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tennis-related stories

Serena Williams - Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment



Let's be honest, it wasn't a clear enough foot fault for the line judge to make that call at such a crucial point in the match. But Serena's reaction was unacceptable. I was courtside after waiting at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center through nearly eight hours of rain to see the women play out their semifinals. The match was tight, although Serena had already beat herself long before she started swearing. She smashed her racquet at the end of the first set in understandable frustration, she was getting outplayed, fair and square. Clijsters had the pressure on, she was playing a cleaner match. It happens to anyone who plays a sport -- some days you don't play your best and your opponent is better.

Many of us can relate on some level to Serena's reaction, but on a stage of that caliber, with so many watching, athletes are setting the tone for much more than their own match. Kids, in particular, emulate what they see their favorite athletes do (which Serena acknowledges in an apology on her website). There is a time in competition, especially individual sports, that it is less about training and fitness, and more about focus and attitude. When the latter fails you, all the hours in the gym can't save you.

Fast-forward to the second foot fault of the match, the call that's been heard around the world. The stadium immediately buzzed, "Was that a foot fault?!" Those listening on US Open radio earpieces heard John McEnroe confirm our questions, it was not a clear foot fault, and it might not have been a fault at all. For those who don't watch tennis outside of the slam finals, let me tell you, foot faults are rarely called, but they have been rife at this year's US Open.


Bryan Brothers - Tennis' No. 1 Doubles Team Talks Grand Slams, Fitness and Rock n' Roll

Fitness

Bryan brothers
Photo: Bob and Mike Bryan, provided by BEST Tennis
They're the coolest doubles team on the pro tour -- and not just because they've amassed over 50 titles, captured an Olympic medal and won all the Grand Slam doubles titles. Mike and Bob Bryan are also twins (Mike's older by two minutes), which is evident when you see them in action. They've simply got a mojo unlike any other doubles team.

The Bryan brothers have been playing tennis together since they were born, after all. And when they're not jamming on the courts, you'll find them jamming with their band.

Even with everything on their plates (including a chance to defend their 2008 U.S. Open title), they took time to chat with That's Fit about tennis, fitness and music. Read on, and you be the judge of how cool these two are (and if you really like them, head to their website and become a member of the Bryan's Bunch).

That's Fit: I'm sure you've been asked this a zillion times, but what's it like to play tennis with your twin brother?

Bob Bryan: We like playing doubles with each other and have done it since we were boys. We're best friends and like doing things together.

TF: OK, but do you ever get mad or upset with each other?

Everyone's A-Twitter Over the U.S. Open

Fitness

Keep track of the latest in diet and fitness Twitter trends and opinions with this weekly post. Not only will AOL Health's Twitter alias Healthpop and That's_Fit ask fitness-related questions and share the best reponses with you, we'll scour the Twittersphere for the latest buzz on everything from good eats to exercise routines gone bad.

As we enter day five of the U.S. Open, which runs until September 13th, tennis came up on our fitness- and sports-related trending topics radar. Here's what these tweeps had to say about the game:

newyearsnight
newyearsnight
newyearsnight I love tennis, because it is not only physical but a mental sport, you need to be calculating and graceful while moving..love it!
Lore741
Lore741
Lore741 Tennis is more than a sport. It involves dedication, courage, and strength; and as a fan, I feel part of it all!
mojinx
mojinx
mojinx Playing tennis feels great, physically, mentally. Feel lucky to witness Roger's exquisite game and Rafa's power.
futuredead
futuredead
futuredead Why all the fascination with the US open? Table tennis is far superior.
LoriWelander
LoriWelander
LoriWelander tennis is great exercise whether competitive or social; watching pro's in usopen improves my game plus exciting

Read any good Tweets? Give us a shout on Twitter and let us know all about it!

Ana Ivanovic Dishes About Working Out

Fitness

Ana Ivanovic working out
Ana Ivanovic in training.
Photo: adidas
Ana Ivanovic fell for the game of tennis when she was just 5 years old. After watching it on TV, she begged her parents to take her to lessons, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, the No. 11 seed at this year's U.S. Open (who's also ranked 11th on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour) can lay claim to several tour titles, including the 2008 French Open. A tough 2009 season and recent injuries may be responsible for her early exit at this year's Open, but she has been working harder than ever off the court to get back into championship form.

Of course, nothing is ever easy as a professional athlete. Not even, you'll be glad to hear, working out! That's what I learned when I chatted with this former No. 1 world player about her fitness program. Two other interesting facts about Ivanovic: She often does Sudoku in the locker room before a match and is superstitious about not walking on the lines of the tennis court.

That's Fit: What are you currently doing to stay in shape? I've read, for instance, that you do long runs, intense sprints and weight training during the off-season.

