Dynasty Champ advances to Semifinals!

Quarterfinals: JT eliminates OC with authority!

Harmon Park, by Matt Sopcic, TTN - I arrived at Harmon on Tuesday expecting such an epic battle between two titans of tennis that ESPN should have been there to cover the match.  Regardless of the final score this match did not disappoint.  I was able to warm each player up prior to the start and thought that OC had a very legitimate chance to win based on how he was practicing.  JT would definitely need to bring his best game possible to secure a victory and that is exactly what he did.  From the start it was clear that no player wanted to give his opponent any advantage as most of the rallies reached double digits and over half of games went to deuce.  JT’s patience paid off though as he was able to get to and return almost everything OC threw at him (which was a lot). Because of this OC then kept pushing the envelope, trying to get anything past JT, which in turn lead to multiple unforced errors.  OC’s first serve, which is the fastest in tower tennis, started to land on first attempt often but a little too late in the 2nd set to be able to achieve a comeback victory.  This loss did not sit well with OC and I know he will be using it as motivation for next year’s tournament.  If JT plays the rest of the tournament the way he played Tuesday he is a lock to win it all again.  Whoever plays the Dynasty Champ next better have their A+++ game because anything short of that won’t be enough.  Congrats to both players and their continued success in this and future tournaments.

Follow play-by-play by Matt Sopcic on twitter: #OCJT2012

DNR advances to Quarterfinals!

DNR eliminates AJ in the first-round of playoff action: 6-3,6-0.

DNR will now advance to the quarterfinals were he will face his biggest challenge to date!  Waiting for him next round is an encounter with the Croatian Sensation!  A victory here for either player makes them one of the final-four!  Both DNR and TB have played for a title, but each fell short in their respective quest.  DNR was runner-up to JT in 2004, while TB came in second last year.

Too hot to play... Really?

BW wins Fantasy Championship!

ESVN-Sports calls the 2012 TowerTennis Fantasy Championship for BW!

Des Moines, by Steve England, ESVN - With the regular season over, and the playoffs underway.  ESVN is prepared to go public, and call the 2012 competition for Kevin Broadway!  All other competitors have been mathematically eliminated.   BW's fantasy prowess extends beyond that of football!  Kevin used his astute eye for judging athletic ability, and analytically projected the number of wins likely to be achieved by each player.  

Congratulations BW!  You are the 2012 TowerTennis Fantasy Champion!   

Nate advances to Quarterfinals!

OC routs KS in first round of playoffs!

Harmon Park, by Matt Sopcic, TTN - While pulling up to Harmon Park today Nate's truck said the outside temperature was 108°F and I can’t even begin to imagine what the court temperature was!  Regardless of the extreme heat both OC and KS came to the court ready for battle and it was evident right from the start.  The first game of the first set took 15 minutes to complete due to neither player wanting to submit.  Hitting deuce 7 times with each player holding multiple advantages, one 19-shot rally, and plenty of unforced errors was exciting to watch but OC came out victorious and set the tone of game play early.  His lightning fast backhand coupled with a very improved forehand managed to drop in play 80% of the time making returns for Schewe difficult.  KS was able to get to many of Nate’s shots, but the speed that Nate put on the ball made it hard for Kyle to send anything back that was challenging for Nate.  

After winning the first set 6-1 both OC and KS contemplated finishing the second set another day, it was very clear that the heat was taking its toll on both players.   After an extended break both players decided to continue on but it seemed as though KS had lost a little spring in his step.  OC appeared to have sensed this and made more of an effort to send shots alternating to both sidelines.  Kyle’s ability to get to these sideline shots dropped drastically and OC was able to finish the second set with relative ease 6-0.  

Congrats to both players as OC will now face the Dynasty Champ-JT and KS will continue improving his game for redemption next year.

Follow play-by-play on twitter: #OCKS2012

AJ wins the last Regional Championship!

DH battles from behind to level match one-set all, but falls in the third! 

