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Wimbledon's fortnight begins today. Janet Lefkowitz, Greenburgh's tennis director since 1985, hasn't yet picked a favorite, but has her eye on several players that might hoist the trophy this year on England's green lawns.
"Grass is a world onto itself," she said. "Sometimes it's a tough pick. It's a fun surface. Grass is more interesting because it's alive. It's unique."
Lefkowitz's top choices aren't far from the usual favorites at SW19. If Venus Williams and Serena Williams are healthy, she said, it's hard to not praise them.
"I'm delighted that Venus and Serena are going to play," said Lefkowitz. "I really had missed them on the tour. I'd probably put my money on Serena -- I never count her out. She's tough, she's just so strong and, on that surface, she can do very well."
Her men's picks include two-time champion Rafael Nadal and six-time champion Roger Federer.
"You just can't count Nadal out anywhere or any time," she said. "He's at the top of his game. And Novak Djokovic, up until the French Open, hadn't lost a match. And the Brits would like Andy Murray. And I never count Roger Federer out -- I just love to watch him play. He's such a graceful athlete."
Lefkowitz also plans to keep track of Frenchmen Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who she feels aren't consistently great players, but have their moments. American Andy Roddick, who she said may be past his prime, might make a run into the second week.
On the women's side, Lefkowitz will monitor several Russian and Eastern European players, as well as French Open champion Na Li and Danish player Caroline Wozniacki, who is very competent but lacks a strong weapon. American Melanie Oudin is also a favorite.
However, Lefkowitz said that the networks should display more doubles tennis on TV to show viewers something they can relate to.
"That's what people play," she said. "I can't get a singles league started here. Everybody wants to play doubles. It's a more social sport. It's more fun."
Anthony F. Veteran Park provides tennis camps, group instructions and recreational play. To reserve a court or receive lessons, call Lefkowitz at the Parks and Recreation Department at 914-693-8985 ext. 112.
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