Tennis_Magazine_USA_-_March-April_2019 (2)

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Chrissie’s View Court of Appeals The Tennis Ask the Expert 6 Conversation 2 A new star is 4 Resolving your 8 What will you miss confirmed at the rules questions Jimmy Arias pulls about Agnieszka Australian Open and quarrels no punches Radwanska? contents ’19MAR APR Coaching in Great Shots Great Shots Naomi Osaka 10 the Bigs 12 Tracy Austin 14 Jim Courier on 16 Can she own the The philosophy of breaks down CiCi Roger Federer’s sport, and the Mark Knowles Bellis’ forehand signature stroke court, like Serena? James Blake Vision of Success The Game of Life Ask Nick 24 The former pro 30 Oracle’s grants are 60 More than any 74 Four tips to help takes his talents difference-makers other sport, tennis you hit a strong to South Beach for aspiring players begets longevity running forehand TENNIS (ISSN 0040-3423) IS PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY. VOL. 55, NO. 2. COPYRIGHT © 2019 BY THE TENNIS MEDIA COMPANY LLC., 250 PARK AVENUE, SUITE 825, NEW YORK, NY 10177. REPRODUCTION WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. TITLE “TENNIS” REGISTERED U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE, CANADA AND OTHER COUNTRIES. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION–IPM AGREEMENT NO. 1239007. MANUSCRIPTS AND ART: THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR RETURN OF UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, ART, PHOTOS, OR NEGATIVES. SUBSCRIPTIONS: USTA MEMBERS: (800) 990-8782 OR [email protected]. ALL OTHER SUBSCRIBERS: U.S. AND CANADA (800) 666-8336, FOREIGN (386) 246-0427 OR [email protected]. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: U.S.A. AND POSSESSIONS:$18U.S./YEAR.CANADA:$35U.S./YEAR(INCLUDESGST).FOREIGN:$50U.S./YEAR.CANADIANGSTREGISTRATIONNO.123688483RT****.BACKISSUES:WWW.TENNIS.COM/BACKISSUES.CHANGEOFADDRESS OR SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS: SEND YOUR MAGAZINE LABEL ALONG WITH YOUR NEW ADDRESS OR DETAILS OF YOUR PROBLEM TO TENNIS, P.O. BOX 433188-3188 PALM COAST, FL 32143-3188. PLEASE ALLOW EIGHT WEEKS FOR THE CHANGE TO AFFECT DELIVERY. ADDRESS ALL NON-SUBSCRIPTION CORRESPONDENCE TO TENNIS, 250 PARK AVENUE, SUITE 825, NEW YORK, NY 10177. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO TENNIS, P.O. BOX 433188-3188 PALM COAST, FL 32143-3188. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. MAR/APR 2019 TENNIS.COM 1

Chrissie’s View ROLEX Now You See Her In the final against Petra Kvitova, Osaka lost three match points in the second set and was taken to a deciding third. ‘m a ghost. You don’t see me.” The emotions she was showing—the burden of those Naomi Osaka undoubtedly had expectations—were understandable. Nobody would have been shocked if she folded, especially against a two-time her tongue firmly planted in her Wimbledon champion. Instead, she found the inner peace cheek when she said those words and self-belief that serves her so well, and took the title. during the Australian Open. Osaka may want to remain under the It’s easy when things are going your way. Take the men’s radar, but with back-to-back final: Novak Djokovic played practically perfect tennis Grand Slam titles, the No. 1 rank- against Rafael Nadal. He made Rafa look ordinary. Osaka ing and the cover of Time—not to found herself in a thorny situation against a more experi- mention this magazine—she had enced opponent, yet had the superior resilience and focus better get used to the spotlight. to win. Some of that belief comes from having already won the US Open, but it’s also innate. Credit must also be given Yet as special as her game is, to her coach, Sascha Bajin, whose valuable insights from it’s the 21-year-old’s humility and almost angelic inno- working with Serena Williams are clearly part of Osaka’s cence that makes her so refreshing and endearing. meteoric rise. When you look at first-time Grand Slam champions, the But now comes the hard(er) part. Osaka can’t sneak up large majority stumble in their next Grand Slam tourna- on anyone anymore. She has huge titles to defend, includ- ment. The expectations of proving their title run wasn’t a ing at Indian Wells, where she first announced herself. fluke can sometimes overwhelm even the most talented She will have to work even harder on the movement and players. Osaka had opportunities to succumb to this pat- consistency that have so improved over the past year. tern in Melbourne, dropping the opening sets of her third She will have to endure increased attention and demands and fourth-round matches. She rallied to win both, showing on her time because fans find this “ghost” charming and as much resolve as she did timely shot-making. Her likeable. And, oh yeah, she’s the No. 1 player in the world. second Slam confirmed that, rather than feeling satisfied, her victory at last year’s US Open only whet her appetite. Naomi, everyone can see you. I hope it stays that way. She’s young, hungry and eager to fill her trophy case. Chris Evert What impressed me most about Osaka’s run Down Partner, TENNIS Magazine Under was her ability to reset during a match, and not let her emotions dictate the outcome. Plenty of women hit huge and move well, but Osaka has a calmness and composure, especially in important moments, that makes her a unique talent. 2 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9



Court of Appeals Resolving y rules ques ions quarrels My partner accidentally served with a ball that wasn’t from the can we started playing with. Our opponent returned the serve out, but then claimed the ball was “bad”—which, to her, was the reason it went out—and that we should replay the point. I said she had tried to return the ball, so there should be no replay. We ended up replaying the point, but who was right? —Becky Pearson, Dallas, TX Rule 3 doesn’t make any provision Listen to your fellow spectators. “count as part of the net.” Rule 2 for declaring the use of a stray ball While you are correct that The defines permanent fixtures, and the “bad.” If the ball had any compres- Code, #5, begins by saying a “player net and net posts are not included in sion—i.e., you couldn’t squeeze makes calls on own side of net,” the definition (except for the posts it flat with your hand—the point this only relates to “shots landing and parts of the net outside the counts. If it had lost compression on, or aimed at, the player’s side of singles sticks). Rule 13, USTA Com- (“broken” under Rule 3), you would the net.” In this case, it’s not an in or ment 13.1, says that a player loses replay the point. out call that needs to be made. The the point if their shot first hits “an Code, #19, says that a player who object attached to the net or post A Net Cross No-No hits a ball before it crosses the net (such as a scoring device).” I was watching a doubles match “shall concede the point.” It’s up to where a player clearly struck a ball the hitter to make the concession. Let This Let Pass? before it crossed the net. No one As my opponent was reaching for called it or mentioned it on either Post Powers a ball, it bounced a second time— side. Most of my fellow spectators Why do net posts count as part and at the same time, she stopped agreed that a player can only call of the net, but scoreboards, trash playing. She then called out, “ball this on himself. I insisted that I can cans and cup holders attached to on court.” A ball had bounced from call it on an opponent since I can the net do not? another court and stopped by the make calls on my side of the net. back wall. Our opponent said a ball Am I right? —M. Kaytaz, Naples, FL anywhere on the court is a “let,” and it doesn’t matter where play- —Greg Jungman, Norman, OK It’s not so much that the net posts 4 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9

by REBEL GOOD WESLEY BEDROSIAN Except where noted, answers are based on the ITF Rules of Tennis and USTA’s The Code. Rebel Good is a member of the USTA’s Tennis Rules & Regulations Committee. He has taught rules to officials for more than 20 years. ers are standing or where the ball coming onto our court,” that’s a hin- GOT A QUESTION? lands. Was this a valid let? drance, and a let should be granted per The Code, #36. The assump- Write or email us: —Delia Mendoza, El Paso, TX tion in this scenario is that she was calling the let simultaneously as she Mail it to: Tennis InBox You should first ask your opponent, was going for the shot. If she tried to 250 Park Ave, Suite 825 “How were you hindered?” A let isn’t get to the ball, couldn’t, and subse- New York, NY 10177 a thing unto itself; it is a request for a quently requested the let, tough luck Or Email it to: replay based upon being hindered. If for her (The Code, #35). [email protected] she says, “I was distracted by the ball

Inside Tennis The Tennis The original Conversation tennis academy star pulls no punches about the ATP’s middle class What do you feel when What’s the solution? GETTY IMAGES you watch Nick Kyrgios? It seems that when he’s in a team atmosphere, like Davis Cup or Laver ARIAS: He upsets me Cup, he puts forth a good effort. But in some ways. What we when it’s just one on one, you don’t would all give to have know what’s going to trigger him. the game and weapons he has. When he is in Speaking of team events, the dual- a match against some- gender Hopman Cup appears to body his ego tells him be a thing of the past. Will tennis he should beat, and regret letting this event go? he’s not beating them It might have caught lightning in a right away, he can start bottle this year, with Serena Williams to tank. I don’t know i he’ll ever get out of his own playing Roger Federer in mixed way. Someone has to just tell him that you still lost. doubles. I don’t remember being as Get out there and give me an effort. interested in Hopman Cup in past years—I always viewed it as a pure Saying that, he makes people want to watch tennis to see what he’s going to do exhibition—but I think there’s a place next, and that’s something that the sport needs. From that standpoint, it’s OK, for that type of event. It’s a good but he does bother me because I feel like he could be among the top couple of concept, and the crowds were so players in the world. into it this year. The crowd is what makes any team event a success. 6 TENNIS.COM MAR/APR 2019

