Nadal v Isner Thursday; Serena Williams Loses Temper in Madrid

Not good for Serena to knock the tourney – was she referring to Rome and Madrid being consecutive weeks for the WTA?

May 13th, 2010 at 12:31 am

I’d like to hear a little more context on the Serena quote, because that can sometimes make a world of difference, but yeah, it doesn’t sound too complimentary in the sound-bite given. One thing you cannot fault Serena for? Speaking her mind.

May 13th, 2010 at 12:45 am

Well, I don’t mind Serena speaking HER mind, but I don’t think she should be speaking for others, even if it’s true. She seems to be careless with words these days, or maybe I’m just now paying attention. I love Serena and her tennis, but I’d like to see her put a lid on it.

May 13th, 2010 at 1:48 am

Good point Anna: “none of the players”? Surely some must like playing there, and as you say, it’s probably better to speak for herself in the press rather than others.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:04 am

the williams sisters are a disgrace to the game. anyone who defends their complete lack of class both on and off the court…is a moron.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:54 am

If so, I’m moron then. No problem with that at all. WTA is boring already and I can’t imagine WTA without William sisters. It’s like ATP without Federer, or Nadal, or Roddick…

That said, I don’t like some of Serena’s behaviors on the court but not all of them. Off the court, they are none of my business…

May 13th, 2010 at 5:00 am

Guy, you wouldn’t be a racist now, would you?

There’s a lot to dislike about Serena. Not as much to dislike about Venus, although she’s hardly perfect.

But saying they are a disgrace to the game is way over the top. Let me guess. You’ve been to some tea parties recently.

May 13th, 2010 at 10:11 am

I am not a Serena fan either and it’s not because I’m a racist or a tea partier. I liked Chanda Rubin…whatever happened to her comeback? :)

Venus seems much nicer then Serena so if the two of them play I would prefer Venus to win. Of course Serena is a great player and usually comes away on top (at least in the majors).

May 13th, 2010 at 10:23 am

Kimmi, looks like Verdasco’s tremendous run on clay has come to an end with an early exit at Madrid. But this could be good as he can prepare for the FO.

On to Rafa and Isner…

May 13th, 2010 at 11:03 am

“Former No. 1 Serena Williams’ troubles continued”

correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t serena still number 1 right now?

May 13th, 2010 at 11:12 am

4-4

Pretty tight match so far. Nadal has won 21 points and isner 20.

This match may be decided in two tiebreaks.

May 13th, 2010 at 11:36 am

what an awful, lousy match from verdasco! not in it at all mentally. maybe it was physical but …he looked gone mentally, that’s for sure.

sorry to say that, kimmi.

hot sauce should have beat melzer.

double afraid here. lol… twice the nerves today with both gulbis and federer playing. seriously. oh well. i do like wawa but…

feddy needs the points! c’mon.

i see isner is fairing alright. no bagel is always a good thing.

vamos pico and allez monfils!

May 13th, 2010 at 11:36 am

Rafa’s hitting the ball deeper today than he was yesterday, and he’s finding some nice angles.

May 13th, 2010 at 11:37 am

A lot of things were annoying Nadal yesterday, but he looks focused today. He has been getting a lot of Isner’s serves in play, but doesn’t have a break to show for it yet. Isner is trying to be more aggressive on Nadal’s 2nd serve.

May 13th, 2010 at 11:42 am

first break point chance to Rafa and he converts. This is important against Big serving giants- cash in on every opportunity.

May 13th, 2010 at 11:48 am

it’s a decent match-up. so far.

7-5 1st set to rafa.

john needs more serve and less nerves. amongst other things. he’s learning.

meanwhile, pico is going down to almagro, as expected.

May 13th, 2010 at 11:55 am

waiting for somebody to retire

May 13th, 2010 at 11:57 am

Rafa’s trying to end points quickly when he can. He’s come in whenever the opportunity has presented itself, and also sometimes as a surprise.

Conty, I agree: John is still a work in progress, but he’s showing some decent sliding/movement on clay and using a good dropper from time to time (he could use them even more perhaps). He looks a little lethargic between points though.

