Hey Rob,

I've just posted a story about the global evolution of tennis and the increasing popularity of the sport. I've put a lot of time and effort into it, and I'd be really grateful to get any feedback you have.

If you get a chance to check it out, that would be great.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/594875-the-global-evolution-of-tennis-is-bringing-the-sport-to-new-markets-an-analysis

Thanks,

Ash

My new piece on Djokovic win:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/586765-novak-djokovic-downs-roger-feder-in-straight-sets-australian-open-semifinal-2011

You quit, huh? Definitely not without better reason.
How have you been?
Here is one unorthodox piece. Grand Slam Finals without Federer and Nadal.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/583020-roger-federer-and-rafa-nadal-stumble-before-australian-open-2011-finals

i still wanna see M'Andy - Muster at some point

Robsie - apparently thomas man's comeback isnt goin so shiny, hes been beaten to pulp by young journeymen kids (top 200) - in Europe ....

I guess that ends all discussion about Muster makin a deep run in Melbourne or even, Paris ?

thoughts

this is my first game after No'dal ... and I know - I know, but M'Andy looks sooo good off the ground - hes yankin the fed side to side, and beautifully pullin the trigger

why cant he play this offensive game for 7/7 matches in NY or Melbourne ....

am i allowed to get (foolishly) get excited bout M'Andy again - and his chances here ? or are you gonna say, we've see this before ?

With just a couple of days before the 2010 Ford Ironman Championship in Hawaii, I talk with one of the favorites—last year's runner-up, American Chris Lieto:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/483019-an-interview-with-americas-premier-ironman-chris-lieto-and-more-than-sport

for all his foul temper, M'Andy isnt all the bad yeah ?

Speaking of Murray: Alan Billings, Durham, N.C.: "Having just read your 'Fifty thoughts from the U.S. Open,' I have a take on the ball people handling towels. As a ball person at the Open (I'm 44, so ball kid doesn't apply) during the Murray/Warwrinka match, after punching his strings in frustration, Andy Murray sufficienly bloodied his knuckles enough to make his towel untouchable to me. I didn't notice this right away and waited until the end of his service game to politely inform him myself that his towel was covered in blood and I wasn't going to be allowed to handle it any more. Usually we are to inform the chair judge of the situation and he informs the player not to ask us to bring him the towel. But since this wasn't on a changeover I decided to take the initiative and deal with it. Andy was, suprisingly, very apologetic, and once I had retreived him a fresh towel, he stated to me that he wouldn't use the affected hand to hold the towel while wiping his face, etc. Given that Andy is known to be a little testy at times, this was a great relief to see that the players have frustration levels that can be turned on and off depending on the type of situation presented to them. And it was an experience I will long remember. I actually have a picture taken by a friend showing me standing at the back wall with both of the towels on the 'Citizen' clock."

Speaking of Murray: Alan Billings, Durham, N.C.: "Having just read your 'Fifty thoughts from the U.S. Open,' I have a take on the ball people handling towels. As a ball person at the Open (I'm 44, so ball kid doesn't apply) during the Murray/Warwrinka match, after punching his strings in frustration, Andy Murray sufficienly bloodied his knuckles enough to make his towel untouchable to me. I didn't notice this right away and waited until the end of his service game to politely inform him myself that his towel was covered in blood and I wasn't going to be allowed to handle it any more. Usually we are to inform the chair judge of the situation and he informs the player not to ask us to bring him the towel. But since this wasn't on a changeover I decided to take the initiative and deal with it. Andy was, suprisingly, very apologetic, and once I had retreived him a fresh towel, he stated to me that he wouldn't use the affected hand to hold the towel while wiping his face, etc. Given that Andy is known to be a little testy at times, this was a great relief to see that the players have frustration levels that can be turned on and off depending on the type of situation presented to them. And it was an experience I will long remember. I actually have a picture taken by a friend showing me standing at the back wall with both of the towels on the 'Citizen' clock."

- Jon's SI Mailbag

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/462268-2010-us-open-rafael-nadal-becomes-a-living-legend-at-age-24