Norwalk, by Steve England, ESVN - This was an intense match which ebbed and flowed in each player's direction. DH takes an early lead, then extends to 4-2, helped by a forehand service return which she ripped crosscourt as AJ swings and misses!  DH lobs over AJ to take the advantage, and is one point away from a 5-2 lead, when AJ is helped by a forehand down the line, and a DH miss-hit as the ball strikes her frame.  DH loses the chance for a commanding lead, as Todd's serve starts to zero in on the service-court!  Finding his stride - AJ breaks at love winning three straight - propelling him to a 5-4 lead.  Serving for the set - AJ holds three set-points against DH, before Todd rips an ace for a come from behind win!

DH takes another early lead in the second, after her lob attempt knocks Todd's racket out of his hand!  Holding at love... She leads 3-1, before Todd backhands deep crosscourt.  DH attempts a high lunging backhand in response, but the bounce is too high!  When DH tries to volley from the baseline, it curves wide, allowing Todd to tie 3-3.  Todd wins two more to lead 5-3, and is just two points away from a straight set victory, when DH nails the tee to hold.  At a pivotal point in the second... AJ double faults, helping DH to tie at 5-5!  Todd doubles again on set-point, as DH takes four straight to level the match one-set all!

The games of the third were hotly contested, but AJ edged ahead 4-1, when he lightly taps a return just barely over the net.  DH breaks to close, then aces AJ for the advantage, but falls behind and double faults on game-point down!  AJ leaps to a 5-2 lead, and gets to serve for the match!  From 30-30... DH attacks the service return, but AJ blocks it back!  The ball falls almost vertically downward, just two inches on Deanna's side, giving Todd a match-point!  Todd screams with defiance and grunts loudly, as he nails a blistering service ace for the win!  AJ defeats DH 6-4,5-7,6-2.

Follow play-by-play on twitter: #AJDH2012

Last chance for a title!

Winner goes to playoffs, and name on trophy... loser goes home for the season!

AJ and DH finish up the regular season, Saturday July 21, at Norwalk Tennis Complex!

Norwalk, by Steve England, ESVN - When these two last played each other it was what is becoming more the rule than the exception!  A 100° + day, where heat exhaustion was a very real factor!  So real in fact... AJ offered to forfeit, unless DH permitted him an extended rest in the shade.  DH's sportsmanship proved to be her demise!  Rejuvenated by his rest, AJ overpowered Deanna with forceful strokes deep to the baseline!  This instantly put Deanna on the defense, where AJ then had his choice of offensive options!

This year could be a different story!  As the only female player in the tournament - DH is always at a disadvantage when it comes to power.  Despite this, she frequently defeats male players!  Her game has improved considerably, and poses a very real threat to all but the top players!  Meanwhile, AJ hasn't played much this year!  With his free-time taken up with softball coaching - AJ goes into this title match having only played twice, and unpracticed!  Use to the power strokes MM throws at her... DH may even be able to cope if AJ tries to overpower her!  I predict a close battle... perhaps with a surprising outcome!  Don't miss this last chance for a regional title:  Saturday, July 21, 9am, Norwalk Tennis Complex.

Excalibur is resurrected!

photos by Kyle Schewe

OC wins Northeast Championship!!!

Harmon Park, by Steve England, ESVN - It's a joy to watch when two player's intensely want to win!  Broadway was the underdog in this match, but he made up for it with drive and determination!

When Nate arrived - He unsheathed Excalibur from it's protective cover, then promptly laid waste to BW's quest for glory!

The games went to OC one after another until he lead 5-0 in the first!  Then... suddenly Broadway comes alive!  BW closes with three straight games to reach 5-3, before a forehand error on set-point gives Nate the first battle of the war!

BW falls behind in the second as well, but battles back to tie, then jumps ahead 4-3!  Nate counters by edging into the lead again!  Leading 5-4... Nate holds several match points against Broadway.  Kevin's determination was evident!  He fought off the match points, and held several game-points himself!  BW just couldn't get the upper hand on Excalibur's master!  Nate becomes Northeast Champion, 6-3,6-4!!!

Follow play-by-play on twitter: #BWOC2012

Match Preview: Northeast Championship BW vs OC.

By Steve England, ESVN - The Northeast Championship could be a blowout, or an upset!  As I look through tournament history - I can only find a couple common opponents for these two combatants. Nate defeated KN 6-1,6-3 in 2011.  In that same year BW lost to KN 6-2,6-4.  The only other common opponent is RB, but the comparison spans two different years.  RB's game has improved significantly... so his defeat of BW this year is difficult to compare with the routing OC put on him in 2011.

