Fullace Edition Zero

FE B RU A R Y 2 017

FULLACE EDITION ZERO, ALL TENNIS INSIGHTS FOR FREE!

FULLACE.COM

1

CONTENTS FEBR U AR Y 2 017

06 10

LONG LIVE THE EMPRESS & EMPEROR

10

ANDY MURRAY

DEEP DIVE: ME

04 FROM THE EDITOR 05 LONG LIVE:

ANDY MURRAY

He became the 17th player in history to finish the year as World No.1. Can he stay there?

SERENA & ROGER

10 ANDY MURRAY:

A NEW BOSS IS IN TOWN

HERE WE GO!

I’ve always lived by the motto ‘If you’re going to do something, do it with passion’.

13 WHY YOUR MENTAL GAME MATTERS

17 USTA NATIONAL CAMPUS

04 2

FULLACE MAGAZINE

17

30

ENTAL MATTERS

USTA NATIONAL CAMPUS

A CLOSER LOOK: DOUBLES

24 WHY YOUR MENTAL

AUSTRALIAN

GAME MATTERS

OPEN JANUARY

30 SEEING DOUBLE

USTA NATIONAL

CAMPUS WRITING & DESIGN TEAM: CLO LLC | CONTACT: FULLACE - customerservice@fullAce.us WWW.FULLACE.COM | TEL: 954.907.9016

FULLACE.COM

3

ALL

EMPRE

Abdou Haitof Founder

SEREN

I

’ve always lived by the motto ‘If you’re going to do something, do it with passion’. Ever since I was a kid, sports have been a true passion for me. Of all the many sports out there, of all those I love to play or watch – from the stands, the sidelines or the comfort of my couch – tennis is without a doubt my favorite. It combines both excitement and elegance. It reflects every athlete’s quest to surpass their limits.

It is both dramatic and instinctive.

Because in tennis, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a renowned champion or a weekend warrior, there are always two opponents to worry about out there on the court: the person on the other side of the net, and your own mental toughness. The mental dimension is crucial. Just ask Serena Williams, who reigns in this domain. Well, in every domain, actually. She is the ultimate champion.

Mental toughness matters regardless of an athlete’s level: from the NCAA or

a Sunday doubles match with friends, a teen on the Futures circuit or a pro kicking off their Australian Open campaign that will set the tone for the rest of their year. Tennis is like a giant chessboard, and only size of the pawns changes. The U.S. is the biggest ‘chessboard’ in the world, and this is even truer now with the USTA’s flagship campus “New Home for American Tennis” in Orlando. The campus, which features a number of cutting-edge innovations, never before been seen at this scale (new technology in sports is another of my many passions, but that’s a story for another day), is hoping to bring American tennis back to the top and produce the next generation of men’s and women’s champions.

Passion has always driven me and will continue to drive me forward as we set off on this wonderful adventure called Fullace. Passion is meant to be shared, which is why I wanted Fullace to be a free publication distributed to as many people as possible. You’ll find our magazine everywhere you think about tennis: clubs, academies, colleges and sporting goods stores.

Here we go!

4

FULLACE MAGAZINE

HAIL

ESS

NA!

FULLACE.COM

5

What an intense weekend for the tennis world! On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 in January, history was forever marked during the Australian Open in Melbourne. Two huge names in tennis took center stage this weekend: Serena Williams, 35, who took home her 23rd Grand Slam title, and Roger Federer also 35, who won his 18th Grand Slam. It would seem that 35 is a lucky number for the pair! Their royal careers will not be forgotten for decades to come.

T

he Williams sisters are a constant subject of discussion when it comes to women’s tennis.

But now, it is Serena who is under the spotlight, and once again her incredible talent will be making headlines. On Saturday, January 28, 2017, Serena beat sister Venus to set a new Grand Slam record, winning more titles than any other former female player and revolutionizing the Open Era. Her seventh Australian Open championship lets her to reclaim the highly-coveted

6

FULLACE MAGAZINE

World No.1 ranking, previously held

by Angelique Kerber. “It’s such a great feeling to have 23,” she admits, somewhat relieved during her press conference. “It really feels great. I’ve been chasing it for a really long time.” Victory over Venus didn’t come easy, however.

