Pro Tennis Tournament

While it is only November, plans are already underway for the 12th Annual Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament. The tournament committee has been busy since last August, and there is plenty of news to report. The Board of Directors has expanded and now meets monthly. They have elected Mary Jane Nugent and Carole Hillis as Co-Chairs. They also have created a fundraising committee in charge of selling sponsorships. In particular, the addition of Mary Jane Nugent & Leo O'Connor to both the board and fundraising committee has helped give the committee new vision and ideas.

The tournament has already secured $45,000 in advertising to showcase next year's event. The sponsorship packages have been streamlined and are pleasing to the eye. More importantly, they contain added value and exposure for sponsors. The YMCA will once again run its Saturday night charity event. The Discovery Center is coming aboard as an additional charity, and will run a dinner event on site, as well as maintain an on-site presence. A recent sponsorship appreciation/kickoff celebration was held at Zazou, where many of our corporate sponsors were treated to a great evening, which included a highlight video of the tournament. Many thanks to Jeff Hirst for his web/video/computer mastery in piecing together a telling and well done video. And special kudos to Mary Jane Nugent, for orchestrating and executing a wonderful and special tournament evening at Zazou. As you can see, we've already generated quite a buzz regarding our event.

While the tournament is gaining momentum and energy as we enter our 12th year, obstacles lie ahead. We still do not have a title sponsor. While the USTA has approved Recreation Park as a site next year, the park's courts and facility will have to be upgraded in order for us to remain there in future years. The tournament has been running at a deficit the past few years, and additional funds must be raised to keep it alive. Unlike the Ross Park Zoo, we do not have access to county funds or newspaper headlines to assist our efforts.

The USTA has given us a December 12 deadline by which to raise "committed" funds totaling $35,000. If we do not , we lose our event. While the fundraising committee has done a great job thus far, we are only half way to our goal. We are in need of new sponsors and individual committments.

BTC has placed sponsorhsip packets and VIP Patron ticket literature at our counter. We are now soliciting VIP or Patron ticket sales. If you purchase by Dec 12, you will receive a 5% discount off the package price of a VIP ticket or any sponsorship package. If you sign up for a sponsorship package or VIP ticket by filling out a committment form before Dec 12, you can still pay by the normal deadline (next June I think). Any funds we either collect or commit by Dec 12 will count toward our USTA mandate. As you can see, the Dec 12 deadline is an important one for us - very important.

I have always maintained that this tournament is vital to our tennis community. This tournament is part of our identity, part of our local tennis culture. Lose this tournament, and we lose a part of us. Pardon the old adage, but it is time to step up to the plate. If you do not want to lose this event and you have the means to help financially in any way, now is the time to do so. There are so many of you who have lived and breathed life into event. You, as well as every spectator who has ever attended, deserve to see this event grow and thrive. Many pieces are in place. If we can get past our looming deadline, I think our event will enter a new era. Here's to hoping...and caring

Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament

Tournament winner Noam Okun of Israel during a light moment.Our 11th Annual Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament concluded this past Sunday. Once again this event was tremendous, producing incredible tennis and entertainment for all in attendance.

