Sports

words by > Cecil Harris

Looking for a fun way to stay in shape? Tennis could be the answer. You can do it indoors or outdoors, so it’s the perfect year-round sport. The cardiovascular workout is a definite plus, and since you can’t do it alone, it’s an activity to enjoy with family and friends.

More people than ever before are playing in recreational leagues, according to the United States Tennis Association, a not-forprofit organization that promotes the game nationally. If you’re interested in taking up tennis, it’s easy to find a local teaching pro in your area, or just visit www.usta.com.

Experienced players might consider following in the footsteps of the pros and seeking out top-level instruction at schools like the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. World-ranked pros often train there, including the inspirational James Blake.

New York-born and Harvard-educated, Blake began the 2007 season as America’s No. 1 player. “In 2006, I became one of the Top 10 players in the world,” he says. “You could say I was a long shot to get where I am today. When I was 13, I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. I had to wear a brace for 18 hours a day.”

You wouldn’t know it watching him now. Blake says that as a boy, he was inspired to play the game after hearing tennis legend Arthur Ashe speak at his youth program in New York City. Now Blake is inspiring others.

Hot Shots

Roger Federer, the world’s No. 1 player, wore it when he won at Wimbledon last year. Now, you can too. It’s a tennis shirt by Nike called Sphere Macro React, and it keeps you feeling cool and looking good during a match. As you sweat, flaps of fabric in the back open to release heat and moisture so you stay dry. The mesh lining is light and flexible enough to keep the fabric from sticking to your skin. It’s available for both men and women, starting at $65. www.nike.com

Sporting Event Calendar

February 4
Super Bowl XLI, Miami
If you’re not up on Roman numerals, this is the 41st clash for pro football supremacy between the champions of the American Football Conference and National Football Conference (an AFC team has won the last three Super Bowls). Start planning those party menus.

February 18
The Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, FL
Unlike pro football, this revved-up sport begins each new season with its marquee event. Jimmie Johnson, the 2006 Nextel Cup champion, will be there, along with all the other superstars of NASCAR.

February 18
The NBA All-Star Game, Las Vegas
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and the rest of pro basketball’s brightest stars bring the league’s midseason classic to a non-NBA city for the first time. Sample the deft dribbling, pinpoint passes, sweet three-pointers and show-stopping slam-dunks.