After a let by Venus, she broke her racket early on for which she received warning. The pressure was clearly taking its toll. But fans will most remember the incredible match where Serena dominated with a 6-4, 6-4 win and

special bond between the sisters. “With Venus, we work side by side.” Serena was very emotional when she talked about how her sister motivates her. They walked hand in hand, or rather, racket in racket.

“She is the only reason I’m standing here today,” says Serena. Such humility only adds to her amazing accomplishment.

FULLACE.COM

7

L

ike a phoenix rising from the ashes, Federer has been reborn! It comes as a relief for the emperor of tennis, who after several months away from the tour, is back in the limelight with another trophy.

The Swiss put in an extraordinary performance for the world on Sunday, January 29, he won his fifth Australian Open again eternal rival Rafael Nadal, taking his career total up to 18 Grand Slam titles.

It took three hours and 37 minutes to close out the five-setter 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. “I was incredibly happy, as you could imagine,” Federer said during his press conference. “It was an epic match with Rafa again.” The Swiss admits that he “didn’t beat him in a Grand Slam fi-

8

FULLACE MAGAZINE

nal for a long time. Last time I guess, it was 2007.” During his press conference, when asked by a journalist what it meant to win against Nadal, Federer replied that Rafa had had a strong impact on his career. “He made me a better player.” They are rivals, but do not have a rivalry.

But what was Federer’s secret to victory during the Australian Open?

His mental toughness was undoubtedly his biggest strength. “I told myself to play free. You play the ball, not the opponent,” he said.

“Be free in your head, be free in your shots.” While playing against his Nadal, his previously losses did creep into his mind.

“When you lose, it’s brutal. I feel very fortunate tonight,” he acknowledged. This latest Grand Slam win gives him a seven-spot boost and puts him

back in the top 10.

Serena Williams and Roger Federer certainly deserve the titles of empress and emperor of the tennis world. In January, Australia and the world all witnessed their greatness. People will remember Serena and her fierce desire to win and Roger for his unbelievable mental strength for years to come.

FULLACE.COM

9

EXPLOIT

H

e is both the man who led the second half of the season that just ended and the one who promises to make 2017 an exciting year for tennis. There is no doubt about it – Andy Murray is the new boss on the tour. After his first ATP World Tour Finals victory in London late last year, the Scot set himself up to finish out the year as World No.1, confirming that his triumph just two weeks earlier at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris was not an accident but simply a preview of what was yet to come. It was a hard-fought win against Novak Djokovic (6-3, 6-4) following six brilliant months, 24 consecutive wins and his fifth consecutive title. “We should all let Andy enjoy this a little bit,” said Djokovic, who was happy for his long-time friend despite his own defeat. “Don’t ask him questions about next season. He deserves to be in the moment and to really take in everything that he achieved.” Noted. We’ll wait a bit before talking to Murray about his significant lead of 630 points over of Djokovic or that he won’t have to worry too much about being dethroned during the first three months of 2017 with just an Australian Open final to defend.

In 2016, Andy Murray became the 17th player to finish the year as World No.1. And the Scot has every intention of staying there in 2017, which is good news for everyone who enjoys great tennis..

10

FULLACE MAGAZINE

Everything points to Murray staying at the top of the pack for quite a while. Didn’t he himself predict success just a few short weeks ago? “I’m not sure I would have thought it would come this quickly,” he admitted.

“I thought it was a possibility but a little more likely [to happen in] February or March.” But it did happen and now it’s the perfect opportunity for him to stay at the top. “I would like to try and stay there, obviously,” he added following his win. “It’s taken a huge effort the last five, six months to get there. I would obviously like to stay there. I’m aware that’s going to be extremely difficult because I had a great year this year. I only managed to do it by one match. To repeat that again next year is going to be extremely difficult.”

