Break Points: June 21, 2013

Break Points is a daily roundup of tennis news, videos, links, and tweets. If you have something you think I should include, email me at amy@changeovertennis.com.

Today’s notable results:

  • Eastbourne: Jamie Hampton d. Caroline Wozniacki, 6-7(8), 7-5, 6-3
  • Eastbourne: Elena Vesnina d. Yanina Wickmayer, 6-2, 6-0
  • ‘s-Hertogenbosch: Nicolas Mahut d. Xavier Malisse, 6-3, 6-3

News and Links:

Christopher Clarey has a wonderful piece over at the New York Times about the decline of the one-handed backhand:

“Out of the current top juniors, we haven’t been able to find a boy or girl that plays the backhand with just one hand,” Isabelle Gemmel, administrator for junior and senior tennis at the International Tennis Federation, said in an e-mail message.

Brad Gilbert, a top American coach, frequently visits the Bollettieri Academy in Florida to work with promising junior players.

“Every once in a while, when you see a one-handed backhand, you stop and go ‘Whoa!”’ Gilbert said. “I could be generous and say it’s 20 to 1, but it’s more like 40 to 1. There are a few hundred kids down there playing and it’s just very few and far between. I think 10 to 15 to 20 years from now, you’ll be shocked to see one.”

Greg Garber recalls Roger Federer’s early beginnings in the sport, including this quote from a 19-year-old Federer after winning his first ATP title:

“I was very nervous,” Federer said in a phone conversation. “People were starting to compare me to [Anna] Kournikova. It felt really good to win; now I can say I won one more than her. I feel much better now.”

The ATP Tour board will meet during Wimbledon. Finding a new CEO is the top item on their agenda. USA Today has more on the two candidates.

The men’s and women’s Wimbledon draws are out. Rafael Nadal has landed in Roger Federer’s quarter.

Andy Murray likes watching Agnieszka Radwanska’s game.

Tennis on Twitter:


Amy can be spotted on a tennis court in the Philadelphia area, shanking backhand volleys.

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