2008 TowerTennis Championship

JT retakes TowerTennis Title!

2008-11-06T22:00:00.005-06:00

7-Flags Fitness and Racquet Club, Clive Iowa, 11/06/08 - A battle of two champions tonight left one champ filled with satisfaction, and the other looking to the future. JT accomplishes his goal of retaking the TowerTennis Title. While, BR retires both from ATC, and now TowerTennis competition. Note: A movement has arisen to allow retirees to continue playing.
A capacity crowd gathered in the gallery to witness the climatic event of the 2008 tennis season. SB honored the event by singing the National Anthem while playing guitar. While, the two combatants respectfully looked toward the gallery with hands placed over their hearts.
Once the the match began - Both players seemed tight at first, but loosened up as play progressed. Neither player could hold serve until JT succeeded in the 6th game of the 1st set. This proved to be a pivotal point in the set, since it was the only game during the 1st set when a player held their serve. The next game was the most critical of the entire match - JT was now leading 4-2, but it was BR's serve. Holding serve at this point would close the set to 4-3, but loosing would mean a 5-2 deficit. BR's play during this critical game was mixed. BR started well with a service winner, but nullified by then double-faulting. After two more service winners, and two more double-faults, and six deuces - JT takes two consecutive points for the win. It's difficult to lose when holding a 5-2 advantage, and JT goes on to take the 1st set 6-3.

JT comes out swinging in the 2nd - winning four straight points to take the 1st game, and breaking BR's serve for a 2-0 lead. BR fights back, and ties the set at 3-3. At this point the match is virtually tied. Yes, JT has a one set advantage - but a BR streak in the 2nd would level the match. JT won't have any of this, and convincingly holds serve to go up 4-3. This seemed to demoralise BR! BR serves two double faults, and only wins one of five points to lose his serve and giving JT a 5-3 lead. The final game went to three deuces, and for a moment it looked like BR might survive... but JT was too much. JT wins two consecutive points, and with them he retakes the Title. JT wins the 2008 TowerTennis Championship 6-3, 6-3!

SV presents trophy to 2008 Champion JT

2008-11-06T21:30:00.001-06:00

SV presents the TowerTennis Perpetual Trophy to the new champion. This is the forth time in five years, SV has presented the trophy to JT.

SB battles hard... but falls to JT!

2008-10-28T23:59:00.001-05:00

7-Flags Fitness and Racket Club, Clive, 10/28/08 (JT) -The first set was very much give and take and was a real server's duel. Through the first 9 games, neither player was able to break serve, while both held serve. Finally, with a 5-4 lead, JT breaks SB's serve to win the set 6-4.

The second set started off much the same, but JT began to handle SB's powerful spin serve much better. Breaking SB's serve early, JT took an early lead 3-1. But then SB breaks JT's serve closing the gap. Unfortunately, SB's serve began to fail him in the 2nd set. JT's fundamentals remained strong and his ground game was too much for SB. JT wins 6-3.

Yesterday's match proved to be more exciting than JT had expected. The serving duel was indeed a surprise and there were some very exciting rallies and duels at the net. Both players also exhibited strong ground strokes and great passing shots.

SB shows real promise with his tennis game. He puts a lot of spin on the ball, both with his serve and ground strokes... spin that oftentimes is difficult to predict. Look for him to be a strong contender next year.

JT eliminates SV... looks past SB for Championship Rematch with BR!

2008-10-16T19:52:00.003-05:00

PointeWest Stadium, 10/16/08- JT continues his quest to avenge himself by clearing yet another obstacle in his way. Down early in the 1st... JT manages to take the set 7-5, then enjoys little resistance in the 2nd to eliminate SV in straight sets: 7-5, 6-1.

Then there were four! JT eliminates DR! 6-2, 6-3.

2008-09-30T20:19:00.004-05:00

Harmon Park, 09/30/08- Fighting for the last spot in the final-four, DR and JT meet for a marathon! JT controls the action forcing DR into mostly defensive returns, but both players run the other - resulting in multi-shot rallies on virtually every point!

JT is never in danger - taking the first three games of each set. Despite DR's amazing 80% 1st-serve percentage, DR simply can't force JT into a defensive position with his lofty strokes! Meanwhile, JT sets up on almost every shot - running DR to extremes! JT could only hit 46% of his 1st serves, but the pace they had on them proved difficult when they did hit. Four of the eight games played in the 1st-set went to deuce. While, only three of nine in the 2nd-set resulted in deuce. JT steps it up near the end with no faults, and an ace in the final game.