Perhaps. But as he knows better than anyone, it did not all come down to just “one match.” In 2016, he won nine titles, including Wimbledon, the Olympics, the

ATP World Tour Finals and three Masters 1000. Murray is known for his work ethic: he has clearly boosted his fitness level (both his upper and lower body strength are remarkable), taken a much more offensive approach to his game, recovered his explosive forehand, improved his second serve and kept a steady focus. All these things have helped him overcome the last few hurdles to the top, as well as one man: Ivan Lendl. But he is not the only one. The former World No.1 rejoined the Murray team following the French Open and is the one who helped the Scot finally win a Grand Slam and reach the top spot. However, as Nick Bolletieri said in an article in The Independent, Amelie Mauresmo also deserves some credit. She helped Andy Murray claw his way back to World No.2 after his back surgery. “I thought she was a good appointment at that stage of Murray’s career,” said Bolletieri. “She brought a softer

FULLACE.COM 11

approach at a time when he needed it. I think Murray’s results while he worked with Mauresmo speak for themselves. She helped him to reach more Grand Slam finals and took him back to No. 2 in the world rankings after he had fallen out of the top 10. Now Murray may well be playing better than he has ever done.” Why? Because he is also mentally stronger. Novak Djokovic even said so after his loss at the Masters final. “He played a lot of matches, especially during the last couple of months, and he won them

12

FULLACE MAGAZINE

all. He’s on a streak,” he said.

Murray is confident and in a good place mentally. “I’ve got a big heart!” we heard him shout after he scored a spectacular point against the Serb during his last match of the 2016 season. This just might be where the Lendl factor kicks in, where he explains to Murray very seriously that there is no other secret than “repetition and preparation” to the duo’s success. Yet, the key lies elsewhere. “The information that I get from him and the psychological boost that I get from simply

having him around me and being able to talk with him at big tournaments and before big matches – that’s what makes a difference,” says Murray. It’s a difference that we’ll be seeing for a while.

DEEP DIVE

F

requently called the “the third man” (or woman) on the court during a match, a champion’s mental game is an important part their arsenal. That said, it is a rather vague concept. What exactly goes into mental toughness?

“Everybody talks about mental strength, but it means both everything and nothing.”

Sports psychologist Makis Chamadelis, who has worked with professional tennis players for twenty years, offers some clarification to this sweeping statement. “Actually, it can mean a lot of things, and that’s why we have to be more precise when we talk about mental strength, whether journalists, coaches or ath-

letes. It deals with so many things: focus, trust, managing decisive moments, preparing for a big match. It can also be about not respecting your opponent, figuring out where you’re going, being able to train hard, being able to talk to your coach. So that’s why it’s kind of a catch-all term.” That said, it’s also a word that comes up a lot when talking about what makes the perfect player. Or, on the contrary, what knocks them off their game. It’s been an issue for Rafael Nadal, and over the past few months, for Novak Djokovic as well.

FULLACE.COM 13

S

ince his French Open win, which was the Serb’s Holy Grail and a goal he obsessively sought to achieve, he seems to be a different player now than the Nole who left only crumbs for his opponents. His tennis is off because his mental game is off. “There are definitely things that I need to regain from the emotional and mental point of view,” he admits.

“I’m focusing on that more, so it’s a transition somewhere in between.”

For him, it’s all about exploring what was, until now, unfamiliar territory:

14

FULLACE MAGAZINE

that of the doubt that arises after that last swing of the racket, that moment that, before, would have made all the difference. This is exactly what Nadal dared to say out loud before him. After a string of injuries, the Majorca native is still trying to find the mental edge that defined him more than any other player. He was one of the first top players to openly discuss the issue, telling reporters just over a year ago in Shanghai, “I had to get over physical injuries several times. But now, what I suffer from is not being in control of my nerves, my emotions. It’s like having to recover from an injury, only

this one isn’t physical but rather mental. And that’s a whole other challenge for me.”

Finding the reflexes again, the routine that worked so well, asking again and again for their towel at the same time, lining up their bottles in exactly the same place – it’s all part of becoming an undisputed champion once again, and Djokovic and Nadal are both holding out hope. But is it really so simple? Nothing ever is. “There are two parts to the mental aspect,” explains Hubert Ripoll, sports psychology specialist and professor at the Faculty of Sport Sciences of the University of Mediterranean

in Marseille, France. “Generally speaking, mental toughness is what allows you to hold out when things aren’t going great. And that happens at two moments: at different stages of life and during big matches.” Sometimes (perhaps often?), those two moments coincide. Djokovic has adopted a holistic approach ever since he teamed up with mental strength coach Pepe Imaz. It all starts with yoga and mindfulness meditation.

