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Players Can Now Learn To Slice, Volley and Serve Like the Pros With New Grip MD

Posted by Admin on July 23, 2021

Posted in: ATP, Tennis Lessons and Instruction, WTA. Tagged: Grip MD, james blake, Mark Marklein, Matt Daly, Tennis Training. Leave a comment

Players Can Now Learn To Slice, Volley and Serve Like the Pros With New Grip MD

The best training tool to improve your game…fast!

Delray Beach, Fla. – July 23, 2021 – Grip MD is a revolutionary new unique training device developed by two former collegiate tennis stars with the goal to aid players of all levels how to perfect the proper volley, serve, and slice grip.

Grip MD is the creation of former ATP World Tour doubles No. 38 and NCAA Champion Mark Merklein and former Notre Dame No. 1 Matt Daly. The device simply slips on to the handle of the racket, allowing the player to feel the perfect Continental grip. The Continental grip is used for the slice, serve and volleys in tennis and is vital to a player’s development.

“Having worked with players of all levels from beginners to pros, I have found that teaching the correct grip is the most important part of any player’s technical development,” said Daly, Co-Founder of GripMD. “It is also extremely hard to teach and commonly misunderstood. This device greatly simplifies the process, allowing players to find the perfect grip in a short period of time.”

Merklein appears in several information YouTube videos demonstrating how to master the slice, volley and second serve using Grip MD.

“Learning the Continental grip is an important piece in player development,” said Merklein, who won the NCAA singles title in 1994 and the doubles crown in 1993 playing for the University of Florida. “With the proper foundation you will have the opportunity to be the best player you can be! Don’t let your grips limit your level!”

Several high-level professionals have come out and endorsed Grip MD.

“Having the correct grips for your strokes is one of the starting blocks for a successful career in tennis,” said James Blake, the former ATP World Tour No. 4 in singles. “Whatever your goal is, starting at the right spot and making sure the basics are taken care of is so important. The Grip MD will start you on a path that makes it easy to learn and improve quickly.”

“Mastering the serve and the volley requires the perfect grip,” said John Isner, the former No. 1 American who reached a career-high No. 8 on the ATP World Tour. “The Grip MD makes that infinitely easier for you.”

Take advantage of a special offer now. Get three Grip MD products for the low price of $99. Or buy one for $39.95. To purchase and for more information or to purchase GripMD, visit at: https://www.thegripmd.com/

—S. Pratt

Dodig-Hewitt And Isner-Blake Highlight Day 7 Quarterfinals @BBTAtlantaOpen

Posted by Admin on July 26, 2013

Posted in: Atlanta, ATP, BB&T Atlanta Open. Tagged: atlanta, atp, bb&t, james blake, John Isner, lleyton hewitt, open, quarterfinals, Ryan Harrison. Leave a comment

Dodig-Hewitt And Isner-Blake Highlight BB&T Atlanta Open Day 7 Quarterfinals

Quarterfinal singles matches will take place in Atlanta on Friday. Action begins at 1 p.m. on Stadium with a match between Ivan Dodig and Lleyton Hewitt, that, if the current form holds for both, could very well go the distance. Dodig beat Hewitt once last year, and that went 3 sets.

Hewitt Signing

After that match concludes, an All-American battle between James Blake and John Isner will take place for the 3rd time in their careers, and the 2nd time in the history of the ATP Atlanta tournament. The 2 previous meetings have both been won by Isner, but Blake comes off 2 solid wins in which his aggressive tennis held up. Isner comes off a long 3 setter in which his tennis was not up to his potential at times. Both have been clutch this week.

Blake Chats With A Baby

The evening matches are Giraldo vs. Ryan Harrison and Istomin vs. Anderson. Harrison beat Giraldo at the Aussie open this year in 4 sets, and Anderson beat Istomin in straights on a hard court in Sydney this year. I expect that to be a servefest.

On Grandstand at 7, Berankis/Giraldo and Roger-Vasselin/Sijsling are scheduled to go head to head in doubles, though I’m not sure how that will work out given Giraldo could very well be playing singles at the same scheduled time.

