IT SEEMS to me a shame that lawn tennis has degenerated into a format which is not far short of brutal.
Larger rackets strung to a very high tension make power and speed the main requisites in play.
Very little is now seen of finesse, touch and court craft.
What matters now is to hit the ball so hard and fast that the opponent cannot return it.
And this is called sportsmanship!
How is it sportsmanship?
Gone also are the quips and congratulatory calls that we used to hear.
 At the Queen's tournament, the winner prevailed over two players better than he because of his aces, thus robbing them of the opportunity to rally.
“That’s his 99th ace”, said the commentator admiringly.
The ladies game is now no more.
What we have is the men’s game, mark 2, with the same principles applying – brutality and speed all delivered in a grim, unsmiling manner.
Those who witnessed the famous Borg/Gerulaitis match will never forget it.
It had every element possible of technique and court craft.
We shall not look upon its like again.
 
Tom McCarthy,
Gaer Park Parade,
Newport