Jimmy Arias Arias is a former world No. 5 in singles and is the director of player development at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. Last year at Indian Wells, Borna Milos Raonic reached the Indian I love coaching, and there’s over 200 Coric nearly beat Federer. He would Wells semifinals and Miami quar- juniors at the academy, where I start- go on beat him on grass, and in terfinals in 2018, but is still lacking ed. I spend time with each group and Shanghai. Are we overlooking Coric a signature title. What does he with the coaches. If I see something among the ATP’s young talents? need to do to break through? I don’t like with someone’s stroke, I I’m actually surprised by him. He He needs to find a way to stay talk to the coach first—I don’t want used to get overpowered by bigger healthy, and sort out his mental to step on anyone’s toes. So I get to players, was stuck 50 feet behind game. For a while, it seemed like he work with each of the kids, as well as the baseline and his serve didn’t had a new coach every few months. the adult program. I’m doing a little have much on it. Then, last season, When you’re playing your best, bit of what Nick’s always done. his serve began getting him free there’s no technical thought. It’s points. Coric always returned and simply, “How do I win this point? How often do you and Nick connect defended well; he’s a great fighter. Where do I hit this serve? Where do today? You were so instrumental in He competes as well as anybody. I hit this next ball?” If you’re think- each others’ success. He’s obviously willing to work on his ing technically, you’re a split-second He’s got a court where he teaches game and take a few more risks. late—which is too much. He thinks lessons, even at age 87. It’s indoors, Coric has impressed me, and I think about his strokes and where his feet and I’m always outside. So I don’t see he’ll continue to do well this season. are, which can be a problem. him much, but we talk and catch up. He has a great attitude and belief in He’s still excited about everything. I himself, which is so important at his We hear you’ve returned to Nick was his first student. He’s saying I’ll level of competition. Bollettieri’s IMG Academy. continue his legacy. M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S .CO M 7

Inside Tennis GETTY IMAGES Ask the Expert A former Indian Wells finalist and Miami champion, this recently retired Polish pro will be missed by many by PAUL ANNACONE Agnieszka Radwanska’s Radwanska had the ability to use an unique game was made opponent’s power and strengths against for March. What do you them by absorbing pace and redirecting remember most about it? the ball away from traditional hitting patterns. By doing this, she took time She was a magician on away from her opponents and made them the court. You can’t teach feel incredibly off balance. Martina Hingis what she did with the did this very well in her playing days. ball. It all started with her anticipation—it Club players can try to emulate what made her a masterful Radwanska did, but it takes a very high chess player, as well as a skill level to see the opportunities she brilliant tennis player. saw—and to then choose the correct shot and right moment to take advantage of them. It’s going to be really sad to not see her on the court, and on tour. GOT A Mail it to: Tennis InBox Paul Annacone coached Pete QUESTION? 250 Park Ave, Suite 825 Sampras and Roger Federer, New York, NY 10177 reached No. 3 in the ATP 8 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 Or use the hashtag: doubles rankings and wrote the #AskTheExpertTENNIS autobiography Coaching For Life.

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Inside Tennis GETTY IMAGES Coaching in the Bigs Knowles, a former top-ranked doubles player, won 55 career Understanding, rather than doubles titles, including three demanding, is essential to a Grand Slams. He has worked with successful partnership Mardy Fish, Milos Raonic and is currently coaching Jack Sock. by MARK KNOWLES 1. Listen. Understand how each always interesting seeing someone make the transition from player player operates and how they see things. Only when you’ve IT’S to coach. Your mindset as a player doesn’t necessarily translate to developed that understanding the next stage, and everyone you coach is different in the way they should you begin to impart your knowledge and experience. I’ve handle instruction. I have some first-hand experience with this. never been someone who comes in, full steam ahead, and says, One of my first coaching assignments was with Mardy Fish. He was a very “This is the way it has to be.” 2. Develop long-term goals. All talented player, but he was encountering some mental issues as far as his pro tennis players are tremen- dous at what they do. Criticism self-belief. It was similar to what I went through my career, especially in isn’t a personal knock, it’s trying to get the most out of a player so singles—I let my mind get in the way of my potential. In time, I think I was able to they can achieve their full potential. Coaching is a process. get him to master that part of the game, and it really helped elevate him. 3. Focus on the physical game, too. I’ve helped players with the I then worked for a short period of time with Milos Raonic, who was a different mental side of the sport, but there’s more to tennis than just type of personality. I thought I helped him as well, but our experience illustrated the mind. Jack gained a little of his confidence back at the end a fascinating thing about coaching to me, especially if you were successful as a of 2018, which set him up for an off-season where he worked hard player: the challenge of trying to process different personalities, and adapting to on his physicality. We’ve still got work to do to get to where condi- how people take information. Some players want less, others want more. tions don’t come into play. I started working with Jack Sock in the middle of last year. He’s an immense talent; I knew that from watching him play, and also from playing against him during my time on tour. Unfortunately, when I came into the picture, his singles career was already in a tailspin. When a player is coming back from injury or a period of struggle, you can quickly lose confidence. For Jack, 2018 was mostly about his mind. He lost a lot of his confidence, and against great players, it doesn’t take much of a dip for the rest of the field to gain an advantage. It really underlies just how difficult it is to be a professional athlete. There are so many different aspects that come into play—it’s not just the game; it’s handling different situations, and how you deal with pressure. I thought that was something Jack needed assistance with, and it’s been our main focus. My coaching philosophy is tailored to each player I work with, but here are three things I’ve worked on with everyone. 1 0 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9

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Inside GREAT Tennis SHOTS CiCi Bellis’ Short balls are no match Putaway for this American’s Forehand powerful and balanced finishing swing 1 Bellis’ eyes are on the 2 Her left arm helps her 3 Bellis’ racquet makes a ball, her head is still and shoulders coil, and her loop below the ball, and her shoulders are level. load is on her back leg. she brushes up on it for Her left hand is on the throat of her When she uncoils, both will become topspin. Her wrist is laid back. As her racquet, which she brings back early. power sources. Her left arm is legs start to push out into the ball, Her hips are turned nicely; she has relaxed, and you can see what a her upper body uncoils and her hips good balance with her legs loaded. strong Western grip she has in her come around. All told, she has four With her knees flexed, she’s in a right hand. A little bit of her hand is power sources: uncoiling shoulders similar athletic stance to a baseball off the racquet so she can generate and hips, driving legs, and racquet- shortstop or basketball guard. even more racquet-head speed. head speed. 1 2 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9

Tracy A former world No. 1, the Austin American reached the US Open quarterfinals at 14, and won her first Grand Slam title at 16. 4 This is incredible balance: 5 Bellis’ leg drive is critical 6 You can see her terrific Bellis’ contact point is in to building power. She’s balance still intact as front of her body, and her in the air, but she hasn’t she finishes the shot. spacing is perfect. You have to rec- jumped too early or lost control. Her Bellis’ head is over her shoulders, her ognize where the ball is coming from right arm has naturally rolled over shoulders are over her hips, and she early to get such ideal spacing—not with her follow through, showing that lands on her left leg. Her legs are still too far away, and not too close. Her her right side has driven through the flexed and ready to push off again. right arm looks comfortable: loose line of the ball. Her left arm is relaxed Landing on her left side means she’s enough to generate racquet-head and has uncoiled with her right arm, in a good position to move for the speed and swing through. so it isn’t blocking her body. next shot—if it’s even necessary. M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S .CO M 1 3

Inside GREAT Tennis SHOTS Roger Federer’s With this strike, the Swiss Forehand Approach applies pressure without overplaying his hand 1 Federer is eager to get to 2 Once he gets close 3 Federer’s greatest asset this shot early and take enough to the ball, in his forehand may be the ball at the top of the Federer slows down and its disguise. He has bounce, so he can be ultra-aggres- sets his feet in a wide but still-closed his chest pointed to the ad court, sive. His explosive forehand is a shot stance, with his weight on his back while his hips are facing toward the that continues to win him matches leg. His racquet is raised behind his deuce court. Federer has given his against his longtime and new rivals. head and his non-hitting arm is opponent no information as to where He’s got his eyes on the ball and outstretched in front of him for he is planning to hit this shot. Even DAVID KENAS takes smaller steps as he gets balance, and to help ensure his body as he starts to rotate, it’s not totally closer, so he can set up perfectly. is coiled enough. obvious where he’s aiming. 1 4 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9

