Last month I spoke specifically about clay courts and the ‘east coast,’ now that I reside on the west coast, it sure would be nice to have clay courts available here, unfortunately, due to the great weather, one can not find clay courts. Seems backwards, good weather and no Har-Tru clay courts, why?? No humidity for starter’s, clay courts need moisture, the east coast, and Florida and areas of Texas; whether year-round or seasonal, have the right weather for clay. The extra costs in maintaining clay, yearly re-conditioning (the process of removing dead clay and implementing new clay) also is an addedexpenditure. Lastly, the water cost and availability; whether using above ground watering (Sprinklers) or below ground watering (Sub-irrigated), on the west coast much water would be used since it is so dry. However, clay courts are much easier on the body, cooler on your feet, can be an equalizer for not even opponents, and the list of benefits goes on…….
July is WIMBLEDON and let’s speak about grass courts and why they too are hard to find. COST is the real issue here, as well as, the surface gets torn up FAST, check out Wimbledon the first day of match play and see how the courts deteriorate as day’s/matches continue throughout the tournament. Check the baseline’s, with so much baseline play, this is bound to happen.
At a country club, the maintenance department will rotate the tennis courts which avoid thiswear and tear, but you need alot of courts to schedule this on and off procedure. Piping Rock CC on Long Island has maybe 20 grass courts, this rotating schedule works well; some resorts nation-wide have 1-2 grass courts and are not available f/t due to issues I have stated above, much demand to play, but not enough ‘supply,’ and also, times available to use grass courts usually is limited due to the maintenance…..much more than clay and also more tedious etc.
After one week of result’s at Wimbledon, my personal thoughts are this; Roger Federer may win, since the draw has lost Nadal and a very tough potential semi-final match that Roger would of played. We know his results as well vs. Nadal. If he has any chance against Djokovic, it is on grass.
I pick Federer to win and then he will be # 1 on computer going into the US OPEN 2012, this will enable him to potentially not have to play against Djokivic or Nadal at the US Open in the semi’s, due to seeding and then only play one of them in the finals. My thought is he will reach the finals of Wimbledon and win, he will reach finals at US Open and possibly, can achieve the title there as well. Being seeded # 1 really aids his chances, again, for that to happen, however, Federer needs to win Wimbledon first.
As far as the Ladies? Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitnova and Serena Williams are all looking ok for the ultimate prize; though Serena is so strong at times, my prediction is Maria or Petra and between them, Petra’s game and the fact that she is lefty, provides me to feel it is her tournament to lose. Out of all three ladies, her crafty game and her serve and volley ability aids my prediction. Either way, the women’s level of play is exceptional these days.
Lastly, my book ‘On the Other Hand’ will be selling at this year’s US Open Octagon bookstore for the 3rd year in a row. I am providing the color version for $19.95, their may be a discount during the 2 week event. Also, www.ustashop.com and www.usopenshop.net will be providing the option for purchasing the book during the year; management has changed in those 2 web site venue’s and book sales were not available the last few months, but the web site is coming back very soon.
See you soon and please tell your team mates, captain’s friends and yes, even opponents about my book!
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Scott Nichols
Marbella Country Club