“Nole was the World No.1,” says Pepe Imaz, “and now he is number two and accepts it naturally.

He accepted that someone else is World No.1 and he congratulated Andy Murray for his achievement.

In the end, you have to understand that we all are human. It’s a mistake to use the word ‘untouchable.’”

FULLACE.COM 15

Such statements make it clear that mental strength is a complex concept. How else could you possibly believe that someone like Serena Williams would be okay with such an approach, to just accept not being as good as others? It’s an unlikely scenario for the woman with 23 Grand Slam titles to her name. And she’s a woman who’s not afraid to say it. “Mentally, no one can break me.

I know mentally I’m hands down one of the toughest players out there.” And the truth is that she is not the only one to be convinced of this. “Despite what some might think, I don’t believe Serena Williams has an oversized ego,” says Professor Ripoll. “However, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have an ego! Because if you don’t, you’re doing sports just for fun. Competitive athletes can’t dwell on their defeats.

They have to find other sources of motivation to keep going.” That motivation is most likely the true key mental strength.

16

FULLACE MAGAZINE

INTERVIEW

FULLACE.COM 17

Katrina Adams

T

ennis has never seen such heavenly surroundings. Located in Orlando’s Lake Nona community in southern Orange County, the biggest tennis complex ever built in the United States has just opened. Such a statement isn’t merely hype: the USTA National Campus is 50% bigger than

18

FULLACE MAGAZINE

the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which currently hosts the US Open. A tour of the brand new facilities is likely to leave you breathless and wanting to pick up a racket and start playing. The campus features state-of-theart facilities spread over 64 acres, a 50,000-square-foot welcome

European Terre Davis red clay courts (over 450 tons of imported Italian red clay)

center, retail pro shop, racquet stringing center, track, locker rooms, workout areas and ice baths.

Most importantly, it also has more than 100 tennis courts ¬– including two championship courts with seating for 500 – not to mention a variety of court surfaces such as DecoTurf (used at the US Open), Plexicushion, Har-Tru green clay, Rebound Ace and even European Terre Davis clay brought in directly from Cremona, Italy, by boat. “We’ve been importing the clay for kids to play and get ready for the European circuit,” says USTA President

FULLACE.COM 19

Katrina Adams.

The USTA’s ambitions for this next generation campus are reflected in the hefty $70 million it invested in the project. The aim is straightforward: provide optimal training and competition conditions to all players, from kids and families to college champions and pros. Professional players and coaches can also take advantage of cutting-edge technology, such as smart courts equipped with

20

FULLACE MAGAZINE

a camera system that records a player’s every move during a match to analyze performance and enhance learning. John Embree, USTA CEO, sums it up simply, saying, “It’s going to be the epicenter of tennis in the United States.” Gordon Smith, USTA Executive Director, adds, “With the USTA National Campus, we are creating an incomparable tennis facility that will serve as a resource and destination for tennis

players of all ages and abilities, and most importantly, a launching pad for the next generation of tennis players and providers.”

The idea is to give young up-andcomers the assistance they need on their way to the pro circuit and help put them at the forefront of American tennis. It’s no accident that the USTA Community Tennis and Player Development Divisions have relocated here. “The USTA continues to reimagine its future,”

says Adams. “By housing our two divisions devoted to growing the game at all levels and training the next generation of players and coaches, we can have a greater impact on the sport than we ever had before.” One thing’s for sure: planning for the future of tennis is well underway in Orlando. The next Serena Williams and Andy Roddick are already busy training.

FULLACE.COM 21

TECHNOLOGY

Can you tell us why the HIGHTOF MÂAT machine is such a groundbreaking invention?

The HIGHTOF robot is revolutionary because it is the first and only machine that can offer a truly realistic practice session. It offers a range of modern technology with impressive spin, speed and trajectory options, all perfectly timed so you’ll feel like you have a sparring partner across the net.

Does all that technology make it complicated to use and program?

Not at all, it’s extremely simple.

