US Professional Tennis Association/P2

External Relations Pro/ Garden City Casino

Like so many things today, the younger generation of tennis players, is changing the staid game of tennis. Dramatically, not so quietly, and with a fierce intensity, modern players are changing everything from clothing, to balls, to stances, to grips, to strokes, to strategies.

Probably the poster child for the modern game is Rafael Nadal, last year's French Open winner. Nadal, from Spain, is a one of the youngest players ever to win that prestigious event, but neither his game, nor his dress, nor his demeanor resembles the games of the Smiths, the Newcomes, the Ashes or even the Agassis and the Sampres' -the tennis heroes of the zoomers - tennis' baby boomers with zest.

All the commentators talk about Nadal's sleeveless shirts - for his bulging biceps they opine or to swing more freely. His funny pedal pusher pants that even John McEnroe sported during one match. His severe western grip that he wields with awesome power; his relentless sullen intensity and devastating top spin, all impress and often amaze. But even with all that talent Nadal still loses to Roger Federer, arguably the best player the game has ever known, who plays a game in the middle of the old and the new styles but with unmatched talent. There is no doubt that these matches are fun to watch, but let's face it the average player's game is nowhere near the caliber of these pros.

And I say 'so what' -- tennis is meant to be fun, and according to the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center is a great cardio exercise. You can play tennis in your 50s, 60s, and 70s and older. Tennis gives you a fun head to toe workout and for most public parks all you need is a decent pair of sneakers, an inexpensive racket and a can of balls.

So what is the modern game? It's simply your game, less rules, more fun. So start today, take a lesson or two from a Pro, call a friend and get out and hit some balls today. Tennis truly is the sport of a lifetime.