The latest issue of Tennis Magazine (March 08) arrived in my mailbox here at my office this week. It will be the first of three I typically receive since they purchase multiple mailing lists from tennis associations to pad their circulations. I belong to the USTA and USPTA Tennis Teachers trade association. I am not quite sure why i get the third.

On the cover is photo of Novak Djokovic with the letters N E X T across his chest. This is a blatant rip off of ESPN The Magazine "NEXT" campaign over a platform of sports. This type of editorial decision making continues to make Tennis Magazine a quick browse with little editorial relevance or innovation since I starting reading their tips in the 80s. Inside they have a shot of Novak at the 07 US Open. I guess they couldn't afford an stringers (photographers) to get any shots of his Australian Open victory a few weeks ago or were hampered by deadlines that make the current issue irrelevant by time it reaches readers.

One article did catch my eye about tennis in prison. It would be a cooler blog than article but I think it is worth a read.

I was just looking at the draw and perhaps this terribly built clay tennis court might be something of a blessing for the US Team. If the draw holds true to form we will play France in April here in the US (on a hard court). From there you are looking at a Sept semi-final on clay vs Spain and then a December Final in either Russia or Argentina. Guess which surface they will pick for that potential match up?

The US Team hasn't won anything yet but if they could run the table this year it would be very impressive after last years "perfect storm" of home matches.

Stay tuned to the Versus Network and Replays on Tennis Channel in the evening for highlights. TIP: Mute the sound!