Broadway has speed, stamina, and consistency.  He also has a keen eye for reading his opposition!  Meanwhile, I've believed for a couple years now, that Nate is the dark horse of the tournament!    I wouldn't be surprised if Excalibur rises up to smite all who cross it's path!  Live coverage of the BW/OC match available via twitter.  #BWOC2012

Playoffs begin!

Post season offers some great match-ups!

Norwalk, by Steve England, ESVN - Only two regional championship remain unresolved as we enter the post season!  BW/OC will battle Tuesday July 17.  While, AJ/DH are likely to finish up within the grace period.  We lost six more players during the regional championship round!  Those who remain provide the potential for some classic battles!

I hope those of you now eliminated had a chance to taste victory along the way!  If so, let that inspire you to reach for more next year!  Many of you have the ability to be very good tennis players.  With proper instruction, and a little practice your name could easily be on the trophy!   

DNR wins Southwest Championship!

DNR survives multiple set-points down to eliminate MM!

Colby Park, by Steve England, ESVN - At stake today was a playoff berth, a Regional Championship, and an opportunity for a spousal match-up in the playoffs! DNR starts off with a double-fault, but quickly recovers with three service winners, and a forehand down the right sideline to hold.  Serving was Mark's nemesis during the first-set!  Mark double-doubles twice, and totals eight!  This essentially gave Doug two uncontested games!  Doug easily wins the first-set 6-1!

The second set was a completely different story!  Mark gets control of his service game, and nails three great serves to easily hold at love!  Mark has a couple great chances to extend his lead.  One was after Doug double-faulted, then suffered a bad roll off the netcord.  The other was when Mark lead 40-15, but he double-faults three times!  What could have been a 3-0 lead, turns into a 1-2 deficit!  Mark plays catch-up as players exchange games until tied at 4-4.  Mark then makes his move, taking the lead at 5-4!  Mark goes on to hold three set-points against Doug, but can't close the deal!  DNR averts a 3rd-set when Mark's lob is long.  Mark takes the lead again at 6-5 - holding yet another set-point, but double bounces to lose the point!  DNR survives a total of four set-points before forcing a tiebreaker!  In the breaker DNR dominates, only allowing Mark two points as he takes the Championship 6-1,7-6(7-2)!

Follow play-by-play on twitter: #DNRMM2012

Dean wins South Championship!

KN battles every point... but falls to Dean's consistency!

Harmon Park, by Steve England, ESVN - Although Dean initially finds himself down - DR targets the right sideline to get KN on the run!  KN misfires, then doubles to lose serve.  As the set progresses... KN draws DR wide, then nails a forehand winner crosscourt.  Dean counters by getting KN on the run, then aims behind him as his momentum takes him out of the point!  KN executes a half-volley backhand drop, then jumps on a weak serve with a crosscourt forehand winner!  Dean returns the favor with a forehand winner to force set-point,  then benefits from a dropshot error to take the first set at love!

The second set was highlighted by Dean getting a favorable roll off the netcord, then drilling a passing shot as KN approaches the net!  KN intensifies his attack on Dean's serve, and prevents a shutout by taking a game at 3-1!  Dean executes a dropshot winner, then strokes deep to the left corner.  A retreating KN errors on the return, but follows with a winner to close!  After an intense 20-shot rally... KN's forehand fails!  DR volleys toward the sideline - forcing KN into a defensive backhand.  The ball dribbles off KN's racket, and it's game, set, match for DR!  Dean wins the South Championship 6-0,6-1!

Follow play-by-play on twitter: Click on #DRKN2012

CG makes the Playoffs!

CG defeats RB 6-2,6-3 to win the East Semifinal Consolation (QF winner)!

Colby Park, by Steve England, ESVN - Although I've noticed great improvement in virtually every player in the tournament.  None, have improved their game more than RB!  Prior to this year, Ryan had never won a tournament match (except by forfeit).  This year he had decisive victories over KI, KB, and BW, with an impressive showing against TR!  Ryan has embraced a healthy lifestyle, and was a consistent participant in Tennis-Tuesday.  RB leaves tournament competition this year with a loss to CG.

