A Fitness, Tennis, Squash & Sports Blog by Mayfair Clubs

Last year, Novak Djokovic had one of the best years in tennis history, winning 3 Grand Slams and beating Rafael Nadal 6 consecutive times – all of those in major finals. A season many considered the best of all time, especially when you factor in the competition – namely Federer, Nadal and Murray!  The question heard most often at the water coolers is “can he do it again.”

In the early stages of the first slam of the year – the hot topic is centered on Djokovic and his ability to dominate like he did last year. Was it a fluke? Many of the tennis pundits are predicting a more balanced winner’s circle – similar to what we’ve seen in the last few years on the Women’s tour.  Some have suggested 4 winners instead of such domination by one player.

Djokovic struggled at the end of the last season.  At one point he had an incredible 64-2 record – but he stumbled down the stretch and ended with a healthy 70-6 record – losing 4 of his last 10 matches.  Did he run out of gas?  Was he slightly injured?  Did he not like the fast indoor surfaces in the final 3 months of the season?  Or was it a combination of all those factors. Whatever it was, and it was surely something significant, the Serbian missile, with the gluten free diet – will be on a mission to repeat his jaw dropping season in 2011.

Most of the top players on tour feel like it was an anomaly and believe it won’t be repeated.  Remember what Nadal said after losing to Nole in yet another grand slam 6 months ago at Wimbledon? “My experience says this level is not forever. Even for me when I was last year winning three Grand Slams, my level of last year is not forever. Probably the level of Novak of today is not forever.”

In the history of the game, only 6 players have made it to 3 major finals in back-to-back years.  So for Djokovic to become the 7th – he would need to make it to the finals in 3 of the 4 Grand Slam championships in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York.  The only event he failed to reach the finals in 2011 was in Paris at Roland Garros when he lost in 4 sets to Roger Federer.

Can Djokovic win six matches in 3 of the four major cities in 2012 and do something only a select few have accomplished?

We shall see.

Winning three majors – even reaching three Grand Slam finals – in a single year is exceedingly difficult. Backing it up with another finals three-peat is even tougher. In the past 50-plus years, a handful of men have done it.

Before Nadal’s 2010 Grand Slam-fest and his win and two runner-up finishes in 2011, there was Roger Federer. In the midst of his unprecedented mastery, he did it four years in a row, from 2006-09, winning nine of 15 major finals. The last one before him – way back in the 80s was Ivan Lendl.

Consecutive years
Reaching 3-plus major finals

Lendl’s degree of difficulty was impressive because in 1986, the Australian Open wasn’t held. He made all three major finals that season, winning in Paris and New York, before losing to Boris Becker at Wimbledon. In 1987, the same scenario played out, with Lendl falling to Pat Cash at the All England Club.

Lendl has been in the news lately as he’s taken on the task of coaching Andy Murray.  Lendl believes, like some of the big-name coaches who are currently in Melbourne, that the majors are wide open and Djokovic won’t be the same player as he was in 2011.

“Backing it up, it’s so physically and mentally demanding,” Lendl said. “It takes so much out of you. Djokovic – you could just kind of see him tiring down the stretch. It will be interesting to see how he comes out in 2012.”

The bar has been set really high for all these guys. For Djokovic to repeat, it would be a remarkable achievement. But at a certain point, there’s weariness from all of that winning and all of that pressure. Novak, in my opinion was the athlete of the year in 2011, not just in tennis but in any sport.  Can he do it again?  I doubt it. His effort was Herculean in 2011 and it’s just too big of a mountain to climb in 2012.

Pete Sampras – winner of 14 grand slams – wasn’t good enough to do it! He reached three major finals in 1995 (winning two), but advanced to only one in 1996, winning at the U.S. Open. Jim Courier reached three Grand Slam finals in 1993 (winning one); his best effort in 1994 was two semifinals. Mats Wilander won three of four majors in 1988, but one year later he could manage only two appearances in the quarterfinals. In his great season of 1984, John McEnroe made three major finals, winning two, but followed that up with a single semifinal at Roland Garros and lost to Lendl in the U.S. Open final.

With all due respect to the stars of the past, it’s quite possible (more likely PROBABLE) that this is the best men’s tennis has ever been, particularly at the very top. Three different men have captured three majors in a single season in the past five years, something we’ve never seen and may never see again. And even with Federer, 30, clearly past his prime, he’s still a threat – a large one.  And because of this brilliance at the top of the game, this makes Djokovic’s task that much harder.

Written by Michael Emmett

Milos Raonic beat top-seeded Janko Tipsarevic 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) in a serve-dominated Chennai Open final Sunday, earning his second career title. 

The young Canadian did something this past week that I thought was impossible.  He went 48 for 48!  Yes, he served 48 times in his 4 matches in India and didn’t lose serve once.  It is an awesome feeling,” said the 21-year-old Raonic, who won all of his service games during the week to become the first player to win a tournament without dropping serve since Roger Federer at the 2008 grass-court tournament in Halle.

Fourth-seeded Raonic hit 35 aces in a marathon match that lasted 3 hours, 16 minutes and didn’t include a break of serve.  “Raonic dropped only four points on serve in the first set and had four chances to break in the fourth game before the Serbian stole it in the tiebreaker.

Raonic’s 35 aces are the 5th most in an ATP World Tour final since the ATP began tracking aces in 1991.

Raonic hit 76 aces in four matches. He also saved all 14 break points he faced in the tournament, including four in the final.

