Weekend update Jul 4th week: CX 200 Tour 16x19 and Textreme 100 310

 Only played tennis on Sunday, 3 sets 6-2, 3-6, 5-6. The first 2 sets were against same opponent and played with CX 200 T 16x19. Before playing, I was hitting with it and tried a technique based on video from tennisnerd, link below. The technique for the backhand really helped with to gain confidence and also helped my forehand. The technique to get around the ball by the tip of the racquet. It works well with CX 200 T but not so much with T 100-310 because of power difference between the two. I have now added a gram of lead to the T 100 310 tips.

Played also basketball for company internal tournament this week with 2 wins and futsal with 1 win.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJiv3WLbkHk 

Weekend update, July 2nd week: Textreme 100 310 and CX 200 T 18x20

 Played on Friday and Sunday for total of 4 sets, two sets on each day.

On Friday, played first set with CX200T 18x20, won 7-3, the racquet played easier to control despite low power compare to other racquet that I brought, T100-310-1. The second set was annoyed by the drip of water and loss 4-7 after leading 4-3.

On Sunday, played both sets with T100-2 with a win 6-2 and then lost 4-6. We could have won it but lost focus on a fun play.

That CX200T-18x20 def needs a restring.

Also listened to podcast by TW about the new Prince ATS racquets. The 95 similar with CX 200 Tour, 98 similar with Pro Staff or TFight 305, T100-310 similar with Speed MP. Comparing the score, the 95 lower than CX 200 Tour with T100-310 being the highest score between them.

Singapore, Friday T100 vs CX18T

 Went to Singapore last week just for one night. Rode the subway around 10pm and still a lot of people, from Somerset to Farrer Place. The prices in Spore are essentially the same as in Jakarta.

Played 2 sets of tennis on Friday. First set win 7-6 playing with T100-2. Closing the set at holding serve.

Second set win 7-5 changing to CX200T-18 at 4-4. The control with CX200 were much better, I can swing freely. The racquet still has the 17g babolat s-gut string.  

The T100-2 and CX200T-18 swapped leather grip and for the better. Tourna leather grip is thinner than Artengo's.

KBI Tenis Tournament Jun 2022

 So, in June 25, I participated in tennis tournament. It was a one-day tournament. The tournament is Davis cup ala playoff group. There were 4 groups and I captained one of them. Mostly were beginners or early intermediates. My team (B) consists of (1)me, (2)Abi, (3)Ferdian, (4)Laras, (5)Reno, and (6)Rafa. The team member was picked based on strongest to weakest. Played both games with T100-2.

My target was to get some win for the teams, so here was my strategy:

- original pairing was 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. However, player 2 and 3 knew each other so I pair them up and then me with player 4. 

- strongest pair to play first to get win early.

The first group game with me and Laras played against team D player Eric (2) and Bey (3). The pairings were pretty closed and started 2-2. I served first to get some games early on. I knew the opponents would strike my partner and I had to close the nets. The set ended with 6-4. The second pair won and we are through to final.

The final was against group C. We played the same pairs. Me and Laras played against Ari (5) and Evan (6), they were pretty well matched up. The opponent had a long game in the first match. Halfway down the sets they started to pick on my partner in which I had to close down the nets. We had two deciding points served up by opponents after two deuces. We started 5-1 before opponent tactics to pick on my partner. We won the sets 6-3. The second pair also won and we won the tournament.

In the end, the opponent teams set up the captain to play last but we had different strategi and worked.

Foot Fault - FF

 Every week I played against people who has advantage because he took steps during service motion. I believed he had advantage by doing that extra movements but not the others. 

Today I saw a post on IG of a player moving when serving clearly jumping sideways and told that person who reposted (a tennis league admin) and had an argument over it. I said that the ITF rule stated that the person need to be at rest and then can only have slight movement. He disagree with me. Before I raised about the movement he said he knew tennis and foot fault is only when crossing the line. I guess many people does not realize about this rule.

This foot fault argument toward players can be pretty heated, stars got angry being called FF. 

