CRAIG’S CORNER

from USPTA Texas: The Texan - Spring 2023 Newsletter

Pro Tips/Drills

A big Texas sized “Howdy” to all of you out there who are reading this latest edition of Craig’s Corner. I was looking back in the archives and as of this article, I’m in my 10th year of Craig’s Corner. That’s 34 previous editions and over 38,000 words! I’ve really enjoyed penning all these editions which are all totally “off the cuff.” Hopefully, I’ve written on topics\subjects that are interesting and informative with all that has to do in and around the Great Game. I don’t know if I’ll be writing another 35 editions, but Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to put a few random thoughts and ideas out there for you the Great Game faithful!

Anywho, with that being said (which ain’t a whole lot I might add), here are my latest thoughts, mental musings and other such mind-bending nuggets to digest…..

Well, boys and girls let’s see what’s up in the world of Lone Star tennis. A Big Texas sized “Congrats” go out to our college tennis coaches in the Lone Star state. I just did some research and I’m seeing that there are 14 men’s teams and 15 women’s team being ranked by NCAA Division 1, NCAA Division 2, NCAA Division 3 and NCAA Jr College. In D1 men’s tennis, the Texas Longhorns are #1 in the USA followed closely by TCU at #3. In D1 women’s tennis the Texas A&M Aggie women are ranked #2 in the US followed by the Texas women at #9. UT Tyler men are #8 in D2 and St. Mary’s women are #17 in D2. The

Trinity men and women’s team are #11 and #14 respectively in D3 tennis. On the NCAA Jr College front, Tyler Junior College men are #2 and the women are #3 in the nation. Overall, here’s the Lone Star breakdown by Division: D1 – 8 men’s teams are ranked; D17 women’s teams are ranked; D2 - 2 men’s teams are ranked; D2 women’s teams have 3 nationally ranked teams; in D3 there are 2 men’s teams ranked; D3 women’s teams have 3 ranked teams; Lastly there are 2 nationally ranked Jr College men’s programs and 2 nationally ranked women’s programs. So overall, my Oklahoma 2nd grade math is correct with 14 Lone Star men’s teams and 15 Lone Star women’s teams ranked in their respective divisions throughout the world of college tennis. So, “Congrats” go out to our Texas college coaches, many of them are USPTA certified professionals, as they receive an A+ for their efforts this season. I’m sure those who aren’t ranked are really close to seeing their teams being recognized as one of the best programs in the USA – keep up the good work coaches and let’s finish strong this season!!

Nationally speaking, did you catch notice that Bob Bryan was recently named Davis Cup Captain? I think this is a very quality and savvy hire by the USTA hierarchy in getting one half of the greatest doubles team ever in the history of the game to lead the Red, White and Blue in Davis Cup competition. Recent Captain, Mardy Fish was a nice hire in this authors humble opinion, but with Captain Bob leading the charge, I think he brings us back to instant credibility on the international tennis front. Quick side note is that Captain Bob is a member of the last US team to hoist the Dwight Davis trophy back in 2007 in Portland. Vamos Captain Bob – let’s get the Davis Cup back on our soil!

On the world stage, have you checked out the new tennis documentary, Break Point on Netflix? I’ve not watched it yet, but from what I understand, Break Point is a “quality” behind the scenes look at men’s and women’s pro tennis through the four slams – about nine months. Filmed in 2022, Break Point follows the daily lives of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Paula Badosa, Matteo Berrettini, Taylor Fritz, Ons Jabeur, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Nick cbell1360@aol.com craigbell@benttreecc.org

Kyrgios, Casper Ruud, Aryna Sabalenka, Maria Sakkari, Sloane Stephens, Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe, Ajla Tomljanovic and Stefanos Tsistipas --- looks like all the up and coming “young guns” are being showcased in this series. Several of my friends who have watched a few episodes tell me it’s not too bad. I’m sure that most of you who are reading this article have experienced some of what this documentary is highlighting. Most of our teaching profession have played high school tennis and many have even played college tennis, with a few more moving onto the pro ranks. If I’m thinking correctly, this documentary will showcase how hard the preparation, physical and mental, is trying to get to the top of the ATP and WTA tours. To me, the mental strain is probably more taxing on a person than the physical side of the game. The constant loosing as one is working their way onto the tours has to be tough to deal with, day in and day out. I’m definitely interested in watching Break Point and I’m interested in hearing what you think about the documentary, whether you’ve seen it or not.

Well kids, it’s time to circle the wagons, put out the fire and call in the dogs -until next time, whenever that is, was or could be, Keep Your Eye on the Ball and Don’t Forget the Sunscreen...

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