“My serve is a big factor in my game … in 99 percent of my matches,” said Raonic, who averages 124 mph on his first serve. “My job is to take care of my serve.”

The ninth-ranked Tipsarevic now has lost six of eight ATP finals in his career.

Milos has been so impressive against the best players in the game – something that bodes well for the future when he continues to play the top players on a weekly basis. He improved his record against top 10 players to an astonishing 5-8. To already have 5 wins over top-10 players at this early stage of his career is so impressive.  Some players play for 15 years and don’t have these kinds of stats.  This is the first time in his career he’s beaten two Top 10s in the same tournament.

“Guys like Milosare special players,” Tipsarevic said after his first match against the Canadian. “It was a great game of tennis. Nobody knew till the end who would win.

The Canadian is 2-1 in ATP World Tour finals, claiming his first title inSan Joselast February. He followed that up by finishing runner-up to American Andy Roddick inMemphisa week later.

Raonic rose from No. 156 in the rankings to a career-high 25th last season before moving down slightly to his current No. 31. He won the ATP Newcomer of the Year award last year – and award voted on by his peers. With this win inIndia-Miloswill improve his ranking 6 spots to match his career best ranking of #25 and will be seeded 23rd for the upcoming Aussie Open.

Raonic heads toKooyong,Australia, to play in an exhibition event, a tuneup to the Australian Open inMelbourne, which begins Jan. 16. More on that in shortly!

What is so impressive is his lack of fear.  He cranks that serve all over the court at scorching speeds no matter what the score is.  He is relentless and has gobs of confidence at such crucial stages of the match.  The guy is robot-like with his massive serve and seems to fire aces at such critical junctures of matches.  To go an entire event without losing serve is the most improbable stat I’ve heard in any sport at any time – this is just not done!! The concentration, skill and composure required to accomplish such an unlikely task is incredible.  With this cannon for a serve, the sky is the limit for this lanky kid from Thornhill.  Guys are returning so well in this day and age – to win 48 consecutive service games outside in humid conditions against a top-notch field is mind-boggling and inconceivable.  This is so preposterous that we may never see it happen again.

A guy, who can serve a 117 mph second-serve ace down the T, as he did against Tipsarevic, is brutally dangerous for any opponent. He rarely dips below 130 mph on the first serve, unless of course he chooses to go for a spinning ace out wide in the deuce court. And he often goes above 110 mph on his second serve and rarely misses – simply put the guy never double faults!  He not only has the heater (fastball to all corners) – he also has the best second serve in the game.

When Milos serves around two aces per service game, not counting all the unreturnables or sitters that come back at him – there’s only so much the opposition can do.  This serve is more than a weapon – it’s a torpedo that is the talk of the tour right now.

And that is what makes Milos Raonic interesting at the Australian Open.  Can he beat any of the top 5?  Can he do it over 5 sets?  All questions we’ll no doubt get answered in the near future.

A daunting third-round opponent for any player and the Big Four will be praying to avoid him. Perhaps none more so than Rafael Nadal, who’s always been troubled by players who take away his rhythm and refuse to rally. If John Isner can take Rafa to five sets at Roland Garros, what can Raonic do at the Australian Open? We’re about to find out. 

While I would be quite surprised if Raonic makes it beyond the quarters, I can certainly see him making another fourth round or even the quarters. It all depends on two things: the draw, and his serve!

An injury-free Raonic should be able to have a couple of deep runs at the slams this year and make his way into or around the top 12.  Better than that you say?  I say not this year – but I do see him making massive improvements in his already impressive ranking. 

And so far, I’ve failed to mention his lethal forehand – this gigantic stroke is right up there with the best in the world. His racquet head speed on the inside out forehand is breathtaking.  Imagine that, 2 blistering shots that can be outright winners in a blink of an eye.  If Raonic improves his return game, his movement and his volleys, the rest of the tour better watch out.

Because service-wise, he’s almost unbreakable – and he just might have the best serve of ALL-TIME!

Written by Michael Emmett

As we get closer to the start of the 2012 tennis season – only one question needs to be answered.  Can Roger Federer win Slam #17 after going winless in 2011? 

Those of you that follow my columns know that I’ve said definitely in the past 12 months the answer is a resounding NO.

And after blowing two matches with a 2-sets-to-love lead (one against Tsonga atWimbledonand the other against Djokovic at the US Open) – something he had never done before in his brilliant career – my previous columns were looking pretty good!

However, after watching the past 3 months – after the demoralizing loss to Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals – and hearing the news that Rafael Nadal will take time off after the Australian Open to mend an injured shoulder – I really believe Federer can win a major in the upcoming season. 

At this point it is crystal clear, Federer is no longer an afterthought, and will be a betting favourite to win any of the 4 majors as we look forward to another spectacular season on the Men’s tour. 

Federer has always been a punishing closer – in his glory years, if he could see the finish line it usually meant curtains for the opposition.  However, this part of his game has suffered.  Federer is not invincible with huge leads.  If Fed is going to claim one of the slams in 2012 this stat will have to change.  Federer must become a better front-runner and keep the nerves and resolve in tact.  If anything has let him down in the past 18 months – it’s been his psyche and his lack of confidence on break points and match points.

My lack of confidence in Federer to win a slam in 2011 had more to do with his inability to win back-to-back matches against tennis’ two major giants in the last 12 months – Djokovic and Nadal.  I have always thought he could beat either man on any given day – I just felt like he couldn’t beat them both in consecutive days and in consecutive matches.  Federer’s game has always been better suited to beat Djokovic – and now with Nadal being injured and not 100 percent I feel like the Swiss Superstar can have a banner year.

