental Energy Is a Budget

Think of your mental energy like your phone battery — if you leave every app running, you’ll be at 10% before the second set.

Smart players manage their energy like pros manage rallies:

  • Breathe between points. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Set a 4-7-8 breathing rhythm that calms the system.

  • Look away briefly from the court. Shift focus to your strings, towel, or a calm spot. This is your off switch.

  • Have a reset ritual. Bounce the ball. Spin your racquet. Something simple, consistent, and automatic.

  • Then re-engage. Right before you step into return or serve, snap back into “on” mode. Use a cue word or image to dial in.

Tournament Tennis Is a Mental Marathon

At a week-long event like the Manly Seaside Championships, winning isn’t just about who hits the best forehands — it’s about who can still think clearly on day four or five.

If you burn through your mental fuel in round one, you won’t have the reserves for a deciding set at 5–5 two days later.

And it’s not just about match management — event overload is real.

Playing too many events?

That’s another fast track to burnout. Choose your battles wisely.

It’s far better to go deep in one or two draws than to spread yourself thin and fizzle out across the board.

Wrap

Tennis rewards the players who know when to push — and when to pause. Between points is your sanctuary. It’s where you reset your brain, reload your focus, and recharge.

Be like Mr. Miyagi.

Switch off. Breathe. Reset. Then switch on — and go play the next point!

Reference

1.       Sci Med Sport. 2024 Feb;27(2):105-112.  doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.10.016.  Epub 2023 Nov 2.

Manly Seaside Men’s Final Recap

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Manly Seaside Men’s Final Recap

Blake Mott def. Andre Filep 6-4, 6-2

A Clash of Styles at Manly

Under perfect playing conditions—with a sizeable, engaged crowd and barely a breath of wind—two contrasting forces met on Court 1 for the Men’s Final of the Manly Seaside.

Andre, the hometown hero, brought his trademark firepower:  explosive serves, heavy groundstrokes, and a mindset built for domination.

Blake, the composed tactician and Andy Murray’s doppelganger, leaned on his all-court prowess, calmly redirecting pace and constructing points with surgical precision.

Having lost to Andre just weeks earlier at the North Shore Open, Blake came into this final well-prepared and laser-focused. Between changeovers, he flipped through a small notebook—his game plan, perhaps, or mental cues.

How the Match Unfolded

The first few games showcased Andre’s signature serve-plus-one strategy, applying immediate pressure with booming deliveries and forehand follow-ups. But as the match progressed and the balls wore:

  • Andre’s serve lost sting, and Blake’s return percentage climbed.

  • Rather than adjusting, Andre settled into longer baseline exchanges, effectively entering Blake’s wheelhouse—a counter-hitting rally game.

  • Blake, calm and calculating, absorbed and redirected Andre’s pace, drawing errors and seizing control.

One key moment came mid-second set, when Blake was overheard telling himself:  “Stay with him. He is swinging for the fences.”

It was a clear sign he understood the moment—and took full advantage of it.

What Could Have Been

Surprisingly, Andre rarely came forward, despite being one of the most dangerous players in the draw. The crowd saw too little of his intimidating presence at the net, and his attacking game never truly materialized beyond early flashes.

This allowed Blake to dictate tempo and force Andre into a reactive posture—something completely out of sync with Andre’s DNA as a first-strike player.

Wrap

In the end, the better strategist prevailed. Blake earned the title with a blend of tactical intelligence, mental composure, and physical consistency.

Andre thrilled the home fans with his power and presence, but in this final, it was Blake who wrote the story that mattered.

Perfect day. Great crowd. Beautiful tennis.

Blake Mott

Rose Wins A Grade Singles Title at Manly Seaside Championships

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Rose Wins A Grade Singles Title at Manly Seaside Championships

Rose etched her name into the Seaside Championships’ history books with a composed 6–2, 7–5 victory in the A Grade Ladies Singles final, overcoming a more experienced opponent.

The win builds on her recent mixed doubles success at the Club Championships, where she and Joel delivered a confident performance against higher-ranked opposition. This time, Rose stepped up solo and met the challenge with focus and composure.

Throughout the match, she displayed:

  • Effective tactical shot variation

  • Steady breathing and composure under pressure

  • Balanced, efficient movement anchoring each shot

Congratulations, Rose—an excellent performance and a big step forward.

