Your TennisTitan was back on the YTC courts this afternoon pairing with Joe 'Gimpy Knees' Cruz against 'EBL'/'Russkie' in a heartbreaking loss (6-8). Vladimir Kartsev was a major contributor in the come from behind victory. 'Russkie' came up big on his service games at crucial times during this, the only set played to completion. His hold at 3-5 turned the tide. 'GK' couldn't get the job done in games 10 or 14, double faulting on the final point. Your 'bloated behemoth' did in no way distinguish himself, shanking some critical volleys that would have closed it out on set point. Titan/'EBL' were up (4-0, partial) in the second set when time expired. As the crew met at net 'GK' lamented, "Titan, only Bill Tully could mask your deficiencies today." 'EBL' quipped, "Mask? Joe, I needed my leprechaun costume to get us that four-love lead." Titan retorted, "Phew, I was afraid you noticed the four leaf clover pinned to my shirt. 'Russkie' slammed his final winner: "And here I thought that it was only me with horseshoe up his ass today!"
"Maybe 'Big Al' is also as old Julius Caesar" is how the TennisTitan summed it up as the threesome met at net. Titan had to dance to "Canadian sunset" in the finale of his double defeat at the hands of Bill 'EBL' Tully and Vladimir 'Russkie' Kartsev (2-6, 2-6). In a group for which it is very difficult to balance out competitive teams 'Big Al' had crossed to the other side of the net to play opposite the 'Energizer Bunny Legs." And he paid the price as the 'immobile minotaur's partner. Down 2-4 to 'Russkie'/'EBL' the Italian Stallion pulled up lame attempting to return one of 'EBL's cross court droppers. Soon thereafter the ol' war horse was led back to his stall. Your 'egotistical egomaniac' (who only blogs complete sets) completed the beatdown solo. TT/'Big Al acquitted themselves reasonably well as team mates managing to be within striking distance at 2-3 in each set before their house of cards caved to the vastly more agile Tully. The 'bloated behemoth' quipped as he put his rackets away, "Lucky, 'Big Al' bailed before we took our pictures. I always wanted to see the movie 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They!" "I carry so much crap in this bag, I just might have a gun!"
"Titan, you know only some Russian history" cackled Vladimir 'Russkie' Kartsev between sets two and three. TennisTitan and 'Big Al' Diodati had just put the wood to the tandem of 'Russkie' and John 'Irish' Gallagher (6-2, 6-0). "This ain't no Battle of Stalingrad" quipped the 'braggadocios blowhard' as he and the Italian Stallion had ripped off nine games in a row in this one sided affair. Titan had it all working for him in this Yonkers Tennis Center matinee performance at which he was a last minute sub. The 'lumbering loudmouth' owned the alleys and the middle. Point construction went unchallenged as the 'egotistical egomaniac' took control either on his service or on his service return. After running off the first five games of the third set 'Russkie'/'Irish' broke through and the day ended mercifully for them trailing (5-2, 30-love partial) with 'Big Al' set to close it out. When the group met at net emigre Vladimir opined, "Titan, remember the Iron Curtain and your great President Reagan. It will soon be for naught. With that Articulate, Socialist Seditioner (ASS) in the White House, Putin will tell him he 'likes soul,' see that his spine is made of jelly. And tell him 'Tear down that Wall street, Obama!" It's already started.
