Also, check out this great video of Ryan from Gillette World Sports!

Tennis is much more than striking a ball. When you watch matches you will witness all types of hitting styles, strategies, and, last but certainly not least, movement! Look at the top players on both sides – Federer, Nadal, Roddick, Serena, Venus, - they are all in incredible shape and it’s no coincidence that it leads to great results. Bjorn Borg said it best and proved it on the court: “There is no substitute for mobility.”

Mobility is something you can work at. Learn to arrange your schedule to maximize your time. Most people waste time as least an hour a day, and you really do not even need that much time to improve your physical condition. Take a close look at your daily schedule and see if you can spend less time on the telephone. Try turning off the television from time to time. Take 30 minutes for lunch instead of an hour. Go to bed earlier. To work in peace and quiet, get up earlier.

This is something I have lived by my entire life and still do at the age of 78. I have arranged my schedule so that I can maximize my time every single day. Now, I am not like most people. I have a motor that runs non-stop, but it is that which has driven me to where I am today. Here is a sample of my daily schedule:

·        - In the gym by 5am to do stretching, sit ups, and a light work out

·        - On the court teaching from 5:45am to 12:00pm

·        - Lunch (soup and salad)

·        - Staff meeting at 1pm daily

·        - Back on court teaching from 1:30-6:15pm

When your game falls apart don’t run to your coach, but review your daily schedule. You can fool others, but you can’t fool yourself. You owe it to your health (and your tennis) to set aside a few minutes each day. Once you find the time, it is not that tough to get in shape. If you can get to the gym, or work out at home, fantastic. But if you do not have the time or cannot afford such things, don’t panic. You can do plenty of simple activities that require little time or money.

Take a few minutes each day to jog, swim, ride a bicycle (even a stationary bicycle), jump rope, take a walk, or use the stairs instead of the elevator. You can do simple stretching exercises, push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises at home to shape up. Remember, it all starts with you!

 

Some big names in tennis are also giving back. 

Roger Federer recently visited Ethiopia, and I commend him for his involvement in the development of Africa, with his foundation spending $1 million per year on education across the continent. Tennis is not yet a prominent sport in Africa, but they all know who Roger Federer is. He was greeted by songs of “Roger, our father” that brought tears to his eyes. Chants of “Number one! Number one!” showed that they knew who he was as tennis professional. It is also clear that he is a world-class person. The people of Ethiopia rightfully adore Roger for what he has done on the tennis court and what he is doing for Africa.

Serena Williams is also committed to helping Africa. In 2008, she visited Kenya and commissioned her first school to be built. Very recently, she vowed to build one school per year in parts of Africa that had none. Serena is not only an incredible ambassador for the sport of tennis, but also for humankind.

Sport has the power to transcend across the globe and brings people together no matter their socio-economic status or their background, and all it takes is one player to inspire an entire nation. I am reminded of a former student of mine, Anna Kournikova, who created a Russian tennis frenzy that led to a wave of top players. The appeal of tennis spans across the globe because the idea is simple: you have a ball in one hand, a racket in the other, and a partner across the net – now compete!  I would love to see the sport take a strong hold in these poorer nations because of that ability to inspire. There will always be places for tennis to teach life lessons through hard work, practice and drive. This holds true in Ethiopia and all of Africa.

Looking back, I see some irony in taking from a country that seemingly has nothing, even if it was by adopting a child. For every child adopted in Ethiopia, there are countless others that remain in their home country with little to do and few resources to do anything about it. The infrastructure of education that is being created is vital for Africa, and I see endless opportunity for the development of athletics as well.

Tennis has done so many things for me in my life, and I have seen what it can do for thousands of others. It is a sport that you can play throughout your lifetime, and it is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I think it is a matter of time before we see more players from Africa and I know with people like Roger and Serena helping out, we are on the right track!

 

Any USTA member age 14 and older can sign up for a shot at the ultimate prize – a chance to compete with the best tennis players in the world at the 2010 US Open in Flushing Meadows, NY. Participants can be of any playing level or nationality, but must have a current and valid USTA membership through Aug. 30, 2010. The world-famous IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Fla., will host the US Open National Playoffs Florida Sectional Qualifying Tournament from May 29-June 4, 2010.

