Breakfast, American style, is served
By Jim Courier, special to USA
TODAY
It's that time of the year again. Are you ready for
service breaks with your coffee and toast?
It's Wimbledon time. I've been asked to be your
"guide to the inside" of The Championships so let's begin by checking
in with a few people we'll be seeing in the next few weeks:
- Well hello, Ms. Capriati. Is Hollywood paying attention? Your comeback is
almost too good to be true. You've won two Grand Slam titles in a row.
Perhaps you'll add a chapter to your fairy tale. You've added muscle and
mental fortitude to your strong groundstrokes but the best addition is the
re-emergence of your smile.
- Welcome back, Mr. Sampras. The greatest men's champion the All-England
Club's Center Court has ever known. You aren't playing as many tournaments
as you used to but, with a new wife and season tickets to the Lakers, who
can blame you? Now that they've done their job, it's your turn. You've won
seven of the last eight years here. You're going for five in a row this
year. How do you spell dominance? "P-E-T-E" seems about right over
at the Big W. This is where you shake the disappointment of your clay season
off each year. As usual, you got plenty of match play at the Queens Club
tournament last week. You should cruise through the first few rounds with
your friendly draw. See you in a few Sundays, Pistol? Bud Collins is
awaiting your usual Sunday morning, post-title chat.
- Venus and Serena. Reggie Jackson once said he was "the straw that
stirs the drink" for his New York Yankees. I think the same could be
said for you two when it comes to the women's tour. Venus, last years run to
the title kick-started your year and you dominated the rest of the way. You
have both struggled with injuries this year. There have also been questions
about some untimely defaults when you were scheduled to play against each
other earlier this season. One way to put all of that behind you is to reach
the final here and play each other with the same conviction that you play
the other women on tour. One other thing: Help us all out by asking your Dad
keep the message board down during the matches. All that his chalk board
does is distract us from some superb tennis.
- We have been waiting for the arrival of an heir to the American men's
throne for quite some time. Mr. Agassi and Sampras have been holding court
for many moons but it appears a young prince has finally arrived to stake
his claim. Andy Roddick, step right up. We are a spoiled lot in America. We
have had a U.S. male win at least one Grand Slam title each year since 1989
so we expect a lot from our players. With the elder contingent approaching
the twilight it is nice to see you stepping up to the plate. There will be a
little weight on your shoulders but if you can remember that it's still a
game, you'll be fine. Your 140-mph serve should help lighten your step.
- Andre. I had to save you for last. You've put the men's game on your back
and carried it for 15 years. I'm amazed that you're going stronger than ever
at 31. You have won four Grand Slam titles out of the last nine. I'm out of
adjectives but I do have to point out that you still have quite a few more
titles to go if you want to catch the world's most famous "player
guest", Ms. Graf. (Hey, just keeping you honest.) There could be some
more magic up your sleeve for this year's Wimby. You have always had the
best return of serve and now you're stronger and faster than 10 years ago.
Take another bow, Andre. You've earned it.
Yes, it's Wimbledon time again. Grab your bathrobes
everybody. Breakfast is about to be served.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/01wim/courier/2001-06-21-courier.htm
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