Coach Tim Impresses at Forster Club Championships

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Coach Tim Impresses at Forster Club Championships

We’re recognising a strong weekend from Coach Tim, who delivered composed and consistent performances against a high-calibre field.

Runner-Up – Open Doubles
Tim reached the final, narrowly edged out by a duo known for their big serves and aggressive play — a team comparable in level to Rimmo and Bede. A closely contested match that reflected the quality of competition.

Third Place – Open Mixed Doubles (with Stacey)
Backing up in the Mixed event, Tim and Stacey secured third place, finishing just behind the same two players who also contested the Open Singles final. A consistent presence across both draws underlines Tim’s competitive level.

Well played, Coach Tim — a composed showing across the board.

Congrats and well played Coach Tim! 👏👏

Finalists 2025 FTC Club Doubles

Young Guns Breakthrough Win in Club Championships

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Young Guns Breakthrough Win in Club Championships

Rose and Joel delivered a composed and commanding performance in the Club Mixed Doubles Consolation Final, claiming a confident 6-2, 6-4 victory over a more experienced pair with higher individual Badge rankings.

This wasn’t just a win—it was the culmination of hard work and focused doubles coaching. Playing as a true team, they showcased sharp communication, smart positioning, and tactical discipline that reflected their time spent honing doubles-specific skills.

A rain delay between sets tested their momentum, but Rose and Joel didn’t flinch. They held their nerve and served out both sets with poise, demonstrating a maturity and match awareness well beyond their years.

This was a true breakthrough. Not just a win on paper—but a win that marks their arrival as serious players.

Congrats and well done, Rose and Joel! 👏👏

Club Championships: Men’s Semifinals

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Club Championships: Men’s Semifinals

What a contrast—both in players and conditions

Three former champions, including the defending titleholder, stood alongside a newcomer to the championship stage. Their styles spanned the spectrum—from tireless retrieving to smooth all-court precision.

And while their games clashed in fascinating ways, so too did the weather: swirling winds tested timing, tactics, and temperament, adding another layer to an already compelling day of tennis.

The Lineup: A Clash of Contrasts

Andre – The explosive shot maker. Brings pace and intent to every strike, looking to finish points early with big serves and heavy groundstrokes. His physicality and aggressive mindset can overwhelm opponents—particularly when he’s executing his signature serve-plus-one strategy, which suits his game perfectly.

Dave – The true all-rounder. Brings balance, composure, and tactical adaptability. Reads the game well, adjusts to different styles and conditions, and uses his versatility to stay in control of rallies and build pressure methodically.

Cam – The ultimate all-court weapon. Blends smooth, effortless power with intelligent shot selection and calm under pressure. Equally comfortable redirecting pace or constructing points with precision, Cam can hurt you from anywhere on the court.

Rimmo – The gritty, never-say-die retriever. Relentless in his movement and mentally tough, he thrives on defense, dragging opponents into extended running game and demanding they win each point multiple times. A master of disruption who turns scrambles into pressure.

Match 1: Andre def. Dave – 6/4 6/1

Wind or Sun? Pick your poison.
The 11:30am match started under sunny skies with a strong, swirling southerly wind that wreaked havoc on tosses and rhythm. Both players struggled early, with Dave eventually holding after a long tight deuce battle in the second game.

  • Key moment: At 4–5, Andre switched gears—chip-and-charging with the wind, applying pressure and forcing errors from Dave to steal the set 6–4. Just one service game earlier, Dave had shown incredible resilience, saving five break points in a row to level at 4–4. You could sense Andre’s frustration mounting after missing that opportunity. But to his credit, he regrouped with composure, held serve solidly, then launched a full-tilt attack on Dave’s second serve.  Andre is a big presence at the net—hard to pass, and extremely dangerous when moving forward. That well-timed tactical shift played perfectly to his strengths and turned the tide.

  • Set 2: More of the same chaos. Andre attacked relentlessly, adapting better to the conditions and finishing points earlier. Dave tried to neutralize with serve-volleying but struggled to hold off the pressure.

  • Summary: Andre’s ability to adjust tactics mid-match and use the wind to his advantage proved decisive. Dave, by contrast, struggled to find rhythm on serve, landing less than 50% of his first serves, which left him vulnerable to ever increasing pressure.

