Today was supposed to be one of those great sports days for me. You know the kind that I'm talking about..you favorite teams win big games over the weekend and you come to work monday with the feeling that finally, and perhaps only for a day, things are going your way. This was supposed to be my day today, but NO!!! And do you know why? Because I am a fan of the following three franchises:

Colts
Cowboys
Redsox

Man, today was going to really be a jolly affair. I was looking forward to it. Really was. The Sox overcame a 1-3 deficit to take the Rays to a seventh and deciding game in the ALCS, The Colts had a very realistic chance of leaving Green Bay with a win, and the Cowboys faced the lowly and happless St. Louis Rams.
 What happened, you ask? Well, let's start by saying that if you are asking this, did you spend your Sunday in a craft store or something?

 
First, My Dallas Cowboys were completely manhandled in St. Louis by a Rams team that has suddenly won two in a row but is still ter.ri.ble..I'll spare you the recital of statistics to support my argument. Trust me, this was ugly early. I love the excuses that are thrown around for why the Cowboys can't win all of a sudden: Adam Jones (Jerry Jones got what he deserved for that one and I REFUSE to call him "Pacman"), Tony Romo's pinky, the banged-up secondary,Felix Jones, blah blah blah. You know why they aren't winning? They have no heart. They have no killer instinct. That team is a rudderless ship, just out there turning in circles. There are 7 or 8 Pro Bowlers on that team and you'd never know it by their play. They can't protect the quarterback on offense and they can't stop the run on defense. This is one of the greatest compilations of natural talent I've ever seen
with one of the most lackluster coaching staffs in the league. Wade Phillips and his "Aw-shucks" outlook on everything, coupled with Jason Garrett's completely inept offensive game planning are more than my blood pressure can take. 
 
Jerry- Do your fans a favor. Pay Bill Cowher whatever he wants, no matter the price. Name the new stadium after him if that's what it takes. Just hire him. Then let him clean house.  

 And then the Colts took the field 3 hours later.They should have stayed on the bus.The Colts continued this season's trend of inconsistent and sloppy play, and this time it cost them big. Twelve penalties for 100 yards, 75 yards rushing, 229 yards passing, 5-for 15 on third down, and 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns. The stupid penalties for basic lack of execution were aggravating eneough, especially for this team that has been SO disciplined over the span of the Dungy regime. Green Bay had an almost identical offensive day in terms of stats (302 yards of offense, 2 offensive touchdowns), but The Packers defense stepped on the Colts' neck early and didn't let up. 

 Last week's mangling of the Ravens was heralded as The Colts triumphant return to form, but it's clear to me that it was just an average team beating a below average team. The loss drops Indy to 3-3 on the year and a full 3 games behind the Titans, who they face next week on monday night, followed by New England and Pittsburgh.This season might get a lot worse before it gets a little better.
 
  
And now for baseball...

 let's not deny the fact that Matt Garza pitched a fantastic game for the Rays last night. He dominated the Red Sox in every sense of the word after hanging that fastball up and in for Pedroia in the first inning. Jon Lester pitched well for the sox, scattering 6 hits and allowing 3 runs, which on most days for Boston is good enough for the win. Unfortunately, when a team leaves 8 men on base and the bottom third of their lineup just can't hit the ball, they lose.  The top of the batting order,minus David Ortiz, could not continue to make up for the lack of hitting from the bottom of the order. Ellsbury, Kotsay, Lowrie, Ortiz, and Varitek all struggled over the series. It's a little sad to say (at least for me), but I believe Jason Varitek has played his last game in a Red Sox uniform. But I give credit to the Rays for playing to their strengths- good pitching and great defense. The offensive explosion in the middle of the series was a nice touch,too.

 But, I'm moving on..considering the injury problems, the Manny problem, and the level of competition from a SOLID American League, coming within one game of the World Series aint so bad.I think the Red Sox nation will move on as well...to boo-hooing over the stinking Patiots!!Man, I love it!!!