"I am Emancipated!" shouted the TennisTitan to a group of young tennis players on the adjoining court at the Yonkers Tennis Center at the conclusion of his world class performance this date. "No, 'bloated blowhard,' corrected fellow retired educator Bill 'Energizer Bunny Leg's Tully, you are vindicated." Indeed the 'egotistical ego maniac' had left an indelible mark on the psyches of 'EBL' and 'Big Al' Diodati with his sterling effort as 'Gimpy Knees' Cruz' partner that had left the students' teaching pro's mouth agape. Titan had led by example, employing effective shot making and within-the-point-tactics to complement 'GK's firepower. TT/'GK' took games 9 and 10 in the opening set (6-4) which featured but one service hold (by 'GK' in the critical 9th game). Rallies were prolonged and the shot making exquisite on both sides of the net with winners, rather than unforced errors ruling the day. Set two was a tense, even more exhausting and riveting completion. Opening a four-love lead and seemingly on (sic) "Cruz Control" the Puerto Rican caballero and the 'bombastic bullshitter' barely survived the late match charge by their intrepid opponents as 'EBL's service was broken for the fourth time this date to close out this epic battle (6-4). As the group met at net 'Big Al' quipped, "Titan, you may be emancipated alright, but you sure are a slave to your blog." Wherein 'Gimpy Knees' commented, "It was Natural Selection. I mean we won because 'it was survival of the fittest.' 'EBL,' paying homage to the 'pretentious prevaricator' opined, "Only you Titan would remind your readers that today is both Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin's 200th birthday."
Your TennisTitan was back in familiar territory at the Yonkers Tennis Center for two sets of high quality tennis. Titan paired with Joe 'Gimpy Knees' Cruz against Bill ' Energizer Bunny Legs' Tully and 'Big Al' Diodati. 'GK'/TT came away with a (6-4) victory in the opener. 'GK' proclaimed at sets beginning that he had a score to settle with 'EBL' having dropped both sets to this team last week when he paired with 'Russkie' Kartsev. The 'bloated behemoth' did his part in obtaining the brass ring despite 'GK's' insistence on a strategy that ultimately backfired in the second set. 'GK's power strokes to 'EBL are his calling card. He is reluctant to hit as hard at 'Big Al' and consequently locks himself into rallies against a more nimble and better strategist when going up against EBL exclusively. He over hits to 'Big Al' when trying to change his pace and can not match 'EBL' when volleying. Not so with the 'immobile minotaur' who looks to shift the point away from the dominant opponent as opportunity presents itself and await an unforced error. Set two saw 'EBL'/'Big Al' capture the final two games (4-6) as Joe ran out of gas and pulled up lame in the ninth game. As the foursome met at net, 'EBL' quipped, "Joe, have you had enough of me yet?" 'Big Al' said, "same sides next week." Titan responded, "GK, is all about pace. Even when playing doubles, he's really playing an opponent in singles."
"Titan, don't you read your blogs, - or do you just write 'em and forget 'em once you push 'publish?' snorted 'Big Daddy' Jeff Briscoe at the conclusion of singles play at Lehigh Acres Community Park this afternoon. 'Big Daddy' had just underscored the earlier remark of his brother Russell 'Hoya Saxa' Briscoe by first thrashing, then outlasting the 'bombastic bloviator' in two sets. If the 'ship had indeed sailed in singles' as Hoya Saxa proclaimed two weeks ago a life boat appeared on the horizon in the second set today. In a grinding one hour thriller Titan became a 'choking chameleon' as he failed to close out 'BD' serving at 5-4, and at 6-5. To boot, the 'lethargic Lothario' miscued at set point twice in the breaker (6-7 [7]). The (2-6) hammering applied by 'Big Daddy' in the opener was another matter. 'BD's height, speed and court savvy all came into play in the 25 minute rout. As the crew gathered at center court for the family trophy presentation Anna Briscoe proclaimed "Daddy, why you so mean to PopPa? Can't you see he's crying." Jimmy Briscoe responded "PopPa always says he's like Roger Federer. Today he was." A laughing two year old Joe Briscoe uttered, "uh, uh, uh" and while giving his grandfather a 'thumbs up' peed in his diaper.