Jim Inducted into the International Courier Tennis Hall of Fame, Courier is a former world No. 1 and a four-time Grand Slam champion. 4 He launches his body 5 Still completely in the 6 With the ball on the other weight up from the air, Federer is now side of the net, Federer ground to make clean rotating through the lands entirely on his left contact. He’s maintained a closed strike zone. His head remains still, leg so he can push off and get his stance with his legs, and his wrist is with his eyes focused on where the body weight toward the center of the outstretched when it whips through ball just was—not where it’s going. court. He’s hit this forehand to the the strike zone, generating massive His head remains in this position ad court, so he must protect against racquet-head speed. His left arm has even as the racquet goes past his a passing shot in case his opponent moved out of the way, but it plays a line of vision. The ball begins rocket- guessed correctly. Still, it will require role by not letting him over-rotate. ing through the court. another great shot in response. M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S .CO M 1 5

The 2018 US Open women’s final between Naomi Osaka and Serena Naomi Osaka Williams was many things. It was a stunning upset. It was an has beaten her unmitigated disaster. It was a night of chaos and composure. It was idol, Serena a war between a star player and a stickler chair umpire. When it was Williams, on over, it became a proxy for arguments about sexism, racism and the tennis’ biggest rule of law. It was the only thing anyone could talk about for months. stage—and As the winner said afterward: “I don’t really know what happened.” backed it up with another For movie buffs, the match conjured images from that archetypal Slam. Can Hollywood tale of generational rivalry, All About Eve. In the 1951 she make the film, Bette Davis plays a Broadway star who watches as her most court, and devoted fan, one 20 years her junior, takes a job as her understudy, the sport, and then takes over her leading role. hers in a way that Tennis’ version of that Oscar-winning story had all the elements Williams has? needed for the silver screen. On one side of audience greeted the result, which In the process, Osaka was Williams, the 36-year-old superstar followed three Williams code violations, assumed a title that who was going for a record-tying 24th with a torrential downpour of boos. Serena has previously held for 31 Grand Slam singles title. On the other world No. 1. side was Osaka, the soft-spoken 20-year- “The memory of the US Open is a little old who was playing her first Grand Slam bit bittersweet,” Osaka would say later. In the end, what the US Open fi final, had won one career tournament and “I feel like it was so strange, I just didn’t have signaled was a long-awaited who, as a third-grader, had written an want to think about it. I wanted to just ing of the WTA guard. essay about how much she idolized push it to the side.” Serena. Sitting in Osaka’s player box was For Osaka, the movie script tha Sascha Bajin, Serena’s former hitting part- What Osaka didn’t know was that she its finale at Flushing Meadows ha ner who now served as Osaka’s coach. had bigger, and much less bitter, things much earlier. It was one she had in her future. Just five months after starring in her whole life. The story ended with the understudy, hearing boos at the US Open, she was rather than the legend, lifting the trophy. roundly cheered in Melbourne for “She’s the main reason why I st But it also came with an unfortunate winning her second straight major title, at playing,” Osaka has said of Seren 1 6 TENNIS.COM MAR/APR 2019

GETTY IMAGES Her Bow

We are all, in the team, working hard to make sure that Naomi one day might own the court like Serena. 1 8 TENNIS.COM MAR/APR 2019

The story begins in June 1999, when family from Japan to New York, competition, but for me, every day was a competition. Every day I’d say, ‘I’m Leonard François, a native of Haiti where he once lived. Like the going to beat you tomorrow.’” living in Japan, caught a glimpse of Williamses in Compton, CA, François, Twelve years later, Naomi got her win. By then, the Osakas had headed two young sisters, Venus and Serena Mari and Naomi began to train on the south to Pembroke Pines, FL, where the girls were home-schooled as they Williams, on their way to winning the public courts of Long Island. continued their tennis regimen. Naomi largely skipped the juniors, just as the French Open doubles. François wasn’t The resemblances between the Williamses had, and turned pro at 14. a tennis player, but he wondered if he families didn’t stop there. In both Yet unlike Venus and Serena, who were pre-teen celebrities, Osaka’s could replicate what Richard Williams cases, it was the older sister who was potential went largely unrecognized by tennis scouts in the U.S. François assumed to be the decided that his daughters would represent their native Japan instead. future star; in both Whatever flag she plays for, Osaka is She’s a global citizen with cases, it was the an example of a phenomenon familiar younger sister who to tennis: she’s a global citizen with roots in multiple cultures—in her case, roots in multiple cultures willed herself to Haitian, Japanese and American—and a personality that’s hard to pigeonhole. and a personality that surpass her. As a child, Serena Some days she can play the part of a young Serena: fist-pumping, reflects aspects of each. thought of Venus emoting and letting her majestic hair as a “fierce swan,” fly. On other days, negative emotions can leave her slump-shouldered and and herself as the perpetually frowning. Unlike Serena, Osaka doesn’t aim to intimidate; when had done. François and his Japanese family’s “ugly duckling.” For Naomi, a match is over, she typically bows to her opponent and speaks to the crowd wife, Tamaki Osaka, had two daughters the dynamic was less metaphoric, and in a soft, high voice and a sometimes- halting manner. of their own: Mari, 3, and Naomi, 1. more straightforwardly zero-sum. Away from the court, Osaka is fluent Many parents have tried to emulate “I don’t remember liking to hit the in ironic millennial self-deprecation. In her encounters with the media, that the success of the Williams family, but ball,” Osaka told The New York Times. can lead to moments of disarming honesty and surprising comedy, often François was especially committed to “The main thing was I wanted to within the same sentence. the dream. The next year, he moved his beat my sister. For her, it wasn’t a Asked about her friends, Osaka said at last year’s US Open, “Oh my God, I No one-year wonder, Osaka removed any doubts fans may have literally only have, like, one friend that had about her game as 2019 began. At the Australian Open, she I’m actually completely, like, myself beat Top 10 mainstays Elina Svitolina, Karolina Pliskova and Petra with...I feel bad for her...” Kvitova in succession to win her second straight Grand Slam title. Asked what goes on in her head GETTY IMAGES; AP during a match, she described a fren- zied inner dialogue of doubt that most recreational players would recognize. “Right before [my opponent] hits MAR/APR 2019 TENNIS.COM 1 9

If she’s sad, she’s gonna show it. If she’s happy, she’s gonna show it. There are no fake emotions.

While the spotlight was on Serena during last year’s US Open final—a match Osaka won, in straight sets—the 20-year-old’s composure on the court, and comportment off of it, were univerally lauded, including by Williams. GETTY IMAGES a second serve,” Osaka mused, “I’m even though she’s soft-spoken, she’s fitness. He put her through drills that thinking, ‘Do not hit this down the line.’ very playful with the press, asking forced her to remain patient for long Don’t go for it, right? And then there’s them questions back. It’s showing her periods. The work paid off immediately, another part of me that’s like, ‘But if I charisma, her personality.” when Osaka beat two Top 5 players on hit this down the line, there’s a 50/50 her way to the title in Indian Wells. chance it will be a winner and you Before 2018, a question surrounding could win the point easily.’ And then Osaka was whether a player as inward- “She had this power,” Bajin said. when she’s serving the ball, I’m arguing looking as she is could succeed at the “She maybe didn’t quite know how to with myself: ‘Do it. Don’t do it. Do it. game’s highest level. Could she banish handle it or control it. Didn’t quite know Don’t do it.’ And then the ball comes the doubt and embrace the adversity when to pull the trigger, when not to. and I hit it down the line and it goes in that comes with competition? So I was trying to kind of maintain the the net. I’m like, ‘Why did I do that?’” raw power, and then, at the same time, Enter coach Bajin. When he began also show that there are other ways of Many of Osaka’s comments—about working with Osaka in December creating pressure on the opponent.” her awkwardness, her indecisiveness, 2017, she was ranked No. 68. But her fear of being laughed at—can Bajin knew this immense talent had Osaka’s physical skills weren’t a seem shockingly unguarded at first. the raw materials of a champion. He surprise to Bajin. What he discovered But that quality makes her relatable says that while Serena and Osaka are was that her personality also made his in a way most pro athletes, who are “completely different” people, they job easier. taught to always project self-confi- share similar instincts on court. dence, never allow themselves to be. “What I really love about Naomi is “They kind of want to play the that she really preserved that inno- “She’s growing into herself,” Chris same,” Bajin said last fall. “They are cence,” Bajin said. “If she’s sad, she’s Evert said at the Australian Open. very powerful, big serves, big hitters, gonna show it. If she’s happy, she’s “Two years ago, her answers would be both of them.” gonna show it. There are no fake emo- one-word answers. She was almost tions. And that makes it easy for me to petrified to face the press. But now, Bajin’s job, as he saw it, was to help also understand her, because my job is Osaka improve her consistency and a lot based on emotions as well.” MAR/APR 2019 TENNIS.COM 2 1

