Time! Fault! Warning! Net! Score! These are just some of the calls that the chair umpire must make, including knowing and understanding the game’s rules. They work in conjunction with the line judges or the electronic line-calling technology to ensure accurate and impartial calls. But what about a player's code of conduct and sportsmanship? This unenviable task falls upon these patrons of the game as well. The position of the umpire is not for the faint of heart or thin-skinned personality. They must ensure that the players understand and adhere to the rules as well as communicate in such a way as to maintain the dignity and order of the sport. Their decisions are final! Their rulings are final! Welcome to the court of the chair umpire.

Humble, vigilant and focused, agile and fleet of foot and altogether indispensable. These adjectives accurately describe the aspects of the ball persons of tennis. It should come as no surprise that numerous professional tennis players served as ballboys or ball girls at some point in their youth. The introduction of these "unsung heroes" of the sport began in the 1920's. Because they are often young, they do not receive a traditional wage for their hard work but rather, they are given a stipend. Now if you think being a professional tennis player is challenging, try throwing on a dime, running down balls and rolling them to either side of the court. It can easily feel like tryouts for the NFL or at the very least, intimidating under the watchful gaze of trainers with clipboards and stopwatches. In a typical major match tournament, a ball person can cover over 5km (Over 3 miles). Let's hear it for the ball persons!

The grace and elegance combined with the fancy footwork and hand skills, while always keeping your eye on the ball. These are the moments of the game that are captured by the court cameramen and photographers. You can learn much about the techniques of the game by observing the frozen actions or replayed points of the maestros. Technique is one thing while artistry and grit and determination reveal the unfolding drama on centre court. Each punch of the ball is accompanied by a grueling visage. Body blow begets body blow until the point comes to its inevitable conclusion accompanied by the spontaneous pump of the fist or the extreme “Nadal” gesticulation celebrating a hard fought for and elusive point on the part of the victor. But it is just one point! Only now, you can watch it over and over.