Ana Ivanovic: That's right. I work very hard during the off-season. I also work intensely during preparation periods during the season. For example, in April before the start of the clay court season, it's important to work on improving the strength in your legs because on clay you need to have a strong, stable base. So I've been working on strengthening my lower body. I also do cardio to maintain my overall fitness, which I think is very good.

Dinara Safina - Q&A With World No. 1 Female Tennis Pro

Fit Travel

Dinara Safina
Dinara Safina
Photo: Getty Images
You know her as the No. 1 player in the world on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. (She's also the top seed at this year's U.S. Open.) But what you may not know about Dinara Safina is that she loves watching "Desperate Housewives," she plays soccer, and she has only played her brother Marat, who's on the men's tour, for practice.

Yet the pressure Safina might face if she were to take on Marat for real pales in comparison to what she's facing at this year's U.S. Open. Although she first reached the No. 1 ranking in April 2009, she has yet to claim her first Grand Slam singles title. Can she do it at Flushing Meadows this year? That's a question everybody's asking.

Meanwhile, I had a brief opportunity to chat with Safina about her fitness program. Find out what this top-ranked player had to say -- and why she loves New York City.

That's Fit: How would you rank your fitness level right now?

Dinara Safina: I'm feeling good. I'm working very hard and think I'm in the best shape I've been in.

Bring it On - How Competitive Is Your Family?

Fitness, Motivation

TTT Tennis court cleaning
Grounds Crew preps for TTT '09
Photo: Katherine Tweed
Last week my brother Thomas declared "You're all going down." As one of the defending champions of the 2008 TTT, he isn't kidding.

This weekend is the start of the most important athletic event in my calendar year – the Tweed Tennis Tournament, commonly referred to as the TTT. It is a two-day single elimination mixed doubles tournament with a run off for third place, the coveted "winners of the losers" spot. When I confirmed if Uncle Lou and his girlfriend were playing – the answer was simply "We're playing to win." My cousin Laura told me she's just hoping her forehand holds up.

The trash talking doesn't begin Saturday at noon as the early rounds kick off, it goes on all year long – in person and via email. It forces me to get out and practice my terrible serve as soon as the weather is nice enough on the worn courts of New York City. I am not alone.

Tennis Elbow - The $8 Cure

Fitness

Photo: Martha Edwards
If you're spending the warm summer months on the courts playing tennis, good for you -- not only is tennis fun, it's a great way to get fit too. But if you're not used to swinging your racket, or you've been hitting every day, a case of tennis elbow can leave you relegated ball boy.

Caused by overuse of the tendons in the arm, it's more than just a painful nuisance -- it can seriously hamper your summer fun. And it's not just caused by tennis -- painting, gardening or any repetitive arm movement can lead to the condition. Luckily, a recent study found that for those afflicted with tennis elbow, an $8 rubber bar may help get them back on the courts.

The FlexBar is a rubber handheld therapy device that you use basically by bending and twisting. Sounds too simple to be effective, right? Don't be fooled -- it really does work.

Tennis Lessons for Less Fatigue

Fitness

The 2009 French Open is into it's second week, and while some players, like Venus Williams, saw quick exits in straight sets, Roger Federer had to come back from two down to overtake Tommy Haas in five sets. For those of us who weren't tearing it on the terre battue this weekend in Roland Garros, there are still some lessons that we can all use to keep fatigue at bay during any strenuous exercise, from tough three-setters to marathons.

Over at Tennis magazine they are following every move of the French Open, including the Nadal upset. But they also have some great advice for any athlete, tennis or otherwise, to survive against tough competition. Here are just a few of their tips to stave off exhaustion:

  • Twitch Training – Muscle fibers come in two varieties, slow twitch and fast twitch. It's important to mix up both high intensity movements with extended, slower workouts to make sure the entire muscle is ready for whatever comes during competition.
  • Clear Thinking – Exertion is not just in your muscles; it's also in your head. Before big matches make sure you feel alert and calm. If you're already mentally weary, try taking a short nap, have a cup of tea or take some deep breaths so you can focus.
  • Sip Cold Water – Drinking cold water a half-hour before exercise reduces physiological strain. So have a few glasses before you hit the court or the field, and then make sure to keep swallowing chilled water throughout the workout.

Summer is the Season for Slimming

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

beach yoga
It's good timing that bikini season falls during summer, because it's the best time for slimming down. The warm weather means outdoor exercise opportunities are abundant, fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful, and with kids out of school, family fitness kicks into full swing.

Summer is the ideal time to lose weight and keep it off, says Lynn Goldstein of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. And as Memorial Day comes to a close and we embark on the unofficial start of summer, it seems appropriate to start brainstorming strategies for trimming down and tightening up during the next few months. Here are a few:


What are your plans for getting fit this summer?

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A Weight Loss Lesson from the Tennis Court

Jonny's Take, Diet & Weight Loss


Jonny Bowden, author, nutritionist and weight loss coach cuts through all the misconceptions about diet and fitness to help you transform your body, your health and your life.