The primary emotion Bajin tries to yet won the third set anyway. Again who she would play two days later: “I love you,” Osaka said with a giggle. In project is positivity. It hasn’t always and again, she banished her doubts. Melbourne, asked about the possibility of facing Kvitova, Osaka said, “I think worked. This January in Brisbane, “I’m working very hard,” Bajin said, to have the opportunity to play her for the first time in the final of a Grand Osaka slouched her way to defeat in “and we are all, in the team, working Slam is something very amazing.” the semifinals. “I just feel like I had the hard to make sure that Naomi one day Osaka was just being her normal, authentic self. But her humility is more worst attitude today,” she said. might own the court like Serena.” than an appealing character trait: it’s also an effective strategy. At the US By the Australian Open, Osaka had Osaka may never own the court with Open, Osaka’s admiration for Serena helped defuse any animosity that more than learned her lesson. Her Williams’ imperious authority, but right Williams may have had for an upstart who was outplaying her. At the Austra- now, she owns it in lian Open, Osaka thought of her match with Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon her own way. winner, as an event to celebrate. Bajin, Serena’s former In All About Eve, Staying grounded and keeping her hitting partner, knew the understudy, Eve expectations in check seems to help Osaka enjoy her job’s most pressure- Osaka had the raw Harrington, deliber- packed moments. Instead of believing ately sets her sights that she should win every match, she believes that she needs to play her materials of a champion. on taking her idol’s best just to keep up with her more place. The same experienced opponents. can’t be said of “I just thought to myself that this is my second time playing a [Grand stubborn competitiveness has never Osaka. Even as she competes against Slam] final; I can’t really act entitled,” Osaka said when she was asked how been on greater display than it was in her rivals, she remains a fan at heart. she rebounded against Kvitova. “To be playing against one of the best players Melbourne. She won four matches in After beating Serena in Miami last in the world, to lose a set, suddenly to think that I’m so much better than three sets, and twice came back from March, Osaka said, “I kind of wanted her that isn’t a possibility. I wanted to enjoy my time here.” a set down. In the final against Petra to impress her.” At the US Open, after Osaka offers sports audiences Kvitova, Osaka squandered three winning her semifinal, Osaka was something new. Yes, she wins with rocket serves and superhuman championship points in the second set, asked if she had a message for Serena, athleticism, but she also lets us see the human doubts that come with Naomi’s mother, Tamaki, gives her daughter a much-needed hug at putting yourself on the line in public. Flushing Meadows (below). After two decades of travel, persistence She proves that to walk the walk, you and sacrifice, Osaka has realized her family’s dream with Bajin don’t need to talk the talk. (right), whose experience and perspective have been invaluable. Serena hasn’t been pushed off the stage yet, but Osaka is certainly GETTY IMAGES; AP up there with her idol now. Will she become the WTA’s next star? She’s already something better: she’s tennis’ next winner. 2 2 TENNIS.COM MAR/APR 2019



The Miami Open will have a brand new look this spring, while its tournament director, James Blake, will be making a transition of his own Stephen When James Blake retired from tennis in 2013, he did what thousands to do just about anything else. When of other ex-Ivy Leaguers before him have done: he thought about going he was young, a burned-out David into banking. Blake was 33 instead of 23, and his two years at Harvard Ferrer quit tennis to become a brick were long behind him. Unlike most Wall Street wannabes, though, he layer; it would be 20 years before he had already earned nearly $8 million in prize money, criss-crossed the dared to put his racquet down again. globe dozens of times, helped the U.S. bring home the Davis Cup and After his first retirement, at age 25, recorded wins over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Bjorn Borg tried every occupation from rally-car driver to TV commentator to But all of the years spent pounding into finance and banks, and saw what underwear salesman to professional MIAMI OPEN / IMG tennis balls, and pounding his legs it might be like to work in an office,” libertine before making an inglori- across asphalt courts, had left Blake Blake says, sounding slightly incredu- ous return to the tour. For Blake, nine wondering if he should try another, lous at the memory. “When you’ve months away were more than enough. less-taxing line of work. It wouldn’t be been traveling non-stop for a decade, so bad to get out of the sun and sit you think you might want to stay in one “It’s pretty simple: I realized that I behind a desk, would it? place for a while.” loved tennis, and I wanted to be part of it in any way I could,” says Blake, who “I took some time away—it ended up If there’s one thing that will make a has spent the past few years as an being about nine months—to get an pro athlete appreciate what he does analyst for Tennis Channel. “I wanted idea of what my options were. I looked for a living, it’s the prospect of having to use whatever wisdom I’ve gained to help the sport.” 2 4 TENNIS.COM MAR/APR 2019

Beach



With Mark Shapiro, Serena Williams and Stephen Ross, Blake is helping the Miami Open put down roots in the concrete heart of the city (left). As a Tennis Channel commentator, he remains connected to the tour and its players (above, with Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros). AP In 2012, Blake married publicist if this happened to someone I loved. For Blake, activism is less a respon- Emily Snider; the couple has two After that, it definitely changed my sibility than it is an opportunity. children, Riley and Emma. Rather than perspective and made me a little bit take an office job in Manhattan, Blake more defiant.” “I don’t believe [athletes] bear a moved to sports-rich San Diego. responsibility that they have to do this Blake’s measured defiance led him in any way,” he told NPR. “But if some- “It’s 70 degrees and sunny everyday, to sue the city of New York. Rather thing really does bring you to tears or which isn’t a bad thing,” he says. than demand monetary damages, he gives you this kind of emotion, or it’s succeeded in having the NYPD start a something that you feel is an injustice, But in 2015, Blake’s life took a fellowship that would fund investiga- and you need to speak out, then, yeah, jarringly unexpected turn, one that tions into police misconduct. you have a platform.” seemed as if it might push him in a new direction entirely. While he was Two years later, Blake’s changed Last year, Blake’s mix of political on his cell phone ouside a Manhat- perspective would lead him to publish savvy and playing experience helped tan hotel during the US Open, Blake his second book, Ways of Grace: him step onto a new platform, when he was tackled by an undercover NYPD was hired by the Miami Open to be its officer in a case of mistaken identity. Stories of Activism, Adversity, and tournament director. In the position, The incident, which was captured on How Sports Can Bring Us Together. Blake serves as a liaison between a surveillance video that quickly went Taking his title from Arthur Ashe’s final players and officials, and gives the viral, inspired this well-mannered fam- autobiography, Days of Grace, Blake event a familiar and popular public ily man from the Connecticut suburbs recounted the principled stands that face. But his first year on the job to become what he described as an athletes of the past have taken for wasn’t all smooth sailing. After losing “accidental activist” at age 35. their political beliefs. to local favorite Monica Puig, top seed Caroline Wozniacki claimed that her “I immediately called my wife. And Some began to wonder whether a family had received death threats that’s when I realized how big a deal career in politics might be in Blake’s from fans during the match. Blake’s this was,” Blake told NPR of his reac- future. His thoughtful, even-keel per- response, that courtside staff and tion to the attack. “I’m an athlete. I’ve sona seemed like a natural extension security hadn’t been notified of any been taught to be the tough guy. And of Ashe’s, and even Barack Obama’s. threats, wasn’t strong enough for I just wanted to sweep this under the But Blake has seen enough of the Wozniacki, who talked about boycot- rug. I just told her I was angry, but I’m politician’s life, and the indignities it ting the tournament next year. going to, you know, just go about my entails, to realize it’s not for him. day. And she just said, ‘What if this In 2019, Blake has faced a new happened to me?’” “I know some people have said I challenge: tearing up the Miami Open’s would be a good fit for it,” Blake says 33-year-old roots on the idyllic island “And it immediately hit me. I started of the political world. “But I’ve been of Key Biscayne, and putting them actually tearing up a little bit and disillusioned. The rewards aren’t worth thinking about what I would have done everything you have to do, everything that happens to you and your family.” MAR/APR 2019 TENNIS.COM 2 7

GETTY IMAGES In his first year as the Miami Open’s tournament director, Blake invited the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, FL, to show support and benefit survivors of the shooting that had occurred just a month earlier. down again in the parking lot of a wondered what [the facility] would be that Serena and Venus Williams, Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Federer can still football arena downtown. After years like, but they’ve seen the renderings, be potential drawing cards in Miami. of trying, and failing, to get approval to and I think they understand how “I think it’s great, because we’re witnessing history,” Blake says of the renovate and expand in Crandon Park, beautiful it can be.” continued dominance of these veter- ans. “I’m also partial, because I played the tournament finally found room If advance ticket sales are an against them and with them, and I think they’re incredible human beings. across the bay at Hard Rock Stadium, indication, the same seems to be true Whether it’s Alexander Zverev or Felix Auger-Aliassime who makes a big home of the Miami Dolphins. of fans. By January, sales were up 22 move, I’m not worried about the next generation. The transition will come.” In Dolphins owner and real estate percent over the same time in 2018. As for Blake’s own role in the sport’s mogul Stephen Ross, it also found a “You don’t normally associate future, he’s not ready to jump into coaching yet—“To do it right, you’ve patron who could conceivably match tennis with football, but sports fans got to be there 30 weeks, and I have a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old at home,” the deep-pocketed commitment that are sports fans, and I think we’ve done he says. But he believes an increased emphasis on coaching is the key to any a good job tapping into improvement in U.S. tennis fortunes. “Our diversity of styles the Dolphins base,” “It’s such a broad country, we can’t and talents can be a Blake says about the have a top-down approach. We need to reaction. “It will also be encourage coaches to work their own way,” Blake says. “We need to support strength,” Blake says of easier for people north them financially, but not everyone has U.S. tennis, “if we help of the city, in Broward to play the game the same way.” players and coaches.” County and Palm Beach, to come down.” As Blake approaches 40, he knows he’s committed to tennis, in one form The tournament’s or another, for the long haul. Whether it’s on the court as a coach, or off the move will be another court as an official or an activist voice, Blake’s platform will come. Larry Ellison has brought to the learning experience for Blake. Miami Open’s chief rival, the BNP “I’ve got a new appreciation for what Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Ross will goes into running a tournament,” he oversee construction of a 13,800-seat says. “Just putting together the sched- temporary stadium court inside the ule each day. As a player, you’re like, arena, and a permanent facility outside ‘What’s the problem? Just put it out!’ Hard Rock Stadium that will house 12 But there are so many intricacies to it, match courts and 18 practice courts. so many chefs in the kitchen.” While the transition may not be a Blake says there are “added natural one for players and longtime elements” he can bring to the event, fans, Blake likes what he sees so far. through his knowledge of the players’ “I’m excited about the move,” Blake perspective, and his relationships with says. “I think some players may have the game’s older stars. He’s pleased 2 8 TENNIS.COM MAR/APR 2019