Beginning with the Qualifying event Sat/Sun Aug 7-8 (with locals Billy Mendler & Jordan Magarik, and Binghamton University current and former players Brad Sherwood, Akshay Rao & Dan Hanegby putting in solid performances), through the finals on Sunday Aug 14, there was great tennis throughout.
Players enjoying themeslves during the Gennett Ace with Pace competition.
Just a few of the event highlights would include:
Jordan Magarik and partner Henry So qualifying into the main draw of doubles, and winning a set against pros Mashika Washington and Kianti Thomas in the 1st round of the main draw. Pretty impressive tennis from the Vanderbilt freshman.
Early round play of Michel Kratchvil of Switzerland, who appeared so invincible in his victories.
Dmitriy Tursonov as the #1 seed. At #67 in the world on the ATP rankings, the highest ranked player to ever compete in our event.
The finals, in which Noam Okun of Israel, #138 ATP defeated Danai Udomchoke of Thailand 6-4,2-6,6-1.
Gennett Ace with Pace Competition, in which pros competed for $1,000 in prize money. There were two events. Ace the amateur, in which pros had 5 chances to ace local juniors, and a fast serve contest, won by Brad Sherwood, who recorded a very unofficial 178 MPH serve.
Kids Day. Over 100 kids from the summer fun in the park program receiving free tennis lessons and adding excitement and energy to our site
The tennis. Absolutely over the top. Every player in the main draw appeared capable of beating one another. Scintillating shot making, precision accuracy and thunderous serves. The level of tennis was simply the best I have ever seen at this event. As Leo O'Connor noted, having just returned from the Cincinnati ATP tour event; "outside of the top 4 or 5 players, the level of tennis is the same." Strong sentiment indeed.
So, even as we wrap up another great event, questions loom in the air. Challenger events throughout the country, like ours struggle to find sponsors, volunteers and spectators. We are no exception.
• Gaining a title sponsor has proved difficult, with no bidders to date. More local sponsorships are needed.
• The tourney staff is overburdened, and in need of new recruits to help us grow and evolve.
• And while there appears to be a core group of spectators, we certainly lack many tennis players and fans in the area, notably absent from such a seemingly great tennis event.
Marcus Sarstarnd of Sweden competing on Center Court.
The future of our event is in doubt. Its fate looms in the air, as with so many local efforts in other sports and venues. While we have gained back AHL hockey and AA baseball, we were fortunate to do so and suffered in their absence. If we lost this tournament, it will be tough to gain back in the future. Do we need a new venue? The City of Binghamton has been unbelievable in their support; I could imagine no better friends than Mayor Bucci and Dave Cody, but would Binghamton University, with its move to Division 1, addition of the Events Center and possible court facility renovation pick up spectators and momentum? Would the addition of more spectator events like the Ace with Pace and a Wilson Demo Day bring out more fans? Are there people out there willing to lend a hand to the event, and sponsors we don't know about willing to purchase packages? Are their certain components of this tournament the committee should be addressing to make the event better? What would you like to see, or not see?

These are important questions, the answers to which, will help guide us in our efforts to keep pro tennis in the area. It seems to me our tennis community needs this event, and losing the tournament will be a setback. Maybe I am wrong? One could say that my involvement in local tennis creates an unnatural sentiment, but there are many others like me who love this event and look forward to its arrival each summer.

Your suggestions, opinions and critiques are sought and welcomed. You may post your comments, for others to see right on this website. You can post anyomously if you wish. You may also e-mail to BTC@tennisctr.com. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing form you.

ps. I would be remiss to not recognize and thank Laurie Bowen, (tournament director), Jeff Hirst and Dickey Sopchak for their unbelieveable efforts in running this event. They spent countless hours this year to make sure this event happened in spite of the many challenges and setbacks they faced. To the many other volunteers who also spent the entire week at the event, using their vacation time to help, what can one say? The energy this event creates is truly impressive. Many thanks from all of us are in order

Wimbledon

Every major sport boasts of a highlight event, one which if you win, you are considered to have reached the pinnacle of that sport. Both tennis and golf, while hosting four major events, still place one event above the others. For golf, it is the Masters - the elusive pursuit of the legendary green jacket. In tennis, the tournament is Wimbledon. Sometimes, Wimbledon is simply referred to as “The Fortnight”, such is the air of respect and status this tournament receives.

Time-honored traditions are not only tolerated and accepted here, they are welcomed. Etiquette is not asked for, but demanded. No other tournament would even dream about running its event like Wimbledon does. The tournament is run in a proper fashion. Don’t show up on court without your all- white outfit. Practice your curtsy and bow if you plan on playing on Center Court. Make the most use of your 45-minute practice allotment. And remember to add "sir" when addressing the umpire. Did you know that there is still an “A” & “B” locker room for players? When Boris Becker, unseeded and only 17, won Wimbledon for the first time, he was in the “B” locker room. Boris spent the 2nd week of the fortnight alone, an entire locker room to himself! Play does not begin before noon, and the only Sunday on which play takes place is the Men’s Final. This is the 2nd time in the history of Wimbledon that play took place on the 1st Sunday, a result of innumerable rain delays. The All England Club must have been up in arms with that decision.