The two straight set losses inAbu Dhabithis past weekend should not be an indicator for the upcoming season – it was just an exhibition and nobody really knows for sure how much effort is being put forth.  Federer was routed in both matches against Nadal and Djokovic winning a total of 9 games in both contests.  For Fed’s sake, let’s hope this is not a barometer of what lies ahead in 2012.

There is no doubt that Federer, the one we saw in the final 3 months of the season, is playing the best tennis of his career.  He is a more complete player right now than he was when he was winning all of his major titles. Yes, even in 2006 when he was winning all of those events.  Roger Federer at the end of 2011 has more weapons than he did in his so-called hay day.  Nadal and Djokovic have forced Federer to elevate his game and for that we have witnessed some incredible tennis over the last 24 months.  It’s ironic that Fed is playing so well – even last year he was brilliant at times – and is struggling to hang with the big boys.  Things got so bad for Federer last season that he briefly dropped to #4 in the world rankings – many predicted his ranking would just keep tumbling.

The logical conclusion: Federer was done.

He hadn’t won a tournament since January (in Doha) and with Djokovic following Rafael Nadal as a three-time major winner in 2011 — and Andy Murray usurping his No. 3 ATP World Tour ranking — maybe it was time to admit the truth.  Federer’s days of winning major championships looked to be over.

But that’s when Federer hit the re-start button.  And something seemed to click!

After a five-week sabbatical, Federer returned with a vengeance. He won two Davis Cup matches againstAustralia, took the title in his hometown ofBasel,Switzerland, floored the field in the BNP Paribas Masters event inParis, and then accelerated through the finish line, winning the Barclays ATP World Tour finals inLondon.

The month of November delivered three titles and a sterling 17-0 record. Reports of Federer’s professional death were greatly exaggerated.

It was, he declared after winning his record sixth year-end title, the strongest finish of his career.

Brad Gilbert saw it firsthand as an ESPN analyst.

“After that devastating loss at the Open, he had to regroup. One thing I noticed in his impressive run, he had the twinkle back in his eye.  Something I hadn’t seen for quite sometime.”

“I think he likes it when people think things have passed him by. I think there’s another chapter left in the novel.”

Federer has 16 Grand Slam singles titles, the all-time record, but 2011 was his first year without a major since 2002.

“Sure, to win Grand Slams would be nice,” Federer said inLondon. “I’ve missed out on a few occasions last year, and the year before. So I feel like it might be around the corner. Maybe not? The other players obviously have a role to play in this.”

Federer, based on his past two Slams, could have gone quietly against Tsonga in the Barclays final. He actually served for the match in the second set and held a match point before winning 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 to become the oldest year-end titlist.

“When he lost that second set, with a [match point], 99 percent of the guys lose that match in the third,” Gilbert said. “Winning that match shows me something. You’re going to see some more oomph out of Roger in 2012.”

After going 3-9 against top-10 players through the U.S. Open, Federer won all seven of his matches against the top 10 afterward.  This kind of domination has been lacking for nearly 2 years.

“I think he’s going to have a big year next year,” Gilbert said. “A Slam? Yeah. I thought he’d have to do something different to win one this year. Change a racket or something drastic. But he just kept doing what he does. I mean, the guy never sweats.”

This year’s WTA produced four different major champions. Gilbert can see it happening on the ATP side for the first time since 2003, when Andre Agassi, Nadal, Federer and Andy Roddick sliced the pie four ways.

Gilbert, who coached Agassi, sees some parallels with Federer.

“Roger can take a lot of stock in what Andre did seven years ago,” Gilbert said. “He was in the finals of the U.S. Open at the age of 35. He won the Aussie Open at the age of 32. I think Roger’s in better physical shape than Andre.

“I can see him playing until he’s 35.”

After watching many of the members at GTA tennis clubs for the better part of 25 years – I strongly believe most of you are using the wrong tennis balls.  New balls out of the tin simply don’t make sense for most of you – yet, day-in-and-day-out you insist on using these fresh smelling gems and as a result you are hitting more balls outside the lines than in the pretty blue court. 

Success ratios go way down with the newer tennis balls.  The older and softer the ball the better you all play.  If you are reluctant to change the balls you are using – and most of you would be mortified if I told you to use ‘green dot’ balls – then make sure you are using balls that have been out of the can for at least a week.  Fully pressurized balls are for the top players in the game – not the average tennis player who has mediocre technique at the best of times.  Even these athletes (pros) – at times – struggle to keep these slick balls in play.  New balls are a server’s delight – why?  Because 220km/hour serves don’t come back.  Older balls – balls that have been in play for at least an hour – often come back and the stats show that most aces from the pros are struck when the balls are just out of the tin.

Regular tennis balls do not allow the ‘average tennis player’ to enjoy the game to the maximum – a regular newly opened tennis ball flies through the air at much faster speeds than a softer ‘deader’ ball and makes for boring tennis.  This game is about tactics and technique – you can’t master either of these essential areas of the game with balls that are screaming through the air.  Most of you have 3 balls at a time while on court.  And most of you spend 75 percent of your time picking up balls and chatting.  Rallies are almost non-existent and I believe it’s because of the balls.

My opinion is that the ‘green dot’ ball originally designed for kids that are learning the game is a much more appropriate ball for 95 percent of the people playing this sport.  All players who are not considered a 5.0 or higher should be using the green dot balls to maximize their enjoyment of the game. 

End of story. 

