2010 French open New girl in town I must apologize for the delay in my postings, but life on the road is not as easy some people think. It seems i'm not the most technically inclined person and seem to always run into understanding how to turn on my computer. With that said, Shal we get this Blog under way. For those of you who don't know, i've split with my previous player Aleks Wozniak and now am currently coaching ... read more

Indian wells 2010 with Lucie Safarova ... read more

Indian wells 2010 A little bit of paradise. Nothing beats waking up in the morning with the sun shinning on your face, knowing you get to spend the entire day playing tennis on the grounds at Indian Wells. The weather is picture perfect, day after day, with incredible views that make any hick up in the day seem worth it. Aleks and i are up and at it first thing in the morning every morning starting in the gym with ... read more

Welcome back to the Steckley/Awoz show 2010 Australia and now Mexico…pronounced meHico ;) Hello hello to one and all. First and for most i would like to apologize for the lengthily time it's been since my last article. I ran into some problems in Australia in regards to being able to write my blogs due to my computer and i now have a new one. Someone has been kind enough to steal my electronic bag with all goodies here in ... read more

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they ask themselves whether or not they have seen the places they have always wanted to see. In all my years of travel The mother Land, Russia, has always been at the top of my list for so many reason’s and now being 29, I thought it was a perfect time to kill two birds with one stone, win some tennis matches and look for a wife. Ok, so maybe the wife ... read more

Osaka had a different vibe then Tokyo. I felt that it wasn’t as open to foreigners as I would have liked. Do you know how hard it was to try and have a drink with a geisha…Kidding, but I definitely felt a touch out of place this week. We stayed at the Ana Crown plaza which was a beautiful hotel until you arrived in your room or lack there of. I felt as if I was back in my dorm ... read more

Have you ever had dog for a meal? Well if you are ever interested, then you be sure to make your way to this part of the world to have a taste. It definitely has its share of interesting dishes and a unique way of displaying them to say the least. Have you ever wanted a brand new Rolex or a new pair of Gucci jeans, well for about 5 U.S dollars your dream can become a reality… of course ... read more

I constantly get asked, “Which country has been your favourite pit stop”? I have such a hard time being able to answer that question until now. I’ve made up my mind people. It’s Japan and it has been for a long time, I just didn’t realize it. This has been my third time to this wonderful country and only I have good things to say. Japan has so much more to offer then what most people think. The people are ... read more

A quick 2 hour flight and our butt’s were in Quebec City for the challenge Bell. In my 29 years of existence, I have begun to truly fall in love with my Country. Who say’s you have to go all the way to Europe to wear overalls and clogs, and drink massive Pint’s of beer or take walks down old rustic street alleys that date back 400 years. Quebec City is Canada’s way of saying, “We have history…Now why isn’t ... read more

There is a constant energy given off from this concrete city they call “The Big apple”. You would think that being from Toronto I would be use to the chaos and hustle, but instead it only makes me realize just how small my city really is. I felt like an ant in a hay field. Something people need to definitely get use to before they feel comfortable. However, even though I felt small I definitely felt at home. We stayed ... read more

Home sweet home is where we found ourselves this week. We also managed to bring the hot humid weather from Cincinnati with us which made things interesting for me at my house seeing as how my air con was not really working that week. However, it’s nothing a cool drink and the mentality of the Caribbean’s couldn’t fix. Every..ting was cool breeze! Aleks and I were very excited to be back playing In front of a home crowd. We worked ... read more

As tears ran down my face from having to leave Sunny California, I only found them drying up just as fast due to the outrageous heat in Cincinnati. If you could get over the unbearable heat, Cincinnati is a great place. There were many complaints about the reason behind why we were staying in the farm land which was closer to the site rather then staying in the city where there were things to do? I actually loved the fact ... read more

If I haven’t made myself clear already I will do so right now. California is my favourite place in the world for many reasons. You can be shark bait swimming in the ocean in the morning and doing 360’s and sipping hot chocolate in the snow capped Mountains by afternoon. If you prefer chasing scorpions in the dessert or you think your going to get your big break in Hollywood, California can satisfy everyone’s hopes and desires. Aleks and I ... read more

I’m sure I have some readers who have been wondering why I stray away from tennis and write articles from time to time on other topics. Well let me ask you this, when you wake up do you eat the exact same thing everyday? When you are on your way to work, do you listen to the same songs? I’m sure the answer is NO because your not a square and it would be strange and boring. My main focus ... read more

