Will clay season fall flat?
For many years, tennis fans could rely on Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams or Simona Halep to bring star power to clay events from Madrid to Rome and… Continue reading
If people still don’t admire Novak Djokovic, they should read the transcript of the Australian immigration officers interrogating him at the airport in January before Australia detained and deported the defending Australian Open… Continue reading
——- Novak Djokovic, the undisputed king of the Australian Open, is one step closer to becoming the most successful player in tennis history. Dehydrated, sluggish and down two sets to one, Djokovic still… Continue reading
The Laver Cup feels like a wedding, bringing together extended families for the first time around the ceremonial union of a happy couple. There are… Continue reading
Fans have many reasons to love Roger Federer. Here are some of the more under-rated aspects of his game. 1–Feel. Hands. Federer’s rare ability to flick back balls deep allows him to hug… Continue reading
Here’s how Rafa Nadal trounced Stan Wawrinka to win “La Decima” — his record 10th French Open. –From start to finish, Rafa Nadal forced Wawrinka to defend on wings, giving him few chances… Continue reading
The King of clay has his mojo back. Rafa Nadal’s playing again with confidence and passion. While Roger Federer skips the clay season, and Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray remain in various phases… Continue reading
The Caja Magica in Madrid is renowned for its magic light on sunny days, especially on courts 2 and 3. The players also create a magic of their own. (images copyright Christopher Johnson)
Roger Federer is often compared with a ballerina. He’s graceful. He floats. His matches are a Master Class. Imagine playing him. You’d call him the Swiss Assassin, not the Swiss Maestro. … Continue reading
With Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer out with injuries, and Novak Djokovic slumping, Andy Murray owns the world right now, not only Milos Raonic. But he definitely has owned Raonic this year,… Continue reading
Before turning 21, Juan Martin del Potro beat Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer to win the 2009 US Open. If healthy, he might have expanded the Big Four into the Big Five,… Continue reading
by Christopher Johnson — After his epic win over Roger Federer in the Wimbledon semi-finals, many are asking the question which I asked earlier this year: is Milos Raonic the second coming of… Continue reading
Milos Raonic’s serves put Alex Dolgopolov and Jo Tsonga on their heels swatting at the ball in Madrid. But Novak Djokovic somehow managed to step in… Continue reading
Novak Djokovic won clay courts events in Monte Carlo and Rome last year, but has never won the French Open where Rafa Nadal — and Stan Wawrinka last year — have stood… Continue reading
By Christopher Johnson — Novak Djokovic seemingly has all the tools for a future career in entertainment. He’s funny, witty, animated, flexible and malleable. He has the balance and body control of a… Continue reading
— by Christopher Johnson — I can’t understand why some folks don’t love or cherish Serena Williams. She’s truly inspiring. She transcends age, gender and race. She’s the greatest tennis player of all… Continue reading
In the Persian Gulf area to photograph the Dubai Duty Free tennis tournament, I somehow got invited to the players party outside the hotel adjacent to the stadium. Guests and organizers were flocking… Continue reading
Milos Raonic has become cool to photograph. He looks fantastic in the golden sun and powdery red clay of the Mutua Madrid Open. His serve is powerful but also sublime. His technique seems… Continue reading
For many years, tennis fans could rely on Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams or Simona Halep to bring star power to clay events from Madrid to Rome and… Continue reading
If Novak Djokovic is the greatest player ever, it’s because he has the greatest skill: the ability to wear down and outlast the opponent. He is 35-10 in 5-set matches, and many of… Continue reading
The All England Lawn Tennis Club plans to invite 1000 Ukrainian refugees for a free day at The Championships at Wimbledon, which the club will stage from July 3 to 16. “In partnership… Continue reading
Ons Jabeur’s unorthodox style of slice-and-dice won her many fans during The Championships at Wimbledon 2022. But it relies on the opponent giving her relatively short or easy balls that she can turn… Continue reading
Like others, Feliciano Lopez was amazed at how Novak Djokovic could win after losing the first two sets to Jannik Sinner. “He believes he only needs one game in the third set to… Continue reading
The Defendant, Nick Kyrgios, states his case against the Plaintiff, Stefanos Tsitsipas: 1. “I’m not sure how I bullied him. He was the one hitting balls at me, he was the one that… Continue reading
The Plaintiff, Stefanos Tsitsipas, states his case against the Defendant, Nick Kygrios: 1. “They are repetitive over and over again. It starts to really get — it starts to get really difficult to… Continue reading
—Stefanos Tsitsipas says he wants to serve and volley 30 percent more than he’s been doing at Wimbledon. He thinks it’s too risky to serve and volley on every point like Maxime Cressy.… Continue reading
—Not many at Wimbledon play like Harmony Tan. You’ll sometimes see puffers playing junkball on the asphalt at nearby Wimbledon Park, but not on the manicured grass at the All England Club against… Continue reading
There’s a lot to love about Carlos Alcaraz. The speed. The dropshots. The kick serve. And how about his big serve. At age 19, he hit several serves over 130 miles per hour,… Continue reading
Why equality is good for all
Tennis has a special place in male-female relations. More than other sports, men and women play side-by-side, inspiring fans and kids across genders. My elementary school buddies and I didn’t only emulate… Continue reading →