Letter to DtL readers: American Express

Hey y'all,

I wanted to let you know about a program I'm working on with American Express. As an enthusiast of the charge card and a social media user, they've asked for my help in communicating my experiences - good, bad, or in-between - with using the many benefits of their cards.

I was invited to a half-day conference yesterday to learn about these benefits and will be given 50,000 rewards points to utilize for this purpose. And, I'm excited to say they're inviting Kalil + me to the US Open today to watch the ladies' semifinals and the completion of the Rafa/Gonzo match as part of the program! *fingers crossed for a rain break*

I felt it was of the utmost importance to be transparent with you about my work with AMEX. I may be mentioning my experiences with their charge cards from time to time on DtL and Twitter as it pertains to tennis, sports, and just plain life.

Moreover, I'd LOVE to hear about any of your personal experiences with their charge cards and benefits. Feel free to leave your anecdotes in the DtL Peanut Gallery or contact me via Twitter. If you're not following DtL, click here.

Have a great one and enjoy the rest of the US Open!

RiCH

Letter to DtL readers: Comments Section

Hey y'all,

I hope everyone's enjoying the day off today from Wimby action!

Just a reminder about the comments section: there have been some recent incidents of readers bashing other reader's comments and others going completely off-topic. I understand people are very passionate about certain subjects and won't agree or even like my opinions. In that case, feel free to direct your comments to me. If I can dish it out then I can certainly take it.

But let's not bash other readers for voicing their opinions or make it an opportunity for a venting session. I usually only delete spam or comments used for promotional purposes but I'll have to start deleting reader comments if this continues.

Thanks,

RiCH

Comment of the Week: Babz on Olympic tennis

Look, when athletes go to compete in an event, obviously they care enough about it to work at it. So as fans, should we not care? THEY are the ones playing with a passion. THEY are the ones giving us entertainment. Who are we to belittle their effort in any event?

- Babz on Wertheim + Tignor's apathy towards Olympic tennis

Agreed. I would also add: since when does the tennis media decide which tournaments are important to cover and which ones aren't worthy? Personal feelings aside, isn't it their job to cover the tourneys the ballers decide are important enough to play??

Like Babz said, the ballers are out there playing and competing so it's the media's responsibility to cover them. Can you imagine going to your job and deciding you're not interested in one aspect of your position so you don't complete the work? I wonder if you'd still have that job tomorrow.

What a strange (tennis) world we live in...

(image via Getty)

Letter to readers: Just say no to SPAM!

Hey guys,

I just saw a bunch of anonymous comments pimping some homemade Rafa t-shirts. While I completely support entrepreneurism of all kinds, I don't support spamming.

If you have something you'd like me check out and possibly link, please contact me directly at tips@downthelinetennis.com.

Thanks in advance!

Rich

Comment of the Week: Anonymous on Federer letter

But hey, it's sport and sport isn't about beauty or speaking english, it's about winning.

- Anonymous reaction to the importance of being Federer

Pure + simple. But let me add: to win with humility and lose with grace are hallmarks of true champions and that's what Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal give us each and every time they step on the court.

No arguing about that...

(image via Getty)

A DtL reader argues the importance of being Federer - do you get it?

Hey y'all,

Avid DtL! reader Jessica Diamond sent me this impassioned letter about Roger Federer and her feelings about his influence and place in the game in light of his continuing on-court struggles. She gave me the go ahead to post it so I did!

Check it out:

Any avid tennis fan knows that lately, something stirs in your stomach when you see Roger play a loose couple of points. Last year, you would have thought, "Nah, it's okay. Roger's got him. He'll rally back." And then he always did. [Wednesday night], as the forehands were dropping farther and farther into the doubles alley, and less on target, you thought, "He could really lose this" and he did.

Watching Roger lose to Simon was especially uncomfortable and I'm not a fanatical Federer fan either. I have always loved his elegance and mastery, especially amongst so many robotic, muscular players who come to the net only 3x times per match. However, in years past, I've rooted for the underdog (not Nadal) because Semi-Finals and Finals were becoming downright boring. Now realizing that the #1 spot may be someone's new crown, I'm nervous. Simply put, Roger's the best guy for the job and maybe the only guy.

Has anyone considered what the #1 of tennis might look if it's not Federer? Nadal, who can't get through one simple sentence without butchering it, no? Djokovic, who will weave that undeniable arrogance into his courtside presence, not to mention his post-match interviews?
Anyone for that matter, besides Roger, in comparison, is nothing more than sloppy seconds. Tennis has been preserved by Federer's dominance.

This beautiful sport full of old traditions and sophisticated appeal is always in danger of becoming too edgy, too modern. While the level of play must progress and become more contemporary, there's something beautiful about the way tennis has hung onto it's roots. I like to think that Roger has had a big hand in that in the past 5 years. After all, Roger is Tennis reincarnate, their personalities and their aura are almost interchangeable.

Old fashioned, refined, traditional, affluent, articulate, and well-bred. I just don't see these traits in the boys that are salivating for the #1 spot.

Roger, too often in the past, we've been quick to obsess and praise you for your style of play. Now, with your #1 ranking slipping slowly through your fingers, we need to remind of you of your other job off the court. You are the Ambassador of Tennis, and the only one who can lead this sport with authenticity.

Good Luck and no pressure.

-Jessica Diamond

Alright, I'm sure you guys have thoughts on this letter - I most certainly do - and I'd love to hear them. And no worries, I made sure to let Jessica know to wear her best and thickest skin...

(image via Getty)

Comment of the Week: Barcelona2012 on Rafa

That [Bloomberg] article is disgusting. Rafa's English has come a long way. And why does he need to change a thing to become more marketable?! I've been to Nike stores in Spain: he's perfectly marketable. Markets here are just ignorant if you ask me. They shouldn't want to change him and mold him into something he's not. It's not about the bottom dollar for him and you know what, that's one attribute that makes him even more marketable in my opinion: Heart.

- Barcelona2012 on Rafael Nadal's supposed un-marketability

B2012's argument is well taken. For every maniacal marketing machine like a Maria "Shriek"apova, I'll take a baller like Rafa any day. It's rare to watch someone of his stature stay so true to what he values, no matter how many golden carrots are dangled in his face.

But in any case it's nice to have options, huh Rafa?

(image via Getty)

Comment of the Week: Lisa on Ivanovic loss

What's with all these top players going out? It's embarrassing. I agree with Brad Gilbert that all this talk about being "mentally tired" and "emotional" just sounds weak. Your either prepared or your not.

- Lisa on Ana Ivanovic's hasty exit from Wimbledon this week

Yeah, I don't think you should mention that in the press. Just say that you got your ass handed to you and they were the better baller on the day. I applaud Maria "Shriek"apova who was very gracious in defeat and gave no excuses.

(image via Getty)

Comment of the Week: Anonymous on Bartoli

(Hey people - I'm starting a new "Comment of the Week" post today. DtL! has been getting so many great, interesting, brutally honest and hysterical comments lately from readers around the world that I thought it would be the best way to showcase the best of the best, or worst of the worst I suppose. Anyway, here we go!)

And people wonder why Americans are so hated...
...shame on you, Rich. Perhaps she doesn't shave. Perhaps she decided to stop. Perhaps she has an irritation, medical condition, or rash. Perhaps she didn't think anyone would ZOOM in and become obsessed with her armpit.

Get over yourself, please.

- June 18, Anonymous on Marion Bartoli's pit problem

Apparently to this commenter, pit hair and America go together like America and apple pie. Yummy!

P.S. - Looks like the Frenchie resolved her issue in this photo so no worries everyone.

(image via Getty)