JT eliminates DR in straight sets 6-2, 6-3. JT's quest to storm through the loser bracket is proving to be a self-fulfilling prophecy... but he has three more major matches to go!

JT shuts-out BY 6-0, 6-0!

2008-09-25T23:39:00.001-05:00

PointeWest Stadium WDM, 09/25/08- Suffering from an injured knee... "BY's" once fierce competitive spirit seemed depressed from the start. Having NO MERCY - JT made quick work of his physically impaired adversary. JT racked up game after game - 9 of the 12 without even experiencing a deuce. Meanwhile, "BY" even suffered "double-dogs" (two consecutive double faults) in the 5th game of set-1.

Both players struggled with their 1st serve percentages, but JT doubled "BY's" efforts - nailing 18 of 38 first strikes, and racking up twice as many aces! There were several long rallies when "BY" hit deep - this kept JT near the baseline and less likely to rip a winner. "BY" frequently opted for a chop-shot which drew JT to the net. This proved to be a bad strategy for "BY". JT had no problem reaching these shots, then he had the advantage with greater court angles available.

JT advances to take on DR. This match will determine the last member of the final-four! As everyone knows: Once you're in the final-four... Anything can happen!

BY eliminates AJ 6-4, 6-2!

2008-09-19T23:24:00.001-05:00

Harmon Park, 09/19/08- As the last days of summer slowly slip away - BY and AJ take advantage of almost perfect weather conditions to play their match. AJ was very optimistic, perhaps even cocky - when he first learned of the our annual tournament. What he didn't realise at the time, was the level of competition he would encounter. Now in his 5th year as a TowerTennis competitor - BY was ready for the young man from Texas!

BY probably has one of the fastest serves ever recorded in a TowerTennis event, but historically low percentages. Today BY took a little heat off, and the results were remarkable! BY's first serve hit with the accuracy of a smart-bomb, bringing with it the sting of a stinger missile. AJ was frequently lucky to get a racket on the ball. When he did, the return was defensive in nature - giving BY a chance for a kill. In fact both players demonstrated wicked first serves, but their follow-up kill-shots proved ineffective a majority of the time. BY appeared to have greater directional control, running AJ around the court, and forcing him back with well executed lobs. BY had AJ down 5-1 in the first set, but couldn't seem to put him away! BY held 5 set-points against AJ before finally closing set number one. In the second - BY jumped to an early lead of 3-0 before AJ got on the board. BY takes 2 more before AJ can score again, and finds himself with an almost insurmountable advantage up one set and leading 5-2 in the second. BY closes AJ out winning 6-4, 6-2.

JT shuts out DH 6-0, 6-0!

2008-09-18T10:09:00.001-05:00

PointeWest Stadium WDM, 09/17/08- Only one person has ever beaten Dynasty Champion JT in a TowerTennis Match, and that player is the defending Champion BR! JT played DH like a gentleman demonstrating honor by hitting the ball at a reasonable pace, and using measured force to promote a match with lengthy rallies.

Closely scouting this match from his balcony over-looking the PointeWest Stadium. Defending Champion BR couldn't resist the erge to join the players at court-side. BR practiced briefly with JT after the conclusion of the JT-DH match. Both players showed consistency, and power. Was this a preview of the up-coming final? Perhaps it was... if so, the final match will certainly be one to remember. Meanwhile, JT still has a few hurdles to overcome! AJ, BY, DR, SV, and SB still await a possible encounter with the former champ.

JR forfeits to BY!

2008-09-13T12:43:00.003-05:00

Burdened by an unyielding schedule... JR leaves tournament competition by forfeiting to BY.

JT eliminates DNR 6-1, 6-3

2008-09-11T23:27:00.004-05:00

7-Flags, 09/11/08- Dynasty Champ JT returns with a vengeance! Yearning for some payback - JT spends part of his vacation in Ohio practicing his game. Taking on DNR in his first match since losing to BR... JT plans to blow his way through the loser bracket for a chance at retribution! One down - six to go; before JT can once again claim the Title of TowerTennis Champion! Standing in his way is DH, BY/JR/AJ, DR, SV, SB, and BR. JT eliminates DNR 6-1, 6-3.