CG began tournament competition in 2010, and quickly racked up four impressive victories to make not one, but both semifinals!  CG's only losses throughout his tournament history, have been to finalist!  With this year's victory over RB - CG makes the playoffs, and gets his name on the trophy!

Schewe falls short of West Championship!

Schewe makes playoffs as West Runner-up!

Colby Park, Windsor Heights. By Steve England, ESVN - Schewe begins the match with a service winner, but SV recovers for the break.  A first serve percentage of over 80%, coupled with some errors by Schewe propels SV to a 4-0 lead before Schewe closes out a 40-30 game with a monster serve!  Schewe gets on the board, but SV rips a forehand down the line to lead 5-1, then recovers from 40-15 down to take the first set 6-1.

At the beginning of the second, player's end a 15-shot rally when KS gets a favorable roll off the netcord.  SV counters with service winners, which KS had difficulty returning.  Add a few unforced errors, and Schewe quickly falls behind to a 3-0 deficit.  Schewe aces SV in the next game to take the advantage, then wins when SV hits the net!  Schewe prevents a second set shutout, but SV racks up the remaining games for a 6-1,6-1 victory!  SV wins the West Championship and gets a first round bye in the playoffs - Schewe gets his name on the trophy with an impressive run - earning the title of West Runner-up!

Follow play-by-play on twitter by Matt Sopcic

Northwest Championship goes to BY!

Retired controller earns name on trophy! 

Grimes, By Keith Belling, TTN - BY overcomes 85° heat, 10-12mph winds and the lack of a lawn mower to defeat KB in tennis action up at Grimes Recreational Area tonight. It was a battle filled with mistakes, high moments, and other such drama that took 1+29 to finish. Even the fellow playing with his kids at the next court over must have wondered why a picture at the end of the BY/KB match was necessary. Apparently he hadn't heard of towertennis.org. (Must be living under a rock somewhere...)

With visions of Roger Federer these two young men took to the courts to display their finest strokes. And then they played some tennis.

The first set saw KB jump to a 1-0 lead, then BY battle back. It ended up 6-2.

The second set was a bit tighter and ended up 6-4. It appears as though both players had trouble holding serve.

Not sure there was much else to say. KB tried to call 'hinder' twice on the fence behind the court. BY would hit a high shot with topspin and tailwind; by the time it came down after bouncing KB would've had to scale the fence to get it. Hmm...

Heatwave continues... Norwalk courts on fire!

Don't let the heat delay your match...

If you think you’ll never play tennis in that kind of heat, think again. It happens more often than most would imagine and it's been commonplace this summer! When temperatures in the mid-90’s or low 100's mix with direct sunlight on a hard tennis court, it is unavoidable. The court surface becomes hot enough to cook your lunch – figuratively and literally.  So how can you and I be expected to not only survive, but also to compete and have fun on hot summer days? Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Hydrate -- Drink up to a gallon of water a day in advance of play in extreme heat. But be sure to mix up your fluid consumption with a sports drink so you don’t flush your own much-needed electrolytes down the toilet! A 2:1 water to sports drink is a good starting ratio. Just get your fluid intake done well enough in advance so you’re not running to the bathroom in the middle of a match. Then, on changeovers, be sure to drink steady amounts as well, up to one cup of fluid with that same recipe.
• Clothing -- Cotton is cool but it also absorbs sweat and becomes heavy in the heat. Today’s high tech materials that allow sweat to pass through and evaporate is preferred. There are many brand names to choose from. Just avoid cotton t-shirts at all costs. Also stay away from dark heat-absorbing colors.
• Shade -- Getting out of the sun as much as possible can make a big difference!  Wear a hat, put a towel over your head on changeovers, bring an umbrella, or sit under a tree. Changeovers are suppose to only last 90-seconds, but to avoid health issues... Take Five! 

MM advances to Southwest Final!

AS falls to heat and experience! MM wins 6-4,6-3!

Schewe wins West semifinal!

Players battle 101° heat to finish up! 

Harmon Park, by Steve England, ESVN - Deanna leads 4-1 in the first... Schewe battles from behind to overcome!

DS forfeits to KN!

a lonely net

KN advances to play DR for the South Championship!