There are basically two ways to win a tennis game. In the first, you hit "winners" -- shots that are absolutely un-returnable, killer smashes, put-aways or balls that are perfectly placed where your opponent is not. Your poor opponent looks helplessly as the ball sails to a part of the court he can't possibly get to, and you win the point.

tennisI spend an awful lot of time playing tennis, an awful lot of time trying to hit "winners" and an awful lot of time being frustrated because most of my "winners" wind up well outside the lines of the court, losing me the point.

Yesterday, my Zen master of a tennis teacher Delroy Reid asked me to try a different approach. (Stay with me on this -- it's going to be relevant for weight loss and, truth be told, for life in general.) Here's what he said: "Keep the ball in play."

Now this might not seem like such a radical concept, but consider this: Even if you don't have a terrific shot, even if you have lousy placement, even if you're a C level player -- if you hit everything back, what do you think is going to happen? I'll tell you, because I've tried it -- your opponent is going to miss. He's going to get frustrated, he's going to lose patience, he's going to try for a winner, and unless he's a pro level player, most of the time, he's going to miss his shot. And you're going to win. Get where I'm going with this?

Tennis Controversy, Great Skin and Friend Affairs - Links We Love

Fitness

We at "That's Fit" and "AOL Health" know that you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we know that a lot more than diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we thought we'd share some of the exciting reporting going on at "AOL Health."

How do you define a woman? Some in the tennis world are raising a stink about a woman born with male and female genitalia being allowed to compete against other women. Plus, our roundup of tennis players to watch.

Whether you want better skin (fewer wrinkles, reduced redness or a brighter glow) in a day, a week or a month, we'll help you achieve the younger-looking skin you crave.

How did your friend turn into his lover? Learn about the four kinds of "friend" affairs and what signs to look out for if you suspect your partner may be having one.

Paradise - Fitness, Fun and Sun at Sandals Resorts

Fitness, Reviews & Products

fitz skiingI'm writing to you from Jamaica, where I've been enjoying a week at several beautiful Sandals resorts. The sun is bright, the waves are warm, the healthy food is plentiful and the endless amount of free athletic activities mean I'm sure to leave this place at least a pound or more lighter than when I arrived. Am I trying to lose weight? No! Is it likely to happen, though? Probably!

Sandals is a chain of "couples only" resorts located in posh spots around the Caribbean. They're all inclusive too, which basically means you get to eat, drink and play as much as you want without shelling out extra dough. This all-inclusive thing removes lots of vacation-related stress, I assure you.

Most folks believe gaining at least five to 10 pounds per week of vacation is a rule, and my job is to convince you that it's not. Not if you come to a place like Sandals, anyway. As readers of this site, I know you're health conscious and eager to pursue and maintain your fitness levels wherever you go. Sandals allows you to do that.

Fit Vacation: Sandals Resorts(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Fit Fun in the SunIncredible Leg Workout!Tennis LessonsWho Doesn't Love Unlimited Golf?Mat Pilates

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Kids Who Play Ball Keep Bones Healthy for 40 Years

Fitness

Enrolling your kids in sports can improve their self esteem, get them in shape and help them develop a life-long habit of being active. These are some very good reasons to get them on some sort of team, yes? But there's another good reason they should get on the playing field -- playing ball as a teen can help keep their bones healthy for up to 40 years.

According to recent studies, sports like basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer can help keep kids' bones strong well into old age, even if they don't keep the activity up. That's not to say they should give activity up as they age, but it goes to show that what you do in your teenage years can have lasting effects on your health.

So come spring, get your teenager active -- if you can, that is.

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Zac Works His Abs and Angelina Plays Video Games - November 8 to November 14

We Love To Gawk At Fit Celebs Weekly Roundup, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment


Gavin RossdaleParis HiltonZac Efron
Jennifer AnistonBrooke ShieldsCameron Mathison
Angelina Jolie50 CentJessica Szohr
Wondering what your favorite celeb has been doing to stay in shape? As always, those of us here at That's Fit have been keeping tabs on the hotties of Hollywood all week long, and we've got it all wrapped up for you. Click on your favorite celebs above to find out how they're keeping fit!

Gavin Rossdale gets fit, helps kids

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment


Gavin Rossdale -- aka Mr. Gwen Stefani, famous musician in his own right and subject of many of my high school daydreams -- has a brand new addition to his own family but still managed to hit the tennis court to support a good cause. Rossdale recently participated in the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, a charity sports event that raises money for the fight against child abuse, drug abuse and homelessness.

Gavin had some worthy opponents at the match -- Greg Norman, Chevy Chase and Jon Lovitz, to name a few.

The tournament, which has been happening since 1989, has helped raise over $16 million for troubled kids over the years.

(via Chatterbox)

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