The men’s and women’s draw winners from Florida will advance to face the 15 other USTA section champions, with the men’s and women’s national winners receiving a spot in the US Open Qualifying Tournament.

“I think we’re going to see a diverse group participate in this first-ever event,” said Tournament Director Rick Workman. “Collegiate players, Challenger and Futures-level tour players, international players, many of our top Florida juniors and even some coaches, just to name a few!”

Each sectional men’s and women’s event is limited to the 256 players, and the sectional draws will not be seeded, giving everyone an equal opportunity to advance. The entry fee for the sectional qualifying tournament is $125, and entrants can only play in one sectional. USTA members can go to http://www.usopen.org/National_Playoffs/florida.aspx to register for the Florida sectional, which has a deadline of May 19, 2010.

With 56 tennis courts and a history of helping develop some of the world’s top youth and professional players, the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy embodies successful tennis and opportunity.

“Nothing is impossible unless you choose not to try,” said legendary coach Nick Bollettieri. “These tournaments could make someone’s dream come true.”

The concept of regional qualifying tournaments follows a successful format that the United States Golf Association has used for years to give more golfers a chance to participate in a major.

“It is a great opportunity for every player to make it to the US Open,” says USTA Florida Competitive Tennis Coordinator Andy Gladstone. “It’s now a true US Open. Everyone has a shot to play. I love how everyone from a Florida club champ to a teaching pro to an ace junior player to a star college player – virtually anyone – can earn a shot.”

Pro golfer Matt Kuchar, a part-time resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and an avid tennis fan who competes in USTA national touranments, says the competition brings tennis’ US Open closer to recreational players like it has with golf’s US Open.

“I think the USTA is doing a great thing by having a true open competition,” says Kuchar, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour who has earned a spot in the last three U.S. Open golf championships through open qualifying. “I have utilized open qualifying to play numerous U.S. Opens in golf, and I’ve seen amateurs advance alongside me. You never know, Sybi [his wife who played college tennis] and I might give it our best shot at qualifying in the near future.”

The Atlanta Athletic Club will host the US Open National Playoffs — Men’s Championship on July 22-25 during the Atlanta Tennis Championships, the first tournament on the Olympus US Open Series. The Taube Family Tennis Stadium at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., will host the US Open National Playoffs – Women’s Championships on July 29-Aug. 1 during the Bank of the West Classic, the first women’s event on the Olympus US Open Series. The Florida Sectional tournament is providing travel expense assistance to the men’s and women’s winners to compete in the US Open National Playoffs – Men’s and Women’s Championships.

Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) vs. Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Larcher de Brito, who trains at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy, burst onto the scene at the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open when she beat veteran American Meghann Shaughnessy 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(3) as a 14-year old. Three years later, Larcher de Brito is now 17-years old and is currently ranked #120 in the world. It will be interesting to see if she can recapture some of the magic she has had in the past in Miami.

Cirstea is a 19-year old Romanian who is currently ranked #40 in the world. She reached the second round at Indian Wells, beating Kaia Kanepi before falling to Jie Zheng in straight sets. This is her third time playing Miami, and she is still looking for her first win down here.

Match-up:

Cirstea is 2-0 against Larcher de Brito including a win over her last year in Los Angeles. Larcher de Brito will come after Cirstea from the first ball. She moves great side-to-side and fights about as hard as anyone on the tour. She has relentless groundstrokes from both sides and her serve is improving. Cirstea is a good doubles player who is comfortable at the net. Her groundstrokes are solid from both sides, but she has had trouble closing out matches in the past. The one thing you cannot do against Larcher de Brito is give her any signs that you are letting up because she will pounce all over you. Larcher de Brito will have to change it up a bit against Cirstea and try to keep her off-balance throughout the match.

Nick’s Pick – Going to be a close one, but I give a slight edge to Larcher de Brito if she mixes it up

Justine Henin (BEL) vs. Jill Craybas (USA)

Henin is ranked just outside the top 30, at #33 in the world. It won’t be too long before you see her back in the top 10. After reaching the finals of the Australian Open she took some time off and then played at Indian Wells where she lost to Gisela Dulko in three sets. Henin has never won this tournament, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see her playing on the final weekend this year.

