Oz Open Review
I suppose all we learned is that if Djokovic is in decent physical shape (which he wasn't in the first couple of matches) then he wins without too much trouble. His level of tennis is quite astounding. As Ivanisevic said, "he's from outer space".
Apart from Nadal on clay it's hard to see anyone beating him in a slam unless he is injured. I do hope that Alcaraz comes back soon to become a serious challenger and I do feel that Sinner is getting very close. Rune is almost there too and physically very impressive. He just needs to make some mental improvements which is the challenge for the majority of all the players.
For me the highlight of the tournament was Andy Murray's efforts and mental resilience. He has firmly established himself as one of the greats of all time and perhaps on a par with Nadal as a competitor?
In the women's event Sabalenka showed great mental fortitude in overcoming Linette in the semi final and stuck to her style of lights out tennis. This was her first Grand Slam semi final win in 4 tries.
Sabalenka: "I didn't start really well, and then in the tie break, I kind of found my rhythm and started trusting myself and going for the shots"
How did Sabalenka find her rhythm?
Sabalenka: "(Linette) was moving really well, putting everything back. I felt a little bit under pressure, which I expected. But, yeah, then, like, I start telling myself that I have to move a little bit better. I try to focus on my movement. As I start focusing on my movement, I start feeling the rhythm better"
Focusing on the feel and rhythm of the game can help you stay more in the moment and listening to players like Sabalenka who have struggled in the past is a great learning opportunity for anyone who tries to compete in the tennis world at any level. It's difficult, if not impossible to be an alien like Novak but we can all relate to someone like Sabalenka and strive to succeed like she has done despite all the setbacks in the past.
What we can learn from Lionel Messi in terms of resilience and attitude?
There are always parallels in the world of sport which can also resonate at club level in my opinion.
A quote from Messi after winning the world cup - "It doesn't really matter how many times you fall, what matters is having the willpower to get up and keep trying. Maybe I will, maybe I won't, but I will try and try. I think this is the best example kids can have." - Adults too I would argue! People who succeed at something really difficult have usually failed many times. Is Messi the GOAT of football? If humility is one of the main criteria I would give it to Messi, and Nadal for tennis. I'm already looking forward to a fit Nadal at the French Open!
GB Davis Cup Tie in Columbia
Britain will play hosts Colombia at the Pueblo Viejo Country Club, Cota and on clay without former world No 1 Andy Murray and brother Jamie in captain Leon Smith's team but British No 1 Cameron Norrie and doubles world No 1 Neal Skupski have made it. GB last won the Davis Cup in 2015.
A tough match at 2,500 metres above sea level using Tretorn pressureless balls and on clay! The Columbians have a strong doubles pairing of Cabal & Farah (and we have Skupski & Sailsbury - no slouches) but the British singles players like Norrie, Evans and Draper should still be strong favourites to come out on top, despite the conditions and balls being used. Leon Smith will have them ready and prepared I'm sure.
The schedule is as follows and can be seen on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and the Tennis Channel
Today (play starts at 8pm GMT)
Match one: Dan Evans (GBR) vs Nicolas Mejia (COL)
Match two: Cam Norrie (GBR) vs Nicolas Barrientos (COL)
Tomorrow (play starts at 5pm GMT)
Match 3: Neal Skupski & Dan Evans (GBR) vs Juan-Sebastian Cabal & Robert Farah (COL)
Match 4: Cam Norrie (GBR) vs Nicolas Mejia (COL)
Match 5: Dan Evans (GBR) vs Nicolas Barrientos (COL)
2023
Special Hosted Trips
As you will see below Rome has only a few spaces left and Lucca/Florence are filling up with only a few places available.
Sardinia
Our sincere apologies for those people who are interested in the Sardinia week from 16-23 September, but we are still hopeful that our rental agencies there will come up with some nice apartments sometime soon. If we are able to confirm the accommodation and all the people who have declared interest confirm then this week is actually full, but we would be happy to have a waiting list for any others who may wish to come?
Rome Masters
3 Special Hosted Trips
10th to 14th May
(SOLD OUT)
14th to 18th May
(2 spaces left)
18th to 22nd May
(7 spaces left)
Lucca, Tuscany
19th to 26th August
(8 spaces left)
Florence, Tuscany
26th August to 2nd September
(6 spaces left)
Sardinia
16th to 23rd September - to be confirmed soon
I suppose all we learned is that if Djokovic is in decent physical shape (which he wasn't in the first couple of matches) then he wins without too much trouble. His level of tennis is quite astounding. As Ivanisevic said, "he's from outer space".