So searched about it and the most does not explain about the "at rest" and "walking" however the USTA clearly stated as below in 2017 interpretations:

https://www.usta.com/content/dam/usta/pdfs/20170502_USTAOfficiatingScenariosand%20Interpretations_2017.pdf

Weekend update MW100 and T100-2 - June 3rd week

 Played 3 doubles sets on Friday and 2 doubles sets on Sunday. The scores on Friday was 7-3, 3-7, and 8-7 (tie break 3-7). The 1st set was against long time no see opponent, I was using the MW 100. The serve and volley were easy with good power but the spin and control not as good as the T100.

On Sunday, the scores were 7-6 (tie break 7-0) and 8-3 (from leading 6-1). The second set closing were tough but we got lucky in the end scoring from lobs.

The defense was better using T100 as I can produce topspin lob from the back.

Weekend update CX18 and TT100-2

 Played 5 sets of doubles tennis over 2 days: Friday 7-5, 3-7, 3-7 and Sunday 3-6, 5-7. Got only 1 win due to partner selection. The single win was when using CX 200 Tour 18x20, the racquet felt heavy but the ball seems heavier.

Bought new tennis backpack from Decathlon (picture below). Compare to the Tecnifibre, it is smaller since it has no shoe pocket.

Started in 2013

 I started to play tennis again in 2013 starting from watching a match on TV, guess who? Genie Bouchard, in 2013 and then I bought a book in Bandung. After that, watching Fed in YT and the rest is history. Fed, used Pro Staff 90 and then RF97.

Prior to 2013 with my office, I attend one practice but no practice partner and plus I played futsal on the same day of the week. I also entered the oil and gas tennis tournament, played 2 pro sets matched and almost got bagel-ed. And when the tennis practice day was changed, I joined. 

Genie on the other hand has used various racquets depending on the endorsement. Here are probably the list of the racquets she used:

Year	Brand	Type	String
2011	Wilson	Blade Pink XL(?)	18x20
2012	Wilson	Steam 100 paint PWS	16x20
2013-2015	Babolat	Pure Aero Drive	16x19
2016-2017	Babolat	Pure Aero	16x19
2018	Babolat	Pure Drive	16x19
2018-2022	Yonex	Vcore	16x19
Year	Brand	Type	String

Jun 1-5, 2022 doubles

 Played two doubles sets on 1st Jun, a national holiday, brought both T100. First set loss 3-6 to a stronger way younger opponent then another loss 4-6 doubling with not so strong partner but we managed to get 4 games. When playing with not so strong partner, I tend to make him comfortable with just playing to gain confidence and to be more consistent. First set playing with T100-2 and then T100-1, found no significant difference between the two.

Three doubles sets on Friday night, 5-7, 5-7, 8-6 with T100-1 against stronger or similar opponents. All close games with 5-5 ties and 6-6 on the last set before closing it down. Partner said that he couldn't hit decent forehand thus the more than the usual unforced error. Brought also the F3T just for warming up. Felt very tired the day after.

Two sets on Sunday, another hard fought with a stronger way younger opponent, 4-6 and 7-5. Played with T100-2 with newer and thicker string. Partnered first set with my 70 year old uncle and then with younger one. Both were tied sets. 

2nd TT 100-310

 So I have two TT100-310 now. Have not modified the 2nd one except stringing it. Had a singles game on Friday and tried hit it with against a Pure Aero opponents and just not heavy enough so back to using the 1st racquet. The 2 sets match ended 6(2)-7 and 6-4. The balls we used were 2 sessions old and they might affect our games. Started with rallying strategy but not working and then had to shorten the rally. At home, I then customized the 2nd racquet, add Artengo leather grip and with overgrip weights at 342 grams compare with 340 grams of the 1st racquet, heavier due to thicker string or bigger size 3 grip. Also, was using new shoes Artengo orange in 44, feels better then the blue size 43.

Played doubles on Sunday, a comfortable win 8-2 and lost 4-6 against a good and way younger opponent. The newly customized TT100-2 (2nd one) with 16g string felt same as the 1st racquet now. Felt soft and controlled and yet powerful spin friendly.

Btw, the 2nd racquet had a buzzing sound coming from inside handle, can ignore it when at match. The heavier now with leather grip may lessen it a bit. Read from TT forum and some racquets do can develop the buzzing maybe due to loosen graphite and handle separator. Thought it was a crack but couldnt find any physical mark.