Craybas is a veteran American who comes into the tournament ranked #90 in the world. At the age of 35, Craybas is definitely on the backside of her career, but she is in great shape and won’t get down without a fight.

Match-up:

Henin is 1-0 against Craybas, but that win came all the way back in 2001 in Hawaii. Craybas is an excellent mover and a big-time competitor. What she doesn’t have is a big weapon to hurt Henin. Look for Henin to control the court from the outset, using her powerful forehand, beautiful one-handed backhand, and fantastic variety to keep Craybas off balance. The one area where Craybas will look to attack is on the return of serve. If Henin’s serve is off at all, Craybas will have a chance to put the pressure on the Belgian. This will be an entertaining match, but in the end, Henin has too much of everything.

Nick’s Pick – Henin in 2 sets

Filip Krajinovic (SRB) vs. James Blake (USA)

If you haven’t heard of Filip Krajinovic yet, you will soon. He is only 18 years old and is already ranked #331 in the world. Krajinovic has been training at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy for the last couple of years and he is one of the best up-and-coming players in the world. Trust me when I say that Krajinovic is definitely one player to keep an eye out for!

Blake comes into the tournament ranked #52 in the world and having lost in the third round at Indian Wells to Nicolas Almagro. He did pick up a good win over David Ferrer in the second round, but he fell to Almagro in three sets. Blake has had good results in Miami, reaching the quarters twice before falling to Nadal in 2008 and Federer in 2006.

Match-up:

This is the first career meeting between the veteran Blake and the young pup, Krajinovic. Blake has been a role model in the world of tennis for years. He has come through a lot of adversity and understands what it takes to win. He is one heck of a player who is smart, competitive, and has great groundstrokes. It seems as of late that father time may be catching up with him, but nevertheless, he is still a tough out in every tournament. Krajinovic is a dynamic player. He has a huge forehand and serve, and his backhand is excellent. He covers the court well and is a bit of a risk taker. For Krajinovic to win, he needs to take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to him. Blake won’t give the youngster anything easy, but this is going to be a close match.

Nick’s Pick – I have to give the edge to Blake, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Filip win this in an “upset”.

Ryan Harrison (USA) vs. Michael Llodra (FRA)

Harrison is another young pro who trains at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy. He comes into the tournament ranked a career high of #248 in the world. He picked up a good win over Taylor Dent in the first round of Indian Wells, but then lost to eventual champion, Ivan Ljubicic, in two sets. This is a great opportunity for Harrison to pick up some more points and continue his climb up the rankings.

Llodra has lost his last two matches, but before that he won the title in Marsellie, beating top-ten player Robin Soderling along the way. He is a talented lefty who presents a problem for whoever he plays. His best result in Miami came back in 2007 when he reached the third round before losing to Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

Match-up:

This is the first career meeting between Llodra and Harrison. Llodra has a big-time lefty serve and will come to the net whenever he has the chance. He knows what he does best, and he will do it as much as possible. This match is dependent on how Harrison can return Llodra’s serve, because I feel once the ball is in play, Harrison has the advantage. The young American is coming into his own and he will be filled with confidence. He has a huge forehand and his serve is nothing to laugh at either. This will be a great match to watch, and with the American fans there to cheer on Ryan I can’t wait to see it!

Nick’s Pick – Harrison in 3 tough sets, but this match really comes down to how he handles the Llodra serve

Venus Williams (USA) vs. Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Venus has had great success in Miami throughout her career, winning the title three times and reaching the semis three other times. With sister Serena out due to an injury, Venus is left to carry the torch for the Williams’. I definitely feel she is one of the favorites to win the tournament along with Jelena Jankovic who is coming off of a title at Indian Wells.

Cirstea picked up a win over Michelle Larcher de Brito in the opening round, beating the up-and-coming Portuguese woman 7-5, 7-6(9). This was her first career victory at Miami, and she is definitely a young woman on the rise.

