Hi Everyone,
 
Wimbledon is often regarded as one of the greatest tennis tournaments in the world for several reasons and this years action starts on Monday. 


Wimbledon has a rich heritage dating back to 1877, making it the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It has maintained many traditional elements, such as the grass court surface, the iconic all-white dress code, and the royal patronage. 


The tournament is played at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which is renowned for its immaculate grass courts and intimate atmosphere. The venue's ambiance, including the historic Centre Court, adds to the tournament's allure but Wimbledon has witnessed countless legendary players and iconic rivalries throughout its history. From Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, the tournament has been a stage for remarkable tennis battles and displays of skill.


Wimbledon maintains a strong emphasis on sportsmanship, with players expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct. The respect for the game, opponents, and officials adds a sense of decorum and elegance to the tournament. Wimbledon has distinct traditions, such as the "Queue" where fans camp overnight to get tickets, the famous strawberries and cream, and the absence of sponsor advertising on the courts, which sets it apart from other tournaments.

Wimbledon is part of the prestigious Grand Slam circuit, which includes the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open. Its status as a major championship, combined with its global viewership and impact, solidifies its reputation as one of the greatest tennis tournaments. These factors, among others, contribute to the widespread acclaim and admiration for Wimbledon in the world of tennis.


I am going to have the pleasure of going twice this year and taking some young players from the club. The anticipation of who will be crowned champion is building but I’m sure there will be some surprises along the way.

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I’m finding it very hard not to back Novak Djokovic, who unsurprisingly is the odds-on favourite with an incredible record, having won it 4 times out of the last 5 years. If I had to have a punt on someone else, I would go for Jannik Sinner, who has a very aggressive game that suits grass and he lost in a close 5 set match with Djokovic last year.


In the Women’s I think there is a great opportunity for someone to come from nowhere and make a name for themselves, but my pick is Aryna Sabalenka, who is a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. The Belarusian has a strong serve and powerful groundstrokes, making her a formidable opponent on grass. She has shown consistency in her performances, and her aggressive playing style can help her dominate matches at Wimbledon.


Let's see if my predictions are any good!


These two weeks are the busiest for Team Stony Tennis as people get inspired to take up the game. We are offering a free session to anyone who is not in our programme already, so please spread the tennis love by passing this link to anyone that wants to give tennis a go - www.ssltc.co.uk/free-session. Feel free to post on social media, send via WhatsApp to friends and family or forward this email on.


Thank you all for your continued support. You’re all amazing and I hope you have your Strawberries and Cream prepared for one of the greatest annual sporting events.


Happy tennising!
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John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Everyone,

On Fathers Day I was out doing my regular Sunday run and I unfortunately tripped on a raise root in the path. To soften the blow, I put my hands out and I've fractured a matacarpal bone in my right hand.

Now as you can imagine, being a tennis coach in the summer is one of the busiest times of the year, so to not have your racket hand in action creates a few issues.

Time for a challenge!

I have also been training for 3 months in preparation for a 2K swim in the River Lee through the city centre of Cork in Ireland on 1st July. This has been planned for the past year and unfortunately now won't happen.

Time to deal with disappointment!

Because of the plaster cast, I'm not allowed to drive, I can't write properly, obviously can't play tennis and can only use my non-dominant hand for washing.

Time to adapt!

Let's put this into perspective. This is not a major issue and far from anything serious compared to all the other issues going on in the world but like in tennis, you have to be able to accept a challenge, deal with disappointment and adapt to be able to move forwards. If you don't have these skills or mindset, then you will struggle to improve and stay positive.

So with my short term challenge I have to plan my day ahead with lifts or using a taxi service to get to and from the club. I have organised hitters to rally with the players in my individual lessons so I can coach from the side. I use a plastic bag over my right arm while showering to keep it dry and I'm using speech recognition on my phone to write things down.

This article is about looking for solutions and there are many circumstances we all face where we have to problem solve, especially on the tennis court. I have witness some miraculous triumphs by players who have managed to turn adverse situations around and take victory from the jaws of defeat. These players have developed the skills through years of practice and although some of them now are not playing high competitive sport, they are achieving amazing results in their work and life.

​This Saturday we have our clubs Centenary Celebrations with an adult doubles tournament in the morning, junior festival in the afternoon as well as a marque with live bands, food stalls and bar. I'm really looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible and feel free to come and sign my plaster cast :)

Happy tennising!

John Cavill

Director of Tennis

Hi Everyone,

One of the first things I look for in a person is their attitude. For me, attitude is the central core that influences many thoughts, decisions, emotions and actions. 

Without a doubt, those who I have worked with who have a great attitude tend to be the most successful but more importantly, these are the people I would rather spend my time with. No matter whether you are a world champion or just starting to play tennis, if your attitude is full of positivity and determination, then they will attract others like this into their lives and will be more likely to be happier.