There is usually much ado during the course of Wimbledon. At no other event can court conditions change so dramatically, from fast to slow, sure-footed to slippery, true bounce to bad. Players aren't used to the speed and low bounce they get playing on grass, which seems to give the big servers and net rushers an advantage. And the rain is constant; almost a part of the event. For newcomers, the experience can be overwhelming. All the great players who have done well here talk about how special Wimbledon is, and how nervous they are the first time they step on Center Court. To quote Andy Roddick, “There is no place like it. That's the most prestigious court I'll ever have the chance to play on.” For one fortnight a year, the game rises above the players. There is a special feel at Wimbledon like no other. It takes steely nerves, a strong constitution and ultimately, respect for the game and its time- honored traditions to survive the fortnight.

This year was a great Wimbledon. There were superb tennis moments and great match-ups. New faces challenged the old guard. There was much excitement and buzz throughout. For me, there are a few significant results that stand out. The first is Maria Sharapova, and what her win signifies. Born in Siberia, trained by two famous American junior coaches, blessed with the looks of a model (she is one) and spirit of a champion, Sharapova, at only 17, knocked the reigning queen, Serena Williams, off her throne. Sharapova is the 3rd youngest female to ever win a grand slam title. She makes quite a story.

This is the 1st time in 5 years someone other than a Williams has won the Ladies title. Just over a year ago the women’s game played like a worn down record - one-sided, with little to get excited about. The women’s tour is now so full of fresh faces and increased depth it is difficult to predict who will reach the finals from week to week. While there have been a few other years on the women’s circuit in which each Grand Slam was won by a different player, these Slams were usually won by players we expected to win. Not so this year. We have seen 6 different players in the finals of the 3 Grand Slams so far this year. That is a significant stat.

And look out for the Russian freight train. Sharapova is only the 5th highest ranked Russian, and the 3rd to reach a Grand Slam final this year. Mind- boggling. They have arrived fast and furious, and others would do well to pay heed.

On the Men’s side, I note two developments. They aren’t hard to notice. One is Roger Federer, quietly making his way to greatness. I have never seen anyone impose his or her will on the tennis court so subtly. Roger’s level of tennis is arguably higher than any other we have seen. But there is no need to compare different generations and engage in foolish debates about who is the greatest. For the moment Roger is the man. He has the complete game. A model game. Roger’s play is graceful, effortless, and full of poise and calm. Not even a glint of panic. For opponents, that is disparaging. If you cannot enjoy watching Roger play, then you might as well turn on ESPN and watch the gambling show. He is amazing.

The other development is the Roddick vs. Federer rivalry. Rivalries help capture the imagination and attention of fans around the world. You cannot create a rivalry. It must develop on its own. While Sampras & Agassi had a great rivalry, much of it occurred while one of the two (Agassi in his earlier years and Sampras in his later years) had lost some interest in the game. It appears Roger & Andy are peaking at the same time. Both are eager and hungry, both striving for greatness. There is enough contrast in styles and personalities to perk the interest of fans, and the tennis is phenomenal. In his post-match interview, Andy, with his ever-increasing wit and candor, when asked if he and Roger have developed a rivalry, quipped, “I have to win one to make it a rivalry!” Wrong, Andy. You two certainly have a rivalry, a special one, and the makings of a great one. If Roger is clearly #1 at the moment, then Andy is clearly #2. I cannot wait for the summer Harcourt circuit to begin!

In closing, a special plaudit for Martina Narvratilova. At the age of 47, she not only competed in but won a round in the Women singles draw. Phenonmenal. While she and Leander Paes did not win the Mixed Doubles crown again, they lost 13-11 in the 3rd set to the eventual winners. Our ageless wonder gives hope and inspiration to us all.