Match 2: Cam def. Rimmo – 6/3 0/6 10/1

Two worlds colliding.
The 1:30pm match brought slightly calmer winds and no more sun—but the contrast in playing styles was as stark as ever. On one side, Cam—the picture of relaxed athleticism, capable of effortless acceleration and clean power off both wings. On the other, Rimmo—the grinder, the retriever, the relentless disruptor who thrives on dragging opponents into uncomfortable rallies.

  • Set 1: Rimmo opened with a clever plan—slicing low into the wind, taking pace off the ball, and keeping Cam out of rhythm. For a few games it worked, especially with both players exchanging early breaks as they adjusted to the tricky breeze. But once Cam found his timing, his easy power and court coverage began to take control. He started hitting through the wind, absorbing Rimmo’s spin and redirecting it with pace, forcing errors and creating openings. He closed out the set 6–3 with authority.

  • Set 2: The match flipped entirely. Rimmo upped his consistency and depth, forcing Cam to play longer rallies and taking time away with deep, well-placed balls. Cam lost his rhythm, over-pressed on attack, and Rimmo punished every half-chance. Cam’s footwork became reactive rather than proactive, and Rimmo capitalized on every unforced error. It was a clean sweep—6–0 Rimmo.

  • Match Tiebreak: But champions reset. Cam took a moment before the breaker, visibly calming himself, locking back in. He came out swinging, attacking with measured aggression, cutting down unforced errors, and finding his targets with surgical precision. Rimmo didn’t get any breathing room as Cam raced ahead and closed it out 10–1.

  • Summary: Cam demonstrated impressive control of his emotions and his tactical clarity. After a one-sided second set, he was able to reset effectively and assert himself in the match tiebreak. Rimmo pushed him throughout with his disciplined, counter-punching play, but it was Cam’s composure under pressure and precise execution that proved decisive at the finish.

Wrap

Two very different semifinals. One dominated by tactical adjustments in brutal wind, the other showcasing mental toughness in swinging momentum.

What was largely missing—apart from Cam’s composed match tiebreak—was tactical adaptation to the wind. Most players attempted to power through the conditions rather than adjust. The swirling gusts demanded more nuance: using the wind as an ally, mixing up serve spins and placements, and allowing the strong breeze to move the ball outside the opponent’s ideal contact zone.

The final is set to be a classic clash of power and precision, aggression and composure. Whatever the weather brings next—expect fireworks.

As they say, tennis was the winner!

Club Championships QF: Cam vs. Bede

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Club Championships QF: Cam vs. Bede

In a much-anticipated match, Cam — one of Sydney’s most accomplished Badge players — claimed a straight-sets victory over promising junior Bede, 6-3, 6-2. While the score line suggests a comfortable win for Cam, the match itself offered compelling moments and highlighted Bede’s ongoing development at a high competitive level.

First Set: A Tight Opening Battle

The first set saw Bede come out with confidence, showing impressive physical presence and composure. He recovered well off deep service returns and held his own through several extended rallies. Notably, Cam appeared unsettled early, with visible tension in his body language — a reflection of the pressure Bede was applying.

However, Cam adjusted midway through the set by altering his serve position and increasing variety, which shifted momentum. Bede’s serve, while powerful, lacked variation — particularly in not targeting Cam’s forehand wide — allowing Cam to read and return with increasing control. One break of service at 3 all decided the set.

Second Set: Cam Takes Control

As the match progressed, Bede’s depth on groundstrokes began to fade slightly as the balls wore, particularly when extended into wider or more defensive positions. Cam capitalized on shorter balls with aggressive “serve +1” patterns and stepped into the court to dominate.

Tactically, Bede showed solid counter-punching skills but missed chances to dictate play. One recurring opportunity was Cam’s vulnerability when forced to move diagonally onto lower, short balls — an area Bede didn’t quite exploit. Additionally, a few defensive chop shots sat up too high, allowing Cam to attack freely. Replacing these with more skidding slices could be a key adjustment going forward.

Wrap

Although Cam ultimately controlled the latter stages of the match, the contest was a valuable benchmark for Bede’s progress. His increased strength, improved rally tolerance, and early poise against a top-level opponent were clear positives.