—Steen Kirby

Isner Survives Christian Harrison; Anderson Finishes Strong; Americans 2-0 Vs. Europe @BBTAtlantaOpen

Posted by Admin on July 26, 2013

Posted in: Atlanta, ATP, BB&T Atlanta Open. Tagged: atlanta, atp, bb&t, christian harrison, Day 6, james blake, John Isner, open, recap, Thurday. Leave a comment

Isner Survives Battle With Christian Harrison; Anderson Finishes Strong; Americans Go 2-0 Vs. Europe On Day 6 @BBTAtlantaOpen

Christian Harrison put up a clutch and tenacious fight against Big John Isner but fell short 6-7, 6-4, 5-7, as he just couldn’t crack the code of Isner’s serve. The young American moved, served, and struck the ball well all the way through the first set. Isner wasn’t playing spectacularly but still dominated with his serve and the occasional bludgeoned forehand. They played a long tiebreak, with both guys saving clutch set points, especially Harrison, but eventually the Isner serve/forehand combo won out again and he took it.Rather than fading, Harrison the younger kept his head up and dug in, continuing to hold serve until a massive break to take the 2nd set. In the 3rd they continued dueling, but Isner finally broke through and then aced the match out.

Isner was not particularly effective when not volleying, and Harrison won most of the rallies. In fact, Harry won more total points, but it wasn’t enough. For a 19-year-old, Harrison played smart tennis like a veteran, but also showed fresh legs and came up with some impeccable shots, including a broken string drop/passing shot combo winner. Isner’s serve and power when he needed it finally got it done in the end.

In other action, Kevin Anderson had a tough time against Matt Ebden at the start, and lost the opening set via tiebreak. Things got better as the match went on for the 2 seed, as he took control, serving well throughout and winning 6-7, 6-2, 6-2.

Giraldo

Santiago Giraldo won 5-7, 6-3, 3-0 (retired) over Michael Russell. Russell broke Santi as his countryman Alejandro Falla watched. After long baseline rallies, Giraldo recovered in the 2nd set. After Russell left the court grabbing his side at the end of the set, he came back and retired 3 games later to hand the Colombian a quarterfinals spot.

Americans were 2-0 against European players today in 2nd round action. Ryan Harrison came back from a slow start (double break down in the first) to beat a wilted and disinterested Igor Sijsling 6-4, 6-3. After Harrison got over his early blues, he took control and Sijsling totally lost control. Harrison went up a break in the 2nd but Sijsling got that one back after a poor Harrison service game. Then the Dutchman finally wilted in the heat to the point he was serving, barely moving, and hitting weak drop shots or reach returns in a half-effort. He also wasn’t chasing down Harrison’s lobs.

Blake

James Blake was much better than Evgeny Donskoy today, as his aggressive brand of tennis paid off 6-3, 6-2. The Russian was trying out there, but he just didn’t have it today, as Blake was returning sharply and whipping his backhands en route to a rather routine victory for the veteran American.

In the other 2nd round match, Denis Istomin kept Rendy Lu from serving out the first set, and eventually won in straights 7-5, 6-2.

In doubles quarterfinal action, Guccione/Hewitt dominated Ram/Skupski 6-1 6-2, Fleming/Marray beat Blake/Sock 6-3, 6-2 and Roger-Vasselin/Sijsling beat King/Spir 7-5, 6-3.

Erlich and Ram

Top seeds Dodig/Melo were upset by Erlich/Ram 7-5, 4-6, 10-8, and Berankis/Giraldo got a walkover against Russell/Kudla because of Russell’s injury. The Dodig/Melo vs. Erlich/Ram match was highly entertaining and full of lobs, fast reflexes, and ripped serve returns.

