Showing posts with label Tennis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tennis. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The 2009 Australian Open

I am not sure about the rest of the world; but, in my part of town, I was shunned for rooting for Nadal. I respect Federer, I LOVE Federer! Honestly, the way he had played throughout the tournament, I believed he would win over Nadal. But as many of you would know by now, Nadal defeated Federer in yet another exciting 5-setter match.

Days later, Fed fans are still bitter about the result. Get over it guys! I know it was very sad to see Federer lose, but you cannot deny Nadal earned it. Some of the excuses I've heard is that Rafa's younger, or Rafa had less pressure to think about, or Federer just did not play like has was earlier in the week. Well, don't you think there's a reason why he did not play as well? (BTW I think is crap bc he played great) The difference was that unwaivering opponent accross the net. I love Rafa; and now I love him even more. Sure it was a bittersweet victory but I think what broke and made the match was the mental toughness of that incredible Spaniard. Despite all the momentum switches and losing crucial sets; he was able to put it all behind him and just play - so admirable. I also think that's what shook Roger from his focus. You play several great points and usually that would be enough to unrattle your opponent's confidence and instigate fear; but, not against Rafa.

Whoever you were rooting for, it was a great match. And when the time comes that Federer defeats Nadal again (and it will come), then he will earn more of my admiration. Right now, Federer has my respect; but Rafa has my heart.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Crash Update

My insane Fall 08 semester has kept me from blogging. It has been a long time and I would like to say "hello."

So what did all my hard work turn into? Not as good as I wanted, or even believe to deserve. I received two A's, one B, and a C+ in Accounting. I am glad to pass my acctng class but never did I think that I would ever be so close in having to repeat any class (not counting Lupus flare moments of course). I studied so hard all throughout the semester; messing up only on the first exam, and I receive a crap grade. The average of the class failed with a C-. Aside from the first exam, all my scores were above the average; it really saddens me that so many have to retake that class. Guess, I would just have to be thankful that I won't have to. But still, a C stings.

On better news, my Fall Doubles tennis team made it to sectionals!! YAY!!! We will be heading off to Palm Desert/Indian Wells at the end of January to battle 3-4 other teams for the championship title. I am very excited. At least my hard work on captaining this team had a positive outcome. Wish us luck!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

CHOKED!

I did not know what nervous was until today.

Sure, I have given public speeches before, but that was a kind of nervous I knew how to channel and control. This afternoon, I walked on to those tennis courts and it dawned on me, "holy cow, I am at sectionals." It was nervousness and anxiety at an entirely different level, a level I never knew existed, and did not know how to handle.

I could not get anything right. I played tentatively and I'd sink it into the net, then I would try to adjust but it would fly out. I tried everything. I was so tight and mechanical. I never found my rhythm. My doubles partner told me afterward that she had never seen me like that before. She did not know what to do because she did not recognize who was playing next to her. It was horrible. I was unable to focus and it was so frustrating!
That was my first appearance at sectionals. I truly can say that today was definitely an experience. I will be back at sectionals, and when that time comes, I will know what to expect.

Friday, November 21, 2008

USTA Sectionals

Because of the fires here in SoCal, Sectionals (supposed to be last week) and Nationals are both taking place this weekend. Double the matches = need to double the players.

I received a phone call Tuesday from one of the USTA captains and asked me to fill in for one of the spots!

"Of course I will do it! Uh, wait. I actually rolled my ankle two days ago..."

"Again?! Okay, I will leave it up to you. If you feel well enough to play, then play. But if not, then you find me someone to take the spot."

Are you kidding me? Pass up this opportunity and give it to someone else?! Right. My ankle was compressed, elevated, and on ice for the next two days.

It's Friday night, and I feel great! Going to practice tomorrow and head to sectionals Sunday afternoon.

