Tip of the Week #2, and Fed preview.

Let me get this out of the way first...Unfortunately, Rafa's MRI on his knee revealed tendinitis.  This puts him in doubt for the Davis Cup Final.  Rafa is lucky it's not something more serious, but tendinitis will still keep him on the sideline for a bit.  Get better, Rafa, and don't rush back for the Davis Cup.  

ROGER FEDERER: Now for my quick preview of Fed at Shanghai.  Well quite simply, Fed is back.  Whoever wrote him off that he would never win another Slam before the Open, was proved wrong, as he dominated the Open.  OK, so it wasn't his most dominant Slam, he did go 5 with Andreev, but for the 

most part there was no doubt that he was going to win.  He certainly isn't the Fed of old (not yet) but he is still the man to beat.  

With Rafa out of the Cup, it certainly rises Fed's chances.  He did pull out of Paris with a hurt back...but I think he will be fine come Sunday.  The biggest threat I see to him at the moment is Murray.  

I expect Fed to be a lock for the semis (at the very least) and to continue his quest to prove that not only is he back, but he never went anywhere in the first place.  

Now for...TIP OF THE WEEK #2

PLAYING IN THE 

WIND.  

So all of you die hard players out there that don't let the incoming fall/winter chill stop you from hitting outside, this should help you play in the brutal wind.  Right around this time of year the wind picks up, and continues to be bad in the March/April months.  Especially in college tennis, where the championship season is from Jan-April, wind is a huge factor.  There are few things that can drive a player crazier than a windy day, all of sudden you can't toss, your forehand stinks, and it seems like it's only windy on your side of the court.  Whether your a recreational player, or an ATP pro...the wind is awful.

Here are my tips to play well in the wind during a match or practice.  

1-Imprint in your mind that it is the same conditions for both players.

This might be the toughest step...but if you keep reassuring this, it will stick.  Don't think it's unfair that your playing in these conditions, it's for both players.

2- Realize which way the wind is blowing.

This is a fairly easy step, you should know after one changeover which side the wind is blowing towards.  This means making the necessary adjustments...you might have to rip the ball flat on one side to get it past the service line, or hit heavy spin on one side to keep the ball in play.  Make note of this.

3- Calm down, make the game simple.

Stay Calm...maybe don't try and go for drop shots or lobs, and other skill shots that need you to be very precise.  Play smart and high percentage tennis, work on getting the ball in, don't aim for the lines.  

4- Whatever you do, don't let it seem like the wind is bothering you, even if it is.

This step is key...don't let your opponent know the wind bothers you.  Make him think that he is the only one bothered by these conditions.  If you hit a shot and the wind takes it out by a foot, turn around and go to the next point.  

5- Get ALMOST EVERY first serve in.

Crucial.  The worst case scenario to be in while playing in the wind is to have to hit a second serve under pressure with your toss bobbing around everywhere.  Lets face it, unless you have a 140 mph bomb, your serve is going to be worse in the wind, much worse.  Therefore, get a lot of first serves in, try and serve at least 75%.

We all play in the wind, and all hate it.  If you listen to these tips, you can actually use the wind to your advantage, and have your opponent throwing a tantrum in no time.