The “B”-level Americans also headed for the exits, with losses by Ahsha Rolle, Shenay Perry, Vania King, Alexa Glatch, and Asia Muhammad.

Elite tennis players have used a variety of stroke mechanics and tactics to succeed. Therefore, different physiques have been seen frequenting the winner’s circle in tennis. Boris Becker, Gustavo Kuerten, Jimmy Connors and Andre Agassi did not have similar body types, but each won a lot of big matches.

WORLD NO. 1 BEATER: With her win at the Olympics over Jelena Jankovic, Russian Dinara Safina became the first player in history to beat three different reigning No. 1 players in the same year.

In the end, he operated so secretly from the players that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic took the unprecedented action of electing themselves to the ATP Player Council to have a say in their sport. Apparently the last straw for de Villiers was the top players signing a petition that the ATP not automatically renew his contract for 2009, and shop around for other candidates.

While Nadal and Federer are with their entourages, Roddick seems to be without ever-present brother/coach John Roddick. Roddick has been without a main coach other than his brother since splitting with former No. 1 Jimmy Connors.

Avoid this item. It can help a person get into better shape so as a workout device it is fine, but it is detrimental to one’s tennis swing and timing on the court.

RANKING LANDMARK: This week Rafael Nadal ends Roger Federer’s 4-1/2 year reign atop the ATP Rankings. Serb Ana Ivanovic also re-takes No. 1 away from countrywoman Jelena Jankovic. Jankovic could have retained the top spot by reaching the semis at the Beijing Olympics, and Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova could have attained the top spot for the first time by reaching the semis in Beijing.

It is uncertain whether Hamburg will stay as a lower-tier event or take its tennis ball and go home. Hamburg has been a top-level event since its beginning in 1974, boasting former champions Guillermo Vilas, Yannick Noah, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg, Michael Stich, Marcelo Rios, Gustavo Kuerten, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“Q: What is the best piece of advice you would give to a junior tennis player, hoping to become a professional? (Michael Stich walks into the room saying: ‘Sex, Drugs, & Rock ‘n Roll!’) There we go, Michael Stich just came up with some crackers right there…It might be ok for a while…I know Michael Stich tried that and he won Wimbledon…Best advice? Well, I think you have to learn to be very patient and learn how to play on clay. I think it’s a very good grounding for players.”…

“I hate not playing and I hate withdrawing from tournaments,” said Roddick, chomping at the bit to take the court and gain some momentum entering Flushing Meadows. “It’s the most hollow feeling every when you have to walk off because you’re hurt and you know people have come to watch you play.”