SV shuts-out OC 6-0, 6-0

2008-09-09T11:06:00.005-05:00

PointeWest, 09/09/08 - OC slams a forehand during after-match practice (depicted in photo). SV walked off the court perplexed... OC's strokes were awesome, his two-handed backhand was accurate and strong. His forehand demonstrated classic topspin, and power. In fact, his only weakness was his serve. Then why was the score so lopsided... asked SV. OC's explanation: His equipment, and possibly playing tight when it counted. Net effect: OC exits the tournament with two losses.

Keep an eye on this player! OC will almost certainly be a force to contend with next year. For now - SV defeats OC 6-0, 6-0.

SV shuts-out DK 6-0, 6-0!

2008-09-07T18:41:00.001-05:00

Harmond Park, 09/07/08 - SV wins the toss, but elects to receive... This gave SV his choice of sides. SV's strategy was to give DK an advantage for the first game, then force DK to both receive and serve into the sun.

DK gets broken the first game... negating any advantage he may have had. SV starts out with a service winner, and effectively dominates the match. DK has his serve broken each time - as he exits tournament competition in 2008. SV shuts-out DK 6-0, 6-0.

DK eliminates MM in straight sets

2008-09-06T18:21:00.004-05:00

Norwalk, 09/06/08 - In her first TowerTennis debut-DH's grand daughter performs ballgirl duties as DK and MM battle for tournament survival. In the end only one of these competitors would emerge as victor. The player who executed best, and made the fewest mistakes would be the one to advance. Today that player was DK! With his expansive reach, and formidable serve, DK forced MM to hit both long and short. Even MM's attack at the net was met by perfectly executed lobs. One lob caused MM to scramble from the net back toward the baseline. MM gets tripped up, and takes a bad spill! In mid-air, MM rolls to prevent more serious injury! DK advances to face SV... while MM exits tournament competition this year. DK over MM 6-0, 6-1.

SV shuts-out AN 6-0, 6-0!

2008-09-04T17:15:00.005-05:00

Harmon Park, 09/04/08 - At twice his age - SV was lettering in tennis before young Alex was born. Today's results were no surprise, but AN showed promise with a strong stroke, and quickness.

At double match-point down. Young Alex scores three straight points to take the advantage. Only one point from winning a game - Alex draws SV wide right opening up the court. Alex has the shot - but the shot lands long! SV advances by eliminating AN 6-0, 6-0.

Spankey gets Spanked!

2008-09-04T14:02:00.004-05:00

PointeWest 09/04/08 - Youthful enthusiasm was no match against defending champion BR. Plagued by the remnants of hurricane Gustav, combatants played in wet conditions - slipping and sliding across the court. SB goes for the lines; but misses! Although SB was able to handle the champ's serve - he wasn't able to deal with BR at the net. Hitting directly into the champ had no desirable effects.

SB commented: "He whooped my ass so bad... I didn't have time to sweat!" BR defeats SB 6-0,6-2.

DR Scouting Report!

2008-08-31T07:28:00.005-05:00

Harmon Park 08-30-08 - In a practice match, DR and SV test their abilities against one another. Historically, DR plays SV tough, and today was no different! The lead changed several times during a 1 1/2 hour first set. SV down 3-0 in a tie-breaker battles back to win the set 7-6 (7-4). DR lost to defending champ BR in a first set tie-breaker as well. Is DR vulnerable in tie-breakers? I think not - his game is sound. DR makes few unforced errors, but is vulnerable when he serves, especially if you pound his backhand. DR tends to hold the extra ball in his hand. This frequently caused him problems as he tried to switch hands with his racket. DR's reach typically is greater by tossing his racket from one hand to the other.

DR's game continued to excel pulling away from SV at 4-4 in the second to take the set 6-4. DR is generally unaffected by power! SV's fastest serves were typically returned - sometimes for winners. Playing a power game against DR is only effective, if you get an angle on him. If he can get to the ball; it's coming back!

Champ survives assault by DR

2008-08-26T11:33:00.006-05:00

Harmon Park, 08-26-08 - DR jumps to a quick 5-2 lead, and is holding a double set point against the defending champ at 40-15; when BR comes from behind to tie 5-5. DR's determination carries him to a 6-5 lead, but the camp won't lay down - stepping up and forcing a tie-breaker!

Using unsanctioned scoring, the champ dominates the tie-breaker winning a tough 1st set 7-6(10-7). See Tie-breaker Refresher in the navigation bar right.

Invigorated by his 1st set victory. BR sails into the semi-finals for a match-up with SB. BR wins in straight sets 7-6 (10-7), 6-2.