 Oh yeah..and Andy Murray won the Madrid Masters Seried event yesterday, defeating 2008 Indy Champion Gilles Simon in straight sets. Murray played very well, defeating the Rog on his way to the championship. Simon knocked of Rafa Nadal on saturday to earn his spot in the final. I like this kid more and more each time I see him play. He has an enormous future ahead of him.

 See? Something good did happen this weekend!

At a time of an economic down fall. Professional sport leagues such as the MLB have continued to raise their ticket prices as much as 10.1 percent for an average league ticket price increase. The New England Patriots of the NFL have also raised the ticket price this year an amazing 29.6 percent from last season. I’m upset that Randy Moss hasn’t generated much fantasy points for me this year (mainly due to the absent of star quarter back Tom Brady) – I can’t image how the season ticket holders feel.

Ever heard of the Grapple in the Apple?  Well, my new friend Mike Karnuta at the Indiana Sports Corporation sent me this link to a Nike ad campaign that ran during the US Open.  Tennis needs more of this!  Check the Grapple in the Apple out.

This reminds me of Nike's great commercial in the streets of New York City with Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.  Men's tennis needs more companies like Nike spending money to advertise the stars, rivarlies and personalities of tennis.  I'm thinking the Indianapolis Tennis Championships needs to 'steal' some of these ideas to help expose some of the mini-rivalaries in the game today.

Thanks to Mike for sending this great creative my way and thanks to Nike too!

 I noticed that Carmel's own Rajeev Ram is making a tour through the ATP Challenger Series in Waco, Texas this week.  Ram, seeded eigth, lost a tough three set match to Nicholas Monroe.   

The ATP Challenger Series is set up as a great developmental opportunity for young players.  The Series is to men's professional tennis what AAA baseball is to the major leagues.  If you look through the draw in Waco, you will notice many familar faces.  I counted ten guys who have played in Indianapolis at one point, including Bobby Reynolds and John Isner. 

Ram is definitely an Indy favorite.  He first competed in the RCA Championships (now the Indianapolis Tennis Championships Presented by Lilly) in 2002.  His best results were in 2005 and 2008 when he reached the round of 16.

Not only is Ram loved by the crowds here but he is loved by the volunteers and staff.  He is a true gentleman and always willing to sign autographs, talk with sponsors and meet with the press. 

The next stop on Ram's Texas tour is probably the Lubbock Challenge.  Go Rajeev!

As the summer tennis leagues come to an end and the fall leagues get started. Check out these tennis tips to improve your game. I welcome anyone to provide there own tips as we all could use some every now and then. Best of luck!

Since I'm still in the dumps about my recent US Open picks, I not going to recount last night's tennis match.  Roddick was not mentally prepared.  Hats off to the Williams sisters, though.  That has to be a tough stage to be playing your sister on the national stage for a semi-final spot at the US Open.  The greatest tennis event in the world!

I want to grip about the Indianapolis Star's coverage of the US Open.  I am a faithful reading of the Sports page every morning before work.  This morning, I was excited to read about last night's mens tennis match, todays matches and other general comments from the US Open.  Yes, the largest standalone sporting event in the world!  I expected the Colts to get the front page and the US Open to be on the inside of the front page.

I read through the Colts, high school football, NFL, baseball, transactions/AP info and then finally found the US Open information.  How can this huge event on the sports calendar be regulated to the back page - especially when the Indianapolis Tennis Championships feeds into the US Open.  There is a men's professional tennis tournament in Indianapolis - there are fans of tennis in Indianapolis.  How can the US Open, generating $200 million in revenue, be slammed to the bag page?

In further investigation, I decided to check out www.indystar.com for the lastest US Open news.  After much searching, I found a blurb about US Open highlights under the National News section-at the bottom and fifth on the list.  It even appears after a story about Marion Jones being released from prison early.  Game, Set and Match - how can tennis compete with a convict being released from prison early.

One of the greatest faces in sports passed away this week. Gene Upshaw, Executive Director of NFL players association and Hall of Fame guard for the Oakland Raiders passed away of pancreatic cancer at age 63. Upshaw was a key contributor to the installment of free agency and a salary cap which has produced millions of dollars for the players and transformed the NFL to where it is today.

