“Laver’s lost the first two sets!” The cry ran through the Wimbledon press room like wildfire. But it was chilling to me. Wimbledon ’69 had barely begun, and the defending champion, “Rocket” Laver, was under siege, losing badly to an anonymous Indian in the second round on Court 4, a patch of grass hardly fit for the emperor. To the other reporters, it was the … [Read more...] about IT’S THE 40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROCKET’S SECOND GRAND SLAM — AND NO MAN HAS SLAMMED SINCE THEN
Australian Open
VENUS AT THE WHEEL HAS A COLLISION, BUT SERENA’S STILL HERE DESPITE HERS
MELBOURNE – Rafa Nadal, who has come here as the man to beat, says he likes this city (even though he hasn’t won the title here in four tries). “It is big but calm. Very clean,” he says. It is. Venus Williams says she likes to drive all over town. Even on the left side of the road, which doesn’t faze her. Gets lost all the time, but works her way back to familiar territory. … [Read more...] about VENUS AT THE WHEEL HAS A COLLISION, BUT SERENA’S STILL HERE DESPITE HERS
PU-LEEZE, LET’S GET “GRAND SLAM” CORRECT, AND GIVE THE ONLY SLAMMERS – LAVER, COURT, GRAF, BUDGE, CONNOLLY DUE RESPECT
MELBOURNE — Hail the Conquering Hero! (But please don’t keep on demeaning him.) I’m talking about that red-headed, left-handed spellbinding lad, Rodney George Laver, a refugee from a Queensland farm Well, he hasn’t fallen off a horse for some time, or wielded the sweetest racket this side of heaven. But he’s among us again to help salute the 40th anniversary of his most … [Read more...] about PU-LEEZE, LET’S GET “GRAND SLAM” CORRECT, AND GIVE THE ONLY SLAMMERS – LAVER, COURT, GRAF, BUDGE, CONNOLLY DUE RESPECT
ANOTHER EDITION OF THE MAJORS, AUSTRALIAN LEADS OFF DOWN UNDER
KANGAROO VALLEY, Australia – Wending our way toward Melbourne and another Australian Open, which will be quieter this year. Unfortunately the Siberian Siren, Maria Sharapova, won’t be there to defend her title. She was so terrific a year ago, winning 14 of 14 sets, looking very No. 1, crushing then No. 1 Justine Henin in the quarters, 6-4, 6-0 (perhaps making the retired … [Read more...] about ANOTHER EDITION OF THE MAJORS, AUSTRALIAN LEADS OFF DOWN UNDER