"Take that back to your cronies in New York" chortled the 'Canadian Cruncher'. Joanne Van Dyck had proved true to her word leading the 'bloated behemoth to his only victory of the day (6-3) at Phillips Park. Fellow Michiganders Ron Van Dyck and Doug 'ever on the attack' Dack were less successful when pairing with the 'Yonkers Yakker.' Your 'boisterous blowhard' acquitted himself quite well in the (4-6 [with Dack]), (3-6 ]with Ron Van Dyck]) losses. TT's placement serve was especially effective with 7 of 8 easy holds. Titan led both of his partners to one break advantages early on in each losing set only to see the lead frittered away with loose play at the net by his partners. As the crew met at net to bid TennisTitan adieu as he departs Pine Island tomorrow for a few months, Doug Dack opined, "I wish I can say you'd be missed 'braggadocios bloviator' but being from New York, you'd know better." 'Michigander' Van Dyck interjected, "Doug, we're all from 'the Great Lakes State. We've lost so much industry in our state,' we should consider it our job now to make Titan think he can play competitive tennis with us down here in Florida." 'Canadian Cruncher' quipped, "yeah, Titan is competitive at Tennis...that Wii game played on an X-Box. Eh?!?"
Your TennisTitan hosted Ed 'Pittsburg Panther' Rubash, Jim 'Royal Tee' Cherfoli and Tom 'Captain's Cove' Marrs for three sets of fun doubles this morning at beautiful Blue Crab Key. Titan paired with 'PP' for a sweep of their opponents in the two hour match that was played under cloudless Florida blue skies in 70 degree temperature. Weather that Nancy Matuszak can only wish for back home in the Keystone State as her brother frolics with the 'immobile minotaur'. The 'bloated behemoth' and the bicycling geriatric from western Pennsylvania were too much for the men from Michigan. TT/'PP' cruised to an easy (6-1) victory in the opener. The Titan's placement serve and the back hand cross court slice from the man from Steel City were unstoppable. With the 'lagging Lothario's energy draining and the Panther's foot off the pedal, the second set became much more of a contest. The (6-3) victory saw the 'blogging bullshitter' and the 'fast-a-foot feline' take the last three games. Similarly, 'the big cat' started slowly in the finale but came on strong with his volleys as TT/'PP' rallied form a love-three deficit to take the last set (6-4). As the teams met at net Panther opined, "yeah Titan, it's going to be a big week for Pittsburgh. The Steelers will crush those birds from Arizona even more easily than I pounded my overhead volleys at net against these 'snow birds'. Your effective lobs to their baseline against these 'rust belt relics' were like Roethlisberger bombs." 'Royal Tee' quipped, "Ed, speaking of rust, you didn't bike up to Blue Crab because you knew you'd have to carry the 'bombastic blowhard' didn't you? To wit Captain Cove commented "Ed, don't talk! I got screwed royally with 'Tee' as my partner. Next time I play with TT!" Jim retorted "Marrs, you're not only out of your mind, you're in orbit!"
TennisTitan made a quick 300 mile round trip up the west coast of Florida to see some old friends and get in a couple of games of singles at the Sail and Tennis Club in Tarpon Springs this week. Your 'bloated behemoth' was granted his usual accommodations by Harry 'my Tom Bodett' Cardon ("back bedroom, no maid service, clean the toilet yourself, you freakin' freeloader!") and was graciously entertained between the white lines by the irrepressible George 'Genealogist' Pratt. 'Genealogist' is not used to playing in the crisp 40 degree temperatures that greeted the combatants this morning and is primarily a doubles specialist on his local court. Taking on the 'bombastic blowhard' was more a sense of duty for the transplanted Jay hawk who seldom doffs his windbreaker when temperatures fall below fifty degrees, no less pick up a tennis racket. Nonetheless, 'GG' rose to the occasion and gave the 'Yonkers Yakker' all he could handle in 90 minutes of intense action in the (6-3, 6-4) contest witnessed by the landscapping crew. As the 'crippled crybaby' exited the court Manuel Santana, the gardener, shouted "Viva el Gigante" as he resumed his hedge trimming duties. Andres Gomes relegated to raking debris commented, "Adios amigo, su juego es tan feo como la grasa de su cuerpo!" 'Genealogist' quipped, "Titan, what does he know? He voted for Obama!"