Let me repeat – if you are a 4.5 tennis player or below you are not good enough to use NEW TENNIS BALLS.  You will get far more satisfaction and enjoyment out of the game –even if you are an A LEVEL player – using the softer, lighter ball.  The only way to determine if I’m right – is to give it a shot!

It’s like golf.  A seven handicap golfer is comparable to a 4.5 tennis player.

Most golfers try to play the championship tees because they think it will be fun to try to play where the pros play.  If you are not a 4 handicap and below -some courses worldwide insist you play from the closer tees – you should not be playing from the “tips.” The same attitude should be adopted for tennis.  Playing a course from 7,000 yards is ridiculous for most people who try to hit the little white ball – very few people are capable of breaking 100 and that is from tees that are much closer in.  Playing a golf course from nonsensical distances can slow down an entire golf course if the player or foursome is taking 5 hours to complete the round.  And this can be disastrous to some golf courses.  Tennis doesn’t have the same problems – however, if the enjoyment factor went skyward then the tennis courts would be busier and the game would flourish.

Tennis balls begin to lose their bounce as soon as the tennis ball can is opened and can be tested to determine their bounce. A ball is tested for bounce by dropping it from a height of 100 inches (2.54 m) onto concrete; a bounce between 53 and 58 inches (1.3462 – 1.4732 m) is acceptable (if taking place at sea-level and 20°C / 68°F; high-altitude balls have different characteristics when tested at sea-level).

Modern regulation tennis balls are kept under pressure (approximately two atmospheres) until initially used.  These balls which are USTA certified for major championships should not be used by the average tennis player.  Balls that bounce up to industry standards when they are brand new are not suitable for the average twice-a-week player. The US Open has made a move in this direction – the Women’s event has been using different balls since 2008. The women use regular duty felt balls while the men play with the extra-duty felt balls. The major difference between the balls is the weight. 

This game is about confidence – when you feel at ease and can ‘swing out’ with no fear is when you are going to see improvement in your game. Nobody can improve if they are constantly scared to miss!  Green dots will allow you the confidence to hit a ball with no trepidation about the ball “flying” on you.  Learning to hit with topspin wouldn’t be nearly as important if you hit with green dot balls.  Old wonky grips wouldn’t need to change if the green dot balls were in play.

Green dot balls will allow you to keep the ball in play – on average 5 more hits per point – on a much more regular basis.  5 more hits will mean more exercise, more strategy and more fun.  This game is more exciting and entertaining when the ball is in play and green dot balls increase everyone’s enjoyment two-fold and in some cases even more than that.

Members don’t use these balls because they are embarrassed.  The simple truth is these balls are ideal for most of our members.  Our members can’t change direction on a routine cross court ball 7 out of 10 times – this is a clear indication that green dot balls should be in play.  If I went up to an average member and said you know “you should really be using a GREEN DOT ball” – they would be devastated and would likely do one of several things:

1. quit the game
2. Be stubborn and continue to use the new balls
3. reluctantly use the green dot balls but only book courts 7 and 8 out of embarrassment

Watching some of you play is frustrating at times.  You are so scared to miss – especially in match play that you become so cautious that your racquet is hardly moving as it moves through the strike zone. 

The racquet speed is almost not measurable because it is moving at 1km/hour or slower and barely has enough steam to carry the ball over the net.  This is a classic example of steering the ball, pushing the ball, bunting the ball or guiding the ball. 

All of you that have taken a lesson with me have heard those words before.  Well, guess what – if you used the green dot ball you would be much looser and more trusting and accelerating through the ball wouldn’t be such an issue.  Racquet speed is a critical subject for most of you in a competitive environment – those that have it are confident and usually come out on top.  Those that don’t have it are never going to improve.  If you only care about putting the ball in the court and you don’t care how it goes in the court your game will hit a ceiling very quickly. These players will never advance to the levels where the game can be so much fun.  Tennis is called the “Game of a Lifetime” but it only gets fun and challenging when the ball is being hit over the net with some regularity.  We are always looking to be challenged in this game by finding opponents who are better than us because we know they won’t miss.  Change the ball you are using and you will see instant gratification.

Your technique, tactics and enjoyment would all increase dramatically with this one change to your tennis game.  With your new technique, new confidence and new approach you will see instant results.

If kids who are pounding the ball across the net on a regular basis can be told to use these green dot balls – then most of you can benefit from the reduction in ball pressure.

Ask yourself one question.  “Why do I play this game?”

Your answers are always in this order when I ask the question:

1. To have fun
2. To get exercise
3. To improve my game.
4. To release stress from other areas of life
5. To meet new friends

The green dot balls will be beneficial for all 5 categories.  There is no down side to using these balls.

So you ask – then why don’t the pros use these balls when they are competing in major championships?

The reason is simple:  the points would never end.  As things stand right now, we see the pros get engaged in 30-35 ball rallies and the points are so taxing on their bodies.  The green dot balls would just exacerbate the problem.

This new initiative will be difficult to push to the tennis communities world-wide.  But from talking to several TennisCanadacertified coaches – many agree with my premise.  I really believe the game would be so much better and so much more enjoyable if you folks could get past the idea that it would be a step down to use a ball that has less pressure and a lower bounce.  I hope that after reading this article you would consider giving it a shot.  I have been in the tennis business for over 25 years and this is something I am absolutely convinced would help your overall experience on the tennis court.