The new TT100 have new white cosmetics but I am liking this old one especially with the textreme fibers pattern on the throat.

Tennis update May 2nd week 2022 and PIM 3

 Played on Friday and Sunday mostly with Textreme Tour 310 and comparing it with F3.0 Tour. The T310 string is due to change but I will play until it breaks. For hitting out not ideal but for game play, very spin friendly and powerful. Tried to play with F3.0T but balls sail long because 1) not spin enough 2) with regular grip add power and could not produce spin. Total sets 4 win, 2 loss. Losses due to stronger opponent or weak partner.

 Went also to PIM 3, stayed in a hotel in PIM 2. PIM 3 was crowded, wait long for food. The hotel overall was very good. We lost our shoe bag with sandals in it but was found and returned, thats a plus. Compare with hotel at Gandaria mall, about the same except for the pool at Gandaria that we have not tried.

Lebaran and tennis weekend update, May 1st week 2022

 Last week was lebaran week and played 3 times. Singles with score 4-6, 4-1; doubles (2 days) 6-5, 1-6, 4-6, 3-3. Aside from PS97 on 6-5 win, the rest was using TT310. The interesting take were strategies when playing singles: 1) standing cross court, 2) leaning on 2nd serve. The second strategy was implemented in doubles but beware of the net player. Take away: might need to restring the current TT310. Compare with PS97, the PS97 did produced erratic high balls compare to TT310 which are very spin friendly with some balls ended up in net or short.

We also had lebaran trip to Bogor area for glamping at Pondok Rasamala. We had lunch at Langit Teduh resort and the to the glamping area. The road to glamping via Jalan Gunung Bunder were bad, inside the forest area. We had great time camping. First time for the kids to sleep in a tent though not complete darkness. Then stayed a night in Bogor to explore Kebun Raya. Kebun Raya entrance was organized and there were a lot of people there during lunch time. Overall the Park was in good condition with some areas not maintained well. Went to the zoology museum as well.

Weekend update 3rd weekend April 2022 - TT310

 Have not played tennis for 2 weeks amid fasting month. Played on Sunday starting around 4pm, 3 sets doubles, using TT310, the control and spin was good and better stability. Slide the strings from the notches plus added 2g of lead on 3 and 9. The sets were 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. The first set was playing against a solid hard hitting junior. In addition, tried returning method from Moratoglu video and was better from leaning to produce the topspin. 

Below is picture of string notches.

Weekend update 1st week April 2022: T100-310

Played once on Friday, indoor for 2 sets tight loss and win: 6-7 and 7-6(6). Both using T100-310. Trailing on both sets: 3-6 and 4-6. Second set played against senior heavy hitter. T100-310 felt a bit unstable against heavy balls, cannot return it hard. Is it due from the string or head light? Anyway, I add 2 gram of lead at 3 and 9 and see how it performs (below pic of tennisnerd adding lead). I try to play this string until it breaks.

About the holo sticker on the prince racquet, turns out the new ones got smaller sticker compare with the one on my other prince racquets, like the one below.

PS97 and T100-310

I thought that they play similar; PS97 and Tour 100-310. Lets compare their specs side by side by TW below, similar swing weight and balance (and slightly different head shape):

I thought the PS97 has low-med power especially on serve. They both have similar plow through.

* added Pro Staff 100 and Speed MP 2022 that I have not tried

	PS97	T100-310	PS100*	Speed MP*
head size (sq in)	97	100	100	100
weight (gr-unstrung)	315	310	305	300
string pattern	16x19	16x18	16x19	16x19
length (in)	27	27	27	27
swing weight	321	322	323	323
stiffness	66	65	64	62
beam width	21.5	22/23/20	22.5	23/23/23
balance (strung)	7 HL 32cm	7 HL 31.9cm	5 HL 32.5cm	4 HL 33cm
power level	low-med	low-med	low-med	low-med
customization	leather grip	leather grip	n/a	n/a

Weekend update of last March 2022 and Ramadan

 Played once on Friday, just 4 players came out. We played three games where I won all with 2 different player. Played 1st and 3rd set with T100 and 2nd with AG3. They feel the same for me just grip wise the T100 felt smaller. On serve, I had a bit different take, stretching the left arm seems help to generate spin after watching Nial played with us, his served reminded me of Sampras.