Danielle Collins’ title run at last year’s Oracle Challenger Series event in Newport Beach was a turning point in the former college star’s professional career. Larry Ellison gets the photo-ops at Indian Wells, but away from the camera, Oracle’s commitment to U.S. tennis has begun to bear fruit by Stephen Tignor Visionof Mark Hurd laughs as he recalls a hitting session he recently had with done really well, and we couldn’t be young American pro Mackenzie McDonald. It was, apparently, a workout prouder of them,” Hurd says. He has that pushed the 62-year-old CEO of Oracle all the way to—and maybe the same hopes for the 2018 recipi- past—his physical limit. ents, Georgia Tech’s Chris Eubanks and Ohio State’s Francesca Di Lorenzo. “It’s hard to believe I’d have trouble against someone in his 20s, isn’t So far, so good: The 22-year-old it?” Hurd asks with a sarcastic chuckle. Eubanks began 2019 by qualifying for the Australian Open for the first time. The veteran tech executive may be as competitive as anyone who has scaled the heights of Silicon Valley, but he didn’t mind getting a lesson The grants have a personal meaning in the modern game. If anything, he’s pleased to see how far McDonald, for Hurd. Introduced to tennis by an a former UCLA standout and NCAA singles and doubles champion, has uncle when he was 10, he has loved progressed in his two years on tour. Hurd, and Oracle, can rightly claim and played the sport his whole life. to have played a role in the 23-year-old’s success. As a teenager in South Florida in the early 1970s, he played it well enough I 2017, the company The first recipients, McDonald and for- to earn a scholarship to Baylor Univer- AP began the Oracle U.S. mer Virginia Cavalier Danielle Collins, sity. Hurd may have even played well Tennis Awards: a pair of each used that much-needed cash enough to make a go of it as a pro, but $1 rants given each year to infusion to make surprisingly deep he never had a real chance to find out. two American college players who are inroads in their rookie years on tour. trying to climb the pro-game mountain. “I was on the fringe,” says Hurd, who “Danielle and Mackie have both graduated with a degree in Business 3 0 TENNIS.COM MAR/APR 2019

Success

Danielle and Mackie have both done really well, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.

Administration in 1979. “In those days that opened in 2001 and hosted the they ever have a chance to compete it was pretty tough to make more than NCAA Championships in 2015. for money. I always had this belief that you spent on tour, just like it is today, if our players had the opportunity to when you have to be [ranked around In the years since, Hurd has keep going, they could play longer No.] 200 or 250 in the world to make expanded his efforts beyond Baylor, and give themselves a better shot any money at all. So I went in a differ- and tried to fill in some of the gaps at a career. The whole issue in tennis ent direction.” that have kept the sport out of reach is accessibility.” for so many in the United States. That direction led him first to a job Collins wasted no time in validating as a salesman at the NCR Corporation, “We’ve tried to put some connective Hurd’s belief. In 2018, she stunned in Dallas. Over the next 25 years, Hurd tissue between the juniors and the pro many in the tennis world with her rise worked his way up to become chief tour,” Hurd says. from No. 167 to No. 36. After finishing executive, before leaving in 2005 to first in the Oracle Challenger Series, take the same position at Hewlett- To that end, along with the grants, Collins took her wild card into Indian Packard. In 2010, Hurd was hired by Oracle has created a four-tournament Wells and made it to the fourth round; Larry Ellison and named president at Challenger Series in the U.S., with dual- she then made a semifinal run at the Oracle, a Northern California tech com- gender events in Chicago, Houston, Miami Open. This year, Colllins reached pany with $40 billion in annual revenue Newport Beach and Indian Wells. The the semifinals at the Australian Open, and 137,000 employees worldwide. In American players with the best overall and demolished No. 2 seed Angelique 2014, Hurd was elevated to CEO. results receive wild cards into the Kerber along the way. BNP Paribas Open. The company has “What he’s done well,” Fortune also partnered with the Intercollegiate “Things add up really fast when magazine said of Hurd, “is run the Tennis Association to sponsor three you’re playing, like, 30 tournaments a sales operation very efficiently.” of its national tournaments, as well as year or more,” said Collins, who was its rankings. At the recreational level, able to hire a traveling coach with Hurd never lost his love for tennis, Oracle has backed Universal Tennis the money. “I think I actually started or his interest in trying to help U.S. Rating (UTR), which, as the name sug- performing a lot better once I had that players survive in a line of work that gests, offers a single, unified standard kind of financial security.” has only become more competitive as for rating players’ abilities and match- the sport has become more globalized. ing them with competitive partners. When Hurd started at Oracle, he He funded the Hurd Tennis Center at found a kindred spirit in Ellison. The Baylor, a 12-court, 3,000-seat facility “It’s an expensive sport,” Hurd says. company’s billionaire co-founder had “Players can spend $250,000 before A former college player, Hurd is keenly aware of the skill sets student- athletes bring to the tennis court and to the business world. In McDonald and Collins, he’s helped two Americans as they make a go of it in the pros. GETTY IMAGES MAR/APR 2019 TENNIS.COM 3 3

recently taken up tennis; in his case, has surpassed its longtime rival event, of American tennis,” Ellison told Bloomberg Businessweek in 2015. that meant he had spent $100 million the Miami Open. Last year, Ellison How deeply will Ellison dive into the to buy one of the sport’s premier also signaled his support for the new, sport, and how much of it would he like see transformed? It’s a question that events, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian revamped Davis Cup format, and he may make tennis’ governing establish- ment—in particular, its non-billionaire Wells. In the 10 years since, Ellison has plans to host a round of ties at Indian tournament owners—nervous. But according to Dr. Timothy Russell, CEO brought a tech mogul’s deep pockets Wells in the future. of the Intercollegiate Tennis Associa- tion, his organization’s partnership with and sometimes-disruptive ambitions Ellison’s largesse has endeared him Ellison, Hurd and Oracle has been as “great a formula as we can get.” to many players, If Ellison is the ambitious new- If Ellison is the ambitious including Rafael comer to tennis, Hurd is the man who Nadal, who typically understands the game’s terrain and traditions from the inside. newcomer, Hurd is the stays at Ellison’s man who understands nearby 250-acre “He’s passionate about college estate, Porcupine tennis,” Russell says of Hurd, “and he has a strategic vision for it, to move the game’s terrain and Creek, during the one block at a time, push the sport tournament. forward, and increase its visibility. There’s always a focus on both gen- traditions from the inside. “It’s true that not ders, and on trying to give everyone in everybody has the college tennis a chance to compete in major events.” possibility to do the Russell also says that Hurd to the clubby world of pro tennis. things that he’s doing for this tourna- “recognizes that tennis players make good employees.” During the Ellison era, Indian Wells ment,” Nadal told Sky Sports, “but “We do a lot of recruiting on has become the first tournament to it’s the tournament with more courts college campuses, a couple thousand recruits every year,” says Hurd, who install Hawk-Eye cameras on every for practice, a lot of stadiums for the has expanded the sales force at Oracle over the course of his tenure. “There court. It has opened a second stadium matches and Hawk-Eye on every court. are obviously a lot of great people in the sport, and athletes do well with us. and dangled a $1 million bonus to Every year there is something new and College tennis is an individual sport, but in a team concept, which is what any player who wins the singles and something better.” working in a business is like.” doubles events. Ellison spent $30 Ellison has also hinted at a desire to What’s next for Oracle, when it comes to tennis? “We’re not done million on a new parking lot alone. In revamp the American game. yet, by any means,” Hurd says, while declining to say what the firm’s future the competition for the mythical title “I think we simply have to do tennis initiatives might be. of the “Fifth Grand Slam,” Indian Wells something to improve the quality For now, Ellison will make his annual appearance in the owner’s box at the Ellison—below, seated next to Mike Tyson—is a front-row regular BNP Paribas Open, perhaps alongside at the BNP Paribas Open, the tournament he helped rejuvenate celebrities like Mike Tyson, Bill Gates, with his financial resources and passion for the sport. Bode Miller or Jared Goff, all of whom have taken in matches with him in the past. But when the celebrities leave AP town, and the pros move on to Europe, Hurd and Oracle’s commitment to the U.S. game, and their still-evolving vision for its future, will remain. 3 4 TENNIS.COM MAR/APR 2019