Written by Michael Emmett

Most of my clients who I see for a fitness nutritional consultation will ask me “what is the perfect diet I should be on?  My response is quite simple; change your eating habits, choose foods that will help your body stay metabolic, keep you satisfied in between meals and help regulate blood glucose levels. I personally don’t like using the word ‘diet’. The word diet sounds a little discouraging, if you don’t have a plan of action in place.  You have to know the “Why. It is you are seeking change, which is your first step. Secondly look at what’s inside your fridge, take out any thing that is going to hinder your progress in gym or healthy life style.  Any sweets for the kids in the pantry get them out so they are not visible to the eye.  Who is in your social group?  Do you trust them?  Do they support you and your goals? Lastly is opening minded to change?   

          In today’s blog, I will share with you some kick butt foods that in my opinion you should be having in your daily meal plan.  They are “The top 10 detox foods”.  On my list are foods that should be included in your daily meal plan.  The terrific benefits are; more fiber to keep your GI tract healthier. These foods will energize cleaning enzymes in the liver, which is your bodies built-in detox center. 

The top 10 foods are: 

Green leafy vegetables– Eat them Raw,  mix them in a broth add them to juices.  The chlorophyll helps swab out environmental toxins, heavy metals, pesticides and protects the liver.

Lemons– fresh lemons full of vitamin C. Lemons are considered the detox of vitamins.  1 glass of lemon and water helps convert toxins into a water soluble form, which can easily be flushed out. 

Water Cress – put a hand full into salads, soups and even sandwiches. The peppery little green leaves have a diuretic effect that helps pass things through your system.  Also enriched with minerals such as calcium.

Garlic – could be added to salads sauces, hummus spreads.  Garlic has many cardio health benefits.  Helps to elevate liver enzymes. 

Green Tea. – Is an antioxidant rich brew.  This antigenic herb is one of the best ways to get more fluids in. The Bonus is it has catechins which speed up liver activity. 

Broccoli sprouts– Contain 20- 50 times more cancer fighting agents and stimulating enzyme activity. 

Sesame seeds– The sesame seed is credited with protecting liver cells from alcohol and other chemicals. 

Cabbage– is another one my favorite detox foods to add.  This potent veggie helps elevate certain enzymes in the liver.

Phyllium– This plant is rich in soluble fiber, like oat bran, whole grains and barley,  but is more versatile.  It will help control the LDL( bad cholesterol) and helps to cleanse the colon.  Best to consume during breakfast.

Fruits– High in antioxidants loaded with vitamin C, and fiber.  Some to include is a fresh pine apple, fresh berries and the perfect mango, with a touch pear; just blend, but don’t forget the protein for a delicious smoothie.

Until then keep fit, stay focus to a better and healthier you. 

Written by: Jason Ferreira (CPT/FNC), Mayfair East Fitness Manager

Summer is SO last season, put away those bright corals and hot pinks and check out these rich colours for autumn.  OPI’s Touring America fall 2011 collection caught our eye with their trendy taupe and deep purple. 

My personal favourite is HOWEL from the Wilde fall 2011 collection from Sparitual a vegan hand and foot care line free of DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde.  Whether you enjoy the glam colours or you opt for au natural, make sure you protect your hands and feet from the harsh weather ahead, just because we put the summer sandals away it shouldn’t be and excuse to neglect our hands and feet.  Here are some helpful hints:

• Look after your hands by moisturising every morning and night and throughout the day after immersing your hands in water.
• Once a week soak your fingertips in warm olive oil (cider vinegar if you have weak nails) for 10 minutes.  Then gently rub a teaspoon of salt into your hands, the abrasive action will remove dead skin cells.
• Avoid exposure to cold temperatures.
• Use sun protection in the summer and gloves in the winter to protect against pigmentation/age spots.
• Give yourself or a loved one a foot massage using essential oils mixed with a base oil  -try peppermint oil for tired feet.
• Use cotton socks (and even gloves) after moisturizing at night.
• Use a pumice stone on your feet after bathing.
• Go for regular Manicures (once a week) and pedicures (once per four to six weeks).  This is not just for the ladies, men need regular maintenance on hands and feet especially when active in sports.
• Speak to a specialist about the benefits of custom orthotic.

Hands are a good indication of the state of the body and many therapists use them as a diagnostic tool when determining general health.  Dry or brittle nails, for example, may reveal a lack of B vitamin, white flecks may indicate a lack of zinc and weak nails could be caused by a calcium deficiency.  Medications may also adversely affect the nail matrix by interfering with normal keratinisation causing Beau’s lines (deep ridges usually affecting all 20 nails) or Onychomadesis (shedding of the nail). 

Years of wear and tear combined with badly fitting shoes effect the feet as we grow older, neglecting problems such as dry skin, corns and bunions add burden to your feet.  Foot care is an important investment in your mobility – present and future. 

Remember, it is important to care for your hands and feet all year around.

Written by Vanessa Tierney, Mayfair Clubs Spa

Novak Djokovic is closing in on what most experts are calling the greatest tennis season ever. I believe if he goes on to win the season-ending tour championship – it will be the greatest year in the history of the sport. It has been on some levels unbelievable and incredible at the same time.  Rafael Nadal – on that final Monday inNew Yorkafter a crushing US Open loss – said this kind of year will never be repeated.  At times, Djokovic looked Herculean and immortal.

Djokovic has been so good it’s almost unimaginable to be so dominant and so convincing in many of his 64 wins this year.  The competition is as deep as ever – to win 97 percent of his matches is so unlikely yet so impressive.  At this point there is no question he will win every conceivable “Sportsman of the Year” awards – whether it’s Sports Illustrated, ESPN or the Man of the year presented by Laureus! He is the most dominant man is sports in 2011.  No doubt, it’s as clear cut as it’s ever been.

