Dan's Papers - May 23, 2008 - The Modern Game of Tennis

Some say that the modern game of tennis began with the image of the Zen master Andre Agassi. In his younger days Agassi's colorful outfits, cascading blonde locks and superior play impressed and attracted more and more of the younger generation to tennis, and like so many things, the generation that Agassi inspired is putting its stamp on the game.

Dramatically, not so quietly, and with a fierce intensity, modern players are changing everything from clothing, to balls, to stances, to grunts, to grips, to strokes and strategies. Probably the poster child for the modern game is Rafael Nadal, the French Open winner. Nadal, from Majorca, is one of the youngest players ever to win that prestigious red clay event, but neither his game, nor his dress, nor his demeanor resemble the game that I grew up with, and that's probably good for the game.

Whether Nadal wears sleeveless shirts for his bulging biceps or to allow him to swing more freely really doesn't matter to his adoring lady fans, they just scream louder for "Rafa" His funny pedal pusher pants that probably no one should wear, were recently sported by 40-something John McEnroe, who definitely should not wear them. Nadal's signature wedgie tugs are counted by fans, laughed at by everyone and often imitated help make up his unique public persona. The severe western grip that he wields with awesome power is often an impossible shot for older players. His relentless sullen intensity and devastating topspin impress and often amaze fans and opponents alike. But Nadal's recent clay court record of 103 victories in 105 matches is, by anyone's standard, world class and truly outstanding.

Even with all his talent, Nadal still usually loses to Roger Federer, arguably the best player the game has ever known. Now Federer plays a game that many more of us can relate to. It's a blend of the old and the new styles, but he plays with unmatched talent that I am sure helps keep Nadal's head on straight. There is no doubt that the Federer/Nadal matches are fun to watch and are destined to be considered classics, but do you know what can be even more fun and more classic? Playing your own modern game this summer.

Let's face a reality - you are probably not going to play at Wimbledon, the US or French Open any time soon, but you can and should enjoy the fun and health benefits of tennis. Play in the Hamptons this summer. Take a lesson, call a friend to hit some balls, develop your own unique style. Tennis is waiting for you.

See you on the courts.

Bill Mecca is a member of the U.S. Professional Tennis Association. Questions? Thoughts? mecca@eastern.usta.com