Some of Upshaw's contributions while with the NFLPA were modeled after the Major League Baseball and other sport leagues. In doing so the NFL has become the most powerful sports league. Any ideas on what the ATP could possibly take from Upshaw's contributions?

I wanted to give you all an update on an exciting event coming up this fall! In our efforts to promote healthy active lifestyles in the Hoosier state, we will be visiting two schools and a tennis club this fall to educate our citizens on living healthier, active lifestyles. We are in the process of securing a player from the ATP to join us on this exciting venture through the state of Indiana. Stay tuned for the location we are visiting, it may be you!!!

Did you know...

Tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes and non-athletes.

 *Dr. Joan Finn and colleagues at Southern Connecticut State University.

Tennis outperforms golf, inline skating and most other sports in developing positive personality characteristics.

 *Dr. Jim Gavin, author of The Exercise Habit.

The average person burns more calories playing tennis that doing low impact aerobics, weightlifting, riding a stationary bike, hiking, walking a golf course, or playing softball, baseball,  or volleyball.

*(www.nutristrategy.com)

As the Special Events and Hospitality Manager, I wanted to be sure to fill you in on all the exciting events taking place at the Indianapolis Tennis Championships Presented by Lilly! Be sure to come check them out!


KIDS DAY, July 14: The morning session takes place from 8:30am–10:30am for youth ages 6–12. The afternoon session takes place from 3:00–4:30pm for youth ages 13–18. Tickets start at $8 and participants need to bring their own racquet.

INDY HUB NIGHT, July 15: Join Indy Hub for an entertaining evening of hospitality, networking and socializing. The pre-match Happy Hour will be in the Outdoor Hospitality Tent from 5:30-7:00pm. Call 632.4100 ext. 116 for details.

USTA MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY, July 15: USTA members mark your calendars to attend USTA Member Appreciation Day from 11:00am-2:00pm in the Indoor Hospitality Pavilion. Free with the purchase of a afternoon session ticket.
   
VALSPAR PAINT PERFORMANCE CHALLENGE, July 16: The 2nd Annual Valspar Paint Performance Challenge will be held from 1:00pm-5:00pm and will encourage fans to test their accuracy skills for a chance to win a trip to Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the US Open. Visit valspartennis.com for detailed information, a complete schedule and to play the online version of the Performance Challenge game.

RACQUET DAY, July 16th
Individuals donating a new or gently used racquet at the tournament entrance will receive a free ticket to the afternoon matches that day.  The racquets will go to the National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis which serves more than 1,500 children in Marion County every year by offering low-cost tennis and life skills instruction at more than 20 locations.

COLLEGE NIGHT, July 17: Unwind in the International Plaza for a night of live entertainment and drink specials. Try a game of Cornhole or relax with your friends before enjoying a night of world class tennis. Free with purchase of evening session ticket (food & beverage not included).

LADIES DAY, July 18: Get your body moving by starting the day with instructional clinics and cardio tennis led by local USPTA tennis pros or kick-off the morning by participating in a round-robin tournament on the courts of the Indianapolis Tennis Center. Tickets are $50 and include a ticket for the Friday afternoon tennis session, a commemorative t-shirt, gift bag, and name recognition in the daily program. 

 

The only professional men’s tennis tournament in Indianapolis is fast approaching! 
This year the Indianapolis Tennis Championships is the first stop on the Olympus U.S. Open Series.  The tournament promises to be another great event as we have been preparing for months and promoting all over town.  If we haven't been in your neighborhood singing the tournament’s praises we are sure to be soon.  The days leading up to the tournament have been hectic, but it will all be worth it to see another successful tournament! 

We are really excited about this year’s player list, the matches are sure to have you on the edge of your seats!  If you haven’t purchased your tickets for the Indianapolis Tennis Championships Presented by Lilly yet, what are you waiting for?  Call us at 317-632-4100 or 1-800-622-LOVE! Or for more information visit the official tournament website tennisindy.com or the Olympus USOS website.

Summer associate and ghost writer - Melanie Belbin