Djoker has won three of the four major championships — the sixth man in the Open Era to accomplish the feat.  He has lost just two matches all year, and won 64.  His win percentage at this point of the season is the best ever (see below).  And his loss in Cincinnatiprior to the US Open would not have happened if the match had significance.  Nole was just taking the ‘high road’ as a precaution days before the start of the US Open – and who could blame him.  This is a match he would have won – no question about it – if it meant something.  But it was ‘just another match’ and he decided to save his body and quit mid-way through against Andy Murray in the final match in Ohio.

Best win-loss percentage

Djokovic has dominated in an astonishing time in men’s tennis, when Roger Federer (greatest ever?) is still playing supremely well – maybe the best tennis of his life, when Rafael Nadal (greatest ever?) is still at the height of his powers, when Andy Murray plays awe-inspiring tennis, when tournament fields are loaded with huge servers and crushing baseliners.

Last month, in the U.S. Open final, Djokovic played a grueling four-set match with Nadal that featured several of the most spectacular points I can remember seeing – it was draining to watch as a fan. I couldn’t believe the number of penetrating, blistering balls being tagged from corner to corner. This was a boxing match – played with tennis racquets. Trading punch after punch after punch – but the majority of these punches were lethal.  But no-one backed down.   These two guys were relentless in their pursuit of power and precision.  It was beautiful tennis, it was one of the best matches ever played – yet, it will not be remembered as a classic because the score was very one-sided – Djoker won in 4 sets and 2 of those sets would be considered blowouts if you didn’t see the match.  Unfortunately, to be labeled a classic – there is an unwritten rule for tennis historians- it must go 5 sets.  Not my rule – just a rule that tennis aficionados adhere to.

There was never really a moment’s doubt who was the better player. Nadal is pretty close to unbeatable by anybody else — he has defeated Federer all three times they have played this year, beaten Murray all four times, and he gave up only six games to Andy Roddick in New York — but Djokovic’s game broke him apart. It took everything Nadal had inside (and Nadal has a considerable sporting soul) just to extend the match to four sets.  Djokovic is beating the game’s best – maybe of all-time – with relative ease.  This guy is playing ridiculous tennis – some would say miraculous.

The guy has so much confidence that he can be down 5-4 (40-15) in the fifth set to the game’s all-time Grand Slam champion (Roger Federer) and swing with his eyes closed on one of Fed’s patented swinging wide serves and crack a winner.  This shot – one for the ages – was traveling at 110 MPH one inch over the net and a millimeter from the far sideline.  This – in some circles – is the greatest shot in Grand Slam history especially considering the fact it was executed on match point.  Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, would ever try this shot at any stage of the match.  This shot was so far fetched and imaginative – it just proves to me and the tennis world that Djokovic believes he can hit any shot, at any time, anywhere and as hard as he likes.  That is the definition of CONFIDENCE.  And if it continues, he will be unbeatable for the foreseeable future. 

Federer is playing better tennis now than he was 3 years ago.  Federer has won 16 majors playing at a level below his current form.  But now, the new and improved Federer – the one with the lethal backhand – is struggling to even get to Grand Slam finals.  The reason – Novak Djokovic! 

The two have been scheduled to play each other in 11 of the last 12 grand slam semi-finals.  So much for the coin toss!  With Federer being ranked #3 in the world – he will either come up against Nadal or Djokovic in the semi-finals in all grand slam events.  11 of the last 12 is a mathematical long shot at best – the probability is 10,000 to 1. One wonders (aloud) if this coin toss is actually happening – or is it being fixed?

Federer has improved immensely over the last 18 months but he can’t beat Djokovic – blowing 2 match points in each of the last 2 US Opens is proof of that fact.  With each win, Djokovic just gains more confidence.  He is 10 and 1 this season against Nadal and Federer – are you kidding me? These 2 guys were once thought of as unbeatable.  Yet, Djokovic has beaten these all-time legends a record double digit times in one season.  Nole has won 14 out of 18 sets against Nadal and beaten him in 6 straight finals.  His only loss came to Federer in the semi-finals at Roland Garros – but he still holds a 4-1 edge in the 2011 season winning 11 of 17 sets against the Swiss superstar.

John McEnroe’s 1984 season seems to be the one that many considered the best until Djokovic. McEnroe went 84-3 and won two Grand Slam titles. It was a ridiculously great season. His win over Jimmy Connors atWimbledonwas absurd domination; he won 6-1, 6-1, 6-2. Prior to that he rolled through the French Open, losing just one set all the way to the final, where he had Ivan Lendl down two sets and a break. And that’s when Lendl, who had a reputation for giving up when things weren’t going well, made his stand, broke back, won the third set and eventually beat a shattered McEnroe in five (though McEnroe wasn’t too shattered — he destroyed Lendl in the final of the U.S. Open). In all, McEnroe won 13 tournaments and lost just three matches all year.

I really like what Djokovic said when asked about his season being the best ever: “It’s just so hard to compare different eras – I think there are numerous players who can be considered the best ever or to have had the greatest season ever.”

I often throw around the word “ever” lightly (some would say I like to exaggerate! — This player’s the best ever, that coach is the best ever, that game was the best ever — and I probably shouldn’t.  We tend to focus on the NOW and forget all the great players of generations past.