The next step will be refining tactical execution — particularly serve variety, sustained depth under pressure, and greater point construction. As those elements evolve, Bede is well-positioned to challenge at the top end of the Sydney Badge competition.

Bopanna Retires: Masterclass in Perseverance

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Bopanna Retires: Masterclass in Perseverance

Rohan Bopanna has officially retired from professional tennis at the age of 45, drawing the curtain on a 20-year career defined not just by titles, but by sheer will, grit, and late-career brilliance.

His journey is a masterclass in perseverance—a roadmap for anyone who’s ever been counted out but kept showing up.

Rising Through the Margins

Born in Coorg, India, Bopanna didn’t have access to elite coaching or facilities. His father built a tennis court on the family’s coffee plantation—more out of practicality than ambition. With no coach or peers to train with, he built his foundation solo, refining his game through strength work and self-discipline.

He scraped his way into a distant academy in Pune, paying his own way, and began grinding through the lower ranks of singles. But his calling revealed itself in doubles.

Crossing Borders and Breaking Barriers

One of his boldest moves came in 2010 when he partnered with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan. Amid tense political history, their run to the US Open final wasn’t just athletic—it was symbolic. “Stop War, Start Tennis” became their rallying cry.

This was Bopanna at his core: bold, unconventional, and unbothered by doubters.

The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

In 2020, Bopanna was nearly finished. His knees were worn down, and the pandemic had paused the world. He was 40, in pain, and hitting balls against a wall at home—more out of hope than expectation.

Then fate stepped in.  A cousin suggested Iyengar yoga. It transformed his body, healed his knees, and became a cornerstone of his routine. He travelled with straps and blocks, finding discipline in alignment. By late 2022, a new partner arrived: Australian doubles specialist Matthew Ebden.

Together, they made magic.

Crowning Glory

In January 2024, Bopanna and Ebden won the Australian Open men’s doubles title. At 43, Bopanna became:

  • The oldest man to win a Grand Slam in the Open era.

  • The oldest world No. 1 in doubles history.

His daughter Tridha joined him on court during the celebration—proof that perseverance not only brought him back, it brought him somewhere higher.

A Life Larger Than Rankings

Beyond the stats—like his 2017 French Open mixed doubles title, three Olympic appearances, and over 20 years in Davis Cup—Bopanna leaves behind something rarer: a legacy of resilience, reinvention, and quiet defiance.

He thanked his wife Supriya as his “greatest partner off court,” and credited fatherhood with giving him “a new purpose and softer strength.”

Vacherot’s Fairytale Run

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Vacherot’s Fairytale Run

Three weeks ago, Valentin Vacherot was ranked No. 204, a 26-year-old Monégasque grinding through the tennis Challenger circuit with few signs of a breakthrough. Today, he stands at No. 39 in the world, the reigning Shanghai Masters 1000 champion, and Monaco’s first ATP singles titleholder.

But as every elite athlete knows, the fairytale moment is not the destination—it’s merely the starting point. What comes next will determine whether Vacherot becomes a footnote or a fixture.

Shanghai: The Spark That Lit the Fuse

Vacherot’s title run in Shanghai was nothing short of extraordinary. Entering as an alternate in qualifying, he dispatched a string of top-tier opponents—culminating in a win over Novak Djokovic and an emotional final against cousin Arthur Rinderknech.

His game: a mix of explosive forehands, fearless point construction, and a resilience that saw him win six of nine matches from a set down.

Yet no single tournament—no matter how magical—defines a career. Sustained success at the top level requires structure, adaptation, and a clear-eyed approach to growth.

Built in College Station: The Texas A&M Chapter

Much of the foundation for Vacherot’s current success was laid far from Monte Carlo—in College Station, Texas. Both Vacherot and Rinderknech spent five formative years playing college tennis at Texas A&M.

It was there that Vacherot transformed from a lanky junior into a professional-ready athlete. U.S. college tennis offered him structured strength training, nutrition, high-level matches, and the psychological stress of team competition—all in a second language. It also taught him how to win ugly, manage pressure, and refine his identity on faster hard courts.

The Road Ahead

Vacherot’s emergence is a triumph—for him, for Monaco, and for every player who’s stayed the course through injury and obscurity.