TriLevel Sectionals, here I come!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Sauvignon Blanc

It's been a hell of a month! I have been studying like crazy for round 2 of my exams, the last of which I finished two days ago. It's now Friday night, and you know what I really want to do? Crack open that bottle of wine I purchased while taking a break from my books a week ago - total perk when my coffee shop/study place sits next to a wine store, hehe. Alas, I cannot. Because aside from those books I've been hitting, I've also taken a few whacks at tennis balls. My USTA league team has finally reached the #1 spot, and to stay there, we have to win our final three matches in straight sets. That is a very tall order. The first of those three matches is this Sunday. No alcohol for me just yet.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

The Greatest Game

I LOVE tennis! And even if you are not an avid tennis fan, you would've at least appreciated what went down in London today. I was blessed to have witnessed one of the greatest tennis matches in history.

A friend hosted a Wimbledon party and I was welcomed in bearing Peet's coffee at 6 AM. The welcome wore out when I admitted to be rooting for Nadal, and she for Federer. Tough crowd, all Fed fans. No matter who won, we all agreed that it was one of the greatest matches we have ever seen. So intense. Edge of my seat riveting on every single point! This was the match of all matches - the two greats: one seeking his 6th consecutive wimbledon title, and the other hungry for his first and to also become the #1 ranked player in the world. Well deserved. It was an epic, momentus match that broke all records: longest (4 hours 48 min, not including two rain delays); latest into the night; Nadal, latest in decades to win both French Open and Wimbledon in the same year.



Federer

Nadal





Aces256
Double Faults23
Unforced Errors5227






Break Point Conversions1 of 13 = 8 %4 of 13 = 31 %
Net Approaches42 of 75 = 56 %22 of 31 = 71 %
Total Points Won204209
Fastest Serve129 MPH120 MPH
Average 1st Serve Speed117 MPH112 MPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed100 MPH93 MPH

Look at these stats! Such a close match up, Here is the match score: 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 9-7
Awesome! They bring the best out in each other and this match was not just between physical skill but also mental toughness. That was some great tennis. And this is why I LOVE this game.

If by some bad luck, you missed this momentus occasion, don't fret, I have online access until July 21st to watch this match. If you missed it, let me know and I will set you up for the greatest tennis experience yet in this century.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Thai Massage

The tennis playoffs were in Pasadena so I asked Tito Buds (uncle) if I could sleepover instead of driving all the way back to Anaheim (40 min away, without traffic).

Anticipating how sore I would be after the match, he scheduled for me to have a massage, out of his caring heart (or to save himself from an evening of complaining and grouchiness - I get cranky when I'm tired).

So I had my first Thai massage tonight - oh, and it was wonderful. The style is different from the massage Ate Ben gives me (sister), I think she does a Swedish massage. Thai massage is when they step on your back. It was amazing! They used their toes, heel, hands, and elbows with such precision. They would use their feet to cover the big areas like your back and legs, effectively shifting their weight to their heel when they need to put more pressure on certain areas of stress. The width of the elbow is just the right size to go between the spine and shoulder blades; and they use their hands on more delicate areas like the neck and head.

I am soooooo relaxed. I actually stopped by Trader Joe's right after the match (before the massage) and bought myself some beer and chocolate to ease my loss. But now, after the massage, I don't think I need them anymore...well, I could always use some chocolate. Afterall, these are chocolate covered macadamia nuts ;)

ONE - FOUR

1-4. That's the score of both my tennis playoff matches today. One point for my team, and four for the opposing teams - yes, my teams lost :(

The morning started off at 11AM with my 3.5 team, it was 102 degrees; and usually 10 degrees higher on the tennis courts. One singles player won, the other retired of heat stroke, and the rest of the team ran out of energy. We walked away disappointed, thirsty, and exhausted.

4PM, 106 degrees. It was time for my 3.0 team (the one I captain) to battle for a spot in sectionals. We took frequent breaks, cooling off with an iced towel; but, the reliefs were short lived. As soon as we stepped back out onto the courts, the rubber on our shoes were melting and stuck to the pavement. Our feet were scorched. Our sweat stung our eyes. The sun beat us down.

My team has not played a match in the late afternoon, and we only practice at night; compared to the other team who always played their game in the afternoon. Since this was their home court, and were better adapted to the heat, they overcame us and kicked us out of sectionals.