I have noticed a huge change in attitude in people over the past 20 years and there are several reasons for the change in attitudes nowadays. Here are a few factors that have contributed to shifting perspectives:

1. Social and Cultural Transformations: Societies evolve over time due to various social and cultural factors. Changes in norms, values, and beliefs can lead to shifts in attitudes towards different issues.

2. Access to Information: The internet and advancements in technology have made information more accessible than ever before. People now have greater exposure to diverse viewpoints, allowing them to challenge existing beliefs and adopt new attitudes.

3. Generational Differences: Each generation tends to have its unique experiences and values. As new generations emerge, they bring their perspectives and often challenge traditional attitudes, leading to a broader range of opinions.

4. Awareness and Advocacy: Increased awareness about social, environmental, and human rights issues has sparked advocacy movements. Such movements create platforms for dialogue, raising awareness and promoting attitudinal changes.

5. Globalisation and Multiculturalism: The world has become more interconnected through globalisation, leading to increased cultural exchange. Exposure to diverse cultures and ideas can influence attitudes by promoting tolerance, empathy, and understanding.

6. Scientific Discoveries and Technological Advancements: Scientific progress and technological innovations can reshape attitudes. For example, breakthroughs in medical research or developments in renewable energy may influence how people perceive health, the environment, and related issues.
It's important to note that these factors interact in complex ways, and attitudes vary across individuals and communities.

As adults and parents, it is so difficult to control the outside influences compared to 20-30 years ago. We are all subjected to constant marketing and idealisms which would never enter our heads in the past. All I think we can do is ensure that we become aware of where the best places are for us and our children and through this environment or community we grow to be the best we can.

Stony Stratford Tennis Club is a magical place and its testament to everyone who contributes to creating this wonderful environment. Club membership is at a record high in its history and the reason for this is that people want to be a part of something great. We are delighted to be involved and introduce more people to tennis which benefit from what we do.

If you would like anymore information on what goes on at the club, then please go to www.ssltc.co.uk or follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/teamstonytennis.

Thank you for making it to the end of this observational article and I hope you enjoyed it. I really appreciate everyone’s support and I would be very interested to get your thoughts on this subject, so if you want to reply to this email and let me know, that’d be great.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill

​Director of Tennis

Hi everyone,

We all know the story about the tortoise and the hare and how this can be applied into many areas of life. This story is one of Aesop’s Fables, an ancient Greek slave and storyteller, which dates to somewhere between 620 and 564 BCE. However old this story is, it is still relevant to modern times and probably more so now we are living in a world of instant gratification.

To master a sport, it takes a lot of time, persistence, and practice. To develop the very fundamentals which underpin the shots we make on the court to get victories come with a huge investment into skill development. Being a tortoise, taking your time and not rushing, is essential to skill development.

So why is prioritising skill development over results more important?

1. Long-term Success: Skill development lays the groundwork for long-term success in sports. By focusing on improving skills, athletes enhance their abilities, knowledge, and overall performance. This consistent growth can lead to more sustainable and enduring success in the sporting arena.

2. Adaptability: Prioritising skill development allows athletes to become more adaptable and versatile. Developing a diverse range of skills enables them to handle different game situations, adjust to changing circumstances, and excel in various positions. This adaptability enhances their overall effectiveness as athletes.

3. Continuous Improvement: Emphasising skill development promotes a mindset of continuous improvement. Athletes who prioritise skills understand that there is always room for growth and refinement. This mindset drives them to seek opportunities to enhance their abilities, learn from mistakes, and strive for excellence, ultimately leading to long-term progress.

4. Foundation for Success: Skill development forms a solid foundation for achieving desired results. By honing fundamental skills, athletes improve their technical proficiency, tactical understanding, physical capabilities, and mental resilience. These foundational skills are crucial for executing strategies, making sound decisions, and performing at a high level consistently.

5. Injury Prevention: Skill development often involves focusing on proper technique, body mechanics, and conditioning. By prioritising skill development, athletes can reduce the risk of injuries. Mastering correct form and movement patterns helps minimise the strain on the body, ensuring better physical health and longevity in sports.

6. Enjoyment and Fulfilment: Prioritising skill development allows athletes to find joy and fulfilment in the process of improvement. It shifts the focus from external outcomes to the personal satisfaction derived from mastering new skills, pushing boundaries, and reaching individual milestones. This intrinsic motivation enhances athletes' overall experience in sports.

While achieving positive results is undoubtedly important in sports, prioritising skill development ensures a well-rounded approach that goes beyond immediate outcomes. It sets the stage for long-term success, adaptability, continuous improvement, and personal fulfilment, making it a vital aspect of athletic development.

The Team Stony Tennis programme is developed with the long-term in mind. We don’t sell short fixes or make promises to revolutionise your game over night, but we will ensure that everyone is being challenged and understands the life-long rewards of continuous hard work over time.

Happy tennising!
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John Cavill
Director of Tennis