Laurie's Tennis articles

The Paris Bercy Masters 1000 is one of the top events on the tennis calendar. The last big event before the World Tour finals in Turin, the big boys tend to turn up and give a show. This was my first visit to Paris Bercy since 2003. Back then I saw the likes of Jonas Bjorkman, Tim Henman, Gustavo Kuerten, Roger Federer and the talented but forgotten Martin Verkerk. Great names indeed but from a totally different era in every sense. That particular event was held on fast indoor carpet. Today, indoor tournaments are primarily played on indoor hardcourt (plexicushion). Having watched live tennis for over 20 years, the big difference between carpet and plexicushion is the speed and the bounce. No doubt plexicushion is relatively slower and higher bouncing; players have to hit harder to penetrate defences.   This in turn has allowed counterpunchers to flourish, particularly counterpunchers with fast twitch fibres. This was my first visit to Bercy since 2003 but not live tennis in ...

  We have witnessed the most interesting US Open tournament for a number of years. There were great matches, individual stories and youngest #1 player to boot. However, my biggest takeaway from the US Open is the revival of a true all-court player at the top of tennis.   https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/09/13/carlos-alcaraz-next-gen/

Iga Swiatek is the player of the moment in women’s tennis. A two-time French Open champion, , Swiatek equalled Venus Williams’ record of 35 straight wins. By the time you read this; that will probably have extended. What makes Swiatek such a dominant player? Let’s take a look at her game. https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/06/26/iga-swiatek-an-in-depth-look-at-her-game/

  Today, we review the 2000 semifinal US Open semifinal: Pete Sampras vs Lleyton Hewitt. Two players who provided a great contrast in styles of play, an era where this was possible; and welcomed. Hewitt was the precocious teenager possessing bundles of energy, with the knack of annoying senior pros. Hewitt was loud and in the face of his opponents a lot. In fact, it was reported in 2000 that several Spanish players had threatened to punch him out in the locker room.   https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/09/09/sampras-vs-hewitt-2000-us-open-semifinal/

The last three Grand Slam winners have a familiar ring to it. Rafael Nadal won the first two (Australian and French Open), whilst Novak Djokovic recently won Wimbledon. To put this is in perspective; Nadal won his first French Open in 2005 and Djokovic his first Australian Open in 2008. This is unprecedented domination and despite the fact that they are currently 35 and 36 years old, there is no sign of this coming to an end, with their ‘Grand Slam Race’ only hotting up. https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/07/30/big-three-grand-slam-race/

The French Open is over for another year. A familiar winner was crowned in Rafael Nadal and now all eyes turn to Wimbledon. This year, Russian and Belarusian players are banned from Wimbledon, with the ITF, ATP and WTA removing ranking points from the event as a result. This puts Wimbledon in new territory, leaving players to play for prize money and prestige, but not the all-important ranking points. But, unsurprisingly, the field will still be very strong. Here’s a look at some of the leading contenders. https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/06/14/2022-wimbledon-contenders/

                It’s that time of year again. Spring is here, COVID restrictions are loosening, and the 2022 French Open is almost upon us! A perfect time to take a look at the contenders.   https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/05/21/the-2022-french-open-contenders/