Match-up:

This is the first career meeting between Cirstea and Venus. Cirstea is extremely consistent from both the forehand and backhand side and really can pound the ball. She moves well and is comfortable at the net. There is plenty of pressure on Venus to make a deep run and vie for the title and it will be interesting to see how she handles that throughout the tournament. Venus is one of the few players on the tour that can cover every single inch of the tennis court. She has one of, if not, the biggest serves and she will not let Cirstea off the hook at any point. The balls are bouncing high down in Miami and I feel Venus will move forward, take some balls out of the air and put them away whenever possible. Cirstea has enough firepower to make this interesting, but in the end I see Venus advancing.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 2 sets

Sabine Lisicki (GER) vs. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)

Lisicki, an IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy student, comes into the tournament ranked #26 in the world. She received a bye in the opening round and is coming off an injury that forced her to retire in her second round match at Indian Wells. She had a nice run to the fourth round of Miami back in 2008, where she beat 5^th seeded Anna Chakvetadze before losing to Elena Dementieva.

Shvedova beat Ajla Tomljanovic in three tough sets in the opening round and has a knack for winning tight matches. Last year she qualified for Miami and then went on to beat a then 12^th-seeded Ana Ivanovic before falling to Tathiana Garbin in the third round. She also took down Jelena Jankovic at last year’s US Open in the second round, winning 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(6). So watch out for her!

Match-up:

This is the first career meeting between Shvedova and Lisicki. This match is really going to depend on the health of Lisicki. If she is feeling better than she did at Indian Wells she can do some damage. If she is still reeling than Shvedova will have the advantage. Lisicki loves to pound the ball from both sides and she has a big-time serve when it’s on. Shvedova is consistent from both sides, moves well and can also play offensively. I like Lisicki to move on, but if she is hurting this match could go to Shvedova.

Nick’s Pick – Lisicki in 3 sets

Justine Henin (BEL) vs. Elena Dementieva (RUS)

Henin knocked off American Jill Craybas in the opening round to set up this clash with Dementieva. She is still looking for her first title in Miami and I certainly wouldn’t doubt her chances. She did reach the finals back in 2007, where she lost to Serena Williams in three sets.

Dementieva has played well in Miami throughout her career, yet she has never won the title. Like Henin, she also has been to the finals once where she lost to Serena Williams. Last year she advanced to the fourth round before falling to Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets. I am sure she is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Henin!

Match-up:

Henin is 10-2 against Dementieva and bear her in the second round of the Australian Open earlier this year. Henin has obviously dominated Dementieva throughout their careers and will have the mental edge over her opponent. Dementieva has the groundstrokes to keep Henin pinned back behind the baseline, but her serve doesn’t allow her to control points and that is what really gives Henin the edge. With Henin’s determination, movement and versatility I give her the edge in a hard-fought match.

Nick’s Pick – Henin in 3 sets

Melanie Oudin (USA) vs. Vera Zvonareva (RUS)

Match-up:

This is the first career meeting between Zvonareva and Oudin and it’s going to be an exciting match because many American fans haven’t had a chance to see Oudin since her run at last year’s US Open. She is a crowd favorite and that will definitely help her. Oudin really has to play well to beat Zvonareva because of how consistent the Russian is. Zvonareva will take the ball early, hovering right over the baseline and will force Oudin to do some things she doesn’t want to. Oudin will need to change the pace, play with more versatility, and take some more chances throughout this match. With the balls bouncing higher that will give her a little more help, but I just feel the Russian has too much for her.

Nick’s Pick – Zvonareva in 3 sets

Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs. Marion Bartoli (FRA)

Kuznetsova comes into the tournament ranked #4 in the world, but she is the top seed in this tournament. She won this title back in 2006 and has reached the semis here the last two years. She is still looking for her first title in 2010 and her record this year before this tournament is only 5-5 so she needs a deep run to help her confidence.

Bartoli knocked off Gisela Dulko in straight sets in the third round and she is into the fourth round here for the first time since 2003. She reached the fourth round at Indian Wells last week before falling to Aggie Radwanska.

Match-up:

Kuznetsova is 2-0 against Bartoli, but the two haven’t played since 2006. Bartoli uses two-hands from both sides and this always gives her opponents a little trouble unless they no how to handle it. Kuznetsova hits the ball extremely well from both sides and her solid foundation makes it extremely difficult to push her back behind the baseline. Using two hands from both sides can make it difficult to reach some balls, but Bartoli doesn’t seem to have too much trouble. I look for Kuznetsova to control the court with her big groundies, but this will be a battle. Bartoli will not go down easy. I like Kuznetsova, but watch out!