In the last few years, just in tennis, we have wondered if Federer is the greatest ever, Nadal is the greatest ever; Djokovic is having the greatest season ever. Maybe this is just one of those odd and wonderful times in tennis where the top players keep pushing each other higher and higher into a stratosphere never before reached in the sport.  There is no question – the Men’s game is at the highest of highs – and as a gigantic fan I hope it stays like this well into the next decade.

Written by Michael Emmett

All fats are not created equal: Some are good (unsaturated), some are bad (saturated), and some are really terrible (trans fats). Among the good fats are omega-3 fatty acids, which offer a number of health benefits, including helping to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Omega-3s are called essential fatty acids because they are required by the body and must be obtained through food and supplements (the body can’t make them on its own). There are three types of omega-3s, each essential for optimal health. Two of them, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found mainly in cold-water fish, such as herring, sardines and salmon. EPA and DHA are extremely effective at reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of blood clots, thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. The third kind, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is found in plant sources such as flaxseed, walnuts (polyunsaturated fats) and dark leafy greens. Once these food sources have been consumed it will be converted into EPA and DHA which is the types of EFA’s most readily used by the body.

          The best and most natural way to increase your intake of omega-3s is to eat more oily fish (at least 2-3 servings per week) and dark leafy greens, and to add ground flaxseed and walnuts to your diet in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends getting 1 gram daily of EPA and DHA, preferably from oily fish, although it says that an omega-3 fatty acid supplement could be considered in consultation with your physician.. For people who have high LDL elevated triglycerides (bad blood fats), which can put you at risk of developing heart disease fish oil can be quite effective when used under a doctor’s watch.

A Word of Caution
          Be advised that people with certain medical conditions, such as those taking anticoagulants, those with bleeding disorders, or those with uncontrolled hypertension, should always consult with their physician before taking fish-oil supplements. Also note that certain fish, including swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, contain high levels of mercury. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children should avoid fish high in mercury.

Written by Jason Ferriera, Mayfair East Fitness Manager.

Before I delve deep into the heart of the major incident at the Women’s final on Sunday at the US Open let me state – conclusively – that Serena was going to lose the match regardless of how that controversial decision was handled.  

Stosur was better. 

Stosur outplayed Serena on the biggest stage in the biggest event and was clearly deserving of the victory.

It was an upset of sweeping proportion, only the third title of Stosur’s career.

“I’m still kind of speechless,” Stosur said more than an hour later. “I can’t believe I won this tournament. I did believe I had a chance to win. Two wins over her in the past made me think it was possible.”

For those that missed the electrifying moment during the first game of the second set here’s what happened:

Serena had just cracked a vicious forehand – packed with anger – into Stosur’s backhand corner at 30-40. There was no doubt it was going to win her the point, but she bellowed “Come on!” milliseconds before the ball nicked Stosur’s racquet frame.  Everyone who witnessed the event – and those who saw 100s of replays on television would agree that Serena was going to win the point.  The score should have been deuce.  But now with the umpire’s ridiculous decision – Stosur had a critical break of serve in the all important first game of the second set.

This according to the rules is a violation of tennis’ intentional hindrance rule, the equivalent of unsportsmanlike conduct in this genteel sport.

According to Head Referee Brian Earley, Chair umpire Eva Asderaki correctly awarded the point to Stosur, who merely got a racquet on the ball.

I Disagree – the call was not correct!!

According to ITF rules, the chair umpire has the latitude not to make the call if he or she thinks the hindrance was unintentional.  And there is no doubt the scream from Williams was unintentional.  Even the Serena bashers out there would have to agree with this.  It was a nit-picky call that was not necessary. 

For those that heard commentator John McEnroe dissect the chain of events that surrounded ‘the incident’ – I agree wholeheartedly with his analysis.  In a worst case scenario they should have played a let.  But for Stosur to win the game this way – is just flat out wrong.

Did Serena act like a baby?  Maybe so!

Did Serena do anything wrong?  Definitely not!

Serena was clearly frustrated and she made a point of letting the umpire know.  The fact that she received a code violation for verbal abuse by Chair Umpire Eva Asderaki at the conclusion of the first game of the second set is shocking.  This so called tirade was nothing and it was made out to be much worse than it actually was.  Serena acted like an angel compared to her last loss on this court 2 years ago.

Serena, who famously threatened to stuff a ball down the throat of the lineswoman who called a foot fault that ended her semifinal match with Kim Clijsters, was close to a tantrum — but stopped short of the expletives that surfaced two years ago. She was, after all, in the last match of a two-year probation.

“Aren’t you the one who screwed me over last time here?” she asked Asderaki, perhaps confusing her with then-chair umpire Louise Engzell. “Do you have it out for me? That’s totally not cool.”

Later, as her frustration escalated, she defended her right to vent, saying, “We’re inAmericalast time I checked.” In a final jab, she called Asderaki “unattractive inside.”

Serena did not shake her hand after the match as is the custom.

All of this can be classified as petulant and immature but nothing that is against the rules – certainly not something worthy of a “code violation.”

Let me say it again – SERENA DID NOTHING WRONG!!!

Can someone please tell me why she was fined $2,000.00 dollars by Head Referee Mr. Earley?

What a joke!

Andy Roddick’s abuse of Brian Earley earlier in the week was far more severe and nothing ever came of that uncomfortable situation.

She acted like a brat and made a point of showboating to Asderaki but did nothing to deserve a code violation.

She did not swear.  She did not verbally attack the chair umpire – everything she said was carefully thought out.  She was definitely stepping on thin ice – but she never crossed the line and for that I think she is being unfairly condemned.