TennisTitan hooked up for a set of unexpected singles this afternoon at Blue Crab Key. Russell 'Hoya Saxa' Briscoe visited the family compound and laid a (3-6) whipping on the ol' man in front of a half dozen senior citizens walking the perimeter of the resort complex. At the sets conclusion the 25 year old computer salesman from Austin, Texas taunted his father by suggesting that those activities outside the fence would seem more suitable for a mobility restricted senior than chasing down a ball being returned at 85mph. Indeed the outcome of this well played set was determined by 'HS's ability to run down balls men twice his age wouldn't try for and pounding his serve and groundies at speeds TennisTitan can only dream about. As the father-son tandem met at net the senior Briscoe opined, "Russ, you've got a Dell'ova game now." The upstart business executive quipped, "You're lucky tennis wins are not based on commissions, dad. You'd be on the unemployment line looking for extended benefits a long time ago."
"Titan, I sometimes screw up orders at Captain Con's too. So I laid an egg" commented Joanne 'Canadian Cruncher' Van Dyck at the conclusion of TT/'CC's (5-7) loss to Ron 'Michigander' Van Dyck and Bob 'don't call me' Lavender. Somehow a 4-1 lead, and later, a set point advantage turned into a heart breaking loss for the 'bloated behemoth' and the part time waitress at the Bokeelia eatery. The missed opportunities at net by the spiked-haired 'female flash' and the lead in the 'sarcastic statue's sneakers proved fatal this chilly morning at Blue Crab Key. Set two saw an attempt at a similar comeback that fell a tad short. Titan/'dcm' rallied from a 1-5 deficit to fall (4-6) to the Van Dycks. The matches featured crisp groundies and a panoply of lobs that the wind played havoc with. At picture time Titan bemoaned the fact that 'Canadian Cruncher' found both her serve and volley in the second set sending the 'blogging bullshitter' to his double defeat. 'Michigander' quipped, "my wife works for tips - here's one for you Titan: See the ball; hit the ball, but most of all, run for the ball!" Lavender cracked a wry smile and murmured, "Titan it was 5 degrees in Yonkers this morning - you are a winner today no matter what!" 'CC' chuckled "Titan, you got egg in your beard.'
"Titan you are so damn annoying on the tennis court that you remind me of the parasite chiggers I have to deal with back in Arkansas" quipped 'Razorback' Whiteside. "Yeah," chortled Ozzie 'Gator Nation' Davids, "this 'bombastic blowhard' has a nice tennis court at Blue Crab Key, but what good is it to him if all he does is stand in one corner and flail at the ball while he prattles on with that aggravating voice!" "Now fellas" commented Walt 'Show Me' Klein, Titan will tell you on his website 'that this is the price you pay' when you say 'yes' to an invitation to a TennisTitan doubles game. You also get a camera shoved in your face, inane platitudes up the wazoo, and to top it off, he tries to make you feel sorry for him when you pummel him on the court." This from the guy who dominates on Pine Island. TT/'Gator Nation' paired for the first two sets against Jay 'Don't Call Me a Hog' Whiteside and Ozzie "Don't Call Me Wendell' Davids in (6-3, 2-6) outcomes. Coach Klein put it in perspective, joining TT in the (6-2) thumping of the two newbies to BCK in the finale, "I had a root canal yesterday, it can't possibly pain me as much to be your partner as long as this is the last set."