The greatest tiebreaker ever

This past June, I witnessed the greatest tiebreaker I have ever seen, and it took place right here at BTC. Now I know what you are saying: The greatest tiebreak of all time was the McEnroe/Borg 4th set 18-16 tie break at the 1980 Wimbledon finals. While that match may have been one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time - with two of our sport's finest players or all time riveting millions of fans in a truly classic matchup - beauty remains in the eye of the beholder. Move over McEnroe and Borg. You've been outdone

The matchup I prefer involved Collin Crawford and partner John Salmon pitted against Frank Goreleski and Dan Santelli. Three of these four are locals, the 4th being a NYC resident born and raised in Vestal. The setting: Court 3 indoors. The event: the 23rd Annual BTC Clay Court Championships. The match: 1st round Men's Doubles.

The match started out innocently enough, with Goreleski & Santelli racing out to a one set lead and seemingly ready to close out the match. As is often the case, serving out a match is easier said than done. Before we all knew it, the 2nd set slipped from their grasp and a 3rd had begun. The "we" consisted of a small group of tournament contestants who, having already finished, was rather impatiently hanging around for this match to finish, so everyone could gather at Yanni's for post-match analysis. Comraderie goes hand in hand with local competition. The time was late, after 9 p.m. The mood was restless at best. LET THE MATCH JUST FINISH!

At some point toward the end of the 3rd set, the mood changed. Players began elevating their games. Alarmingly good shots started happening. Suddenly, neither team wanted to lose this 1st round match. All of a sudden, these four entered into that seldom-visited realm of the 3rd set tiebreak. Our interest was peaked. We had a battle going. Yanni's could wait. Destiny was about to take place.

The tiebreak started tensely. No player gave an inch. First, Samon with a two-handed forehand winner. Then Crawford with an amazing lob retrieve. Then Santelli with a scintillating forehand serve return, hit harder than any amateur has a right to. Followed by Goroleski with a service ace. The stakes had been raised. In a heartbeat, the score was 6-6, with one match point already saved. Then, as if by magic, all four players simultaneously entered that even less-visted realm of "tennis zen". Their playmaking went off the charts. Match points weren't merely saved, they were won in dramatic fashion, with the final shot being extraordinary. Points were not lost, they were won. This was no longer an ordinary 1st round doubles match. Every point made the highlight reel. 12-12, 14-14. Saving match points with a blazing winner became routine.

In the meantime, loyal fans knew they were witnessing something special. We huddled courtside like pack rats by the door to Court 1, barely able to contain our enthusiasm. Maybe a beer or two helped our mood at this point. Who cares. Could history be in the making? Would they beat the 18-16 mark?

On and on the contestants battled, oblivious to everything but the tennis ball. Time seemed to stand still. Suddenly it was 18-17, serving for the match. And once again, a shot well above the players's normal level of play was struck. Winner. The modern record broken! History being made at BTC. And yet they fought on. Finally, the inevitable occured; a ball was netted, and the tiebreak ended, 22-20 in favor of Collin and John. The look on their faces was more of relief than victory. All four players just stood there, unsure of what to do. Weary beyond weary, they staggered off the court with their partners, unaware of their new-found place in tennis history and lore. "We," being of the old Aussie school of tennis, merely said, "Great match mates. Time to celebrate." And that was the end of it. But the match remains etched in my memory: Four local players giving it their all, stretching their mental and physical limits to the limit, providing drama and theater for a precious few in attendance. During that tiebreak, these were my heros, achieving what we all dream of on a tennis court: taking your game to the next level, side by side with your partner, with a match on the line. Sorry John, sorry Bjorn, you played the 2nd greatest tie break of all time.

Collin, Dan & Frank, 3 of the four contestants in attendance at the Sambursky/Gennett Men's Pro-Am (signing autographs)reminiscing about the match over a cold one, just as all the past greats do.

