Naughty Jester

What playing surface do you excel on: flannel, cotton, satin, or possibly clay, grass or hardcourt?

The French are so dirty. Folks are forever sliding willy-nilly on that red clay surface and screaming obscenities. Some players were born for it and seem to win effortlessly. Still others prefer theirs hard, like in the US. They grunt and fling themselves hither and thither in search of love matches, sometimes lasting long into the night. And then there are those smitten by the royal grass and strawberries and cream of Wimbledon.

Me, my favorite surface, next to hardcourt, is cotton. Cotton breathes. It wicks the perspiration right off your body and leaves you feeling comfortable and ready to do more of whatever it was that made you sweat in the first place. I can honestly say I’ve never lost a love match on cotton.

I have, however, been worn out on satin and flannel. The former, like closely cropped grass, feels divine. Like those sandy surfaces in France, it is hard to get a grip. You slide on satin. And, is it just me or does it not seem like anyone playing on flannel is over 90 years old, God bless his or her heart (and Viagra).

So tell me, what is your favorite playing surface?
Have you ever been up two sets to love?