Time to make some tough decisions…

Ahh… the wonderful and so desired Spring was finally in Montréal. My arm was almost ready to get back into competition when I decided that prior to engage myself in a tournament, have some match practice would be a good idea. CDL was looking for players for their interclub teams, so I decided to join the lads there.

What I thought would be a simple training session with some doubles matches, turned out to be an actual try-out for the actual team. No problem. Doubles? I can take it… but what they were looking for was actual 30 minutes matches for their single players. So here I am, in my forties having to face a group of kids in their late teens and early twenties and I said to myself: “Let them beat you nice and quick so you can just gain some match practice for your own good” Yeah, why not?

After the first few balls, I was leading my young opponent and making him sweat a lot…. “Mmmmhhh, maybe I can try to win a few games” Yeah, why not?

A few minutes later, I was just going for the kill. I could not control myself, I was trying to win the match and put the ball away. After 30 minutes or so, I won 6-2. I felt great. And that was a huge mistake.

Next one up was an even younger guy. By now, I got to run more, hitting with more precision and kept my cool under much more pressure than before. This guy knew where and how to strike the ball. We held our serves throughout the 30 minutes, and without breaking serve, the one who started got the upper hand. It was his by 3-2.

The following match was another baby face kid, this one was less solid than the first two, but had his resources. For those who never played with an opponent that has a big generation gap with you, let me tell you what kind of scenarios you may find:

1.       The younger player thinks that due to the age advantage he (she) has to win.

2.       The older player thinks that due to age, his experience should give him (her) the edge to win.

3.       The younger player is usually over confident.

4.       The older player is usually over confident.

5.       The younger player will most likely insist on a unique game strategy: Hit hard and take no prisoners.

6.       The older player will most likely play on feeling, jerking the opponent around and reducing the unforced errors to a minimum.

7.      When the younger player’s tactics do not work, in desperation he (she) will go for shots that were never executed in practice. Outcome is generally poor and stress levels go up to the sky.

A good mix of these points made their way in these matches, up to a point that one of my opponents served with strange unorthodox spins, and weird techniques. And yes, of course someone tried even the Michael Chang serve…

Anyways, I was mostly in control of the match, even got a couple of match points that were dully saved by this kid. At my third attempt, I decided to go for a hard serve on his backhand. A bad movement injured my shoulder and got to quit right there…

I was playing reasonably good tennis, and another injury. Why not? OMG…

Frank Horning, a tennis pro and technical specialist graduated at Tyler Junior College, was at CDL that day and saw the episode. “Lucas, we’ve discussed this before… There are some corrections that your technique requires to prevent these injuries. People only change when it is too late, or when they do care…”

Those words kept floating on my head for a few days when I decided it was time to face my own demons.

Frank proposed something very simple: A training session where he would tape each stroke from 3 different angles (front 45°, sideways, and back), he would then make the analysis and comment on each one. So we did, and so he delivered.

I wasn't able to upload my personal video due to the size of the file, so I used this one from Youtube to illustrate the type of approach we are taking. The methodology behind is called the Great Base Initiative by Steve Smith (who was one of Frank's teachers at Tyler Junior)

What Frank and I just started is a journey of knowledge transfer to educate an uneducated player (aka. Me). I’ve known Frank for quite some time, he graduated from Tyler Junior College in Texas with a degree on Tennis Teaching, he’s obtained also certifications from USPTA, USPTR, USRSA, Computennis, USTA Umpire, Tennis Canada Coach 1 and 2… I do recommend Frank’s services, you won’t regret it. Give a try for the video session. The diagnosis is a powerful tool so then the player can make a more intelligent decision of what needs to be done and how much work is required.

If you are interested, you can contact Frank Hornig at: f_hornig@yahoo.ca

Frank has asked me for 18 months to overhaul a new me with the right technique, avoid injuries and get better overall. Not to play a single match until the new technique has been completely absorbed, no doubt is a big commitment. But this is my personal view on the matter: I’m not a weekend warrior, nor just an amateur player… In all the sense of the word, I’m a tennis man; a true professional of the sport… tempted only by Glory.

What I required from Frank:

1.       To ask for the highest discipline in this process.

2.       To never stop believing I can do it.

3.       To make my technique as aesthetically appealing as possible (In the end, my mom always wanted a classic dancer in the Family. I cannot dance, so this is the closest thing I’m willing to concede) ;)

The following phrase is not mine, is from the late Graham Hill, a former Formula 1 champion. I had to tweak it a little bit, but this summarizes what in my mind a true tennis player should be: “I’m an artist, the court is my canvas, and my racket is my brush…”

See you in the hunt.

