August twelfth, ‘09 was a bright, sunny Wednesday morning in Montreal. Since I was working at the Rogers Cup, I got admission to the grounds and had specially asked for the day off so I could go see all the professionals’ practices. It was indeed a rich schedule with the best 10 competing all the way through the day.

At eleven that day, a pal and I headed over toward Court 4 where the world’s No.1, Roger Federer, was due to arrive at 11:30am. Already jam packed with roughly a few hundred people, there was hardly any room to move.

Sometimes known as ‘Rafa,’ Rafael Nadal is a local of Spain who has made a huge impact in the world of tennis.

Born June 3, 1986 in Manacor, Mallorca, Rafael Nadal is the son of Sebastian and Ana Maria Nadal. His sister, Maria Isabel, is 5 years younger than Rafael and is his only sibling.

Standing 6′1′ and weighing 178 lbs, Rafael Nadal turned into a professional tennis player in 2001 after having played since four years old. Fans shouldn’t let this young age trick them as Rafael Nadal nabbed his first championship at just eight years old.

The Australian Open once again got the tennis year off to a great start and whetted out appetite for the forthcoming season. The master they call Roger Federer once again lifted that famous trophy, sending out a warning to all his opponents that he’s still the man to beat.

There again, it’s still very early in the season, and way too early to write anyone off yet. Look at the surprises last year threw up, a prime example being Juan Martin Del Potro winning the US Open title by beating Federer in the final.

The red clay that is used as the surface on a tennis court originated right back to the origins of the game. If you play tennis yourself, you have been privileged to have a game on this famous surface. The history of the red clay court is particularly prevalent in Spain and the home of the only major played on clay; France.

This is a unique surface and makes the style of play completely different from other surfaces. To actually play on clay is an exhilarating experience.

There are qualities which are vital to any great tennis player and as the world of tennis progresses on, these qualities are debated over by fans and players alike.

There are arguments that can be made for a handful of different elements of the sport, and while it may all boil down to a matter of opinion, it’s still fun to look at the possibilities.

I have listed a few elements to consider. Which do you think are important?

What about volleying? A game that it going too smoothly can become a disadvantage for opponents as point may easily be lost. Just take a look back at players of the past such as John McEnroe.

As tennis continues to grow its fans and players will always be arguing on what determines a good player and which skills are the most important to have.

So it’s all just conjecture really, but it’s still worth having a debate over just for the fun of it and there are many aspects of the sport to choose from.

Here are the most important factors. Let’s see which one you think matters most.

What about volleying? A game that it going too smoothly can become a disadvantage for opponents as point may easily be lost. Just take a look back at players of the past such as John McEnroe.

Because of the Australian Open kicking off the new ‘10 tennis calendar year, the sport we love is officially back. There are many competitors comprising a field that is now much more up for grabs than it’s happened to be in many years.

Long gone are the days of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal being locks to win just about every event. There are various other athletes on the tour who have legitimate chances every single moment a tournament starts.

As far as ping pong is concerned, you will often see that most people play this sport indoors. It is a game after all that makes since to play indoors. Have you have given any thought to enjoying a game ping pong outside though?

These days people in increasing numbers are becoming fans of playing this wonderful sport outdoors.. You have to consider the fact that there is a big difference in enjoying a game ping pong indoors and outdoors. The environment when enjoying a game inside is completely controlled. You never have to deal with the wind and you can set up the lighting however you like.When you set yourself up for a game of table tennis outside, you are setting yourself up to have to deal with the wind fighting against your accuracy and the sun shining into your eyes causing momentary blindness.

With the Australian Open kicking off the new 2010 tennis year, the action is officially back. There are many players rounding out a field that finds itself more competitive than it’s been in quite a few years.

While recent years seemingly belonged to Federer and Nadal and their classic rivalry with one another, there are a few more players in the mix who should pose a threat to them both.

Though Federer and Nadal occupy the top two spots in the world, there are a few players who could end up the year ranked at number one. Let’s take a look at the most likely finishers now.

If we rewind by a few years in the women’s tennis world, we’ll arrive at a time where Justine Henin was the world’s best female tennis player. Not only was she the best, but she was rather dominant.

Suddenly, Henin decided to call it a career during the summer of 2008. Many were shocked by this revelation, as there was simply no reason for her to retire. After all, it’s not as if she was slowing down.

Her retirement had everything to do with the fact that she simply grew tired of the lifestyle that comes with that of a professional athlete. The training and the grueling schedule had taken their toll on this champion.