Australian Open

The Australian Open has firmly established itself as a unique and significant entity among the four major slams in our sport. In addition to its world-renowned Rod Laver Arena and grounds complex, and the wonderful hospitality and low-key "nothing bothers us" attitude all Aussies exude, The Australian Open offers an excitement and sense of beginning no other slam can claim. This is the 1st slam of the year, and not withstanding a few lead-up events, the 1st real tournament of the year. The Aussie Open is held after a month-long off season, during which no events take place. Like opening day of baseball, or Week 1 of the NFL, this event is widely anticipated by players, spectators and media. Even more so because the next Grand Slam, the French Open is four months away.

Contenders (those who think they have a shot at top 10 in the world) come in physically prepared, but wondering what the new year will bring. Will I maintain the form and momentum I built up last year, and keep my mental edge? Others wonder: Will my hard training and recent encouraging practice results lead to improved match performance? Will this be my year? Everyone is jockeying for position and hopeful for what the new year promises. We are not sure what to expect, and the tournament is usually full of surprises.

Despite today's unprecedented parity in tennis (especially on the men's side), two constants remained at The Open: Justin Henin Hardine and Roger Federer. In my mind, both are firmly established at the top of the pecking order. Forget the rankings. Your ranking is not what intimidates your opponent. It's your recent level of play. Justine has now won 3 of the last 4 slams, displaying a resolve and ability to handle the pressure of being on top. Whether players who are not currently competing can get back to the top remains to be seen, but Justine no longer seems intimidated by anyone. She exudes the confidence of a #1 player. She also is my favorite female player to watch - ferocious and fearless in how she strikes the ball. Justine, for the moment, has Kim Clijster's number.

Roger Federer. Wow. I am awestruck. Does anyone realize just how good this guy is? While I wouldn't presume at this point to compare his career to that of Pete Sampras, or even Andre, when he is on, Federer's level of play is unlike any I have ever seen... EVER. Bold statement, yes, but I stand by it. Roger owns every shot in the book. He makes every shot look effortless. He runs like a gazelle. His passing shots are the best I have ever seen by a person over 6 feet tall And his serve, when he is on? Forget it. This guy was meant to play tennis. Graceful and elegant, he beats you with little apparent effort. Roger makes the game look easy. The last person to do this was Pete Sampras. Comparisons? You betcha. While many players currently are perched near the top of the men's game, and can beat each other on any given day, none has the ability at this point to take his game to the level Roger does when he gets in that rarified air. Can he remain there?

The surprises? For the women, Annalise Maresemo is slowly but surely steadying her attacking game, making fewer unforced errors and playing more consistent tennis on a daily basis. Lisa Raymond and Patti Schnyder also had good runs here and appear poised to ascend the WTA ranking ladder. For the men, the story is Marat Safin. Our talented, moody, party-going, womanizing Russian friend has finally decided to take his tennis game seriuosly. With superb conditioning and body strength, a greatly improved backhand and a mental toughness we have never seen from Marat, he is back, better than ever. Marat made an improbable run to the Aussie finals, entering the tournament ranked only 86th, and coming off a string a 1st round losses. But he entered the tournament with a conviction that he belongs at the top. For Marat fans like myself, his game and personality are much needed on the circuit. Welcome back Marat. This time around, I don't think you'll be leaving the limelight too soon.

I would be fed to the wolves if I did not mention our two Americans, Andy Roddick and Andre Aggasi. I mean no disprepect to Andy when I say that Federer is better. Andy's climb to the top echelon is noteworthy. He has done a great job harnessing his talent, embracing a hard work ethic, and not getting caught up in all the hype. He made a good choice for a coach as well. Definitely star material. Roddick, along with Nalbandian and Ferraro, will chase Federer relentlessly, and will do their best to make is stay at the top uneasy. They are all contenders. In the next batch, look for Hewitt to mount a comeback, and keep an eye on Coria, especially on clay. If Safin continues to play like he did at the Austrailian, count him in as well. I think it is well worth noting that 14 different countries are represented in the top 20 ATP rankings. Truly a global sport with incredible depth and talent.

