Hi Everyone!

Wimbledon is a fantastic tournament and truly one of the sporting wonders of the world. Well run, unique and a venue that encapsulates the memory of anyone who has the privilege of attending. It always refreshes my attitude when I have given tickets to friends who attend Wimbledon for the first time and return to relate their experience to me. Their enthusiasm for tennis and their amazement at what a fantastic day Wimbledon provides is compelling.

Wimbledon 2006

“I think that Nadal will be surprisingly competitive on the grass. His confidence and ability to find ways of putting the ball in the court, coupled with the fear factor he brings if he wins a few matches, will make opponents jittery. It is not impossible for a Federer v Nadal Wimbledon final”

I feel proud that I could foresee this coming when McEnroe and co pundits did not give him a chance of final. I also think that had Nadal started the match with real belief Roger would have had an even tougher time in that final. I fail to understand why Roger does not serve and volley more on the grass. I also think he hates the feeling of being passed by Raffa and this will make further meetings between the two very interesting. I still believe that mentally Nadal has the edge until Federer beats him on another surface. Wimbledon was not the blitz it needed to be to put doubts into Nadal’s head. Roll on the US Open!

Henman did what could be expected and I’m sure he will end the year back in the top 40. Perhaps he may consider playing more doubles and earn a Grand Slam title or two because he is a wonderful doubles player and loves playing tennis. Doubles could prolong his career, give his career a new dimension and help invigorate the doubles tour.

Although Murray did well beating Roddick I think they both need a coach to kick on, although Murray needs a fitness trainer just as much. Andy Roddick is in trouble and I would love to get to chat with him about his game. He needs to learn to move through the ball rather than set and hit. Few coaches teach moving through the ball well and for Andy this is key to getting to the net faster and also to taking away time. (see Pro Drills dvd) Jez Green our fantastic trainer and I could help his footwork pattern moving to the net and on return of serve he could use the opponents pace much better.

The women’s event was a tribute to perseverance and the validation of a great player. Montgomery deserves the same in golf and had the chance in the US Open, hopefully not his last but time is running out for him. Amelie Mauresmo achieved a dream and left a goal for Henin to yet conquer which was a perfect end. Mauresmo may yet go on to dominate women’s tennis for a couple of years given the confidence and belief of a Wimbledon champion. There is a gentle reshuffle of the pack as the tour waits to see which of the young players consistently starts to challenge the likes of Henin, Mauresmo, Clijsters and Kuznetsova. Is there anything left for Davenport and both Williams’s sisters to do in tennis at Grand Slam level? Fascinating summer ahead…

Academy

July 7th was the official closing of the LTA Academy in Leeds although I shall continue working for the LTA until the end of August. It has been an eventful 10 years for me and a chapter which afforded me great opportunity for which I thank the LTA. I also look forward to an excellent working relationship with the LTA in the future given my continued involvement with British players.

For details of our new Academy, The Monte Carlo Tennis Academy, please visit www.mctacademy.com and as we get closer to the September start date opportunities for interaction and involvement with this fine venture will be rolled out.

Anna and Naomi both lost in the final qualifying round for Wimbledon juniors which were a disappointment. However the overall play of all the players continues to improve and we look forward to some good results over the summer.

All the best,

David