It was a good season for both teams. Just really sad that neither went as far as we hoped.

My game is still not up to par since I sprained my ankles. I am going to work and hone in on my tennis skills. The spring season may be over; but, the Tri-Level and Fall Doubles seasons are going to be here soon...I will be ready.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Number ONE!

YAY! My Sundowners league has won 1st place! We even got individual trophies! Aside from the USTA leagues that last only a few months, the Sundowners span from October to May. After months of battling, the Shooting Stars (that's us) came out on top out of 9 teams.

Woohoo!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Sunday, April 20, 2008

OWWIEEE!

The sweet 5-0 victory came with a price...the rest of my teammates finished their matches as I was left in the tiebreak. Run left, switch right, BAM! I rolled over my left ankle = sprain :(

Somehow, I got up and finished the tiebreaker and won!

My left ankle has always been weak; but, this was my worst injury by far (knock on wood). I will see my doctor in a few days after the swelling goes down, let's hope I won't be off the tennis courts for too long.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

The B Game

My B game showed up today and I fell short of beating my opponent :(

Today's match was for a women's USTA league that I am captaining. Thanks to my awesome teammates for winning their matches; the team overall won 4 out of the 5 matches. Yup, I was the only one that lost :(

It was a 3 hour struggle and I fought hard. My backhand and first serve failed me today, and that was enough for my opponent to take advantage. I lost the first set, won the second set in a tie-breaker, and instead of a 3rd deciding set, league rules state that a Coleman tie-breaker is played instead - this I lost. So close. To have fought so hard and come that close, only to lose it in a tie breaker - argh! I am not happy with myself right now.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

The Walking Advertisement

So I mentioned that I got a new racket this week. I've always played with a Wilson; but, when I demoed the Babolat rackets, I fell in love with them.

I've also been looking for a new tennis bag since my old one has a real screwed up weight distribution and is real uncomfortable when I carry it around. So, of course, my new racket is a Babolat, why not match and get a Babolat bag?

My feet have been bothering me the past month. I finally figured the cause of my pain has been the lack of arch support from my tennis shoes - I have high arches. I did some online research and turns out the best shoes with great arch support are: Addidas, and you know it, Babolat. I checked both brands at a local tennis shop and guess which one I liked better... uh-huh...the Babolat.

So now I have a Babolat racket, a Babolat bag, and Babolat tennis shoes. Not at all my intention; but, in all my demoing and research, this is the brand that suits me and my game. So there it is, I am a Babolat girl! Good job Babolat. Cannot argue against great products.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Re-Re-Match

What a fun match! I can always look forward to a good game when playing against Rhonda. We have played each other 3 times now, all under the Sundowners Women's League; I lost to her in October, then we tied 3 weeks ago, and tonight I took the win.

I started out behind again at 2-5 on the first set. Finally stopped goofing around and caught up to 5-5, held serve to 6-5, Rhonda also held serve to force a tiebreaker at 6-6 and then I won the break at 7-2. Second set was just as intense; I was actually behind a game until the last possible opportunity: 0-2, 1-3, 3-4, 4-4, then won at 6-4.

Not quite the longest match I've played this season, but pretty close, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes. Boy am I sore! But so worth it!

After our match, Rhonda told me she noticed that I have progressively gotten better. I have been playing a lot of tennis lately and am so happy to know that someone noticed my hard work. :)

Good game. Good game.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

My New Weapon


I got my new tennis racket today! YAY! I've been demoing rackets for two months now and after serious deliberation, this Aero Pro Drive came out on top.








I could not resist - I had to include Rafael Nadal (tee-hee).

Monday, March 17, 2008

We're #1!

It's official. After tonight's win, my women's league has taken the number one spot! Woohoo! Yipee! Tonight's match was particularly difficult; since, we were against the other team in contention for the top spot. Our team won by a total of two sets - one from the 4.0 doubles and the other from the 3.0 singles - ME! I won both my sets at 6-2, 7-6 (10-8).

We have three more matches until the season is over and it's crucial that we stay at #1! Let's go Shooting Stars (that's the team name)!

