November 19, 2006 - 12:42am

"The Prince of Tennis" Anime

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Anime is a style of comic book-inspired animation originally from Japan. One of the most popular anime shows in all of Japan is the adventures of The Prince of Tennis. Ryoma Echizen is a tennis prodigy, and is sent to a junior-high school famed for the strength of its tennis team. There's all kinds of tension as Ryoma uses his famous "Twist Serve" to beat older players while helping the team towards their goal of winning the national team championship. The show elevates tennis to an apocalyptic battle of wills, and it's totally bizarre and great. You can catch the show on The Cartoon Network's Toonami Jetstream but unfortunately, Mac users like me are out of luck for now. We have to make due with the manga or comic book version available at Amazon.com.

November 3, 2006 - 1:04am

The Logan Zone

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It's the heart of the college football season, and what, you may ask, does that have to do with tennis? I'll tell you: Steve Logan. The former East Carolina University football coach was renowned for his high-powered offense, high-graduation rates and propensity for on-field gambles. Now, he hosts a North Carolina area talk show called "The Logan Zone" that is the hottest radio in the area. Coach Logan is a man who has an opinion and is not afraid to speak his mind (the rumor is his distaste for booster ass-kissing did him in at my alma mater). He can give real insight on offensive schemes, bass-fishing, red wine, blues music, and yes, he is a tennis fanatic who plays every day. The show is an absolute riot: the first time I listened he read an inspirational letter from Rose Kennedy to son Edward, explained the demise of the corner coffin kick, then played a choice T-Bone Walker cut while chastising the listeners that they would "run gassers until they passed out". And it's great to get insight on our individual sport from a guy who sees things from a team angle. Remember, here's a guy who won 69 games and went to five bowl games in 11 seasons. Don't be surprised if this show goes national; it's that good. In the meantime, AM station 620 The Bull provides mp3's to enjoy of each daily show. Click here to check it out.

September 20, 2006 - 9:27pm

Break Point!: An Insider's Look at the Pro Tennis Circuit by Vince Spadea

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This one probably isn't for the kids, but Vince Spadea's tell-all book Break Point!: An Insider's Look at the Pro Tennis Circuit is a pretty interesting read. It's kind of like Spadea's diary for one year (2005), and veers wildly from the grind of preparation and practice through hook up advice to what players are really thinking on the court. Think of the book as this year's tennis beach read.

September 9, 2006 - 1:28am

US Open Suite Life Sweepstakes

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The 2006 US Open is over now, and I think you'll agree it was oustanding once again. It's a sort of parlour game to compare the Grand Slams, and I believe the US Open stands up to and maybe even surpasses all the rest. Of course, the Australian comes in the beginning when everyone is healthy, the French have the long, slow clay points and Paris, Wimbledon has the grass and tradition. But the American championships had Agassi and Navratilova saying goodbye by playing well, the raucous crowds, the Roddick Resurrection, the genius of champion Federer. To me, these two weeks in New York are first and foremost about tennis itself, about the competition and the players and winning. And it's even better when you are there in person, which you're going to be next year. And just to make sure, you need to play and win the US Open Suite Life contest. The USTA partnered with e-Prize to make it possible to win a free trip to the 2007 tournament. I've worked with e-Prize before, and I know they run a tight, fair contest. There's also lots of instant winners of beach towels, hats and water bottles. See you up in the Eagle's Nest in 2007.

September 4, 2006 - 6:35pm

2006 US Open Photo Gallery

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Using my trusty Canon Powershot, Upabreak shot about five hundred photos at the 2006 US Open. Here's a few shots to give you a taste of what you don't see on television. Enjoy!

August 26, 2006 - 6:09pm

Upabreak at the 2006 US Open

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Well, I can't stay away. Upabreak went to the 2005 US Open, and it was awesome. We saw Darren Cahill blasting serves from 3 feet inside the baseline towards Andre Agassi in practice, then saw him play the huge-serving 6'10" Croat Ivo Karlovic. We saw Roger Federer play at night, and marveled not only at the #1 player's amazing skills but the bag of tricks that Fabrice Santoro brings to the court. We saw John McEnroe impart his wisdom to the young Andy Murray. We watched in amazement as Rafael Nadal punished ball after ball in practice. We watched Justin Gimlestob argue on court with his coach about his previous day's first serve percentage (Coach said it was in the 30% range, Gimelstob said he was "certificable"). We saw Mariano Puerta breakdown in the heat, Kim Clijsters thrive in it. And on, and on...well, I've just gotton the chance to get back to New York for business, so I'm hitting Wednesday's Night session and Thursday's Day Session. I'll be sporting the brand-new Upabreak.com T-shirt, so if you see me, say hello and we'll share a beer and a dog (which will set us back about $20 but let's not think about that right now).

