TENNIS TRIBE CHALLENGE 2011 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… TIME!!

I’m counting the hours for the beginning of the Tennis Tribe Challenge 2011. Who is going to emerge as the champion this year? Tough call, no doubt… I’m going back and forth in my mind, trying to imagine the different strategies and game plans that these guys are going to put in place when it matters. Everybody is getting ready; fine-tuning their weapons, pumping that extra pound of iron that will make the whole difference… I was way too anxious so decided to go for a walk when I saw Mauricio running up and down the Mont-Royal and throwing punches to the air in a very much Rocky Balboa fashion…. A quick tour by Jarry Park and you could have seen in astonishment the mighty Temo hitting his 1000^th forehand in a 2-to-1 training under a blasting Sun. Oussama chose the privacy of CDL and a list of sparrings that may well serve him for an ATP assault…. For the last couple of weeks, Lloyd has been mixing up drills inside and outside the court that can cut short Andy Murray’s breath; while Don is “In the Zone” blasting out partners and punishing the ball in long “only-Don-can=handle-this-pain” sessions. With the excuse of a job trip, Francis went for the European clay to tune-up his game. A friend reporter from Belgium told me that there was a secret flight to Paris to hit with a certain… Novak, on the red clay at Portes d’Auteil… 

Dude, this is becoming more serious every year…

ABOUT THE SURFACE OF PLAY

Again this year clay was king. We had Mauricio and Temo voting for the soft Har-Tru, while hard courts got only one vote from Don. The other 3 contenders were okay with any choice. Given the elected surface, the Organization Committee has chosen Penn balls for this year. The fact that the games will take place in the open requires a more “lively” ball with a slightly higher bounce.

Matches will be held at the Mohawk Park in Ville Mount-Royal, located in the corner of Vivian Ave. and Dumphries St. on Saturday June 4^th in the afternoon.

I’ve checked the place and the courts are okay, with a medium-to-large grain of gray dirt. The fact that the grain is bigger makes it retain less water, ergo, a more “loose” and faster surface. If it turns out to be windy, could be ideal conditions for short swing games.

ORDER OF PLAY AND TROPHIES

As we mentioned in our previous newsletter, the tournament will be played under two groups round robin format. Group Rafa and Group Nole will have three contenders that will play against each other; and later the second of each group will fight for 3^rd place, followed up by a Grand Finale with the two top players of each division going for the title.

We have assigned letters to each group as follows:

Group Rafa:

A, B, and C

Group Nole;

D, E, and F

At the time of the tournament, each player will randomly draw a letter and that will assign his place in the group and order of play. We expect to have 2 matches played at the same time (if possible, depending on terrain availability) in the round robin stage.

Matches will be ordered as follow (under 1 regular set – winner takes all rules)

First set of matches:

Player A vs. Player B

Player F vs. Player D

Players C and E will be waiting (if courts are available they can warm up)

Second set of matches

Player A vs. Player C

Player D vs. Player E

Players B and F will be waiting (if courts are available they can warm up)

Third set of matches

Player B vs. Player C

Player E vs. Player F

Players A and D will be waiting for group results

Results will be provided and as stated the second of each group will play for third place still under 1 regular set – winner takes all rules.

The Final between the top players of each group to the best of three will follow (if both contenders feel they can make it, of course – their choice if they want to play just one set)

Both matches will be analyzed and full stats will be published in our next, and final, newsletter.

All players will have the chance to compete for the title of “Fastest Serve 2011” 2 serves to either side (player’s choice) will be granted after each match, the fastest of the 2 will be recorded and we’ll see who ends at the top by the end of the day.

Winner, Runner-up and 3^rd Place will receive trophies from Casa Chico (imported from Ontario!!); and there will be a surprise prize for “Fastest Serve 2011” as well. You don’t want to miss that! So, no matter you win or lose, stay around until the very end!!

More updates in the days to come.

 IRON GAUCHO