Has the tennis year started? Really? I hadn't noticed.

It is hard to believe that Mabry is this weekend. This tournament used to be a pretty big deal. I guess it still is for seniors (major zone) but the 400, 200, 100 point tournament system has weakened its appeal as has the hit-or-miss weather this time of year. 16 draw for singles in 4.5 compared to 32 draws in years past. Did 5.0 even make? Did they even offer it? Berry Creek, disappointing participation. Abilene? If I saw it correctly, there were 9 guys signed up for 4.5 and only 3 for 5.0. Things are definitely amiss on the USTA tourney scene. Where are the die-hard regulars that sign up for every tournament? Kallus, you out there? Did you finally throw in the towel? Schmucker, did you decide to save the tourney fees and the hassle that comes with not showing up? Ansari is still at it, so 4.0 has that going for it? Where is the 4.0 graduating class of 2007 (Kern, Warren, etc.) that was so highly talked-up last year but never showed up at events. There is going to be a lot less to talk about this year if things continue the way they have started. I guess the MZ in San Antonio will be the first true test of player commitment this year. Maybe more guys are just planning to play closer to home, so let's see how things go at Lost Forest. I assume the Dugas brothers will play there so it will be interesting to see how many sh*t-talkers accept their challenge and come out to take them down. I wish them well cause it is good to see some new voices being expressed here. Til Later. JM

News Flash to Texas Tournaments...US in economic recession!

Any one else get their USTA book/schedule for 2009 and notice that nearly every tournament in the state raised their entry fee by at least $3 - $5? Please correct me if I am wrong, but would this not seem a strange time for tournaments to be looking to squeeze out extra money from entrants? What makes even less sense is that it is the smaller local type tournaments that will only draw a handful of players for each level anyway that are asking the most. $33 to participate in a draw of 5 people at the nearly-monthly Missouri City events at the oh-so-lovely craphole that is Lee LeClear? Please don't hate me but I think I will pass. And don't get me started on the price to play doubles. $31 bucks to get in a 100 point tourney and I only get 1 guaranteed match? Well that t-shirt better be made out of silk, or in Lord of the Strings case, hemp (just joking LOTS, we all love you...even if you are out to kick each and every one of our asses on and off the court). Anyway, it seems like tournament tennis here in Texas keeps on taking one turn for the worse after another and I honestly don't think the players are to blame. If you ask me, $25 tops for singles entry and $20 per player max for doubles. And don't force me to sign up via the internet and then charge me an extra $3 for making your job easier, Mr. Tournament Director. How's that for kicking off the New Year. If you are bored and have money to burn, don't forget Mabry is coming up shortly for the 200 point, likes-to-travel crowd or you can just blow a wad of cash out at Lee LeClear at the 100 pointer I ranted about earlier. I didn't get enough of a response to the idea of a challenge ladder or one day Houston Tourney Tennis Scene tournament so I will drop the idea for the time being. Now get to hitting.