May 13th, 2010 at 12:01 pm

Ezorra: count me in your moron gang!
conty: I just love our Botticelli Angel, not as much as Andy of course, he is my TRUE love but watching ernie certainly gives me a thrill, so to speak, …on Bluebetry hill tum ti tum….like Youzny very much too, his backhand is alchemy.
jane: off topic, am old Labout through and through union activist, CND, pro Welfare State etc etc and I am deeply troubled by Tories, perhaps the Lib Dems will exert moderation on them, who knows? However hated Teflon Tony and New Labour too!
Rsutherland: as we don’t know how old anyone here is, perhaps Lion is indeed still in High School.
Back on topic and Rafa v. Isner..

May 13th, 2010 at 12:05 pm

yeah, jane. john looks sleepy. a big sleepy giant.

but i am watching some monfils. monfils is wearing rafa pants but they are not helping a whole lot. GGL is keeping it tight.

pico should have reitired. almagro is too good.

May 13th, 2010 at 12:05 pm

contador, have been missing Monfils, maybe I should look for some streaming there. He’s always fun to watch.

margot, off topic – am much along same lines as you, but maybe the coalition will help. Have been reading a lot about the politics over there, seems fraught. Sigh. What else is new?

Okay, back to tennis. When does Murray play? Can’t wait to watch.

Will leave Rafa on streaming but go look for Monfils too…

May 13th, 2010 at 12:10 pm

G-Lo is playing well but good hold from Monfils.

Love how they were/are showing all the hot Spanish men in the audience at Rafa’s match.

May 13th, 2010 at 12:18 pm

Allez conty; Monfils pulled out a tough first set.

Congrats to Rafa also for reaching another QF.

May 13th, 2010 at 12:44 pm

jane: think Andy is quite late which is good, don’t think he likes morning matches. Ernie too. Honestly rain in Madrid! Here in UK bright cold sunshine for weeks and little rain. Climate swap or what!

May 13th, 2010 at 12:45 pm

i don’t get to watch much futbol aka soccer.

imo. um. ronaldo is too good looking.

monfils very angry at himself. LOL!

hi margot- go muzza! i want him to get to the semi quarters and beat ferrer.

* botticelli angel* also knows racquet throwing and rants. wish i understood latvian.

big big nervous day for me all the way around.

ah , i see rafa got it done, with what appeared to be less effort than versus dolgo.

and anyway, Rsutherland, if you are reading, though i may not quite enjoy rafa’s habit, it would be strange and wrong if he suddenly stopped.

roddick has to adjust himself in the front, others use towels as nose tissue. it’s guy stuff. girls don’t do that. generally speaking.

however if i were on the ball people safety committee, i might have ball people for the atp using some body fluid precautions, like gloves and protective coats. ; )

May 13th, 2010 at 12:47 pm

S/b i want muzza to get past the quarters to the semi

May 13th, 2010 at 12:48 pm

( not at all “begrudging” ) there are many very nice rafa fans on tennisx.

congrats to rafa and his fans. ezorra and Rsutherland especially.

finally! i think monfils will win. eventually.

May 13th, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Isner looked (droopy eyes) like he was on the coming-down-side of some serious weed – played like it too, IMO.

Outside of Monfils (if he wins) and his cirque du soleil-like antics, it looks like the “Nadal” side of the draw is far more destined for ‘ennui-dom’ than the other half.
Here’s hoping for a Murray/Ferrer and Gulbis/Federer quarter…

Contador – at least you address that particular obsessive compulsive habit in some other way than the usual (and I use the word ‘usual’ with the most plebeian implications imaginable) fashion.

Margot – Lion Could be in High School I suppose, though it was in vogue in my Elementary School to add ‘tard’ to various insundry nouns. We grew out of that one in Middle School. You are being generous.

May 13th, 2010 at 1:05 pm

conty: racquet chucking is good! At least it shows he minds when he plays terrible tennis. Do not mind most bad habits, indifference is far worse.
Do u have ulteror motive for wanting Andy to beat Ferrer?
Shame about Roddick but at least it’s not an injury and I expect his eyes are very firmly fixed on Queens and Wimbledon. SO many players injured and still so early on.