"Titan, I am a Survivor! But you surely test my limits on the tennis court' cackled Walt 'Show Me' Klein at the completion of the third set played at Blue Crab Key this date. 'Coach' Klein had the duty of trying to insure TT a victory this morning after Ed 'Pittsburg Panther' Rubash, and Bob 'don't call me' Lavender (sic) blew their opportunity to be celebrated for their play as the 'bombastic blowhard's partner. The 'Yonkers yakker' initially paired with the 'Panther' against the two more agile and superior players and received the anticipated(1-6) drubbing. Set 2 and 3 were far more entertaining and competitive for all the combatants. The 'immobile minotaur'/Lavender Blue combo acquitted themselves well in their (4-6) loss in the middle stanza. Timely volleys from the 'Panther' and the strong serve and crisp backhand returns from the Man from Missouri carried the day. 'Don't call me' (I'll call you instead) kept the 'bloated behemoth' in the set with his quick first step to the ball and fine net play. Kudos to the tandem of 'PP'/'DCM' in the finale as they hung tough to rally from a 4-2 deficit to knot the contest at 5. TennisTitan managed to come up with a strong service game and find his touch on the lob to give 'Show Me' enough support to take the contest (7-5). As the foursome met at net to hear TT's spiel 'Show Me' commented, "Next time, I play with you first, 'Tortured Tortoise.' The 'Panther' purred, 'Titan, watching you play makes me feel young again.' The cool Coloradan chortled, "Remember Titan, 'dilly, dilly' - 'I'll call you,' now let's go have a Coors!"
"Titan, are you sure you wanted me as a fourth?" snickered 'Big Al' Dio Dati at the conclusion of the third set at the Yonkers Tennis Center this date. 'Big Al' filled in for an ailing Gene Slattery forcing a reshuffling of sides. Indeed, 'Big Al' was sitting in the cat bird seat having contributed mightily to the (3-6, 7-5, 0-6) defeat of the tandem of TennisTitan/Frank 'Slats' Slattery. Titan had proved prophetic in stating that the Italian Stalion's performance would determine to a large extent today's outcome. Not that Bill 'Energizer Bunny Legs' didn't shine throughout the well played contest. But that was to be expected. Not that the quickness and agility of 'EBL' were not effectively countered during the first 90 minutes of play by 'Slats' hustle and timely stroking by the 'bombastic blowhard.' But TT was not able to outplay 'Big Al' in set one resulting in a relatively easy win for 'Big Al'/EBL. Set two featured many 18-22 ball rallies that ultimately took its toll on 'Slats' in the finale when he was no where to be found. As the exhausted foursome met at net 'Slats' opined "Titan, I am going to call 'King' Gene Slattery and tell him you got me sick today making me run endlessly." To wit the 'boisterous blowhard' retorted "Slats, 'The King and I" was a Broadway smash 50 years ago; it would have been no different today at the YTC. I think the wrong Slattery showed up!"
TennisTitan celebrated the Christmas holiday in fine style this date by joining his cohorts in three sets of fun doubles at the YTC. Titan made sure that all of the participants got to play Santa Claus, and have to carry the Titan on his back for one set each! Your 'bombastic blowhard' wisely chose 'Big Al' Dio Dati in the opener against George 'Chemist' Hauss and George 'Teacher' Febles. Although Big Al/TT dropped the set (7-9) The Italian Stallion had the lightest load as the 'immobile minotaur' gave forth with his best effort of the day in rallying the team to extend the set into extra games. 'Chemist'/TT rolled to a (6-3) victory in the middle stanza on the strength of the slicing/dicing machinations of 'Chemist' and his court coverage for the tiring 'bloated behemoth.' The finale saw the surprisingly dominant performance of the TT/'Teacher tandem who had their complete way with the opposition in a (6-1) laugher. As the crew met at net Titan awarded the Santa's Helper's Hat to 'El Profesor,' Ignacio 'George the Teacher' Febles for his consistent play throughout the morning and the ease with which he slung Titan on his back in the final set. My Mexican-American friend calmly put me in my place by saying, "Gringos have prospered off the labor of my people for years. Why should you be any different!"