—Steen Kirby

@BBTAtlantaOpen Day 5: Hewitt Outlasts Williams; Falla, Karlovic Suffer Bogota Hangover; Dodig Dogged Over Berankis; Blake, Russell Advance

Posted by Admin on July 25, 2013

Posted in: Atlanta, ATP, BB&T Atlanta Open. Tagged: 2013, atlanta, atp, bb&t, Day 6, james blake, mardy fish, michael russell, open, recap, tennis, Wednesday. Leave a comment

BB&TAtlanta Open Day 5: Hewitt Outlasts Williams; Falla, Karlovic Suffer Bogota Hangover; Dodig Dogged Over Berankis; Blake, Russell Advance

Atlanta, July 24, 2013—Lleyton Hewitt outgritted Rhyne Williams 7-6, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the BB&T Atlanta Open. Rusty Hewitt went up early 5-3, but Rhyne would rely on his serve and power baselining to bring him back to 6-all. In the tiebreak, he went up 6-2 but Rusty fought back, as he always does, eventually taking it 8-6. He was helped by a Williams double fault along the way. In the 2nd set, Rhyno didn’t let up though, continuing to remain focused and hammering away. Just like his match yesterday, Hewitt broke in the final game of the match after a bit of hassle and took it 6-4.

I also will point out Rhyne’s much improved on court attitude. After having developed a reputation for self-beratement and broken racquets, he literally made almost no non-tennis ball hitting sounds on court today or in his match against Denis Kudla. He’s remained calm and focused, even when broken or when making a technical mistake. A+ for attitude.

Ivo

The Bogota finalists both suffered losses today. Ivo Karlovic was downright sleep-inducing against Matt Ebden. He was broken twice, against all odds, and just couldn’t do it today. Karlo called the trainer, who checked his heartbeat, and he retired at the end of the set to advance the Aussie qualifier to Round 2.

Harrison Post Match

Alejandro Falla played a longer match, but also was upset, losing in 3 sets to Christian Harrison, for Harrison’s first career ATP main draw match win 6-1, 6-7, 6-2. The younger Harrison sprinted out to a strong lead, but the Colombian would play a cleaner, more competitive second set. Midway into that set, however, he called the trainer and got his legs stretched out. The tiebreak and the games proceeding it were incredibly close, with multiple games going to deuce, but the Colombian survived before running out of gas in Set 3 and allowing a fresher Harrison to push his way over the hump.

Harrison carries around a great attitude on and off court, and especially today. He was incredibly courteous interacting with fans and took plenty of time to do so. This seems to be his modus operandi and he is a great up and coming ambassador for the pro game.

Ivan Dodig was dogged against a bipolar Ricardas Berankis 6-1, 6-7, 6-3. Rycka was atrocious in the first set, similar to his start against Zverev the day before, but somehow finished differently and played to his talent level in the 2nd set. He came up with some incredible shots to keep the match alive and take the 2nd set. The problem is that he once again could not maintain that level of play. His typical form would be an amazing moving winner followed by a limp drop shot into the net and a shanked forehand. The passing shots were dynamic between the pair and the match ended on a great volley point/incredible drop shot by Dodig. The Croatian was so pleased with his win after the match that he gave his wristband to a young fan, who was originally just seeking an autograph.

Blake Chats With A Baby

James Blake won in 3 tight sets over Tim Smyczek, who tried being tenacious but just wasn’t quite as good, Blake winning 7-6, 4-6, 7-6. Michael Russell did the same, finishing up a comeback win over Comeback Kid Mardy Fish 4-6, 6-2, 7-5. Fish did not play poorly at all It was just Russell who played extremely well and believe me, they battled. Both of them would have beaten a lot of ATP regulars in their current form today.

In doubles, Guccione/Hewitt got by Gonzalez/Lipsky 3-6 7-6 10-2, Ram/Skupski beat Inglot/Moser 6-4 6-4 and Blake/Sock edged Demoliner/Sa 7-5, 7-6, 10-6.

—Steen Kirby

Newport Ahoy! Ten Days Until Qualifying Begins at @TennisHalloFame Championships #ATPNewport

Posted by Admin on June 26, 2013

Posted in: ATP, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport. Tagged: 2013, atp, championships, Hall of Fame, james blake, John Isner, lleyton hewitt, Newport, preview, rhyne williams, sam querrey, tennis. Leave a comment

Newport Ahoy! Ten Days Until Qualifying Begins at Hall of Fame Championships

There will be some new faces at the annual Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, Rhode Island in ten days. Headlining this year’s field is two-time defending champion and old hat John Isner.