But now comes the challenge: handling success, managing a full tour schedule, and building a sustainable path toward top-20 relevance. The early signs—his joy, humility, and grounded approach—are encouraging.

The fairytale may have started in Shanghai.  But the real story begins now.

“Kiwi” Lulu Sun Reaches First WTA Final

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“Kiwi” Lulu Sun Reaches First WTA Final

At the Guangzhou Open (WTA 250), New Zealand’s Lulu Sun made a notable breakthrough by reaching her first WTA Tour final. The 23-year-old left-hander, who was born in the United States and represented Switzerland earlier in her career, now competes for New Zealand.

Sun came through the qualifying rounds and won five straight matches to reach the final—an impressive achievement at any stage, but especially meaningful at 250 level.

Her game is built on aggressive shot-making and effective net coverage, traits that stood out throughout the week. Comfortable moving forward, she frequently disrupted her opponents’ rhythm with early ball-striking and sharp volleys.

A former standout in the U.S. collegiate system, Sun played for the University of Texas and later the University of Miami.

She turned pro in recent years and has steadily climbed the rankings through ITF-level events. Her performance in Guangzhouincluded wins over several higher-ranked players.

In the final, Sun lost to Ann Li, who captured her first WTA title since 2021 with a composed 7-6(6), 6-2 victory. Li, 23, showed clear poise in the tiebreak and handled Sun’s pressure with clean, consistent groundstrokes.

Alcaraz: A Masterclass in Taking Time Away

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Carlos Alcaraz: A Masterclass in Taking Time Away

In the 2025 U.S. Open final, Carlos Alcaraz delivered not just a victory, but a tactical blueprint. Against Jannik Sinner, the Spaniard showcased why he is the game’s most disruptive force: he turned time itself into a weapon.

Disruption as Strategy

For a rhythm player like Sinner, timing is everything. He thrives when rallies stretch, patterns repeat, and rhythm builds. Alcaraz denied him all three. From the first point, he stepped inside the baseline, took balls early, and layered disguise into his forehand. Each choice had a single aim: to steal seconds and dismantle rhythm.

Rhythm as a Fundamental

Among the three fundamentals of tennis — watching, balance, and rhythm — rhythm is often the most fragile and the most easily weaponized. Watching governs perception, balance governs execution, but rhythm governs the entire flow of a player’s game. It is the invisible metronome that lets a baseliner like Sinner repeat patterns with precision and build pressure shot after shot. When rhythm is intact, strokes feel effortless; when it is broken, even routine balls feel rushed or mistimed. This is why Alcaraz’s approach was so devastating: by stealing time, he attacked not just Sinner’s technique but the very foundation that allows his game to function.

Breaking the Match into Layers

Professional observers noted how Alcaraz worked on multiple levels simultaneously:

  1. Tempo Control – He struck on the rise, especially on returns, taking away Sinner’s setup time. His forehand varied between explosive acceleration and disguised slice, ensuring no rally felt predictable.

  2. Pattern Shifts – Alcaraz refused to play into Sinner’s baseline groove. Instead, he inserted drop shots, wrong-footers, and quick directional changes, constantly interrupting the Italian’s preferred cadence.

  3. Positional Compression – His aggressive return stance and forward court positioning shrank Sinner’s angles. With rapid prep steps, Alcaraz balanced early contact with recovery, a rare combination that left Sinner reacting instead of dictating.

  4. Psychological Pressure – The cumulative effect of stolen time was mental erosion. Every rushed forehand miss chipped away at Sinner’s confidence, amplifying the feeling that Alcaraz was always one shot ahead.

Why This Was a Masterclass

Most players attempt to rush opponents with pace alone. Alcaraz elevated the idea. He applied fourth-order disruption—tempo, patterns, space, and psychology—so that Sinner never had time to breathe, let alone build rhythm. It wasn’t just athletic superiority; it was tactical artistry.

Wrap

This match will be remembered not just as Alcaraz’s sixth major, but as a textbook demonstration of how to dismantle a rhythm player at the highest level. He didn’t just hit through Sinner—he took time away until rhythm itself no longer existed.

Rhythm wins rallies, but time wins matches — and Alcaraz proved the greatest weapon in tennis is the ability to steal both!