May 13th, 2010 at 1:06 pm

Rsutherland: now have vision of a tiny little mite standing on a stool to reach the keyboard and sweetly saying in a darling little voice, “mama, how do you spell ‘Ra.f…a…tttt…frd again?'” ……..

May 13th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Margot – “mama, how do you spell ‘Ra.f…a…tttt…frd again?’” ‘
.thanks for the lol … and you do not use the word ‘again’ loosely I am sure.

May 13th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

Lion could definitely be in the young and impressionable stage of his life. Maybe he picked it up from Rahm Emmanuel when he referred to congressman as “effing retarded”, but then again he didn’t include the curse word at the beginning so maybe that’s a bad theory.

May 13th, 2010 at 1:35 pm

Well Monfils is through. Nice to see contador.

May 13th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Rsutherland Says:
Isner looked (droopy eyes) like he was on the coming-down-side of some serious weed – played like it too, IMO.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
I agree Isner wasn’t at his best today. He missed some easy forehands.

May 13th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Murray should be on now, followed by Angel faced Ernie, followed by the Swiss showdown.

May 13th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

margot-

i usually have ulterior motives or wishes by this point in a big tourny. you know me too well. but my hopes for andy gaining his confidence back are sincere. it’s sad watching him play and hearing his interviews since the AO. yes, i want the old, young muzza back. winning today and going on to beat the ferrer or cilic would give him back his swagger, don’t you think?

my “ulterior” motive, is no secret, i’m sure. an “armada block” and possibly producing a better final is my hope. so, may the best man in the top half other than f-lo or ferrer, win. sure, nadal will win the final, the way he is playing but a more competitive final than the one in MC and rome would be nice. that’s all. i’ve said this before- rafa has not had a competitive match with a compatriot since AO 09, verdasco.

allez monfils. and gets to play rafa next.

yeah roddick is not keen on playing in the dirt. he has his eyes on greens.

LOL. great. isner looked just so, Rs.

the “plebeians.” must admit looked that one up, Rsutherland, not that i hadn’t heard the word, i did forget what it meant. i guess i am rather common and somewhat obsessive when watching where hands go from this place to that. and notice where body fluids fly. it’s my job. life can use few “monk’s” and “howie mandel’s.” if for nothing else to laugh at us.

muzz is on deck.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:00 pm

oh no. losing my ability to type in complete or coherent sentences already. i cleared my schedule for the rest of the matches today.

i could use something to calm down.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

rafa! rafa!! rafa all the way. i wish he could win the cup to make up for last year. it may be difficult though but centainly not impossible . probably, playing the final against the world no.1 fed

May 13th, 2010 at 2:04 pm

Hmm, Andy’s first serve is not clicking and he looks awful hot. Still, early days, early days.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:18 pm

hanescu has been playing a lot of clay matches. he’s tough.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:26 pm

Phew! Andy’s serve better but still looks hot. Where are kimmi and jane? Perhaps time is wrong for them. Evening in UK.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:31 pm

I’m watching margot – Murray with the break- woot! He’s not serving his best (i.e., first %) but he is winning a number of second serve points, which is good. I think he should get through in straights…

May 13th, 2010 at 2:36 pm

jane: never counting chickens as far as Andy is concerned but ssshh, very quietly I’ll agree.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:39 pm

i am on call this weekend, so could move things around today.

but it’s lunchtime here. usually at work. margot.

but i am cheering murray. i would love to see murray and gulbis go at it. i admit i don’t like watching murray/fed though. but i can’t see fed getting past wawa, realistically.

muzz is going to win here. he’s moving well, returning better and better, and has that backhand with his tennis pedigree written all over it. he’s a top player and has to remember he likes being there.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:40 pm

Murray’s the far superior returner in this match. First set in the bag. Now, no walkabouts Andy!

