Columnists: James Beck

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New clay courts proving popular

Sunday, June 28, 2009

It's no secret that seniors love clay courts. Just check out Maybank Tennis Center's three clay courts almost any morning or afternoon. They'll be full. It isn't that the Charleston area isn't loaded with clay courts, but most of them belong to private clubs such as I'On, Daniel Island, ... Read story.

Tale of the tape spells nothing but trouble for Nadal

Sunday, June 21, 2009

This tale goes back 20 years, all the way to Hurricane Hugo. What does this have to do with tennis? Everything for me. You see, that's the first hint I had of future tennis elbow. The big oak tree that Hugo dropped on my front lawn had to be removed. Read story.

Victories coming often in Elliget's young career

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Adam Elliget is growing old. He'll be all of 13 in September. But the Summerville youngster is winning Belton tennis titles at a really fast pace. He won two this time, pushing his career total to five. Read story.

Fanning's formula a success

Sunday, June 7, 2009

John Fanning has found the secret recipe for success in league tennis. Two adult league state championship teams in one season is quite a feat for any captain, especially when the results occur at probably the two most competitive and participated in levels of league tennis — 3.5 and 4.0. Read story.

Heffron brothers foes, too

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Randall and Walker Heffron fully understand what Venus and Serena Williams go through each time they are pitted against each other in a tournament. Randall and younger brother Walker practice against each other all the time, but facing each other in a real match is altogether different. Read story.

Kiawah Island tennis director Barth is gem of an instructor

Sunday, May 24, 2009

The Charleston area is loaded with outstanding teaching pros. One reason for the heavy influx of teaching pros is because of the numerous outstanding local facilities and programs. Read story.

Family Circle's Schloss has a new protege in Brodsky

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tennis players always seem to be looking for that special something to separate their games from others' games. Even Rafael Nadal. A different racket. A new approach or technique. Or even a new coach. Or just getting a coach. Read story.

Alternative in form of flex league

Sunday, May 10, 2009

If you're looking for an alternative to the flawed rating system and excessive fees attached to participating in USTA league tennis, the USTA is offering an alternative in the form of a Flex League program. Even USTA membership is not required and you don't have to be a club member. Read story.

Porter-Gaud may be poised for long reign

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Porter-Gaud may appear to have a stranglehold on SCISA boys tennis for the next few years after Friday's 5-2 state title win over defending champ Hilton Head Prep, but as veteran coach Tom Higgins might say, "Don't count the trophies yet." Read story.

Reviewing all that went right at this year's Family Circle Cup

Sunday, April 26, 2009

How could anyone complain about this year's Family Circle Cup? The only possible source of frustration from fans should have been the night Vera Zvonareva pulled up lame and had to retire, leaving just one doubles match on the agenda. The weather? Read story.

Lisicki will be a name to remember

Monday, April 20, 2009

Is Sabine Lisicki a one-tournament wonder?

Or will she become the next power woman of tennis, a Serena Williams type whose intimidating presence scares the opposition into submission? Read story.

Wozniacki's smarts should carry her past Lisicki today

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Caroline Wozniacki was giving Elena Dementieva too much court. So, Piotr Wozniacki came in and looked just like any dad giving a daughter instructions. He was a little emphatic. Read story.

Ashley Hall freshmen shine

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Ashley Hall freshmen Isabel Dennis and Margaret Legerton did more than just beat the opposition in the girls doubles draw of the SCISA individual open tournament Tuesday in Sumter. Read story.

SCISA's eyes are on Porter-Gaud

Sunday, March 29, 2009

All eyes are on Porter-Gaud's unbeaten boys at break time in SCISA tennis as the teams head to Sumter for the individual state tournament on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Read story.

Family Circle gets good news

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Family Circle Cup officials received a double-helping of good news Wednesday. If fourth-ranked Elena Dementieva's entry wasn't enough to bring smiles, late news out of Indian Wells, Calif., revealed that the Daniel Island tournament would include six of the world's top 10 players. Read story.

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James Beck

James Beck began working for newspapers in Charleston in 1971. He has served as sports editor of The News and Courier, and executive sports editor and systems editor of The Post and Courier. He has written a tennis column for the newspaper since the 1970s. He won the national U.S. Tennis Association's Media Excellence Award for 2003, becoming the first winner from the nine-state Southern Section. A native of Bamberg, Beck holds an undergraduate degree from Limestone college and a master's degree in business administration from The Citadel. He and his wife, Carrol, have two daughters.



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