How Title IX Built US Women’s Tennis

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How Title IX Built US Women’s Tennis

For decades, US women have carried the Grand Slam torch, and in 2025, the trend is more alive than ever. Gauff, Keys, Pegula, Anisimova, and Navarro headline a wave of US women who dominate the game’s biggest stages. Four straight Slam finals have featured a US woman. Two Grand Slam winners.

That strength shows up in the 2025 US Open draw: six US women are seeded, more than any other nation. Gauff (#3), Pegula (#4), Keys (#6), Anisimova (#8), Navarro (#10), and Kessler (#32) form the deepest national presence at the tournament.

But this dominance didn’t happen by accident. It traces back more than 50 years, to Title IX, the landmark US law that required equal opportunity for women in education—including sports.

What Is Title IX?

Passed in 1972, Title IX prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools and universities. While its language never mentioned “sports,” its ripple effects transformed athletics in the US. Suddenly, high schools and colleges had to create programs, scholarships, and infrastructure for female athletes.

That meant more courts, more scholarships, more coaches—and most importantly—a cultural expectation that girls would play sports just as boys did.

How It Shaped Tennis

Tennis was already unique: it was one of the rare sports where women could earn prize money and media attention, especially after Billie Jean King’s 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” win. Title IX supercharged that pipeline.

  • College tennis as a development weapon: Navarro, Kessler, Stearns, and Collins all sharpened their games in NCAA competition, a luxury few European or Asian players have. That system exists because Title IX forced universities to fund women’s tennis scholarships.

  • Access to coaching and resources: Players like Anisimova and Kenin benefited from USTA programs, but their early opportunities—public courts, travel teams, scholarships—flowed from a Title IX culture where female athletic dreams were legitimate.

  • Role models and representation: Without Title IX, Serena and Venus Williams may have remained outliers. Instead, they became cultural icons in a system designed to nurture and multiply talent. Gauff and Keys are their direct heirs.

Why the US Leads the World

Many countries have talented female players, but few have the same critical mass. About 35% of US girls play sports regularly between ages 6–17. That’s unmatched globally.

The result? Depth. The US has Slam champions (Gauff, Keys, Kenin), Slam finalists (Anisimova, Pegula), rising stars (Navarro, Krueger, Stearns), and teenage prodigies (Jović). Title IX built not just one star, but a production line of champions.

The US has proven what happens when a country commits to equity in sports. Fifty years on, Title IX’s fingerprints are all over the US Open draw sheet.

Wrap

Title IX gave US girls permission to dream—and the resources to chase those dreams. The next US Slam champion won’t just be a product of talent and hard work. She’ll also be a child of Title IX.

P.S. In the spirit of full disclosure… Pam and I have six granddaughters. So yes, I may be a little biased when it comes to celebrating the future of girls’ sports

Wet and Windy Forster Tournament – A Celebration of Tennis Togetherness

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Wet and Windy Seniors Forster Tournament – A Celebration of Tennis Togetherness

From the moment players zipped up their bags, the forecast signaled trouble. Flood warnings around Newcastle and statewide travel advisories loomed large. Yet, at Forster, the spirit of tennis—and of community—stood tall against the elements.

Thanks to the tireless leadership of Tournament Director Brian, and the ever-energetic Club Pro Jamie wielding a super soaker like a champion, the tournament found its rhythm against all odds.

Friday – Singles Before the Storm

Despite the looming weather, singles matches crossed the finish line on Friday, with players darting around squalls to complete play before the skies fully opened around 5pm.  A brief window, but a vital one.

Saturday – Rain, Rackets, and Random Draws

Saturday brought a fresh round of unpredictability. With official matches cancelled, a spontaneous community playoff took shape. At noon, names were drawn from a hat—giving everyone, from seasoned contenders to sideline legends, an equal chance to win!

A raucous, joyful crowd gathered, fuelled by a beautifully organized lunch courtesy of Julie, Sharon, Angela, and a dedicated crew of FTC volunteers. The courts may have been wet, but the spirit was soaring.

Sunday – Optimism in the Rain

With court playability checks at 7, 9, and 11:30a, Brian remained undeterred. Puddles were squeegeed, courts were prepped, and once again, the community came together for more playful pairings and another stellar canteen lunch.

