Aussie Tennis Player

Jon Wertheim>TENNIS MAILBAG

Sheesh, Jon. Your love affair with Roger Federer is getting downright embarrassing. Have you ever written one mailbag column that didn't include, at minimum, a reference to him and how wonderful you think he is? I challenge you: Go back through your archives and see if you can find one column without a loving reference to Federer. Enough already. He's old news.
-- Sharon, Vancouver

• I probably got a dozen of these last week. Maria of Dallas went so far as to diagnose my condition .

I've been thinking a lot about Federer recently, particularly on the occasion of his 30th birthday, particularly while watching, voyeuristically, the unfolding parable that is Tiger Woods. Federer is the most decorated male player in tennis history. After a decade in the public eye -- scrutinized like none of us will ever know; the face of the entire sport -- what's the absolute worst thing you can say about him? At times, he comes off as arrogant? When beaten, he doesn't always heap praise on his conqueror? He's stubborn about his equipment? He's ... um ....I'm stuck. He wears white after Labor Day? Really, what?

Consider other athletes of his stature. Tiger is an obvious and easy comparison. But from Kobe Bryant to Alex Rodriguez to Brett Favre to Michael Vick, we see flawed athletes done in by everything from criminal behavior to hubris. We kill these athletes and celebrities -- just roast them -- when they disappoint us. Well, when they don't, that ought to be acknowledged.

We also need to take stock of Federer "in decline," such as it is. In other sports, athletes can drift downward. The system accommodates diminishing skills. You take a designated hitter spot. You make like Shaquille O'Neal and take a reduced role on a winning team. In tennis, you either win or you lose. Look at Bjorn Borg. He loses his magic, jumps on a plane and isn't heard from again. Federer is no longer the player who routinely wins three majors a year. But he's ranked No. 3, he's still on the caravan, he's still taking his job seriously, downplaying his age, resisting the notion that it's all gravy.

Perfect? No. That No. 15 jacket ? The ungracious press conference after losing to Tomas Berdych at Wimbledon? We've called him on those accordingly. But those are -- to use a great Australian line -- pimples on the butt of an elephant. It's not a question of Fedophilia or, for that matter, Fedophobia. Consider his body of work in absolute terms. Or look around and see how he's comported himself relative to similarly situated peers in other sports. It's hard to avoid reaching the conclusion that tennis is pretty fortunate to have him around.

Agassi Coach Darren ?='Killer' Cahill headlines Australian Tennis ...

Las Vegas, Nevada (PRWEB) June 08, 2011

Agassi Coach Darren Cahill headlines Down Under Tennis2, an Australian themed tennis event benefiting G Alex Foundation. DUT2 takes place at Canyon Gate Country Club, 2001 Canyon Gate Drive on July 15-16, 2011. For more information, visit http://www.massageadvantagelv.com/galexfoundation.htm.

Learn the secrets of Australian tennis success at Down Under Tennis2, a two-day event on July 15-16, 2011 at Canyon Gate Country Club, 2001 Canyon Gate Drive, Las Vegas. The event benefits G Alex Foundation and begins with a players’ party, 6-9pm on July 15. There will be complimentary beer, wine and appetizers for players; guests are welcome for . A cash bar will be available.

Agassi’s Coach Darren “Killer” Cahill will headline the next day’s play, with check-in at 3:15pm. Clinics begin at 4pm and are limited to 8 players/court. Players will be grouped by rating/playing level. An exhibition match starts at 6pm and includes a courtside dinner for participants. Admission is free for guests, who are welcome to dine for . An Aussie tournament/play in planned for 7pm.

“Killer” has also worked with Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco, Caroline Wozniacki, Ana Ivanovic, Fernando Gonzales, and Lleyton Hewitt, and is a Commentator for ESPN. Down Under Tennis2 will also include other Australian coaches: Laurie Warder, Australian Open Doubles Champion, Tim Blenkiron, and Ben Coates.

Player spots are available on a first-come first-serve basis for 0/player. Pre-registration is required. For more registration and sponsorship information, contact Glen at 702-807-7349 or visit http://www.massageadvantagelv.com/galexfoundation.htm. Players will also have chances to win prizes during play and at the players’ party.

The silent auction will include autographed tennis memorabilia from the Australian Open and professional players, as well as other items.

Down Under Tennis2 is created and presented by Glen Alex, CMT, LMT, KTP of The Massage Advantage. Glen also created the Camp Bryan mini tennis camps 2007-2009, featuring the Bryan Brothers and Down Under Tennis 2009, featuring Mark Woodforde. In addition, Glen worked for the Bryan Brothers as their personal Massage Therapist/Physio for over 3 years and currently works for the Women’s Tennis Association providing therapeutic massage for players. For more information, visit http://www.massageadvantagelv.com.

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