Isner Looks for the Three-Peat

Isner broke the dreaded ‘Van Alen Curse’ in 2011 and 2012 by being the first man in the history of the tournament to win the trophy as a #1 seed.

Isner’s luck may have wound down with that title. After that, he won Winston-Salem a month later, but he’s only had 1 ATP title in 2013 and a middling record to go along with it. His first round victory over Evgeny Donskoy at Wimbledon on Monday was a relief to many of his fans who simply have no idea what to expect from him when he takes the court these days.

This tournament is well-tailored for him. He will be the #2 seed this year behind Sam Querrey. Querrey hasn’t grasped a title since last July in Los Angeles. He started the year strong, but has not been able to stay in form and pick up momentum. He bowed out in the first round at Wimbledon yesterday against Bernie Tomic.

For all that, they’re still overwhelming co-favorites to hoist the Van Alen Cup in 2013. Because after Quisner, the next seed is Igor Sijsling. That’s right, the Dutchman who is 63 in the world is the #3 seed this year. You’ve got two top 25s in this draw and no player ranked 30-60 in the world. It’s a big drop-off and it gives the top seeds an incredible chance to snare the title.

Sijs is #3 Seed

Former UT standout and Australian Open Wild Card Champion Rhyne Williams will make his first appearance at Newport. Joining the 22 year old Williams in the freshman class will be Matteo Viola (25), Kenny De Schepper (26) , Michal Przysiezny (29), Marius Copil (22), Yuichi Sugita (24) and Ilya Marchenko (25). Adrian Mannarino also enters the main draw for the first time, although he played in Newport qualifiers last year.

Williams is a Newport Rookie

The American contingent in the main draw will consist of Williams, Isner, Querrey, Denis Kudla, Jack Sock, James Blake, Ryan Harrison, Tim Smyczek, Rajeev Ram and Michael Russell.

Last year’s field had the feel of an ATP 500 with a lot of players using the grass as a warm-up for the London Olympic Games. This year, it’s back to business as usual. This field could be exactly the tonic that Querrey and Isner could desperately use to refresh their game heading into their preferred hard court tournaments. The loose field also gives upstarts like Denis Kudla, Jack Sock and Rhyne Williams a chance to advance to the late rounds.

There’s one guy who might make every player’s week a little tougher, and it’s this guy:

This Guy

Hewitt has a way of coming in and taking over a tournament. Literally. The 2012 finalist is good enough for at least one more title, which always makes him a wild card at Newport.

I’ll provide on-site coverage of the qualifying and early to middle rounds from the grass in Newport, the coolest town to host a tennis tournament in the world. Remember, this is the place where they let bloggers pull chips to help determine the draw. Anything can happen.

—S. Fogleman

Newport at Wimbledon: Almost All American 1st Round Winners Got Next @TennisHalloFame

Posted by Admin on June 25, 2013

Posted in: ATP, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport. Tagged: atp, Championship, Hall of Fame, isner, james blake, lleyton hewitt, new england, Newport, querrey, rhode island, tennis. Leave a comment

Newport at Wimbledon: Almost All American 1st Round Winners Got Next @TennisHalloFame

The main draw of the 2013 International Tennis Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, Rhode Island has 10 players who hail from the United States, and 4 out of the 5 left standing in Wimbledon after the first round will be playing on the New England grass in less than two weeks.

John Isner, Denis Kudla, James Blake and Rajeev Ram are headed to Newport, but not until their business is finished in London. That’s because they all advanced to the second round at Wimbledon. Throw in our Canadian brothers Vasek Pospisil and Jesse Levine, who both made the second round, and that adds up to 6 of the 8 North American men left in Wimbledon are up next at Newport.

Looks like Chowder

Regardless of nationality, the top 15 seeded players for the HOF Championships posted a decent 10-5 record in the first round. In the finest performance yet at SW19 this year, Lleyton Hewitt made quick work of #11 Stan Wawrinka. Look out for him at the Newport Casino.