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LIFE 2019 Racquet Guide Old School Cool The Frame Game Our panel of gear gurus Look good, play good: Why the pros switch 38 helps you find the 48 retro style and new tech 52 racquets—and why you perfect modern frame is a combo for all ages should consider it, too Standard Definition Doubles Instruction Mental Edge The goal of UTR is both Have a weak serve? Pace Stress abounds in tennis: 66 simple and ambitious: one 76 isn’t the only way to get a 77 make rituals a part of your rating for all players point off to a fast start winning strategy 3 6 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9



Tennis GEAR Life The modern racquet. This label gets tossed around often, but what does Several samples were requested of it mean? For manufacturers, it means creating frames that reflect the every racquet reviewed. Each model state of the game. Stronger, more athletic players are using increasingly was either strung with the manufacturer’s vertical and aggressive swings to orchestrate offensive baseline tactics. recommended string and tension, Modern racquets need to optimize these traits and translate them or such a string was provided, to into performance. They must be a blur through the hitting zone with a optimize its performance. Racquets balance of power and control; extremely spin-friendly, with an elevated were then distributed to playtesters sweet spot; stable enough to contend with blazing ball speeds, yet not located throughout the country. too firm as to be uncomfortable, devoid of touch and feel. Each tester was encouraged to try a racquet for as long as it took to Yes, a lot is expected of the modern racquet. In this year’s racquet get a feel for its characteristics, guide, we review the latest releases from leading manufacturers to see including power, control, comfort, if they measure up. Modern players have subtle variances; so, too, do maneuverability and overall these frames, each one emphasizing certain aspects of the playability playability. In addition to forming their equation. Our testing panel has sifted through them all to make it clear own opinions, playtesters sought which ones are right for you. It’s time to modernize your game. assessments from partners, students and customers. Such quantitative 3 8 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 data as racquet length, head size, weight, swingweight and balance was compiled by testers and the United States Racquet Stringers Association. Special thanks to Kevin Brandt, Mitchell Case, Colt Gaston, James Golden, Julian Li, Kin Roseborough.

Babolat An exciting new BABOLAT BABOLAT Pure Drive and more Pure Aero Pure Aero Tour playable Pure Aeros • PRICE: $229 • PRICE: $229 Babolat constantly surveys • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. its audience to find out what improvements they want in an • LENGTH: 27 IN. • LENGTH: 27 IN. update. For Aero players, it was a racquet with the playability of • WEIGHT: 11.3 OZ. • WEIGHT: 11.7 OZ. the 2013 Aero Pro Drive and the power of the 2016 Pure Aero. For • BALANCE: 4 PTS. HL • BALANCE: 7.5 PTS. HL the 2019 Aero, Cortex Pure Feel dampening was added at 3 and • SWINGWEIGHT: 326 • SWINGWEIGHT: 325 9 o’clock, the flex was lowered for better feel and control, and a • RA RATING: 66 • RA RATING: 65 special carbon was added to the yoke for improved torsional • BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 23MM • BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 23MM stability without raising rigidity. The company also felt it was • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 time to add a VS model to the Pure Drive family. The smaller • NTRP: 3.0-5.0 • NTRP: 4.0+ head, thinner beam and lower flex increase the control and How it tested: As expected, the Pure How it tested: The heftiest member of precision of the frame, while Aero’s penchant for lively power, massive the Pure Aero clan packed extra stability retaining some of the pop that spin potential and grip-and-rip tactics and plow-through for advanced has made the line so popular. remained intact in this latest generation. ball-strikers preferring the benefits of a It also introduces a new sales The subtle wrinkles came in the form of a heavier frame. It wasn’t as quick as the model: the frames will be sold in more comfortable response and lighter standard model, but the swing- pairs, with a weight variance of heightened control courtesy of the weight and balance were favorable 1.9 grams to appeal to players slightly softer flex and improved enough to generate ample spin and pace who like to match their racquets. dampening. It’s still plenty firm, leaving a from aggressive cuts. It also doesn’t mostly sturdy, solid impression at possess the firepower of the frame it EXPLORING THE CATALOG contact—returns of serve were replaces, which for most of our testers dependable and volleys had good punch, was an improvement. Big serves, heavy The latest update to the with better-than-expected touch for this ground strokes and punishing volleys Propulse shoe line, the Rage, class of frames. Some testers com- remained within its arsenal, yet the frame launched in early winter...The plained that abandoning the crisper proved to be more compliant. It’s never JET shoe will be offered in new response resulted in inferior off-center going to be a precision instrument, and colors, along with the Propulse stability but ultimately, the friendlier feel flatter shots can still be a challenge. But Fury, which will also get a more and improved playability won out for a the updates have improved overall flexible Power Strap…Special majority of our users. The changes didn’t dependability and arm-friendliness, while editions of the Pure Aero and sacrifice what has made the Pure Aero an still delivering enough pace, spin and Pure Strike will arrive for Roland already successful all-around frame with backbone to satisfy skilled practitioners Garros and Wimbledon, respec- a varied range of followers, and made it of baseline aggression. tively…There will be luggage to even more appealing. complement the new Pure Drive VS…The next generation of Pure Strike racquets is coming in the second half of the year. M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S .CO M 3 9

Dunlop R’S The “200” line DUNLOP CE returns with its CX 200 BABOLAT signature control • PRICE: $219 Pure Drive VS Building on its impressive debut • HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN. • PRICE: $499/PAIR partnership with Srixon, Dunlop • HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN. has released six new models in • LENGTH: 27 IN. • LENGTH: 27 IN. its CX racquet series. Infinergy, • WEIGHT: 11.1 OZ. a light and highly elastic mate- • WEIGHT: 11.4 OZ. • BALANCE: 6 PTS. HL rial, has been added to expand • SWINGWEIGHT: 308 upon the dampening and energy- • BALANCE: 5 PTS. HL • RA RATING: 65 return qualities of the Sonic Core • BEAM WIDTH: 21MM / 23MM / 21MM technology already in Dunlop’s • SWINGWEIGHT: 316 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 frames. The increased comfort • NTRP: 4.0+ and lower vibrations allow • RA RATING: 63 players to hit harder, cleaner How it tested: If the Pure Drive has shots. A redesigned string • BEAM WIDTH: 21.5MM traditionally run too fast and loose, the configuration (Power Grid) brand-new Pure Drive VS applies produces a pattern that’s dense • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 much-needed brakes. A more compact in the middle of the racquet for head size, thinner beam and softer flex heightened control, and wider at • NTRP: 4.0+ brings elevated precision to the ultimate the top for better power on power frame. Testers still found it firm off-center hits. Aesthetically, How it tested: Where many of the with plenty of pop, but the new dimen- the black matte base with red previous Dunlop 200s confined its sions offered better feel and control. The detailing looks sharp, and far audiences primarily to the purest of ball low swingweight equaled significant less cluttered than the graph- strikers, the CX 200 provided more racquet-head speed, which produced lots ics of the previous models. The margin for error. Its DNA is still rooted in of action on kick serves and topspin 2.0 tag to the line has morphed feel and control, but there were ground strokes. At times, it played too into the 200, harkening back to respectable levels of power and spin to light—stability wavered against big Dunlop’s heritage. increase playability. Swinging out hitters—and it could require additional generated good pace on serves and mass to compete at the higher levels. EXPLORING THE CATALOG ground strokes with consistent targeting. Being sold only in pairs, with a weight The quick handling and clean, solid variance of 1.9 grams, is an interesting In addition to the models response at net added up to assured and potentially welcome perk for serious reviewed, there is also a 200 volleying. Grind and counterpunch, or go competitors, including top juniors and Tour (18x20), 200+ (extended on the offensive—the frame gels with college players. length) and a lighter 200LS… both tactics. There were instances of Rounding out the CX line is a 400 fluttering when defending against Editor’s Choice: Best New Frame model that is 100 square inches, incoming pace, especially on returns of thicker beamed, stiffer and more serve. Highly competitive players may 4 0 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 power-oriented than the 200 need to add weight to the racquet; frames…An updated CX luggage fortunately, the frame’s specs make it collection will accompany the ripe for customization. This is a solid racquets…Explosive Red string, choice for the skilled all-courter looking an expansion of the existing for a precise, predictable racquet. polyester franchise, will come out in the second half of 2019.