Yours,

IRON GAUCHO

Interview of the month

Unraveling Carlos “Charlie” Montoto

Two Argentine players in Montreal

We actually met face to face in Boucherville 2013. It was my first year playing in the veterans’ league and it was the official comeback for Carlos after months sidelined by knee surgery. We were introduced by a common friend, Felipe Heck, but I had references from him way before that night. 

Back in time, in 2003/4 Carlos and I used to play the veterans tour in Argentina. Never met in person, but his name was already ringing in my ears and his results showing in the rankings. A few years later I met this Chilean tennis player, Mauricio Castro, who ended up being my doubles partner for a while. Mauricio, who at one point became a solid top five in Quebec, was also friend with Carlos. They played a number of times and Mauricio used to talk for hours about this amazing player.

Carlos and I got along from the start and became good friends. We even made history when we played each other for the final spot in Boucherville 2014. It was the first time two fellow Argentinians were competing in the semifinals of a tennis tournament in Quebec. Charlie was too strong that night. He is one regular reader of my blog and also a regular in its stories.  From there to asking him for an interview, there was just a small leap. And here we are…

The Genesis of a Champion

The current leader of 40+ veterans in Quebec is no ordinary player. His romance with tennis started when he was around 8 years old playing with his brother on an improvised court on the low traffic streets of his beloved Don Torcuato[1]. They used emptied potato bags to simulate the net that had to be dismounted whenever a car interrupted their rallies.

Carlos alternated his fratricidal battles with practice sessions at a local tennis court couple of blocks from his parents’ house. This court had the particularity of having a polished tiled floor that made it sonic quick, which explain why he feels so much at ease on fast courts. 

Charlie also used to hit against a wall back at his place. This wall was where his mom hanged some decorative plates. As you can imagine, our little friend was improving fast and by the time he knocked down his first plate, his folks took him to a tennis club in the neighborhood that had two red clay courts.

Was at this venue that Carlos entered a tennis camp for kids and started hitting with mom & dad over the weekends.

"If you like appealing shots, look no further than his backhand"

One day, in his early teens, there was a friendly match-up between his club and the prestigious Hispano Argentino de Tigre.  Carlos gave an exhibition of his talent against their star cadet player. He got an invitation to play the Inter Tigre tournament, and joined the interclub team for the fourth division. He then moved to Canotieri Italiani club where he played among the best players of the region; raising his team to the ultra competitive second division.

Later on he tried the AAT[2] sanctioned tournaments in the sixth division, and moving the ranks up to the fourth division. By then, River Plate club asked Carlos to join their interclub team for the intermedia[3] division. After a few years Hindu Club presented a change of air; his best friend was already playing there and the club was missing a player for their 25+ and second division interclub teams. Carlos was the answer and his tennis shined there until he decided to explore other options in Canada.

Carlos, who were the people that most influenced your technique?

If you are talking about teachers or coaches; Adrian “Fat” Greppi[4] at River Plate is the man. He changed my topspin backhand that had too much arch and topspin for one much more aggressive. His coaching allowed me to hit a high ball with power and rotation without being forced to use only slice. It was a major change in my game.

Who were your idols and why?

Stefan Edberg; tried to copycat his serve… It ain't that bad, isn't it? John McEnroe, my all-time idol, hot headed as there no one else like him, such a unique tennis player. I played with his Dunlop Max200G for at least 4 years. Then Pistol Pete[5] and nowadays the Great Roger[6].

Even though Carlos was born and raised in Argentina, he is not the usual clay court player. His early experience on hard surfaces probably had a major role in his tennis development. Above all, Charlie knows how to move around the tennis court. He’s fast and well balanced, reminds me a sort of Andre Agassi in that respect.

"Richard played one of his best matches ever; constantly retrieving against my relentless pressure from the baseline and net attack."

He likes to bang the ball hard, fast and furious. Counter-puncher by nature, assassin in the making, Carlos will put pressure on his opponent from the start, aiming at the lines… ball after ball. He’s extremely aggressive with a vast repertoire. His forehand is extraordinary; I personally choose his cross-court over the down- the- line, but both are fantastic. If you like appealing shots, look no further than his backhand. Short preparation, close to his body (which helps conceal his intentions) describes a beautiful arch creating massive spin. 

Guaranteed you will have to run a lot when you face this player, as his ground-stroke production will vary the angles and speed of the ball, increasing the pace and the frustration of the other players in equal proportion. He enjoys playing at a higher pace than his opponents, drowning them in a constant bombardment of yellow bullets. His transition game is neat with an artistic touch on his backhand slice that helps him get to the net in a comfortable winning position. There you can see that Carlos has punch and touch as he manages to put away volleys that are meant to cause damage on enemy’s land. His overhead and serve are less impressive compared to the rest of his game, yet extremely efficient.