Nick’s Pick – Kuznetsova in 3 sets

Andy Roddick (USA) vs. Benjamin Becker (GER)

Roddick has moved quietly through the draw, similar to how he did at Indian Wells a couple of weeks ago. He beat Sergiy Stakhovsky in the last round 6-2, 6-1 and seems to have a good draw to the semis. He won this tournament back in 2004 and has been to at least the quarterfinals in each of the last four years.

Becker caught a break when Ivan Ljubicic (Indian Wells champion) retired in the second round and then he upset 18^th-seeded Tommy Robredo 1-6, 6-4, 7-6(1) in the third round to advance. He comes into the tournament ranked #39 in the world, which is one spot below his career high of #38 which he achieved back in 2007. This is the first time he has been in the fourth round at Miami.

Match-up:

Roddick is 3-0 against Becker, including a win over him at Washington DC last year. Becker, a former collegiate champion, is probably best known for beating Andre Agassi in his last career match at the 2006 US Open. Well, you know who beat Becker at that US Open, none other than Andy Roddick in the fourth round. Becker has a solid forehand and serve and does a very good job of covering the court. Roddick is playing extremely well and seems to be in complete control of his game. He knows when to attack, he is playing better defensive tennis and his backhand is much improved. You can always count on his serve and forehand and with the American fans behind him he is going to be tough to beat. I look for Roddick to continue moving forward and I believe he will be playing at the end of this week!

Nick’s Pick – Roddick in 2, could go 3

Sam Stosur (AUS) vs. Kim Clijsters (BEL)

Stosur moved past Indian Wells champion, Jelena Jankovic, 6-1, 7-6(9) in the fourth round and is in the quarterfinals of Miami for the second straight year. Last year she was beaten by eventual champion, Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-0. I am sure she is looking for a much better showing this time around.

Clijsters took down last year’s champion, Azarenka, relatively easily 6-4, 6-0 in the fourth round. She comes into the tournament ranked #16 in the world and it won’t be long until she finds herself within in the top 10. She won this tournament back in 2005 without dropping a set so you know she is comfortable on these courts.

Match-up:

Clijsters is 2-0 against Stosur, and the last time they met was in Miami back in 2007 and Clijsters won in straight sets. Against Jankovic in the fourth round, Stosur’s serve was fantastic. If she serves like that consistently she can beat anyone in the world. What does give Stosur problems are balls with heavy spin and that is what Clijsters hits. Clijsters, with her speed and agility, will also force Stosur to hit one or two extra balls which will frustrate the Australian. To me, this match is all about Stosur’s serve and athleticism. If she gets that first serve in, watch out! If Clijsters is able to get that serve back and get into the points, the edge definitely goes to her. I like Clijsters’ overall game to get her through in three tough sets.

Nick’s Pick – Clijsters in 3 sets

Justine Henin (BEL) vs. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN)

Henin beat Vera Zvonareva 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals and she looked very good out there. This was already the third seeded player Henin has beaten in this tournament and she hasn’t even really been tested yet. Right now, you have to like her chances at winning her first title in Miami.

Wozniacki is now the #2 ranked player in the world and with that comes new pressures. So far she has handled herself well, beating Maria Kirilenko in the third round and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the fourth. She reached the finals last week at Indian Wells and is looking for her first appearance in the semis of Miami.

Match-up:

This is the first career meeting between Henin and Wozniacki, and it promises to be a good one. Henin is one of the few players on the WTA Tour than can do a little bit of everything. She can hit the slice, the flat backhand, she has a good serve, she moves extremely well, she can change the pace and she can also hit the big forehand. There are really no glaring weaknesses in her game. To win this match, Wozniacki cannot just go out and hit with Henin – that will absolutely not work. She has to play very aggressive and take it to the Belgian from the outset. Wozniacki definitely has the game to push Henin and win this match, it is a matter of will she be ready. Now that she is #2 in the world, she needs to perform like a #2. I give the edge to Henin, but it won’t be as easy as her other wins.

Nick’s Pick – Henin in 3 sets