Head The Extreme and Instinct lines get the Graphene 360 treatment DUNLOP The new Extremes have been HEAD completely redesigned with CX 200 Tour (16x19) maximum spin in mind. The Graphene 360 latest generation of the frame Extreme MP • PRICE: $219 family comes with Graphene 360: • HEAD SIZE: 95 SQ. IN. Graphene rings at 3, 9 and 12 • PRICE: $160 • LENGTH: 27 IN. o’clock of the head increase sta- • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. • WEIGHT: 11.6 OZ. bility to help direct more energy • LENGTH: 27 IN. • BALANCE: 9 PTS. HL into the shot. 360-degree Spin • WEIGHT: 11.3 OZ. • SWINGWEIGHT: 306 Grommets enable more string • BALANCE: 2 PTS. HL • RA RATING: 63 movement, which results in a • SWINGWEIGHT: 330 • BEAM WIDTH: 20.5MM powerful trampoline effect upon • RA RATING: 62 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 impact and more spin. After sit- • BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 21MM • NTRP: 4.5+ ting out the previous Graphene • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 Touch iteration, the Extreme Pro • NTRP: 3.0-4.5 How it tested: There aren’t many left, also makes its return. Like the but fans of 95 square-inch frames will be other members of the line, it has How it tested: If you like to give the pleased with this brand-new addition to a new asymmetrical color-block- ball a ride full of pace and heavy spin, the the CX line. Slightly lighter, with a more ing of neon yellow and deep blue, reconfigured Extreme MP will oblige. The open string pattern than the 200 Tour and an attractive price point flex on the frame has been lowered, (18x20) endorsed by Kevin Anderson, this when compared to the competi- putting more of the power demands on near twin’s promise of a bit more spin, tion. The new Instincts have also the heftier swingweight. When contact pop and forgiveness should appeal to a been updated with Graphene 360 was in the sweet spot or toward the top wider base. The small head size and low to promote a more solid feel at of the hoop, all that mass delivered swingweight led to sizzling swing speeds contact, and improved power. powerful serves and ground strokes, with on serves and ground strokes, and The line has also received a new a feel generally viewed as an improve- superb handling at net, where the frame’s asymmetrical color-blocking ment over the previous MP. And the wider precise feel excelled. It’s no slugger—it cosmetic of bright crystal and string spacing and spin grommets has masterful control, but the user will dark midnight blue. offered the potential to put serious work have to provide the bulk of the power. on the ball. Some testers found that the Some playtesters felt the head was EXPLORING THE CATALOG frame felt hollow when impact was in the begging for extra mass to produce more lower half of the string bed, especially on plow through and less recoil at contact. The totally redesigned Revolt volleys. Control was wayward at times, Otherwise, it’s right up the alley of highly 3.0 shoe is currently available… and going for lines could be hazardous. skilled all-courters with a fondness for The Sprint SF shoe is carrying But as its name suggests, this racquet is old-school midsize models. over its limited launch from the meant for players who like a little risk in end of last year…Lynx string will their games. Editor’s Choice: Best Player’s Frame be available in blue and yellow colorways to match the Extreme M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S .CO M 4 1 and Instinct frames…Velocity string will also have new blue and yellow options, as well as a pink model.

HEAD HEAD HEAD Graphene 360 Graphene 360 Graphene 360 Extreme Pro Instinct Lite Instinct MP • PRICE: $170 • PRICE: $190 • PRICE: $200 • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. • HEAD SIZE: 107 SQ. IN. • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. • LENGTH: 27 IN. • LENGTH: 27.2 IN. • LENGTH: 27 IN. • WEIGHT: 11.5 OZ. • WEIGHT: 9.7 OZ. • WEIGHT: 11 OZ. • BALANCE: 5 PTS. HL • BALANCE: 1 PT. HH • BALANCE: 7 PTS. HL • SWINGWEIGHT: 332 • SWINGWEIGHT: 294 • SWINGWEIGHT: 303 • RA RATING: 62 • RA RATING: 60 • RA RATING: 62 • BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 21MM • BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 23MM • BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 23MM • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • NTRP: 4.0+ • NTRP: 2.0-4.0 • NTRP: 3.0-4.5 How it tested: After sitting out the How it tested: The new Instinct Lite How it tested: The new Instinct MP previous generation of Extremes, the Pro defied the conventions of a lightweight scored points for its quickness through made a welcomed return to the lineup. frame. It played with the control and feel the hitting zone and lively, comfortable Just like the MP, the stiffness has been of a heavier racquet with a smaller head, response. As such, racquet-head speed lowered from the most recent incarna- but had the forgiveness of a quick- was effortless, allowing for good tions, relying on the combination of heft moving oversize. The combination of production of both topspin and slice. The and significant swingweight to load shots slightly extended length, head-heavy agile handling and ready power were also with power. Controlling the distance of balance and added Graphene to the hoop welcome assets for digging out of shots was challenging at times; gave the racquet a surprisingly stable defensive situations, which should appeal fortunately, the wide string spacing and comfortable response. Yet it was still to mid-level counterpunchers. On the provided great ability to add spin and maneuverable, generating ample pace downside, some testers felt it came keep balls from sailing. Testers found and spin on both serves and ground through contact too quickly, and the lack better success driving volleys, as taking strokes with minimal effort. Bread-and- of mass in the head caused some pace off incoming shots or playing with butter volleying worked well, and instability problems. The ball jumped off touch was a mixed bag. When compared overheads were literally and figuratively a the strings rapidly on volleys, making it a to the MP, the extra half-ounce on the blast. In the right hands—developing better option for punishing the ball rather Pro gave it a plusher, preferable feel at players, intermediates and seniors—the than dropping it short. Overall, testers contact. Players that can handle the Instinct Lite is a perfect fit. familiar with the previous model felt this weight and striking yellow color—a latest version improved its user-friendly split-decision among our panel—will find Editor’s Choice: Best Game formula, and should be an easy transition a very powerful and fun frame. Improvement Frame for Instinct users. 4 2 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9

Prince Tecni bre A new Textreme PRINCE These TFights have with the same improved feel and exceptional feel Textreme Tour 100P playability to match their good looks With the addition of Textreme • PRICE: $189 X, the Tour family of racquets • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. The XTC (Xtreme Touch from Prince get a little bit firmer, • LENGTH: 27 IN. Construction) in the new more stable and powerful, but • WEIGHT: 11.4 OZ. TFights is a carbon-fiber matrix doesn’t lose the comfortable • BALANCE: 7 PTS. HL designed to disperse vibrations response. The second incar- • SWINGWEIGHT: 320 for a plusher feel at contact nation of Textreme now has • RA RATING: 65 without making the frame Twaron woven directly into the • BEAM WIDTH: 22MM / 23MM / 20MM softer, or sacrificing power. All matrix. The aramid fibers raise • STRING PATTERN: 18×20 the TFights have it where the the stiffness of the frame, but • NTRP: 4.0+ handle meets the throat of the its dampening qualities manage frame. The TFight 305 and 320 to keep the response clean and How it tested: The familiar all-court models—both housing 18x19 inviting. Plus, it improves the playability was on full display with the string patterns—also have it at sound at impact. It’s a subtle dependable Tour 100P. The frame is the 3, 9 and 12 o’clock locations upgrade, but the firmer beam stiffer than its predecessor, but it on the racquet head to improve promotes easier depth and pop, remained solid and comfortable with a upon their previously harsh yet remains easy on the arm. nice level of feedback. The 18x20 string responses. It’s the marriage of a Along with the 100P reviewed in pattern ably directed hard, flat serves tighter string pattern for control this issue, the Tour line includes and penetrating ground strokes, but also with XTC around the hoop for 95, 100 (310g), 100 (290g) and had wide enough spacing to generate improved feel and power. 100L (260g) models. good spin for a dense setup. Bigger hitters may need to string at slightly EXPLORING THE CATALOG EXPLORING THE CATALOG higher tensions to rein in some of the power, but it was otherwise quite adept The Rebound Tempo 2, In February, Prince released two at both offense and defense. If there was Tecnifibre’s line of frames Phantom frames: a 93 square- a knock, it was that it did everything well designed specifically for women, inch midsize model with a 14x18 without an easily discernible strength. will come out in March. Three string pattern reminiscent of Ultimately, testers found the new Tour racquets of varying weights are the Prince Original Graphite Mid; l00P to play much like the previous all shorter than standard length and a Phantom Pro 100 with an one—capably walking the line between (26.5 inches) for better maneu- 18x20 string pattern…Synthetic player’s frame and tweener. And if ain’t verability and responsiveness. Gut with Duraflex and a Diablo broke, don’t fix it. They will also receive parent polyester strings are now avail- company Lacoste’s cosmetic able in rainbow prism color- treatment for a fresh look… ways…New colors are expected The next generation of TFlash for the existing bag lines. frames will enter the market in the summer. M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S .CO M 4 3

