One Man.  One Journey. One Dream.

For the first time ever, anyone can compete for a wild card into the US Open Qualifying Tournament! Tennis Channel Producer Brandon Moglen thinks this is his once in a lifetime opportunity. Check back regularly as Brandon chronicles his journey to qualify for the US Open. Want to drop Brandon a line? email him here.

May 20 - The Result

There's a lot that Jessica Watson and I have in common.  For those that don't know, Jessica is the 16 year old girl who, this weekend, completed a 210 day solo boat trip around the world.  Both of us had a dream, both of us gave everything we had. The only difference is she accomplished her dream, and I fell about 12 rounds short of mine.

           


When Jessica pulled into Sydney's harbor, her legs still wobbly from 7 months on a boat, thousands of people were there on the shore clamoring for her autograph. After my match finished, my mom and my sister were there, clamoring for me to hurry up so we could beat traffic.  For Jessica, the Prime Minister of Australia was on hand to declare her "Australia's newest hero". For me, the tournament director was on hand to give me a free T-shirt and a hat.

So I lost in the first round, and the US Open Dream has come to an abrupt end. But am I, like Jessica Watson, a national treasure and a hero? In a word, Yes.  It's not everyday you set out to accomplish something seemingly impossible, then fall way short of accomplishing it.  But here's the thing.  You too can be a hero - just successfully sail by yourself around the world when you're 16 years old, or fail at something impossible.   This week, I chose the latter.

So the match didn't go entirely to plan.  First a word about my opponent, Ryan Cheung.  Homeboy is The Truth.  Only 18, he's one of the young guns people reference when they talk about the future of American tennis. His last year in the juniors he was part of the 2nd ranked doubles team in the nation.  He finished top 50 in the country in singles.  And he's the star recruit for UC Irvine next year.  He's definitely a guy to keep an eye on.

I didn't spend too much time keeping my eye on him . as my eyes were plenty occupied trying to keep track of the yellow explosions coming off his racket.  But to truly appreciate Ryan Cheung - you gotta see his serve. I mean it's ridiculous.  His lefty kick didn't so much as kick as do the splits - rather than jump up it would spin dramatically sideways.

Oddly, I had him 0-40 in his very first service game.  Five swings of his racket later I was serving at 0-1.  It must be so nice to have a bazooka for an arm. And a back that doesn't break in 9 places when you serve a monster kick like that.  So alas, youth, talent and strength got the better of age, wisdom and fight.  In the end, what can I say?  Did anyone bring any cream cheese? Because I brought the double bagels.

So what's the upside in getting filleted like a piece of carp? In front of your mom and sister? On stadium court? 

Give me a moment.  Thinking ... Thinking ... 

Oh yeah. I had a great time.   The training, the dreaming, the playing ... it was all a fantastic experience. OK, the match itself got out of hand quickly. But lets face it - this was more about the process then the result.  For the past several months, I was dreaming about being a part of the US Open. And yes, my result could literally have been accomplished by my pug Lucy.  Or a fern.  Or a blanket.  But I went after my dream, and truly gave it everything I could. Just like our Australian hero, Jessica Watson.

In fact, Jessica Watson said it best for both of us.  When she arrived in Sydney harbor after 7 months at sea, after battling storms, her boat overturning several times and the grim and lonely journey of 210 days at sea . she gave a short speech.  In it, she said "I'm just an ordinary girl who believed in her dream".  Amen, Jessica.  I couldn't have said it any better myself.
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May 13 - Final Preparations

Thanks to all of you who participated in last week's poll. It seems the vast majority of you think I will remain uninjured, though a disturbingly high percentage feel "breathing" or "thinking" might result in some sort of insurmountable injury. To the believers, as always, I salute you.

                   

The draw has been posted. And I have my first round opponent - Ryan Cheung. Cheung is all that stands between me and a birth in the round of 16 in the Southern California Pre-Qualifying Tournament. So who is Ryan Cheung? Unfortunately, the guy is a major baller. He's one of the top 18 year olds in the country, and trains at the Advantage Tennis Academy in Irvine. I know a few people and got the run down . Cheung is a big hitting lefty who is fit and match tough. I actually ran into my old college coach from Cal, Peter Wright, and asked him what my chances were. His response didn't really involve words, but the expression on his face was a cross between concern and pity.