And a special plaudit for Aggasi, whom I believe is in twilight of his career. How fitting would it be for Andre to win one more Slam? While I don't think Andre can compete on a week in week out basis for #1, he picks his spots as well as anyone, and is as dangerous as they come. Even when he loses, he is still a winner; his effort, level of play, sportsmanship and reverence for the game make him so. Watching the ovation the crowd gave him after he lost to Safin, I think we all sense that we might soon be losing one of the greatest of all time. What an exciting year we have ahead of us. Stay tuned.

Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament

Whether you realize it or not, a very special event takes place right in your own backyard every August: a prized jewel many other communties would love to have. The $50,000 Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament (a Challenger event) draws spectators from across the region and entries from nearly every country around the world that produces tennis players. Jeff Salzenstein, a Binghamton favorite, entertaining the crowd

If you are into name dropping, Lleyton Hewitt, Tim Henman, Karol Kucera and James Blake are just a few of the marquee players who can list a Binghamton appearance in their resume. None of them came home with hardware... 3 of the 4 lost in the 1st round! Tough tournament. Sampras, Agassi Courier adn Roddick are all players who competed in Challenger level tournaments.

The point I make here is this: You will see up-and-coming great players compete in Binghamton. Future champions begin at the Challenger level. So do players on the comeback trail.

More importantly, you will be able to view an extremely high level of tennis in an up close and personal environment. There is no other tennis circuit in the world that combines such a high level of play with such a fan-friendly enviroment. And make no mistake, our tournament is as friendly as they come.

This tournament's greatest feature may be the players themselves - not just their level of play but their accessibility. You may often see a player kicking a soccer ball with a ball kid, meeting a spectator under the food tent or simply making small talk with the wonderful staff at the tournament desk. Unlike at major events, players get to show their personalities on the Challenger level. The community gets to know who they are, and they get to know us. So many different cultures and ways of life are welcomed into our community. Friendships are forged. Binghamton becomes more than just another stop on the tour. We are beginning to house an increasing number of players, which not only adds to our reputation as an event the players really look forward to, but further strenghtens our bonds of friendship.

Being a tournament junkie, I can't get enough. Besides great tennis, there are clinics, special events, Lupos food and the BTC pro shop tent. You can always run into someone you know as you leisurely saunter the grounds. And there is never a shortage of tennis conversation. This event brings our tennis community together like no other.

The tennis community needs this event, and the tournament needs your support. We have discounted patron sponsor ticket packages for next years event available at the desk. Next month I will post an article outlining these packages. See you on the courts!

US Open viewpoint

Binghamton Challenger winner Ivo Karlovic, who reached the 3rd round of the Open with Brenda Story and Allie Starke
Once again, the greatest tennis show on earth, the US Open, lived up to its billing. Being a New Yorker, I admit to being partial. That being said, the US Open is the most important Grand Slam event. Flushing Meadows has the best crowds, an incredible atmosphere and the fairest surface for determining the best player in the world. Every player gears up for the US Open.

Tennis aside, the fluff and glitter that accompanied the Open needs its moment on the stage:

Two thumbs up to the new Court of Champions, and the ceremony preceding the finals honoring, among others, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors. It has been too long since Jimmy showed his face at the US Open, which was basically his house during his career. Now that Pete Sampras has retired, let's hope Pete does not do the same disappearing act. A brief respite is one thing, but an extended hiatus is another. The game still needs Pete, and Pete needs the game. Well put by Johnny Mac and Jim Courier.

Speaking of Pistol Pete, how about that opening night ceremony? Wow! So moving, so appropriate, and so special. To hear Boris, Jim, John, Paul and Andre (his screen cameo was great) publicly honor Pete, and to see Pete's response, was tremendous. Raw emotion. I will not get involved in the debate over who is the greatest of all time, and who liked Pete, etc.... I'll just say to Arlen Kantaraian, the USTA, and most importantly to Pete: well done and thank you.