"So Titan, did I douse your flame or what?"commented Tom 'Fireman' Conaty at the conclusion of the set played at the YTC this date. TennisTitan had responded to the SOS sent out by 'Big Al' Dio Dati 20 minutes before match time to serve as a last minute fill-in for 'Russkie' Vladimir Kartsev. The 'immobile minotaur' moved faster to suit up than the retired 'Fireman' ever did sliding down the firehouse pole to get on the indoor court on this brutally cold day. The 'blogging bullshitter' paired with 'Big Al' in a (5-7) loss to 'Fireman' and John 'Relic' Gallagher. 'Big Al' was particularly disappointed in the defeat as the 'Relic' continued his inexplicable mastery over his 'Italian Stallion' compadre. This was only the second opportunity TT has had to stroke against the 'Fireman' and it was highly enjoyable. 'Fireman' possesses an accurate serve with pop and placement, speed akin to 'EBL' Tully and quick, agile movement at net. As the boys met at net the 'bombastic bloviator' lamented that 'Fireman' had to leave before the session was over. 'Fireman' quipped, "Titan, you only get one hosing today, but to your credit I'd have to list your game as a three alarm fire." 'Relic' chortled, "Al, you got smoked!"
"Titan, there's no way you can beat us when Joe plays like that"commented 'Big Al' Dio Dati at the conclusion of play at the Yonkers Tennis Center this date. Titan had dropped both sets as 'Gimpy Knees' Cruz' partner to 'Big Al' and Bill 'Energizer Bunny Legs' Tully 2 and 3. Indeed, 'GK' was way off his game, over hitting his ground strokes and failing to convert volleys at net with uncharacteristic regularity. GK was the weakest rather than the second best player on the court. Titan didn't do the cause much good either; dropping all four of his service games in the match. Several times during the contest play was halted to allow 'GK' to settle his stomach. Titan remarked at net as they players left the court, "Joe, maybe if you had hurled you'd have gotten that bad play out of your system once and for all." The Puerto Rican quickly quipped, "Titan, it was your game that made me sick in the first place, not the rice and corned beef that I had for lunch." TT retorted, "GK, it's a deal. Next time I serve in the box, you barf in the bag!"
"Titan, maybe it's you who needs a bail out" quipped Ed 'Pitt Panther' Rubash at the conclusion of the third set played today at Blue Crab Key. The 'Panther' and Titan had succumbed to Darryl 'Wolverine' Tison and Walt 'Show Me' Klein (3-6) to end the day's play for TT on a disappointing note. The 'braggadocios braggart' had invited the trio to the BCK compound for some competitive doubles based on "you guys are the Big Three down at the center, now it's time to prove it he
re." TennisTitan paired with 'Wolverine' in the opener and dropped the set (6-7 [4]) to a determined, hustling Pennsylvanian and a big-serving, back-spinning Missourian. TT fared better (naturally) along side 'Coach' Klein as he and 'Show Me' dominated the middle set (6-2). As the opponents met at the twine Coach commented, "Titan, perhaps I should loan you some of my skills." The 'Wolverine,' having first hand knowledge of the auto industry, quipped, "Guys, Titan needs be be completely retooled. He has no second gear or reverse on the court. His only asset is his motor mouth which is always stuck in over drive. Let's find a foreigner to replace TT in our foursome."
Your TennisTitan has been in Florida for ten days and finally managed to engage in some competitive sets rather than the mamby-bamby four game rotation that is played at Philips Park to accommodate all ability levels.This morning TT met with Ron and Joanne Van Dyck at the Captain's Cove Condos to join host Tom 'out-of this-world' Marrs for three sets of doubles. With temperatures in the low fifties amid a continuously swirling wind Titan managed to emerge victorious in sets 2 and 3 when pairing with Ron 'Michigander' (6-4) and (7-5) with Joanne 'Canadian Cruncher.' The 'lumbering loudmouth' did not enjoy success with the host at his side in the opener when the waitress from Captain Cons and her husband served up a quick bagel (0-6). As the foursome met at net for pictures Titan remarked the Van Dycks play so well together it's no wonder that they have a beard named after them. Ron quipped, "my ancestors were related to the the Flemish painter Anton Van Dyck. He authored his masterpieces in oils on canvas, Joanne and I do ours on HarTru Courts with felt covered spheres hit with spin, power and precision." Host Tom Marrs commented "I'm going to grow one of those van Dyck beards so no one on the island will recognize me. The Titan's got the right idea with his tennis game and that face of his."
