Watching tennis

I am no tennis player. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate good tennis. The Australian Open started this week, and I've had it on the evenings I've been home.

When I first started watching tennis, I watched because of Andy Roddick. I liked Andy. He was fun to watch when he was at the top of his game. His serve was insane and he seemed to be having fun on the court. Now that he's retired (which makes me more than a bit envious), I watch for players like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Federer is so smooth, he is easy to watch. He makes the game look effortless. Djokovic is simply good. He dominates his matches and makes me glad I don't have to play against him. Murray always seems to be the underdog, and who doesn't root for the underdog?

On the women's side, I don't really have someone I'd say I'm a fan of. If you listen to the announcers, you'd think you have to root for the Williams sisters. Well, talking heads, I don't. I'm not a fan of either. Yes, they're very good. Yes, Serena is pretty dominant today and Venus was in her prime. But, at the risk of sounding anti-American, I don't cheer for them. And I'm not really sorry.

I don't like the shrieking/grunting/growling/whatever-you-want-to-call-it you hear during some of the women's matches, though. I've heard players say it's part of their breathing routine on the court, but I don't buy that. I think they're simply trying to intimidate their opponents by making as much distracting noise as they can, whether they realize it or not. And I blame their coaches for part of that. If they were really concerned about it, they would nip it in the bud - when the girls are just learning how to play. They don't pick up the decibels once they hit the professional tour.

Anyway, I'm enjoying the tournament again this year. I'm wishing I was in Australia, too, since it's summer there. Someday maybe.