In my opinion, Serena made a mess of a very winnable US Open and will be remembered for her outburst – similar to the reaction 2 years ago.  But let’s be clear – very clear – this was not MELTDOWN #2.  The two incidents are not related.  Serena was detestable and reprehensible in 2009; Sunday’s act was not even in the same ball park.  Yes, the situation could have been handled differently, but it was nothing to warrant a code violation or worse – a fine!

Williams even launched an immediate damage-limitation exercise after the final by pulling up a chair next to Stosur.

“All of a sudden I turned around and she was right next to me, which is kind of unusual. She just said, ‘How do you feel? Are you really excited? It’s unbelievable,'” she said.

“It shows what a nice person she is and what a true champion she is; to be able to come over and congratulate your opponent I thought was pretty classy.”

Written by Michael Emmett

The biggest, richest sporting event in the United States kicks off in New York City on Monday, and it should be an instant classic.  The Men’s event has the entire buzz and should live up to its unbelievable hype. Djokovic, Nadal and Federer are rocks stars – playing in a city that never sleeps. These guys are so good – I’m not sure the average fan gets it!  The quality of the game is off the charts – this triad of superstars is hitting with unprecedented accuracy and pace.  Some of the shots they are pulling off make me wonder if they are indeed human! Most tennis fans are full of anticipation as this ‘ultra cool’ event is just hours from getting started.  Let me say it again – this event is bigger and better than the Superbowl and the stats back me up.

The summer months used to be about golf and tennis.  Partly by default – the only major sport being played is baseball and by this point in August – with only a month to go – the races are over and the games are meaningless. 

The dog days of summer have always been hot, humid and hazy and if you were a sports fan there was nothing better than watching a major championship – and it didn’t matter if it was golf or tennis.

Oh my, how that has changed.  Now there is no comparison.

The tennis landscape has far more intrigue today than ever before in history.  And the golfing vista is far more bland or vanilla.  Has anybody watched a golf event since Tiger blew up on the back nine on Sunday at Augusta National?

The television ratings are way down in golf and the sport is in big trouble – when a caddie (Steve Williams) is taking away most of the headlines you know you sport is in dire need of a kick in the pants.  The Fed Ex cup – come on – get serious!  Golf is down in every aspect, viewer ship, participation and one big category that often gets over-looked -betting.  Nobody is betting on golf because nobody cares.

Speaking of betting – who is going to win the Men’s championship in Flushing Meadow in a couple of Sundays?  I bet if I took Djokovic, Nadal and Federer and gave you the field (the other 125 players) in a friendly bet I would win roughly 97 percent of the time!

Anybody want to take me on??

If you do, you’re nuts!!  It is almost a guarantee that one of these three legends will come away with the hardware on September 11th. 

Think I’m wrong?

Well, I have the numbers to back this up.  These 3 tennis giants have won 25 of the last 26 majors. That’s a staggering domination by the best 3 players in the game today – and two of them (Nadal and Federer) may be regarded as the best of all time when all is said and done!  The only stumble was Del Potro at the 2009 US Open beating an exhausted Roger Federer in five sets. 

Compare these numbers to golf.  This fearsome threesome has won every major in the last 6+ years except for one!!  Never before in tennis history have we seen such supremacy from 3 players.  Tennis is at an all-time high and it’s because of these 3 luminaries.

Golf – it has been a disaster.  The last 15 majors have been won by 15 different players. Never before in history have we seen such incompetence in the golfing world.  No-one is capable of stepping up to the plate and taking charge.  No-name winners winning golf’s major championships are ruining the sport. I’m sorry Louis Oosthuizen or Charl Schwartzel.  Talk about boring.

Tiger – I’m sure you’ve heard this before – golf needs you to return to prominence in the worst way.  There are no rivalries in golf. Where are the days of Nicklaus, Watson, Palmer, Trevino and Miller?  To be blunt – golf sucks right now and I’m not sure it will get any better any time soon. 

And on the flip side – tennis is at the top of the mountain – tennis has the rivalries, it has the exposure, it has the drama, it has the personalities, it has everything and as a result CBS will show their weekend coverage (first weekend and second weekend) across the airways in 3-D coverage.  Can it get any better for tennis fans from coast to coast?  A Federer ace will now whistle by and will seem so realistic that you’ll have to duck

These three have produced an awesome 3-way rivalry or a trivalry.  You just know, when they play each other, it will be unbelievable drama with jaw-dropping shot making that will have the audience captivated like never before. New Yorkcrowds, in the evening session, bring out the best in the players and the drama is second to none – that includes, in my opinion, all of the other majors combined. 

New York Citydeserves the last major of the season – and unless things change in a hurry – they will always have it.  The golfing Grand Slam season ended at the PGA championship two weeks ago.  The eyes of the sporting world will now be focused on New York City for 14 days starting on Monday– what a perfect way to bring the curtain down. 

Who will it be? – It’s almost like a game of rock-paper-scissors!  Federer beat Djokovic in a classic French clay court battle in May; Nadal beat Federer on clay 2 days later – just like he always does and Djokovic beat Nadal in a near perfect match on the lawns at Wimbledonin July.

And when you’re watching this spectacular event – remember one thing.  The OPEN has become the highest-grossing annual attended sporting event in the WORLD.  Gross revenue for the two weeks will approach $250 Million dollars. 

Major event, Major players, Major Cash, Major profits – all in a Major City – really it just can’t get any better than this. 

Simply put – it’s the best spectacle in the world today.  And it’s not even close.

Written by Michael Emmett