SB survives OC in Three!

2008-08-25T19:04:00.004-05:00

Harmon Park, 08-25-08 - This was a critical match for both contestants! A win from this position was assured at least a third place finish. Both players competing in their first TowerTennis Championship - and both positioned to do well! First blood was drawn by SB winning 6-3. The second set was tied at 6-6... SB was tasting victory, but OC wasn't laying down! OC dominates the tie-breaker - leveling the match at one set all. Now anyone's match... SB spanks OC, winning the match: 6-3, 6-7(7-2), 6-0.

Champ gets a scare but prevails!

2008-08-24T22:00:00.005-05:00

PointeWest Stadium, 08/24/08 - The first set was all BR, the second was all SV... Then came the third! SV goes up 3-0 in the third, and is one point away from going up 4-0! Although not impossible to overcome; a 4-0 deficit is a formidable deficit to make up. A deficit the champ didn't want to face! SV had expended considerable energy running after lobs, while BR focused on hitting the ball away from SV. BR steps up his game-Result: A sluggish SV... and six unanswered games for BR. BR defeats SV 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

MM comes from behind to eliminate KN in Three!

2008-08-23T21:13:00.007-05:00

American Legion Park WDM, 08-23-08 - MM was getting blown out of the water! Down 0-5, it looked as if KN would take the first set in a shut-out... Then MM makes it respectable closing to 3-5, before KN finishes him off.

The second set was closely fought: MM up 2-1, then tied 3-3. MM re-taking the lead 4-3, then going on to take the set. This leveled the match at one set all. Theoretically, the third set should have been close - perhaps even a tie-breaker. But a tie-breaker wasn't in the cards! MM starts serving hard - and his serve is hitting! MM takes the third, and with it wins his first TowerTennis Match! MM eliminates KN 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

DR writes his own prescription for success!

2008-08-22T17:38:00.005-05:00

Harmon Park, 08-22-08 - A straight set victory for DR in no way reflects how difficult it was to achieve! Multi-shot rallies on virtually every point took a tole on DR midway through the 2nd set. Up one set, and leading 4-1 in the second - an especially hard fought, and long rally left DR winded. This opened a window of opportunity for DK. By taking advantage of his opponent's fatique, and starting to nail his first serve... DK closes to 3-4. It looked like the momentum had changed to DK's favor, but DR's consistency continued to rack up the points. DK fails to push his height advantage at the net, and suffers the consequences. DR takes the next two games, and with them the set and the match. DR defeats DK 6-3, 6-3.

Championship Repeat: BR defeats JT 6-4, 7-5.

2008-08-19T18:45:00.006-05:00

PointeWest Stadium WDM, 08-19-08 - In another straight set victory - defending Champion BR tops Dynasty-Champion JT. At 50 years old... He's still got it!

Up one set already, BR goes up early in the second after JT suffers an ankle injury. Overcoming his pain JT fights back to lead 5-3. Knowing a three set battle against JT could prove fatal - BR changes back to earlier tactics which included drop shots. BR ties it up, then goes on to victory.

These two played one another in the 2007 Championship match where Dynasty Champion JT experienced his first defeat in tournament history. BR, both retired and one of the oldest players in the tournament now appears to be the early favorite to repeat as champion.

SB over-powers AJ in Three!

2008-08-16T23:11:00.007-05:00

American Legion Park WDM, 08-16-08 - In another three set match, SB beat AJ, 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. In only the second match of his life, Tennis-Phenom, SB was victorious and continued in his quest to win the coveted TowerTennis Championship. Coasting to an easy 6-2 first set win, SB found himself down 4-2 in the second. But then three quick games found SB ahead and poised to quickly dispatch a deflated AJ.

Behind 4-5 in the second set, and down 15-40, AJ found a way to break SB's serve and erased two match points. Pulling to a 5-5 tie in the set, AJ held serve in the next game and won the set on a double fault by SB.

The third set was close early and AJ pulled to a 3-2 lead. But just as in his first round match, SB's serve started doing some damage in the third set. So impressed with the speed of his own first serve, SB was heard to remark on one occasion, "How did you hit that one back?" SB went on to win the last four games of the match.

Both SB and AJ had several aces throughout the match. The match lasted one hour and fifty minutes.

DH falls to OC in third set tie-breaker!