Volkl The latest V1 upholds the frame’s sterling reputation TECNIFIBRE Over the past few decades, VOLKL Volkl frames have continued ATP TFight 305 XTC to get stiffer, but that hasn’t V-Feel V1 MP prevented the company from • PRICE: $199 maintaining its status as one • PRICE: $220 • HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN. of the most comfortable and • LENGTH: 27 IN. arm-friendly brands on the • HEAD SIZE: 102 SQ. IN. • WEIGHT: 11.3 OZ. market. The VCELL material in • BALANCE: 3 PTS. HL the current V-Feel models is an • LENGTH: 27 IN. • SWINGWEIGHT: 328 upgrade over the C-3 carbon in • RA RATING: 64 the previous V-Sense line. It’s • WEIGHT: 10.6 OZ. • BEAM WIDTH: 22.5MM / 22.5MM / 21.5MM stiffer and stronger, creating an • STRING PATTERN: 18×19 improved vibration frequency for • BALANCE: 2 PTS. HL • NTRP: 4.0+ better feel and less shock. A new resin-based EVA in the handle • SWINGWEIGHT: 298 How it tested: The updated TFight pallets of the VSENSOR dampen- 305 is a mid-plus with attitude. The ing system is more resilient than • RA RATING: 68 respectable swingweight caused it to current EVA for faster rebound- play beefier than expected; it wasn’t ing and bending capabilities to • BEAM WIDTH: 25MM / 22MM / 28MM cumbersome to handle, but it took some suit stiffer frames. And the VTEX effort. The upshot was impressive pop silicone polymer used in the butt • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 and stability when compared to cap comes out of the automotive competing control-oriented 98s. At times, industry to provide a boost in • NTRP: 2.0-4.0 it even played like a low-powered dampening, as well as to resist tweener, causing the ball to launch off cracking and movement, for a How it tested: The latest iteration of the frame with less predictability. more comfortable, solid feel. the V1—arguably the game’s original Adequate spin could be had from the tweener racquet—proved why it remains tighter 18x19 string pattern, but it was EXPLORING THE CATALOG so relevant. The easy handling, expansive more suited to directional control. The sweet spot and solid, comfortable feel was firm, solid and comfortable, The V-Feel updates to the response combined to produce one of although there were a few complaints of V3 and V7 models are due out the most user-friendly and respected brittleness when contact occurred in the this summer…A 15L gauge frames we reviewed. Players simply didn’t upper part of the string bed. Ultimately, version of Cyclone, Volkl’s want to put it down. As long as swings testers were largely impressed by the most popular polyester string, were at a medium pace—faster cuts frame’s overall game, and the new paint is now available…V-Square, a could cause shots to sail—testers found job is a definite head-turner. new four-sided polyester string effortless yet controllable power. There developed for heavy spin, hits was also plenty of spin to be had from 4 4 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 stores in April…The venerable the 16x19 pattern, even if the lower mass C10 Pro racquet will debut a new didn’t put much weight on the ball. And cosmetic in December. despite the fact it continually gets stiffer, dampening technologies throughout the frame resulted in its trademark arm- friendliness, especially when paired with a multifilament string. From improving players to grizzled doubles vets, the V1 continues to bring mass appeal.

Wilson A bold and EDITOR’S innovative take on CHOICE the modern frame WILSON WILSON Wilson believes it has produced a game-changer with the Clash. Clash 100 Clash 100 Tour Three years in development and built to maximize the more ver- • PRICE: $249 • PRICE: $249 tical modern swing, the racquet • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. combines the usually opposing • LENGTH: 27 IN. • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. traits of extreme flexibility with • WEIGHT: 10.9 OZ. best-in-class stability. Powered • BALANCE: 9 PTS. HL • LENGTH: 27 IN. by an all-new technology • SWINGWEIGHT: 294 called FreeFlex, proprietary • RA RATING: 53 • WEIGHT: 11.5 OZ. carbon mapping construction • BEAM WIDTH: 24.5MM allows the frame to bend in • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • BALANCE: 9 PTS HL new dimensions for better ball • NTRP: 3.0-4.5 pocketing, dwell time and feel. • SWINGWEIGHT: 323 To preserve integrity through How it tested: “Unique” was the most the swing, StableSmart frame commonly used word to describe the • RA RATING: 51 geometry allows the racquet to most talked-about frame in this guide. bend while providing enough The amount of control and stability for • BEAM WIDTH: 24.5MM backbone to absorb and deliver such a quick, flexible and comfortable serious pace. Overall, the Clash racquet was remarkable. It proved to • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 is designed to be a control favor consistency over raw power, yet it frame, with feel and depend- still delivered enough zip on serves and • NTRP: 4.0+ able response giving players ground strokes to go up against the the confidence to swing freely biggest hitters in the category. Plus, it How it tested: Like its lighter sibling, and to go after their shots. was refreshing to find such arm-friendli- the numbers for the Clash 100 Tour don’t ness in this weight and head size. It add up to the power, stability and control EXPLORING THE CATALOG wasn’t a hit with everyone, though. There it produced. The ball pocketing and dwell were complaints of unpleasant sound time was noticeable on ground strokes, Additional Clash models in and feel on off-center shots, usually on achieving easy depth with regularity. In varying head sizes and weights shorter swings and volleys. But if you’re fact, the racquet seemed to excel at will arrive in the market over searching for something inventive with a higher speeds where, despite its the summer…Clash-inspired completely different feel and playability outrageously high flexibility, it remained luggage will be released to pair from its competition—not to mention a composed and obedient. The same held with the line…The Rush Pro tonic for sore arms—look no further. true when changing the direction of the 3.0 and new Amplifeel shoes ball, even against significant pace. On are set to debut in the spring… Editor’s Choice: Best New Innovation slower swings or when stretched on a Luxilon LXN Smart string, a return, the frame was stable, but didn’t polyester designed specifically provide much help. It offered excellent to be played at low tensions, feel at net, but volleys had to be struck came out in February. with purpose to punch through the court. Still, the confidence the Clash 100 Tour instills to go after the ball will be appreciated by aggressive swingers looking for an extremely comfortable and controllable frame. M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S .CO M 4 5

Yonex The new VCOREs are the most spin-friendly Yonex frames ever When Yonex set out to update EDITOR’S the VCORE line, there was a clear CHOICE directive: more spin. Several technological improvements YONEX YONEX were implemented to make it a reality. Two tweaks reduce air VCORE 98 VCORE 100 resistance for faster swinging: additional Aero Fins—grooves • PRICE: $219 • PRICE: $219 at various positions along the • HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN. • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. racquet—and trench grommets • LENGTH: 27 IN. • LENGTH: 27 IN. along the top of the frame. A new • WEIGHT: 11.4 OZ. • WEIGHT: 11.2 OZ. grommet layout allows strings to • BALANCE: 7 PTS. HL • BALANCE: 5.5 PTS. HL have a more vertical entry angle • SWINGWEIGHT: 311 • SWINGWEIGHT: 311 into the frame, so there’s more • RA RATING: 63 • RA RATING: 68 string movement and a wider • BEAM WIDTH: 22MM / 22MM / 21MM • BEAM WIDTH: 24MM / 25MM / 22MM sweet spot, helping increase • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 spin on off-center hits. A flexible • NTRP: 4.0+ • NTRP: 3.0-5.0 graphite matrix, Namd, has been inserted in the bridge to increase How it tested: A jack-of-all-trades, How it tested: The VCORE 100 won torque—the new VCORE is seven the VCORE 98 shone brightly no matter over testers seeking more control than percent more flexible than the what the stroke. All the changes from the the other similarly spec’d 100 square- SV model it replaces—which previous SV model to maximize RPMs inch frames. It brought some of the promotes longer ball contact and paid off. Opponents were kept on their trademark Yonex feel and precision, yet spin generation. The VCORE 98, heels by ground strokes and serves with there was enough added juice that you which previously had a 16x20 loads of life. There was good pop, but not didn’t have to grind out every rally. You string pattern, now has a more so much that swings needed tempering. could hang in a point, or end it with one open 16x19 configuration. Add The improvements not only created a swing—the frame worked for both it all up, and you get a frame more spin-friendly frame, but a plusher strategies. From angled rollers and high designed to put some serious one as well. From the baseline and at the looping shots to dependable volleying, work on the ball. net, the VCORE 98 was comfortable and the racquet also brought a surprising responsive without some of the level of versatility. It’s noticeably firmer EXPLORING THE CATALOG harshness that plagued its predecessor. than the VCORE 98, and could be a little There were a few complaints of instability brassy when contact was off-center, but Extended models (27.5 inches) toward the tip of the frame, but it was still comfortable for those who like a of the VCORE 98 and 100 were generally solid. If you appreciate a crisp response without shocking their recently released…VCORE racquet that balances power, spin and arm. It’s a great option for players looking racquets in a special “Galaxy precision with a comfortable feel, then for the solid, less-powerful playability of a Black” colorway came out over the VCORE 98 will not disappoint. player’s frame, but with a little extra pop the winter…the updated Fusion off the strings. Rev 3 shoe has an asymmetric Editor’s choice: Best Update upper and curved lacing for a more natural, secure fit…There are new colorways for the Eclip- sion 2 shoe…the Sonicage shoe will come in a new wide model. 4 6 T E N N I S .CO M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9

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Tennis A P PA R E L by Life JON LEVEY Look good, play good: retro style and modern technology works for players of all ages l In most sports, players are required to wear uniforms. Tennis affords its athletes the opportunity to show off their personal styles through attire. It’s a tradition that has led to some iconic pieces and designs that have crossed over from performance to fashion: trendy sneakers; track jackets; sporty polos. And classic tennis remains chic. This collection of apparel from vintage brands taps into the game’s rich heritage for looks that work both on and off the court.