It features a touchscreen so you can choose the spin, speed, bounce location and time between each ball. You choose how many balls you want to play

during your practice session. You choose a name for your practice so you can easily find it the next time you want to play. And that’s it!

That does sound easy. How do you save your practice session exactly?

First, you can set up a practice from your computer at home or the office and then you can download your session to any HIGHTOF MÂAT machine in the world. It is protected by your username and password. You can also program it directly on your HIGHTOF MÂAT using the touchscreen. Each program is automatically saved in the machine and synced to the Cloud. Even if you change clubs or go to a different country, you’ll still have access to your program.

Wow’s, that’s incredible!

That’s exactly what people think when they use the HIGHTOF MÂAT (laughs)!

Can you tell us more about the HIGHTOF radar?

The SOLSTICE is a radar that can either be used alone or along with the HIGHTOF MÂAT. It measures the speed of every ball you return – not just your serves. And of course, all the data is saved so you can compare your results.

Does that mean you can track your stats?

Absolutely. Both the HIGHTOF MÂAT and the SOLSTICE give you immediate feedback after your practice. You can see how many balls you hit in, how many were out, the speed of each shot, the average speed of your

22

FULLACE MAGAZINE

How much does this revolutionary machine cost?

With all the technology it offers, the HIGHTOF MÂAT comes in at just $6,000. The SOLSTICE retails at $2,000.

The Forehand/Backhand option can be added on to the HIGHTOF at any time (before or after purchase) for an additional $1,500.

forehands and backhands and if you reached your practice goals.

You can also easily check your progress by comparing your own results or comparing them with a friend’s.

I saw that the HIGHTOF MÂAT can launch both forehands and backhands.

Yes, it can. The HIGHTOF MÂAT

is the only machine in the world able to launch the ball from the center of the court (standard) as well as do forehands and backhands. The trajectories of the diagonals starting from both sides are different from a diagonal from the middle of the court.

No other machine does that.

www.hightof.com

FULLACE.COM 23

COACHES

I

t’s a burning question that resembles the age-old chickenor-the-egg dilemma: Is it the phenomenal coach who creates a champion or the champion who creates a phenomenal coach?

When French coach Patrick Mouratoglou began coaching Serena Williams in the summer of 2012, it had a lot of people clenching their teeth in the players’ lounge.

One of his peers even dared to say out loud what many appeared to be thinking: “Him coaching Serena is like me buying Apple tomorrow and taking credit for inventing

24

FULLACE MAGAZINE

the Mac!” But under the guidance of her new coach, the greatest female player of modern times – who had been going through an undeniable slump – started winning again. She took home a Grand Slam title (she currently has 23 to her name) after a twoyear drought and found her way back to World No.1, which she held for 186 consecutive weeks. Mouratoglou clearly has something to offer – and that something has to do with mental strength.

In his own words, “Serena found her self-confidence once again.”

FULLACE.COM 25

He adds with a smile, “She’s a fighting machine. I just have to put the key in the ignition and show her how to get it started. She’s the one in the driver’s seat.”

This observation applies to quite a few top players, including Roger Federer. Like many others, the Swiss chose to round out his team with a former No.1 player, Stefan Edberg.

Although they no longer work together, their collaboration offers several insights. International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) co-founder and player agent Morgan Menahem says, “It’s a question that begs asking: can Roger Federer really be coached?

Personally, I think that turning to Edberg was a way to find that elu-

26

FULLACE MAGAZINE

sive 1% of self-confidence that’s lacking. Because when the score is tied up 5-5 in the fourth set of a Grand Slam final, the guy’s going to be telling himself on the court, ‘I did it, I got here.’ And it’s that little thing that’s going to make all the difference. But does he actually say, ‘Your forehand should be like this, your backhand should be like that’? I highly doubt it.”

And that’s exactly why many of tennis’ biggest names have started bringing in a second person to help them perfect their technique. For example, when Serb Novak Djokovic partnered up with Boris Becker, he also kept long-time coach Marian Vajda on his team. Why? Because Vajda was the man who specifically works on the technical

aspects of Djokovic’s game. Andy Murray did the same, calling Ivan Lendl back to his side while having Jamie Delgado, his official assistant coach, oversee his day-today. Lendl signed on for just “18 to 20 weeks,” which means that he will be there for several tournaments and training,

including during the off-season.

