By Jackie Roe, TW Social Director
Evening, TWibe! I feel the need to tell you that I'm writing this in a half-concussed state, following a work-sponsored whirlyball excursion. Have any of you played? It's a combination of lacrosse and basketball ... in bumper cars. I'm like a fish out of water in amusement centers, but I was a good sport and gave the game my best effort (which was still pretty laughable). It was surprisingly fun, but now I'm reminded of why these types of activities aren't my cuppa tea. I can't move! I'm so sore, it feels like I just survived a minor car crash. Your Social Director's a weakling.
Back to business. After a bit of a lull in tennis news, we had some major coaching developments this week, with Paul Annacone signing on to work with Federer and Murray axing Miles Maclagan. (Wait, but that's not all: Benneteau is now working with Thierry Champion, after splitting with Loic Courteau, who's now coaching Kuznetsova. Got that? UPDATE: Or is Loic Kuzzy's new coach? Just today on Twitter, she said that they were still "in process of final decision." Hmm.) We've beaten the Annacone and Maclagan topics to death by now, but since I'll take any excuse to chat about relationship dynamics, this space is open for further discussion regarding the changes. Who would you want to see coaching these players - or any other players, for that matter? What makes a player-coach relationship successful, and how have your own experiences with coaches, teachers, or mentors informed these ideas?
Surprisingly, I'm pretty ambivalent when it comes to Federer coaching decisions, so I didn't have a reaction, positive or negative, to the Annacone news. We'll see what happens, I guess. I was more taken aback by the Murray-Maclagan break-up (it feels a little like that, no?). Miles, Jez, Treacle, Andy ... I always saw each as an indispensable person in Muzz's life. I won't be able to see Team Murray in the same way, and I'll miss spotting Miles and his bucket hat in the stands.
Maybe that's what we should talk about instead - our favorite Miles memories. (jewell and gauloises, if she's around, would appreciate that!)
Moving along ...
Wow, Beth, that's the epitome of paradise, huh. Where do I sign up?! Thank you for allowing us to partake in your vacation experience!
I think I've given you enough to work with this week, but if you're in need of a topic, give this one a go. It came to me as I read the parts about surfing in Beth's report - and no, much as I'm tempted to, I won't ask you to describe your favorite moment in Point Break. Rather, it made me think about risk-taking! Do we have any daredevils in our midst? What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done? Or would like to do?
We're running long, so I'll share my own responses in the Comments. See you there, and have a relaxing weekend, TWibe!