James Blake was on fire against Thiemo De Bakker.

Denis Kudla got his first Grand Slam win.

And then there was Newport top seed Sam Querrey losing to Bernie Tomic.

There are 13 days until main draw play begins at the American Wimbledon. Let’s hope one or more of these guys shows up a little late to Little Rhody because he was too busy playing quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

—S. Fogleman

Bro Down Showdown Headlines 2013 BB&T Atlanta Open Special Events Schedule

CLOS DU BOIS ‘BARRELS TO BALLS’ EVENT TAKES SECOND

ATLANTA, May 29, 2013 – The BB&T Atlanta Open has announced a series of special events to further raise the bar for the tournament taking place July 20-28 at Atlantic Station. Special events will include the Bro Down Showdown, Tennis Night on the Town, Clos Du Bois Barrels to Balls, Military Appreciation Night, a USTA Member Appreciation Reception, ALTA Night and the USTA Family Zone featuring daily free play opportunities. For more information on upcoming special events or to purchase tickets to the BB&T Atlanta Open, visit www.BBTAtlantaOpen.com.

Saturday, July 20

The BB&T Atlanta Open will kick off the 2013 tournament with Tennis Night on the Town, an exciting charity event benefiting youth tennis programs at YMCA’s across Atlanta. The special evening will feature the BB&T Atlanta Open official Player Party and Draw Ceremony, a pro exhibition for the Youth’s 10 & Under tennis program, a chance to meet and mingle with ATP World Tour pros, creative cuisine and signature cocktails, special musical entertainment by Ronald Agenor (former world No. 22 ATP World Tour pro), a silent auction with elite prizes and the opportunity to make a difference. Festivities will be held at the Twelve Hotel Ballroom in Atlantic Station from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are available to the public for $500 each and may be purchased at www.AtlantaYMCATennis.org.

Monday, July 22

Matching up four sets of brothers who have all battled on the ATP World Tour, the Bro Down Showdown will delight the crowd prior to the featured Monday night first-round match. Brothers Bob and Mike Bryan, James and Thomas Blake, Ryan and Christian Harrison, and Jack and Eric Sock will go head to head for the chance to be the top “bros” and win bragging rights. Expect to hear our players entertain the fans with spirited on-court comments. The exhibition starts at 7 p.m.

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Tuesday, July 23

Atlanta enjoys the distinction of having the largest number of tennis league players in the world with more than 42,000 USTA members and 80,000 ALTA members. This dynamic tennis community will be recognized with ALTA Night. Attending ALTA members will receive a $10 ticket discount. The top five boys and girls from their respective ALTA Junior Challenge ladders will be recognized and the on-court coin toss will be performed by ALTA President Dorian Jefferson.

Wednesday, July 24 USTA members throughout the country will also be honored on Wednesday, July 24 with a Member Appreciation Day Reception from 2-3:30 p.m. in the VIP Lounge and a $10 ticket discount available for Wednesday’s matches. USTA members are asked to provide membership cards for entrance and so they can enjoy complimentary refreshments, gifts, player appearances and giveaways.

Thursday, July 25 The Clos du Bois Barrels to Balls event will feature wine tasting with food pairings and Wine 101, with lessons on successful food pairings, how to choose the right wine at a restaurant and explaining wine terms. The event, which will run from 2-4 p.m., will also feature appearances by ATP World Tour players, music by local artists and a silent auction. Proceeds of the silent auction will benefit the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.

Also on July 25, the USTA will honor the men and women who have served our country’s military with Military Appreciation Night. The tournament will salute the United States military with on-court appearances by a military Color Guard and national anthem singer Lauren-Ashley Blake.

Saturday, July 20 – Sunday, July 28 The USTA Family Zone will be the place to be for young tennis players and the young at heart. Come and enjoy hitting tennis balls and having fun on the USTA 10 and Under Tennis 36’ courts on Atlantic Station’s Central Park. Open free to the public, USTA staffers will have age-appropriate tennis racquets, balls, courts and nets for kids to exercise, hit a few balls and enjoy tennis. The courts will be open from noon-7 p.m.

