[READ: August 27, 2009] “Perfect Match”
This is my second un-“regular” Infinite Jest-related post this week (it’s getting a little out of hand).
I would normally not read a 6 page article about doubles tennis. But, since we’re in the midst of a heated tennis battle between Hal and Stice, it seemed like mandatory reading.
First off, Burkhart Bilger (wonderfully near-fictional name notwithstanding) is no David Foster Wallace. While his writing style is much more streamlined, I feel that his passion for tennis is not quite as strong.
Nevertheless, the article was really fascinating. It’s not available online, but the abstract is here. I was particularly struck by the explanation that a good doubles game can only help your singles game. Singles has become very baseline dominated, while in doubles there is a lot more running to the net, giving for broader skills.
Of course, the more IJ-related stuff concerns a) eating. Bob Bryan says that if he eats just three meals he will lose 3-5 pounds in a day (!) and b) the synchronicity of twins during doubles. (more…)
I Just Read About That... 