Delano leaves tournament competition with this forfeit.  This was his first year playing the sport! It's hoped you enjoyed yourself, and return next year!

Sopcic blazes to East Championship!

TR refuses to quit… takes three in the 2nd! 

Colby Park, Windsor Heights, By Steve England, ESVN - Sopcic remains undefeated, as he wins the East Championship!  With this latest victory, Sopcic enters the playoffs with a first round bye!  Sopcic is now only three victories from winning the big title!

photos by Kyle Schewe

Today's Regional Championship match with TR was yet another scorcher!  The heat index hovered around 110°, but the temperature did not slow the hopes of these two players!  Sopcic hoping to go undefeated, and TR with dollar signs in his eyes! Yes, the bounty for beating the Croatian Sensation has recently gone up!  Now officially totaling $80 (with the addition of Sopcic's own father), like Apple Stock... it's expected to keep climbing!

The first set was all Sopcic - from service winners, to overhead slams, to the brown-eye (a retreating two-handed reverse overhead lob), TR faced little chance against the force unleashed against him.  Sopcic shuts Ted out 6-0 in the first!

Sopcic made numerous unforced errors in the second.  One can only guess if it was the heat, or was he too complacent with his convincing first set shutout?  Despite his errors, Sopcic gets a favorable bounce on a ball striking the netcord to take a 3-0 lead.  Sopcic appears so confident at this point, that while waiting for a lob to return to earth... Sopcic noticeably contemplates a slam, but reconsiders!  Sopcic then (as if in slow motion), turns his back on the net to execute a brown-eye!  Sopcic then volleys so hard... that Ted half-volleys from behind the baseline for a passing shot as Sopcic approaches the net!  Ted avoids a second set shutout, then benefits from several Sopcic errors after an outstanding lob to close to 3-2!  Sopcic now slams a service winner at Ted!  Ted's service return was a home run, as the ball sailed over the fence! Sopcic then breaks Ted at love with a winner deep to the left baseline!  Sopcic leads 5-2, and is now serving for the match when out of the blue he double-faults!  His next serve is thunderous... but Ted blocks it back high!  Sopcic attempts a brown-eye, but this failed!  Sopcic then slams long, and puts the next one into the net!  Ted takes the game, and closes to 5-3!  The last game was competitive as well... tied 30-30, TR hits wide, then gives Sopcic a chance for a slam.  Sopcic slams it home!  Sopcic wins the East Championship 6-0,6-3!

Follow on twitter.com/towertennis

East Championship - TB vs TR today!

July 3, 3pm Colby Park, Windsor Heigths. 

Live coverage of this Regional Championship begins at 3pm CDT.  Follow along live as the action happens with your mobile device, or the sidebar to the right.

Follow on twitter.com/towertennis

To isolate this match search for: #east-final-tb/tr

Dynasty Champ rips the flesh from Mufasa's torso!

JT wins North Championship 6-1,6-0!

Crossroads Park, WDM. By Steve England, ESVN - The North Championship went mostly as expected... with one exception.  JT's victory was even more impressive than predicted!  Mufasa's game relied heavily on dropshots and slice.  For a power player like the Dynasty Champ, this can be frustrating!  JT chose not to play to Mufasa's strategy and sliced right back at him.  This created some enjoyable rallies to behold.  Mufasa had arrived to take over the pride... he even wanted to limit the warm up by stating: " Does a lion stretch before taking down a gazelle?" The harsh reality of the jungle, soon forced Mufasa to reconsider his words!

As the match progressed, MG finds himself down 4-0, but tied at deuce.  Mufasa approaches the net (normally a perilous position against the Dynasty Champ), JT draws back... he fires a passing shot, but Mufasa volleys for a winner! Perhaps stunned... JT then falls victim to an MG dropshot, giving Mufasa his only game of the match.  At set-point in the first: JT drills Mufasa at the net, but Mufasa volleys... JT counters by lobbing... Mufasa on the run, attempts a (Sopcic like) retreating reverse two-handed overhead lob!  The attempt fails, and JT takes the first set 6-1.

