Sunday, April 13th, 2003

Time	Event
10:23a	What's Interesting Tennis? I spent some time watching matches at the Atlantic 10 Conference men's tournament at Oxford yesterday. Lots of very big serves and groundies! However, what really makes a match interesting to me, the spectator, is when one or both players display some creativity in their shot selection. In one outstanding mach, players alternated soft slice shots with laser forehands, high top spins with flat drives into corners, great approach shots, followed by equally spectacular passing shots. What a match to watch! (Comment on this)
10:46a	Coaching During Matches? The Atlantic 10 Men's Championships are run using a team format. This means players can consult with their coaches during change overs. This brings to mind the often-discussed question of whether coaching should be permitted during all tennis matches. An interesting point was raised by one of the recipients at last Sunday's USTA/AMD awards luncheon. He noted that tennis is one of the few (and perhaps the only) sports where players compete one on one, both physically and mentally. It's you against an opponent with no intervention from the outside world until the match is completed. Golfers have their caddys and don't compete physically against opponents. Boxers have their corner men between rounds. Any team sport involves both coaching and the contributions of multiple players. Introducing coaching into tennis matches encroaches on one of the unique aspects of the game that must be preserved. For this reason I vote "no" for coaching during matches. (Comment on this)

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