So not an ideal draw. Of course the winner of our match gets a special gift. The winner earns a likely matchup with Cecil Mamiit - an ATP Tour veteran who once was ranked as high as 72 in the world.

So we're days away from The Day. And I'm feeling those same butterflies I had back when I was a junior, back when my possibilities as a tennis player were limitless. And that's how I've felt over the past several months as I chased after this goal, as improbable as it may be. The process has truly been a reward in itself.

Yes, it's a seemingly impossible dream. But I can say that it's also infused me with a sense of purpose, spirit and joy. I mean, why not try impossible things? Your mind expands, your energy increases and life's just kind of more fun when you introduce the impossible. Who knows how this story ends. But one things for sure - it's awfully fun just to be part of a story.

Having said that - I can't pretend the journey is all that matters to me. Whoever said "It's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game" probably just lost at something. I mean, come on. This is tennis. We're not here to have a tea party. We're here to impose our will on the opponent and leave with the victory. And come Monday, I'm leaving it all on the court.
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May 6 – My Strategies  

This may be the most boring blog you’ll ever read, not counting my previous ones.  A never was 38 year old is going to give you his strategies going into the US Open Pre-Qualifying match.   I just gotta hope my opponent doesn’t read this blog.    

At this point, I’m assuming my wife Hillary is probably the only person still following this, so I’m probably in pretty good shape.  Of course, since she’s pregnant, what can she do even if she knows?  Sorry Hillary, but I will run you like a turkey at Thanksgiving if I draw you first round.  Seriously.  Show up with running shoes.  
 
               

Anyway, here are a couple tricks and strategies I’ll definitely be using come May 17.  

Serve and Volley in my first service game.  

Let’s be clear – my serve couldn’t bust a grape in a fruit fight.  Because of that, I probably won’t serve and volley for the rest of the match.  But by attacking in the first game my opponent has to respect that possibility.  If they’re smart, they’ll realize this act of bravado was an attempt to disguise the fact that Elena Dementieva circa 2003 thinks my serve is a joke.  I’m hoping they’re not smart.  

Attack Their Second Serve  

The second serve is a guaranteed short ball – and even if I miss, by getting after it, I get into my opponent’s head. And that’s where I want to live -- screwing with synapses, whacking wires and lambasting the frontal lobes. Alliteration is fun!  If I’m effective - this tactic does two things – at best, it will pressure my opponents into making double faults.  At worst, it will scare them into playing it safe on their first serve.    

Play Loaded Questions during Changeovers  

There is no better way to recharge the batteries and get in the best possible frame of mind. Some people straighten their strings to focus - I break out Loaded Questions and laugh myself silly with the thought provoking and hilarious challenges of America’s favorite Board Game, Loaded Questions. On sale now at Loadedquestions.com.   

Shoot me now.  

Use the Drop Shot   

If I do anything well, it’s moon ball.  I have an extreme western grip on my forehand, and can flatten out or roll my backhand pretty effectively.  So I’m pretty efficient at hitting deep, looping groundies.  Against weaker opponents, they hit off their back heel and behind the baseline.  If they hit a weak return inside the baseline, I can really do damage with the drop shot.   

Go For My Shots   

By far, the biggest issue for me.  To make it through more than one round I not only need to win, but to win quickly. The Southern Section winner will have to win a lot of matches - so conserving energy for later rounds is key.  When I was a junior my most effective tactic was to make my opponents suffer. I was impossibly consistent and loved nothing better than to watch my opponents slowly fall apart. I won a lot of matches 7-6, 6-0. These days, that’s a recipe for me to pass out at about 3-3 in the second set. Going for it will be an important mantra for me – even though it goes against my instincts.  

Keep my Strategies Secret  

Whatever I do, don’t reveal my strategies to my opponent through a blog. 
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April 29 - This Blog is presented by.....