Apart from Nadal on clay it's hard to see anyone beating him in a slam unless he is injured. I do hope that Alcaraz comes back soon to become a serious challenger and I do feel that Sinner is getting very close. Rune is almost there too and physically very impressive. He just needs to make some mental improvements which is the challenge for the majority of all the players.
For me the highlight of the tournament was Andy Murray's efforts and mental resilience. He has firmly established himself as one of the greats of all time and perhaps on a par with Nadal as a competitor?
In the women's event Sabalenka showed great mental fortitude in overcoming Linette in the semi final and stuck to her style of lights out tennis. This was her first Grand Slam semi final win in 4 tries.
Sabalenka: "I didn't start really well, and then in the tie break, I kind of found my rhythm and started trusting myself and going for the shots"
How did Sabalenka find her rhythm?
Sabalenka: "(Linette) was moving really well, putting everything back. I felt a little bit under pressure, which I expected. But, yeah, then, like, I start telling myself that I have to move a little bit better. I try to focus on my movement. As I start focusing on my movement, I start feeling the rhythm better"
Focusing on the feel and rhythm of the game can help you stay more in the moment and listening to players like Sabalenka who have struggled in the past is a great learning opportunity for anyone who tries to compete in the tennis world at any level. It's difficult, if not impossible to be an alien like Novak but we can all relate to someone like Sabalenka and strive to succeed like she has done despite all the setbacks in the past.
What we can learn from Lionel Messi in terms of resilience and attitude?
There are always parallels in the world of sport which can also resonate at club level in my opinion.
A quote from Messi after winning the world cup - "It doesn't really matter how many times you fall, what matters is having the willpower to get up and keep trying. Maybe I will, maybe I won't, but I will try and try. I think this is the best example kids can have." - Adults too I would argue! People who succeed at something really difficult have usually failed many times. Is Messi the GOAT of football? If humility is one of the main criteria I would give it to Messi, and Nadal for tennis. I'm already looking forward to a fit Nadal at the French Open!
GB Davis Cup Tie in Columbia
Britain will play hosts Colombia at the Pueblo Viejo Country Club, Cota and on clay without former world No 1 Andy Murray and brother Jamie in captain Leon Smith's team but British No 1 Cameron Norrie and doubles world No 1 Neal Skupski have made it. GB last won the Davis Cup in 2015.
A tough match at 2,500 metres above sea level using Tretorn pressureless balls and on clay! The Columbians have a strong doubles pairing of Cabal & Farah (and we have Skupski & Sailsbury - no slouches) but the British singles players like Norrie, Evans and Draper should still be strong favourites to come out on top, despite the conditions and balls being used. Leon Smith will have them ready and prepared I'm sure.
The schedule is as follows and can be seen on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and the Tennis Channel
Today (play starts at 8pm GMT)
Match one: Dan Evans (GBR) vs Nicolas Mejia (COL)
Match two: Cam Norrie (GBR) vs Nicolas Barrientos (COL)
Tomorrow (play starts at 5pm GMT)
Match 3: Neal Skupski & Dan Evans (GBR) vs Juan-Sebastian Cabal & Robert Farah (COL)
Match 4: Cam Norrie (GBR) vs Nicolas Mejia (COL)
Match 5: Dan Evans (GBR) vs Nicolas Barrientos (COL)
2023
Special Hosted Trips
As you will see below Rome has only a few spaces left and Lucca/Florence are filling up with only a few places available.
Sardinia
Our sincere apologies for those people who are interested in the Sardinia week from 16-23 September, but we are still hopeful that our rental agencies there will come up with some nice apartments sometime soon. If we are able to confirm the accommodation and all the people who have declared interest confirm then this week is actually full, but we would be happy to have a waiting list for any others who may wish to come?
Rome Masters
3 Special Hosted Trips
10th to 14th May
(SOLD OUT)
14th to 18th May
(2 spaces left)
18th to 22nd May
(7 spaces left)
Lucca, Tuscany
19th to 26th August
(8 spaces left)
Florence, Tuscany
26th August to 2nd September
(6 spaces left)
Sardinia
16th to 23rd September - to be confirmed soon
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