So Ramadan is here, always reminded me time when I was working at a geothermal powerplant site. Waking up on cold nights with cold food waiting. Camp was empty because most people opted to break fasting at their home. I usually walk down crossing tea plantation from the power plant to the camp around 4 pm and took a rest waiting for break fast. I also usually spent Sunday night in Lembang avoid long drowsy drive from Jakarta. The past two Ramadhans where quiet fast due to pandemic where mostly spent working from home.

 

Weekend update Mar 25-27 2022: AG3, MW100, T310

 Played on Friday with an old friend, Nial, a jazz pianist, joining though we never played before but saw his post entered a tournament. He played so well that I thought about taping him next time. I brought  AG3 and MW100. Won first set with AG3 and then MW100 due to new balls. Won also the second set partnering with Nial. Loss the tight third set 6-7 partnering with Nial. The MW100 was too soft when playing against hard hitting ball. I noticed Nial brought like 5 old racquets including a Hammer or Profile. 

On Sunday, played 2 sets. Winning the first with strong partner, Rizki, a teenager, against not too bad opponents with the T310. Brought along the F3T but needed those spins for more secure play. Retired the 2nd set due to ankle sprain at 4-5 against the teenager and his partner.

Bought a second used T310 and cut the string, was a Weiss Cannon yellow (no marking) and the string has no tension left barely passing a string gap. Noticed the holo sticker was smaller then the other prince racquet. It might be a japanese version or newer version. The unstrung weight was measured at 310 grams with original grip. 

Weekend update 3rd week Mar 2022: CX16, AG3, T100

 Played 3 times this week: singles, and twice doubles. Used the CX16 for singles but the result were not as good, maybe from using old balls. On Friday played doubles using AG3 with old balls on indoor and outdoor courts. The new AG3 setup with leather grip definitely helps the balance, less power and better control: won 3 times even when playing with better opponent in the last set. 

On Sunday outdoor playing doubles was using T100 with new balls. The control, power, and spin were there. Won a hard fought set and a good old set partnering with my very senior uncle where he blasted drives and lobs. 

Decathlon had restocked leather grips but the price increased by more than 10% from before IDR 130k to now IDR 150k; still lower than other leather grips at more than IDR 200k. I bought two.

Below: pic of T Fritz who just beaten Nadal at Indian Wells 2022 using Head IG Radical MP with specs as below

Weekend update Mar 2022 - MW100, AG3, and TT100 - Decathlon leather grip

 On friday played 3 sets doubles using MW100. The MW100 flex were noticeable. Serves were great but the volley a bit off on tap ins. A little wrist pain may be from off center hits.

On Sunday played 3 sets doubles also, 1st set using AG3 customized with leather grip now. The old tfibre string felt slippery, cant produce spin easily. 2nd and 3rd set using TT100 and the control were better. Thinking of changing the AG3 string to syngut 17g at 50lbs but afraid triggering the pinky pain. A slight wrist pain from using TT100 maybe because it needs a good spin to control its power.

By the way, I used to buy leather grip from Decathlon but not they ran out of them, the price is IDR 130k. However, people had been buying them and reselling online for over that price. I hate reseller that jacked up the price.

Bandung trip end Feb 2022

Went to Bandung for the end of Feb 2022 long weekend. Drove the Juke due to Bandung odd-even plate for incoming cars. Usually we drove with Terios because it has bigger space for stuff. We stayed in Bandung for 2 night in a nice hotel. Leaved at 1pm and arrived around 4pm and decided to rest in the room and had dinner later on. On the second day, the pool was out of service because of badly maintenance to restore the water pH. We decided to explore the city: went to Braga street and Asia-Africa Conference museum, and then to Saung Udjo for musical experience, and last to a restaurant overlooking Bandung. The last day, we swam in the morning, checkout then had lunch in rijstafel restaurant and then to a tourist favorite food store, then head home.