Serving up all things tennis including on-court musings and off-court scoop
James A. Crabtree is freelance writer for various publications both online and in print. He resides in Melbourne Australia and genuinely enjoys his many forms of employment but would prefer to be the happy recipient of a trust fund. He promises to one day get a smartphone, check his Facebook, subscribe to LinkedIn and do all the other wondrous online stuff.
Follow his sporadic updates on Twitter at @JamesACrabtree or email him at james.a.crabtree@gmail.com.
By James Crabtree Now we all know the Big 4 shared the spoils when it came to the slams. And we also know that the same Big 4, to date, shared amongst themselves the bigger ATP 1000 events. So greedy… Nevertheless, some unlikely names managed an emergence or in some instances an older guy experienced an impressive resurgence. Either way credit is due for those who triumphed at some of the … [Read more...]
By James Crabtree Australia’s Marinko Matosevic started the year at ranked 203. He is now placed within the top 50. Sadly, the new Australian number one is not a household name. Now this is not the moment to stress out and point the finger. And don’t blame Bernard Tomic and call him a disappointment, decide he needs a new coach, tell him he needs a new game plan, advise him to shape up … [Read more...]
By James Crabtree Roundup from Asian Swing! Before you get excited about all the Euro indoor events it is time to reflect and appreciate what just happened back East… Far East! Yes, it has been a very busy few weeks. Lucky number seven? - The ATP 250’s, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur A French affair featured in the Bangkok final where Richard Gasquet collected his seventh career title … [Read more...]
by James A. Crabtree Usually this is Canada’s time in the sun but the rain and the London Olympics have certainly stolen a considerable chunk of the limelight. There is still much to ponder. It is still an ATP 1000 event and it still has some big names in attendance. The well respected Canadian Open is usually one of the most favoured U.S. Open warm-up tournaments. It is one of the … [Read more...]
by James A. Crabtree Roger Federer's trophy cabinet is full. It has everything required to be considered the greatest of all time. Still, years from now when Federer grabs a duster to bring an extra shine to his various silverware surely he grumbles at the missed opportunity. There are not too many lists where both Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi sit atop the mighty Swiss. Sheer volume, … [Read more...]
By James A. Crabtree So the very disappointing and confusing Opening Ceremony is over. No wonder the Queen didn’t manage a smile. Anyway, it’s official let the Games begin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLxcyO0AX04 Especially the tennis. And there are some great match-ups on the horizon. Some players will be glad they stuck around after Wimbledon, others will wish they jumped ship … [Read more...]
By James A. Crabtree Imagine watching teletubbies every day for two weeks. This would be a pretty hard task for anybody above the age of three unless, of course, you are Goran Ivanisevic on the way to your 2001 Wimbledon title and it is all part of your ritual. Add facial hair growth to a list that includes not walking on the lines, eating the same meals daily and always requesting the same … [Read more...]
By James A. Crabtree Is Andy Murray a choker? Or is that a horribly unfair label considering the current crop of tennis geniuses around him? Now, we all know that out of his four finals this was by far his best performance. And we can only imagine what would have happened if he, at one set up and four games all, had converted one of those break points, or if the roof hadn’t been closed, … [Read more...]
By James A. Crabtree The 2012 Wimbledon semi-final is dominated by one name - Andy Murray. Ever since the shock exit of certain Spaniard in the second round, the British faithful have insisted that this is his, and their time. The memories of Tim Henman and his four semi-final exits will be banished. The ghost of 1938 Wimbledon finalist Bunny Austin will be vanquished. Mystical Murray could … [Read more...]
By James A.Crabtree Do we start with those lacklustre Aussies? Do we mention their worst Wimbledon since 1938? Should we mention the departures of Hewitt, Ebden and Matosevic? Or just recall the pitiful racquet crushing display by the temperamental Bernard Tomic, that was less atomic than just plain old comic. And what about the erratic ousting of Sam Stosur by world number seventy one Arantxa … [Read more...]
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