May 13th, 2010 at 2:42 pm

rafa may have the best attention span of all.

fed goes walkabout but he has been able to comeback from wherever his mind went and win. not so sure anymore.

hanescu is gone

May 13th, 2010 at 2:50 pm

cilic and ferrer have started.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:52 pm

Another break – that should do it for Murray I hope. Meanwhile, Cilic and Ferrer just beginning.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:52 pm

doesn’t look like marin can hang with ferrer. at all.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Contador, on the subject of losing your typing skills, I don’t want to worry you, but…
Terry Pratchett, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheiner’s, has said that the first clue he had of something being wrong, was having trouble at the computer keyboard. I have the same problem myself, but that’s straightforward senility! Not that I ever could type properly.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:58 pm

Make that “Alzheimer’s”. Like I said…

May 13th, 2010 at 2:59 pm

Quisner were bageled in their first doubles set; I think these guys might’ve partied in Belgrade and are tired.

conty, Cilic’s coming around; he’s staved off the bagel anyhow.

Murray is cruising.

May 13th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

oh god, i hope that’s not it, colin!

i have problems doing 3 things at once though.

double streaming, watching both cilic v ferrer and muzza. and my stomache is in knots from anticipating what is coming.

really too early to have a drink here. this isn’t wimby. lol

May 13th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

Too bad Cilic couldn’t cash in on that love-40 game. Meanwhile Murray was dominant today! Woot margot!! He’s back.

May 13th, 2010 at 3:10 pm

jane Says:
Quisner were bageled in their first doubles set; I think these guys might’ve partied in Belgrade and are tired.

————————————————

I’m sure the Quizners met some nice Serbian women when they were there for Davis Cup and that’s why they returned for the Serbia Open.

Impressive performance from Murray today.

May 13th, 2010 at 3:12 pm

jane and kimmi wherever you are: YEEHAH! Was impressed with Andy today, his first serve stats went up, unforced error count right down and moving really well. Gr8!
Now to enjoy the rest of the tennis!

May 13th, 2010 at 3:13 pm

murray into the quarters… i got a pick right. make that two, rafa won.

c’mon marin.

get another game here at least!

murray

yay for margot, jane and kimmi, other murray fans. he’ll need a bit more if he plays ferrer. which appears likely.

cilic got another game at least. there’s a little hope.

May 13th, 2010 at 3:14 pm

NELTA, that’s not what I was implying, not sure if you’re being facetious or not? I merely meant, they must’ve celebrated their run to the finals & Sam’s victory on clay. Both seem a little sluggish at this event anyhow. Could be that altitude switch too though.

————————-

conty and margot – angel man on deck?

May 13th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

jane-

reminding myself this is ernie. no expectations here. f-lo has the home crowd, ernie is a lock to be seeded in FO, that was his “target”

May 13th, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Well, I was half joking Jane:)

May 13th, 2010 at 3:28 pm

Is Angel on? Tennis tv not showing if he is. Pah!
jane: conty’s remark makes me remember, do you recall I had problems with “lock”? Dear “I am it” had a good laugh over that one! Well, have discovered UK version is “shoo in.” Don’t ask me why!

May 13th, 2010 at 3:29 pm

Or I suppose it might even be “shoe in.” !!!

May 13th, 2010 at 3:29 pm

No, my mistake has just come up on tennistv. They’re just knocking up. hooray. Am bored watching Ferrer massacre Cilic.

May 13th, 2010 at 3:33 pm

ernie is never a shoo in. lolzzzzz *nervous gigiling* arrrrgh

May 13th, 2010 at 3:35 pm

or a shoe-in / shoo in . whichever it is.

May 13th, 2010 at 3:36 pm

federer and wawa on deck too. double whammy

May 13th, 2010 at 3:43 pm

No I don’t suppose Ernie is ever a lock or shoe in (yup I remember the “lock” discussion margot – we have “shoe in” here too). But I am switching to that match. Ferrer has broken Cilic already in the second and may be on his way to another.

Holy crow, now Fed and Wawa are on too. Too many matches!

Well, NELTA, at least the Quisners woke up for the second set and didn’t get routed. : )

May 13th, 2010 at 3:47 pm

jane: Lopez has got that shorts thing going again! Yuk! Don’t think I can watch. Why does he do it? As you say, too much to watch tonight.