Exciting news for US Open Dreams – Loaded Questions has signed on as our exclusive sponsor.  With this deal, Loaded Questions has officially purchased the rights to my dreams proving yet again that in America, anything’s for sale. Today, it’s my dreams - tomorrow, my hope - next week, a 2 for 1 deal on my anxiety and guilt.
 
                        Bud Collins uses the Vulcan mind-meld to transfer the championship spirit into me …                   

As far as the contract is concerned, from now through the US Open Qualies on May 17 Loaded Questions has exclusive ownership of my dreams.   This means any and all efforts and attempts to achieve my dreams are the exclusive property of Loaded Questions, and they have veto control over any decisions I might have in relation to accomplishing said dreams.  

I still have control over my day to day life (running errands, going to work, walking the dog … ) But all dream related activity is the exclusive property of Loaded Questions. So I guess the story has taken a strange turn … rather than this simply being about me and my dreams, it’s now about me, my dreams and my debt to Loaded Questions for making this dream possible.  Indeed, without Loaded Questions my back wouldn’t be sore, my arm wouldn’t have this odd tinny feeling and the local CVS pharmacy would still have Epsom Salt in stock*.   

But this is still my story. My journey. And just because a sponsor is paying money to be attached to it, I refuse to let that water down the essence of this quest – to go after your dreams no matter what the odds.  

Having said that - when I’m not pursuing my dreams there’s nothing I enjoy more than an evening with good friends, good food and the hilarious Loaded Questions Board game, available online now at LoadedQuestions.com! Buy now, or watch my dreams evaporate like hundred dollar bills up a chimney!  

*Note the run on “Lotrimin Anti-Fungal Cream” is completely unrelated to Loaded Questions.

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April 22 -  Bud Collins Weighs In

Has an 80 year old man ever challenged you to arm wrestle? If it ever happens, trust me, you’ll want to crush him. Even if that 80 year old man is Bud Collins.  

                

Don’t get me wrong – I love me some Bud Collins. The Hall of Famer is a legend in our sport. His history and loyalty to tennis is unparalleled, his style and charisma distinct, his pants iconic.  But soon after he told me my arms were like “Twine” it was on like Donkey Kong. 

First let me thank those of you who participated in last week’s poll … seems most of you dear readers think I’m going to “Lose first round, badly”, though a healthy amount also think I’ll win a round or two. And to the 10 percent that think I will be the 2010 US Open Champion, I applaud your confidence, your support and your madness.  I’d suggest we grab a beer, but that would probably mix badly with your medication. 

We are officially less than a month away from the Pre-Qualifying tournament, and I really am doing my part to make this happen. I’m hitting at least 3 times a week, and just played in the Beverly Hills Tournament this past weekend.   I won, and so have advanced to the semifinals this coming weekend.  It’s kind of like the grass season before Wimbledon – there’s only time for one or two tournaments before the big event. 

I’m playing well, I’m healthy and feeling incredibly optimistic that I will bring my best game to the court come May 17.  And as for my arms being like twine – twine is a strong, durable thread.   NBA hoops and NHL Goals are made of twine.  So why shouldn’t tennis have a twine like presence on its grandest stage? 

Thanks again for the masses of comments made below.  I think we’re up to 3 after a solid month of blogging. Your enthusiasm for my quest is truly uplifting and sustains me in my moments of doubt.  I feel nothing but love for you all. And by you all, I mean both of you.
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April 8 - Going Down Like an Anchor on the SS Failure? 

I want to start by thanking the tens of people who have emailed me kind words of support on this quixotic adventure. It seems I've struck a chord with fellow adventurers, chasers of dreams and psychotics. You are my people.

And after viewing the Justin Gimelstob videos, it seems most of you believe in my chances slightly more than Justin. Of course that's like saying you believe in me more than say, the Easter Bunny. But as long as there are things that are less believable than my quest, I take comfort in the fact that in the end . It. Is. Possible.