As anyone will tell you, this is when the foundations are set. “Having a former No.1 or 2 there won’t entirely replace a real coach,” says Mouratoglou. “Unless these former champions happen to be coaches as well – Magnus Norman or Tony Roche both come to mind. But being a former No.1 or 2 doesn’t automatically mean someone is going to be a good coach. Some might be, but others clearly didn’t make a career of it.”

However, former middle-of-thepack players often make great coaches, rising to elite status within the profession. One such individual is Dutchman Sven

Groenveld, who, after coaching Monica Seles, Mary Pierce, Tommy Haas, Greg Rusedski, Michael Stich, Arantxa Sanchez, Fernando Verdasco, Ana Ivanovic and Caroline Wozniacki, has for the past three years been overseeing the career of Maria Sharapova, who is preparing her comeback following a suspension. Another is Frenchman Sam Sumyk, who was instrumental in helping Victoria Azarenka achieve success and who also worked with Eugenie Bouchard. He has now started coaching Spaniard Garbine Mugu-

SAM SUMYK

FULLACE.COM 27

MAGNUS NORMAN

ruza, leading her to a French Open championship title. The is also Spaniard Jose Perlas, whose résumé is filled with top names such as Carlos Moya, Albert Costa, Guillermo Coria, Nicolas Almagro, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Janko Tipsarevic and Fabio Fognini. These three coaches are at the top of the “golden list” of coaches.

Because that which is rare comes at

a premium, an “average” elite-level coach can bring in around $6,500 a month. A few select coaches can earn between $100,000 and $210,000 dollars a year – sometimes more – plus travel expenses and bonuses. Pricey, yes, but so far nobody’s heard any players complaining about the returns on their investments.

IVAN LENDL 28

FULLACE MAGAZINE

FULLACE.COM 29

D

oubles can really pay off big time.

French player and World No.1 Nicolas Mahut would agree: in 2016, he would have “only” earned $869,846 if he had just played on the singles circuit. But with his six doubles titles, including one at Wimbledon and three Masters 1000, his winnings rose astronomically. By an extra $1,121,952 to be exact. On the women’s side, World No.1 Sania Mirza from India has not played as a single player since June 2012, but has maintained a highly successful doubles career. She has amassed 40 career titles (including eight in 2016), earning nearly $900,000 last season

30

FULLACE MAGAZINE

alone. Her former teammate Martina Hingis, who has five Grand Slam singles titles to her name, chose to return to tennis as a doubles player only. The Swiss player is a formidable presence, still able to stay at the top of the rankings – in 2016, she won 5 titles, including the Australian Open at 36 years old!

Are doubles less demanding than singles?

Yes. Because they don’t have to cover the full court by themselves, players won’t be nearly as tired at the end of a match. But does that mean doubles players are less skilled than singles players? “Yes, single players are better,” says Mike Bryan, who,

Because they don’t have to cover the full court by themselves, players won’t be nearly as tired at the end of a match.

along with his twin brother Bob, is considered one of the best doubles players in history. He adds, “The two are difficult to compare. Before, a good singles player could also be a great doubles player. Today, we are becoming more and more specialized.” Bob would sum things up a little differently. “We doubles players are more well-rounded,” he says. “We have to know how to do everything: volley, serve, return… In fact, the two have nothing in common: we’re doing two completely different sports.” While both sports are highly lucrative, even these most

“The two disciplines have nothing in common”

prolific doubles players of all times (with 112 titles and 1,000 matches won on the circuit) may not be able to convince everyone that their $14 million in career winning ($14,156,585 for Bob, $13,931,405 for Mike) are entirely deserved. John

McEnroe, a former World No.1 and successful doubles player (78 doubles titles) doesn’t mince words.

“I don’t know what doubles is bringing to the table. The doubles are the slow guys who aren’t quick enough to play singles. Would it be

better off, no disrespect, but would it be better off if there were no doubles at all, and we invest all the money we save elsewhere so that some other guys who never really got into a good position in the sport end up playing more in singles?”

FULLACE.COM 31

32

FULLACE MAGAZINE