Temper wise, Carlos is very Latin, hot headed sometimes if you want, even though he’s shown some progress on this aspect this season. But make no mistake against him; he will fight for every ball, he will smell blood, and he will make a non-stop charge until you break into pieces. To beat him you have to play great tennis and hope he does not bring his A-game.

Competition Animal

What’s the level of tennis you've been able to compete?

Top Serve[7] Pro Tour in Argentina, I was doing quite alright. When my friends from River Plate were about to make a trip to play in France, I was supposed to join them, but a small injury prevented me to do so and started teaching instead, got into college and tennis became a leisure sport from that point on.

Any fond memories of a tennis match in particular?

Many in fact, but those that remember the most are (i) a final match in a qualy in the Top Serve Tour against this fellow, Pablo Bianchi[8]. It was 7-6 in the third and allowed me to get my spot under the sun in the main draw. Lost in second round with Hernan Colombo Russell[9], but got my revenge years later during a 25+ interclub match. (ii) A win against “Gato” (Cat) Andres from Comercio Club, it was in 3 sets, 3 ½ hours on court 1 at Hindu, were I was playing in front of my home crowd. There were many people as we were fighting to get to the first division. That victory was decisive to reach the final of the tournament. We won the finals against Ramos Mejia tennis club. They were really strong team; they had Mariano Monachesi[10] & Cie. I rolled over Martin “Gallego” Garcia[11] in straight sets. It was the only interclub tournament I’ve ever won. I still have the winner medal. For Hindu played, Adrian Jaskelson, Andres Faena, Marcelo Perrone, Pablo Descote and myself. (iii) Here in Canada, all the matches I play against Olivier Borlée are memorable as well.

You've just mentioned Olivier Borlée and that brings us to your current activity. You've achieved the #1 spot in the 40+ singles after your win at Côte-St-Luc. What can you share about the final? How do you feel from a level perspective?

Great, it was a complicated week; I wasn't feeling particularly well, got some stiffness on my back… You even gave me some massage, remember? (Laughs…) But to be honest my level increased quite a bit over the summer, I've been running a lot, no major pains, and my knee is in top shape. It helped also that I started hitting more often.

The final against Lacombe was a 2 ½ hours marathon. I think Richard played one of his best matches ever; constantly retrieving against my relentless pressure from the baseline and net attack. In this occasion, it didn't quite work to get back just 6+ balls like it was the case at CDL. It was super hot… As a funny note, Richard was telling me that he got a great return on the tournament fees just by considering the 6 or 7 bottles of Gatorade he got…(laughs)

What does it mean for you reaching the # 1 in all the senior series you've competed so far in Canada?

I’m extremely competitive in everything I do. Don’t even like to lose at playing cards. Reaching once more the # 1 and after undergone knee surgery gives me a special feeling of accomplishment. A sweet aftertaste, never dreamt I would be able to play at this level again.

What’s your point of view on the current tennis level at the veterans’ tournaments here in Quebec?

In Argentina, the level was much stronger. There, I got to # 14 in 30+ before moving to Canada. If I could have played a little longer, I believe I could have made the top 5, but every match, starting in round 1 was really hard, and you had to be fit and well trained to remain competitive. In the local tour I see a big gap between the top players and the group that follows.

Which are your objectives for the remainder of the season? Any plans for the future?

Not much to play actually, next tournament in Piedmont, I won’t play; have some family activities already planned that make it impossible to be there. Brossard in November is a different story. Definitely will be there. Regarding the future, if I feel 100%, I may try a few ITF's in Toronto.

Anything that you would like to comment on the local tour? I was thinking in terms of a Year End Masters, the rankings, that sort of perspective.

From an organizational point of view, I would like to play a Year End Masters, yeah. I think is an excellent suggestion, but taking into consideration only the current year results (January to November). Don’t like the current approach with the rankings were only 4 tournaments[12] are taken into consideration. Every one of them should count for the ranking, that way we’ll see a higher rate of participants. I prefer the ATP system, where they play all the tournaments possible, they all count towards the ranking and players lose points if the following season they are unable to defend them.

Mini-Tennis

A Surface

Carpet like at Sani Sport, balls fly there and I feel really comfy. To watch; red clay as in Roland Garros.

An opponent

Olivier Borlée, always have to push 100% against him.

A Racquet

Babolat, the one I’m currently playing with… also the Dunlop Max 200G, great memories.

A Match

US Open final… 1995? Sampras vs. Agassi, I just couldn’t stop watching.

