Tennis lovers all over India including a few in Singara Chennai would have treated themselves to the US open last week. Agassi showed age is not a factor and played incredible tennis that made FedEx emote (he rarely does that) after winning and so did Shane Warne across the Atlantic; ironically both in losing causes. Amidst the tennis action, I observed something entirely out of context. It’s the "Ball Boys and girls in action" at the US Open. Not sure how many of you noticed the ball being hurled 78 feet across the net - A huge contrast to what happens elsewhere.
Take Wimbledon – it’s a neat roll of the ball nice and straight over the grass. If the ball was to be passed to the other end, it would be in two steps - first to the guy at the net and then from there to the other end, always rolled over the grass. Imperially British. The Queen would have a word with some of these guys during the presentation ceremony on the second weekend. Any other place, you would find something like this only.
But not at New York! Here it is just a huge hurl across the net. I was obviously surprised at this action having watched Wimbledon only a month and a half before. When a player gets the ball, it’s a one bounce whip to them after a mere wait with the ball in the hand that's half raised. Characteristically American. Back in London, it would be a wait with a hand up, and after the player's ack, a neat one bounce pass. What a contrast!
Great Grand Slams, Great tradition, a petty difference :-)
4 comments:
Good one. Even I observed the hurls at Flushing Meadows.
One small correction... I think it is the Duchess (and the Duke) of Kent, and not the Queen, who give away the prizes.
very very interesting observation..
I didn't notice this but it speaks a lot abt the US!!
I am just thinking of what we Indians will do!
British way or American way? Probably, "It happens only in India"-way. Nice obsi anyway...
KG.
yes vijay... duchess of kent thaan... technical fault.
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