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.

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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.

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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.

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