May 13th, 2010 at 3:53 pm

margot – lol on the shorts! BTW, it’s “shoo-in”; I looked it up. Etymology comes from horse-racing.

May 13th, 2010 at 3:55 pm

jane: cheers, that’s interesting. I love language and origins of words.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:01 pm

Murray probably played well today as I m feeling after seeing the happy and enthusiastic posts of dear Mrs.Margot and Mrs.Jane. Cheers for Muzza!!! :) The best thing to happen since US09 would be Muzza making some sound in Madrid and RG and finally getting a GS in 2010. Sendin Muzza positive vibes and good wishes.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:03 pm

mirka is looking good.

kimmi-

fed broke back i style

3 bp’s for erno

yessssssssssss

May 13th, 2010 at 4:03 pm

I hope for Fed-Wawa match to be a little competitive and not a one-sided affair in Fed’s favour even thou I would most love to see Fed or Muzza going all then way here.

GO FED!!!

GO MUZZA!!!

May 13th, 2010 at 4:06 pm

funches,

yes i’m a racist, because, as you rightly point out, whenever you criticise anybody that happens to be black, it’s being racist.

you do help my argument though, with such moronic statements.

but speaking of race, it’s clear if they were white, they wouldn’t get away with the indian wells garbage.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:06 pm

Hey Contador:

U so enthusiastic and interested in Gulbis?! Why, if I may dare ask you. Have a good time.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:09 pm

ohhhhh

how did erno make that last return?

and survived lopez attempting to kill him with aces. it was either ace or df for f-lo.

sounded like bomb blasts.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Gulbis with the first set! : )

Hi Huh, Murray played very well: good service, great movement, backhand, excellent focus and returning. Hoping he continues to do well here, at the FO, etc. Think Fed should beat Stan here but Wawa is good on clay too.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:17 pm

Hi guys,

can anyone provide me a streaming site showing FED match ?

Thanks.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:25 pm

Fed just hit a nasty forehand and Koenig described it as “a liquid whip”

May 13th, 2010 at 4:26 pm

vinod – you might try here as there are a few links on offer:

http://www.fromsport.com/c-4.html

Fed’s in control.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:30 pm

http://www.gototennisblog.com/category/free-live-tennis-streaming/

here’s one vinod. atdhe.net is the one i am using for the fed match

May 13th, 2010 at 4:31 pm

i posted a link vinod but it is in “moderation”

atdhe.net

or goggle gototennis and look at the list for livestreaming

May 13th, 2010 at 4:33 pm

Hi Huh: how you doing? How’s the studying? Yes, it was good to see Andy playing well again.
Fed walking all over Wawrinka and our Angel boy doing likewise.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:35 pm

f-lo is putting up a tremendous fight on his service games.

ernie has been brilliant returning. but it’s a slugfest with dropshots

but, but….

yeah i don’t relax at all watching RF, until it’s all over. okay i should relax , it’s 4-0 federer in the 2nd

May 13th, 2010 at 4:48 pm

At least Fed spared Wawrinka a bagel for dinner. ; )

I wish Ernie would get a break soon as I don’t want to see this go to three sets. Now it’s looking like it will go the distance, with F-Lo at love-30 and Ernie serving.

Come on Gulbis!

May 13th, 2010 at 4:51 pm

oh man. f-lo is determined to please his audience.

this looks like a 3 setter. i dunno if ernie can take it.

May 13th, 2010 at 4:51 pm

conty – same wavelength…

May 13th, 2010 at 4:52 pm

gulbis saved 3 breakpoints.
c’mon! ernie, c’mon!

May 13th, 2010 at 4:53 pm

He held – phew!

May 13th, 2010 at 4:54 pm

what’s with all the love for Gulbis suddenly? Just curious…

May 13th, 2010 at 4:55 pm

jane, “by the skin of his teeth” sorry had to use it.

arrrrrgh

May 13th, 2010 at 4:55 pm

matchpoint federer and he is through!!!

phew!

May 13th, 2010 at 4:57 pm

Don’t want to speak too soon, but is Fed peaking at just the right time for the French?

(Note Verdasco may have already peaked)

May 13th, 2010 at 4:59 pm

federer is getting better. that’s clear.

ahhhh no.