              More with Justin
             

And that's where I live - in the land of what's possible. The haters can't touch me. I told my sister Laurel that my chances of qualifying were remote. She took offense that I would insult the word "remote" like that. Candace in Cincinnati wrote a creative email saying I was "going down like an anchor on the SS Failure". Justin has voiced minor doubts about my game. My therapist thinks I need a therapist.  

But I digress. 

The point is there are going to be doubters. Cynics. Sane, level-headed people that use logic and rational thinking to come to conclusions. To them, I say phooey. Phooey and Blech. I'm following a dream here, kids. And without dreamers, where would we be? Imagine a world without ShamWows. Without Snuggie's. Without the Spork. 

And I don't know about you - but I love having my spoon and fork combined in one simple but brilliant eating utensil. So from one dreamer to another, I say "All aboard the Dream Train!" - Next stop, Whynot Town. Coming up: NoLimits Village, Whoknowsville and there . off in the distance . New York City and the US Open. 

Who's coming on board? And who thinks this metaphor got a little too Dr Seussy?

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April 1 - Only 15 to Realizing the Dream

 

I’m only 15 matches away from qualifying for the US Open. Unlikely? Probably.  Doubtful? Maybe.  A lifelong dream? Absolutely.

 

And how often does the possibility of realizing a lifelong dream drop in your lap when you’re 38?  Not often. But when it does … you gotta jump in – all in.

            Justin Gimelstob analyzes Brandon's chances 
            

 

And that’s where I am today – 15 matches away from pulling off the greatest story in the history of tennis.  Credit to the USTA for encouraging the dreams of delusional tennis players throughout the country—myself proudly included.  By allowing just about anyone 14 years or older (who has $125 to burn) into a massive, national  pre-qualification tournament for the US Open, the USTA has truly brought the US Open dream to the people.  

 

http://www.usopen.org/USOpen/Home/National_Playoffs/Default.aspx

 

Each section in the United States will have a tournament open to up to 256 people … the winners of these sections then compete for one wildcard into the US Open Qualifying tournament at the National Tennis Center.  Win three rounds there – and you’re in the US Open.

 

http://www.usopen.org/USOpen/Home/National_Playoffs/Schedule.aspx

 

But just how far away am I from strolling into Arthur Ashe Stadium and putting on my sun block for my first round match against … who knows – Roger Federer?

 

On the downside - I’m 38. Not necessarily a great age for rookies to join the pro tour.  I’m more fit than almost anyone I play with these days - but candidly I’m not hitting with a lot of 19 year olds.  I’m sure there will be plenty of young gunslingers in the southern California section.

 

On the upside, well … I’m pretty good.   Growing up in Northern California, I was always one of the top ranked juniors in the area.  In high school I won the sectional title – and went on to play Division 1 tennis at UC Berkeley … I’ve still got some game.  My fitness is solid and I can’t remember a week where I haven’t played tennis at least twice in the past year. 

 

To top it off, I have vengeance on my side … my father played in the US Open in 1951 and lost in the first round.  Growing up I heard about that match so many times I feel like I was there.  The hot conditions, his opponent's huge forehand …I get it dad.  I’ve got a serious incentive to not have that story be the last Moglen US Open tale.

 

But will all that be enough to make it through the pre-qualies?  We can all agree on this - before this USTA pre-qualifying tournament, I had no chance whatsoever to make it into the US Open.  It was impossible.  But now, all I have to do is win 15 consecutive matches.  Think about it – if I give myself a 25% chance of winning each match … 25% multiplied by 15 comes out to about 1 in 17 billion – without question better than impossible!   I’m in the game!

 

And who knows - I might zone, I might get a great draw, I might get lucky … there are enough unknowns to give me hope. And if I’ve got hope, I’ve got all I need. Though it would also be nice to combine my hope with Andy Roddick’s serve.  Or Nikolay Davydenko’s endurance.   Or Justine Henin’s backhand. 

 

But as it is I’m pretty much rolling in there with hope. Thanks to the USTA, I’m 15 matches from achieving my lifelong dream of playing in the US Open.  And if you think about it - only 22 matches away from shocking the world.  Stranger things have happened. I can’t think of one, but I’m sure they have.