Monday, March 10, 2008

A Mental Game

I've only lost to one person in my women's tennis league and we had a rematch tonight. I lost the first set 3-6, that was disheartening. It took me a while to warm up and she just kept playing smart against me.

Coming into this match, I told myself: I will not lose!. Well, I already lost the first set and all I could hope for now is a tie (we don't play best out of 3, just 2 sets total - win both, or split). Still did not start off well, I was behind 0-3. Then finally, my serves started to pick up and I got my confidence back. All of a sudden it was 2-3. Then back in trouble at 2-4. Refused to give her a bigger lead and got up to 3-4. Then she held serve and I was in deep, deep trouble at 3-5.

"I will not lose this match! One point at a time. Come on Crissy!"

Held serve to get to 4-5, she had 3 match points and could not convert them. Losing that game so close to winning the match played with her head. Her mental game suffered and I broke her serve to get to 5-5. We each held serve to get to 6-6, again she had a couple of match points and I kept shutting her down.

I was determined not to lose, and my opponent was discouraged having to play a tie-breaker when she had several chances of ending the match.

Your mental game plays such a big part in tennis; it could make or break you in intense points. I have my weak moments; but tonight, I came out on top, winning the tie breaker 7-2.

Even though we split sets, technically a tie, I feel really good about my game tonight and how I pulled out of a hole. I did accomplish what I came in to do - I did not lose. We play the same team in two weeks and they may set up another rematch; looking forward to it.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Psuedo Captain

We had a mixed doubles match today and I showed up to support my team. It was at the same club where we took a 3-0 sweep a few weeks back; but, this round was against a different team. Apparently, we do well on these courts because we took another 3-0 sweep! Yay team!

Line 1 was played by our captain and Lisa H. After winning in straight sets: 6-2, 6-2, the captain had to rush off to tend to his other mixed doubles team. He then asked if I could finish his captain duties. Since I am planning on being co-captain for my women's spring league, I welcomed the practice.
Line 2, Brian and Shari, won in 3 sets: 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.
Line 3, Al and Lisa L, also won in 3 sets: 6-1, 6-7 (0-7), 6-4.

I did everything I was supposed to. Granted all there was to do was fill out a score sheet. :) Who knows, I may do well as captain after all.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Interesting Practice Tonight

The mixed doubles season is almost over; we have 3 matches left. There was tennis practice tonight and only 3 people showed up: Joel, Victor, and me - and all 3 of us are done playing matches for this season. Where were the people that are still scheduled to play?!

Anyway, aside from the attendance shortage, Victor was late, leaving Joel to kick my tired, sore, and lazy ass. All the men on this team are talkers, I've had my share of talkative men; but, this was a whole other level. Funny how one simple question: "what grip do you use at net?" turned into a half hour discussion. Can we play some tennis now? Reluctant to ask further questions, I just made a statement: "I need to work on my backhand volleys." Boy, did I open a whole new can of worms that time! Interesting, interesting practice. All in fun, I actually welcomed the advice and comments - way too sore to play hardcore tennis tonight.

Just Keep Pushing

Wednesdays are tough. It was not always like this. My schedule worked out well when tennis practices/matches were on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday/Sunday; in keeping with my commitment to getting fit, I added a visit to the gym every Wednesday. Then, the Tuesday practice was moved to Wednesday. Here is a glimpse of my Wednesdays:

6:30 AM Get up and go to work
1PM Hit the gym during lunch hour
2PM Clock out of work but stay to do homework (can't seem to get anything done at home)
5:30PM Leave work and grab something to eat on the way - lately its been a granola bar
6PM Tennis
10PM Starving!!! Eat a late dinner with teammates.
12PM Drive home
12:30 Homework
2:30 Sleep

And Thursday starts just as early... go to school all day and afternoon, then go to tennis practice again. I am dragging my feet today, and it's like that every Thursday. The tennis winter season is almost over and this Wednesday double-hitter will soon be over. I just need to keep pushing. Just a few more weeks! Then again, there's the Spring season that begins soon after.

*SIGH* push... push... push ...push... push...