August 26, 2006 - 4:08pm

Visiting the US Open Tip #3: The Eagle's Nest

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Now, you're in like Flynt, thanks to "Visiting the US Open Tip #1" and "#2". Welcome to Tennis Heaven. I don't have to tell you the standard viewing strategy: you'll know that the big stars are in Ashe and Armstrong, mostly beating on unseeded players, so you'll look for your action in the Grandstand or on the outer courts. The Grandstand has amazing views and a roudy, soccer-like atmosphere, but it's not that easy to get in. Once you're there, you'll hate to give up your hard-earned seats. But once you venture away from the top matches, you'll see one of the coolest features of the US Open: practice. The top players in the world are working out their strokes and getting tuned, and it's a site to be seen. And Upabreak knows the prime place to see it: what we like to call the Eagle's Nest. The upper right bleachers off Court #4 is unique in that it overlooks a bunch of courts. You can see matches or practices on Courts 4 and 5 (Agassi practiced here last year), as well as get a decent view of the end practice courts P1, P2 and P3. Last year, we saw Richard, Venus and Serena Williams, Rafa crushing forehands, and Johnny Mac hitting with Andy Murray. And, from this vantage point, you can quickly survey the area and see if a crowd suddenly gathers on 6 or 7, indicating impending action. See you there!

August 25, 2006 - 8:00am

Visiting the US Open Tip #2: Go South, Young Man

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So, if you followed Visiting the US Open Tip #1, you are traveling light with no bag dragging you down, you waltzed right by the Bag Security Check, and you're headed for the East Plaza Gate. Another line. You see, all the people who got off the subway and had their bag checked are now in their second line trying to get in to the East Gate. Don't sweat it. Go past everyone and keep walking. You're going to walk all the way around the Tennis Center, keeping it on your right. Walk down a nice shaded lane, a soft right (you'll see the Unisphere by now) and then, the South Plaza gate. And my friend, get out your ticket because you're getting ready to enter BECAUSE THERE ISN'T ANY LINE. Why this mystery of the universe has never been explained or researched is beyond me, but there it is to confound the mind. So, you'll enter the grounds the way you're suppose to: through the Court of Champions, pausing to congratulate Mr. Budge and Ms. Navratilova. Grab a $3 draw sheet, and make your way to Tip #3.

August 23, 2006 - 6:37pm

Visiting the US Open Tip #1: Don't bring a bag

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So, you're going to the US Open! Good for you. Here's a tip for you: do not, under pain of death, bring a freaking bag. Let's just say that you do the sane thing and take the #7 train to Shea Stadium/Willets Point. You get off the train and up the ramp and go over a long wooden walkway towards the King NTC. Before you're halfway there, you're met with the end of a long line of miserable people. "What's this?" you say, because you're inquisitive like that. "Crap, it's the line to get in the Open!" So, you dutifully get in line, and you can't even see the entrance gates yet, and my friend, you are miserable. Then you notice something that every person in line has in common (besides misery). They are all clutching bags. Bookbags, sackpacks, purses, you name it. And then one of New York's Finest comes along and in that charming way they have of giving information, they bellow: "If you have a bag, any kind of bag, you MUST go through the security screening". And then, you summon up the courage to ask: "But, sir, of a bag, none have I!" And then, the officer will tell you to go around all the bag people and see your tennis. Then, you're going to thank me.

August 19, 2006 - 8:00am

Best After Tennis Beer: Stella Artois Pilsner

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Yes, I love beer. All kinds of beer, as a matter of fact. The heady hopped-up flavor bombs of California and Oregon, the great lagers of Munich, the dark night of Guinness, the winey flavors of Belgium. But after a grueling three-setter on a hot Saturday afternoon, you don't want just any beer. You want a bit of bite, you want smooth, you want refreshing. And these days, with Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne dominating the tour, you want Belgian. Stella Artois Belgian Lager isn't exotic or risky, but it has a nice fruity crispness with just a hint of bitterness. If you can find this on tap, all the better as the freshness really affects the beer. And of course, it doesn't hurt that the company sponsors the Queen's Club Championships prior to Wimbledon. Throw six of these in a cooler and you'll feel positively civilized after a match.