2008-08-16T18:49:00.007-05:00

Harmon Park, 08-16-08 - DH's consistency took care of business the first set. Although OC whipped a powerful two-handed backhand, DH slammed each shot back - winning the first set 6-4. OC steps up in the second leveling the match at one set all - winning 6-1. The third was the thriller! Down 0-3... DH storms from behind taking the lead twice! Leading 5-4, and 6-5 respectively. DH now finds herself only 4 points from victory! What could have been going through her mind? OC survives, and ties it up at 6-6 - forcing a tie-breaker. OC then goes on to dominate the tie-breaker winning game, set, and match: 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).

DK takes JR in straight sets!

2008-08-13T16:47:00.005-05:00

Harmon Park,08-13-08 - DK uses his surprise underhanded serve to both avoid looking into the sun, and catch JR at the base-line. JR waits until match-point down to come alive, but runs into DK heating things up with repeated service winners. DK wins in straight sets: 6-3, 6-3.

Late resurgence proves fatal for KN

2008-08-11T17:09:00.009-05:00

Harmon Park, 08-11-08 - It looked like KN would easily coast to a straight set victory. Winning the first in a tie-breaker, KN was leading 3-1 in the second. Then suddenly... AJ's aggressive style of play began racking up the points. AJ wins 5 unanswered games to tie the match at one set all. The third set was close as well - almost resulting in another tie-breaker! AJ wins his first TowerTennis match: 6-7 (2-7), 6-3, 7-5.

BY takes DR to three!

2008-08-11T11:59:00.008-05:00

Harmon Park, 08-11-08 - In another classic matchup - Two opponents with intense competitive spirits squared off this morning. BY's racket-ball style game was predicted to give DR a run for his money. After splitting the first two sets by identical scores. BY faced double match point down trailing 2-5. Fighting back to level the set at 5-5... The match could have gone either way. Then the doctor decides to operate - surgically cutting the next two games from BY's grasp. DR edges BY: 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

SB surprises MM in a 3-Set battle!

2008-08-10T18:04:00.010-05:00

American Legion Park WDM, 08-10-08 - Everyone knew SB was an athlete, but Wow! When SB unleashed his first serve - he looked like an A-Player. SB takes an early lead winning the first set 6-4, but can't finish MM off. MM storms from behind to take the second set: 7-5. Now anyone's match, SB's wicked first serve starts hitting. Giving SB an early lead in the final set. - SB goes on to win: 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.

DH defeats AN: 6-0, 6-1

2008-08-09T16:07:00.002-05:00

08-09-08 Columbus Park - AN's introduction to tennis begins under the gun of tournament competition. First round opponent DH gives her young competitor a lesson to remember.

SV tops DNR in 2 1/2 hour battle!

2008-08-09T15:43:00.010-05:00

PointeWest WDM, 08-09-08 - The first match of this year's tournament played out at PointeWest Stadium before a crowd of one. SV's sweetie provided moral support with periodic visits pushing a stroller. Neither opponent had played much to prepare for todays match. SV was especially concerned about his game after taking several major falls while roller-blading at Gray's Lake: "I feel like I can't take a full swing"... said SV. SV edges DNR 6-3, 6-4.

Tie-Breaker Refresher

2008-07-31T00:21:00.001-05:00

Tie-Breakers Explained:

At a score of 6-6, a set is often determined by one more game called a "seven point tiebreak." Points are counted using ordinary numbering. The set is decided by the player who wins at least seven points in the tiebreak but also has two points more than his opponent. For example, if the score is 6 points to 5 points and the player with 6 points wins the next point, he wins the tiebreak and the set. If the player with 5 points wins the point, the tiebreak continues and cannot be won on the next point, since no player will be two points better than his opponent. Since only one more game is played to determine the winner of the set, the score of the set is always 7-6 (or 6-7). Sometimes the tiebreak points are also included, for example 7-6 (7-4). Another way of listing the score of the tiebreak is to just list the loser's points. For example, if the score is listed as 7-6 (8), the tiebreak score was 10-8 (since 8 is the loser's points, and the winner must win by two points).

The player who would normally be serving after 6-6 is the one to serve first in the tiebreak, and the tiebreak is considered a service game for this player. The server begins his service from the deuce court and serves one point. After the first point, the serve changes to the first server's opponent. Each player then serves two consecutive points for the remainder of the tiebreak. Furthermore, the first of each two-point service starts from the server's advantage court and ends in the deuce court. After every six points, the players switch ends of the court. At the end of the tiebreak, the players switch ends of the court again, since the set score is always odd (13 games).