I’m sure all you readers out there were wondering where the dynamic duo so called Steckley/Wozniak disappeared to? Wonder no more for we are back at it again in sunny California after a 4 week break in Canada for some good old fashioned training to get ready for the next couple of months on the U.S Tour. Our first stop was in the ever so beautiful city of San Francisco where our dear Aleks was the defending champion. We were ... read more

Prim and proper is what best describes this traditional event. The all England club is one of the most regulated Tournaments I have ever been to. The history behind this event can compete with most countries and even World War 2. With this being said, I can assure you that high socks and tattoo’s are not the best way to fly under the radar. Let’s face it, my name is Rob Steckley and flying under the radar is so last ... read more

There is very good reason why I have this article titled as it is. Have you ever read the book or if your like me and prefer to watch the movie, “The Bourne Identity”. A story based on a man who has lost his memory but manages to get it all back while kicking butt and taking names? Same Plot, only difference is, my stories character is a girl named Aleks. We were pleasantly surprised upon arrival with blue sky’s ... read more

Rain, rain and more rain was the forecast in lovely Birmingham. Besides the weather however, Birmingham is actually a great city just a couple hours outside of London. From little cafe’s in Paris to drunken pubs in England is how our transition went. Where the French are much more reserved, the English on the other hand are quite the opposite. If over priced beer and bar fights are your sort of deal, then England is the place for you…. So ... read more

Breakdance to be exact! Paris is a city that offers much more then its 1000’s of years of history and monumental statures. It is also a city of true urban life forms that all derive from Hip Hop. Its home to some of the world’s most famous Graffiti work, under ground beat box champions, skateboarders and the now world popular breakdancing. Breakdance, breaking, b-boying is a street dance style that evolved as part of the hip hop movement among African ... read more

Oh Paris, I love you like a fat kid loves cake. There is just something in the air that drives people crazy, and I’m not talking about J’adore, Dior! The fresh smell of croissants in the morning or the scent of your favourite espressos. The way the streets are lit up at night while you sit and sip a glass of Chardonnay while you watch the people stroll by. Pinch me I must be dreaming. Ok, that was just gay. ... read more

How would you feel if I said you just made 68 thousand euro’s in a week’s work all while playing in front of thousands of fans and an appearance on the famed court Philippe Chatrier at the French open in Paris. Give your coach a raise you say? Thoughtful, but for our Girl Aleks Wozniak this is reality. We arrived in Paris a few days before the event started which gave us a head start on scarfing down Croissant’s and ... read more

Pistol Pete that is For those of who don’t know who or what I’m talking about, I’m referring to the future of Canadian tennis Mr Peter Polansky. He could quite possibly be the next Prime Minister of Canada but I’m going to go with the odds on this one folks, ha! Pete was accompanied by his long time Coach, friend and lover…Kidding, Dean Coburn. The pair have been in separable ever since Pete started playing tennis as a troubled child, ... read more

In a land far beyond reality, lies a country deep within Eastern Europe, where people eat dinner for breakfast, and Consider Drinking Alcohol equally as important as Breathing Oxygen. I’m talking about a little place called Poland. There are many things to be said about this nation and many mindless jokes, for example, how do you sink a Polish battle ship…? Put it in water! I do however think that it’s a Country with great pride and wonderful people, some ... read more

Who say’s it always has to be tennis? Not only is Spain known for it’s architectural beauty and beautiful beaches, it is also home to one of the most urban movements around today…Skateboarding. With a population of 60 million people, it is bound to have a mass amount of skateboarders hitting the streets. Just like the infamous city of Los Angeles, Madrid is also basically one big skate park. It’s architecturally designed to pretty much skate anywhere, anytime making street ... read more

As we grabbed our luggage and made our way outside to the tournament cars a slight breeze caught my cheek and I thought to myself, did someone leave the oven on? We stepped foot outside and it’s as if I were making love with a sauna. Its 930 pm and it’s over 30 degrees hot. Even though the sun was not out, I felt the need to start applying sunscreen so I didn’t burst into flames. We were in for ... read more

Rome… home of the Gladiator and fresh pizza. Also known for its true beauty and historic Monuments. When we first rolled up to the Grand Hotel, Parco Dei Principi we were struck with a sudden moment of awe! We didn’t know where we were? It seemed to be built for the kings of ancient Rome. There wasn’t a square inch that wasn’t plastered in gold, jewels and artefacts. Paintings that tell a thousand stories and a wine cellar that only ... read more