Tennis resumed briefly after lunch, with two sets played across brackets—before the skies reminded us who was really in charge.

Monday – Sunshine, Sets, and a Spirited Finish

Finally, the rain gave way. Under clearing skies and warm sun, the tournament wrapped up with a gender-age, spirited series of matches. Players young and seasoned hit the courts side by side—proof that the love of the game spans generations.

While a few unfortunate injuries touched the older men’s group, the joy of play and community connection clearly won the day.

In the End, Tennis Was the Winner

Even if many didn’t get to play their scheduled matches, friendships were rekindled, new bonds were formed, and laughter echoed louder than any thunderclap.

Massive thanks go to Brian, Jamie, Julie, Angela, Sharon, and every single volunteer who turned a rain-drenched weekend into a triumph of community, resilience, and togetherness.

Here’s to next year—rain or shine!

Reinventing Mixed Doubles: A New Era at the US Open

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25 Teams Enter Reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship

A total of 25 teams have officially entered the reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship.

On July 28, the top eight teams will earn direct entry into the main draw—not for their doubles prowess, but based purely on their combined singles rankings. That’s right—no track record as a team, no doubles chemistry required. Just individual star power.

This format flips the script, spotlighting raw talent and high-profile names over tested partnerships. It’s less about traditional doubles strategy, more about marquee matchups and unexpected pairings. In short, it’s part tournament, part celebrity exhibition.

The remaining eight teams will be selected via wild card, with announcements coming soon. If you thought mixed doubles was all finesse and teamwork—think again.

US Open Mixed 2025

Why UTR Ratings Are Misleading

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Why UTR Ratings Are Just As Misleading as Golf’s Rankings

Jon Rahm is ranked world No. 72. Cameron Smith is 202. Yet both are major champions. These aren’t obscure names—they’re top-tier talents who’ve dominated on golf’s biggest stages. But thanks to the absurd exclusion of LIV events from the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), their current rankings paint a totally false picture.

Sound familiar? It should—because tennis has its own version of this misdirection: the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR).

The Illusion of Objectivity

On paper, UTR sounds fair—rating players solely based on who they beat and how competitive their matches are. But in reality, UTR is shaped by access, exclusivity, and systemic blind spots, just like OWGR. If you’re playing in isolated leagues or tournaments that don’t feed into the UTR ecosystem—like LIV in golf—your rating won’t reflect your true ability.

This makes the UTR an incomplete and exclusionary measure, not an accurate representation of the competitive landscape.

UTR’s Hidden Biases

  • Reward bravery over safety – Encourage juniors to take risks, play up divisions, and compete without fear of losing points.

  • Celebrate learning, not just winning – Focus on growth from tough matches, new tactics, and developing all-court skills.

  • Prioritize challenges over comfort – Select tournaments and training environments that stretch players, even if results suffer temporarily.

The result? A distorted “ranking” that ignores context, just as OWGR fails to reflect Rahm or Smith’s elite status due to non-recognition of LIV events.

The Core Problem: Gatekeepers

In both tennis and golf, rankings are dictated by gatekeepers. In OWGR, it’s the PGA and DP World Tour blocking LIV results. In UTR, it’s a limited approval of what counts as “valid” competitive data.

These systems aren’t measuring performance as much as validating participation in an elite club.

What It Means for Tennis

If tennis relies too heavily on UTR to determine tournament entry, seeding, or development paths, we risk marginalizing deserving players—just like the majors might exclude Rahm or Smith in future years.

Talent doesn’t vanish because the algorithm doesn’t track it. Performance doesn’t become irrelevant because it happened outside a system’s walls.

Let’s Learn from Golf’s Mistake

World rankings should reflect the world.

Just as golf fans now laugh at a system that ranks Rahm and Smith behind names they’ve never heard of, tennis needs to rethink the credibility it assigns to UTR.

Until UTR becomes truly universal—and inclusive of all valid play—it should be seen for what it is:

A limited snapshot, not the truth.

Let’s stop confusing algorithmic precision with competitive accuracy.

The best aren’t always the highest-rated—ask Jon Rahm. Or Cameron Smith. Or that 6.5 UTR player who just smoked a 9.3 in three tight sets.