Tennis Extra: More Tennis
This is the last of the tennis. I promise*.
Look, I’m not going to apologize for needing a little more space to finish this thing out. That would be disrespectful to the reader, and frankly, disrespectful to me.
Writing
A Week of Wild Tennis in Austin
My wrap up piece was published today by the Austin Chronicle. I got to include a bunch of photos I took. Check it out.
Reading
A Long Way, Baby by Grace Lichtenstein
I swear I didn’t plan it, but on International Women's Day, this came in the mail. Following last week where I attended a WTA event, this is apropos. The story of women in tennis is truly amazing. By getting equal pay half a century ago, it has arguably made tennis THE sport for female competitors. Richard Williams thought so, anyway. Show them the money!
Inner Tennis: Playing the Game by Timothy Gallwey
I was reminded of this book by two different people this week. Surely, a divination. It’s much less well known follow up to Gallwey’s The Inner Game of Tennis. It’s much more practical and would do any player well in trying to figure out the mental side of this mental game.
Racquet Magazine
It doesn’t get much more niche than this, a hipster tennis magazine. Think Kinfolk for the yellow-ball set. I say that as an absolute compliment. It’s got essays, great photography, and a consistent homage to the good old days of headbands and wooden racquets. (Also, I met one of their writers at the ATX Open so there’s that.)
Watching
The Tennis Channel
Literally, the only reason I still have cable is the Tennis Channel. I have my DVR (yeah, I know I’m old) to record all new matches, and sure, that’s multiple hours a day I could never watch all of, but it lets me be choosy and follow my favorite players. (Alex de Minaur and Jannik Sinner, I’m looking at you.)
The French
Of course Wes Anderson is involved in this one. A 1982 documentary about Roland Garros. I saw this in person at the Austin Film Society. Would recommend. (But only if you want to see Yannick Noah’s bare bottom.)
Listening
Tennis Pro
Don’t you dare tell me this has nothing to do with the sport of tennis. “Seattle's only remaining rock band” is worthy of inclusion on any list, and it’s my great shame I left them off my standard edition. Listen to their catchy tunes, but also check out the movie showcasing their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, Big in Japan. (Available on the Roku Channel!)
Living (in Austin)
My Three Favorite Public Courts
Caswell Tennis Center: Old school and cool.
South Austin Tennis Center: Matches in the ‘04
Austin Tennis Center: Out east and always available.
What’s Next
Not tennis!!