It was about 5 pm on Thursday April 30th. I had just arrived in the players lounge at the Rome Masters series. I heard my name being called from across the room, “Booooooobbbbyyyyy Steeeeeeeckllleyyy.” I looked to my left and there he was, the proud father of a newly born baby girl, Mr. Daniel Nestor. He asked if I was hungry and we went into the restaurant to have a bite to eat and catch up. He seemed to be ... read more

I would like to start by saying this, if your ever planning on visiting Germany it helps to Speak a little German such as “Guten Morgen” (Good Morning) “Wie sind Sie” (How are you) and my favourite “Sie sind schön. Lassen Sie sich Zeit mich aus heute Abend?” (You are beautiful. What time are you taking me out tonight?) With this said, no one shall ever go disappointed in this country… the land of Chocolate and beautiful women, ha! With ... read more

I am here on court at the National Tennis Centre in Montreal Canada working out our Junior National Team. Although it seemed to be a routine day, I felt something was a bit different and I knew it wasn’t because I decided to style my hair up as opposed to down. I was hitting balls for about 20 minutes when the bad boy of women’s tennis stepped foot out on court and pulled me aside. Little did I know that ... read more

It’s been a pleasure watching Rob’s career through the years. His ability to control the baseline and move his opponents around is quite impressive not to mention his star studded personality which always makes him a crowd favourite. As a tennis enthusiast and former competitor myself, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have been able to spend working on court with Rob on my game. His keen eye and sense of humour makes him a blast to work with ... read more

I’ve known Rob for too many years now. I have watched him progress from a top junior to a world class tennis player. It was quite impressive to watch his Davis cup matches as he was a great asset to our team….In the singles department, Sorry Rob but I had the doubles covered! Because of his tremendous experience on the road as a player and being around all the top players and coaches in the world, it has given him ... read more

As I am a few years younger then Rob, I grew up in the shadow of him which was not a bad thing at all. I looked up to him as he paved a way for my career. As we started travelling together he always made sure to show me the ropes which made it much easier for me to break through. I’ve always valued our time spent on court practicing together. What’s so intense is the fact that I ... read more

Where do I begin? I’ve been on court with Rob since our world travels in the junior days all the way up until his last Davis cup tie. A player who modeled himself after the great Andre Agassi. Explosive speed matched with incredible timing giving him one heck of an attacking game style. He’s kept us entertained through the years. We have had some quality time now spent on court as coaches. He has tremendous knowledge of the game and ... read more

I had the pleasure of playing with rob at a couple celebrity events. He’s outgoing and always seems to have everyone laughing. What is your secret? He has coached my eldest son into a top Division 1 College. See you at the next event. ... read more

Whether I’m scouting music talent on Canadian idol or the next future tennis star, I always have a solid eye for talent. I’ve watched Rob play from time to time in between my busy schedule and appointed him, “ an individual that stands out from the rest” I love the game of tennis and have had the pleasure in working and playing with this young man. Always a treat and look forward to our Rematch. ... read more

I have not had the chance to see Rob play very often during his career but from the few matches I have witnessed, I have always been impressed with his tactical sense and great feel for the game. I know him better since he has shown an interest in coaching. Rob approaches his new career the right way by using his remarkable listening skills along with a strong desire to learn to improve constantly. If he perseveres, he has the ... read more

I found this game online. Its actually not bad. Use the space key to hit the ball, and the arrow keys to move the player. The winner is the first one to win 3 games. ... read more

Rob has been a close friend of ours for years. We have been entertaining and competing against each other for years. Rob needless to say has won the last 3000 set’s against us, however we would like to think our day will come where we will win…… a point! Actually now that we are on the subject, feeling the urge to go play RIGHT NOW ROBERT. He is one talented individual and wish him all the best in the future. ... read more

His weakness is his backhand, ha! Honestly, I could never figure it out. I actually grew up down the street from Rob and we were in the same tennis clinic together when we were teenagers. I went on to play Hockey and he continued the Pro Tennis Career. I must say it was always a part of him and we all knew he would stay in the sport. My brother Steve and I recently ran into Rob at the Roger’s ... read more

My day started with a grind fest with the crazy German who goes by the name Nicolas Kiefer followed by another hour with the young up and comer from Croatia Marin Cilic. My body was drained and I needed an ice cream and beer. Sorry did I just say that? I meant water and pasta. Next, I headed up to the players restaurant to replenish my needs. I sat with Frank Dancevic where we made fun of the fact that ... read more