ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST?

Martina Hingis a former world no.1 and winner of 5 Grand Slam singles titles and 9 double titles announced her retirement at the age of 27. This is the second time that Hingis has called it quits from competitive tennis.

The retirement does not come as a surprise except for the stunning and shocking incident that prompted Hingis to make the announcement. She tested positive for cocaine during a drug test conducted at Wimbledon of this year.

Cocaine is not a performance enhancing substance. It is only used for ‘recreational’ purposes. Even then the consumption of cocaine is illegal.

Hingis denies the charges but does not intend to continue with the game and fight the allegation.

It is not the first time that a top tennis player is under the cloud of drugs. Petr Korda received a ban and a certain J.P.McEnroe confessed to the use of substances like cocaine.

Whatever is the truth, this is a sad end to a fine career.

NEW TECHNOLOGY AT WIMBLEDON

The AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis Club) has decided to introduce ‘hawk-eye’ in order to remove errors on part of the people who judge the lines. With this measure, players can now challenge the calls. After the US Open and the Australian Open, it is the turn of Wimbledon to accept the new technology.

Purists may not be too pleased with the advent of this technology. From the viewpoint of the viewers, there might not also be players to question any bad calls. Of course, the game does not have characters like John McEnroe now.

It is not the first time that new technology has been tried out at the famed grass courts of SW19. Since 1980 a machine called ‘Cyclops’ is being used to judge serves.

But technology cannot be completely relied upon. There have been instances of hawk-eye giving wring calls. Cyclops also beeps even when the serve has not taken place.

LAST ROUND OF HENMANIA?

I was browsing through http://www.wimbledon.org/ the official website for the premier grass court tennis event and for many, the greatest tennis tournament. I found a link about Tim Henman, the perennial British favourite at SW19.

Henman is now past his prime and despite his confidence, few would give the Brit a chance at this year’s championships. Henman had all the tools that one needs to have to win on grass. The serve though not big, still was good. The volleying was crisp. But time and again, Henman could not hold the famous trophy.

This, I believe, was due to the presence of a certain player named Pete Sampras. Henman was at his best when the American was also at his best. It is sad that Henman had to contend with arguably one of the best grass court players of all time. In another era, Henman and the British could have celebrated a victory.

This may be the last year of the Henmania.