Oops we forgot lots of awesome Aussies… Standout guy Jason Stoltenberg. And unusual and eclectic coach of Alexander Dolgopolov, Mr. Jack Reader…… Harry would have approved…… so sweet… (Andy Murray in his acceptance/winners speech in Brisbane… Andy thanked Jack Reader for being a great coach and one of the nicest guys on tour… Alix thanked his team. Where Andy thanked his opponent , his opponents coach and then his coaches, including his newest coach Mr. Ivan Lendl.) … Good on you mates. Sorry you were late additions.
Heard from ole pro in Indian Wells:
… memories of Harry.
Been thinking about Harry Hopman…. Recalling how trim his body was… not overly muscled…. how he stressed conditioning… his beach runs, his knee – up jogs… how smooth his strokes were…
The first time I saw him having a ” knock up ” on the court his racket seemed an extension of his arm. I really believe he took off his shirt so you could see how clean and sparse his movements were.
He was the epitome of the complete player. Moved on the court like Gonzalez and now Federer. (yes we spelled “Panchos” name right )
Also brief in his words He was an original. ………… do we have anyone like him now ?
Our photo is of 10sballs.com friend of the site. Wayne Arthurs. Wayne is one hardworking Aussie. During his playing years he represented his country as a true gentleman and Goodwill Ambassador. He also like our buddy Harry, he is a member of the venerable Kooyong club.
Geezer and Big Boss are both huge fans of the hallowed grounds. They have a super museum. It’s not the biggest in Australia but it’s all choice stuff…. Its state of the art beautiful….
The street. The intimate arena. Is a beautiful arena. The place screams history. A feeling similar to being at the old Westside Tennis Club also known as Forest Hills … But Forest Hills is in a state if decay. Shame on the membership…. Shame on the city…. Shame on the US Open for not stepping in to help out it’s ancestral old home…..more later …
Kooyong is flourishing and It’s hosting a great event about to start any moment. They’ve got a great field of players. The format is round robin but very competitive. It’s always a great warm up for the Aussie open. Pack the sunscreen and the “sunnies” (shades) sunglasses… We are on our first leg of the trip. Melbourne here we come… in full force.
Topics: Harry Hopman, Kooyong