I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bonnie DeSimone’s “Nothing but Net” regarding tennis sensation Laura Granville [July 15]. (The introductory paragraph appropriately shaped like a tennis ball hurling toward Laura was a nice touch.) When her former coach recalled Granville for her modesty and her kindness to less-skilled players, it spoke volumes as to her character and love of the game.
I am anxiously awaiting Laura’s entry into ladies professional tennis. She seems to be an overall well-adjusted, pleasant person–very refreshing.
CORRINE C. PARDON / Naperville
What’s wrong with rude?
I was somewhat surprised by Alan Schwartz’s comments about Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe [“Loving the Game,” July 15]. I took up tennis because of Jimmy Connors. Besides the fact that he made tennis look so easy, he also appeared excited about playing and winning a match. When other players won a match, they merely shook hands at the net. One could not tell by the expressions as to which player won. If Jimmy Connors jumped over the net after a match, everyone knew who had won.
So Jimmy and John were rude. Was that bad? I always thought they made matches more interesting. But then, I always thought a Bears game was boring if Mike Ditka didn’t yell at a player at least once.
KENT FREDERICK / Downers Grove
For love or money?
Could money have had anything to do with Laura Granville’s decision to turn pro?
JOSEPH DAUDISH / Westchester
Mais oui!
Yes, “love” in tennis, meaning zero points, comes from the French l’oeuf or “the egg” [“Mixed Triples,” July 15].
Also, “deuce” (tie game from 40 points on) comes from deux or “two,” and the word “tennis” itself comes from the second person plural present indicative or imperative, tenez, of the irregular verb tenir-probably the imperative, since “Tenez!” (“Get ready!”) was no doubt used on the court. The British deformed it and it bounced back to France (like a tennis ball) as le tennis.
Meanwhile the French no longer use l’oeuf or deux in tennis, but zero and egalite, respectively.
JOHN C. TOMME / Instructor in French, Waubonsee and Kishwaukee Colleges
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