There is a reason I don’t wear neon yellow or green colored clothing while playing tennis, and I think Roger Federer may also reconsider this color choice in the future after suffering a bee sting in the 2nd round of the Australian Open.  It attracts insects, including bees. Bees really needn’t an inviting color to be annoying; however, green is one of the most inviting colors.  Bees are attracted by pheromones and smell.  Another little factoid about bees is that they sting redheads more than people with other hair colors.  I get stung anywhere from 3-7 times a year.

What do you do if you get stung by a bee while on the court, or specifically, while playing for a state singles title? Yes, that did happen.  Since I have a lot of experience with wasp and bee stings I’ve delveoped my own emergency kit to take with me since this happened. Although most people rely on cortisone, for me this takes too long and you have to apply it many times to get relief. While playing for this title the only thing I had in my bag was a bottle of gin.  I had gotten stung on my back, just below the collar area of my shirt. It was during a game and I was only alotted 90 seconds between the changeover.  There was nothing within my means with which I could treat the bee sting.  I rummaged around in my tennis bag and there it was- It appeared almost as if it were the Room of Requirements- a bottle of gin. I poured the gin down my back and relief was immediate and it felt very cool for a short while after. I went on the win that match, too.  Nowadays, I always keep emergency supplies for me and my teammates for bee stings and other maladies that affect us tennis players.

Oh dear what a match this was.  Nadal had to fight hard to win this match in 5 sets (2-6, 6-3, 7-6, 3-6, 5-7). Smyczek was unrelenting and showed amazing mental strength and heart in his playing. Sometimes big cats like Nadal almost seem affronted when a relatively unknown, less-accomplished player reams them from inside out like Smyczek did, but Nadal showed amazing grace and deference to his very-worthy opponent. Nadal’s reaction to winning was as if he’d won the title, falling to his knees and quite emotional over his win.  The lesson or take-away for this match, though, is Smyczek’s show of upstanding sportsmanship. Nadal was serving at match-point and some pompous-ass fan yelled as he was hitting his serve, which resulted in a fault. Smyczek allowed Nadal to take the serve over and Nadal won the match. In this last game Smyczek came back from Love-40, which is a huge display of mental toughness.  I hope we see more of this guy in 2015.

Disclaimer: I have a deep fondness and respect for Kevin Anderson

I’m watching this match live on the Tennsi Channel right now and Der Struffi is serving amazingly.  My favorite out of this match is Kevin Anderson, though, due to his experience.  I saw both of these gents play in 2014 and what was most impressive about Struff was his steadfast serving.  Not only does he hold serve very well, but his drive and skill to finish the point are reliable, and giving Anderson much trouble.

When Anderson does return Struff’s serve, he is able to make it a winner in many cases. Not to mention his serve is beautifuly on point. Of all the ATP players I have met in person, Anderson is one of the most genuine and down to earth there is. Even though I have an affliction for German tennis gods, Anderson’s personality and likability are swaying my pull right now. My prediction is that Anderson will win the tie-break and sweep the second set.

Did not get to watch the Berdych – Gulbis match, but it looks like serving was not in Berdych’s favor.  I guess we’ll have to wait for Djokovic to put the smack down.  Right now Muguruza is leading Sharapova 3-0, but not holding my breath on this match.  Hoping for a  peaceful final though!