While I am on the subject of entertainment, The USTA (Arlen) has done a great job of adding entertainment value and attractions to the US Open. Starting with Arthur Ashe Kids Day, the opening night acts, the continuing evolution of the grounds (better seating, tasteful music, vendor booths, giveaways etc.), all the way to the presentation of the finals, they are showcasing their event and making this not just a tournament, but a happening, a place to be. Kudos to presenting a women's Saturday night final. How about a Monday night men's final? Prime time, baby. Monday night football move over. You can start the following week. Or how about scheduling the men's final at 6 p.m. on the first night of Monday football? Worth a try, I say.

On to the tennis. There was simply too much good tennis to cover, so I will focus on just a few. The Capriati-Henin match goes down in history as one of the greatest matches ever - some of the highest quality women's tennis I have witnessed. The shotmaking was incredible, the physical exertion excrutiating, the nerves steely. And one more thing: the hearts of champions were displayed. If anyone wondered what these two players were made of, doubt no more.

Justine Henin Hardin period. All heart, all grit, and strokes to die for. Oh would I love to have that backhand. Several of our members agree, and have come into the club after the Open with their versions of Justine's backhand.... not quite the same, but they made valiant efforts nonetheless. Members, please keep up the good work. Within inner tennis circles, there was much talk and debate about how the women's field - and the tournament - might have been weakened by the absence of the Williams sisters. The US Open proved otherwise, once again showing that the game is bigger than its players. Justine Henin, a true champion. A backhand for the ages.

Jonas Bjorkman & Todd Woodbridge in 1st round action en route to another Grand Slam title. On the men's side, allow me to say this was the Andy Roddick show! So much talk, so much pressure, so many questions about whether Andy was really the next great American. But at the end of the day, he showed the world he is the real deal: an incredible tennis player who can handle the pressure and answer the bell. Perhaps he's the best player in the world at this moment. I think a changing of the guard has taken place. Gracefully, almost quietly, and with great respect, Andy has surpassed Andre. It had to happen sooner or later. Needless to say, I am a big Andy Roddick fan, especially since he began to wear his hat forewards. He is no longer a star in the making. He is a star, bright and fresh. Stay around for awhile Andy. All in all, another great Open. This tournament never fails to deliver.

Ode to a Tree

In case you haven't noticed, there is no longer a tree in our parking lot. It is one of those things that is easy to not notice, even though this tree was such an annoyance for so many years.

Actually this was a pignut hickory tree, which is an idigenous species of the hickory family. I have been told they grow wild in these parts. It had been a fixture in our parking lot as long as I can remember. I'm sure it was there long before that, carving out its turf in a very unique space. How it survived this many years is a bit puzzling; but this was one tough tree destined for a long life.

Many a fender did this hickory rearrange, and many a door did it dent, including my own. The lower bark began to take on a color or its own, collecting every color of the rainbow that was ever found in a body paint shop. This tree showed no prejudice, Ford Escort or SUV, old pick-up truck or BMW, it got them all. As you parked in the "danger zone", you reminded yourself of the impending danger and made a mental note on the way into the club to remember on the way out to miss the tree! Of course, a few sets of tennis and few Heinekens later, the not-so-subtle thud brought on a string of expletives, and the memory bank kicked in, albeit a bit too late. You did not have to look up, you knew what you hit...and you were not happy. Mr. Pignut strikes again! This tree was no PR statement for BTC.

Not all found our hickory their foe. Many a bird has sung its heart out and rested its wings in this tree's inviting branches. The tree's hickory nuts provided nourishment and a winter cache for our neighboring squirrels. Its leaves in fall turned a beautiful golden yellow, putting on a one-man show. Life breathed out of our parking lot.

All in all, the tree seemed to do more harm than good, depending on your perspective. If I had a dollar for every time I swore I was going to remove the tree, I would be rich. I can't say exactly why I never acted. Perhaps it was because I am a tree lover. Perhaps I just thought that side-swiping Mr. Pignut was a right of passage others besides myself must endure, a reminder of how times were tough in the old days. Maybe I just grew fond of the tree and considered it protected by a grandfather clause that gave it a right to that space. But now it is gone and will make good firewood. As autumn leaves turn, I bid our tree a farewell. It certainly has carved its place into BTC lore.