Tennis New Year’s Resolutions

For the first time in almost two decades, I was unable to publish my annual tennis Christmas wish list. With the changes in the sports journalism industry, the rise of blogs, and the need to make some cash to pay for all those great gifts I got you, it was just too busy for me to even think about my wish list.

So, instead, I'll start a new tradition, my tennis New Year's resolutions that hopefully will take off for another two decades. 2012 will certainly be an interesting year, as there are dire predictions that the world will end this year, or that something cataclysmic will happen, if you believe the Mayan calendar and in Nostradamus' predictions. In tennis, it just might be an era changer.

Roger Federer, although still only 30-years-old, has begun to fade. No longer considered the favorite to win any tournament, he is still dangerous. He demonstrated that with his win at the ATP Championships in November. He still holds the most well-rounded, all-court game, and still can compete with the top players. You can see, though, that with his kids starting to grow up and his outside business interests, he is getting ready to say goodbye to the sport he has called his for the past decade. Should Roger declare this is his last year, certainly the Mayan Calendar may be correct.

So, with that, I'll give you my tennis resolutions. I'll start with five:

5. I resolve to spend more time researching and learning about the players on the men's and women's professional tours. That might seem odd, given that I do this for a living, but it is not. There are so many new and rising stars, and so many tournaments that it is increasingly hard to keep up with all the players and their games. I resolve to set aside an hour every week to just studying the rankings and every player in the top 100 on both sides.

4. I resolve to spend at least two hours every week on my personal tennis game. As a former coach and player, I have been spending so much time on the road that I have neglected my game. Once known for my serve and volley style, I have lost some zip on my serve and can't quite get my kicker to do what it used to. I need to stay in shape and be healthy besides. I resolve to play every chance I get and get back to my fighting style and weight.

3. I resolve to get a new Donnay Pro One 16x19 racquet. The once legendary brand, known for its time in the hands of Bjorn Borg and a young Andre Agassi, has returned to its roots of solid, control oriented player frames. The frames have modern features with that old school touch, feel and control. If I'm going to work on my game, I'd better have the right tools.

2. I resolve to travel to more smaller tournaments and spend more time with the grass roots of tennis. This should actually be the resolution for everyone. There are great players right around the corner from you, and with the current economy being what it is, this is one of the best, no money fun things to do. Contact your local tennis association for local sponsored tournaments in your area, or go out and watch your local high school or college matches. Not only will you enjoy the matches, you might pick up a tip or two for your own game, and, well, you will certainly give a boost to the home team every time you cheer a great shot.

1. I resolve to write better, more informative columns, and to write columns that you all want to read. Everyone can improve on what they do, and I'm no exception. This year, I plan to make it my best.

So those are my tennis resolutions. I challenge you all to make some resolutions of your own, and post them as comments here. Then, around Wimbledon, we can take stock of where we are together.

Hope everyone had a happy holiday, and to all of you, happy New Year!