”Our goal for the BB&T Atlanta Open is to continually improve the overall experience for both players and guests,” says Tournament Director Bob Bryant. “With our headline event — The Bro Down — this year’s special event lineup is sure to entertain our crowds both on and off the courts.” In addition to exceptional tennis, we have a variety of buzz-worthy events for both adults and kids to choose from.”

The BB&T Atlanta Open is the first men’s event in the Emirates Airline US Open Series. Last July, the BB&T Atlanta Open set a new standard for tennis events during its’ inaugural year at Atlantic Station, which was universally praised as an outstanding site for fans, players and sponsors.

Connect with the BB&T Atlanta Open on their social media networks by liking their Facebook Page, www.Facebook.com/BBTAtlOpen, and following on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/BBTAtlantaOpen with the hashtag #ATLOpen. For more information about the BB&T Atlanta Open, visit www.BBTAtlantaOpen.com.

—R. Cioffi

Resurgent Gulbis Wins 2nd Delray Title

Posted by Admin on March 4, 2013

Posted in: ATP, Delray Beach. Tagged: atp, delray beach, edouard roger-vasselin, ernests gulbis, florida, france, international tennis championships, Jack Sock, james blake, latvia. Leave a comment

Resurgent Gulbis Wins 2^nd Delray Title

Ernests Impressed in Delray

A resurgent Ernests Gulbis won his second career ATP Delray Beach title (the other coming in 2010) 7-6, 6-3 over fellow surprise finalist Edouard Roger-Vasselin in a match where both players began the week ranked outside the top 100. Gulbis will now rise into the top 70 and Vasselin will also break the top 100 after making his first career ATP final at the age of 29.

Gulbis qualified and then beat James Blake, Sam Querrey in 3, Daniel Munoz De La Nava and Tommy Haas in 3. Roger-Vasselin beat Flavio Cipolla, Ivo Karlovic, Ricardas Berankis and John Isner, who continues to struggle mightily as he heads into Indian Wells trying to defend finalist points.

Gulbis is 8-2 thus far at the ATP level after a below .500 showing last year and appears to be refocused.

James Blake and Jack Sock made good on their 2^nd straight doubles final and this time took the title over Max Mirnyi and Horia Tecau.

—Steen Kirby

Nishikori, Lopez to Meet in Memphis Final, Bryans and Blake/Sock to Contest Doubles Final

Posted by Admin on February 23, 2013

Posted in: ATP, Memphis, US Indoor National Championship. Tagged: atp, feliciano lopez, Jack Sock, james blake, Kei Nishikori, Memphis, tennis, us indoor national championship. Leave a comment

Nishikori, Lopez to Meet in Memphis final, Bryans and Blake/Sock to Contest Doubles Final

Kei Nishikori advanced to the Memphis final by retirement over Marinko Matosevic after winning the 1^st set 6-4 today. He will take on Feliciano Lopez, who had a harder time against Denis Istomin, winning 6-2 3-6 6-3 in a rollercoaster match where both players had streaks of good play followed by ambivalence. Both Nishikori and Lopez will be vying for their 3^rd career ATP titles.

In the doubles, the Bryans will take on Blake/Sock in an all American showdown, as Blake/Sock won 2-6 6-4 12-10 over Kubot/Nestor.

As for picks, I’ll go with Nishikori and the Bryans tomorrow as Memphis wraps up its 2013 edition.

—Steen Kirby

Movies from Memphis

Posted by Admin on February 21, 2013

Posted in: ATP, Memphis, US Indoor National Championship, WTA. Tagged: james blake, Memphis, sabine lisicki, sam querrey, tennis. Leave a comment

I’ve been so busy I didn’t even realize that Steen uploaded a bunch of video from Memphis. Here’s a sample. The rest may be found on youtube. I see he’s got Hewitt’s presser processing. It’s a work in progress, so check back often.

—S. Fogleman