The second set went very quickly!  JT racked up the games with little opposition.  Mufasa only won two points in the last two games!  Mufasa serving to stay alive, falls quickly to triple match-point down!  Mufasa earns a point, then after an exciting exchange of angling dropshots at the net... JT goes for the death blow... but the shot slams into the net!  JT has to settle for an uneventful MG error at the baseline on the next point.  JT felt Mufasa's roar, but teaches the young challenger to: "Fear his roar!"

 Read the play-by-play tweets on twitter:

Sopcic dominates the East semifinal!

photo by Kyle Schewe

CG can only take a single game in his loss to TB! Sopcic wins 6-0,6-1!!!

Colby Park, Windsor Heigths. By Steve England, ESVN - The East Semifinal match experienced a late change of venue, but one for the better!  Colby Park in Windsor Heights hosted the event, and proves to be an outstanding location for TowerTennis matches!  The facility consist of two courts side-by-side like Harmon, but provides restrooms just a few feet away!  It has lights, and when coupled with Windsor Heights' central location, it certainly should be considered for your next match.

photos by Kyle Schewe

CG begins the match by successfully attacking the net - a strategy Sopcic normally employs.  He achieves a few points, but Sopcic breaks for the lead.  Now it's Sopcic's turn to serve... Kaboom!!! Sopcic rips phenomenal service winners left and right!  Sopcic glides to a quick 2-0 lead.  Next CG executes an outstanding lob over Sopcic's head!  Sopcic on the run.. executes his patented retreating two-handed reverse overhead lob to stay in the point!  Sopcic goes on to win, and take yet another game.  Sopcic rips an ace to take the next game at love, then benefits from CG attempting a Sopcic style "Brown-eye maneuver" which fails.  At set-point Sopcic leads 40-15 when he rips a monster service winner at CG's boys!  Sopcic easily wins the first set 6-0!

After eleven straight games, it looks like Sopcic will play a shutout!  Sopcic leads the second set 5-0, when CG employs a retreating two-handed reverse overhead lob to prevent it!  Sopcic drops a game to CG, but dominates the next by holding triple match-point against his challenger!  Sopcic blows one match-point by hitting long, but secures the victory with a two-handed backhand crosscourt for a winner!  


Read the play-by-play tweets on twitter:

photo by Kyle Schewe

The question is now:  Are we looking at the next TowerTennis Champion?  Sopcic looks unstoppable as he stampedes his way through the bracket!  Undefeated, with impressive victories over two former champions... It will take a virtual miracle to stop him!  One thing is for sure... there are several players still viable, just waiting for the chance to take this young man down.  Can they do it?  Should they do it?  Of course they should... competition brings out the best effort from all.  A goal achieved when others are trying to prevent it, is a satisfying accomplishment indeed.  If Sopcic achieves victory this year in the Championship match... he will certainly have earned it!

Follow the action on twitter!

TowerTennis matches can now be follwed on twitter!

Search word: TowerTennis

Twitter is a free social networking website that lets users share short messages, known as 'tweets', with the world.  Easily accessed from a mobile device, twitter seems to be a perfect method of following TowerTennis matches live as they happen!  

Regional Championship Round Begins!

But four semifinals overdue!

By Steve England, ESVN - July is an exciting time in the tennis world!  Wimbledon enters it's fourth-round, while TowerTennis enters the Regional Championship Round!  The Regional Championships are a new addition to the annual tournament!  It's not only your chance to get your name on the trophy, but your opportunity to make the playoffs, and compete for the big title!  I feel this has been a good addition to the tournament, and suspect it will bring out the best effort from those competing!

Meanwhile, there are four semifinal matches yet to conclude - I'm hopeful that they'll be completed soon.  For some, this will be your last match, for others you'll live on even if you lose.  For those of you overdue, I ask that you try to complete both your semifinal, and Regional Championship match so that the playoffs can begin on schedule.

Due to the placement of byes in the Southeast, we already have one Regional Champion!  Zeke, pulled off a victory over KI in three sets last Friday!  JT will battle MG Monday July 2, for the North, BY takes on KB for the Northwest, while BW will take on OC in the Northeast.  The remaining regional-brackets will have to wait until their feeding semifinals conclude.

We lost several competitors last round to elimination.  CA,CD,MN, and KI all fought valiantly, but fell to the nuances of the bracket.  It appeared to me, that all your games have improved considerably!  I hope your interest in the game remains high, and hope to see you again next year!