2nd set is going to a nasty tie break. i’m thinking jane

May 13th, 2010 at 5:02 pm

wow. short and sweet for fed. would love to see a gulbis match up again.

stefani, fed seems to always peak in time for the GS’s. it’s as if those were what he was designed to win.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:03 pm

eric: he’s very exciting to watch because you never know what to expect. Massive talent will it be realised? Reminds me of Safin a lot, same charisma.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:03 pm

Eric, I have always liked Gulbis, but he dropped off the map last year with so many early losses, seemed kind of hopeless. It’s great to cheer him on, though, as he such an exciting and talented player to watch. He won his first title this year, got to his first Masters semifinal, beat Fed on the way. He gives very blunt interviews a la Safin. What’s not to like? I guess there is the lack of discipline and dedication in the past, but he seems to be taking winning matches more seriously now.

Plus I suspect that contador -the number 1 Gulbis fan here- ignited the interests of many with her enthusiasm.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:04 pm

Quick observations in Fed match.

NELTA: Did you notice how many times he ran around his forehand? Are u happier now ? ;-)

WaWa cannot get into a slice war with Fed

Double the winners vs UE’s approx

High % first serve and first serve winners

Hugging the baseline in an aggressive position during the match.

Great transition game overall.

Looks like Fed got his mojo back for now….I like it :)

Out

May 13th, 2010 at 5:06 pm

Arrrrrgh tiebreak. Match points gone. Come on Ernie.

I do think Fed is fired up as Wawrinka can play well on clay.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:08 pm

I’d love to see a Fed-Gulbis grudge match, but I think Fed will finish him off this time especially if Gulbis-FLo goes to three sets.

Gulbis-FLo going into a breaker.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:09 pm

Eric – ‘what’s with all the love for Gulbis suddenly? Just curious…’
I would like to venture a few guesses here:

1) The kid plays some great entertaining tennis

2) He shows a lot of off-the-court personality

3) The other oft-discussed, up and coming threats to the Federer/Nadal duopoly are currently falling a bit short; between illnesses, injuries and just not playing their best recently though we hope that is temporary.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:10 pm

Gulbis is close to closing it out.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:11 pm

so much for a competitive tie break….

May 13th, 2010 at 5:13 pm

He’s done it!!!!

May 13th, 2010 at 5:13 pm

Wow – F-Lo collapsed in the tiebreak. KUDOS to Gulbis!! A rematch with Fed it is. I think Fed may get his revenge here, as it’s not his first match on clay this time; he seems much more match grooved. Anyhow, hope it’s a good QF.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:14 pm

Ernie baked F-Lo a breaker bagel

May 13th, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Hi, Jane.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Yes! Ernie and Andy through, what a double act!
Night jane, conty and all, see you folks tomorrow.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Ernie is definitely a character out there. He reminds me of the Djoker sometimes. Late in the 2nd set Ernie shanked a backhand and the crowd cheered. He put his hand and racquet up and started doing a mock applause.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:17 pm

“breaker bagel” – lol Nelta.

Night margot.

Hello Duro. :)

May 13th, 2010 at 5:18 pm

Didn’t mean to ruffle anyone’s feathers! I’ve got nothing against Gulbis, just wondering…

Anyway, I predict revenge-seeking Federer delivers a thumping, but it will be an interesting match for sure.

RF’s semi is sure to be much more challenging than Nadal’s but I think we are on track to seeing a Rafa-Fed final. Ferrer was absolutely on fire today dismantling Cilic but Federer seems to be back on form, so the smart money is surely on him. (And of course Murray could give Ferrer and Federer some trouble but I don’t see that as likely.)

May 13th, 2010 at 5:27 pm

okay, i think i’m done jumping up and down.

now thinking, “be careful what you wish”

i wanted this gulbis -federer rematch. now i so don’t know why. : )

yep, ernie does applauds along with the crowd, laughs, curses, throws racquets, polar opposite of federer.