A Tournament

Interclub and the after-match-get-together, miss that a lot.

Thanks Carlos...See you in the hunt.

Yours,

Iron Gaucho

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[1] City that belongs to Tigre district, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

[2] Asociación Argentina de Tenis. Argentina Tennis Federation.

[3] Intermedia is the interclub level prior to get to the First Division, where profesional tour players matchup against amateurs.

[4].Recognized tennis coach who has developed a number of successful pro players in South America.

[5] Pete Sampras

[6] Roger Federer

[7] Professional tennis tour in Argentina. Linked to the AAT.

[8] Pablo Bianchi, Uruguayan. DOB. 27.02.75 Former # 287 in the ATP rankings.

[9] Hernan Colombo Russell, Argentinian. DOB 05.01.72 Former # 589 in the ATP rankings.

[10] Former ATP player. Coached Guillermo Coria, Juan Ignacio Chela, Guillermo Cañas, Tommy Robredo, Mariano Zabaleta, Agustin Calleri, and Leonardo Mayer.

[11] Former Davis Cup player in the early 2000s. Former # 21 in doubles in the ATP rankings.

[12] Current rules at the AVTQ state that only the best 2 results indoor and 2 best results outdoors will be considered for the ranking.

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I was there... or you were there

I find that randomly taken pictures or videos have a lot of appeal.

Here, enjoy some of the best tennis players I've seen in the recent past.

Safin 2007

Youzhny 2007

Hewitt 2007

Hingis 2014

Hewitt vs Hrbaty '07

Baghdatis 2007

Blake 2007

Bjorkman 2007

Azizi & Youzhny 2013

Jarry Park - Montreal

Sunset at Jarry Park - Montreal

Muster 2012

Wilander 2013

Typhoon « Carlos » hits Côte St-Luc

It’s Sunday afternoon on a hot summer day in Côte St-Luc, that suburban oasis in the southwest of Montreal Island. Children are playing on its peaceful streets, two neighbors chat over their fence completely unaware of the upcoming Armageddon. In the 40+ singles final, the leading heavyweights are facing each other once again: Carlos Montoto vs. Richard Lacombe.

So far they’d played twice in 2014, always in the final match; first to draw blood was Monsieur Lacombe, an elegant and smart player that has solid strokes and outstanding stamina. If you want to beat him, you better play good tennis; plain and simple. Richard won at Carrefour Laval (indoor hard) in straight sets. Their second encounter was at Côte-de-Liesse Tennis Club (CDL) (outdoor green clay) with a 3 sets victory for the South American tennis man. Carlos played better tennis that day, now aware of his opponent skills.

Richard Lacombe

The road to the final had some similarities for these chaps. Richard started his campaign with solid victories over Lior Doron and Phil Chalabi. Matches were short and furious with total control on 2005-Federer-cruising mode. On the bottom half of the draw, Carlos beat both Ron Goldman and a persistent back pain in straight sets, to then roll over Marc Boivin 3 and love. In semis in-form Jeff Salhany made Lacombe fight for every ball, but he was able to pull away after Jeff succumbed to injury. Montoto battled 3 sets as well with Joao Felipe Heck who wanted to extend his run in a tournament that always has him as one of the main attractions. It was 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 for the Argentinian who avenged his loss at Valois.

It’s Sunday afternoon on a hot summer day in Côte St-Luc… Both contenders step on court and pull their guns from their tennis bags. There is an electric buzz in the air; everything remains still in the windless atmosphere… And the assault begins… Blow after blow the two contenders fight for every point. Carlos sweeps the dirt and perspiration from his face and arms after holding serve… Every point is a micro universe in itself, there is bang followed by a louder and bigger bang. Richard is focused; he’s a man with a unique mission: return everything that comes back from the other side of the net.  Carlos is on fire, hits the lines and goes into attack mode. The deadly drone sets aim at the target and fires, after the smoke vanishes, there is only destruction. Looking at the scene, Richard looks like a Spartan soldier trying to avoid being overrun by the Persian army, knee on the floor and shield up. Games are long, both players… no… warriors, suffer the heat, and the physical and emotional effort. Richard makes a last charge, trying to reel off the set, only to clash with a 100-miles-an-hour-storm, Carlos is a typhoon. 

He doesn’t want a third set, and there won’t be one. After more than two and a half hours there is a big silence, no more bangs, no more pain, no more agony. There is an exchange of words at the net, and a solid hand shake.

Final score sets at 6-4, 7-5 Carlos is the new Champion, and the #1 belongs to him.

See you in the hunt.

Yours,

Iron Gaucho