The Women of Tennis

(Via Drew Nolan)

Lets face it, there are some amazingly beautiful tennis players. While this can be said about most sports, it seems as if every female tennis player could easily make the transition from athlete to model. I don't claim to know much about tennis, and I have difficulty pronouncing most of the names below. That being said, after doing some extensive research, I have concocted a list of the top five most beautiful tennis players on Earth

1. Anna Kournikova 
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Age: 28
Career Prize Money: $3,584,662

(via HollywoodTuna)

2. Maria Sharapova
Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia

Age: 22

Career Prize Money: $13,067,900

(via DallasObserver)

3. Ashley Harkleroad

Birthplace: Rossville, Georgia

Age: 24

Career Prize Money: $1,009,244

(via JerseyChaser)

4. Caroline Wozniacki
Birthplace: Odense, Denmark

Age: 19

Career Prize Money: $3,250,358

(via LetsGoViral)

 5. Maria Kirilenko

Birthplace: Moscow, Russia

Age: 22

Career Prize Money: $2,343,064

(via GlobalGiants)

Who's Who of Mario Tennis

(Via Drew Nolan)

It's no secret that I love Mario Tennis, which was released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64 video game console. It's true that the video games of 2009 outperform Mario Tennis in terms of graphics, game play, and depth. I won't dispute that. But there's something so simple and addictive about Mario Tennis that the game has remained relevant long after it should have died out.

One of the most appealing things about the game is that almost anyone can learn how to play. The game only requires the use of two buttons and a joy-stick. Plus, it's always nice to be able to revisit the things we loved as kids. It's for this same reason I love watching reruns of Saved by the Bell and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Somethings just never get old.

I consider myself something of a Mario Tennis expert. The most important bit of advice I have is to always choose your character wisely. Choosing the wrong character can easily lead to an embarrassing defeat. That being said, here is some advice on picking your character...

Time to Switch it Up (Drew Nolan)

(Via Drew Nolan)

Justin,

Here at Breaking Back, it is clear that you run a tight ship.  Your content is always cool and fresh, and is presented in a way that makes me want to read it. Frankly, everything about Breaking Back is on point. I only have one complaint: I'm thinking the title needs to go.

Now look, I understand it's a clever, tennis-related title. That being said, I really don't think it does justice to the rest of your blog. You need a title that grabs the attention of the masses. It needs to be relevant, interesting, and maybe even a little controversial. To help come with up a new title, I did some brainstorming. Here are five of my favorite prospective titles.

1. Fuzzy Balls: Bouncing Back to Glory
2. Kiss My Ace
3. Oh, My Fault: A Second Chance at Tennis Glory
4. It's All Love, All the Time
5. Smashin' that Ace

What Drew's Reading: Link Round-Up

(Via Drew Nolan)

In an attempt to sell lots of books set the record straight, Andre Agassi recently admitted to using Crystal Methamphetamine throughout the course of his career. But fear not, tennis fans, because Agassi says that today's tennis drug program is much tougher.

The program is apparently so tough, that Yanina Wickmayer was afraid of getting tested. As apart of the program, tennis stars have to report their whereabouts to the World Anti-Doping Agency. Wickmayer failed to do so on three separate occasions, and has been suspended for a year.

Maybe John McEnroe's ridiculous behavior throughout the course of his career was drug related? I'm thinking Angel Dust. That would make perfect sense.

Remember Serena Williams' tirade at the U.S. Open? Well as it turns out, Serena will not be banned from the upcoming Australian Open. She will, however, get hit with a fine. I think she can afford it.

Cal Sophomore Jana Juricova didn't threaten to kill an innocent line judge like her idol Serena Williams, but she still managed to win the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Women's Single Tennis Championship. The tournament, despite its obnoxiously long name, is considered one of the most important collegiate tournaments in the country.

Tennis obviously isn't much of a contact sport, but injuries are still fairly common. Don't believe me? Well check this and this out. Ouch.

And last but not least, the video of the week.

A Grumpy Intruder

(Via Drew Nolan)

When Justin asked me if I wanted to take over Breaking Back for a week, I jumped at the opportunity. Now look, I don't claim to know anything about tennis, except for the fact that Anna Kournikova is a goddess. I've dabbled in the world of tennis in the past, but I never really paid attention to the sport on the professional level, or any level for that matter. Frankly, I would much rather play Mario Tennis than watch a balding, crystal meth addict running around in flamboyant outfits. But I digress.

For the next week, I hope to bring some new and exciting content to Breaking Back. So be on the look out for some crazy, ridiculous posts that I will some how try to relate back to a sport I really know nothing about. Enjoy!

Breaking Back Guest Blogger

Dear Readers,

Next week I am going to be guest blogging on Kali Zigrino's media blog. I will be checking back here periodically and posting a few things here and there.

Don't be worried though! Andrew Nolan, who blogs at The Grumpy RA will be filling in for me.

I am sure he will provide some excellent insight and  perspective on the game of tennis, and maybe a little humor.

I look forward to reading his thoughts, and I hope the rest of you do as well.

- Justin

If my Racquet Could Talk

What exactly would my flexpoint radical say?

I like to think of him writing me a letter of all his thoughts rather than talking to me out in the open. Mostly because a talking tennis racquet would scare the crap out of me.

So, if my racquet wrote me a letter I think it would sound something like this.

Dear Justin,

You know things haven't been good between us in a long time. You never take me out anymore! I just sit in the house all day and you never bother to take me out so we can have a good time. I feel like we are strangers living in the same room. When was the last time you bought me anything? You never make me feel special by getting me re-strung, or changing my grip. I must be the frumpiest looking tennis racquet in all of Albany. If you do not start showing me more attention and pampering me a little bit I will call the authorities and tell them about that time you threw me against that fence! Don't think for a second I forgot that! I still have the scars! You need to take a good long look in the mirror and remember all the great times we had together, and ask yourself if you really want to let this relationship wither and die.

Sincerely,

Flexpoint Radical