Erno and nole went to the same tennis academy. erno looks up to nole. ( I think ) it was in an interview a couple years ago.

hello Duro.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:44 pm

Hello, my fair lady…

May 13th, 2010 at 5:47 pm

Contador – I have been away but read several post’s back. For what ever its worth I was actually commending you on your different take regarding an otherwise very tired subject.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:56 pm

always nice to know you are looking in on us, Duro.

it’s probably a bit boring without nole.

but there is gulbis. you are welcome to join the party. i think ernie picked up some mannerisms from novak. very entertaining, both of them.

g’night margot and thanks for cheering angel face….lol. it’s a sappy nickname but he does remind one of a botticelli angel with his hair, the face. so not an angel on court.

andy has the speed to keep up with ferrer. would be great to have him in a semi against ernie or fed. best man ready to face nadal wins.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:57 pm

And congrats to your (new?) guy. I love the personality too.

May 13th, 2010 at 5:58 pm

Still gonna be tough for Fed with Gulbis in front and a possible Murray( who is FINALLY looking good :) ) after that ;(

Rafa’s road looks easier….Monfils and then who?

That’s the way the draw goes….hope they (F&R) meet in the finals…..

May 13th, 2010 at 6:00 pm

i sorted that out. Rsutherland. ; )

i was confused until googled. you got me with the “plebeian” (sp) thang.

you were saying i wasn’t one. thank-you. tho i have been known (in the past ) for bad behavior and guilty of using “tard” when tennis bickering with some rafa fans but i quit; and have no desire to get into any of it.

the only time i am tempted now to jump in is if roger needs medical defending about mono and so on…he deserves respect in that regard just like rafa: meaning believabilty about illness and injury. not an “excuse” meant to take away from another’s win, just saying. it’s all very silly.

going to to do some searching for post-match interviews.

May 13th, 2010 at 6:13 pm

Hello, all the good people here.

very happy for MUZZA! WOOOT. Did he actually serve a breadstick to victor. now we are talking. I am guessing the real Muzza is finally here? The real Mizza can beat ferrer..c’mooooon. You can do it. 59% first serve? did I see that right…Muzza is baaaaack!

The fed looks good too, right? another breadstick..love it, love it.

Gulbis still going strong. Conty we have the federer vs gulbis tomorrow. Fed must play better this time, right? I hope. Too bad gulbis has to play federer again so soon…ok, can’t complain, that must means he is doing well. Gulbis is now LOCK for FO seeding.

Tobasco got all messed up after that first set. Apparently he has a problem with his foot. I hope it is not the same foot that was giving him trouble last year..oh well. Like what somebody said above..i think jane..that he has time to rest some more for the FO.

May 13th, 2010 at 6:16 pm

You guys know how I love Fed right? Having said that, revenge is definitely not Fed’s strong suit, especially in masters series tournaments that come in quick succession.

Canas – Indian Wells and Miami 2007.
Nalbandian – Madrid and Paris 2007.
Delpo – US Open and WTF 2009.

May 13th, 2010 at 6:17 pm

Hmmm…..good point, Kimo. Still, those three players are all of a bit higher level and more consistent than Gulbis, who is nevertheless apparently playing quite well at the moment. So we’ll see. It will be an interesting match.

May 13th, 2010 at 6:22 pm

I don’t sympathize with Serena Williams when she complains about the tournament. If she doesn’t like it then don’t play, she is one of the few fortunate to play tennis for a living, a good living too. If she had won the match and the tournament i’m sure she would be all smiles and saying how she just loves to play the Madrid and to shop there.

May 13th, 2010 at 6:24 pm

What to say, countess…

About Nole, let him rest well. There will be time… At least, I enjoyed his closeness. Many impressions but I won’t bother people with it. Sorry to see there were some nasty quarrels while away. A good broom would do just fine here.

Hey, don’t be fooled with your Omega guy face. Not an angel at all! Likes women to much for an angel, ha ha ha! He’s great, I told you. Inconsistency is what bothers him. A hard task for him against Fed. Lets see what happens, but don’t be disappointed if he fails. Still time for him, your seducing angel. He’ll break your heart finally, but I’m not sure if it’s gonna be because of tennis… :-)

May 13th, 2010 at 6:24 pm

Duro, just thought i should get this one in :)

Where is Djoko? murray in the qtr of madrid..and tomorrow maybe the semi. C’mon, we want a djoko vs murray rematch..on clay. ha ha ha !

