Tuesday April 29th

It got a little tougher on the court today.  I won my singles match by the score of 6-1, 6-2 but it took an hour and 45 minutes to finish.  Temperatures were around 90 with 100% humidity.  The conditions were tough, but I played well.  We also started doubles today, and my partner and I beat a good Italian team.

I'm really excited for tomorrow's round of 16 match because I get to play the number 1 player in the world in my age division.  I love these opportunities to match up against the best.  As I was thinking about tomorrow's match, I was reminded of something I read on Watt Ahh 's website. It talks about thunderstorms, and the energy they bring to earth and how Watt Ahh is like a thunderstorm in a bottle.  I like to think of myself as a thunderstorm on the court bringing electricity, power and energy to my matches.  I love that analogy.  Combine that with my love for being an underdog, and I think we might have the combination to make some noise in this tournament.

There's a storm coming tomorrow.  It might hit or miss it's target...but it's coming!!!!

Send the positive vibes my way.  To be continued...

Carl

Florida Sky

 Getting Some Florida Sun

Beautiful Florida Sunset

Watt-Ahh...Stay Hydrated!

Today I won my 2nd round match against a tough Brazilian 6-0, 6-1.  I played really well and pulled out all of the close games.  My focus was on target and I was able to really zone in on treating each point like it was the most important of the match.  I normally have success when I don't give away any free points. 

Hydration is the most important thing for me on match days.  If I'm properly hydrated, it allows me to compete better over longer periods of time.  Many people don't understand what being hydrated for a match means.  Let's just get right down to it.  In order to be able to compete in a 3 hour match in humid conditions, you need to be going to the bathroom about every 10 minutes before you step on the court.  If you get thirsty during your match, you are not properly hydrated.  In order to get hydrated, it's important to minimize things that will work against you like coffee, soda or alcohol.  I still have my coffee in the morning but if I have an early match, I have to get up earlier in order to be able to hydrate successfully after my morning java.

I am not a fan of Gatorade or those fancy colorful sports drinks because they are filled with sugars, artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup that will eventually cause damage to my body in the long run.  My drinks of choice are coconut water and a fantastic product I have been drinking for over a year now.  It's called Watt-Ahh.  Watt-Ahh is basically water that is naturally filled with electrons that fight against oxidative stress and inflammation.  I think it's the best product on the market and I can really feel the difference compared to regular water.  It gives me more energy and I can feel an immediate boost when I drink it.  Players on the ATP Pro Tour are using it now and are seeing results on the court.  Check out the website if you want to learn more.  www.aquanew.com.  There's a good chance you will start to see it in the Hallbrook tennis shop!

Well, I'm planning to do some work this afternoon, have a healthy dinner this evening and possibly watch a movie.  I have had two good days of not having to expend too much energy.  That's a good thing because the intensity level is going to start going up!  Round of 32 is next against a Belgian.  First round of doubles is on tap tomorrow as well.  Thanks for the prayers and support from the heartland!

Talk to you tomorrow,

Carl

Sunday, April 27

Hello all,

I had a good start today in the tournament and beat a good Australian player 6-0, 6-1.

It was really hot and humid so I was glad to finish quickly.  In order to have a chance at making a good run in this tournament, you want to try to avoid having too many long matches. It's essential to have fresh legs later in the week.  Tomorrow I play a very good player from Brazil.  South Americans grow up on clay courts and it's their favorite surface.  I will have my hands full.

The doubles draw will be out tomorrow so beginning on Tuesday, I could possibly play 2 matches a day.  My partner in doubles is a friend of mine, Mario Tabares.  Mario has been a teammate of mine on the US National team that has represented the United States in a team competition in Barcelona, Spain the past 3 years.  He is a great guy and a fantastic player.  In 2011, Mario won the World championships in the 45 age division.  He also won the US Indoor, Clay, Grass and Hard court championships as well!  Pretty good year!  We have played doubles together before, and I think we will be a tough team to beat.

Hope all is well in KC. Talk to you tomorrow,

Carl

Saturday, April 26

Hello all,

It's Saturday and this morning I drove up Interstate 95 to check in and register for the ITF World Senior Championships that is taking place in West Palm Beach, Florida.  I am actually staying 30 minutes south in Delray Beach at the condo of a friend.  It's a bonus for me being able to stay in a place with a kitchen so I can cook my own meals and not have to eat out too much.  My family eats very healthy so with a kitchen, I can prepare my protein and veggie shakes and stay true to my healthy routine.  I am completely convinced that what I eat enhances my performance on the court.

When I checked in, I was pleased to find out that I had been seeded 11th in the singles draw.  Being seeded sometimes helps, but many times it doesn't make a difference at all.  In 2012, I played the World Championships and got all the way to the final unseeded!  Regardless, I have to be ready to play my best because all of these guys are good.

My first round is scheduled for Sunday at 11:30.  I jumped some rope and hit a few balls today to make sure I was feeling good.  The goal for the rest of the day is to take it easy and relax as much as possible. I'm anxious to start playing but it's important to not get too worked up.  The goal before my matches is always the same...to shove all anxiety and nerves to the back of my mind and focus on the task at hand. I have a routine that helps me lock into my ideal performance state.  Instead of Mr. Nice Guy, I try to turn into a warrior that wants to crush anything or anyone in it's path!  Once I'm in this state of mind, winning and losing isn't important because I know I will be able to compete at my very best.  I'm hoping it goes well.  I'll let you know tomorrow! 

Carl