May 13th, 2010 at 6:27 pm

Suffocating, Kimmi, suffocating… What rematch? They never played on clay. Guess because of who, he he he… I wish him luck tomorrow, though.

May 13th, 2010 at 6:32 pm

Kimo,

You can add Simon to that list as well in the 2008 Rogers Cup and TMC.

May 13th, 2010 at 6:42 pm

IMO think EG has arrived. Big serve, massive groundies. FL is no slouch on clay. He has beaten Fed, gave Nadal his toughest match this season.

However, Fed brings his “A” game like he had today, it should be a heckava match.

Two things I will be watching for on EG’s side, EG’s first serve % and his consistency.

May 13th, 2010 at 6:42 pm

Duro,

Got to give you props for posting up here even though Nole isn’t playing :)

May 13th, 2010 at 6:45 pm

Verdasco quotes after his match with melzer (apart from injury looks like the old verdasco was on today..too bad)

“Obviously I didn’t feel very well or very comfortable at any point in the match; even when I was ahead in the first set. I think he deserved to win more than I did; he played better than I did. Playing in my own city and not playing well is really disappointing. Losing at home and at a Masters 1000 hurts more than it did to lose in the final in Kuala Lumpur. Right now I’m pretty disappointed.”

“if everything goes well, I will go to Nice to pick up some pace ahead of Paris. It is an area that is difficult to see because it is between the tendons of the right ankle. It is a nuisance I would rather not have, but if the doctors say its nothing serious, I will be able to go into Paris positively and believe that I can reach one hundred percent there.”

May 13th, 2010 at 6:50 pm

Hey, schizer! I’m always loyal to my friends. Besides, I must give them sometimes an opportunity to rub my nose, as Kimmi did. What the friends are for, right?

May 13th, 2010 at 6:51 pm

Gotta go now. It’s after midnight in the Noleland. Only Nole and I don’t sleep. He’s making a cunning plan to win a RG, but don’t tell anyone… Shhhhhh….

May 13th, 2010 at 7:07 pm

Duro,

would love to hear your “impressions.” not a bother at all. you are the expert on nole and recently got to see him play in the serbian open, right?

nevermind the nasty quarrels. blow it off, okay? there will always be cat and dog fights.

“omega face” haha, i remember you calling gulbis that. i absolutely know he’s a safin when it comes to partying and women. i think it was madmax during a rome match, was thinking azarenka was his gf. erno wouln’t have just one. someone else replied, “his girfriend for rome” LOL…..just what one would expect of EG. he a ladies man. that is not why i like him at all,

he will only break my heart if he starts treating his natural tennis talent as a “hobby” again too soon. and Duro, i imagine that could happen at any moment. he doesn’t need to do anything in life. why work so hard? i’m glad he has decided to put some effort in. while he is in tennis as a “job” and to win, i will watch as many of his matches as possible. i completely believe him when he says his goal is to make it into top ten, maybe win one slam and retire. i would be shocked if he did otherwise.

for now, his interviews are completely unrehearsed and charming. he has nothing to lose.we’ll see. recently when he sets a goal, he makes it happen. he wanted to be seeded at FO. perfect.

i don’t expect him to be anything like federer or nadal. he’s say he wants to be like them or anyone.

nole, in my mind could be #1, as could murray and delpo, if delpo ever gets his right wrist back to 100%. those are still the three aside from nadal to reach #1. i don’t think roddick or davy are interested in #1. another slam for roddick would do. davy is in it for the money. haha

good night , duro

May 13th, 2010 at 7:09 pm

s/b ernie doesn’t say he wants to be like federer or nadal, meaning (i guess) the pressure of being #1 and winning multiple slams…

nice to see you, Duro. be back for FO, okay? if not sooner!

May 13th, 2010 at 7:14 pm

oh and hi, Huh!

was reading the comments during matches here and missed yours. it wasn’t a snub. i have written plenty on gulbis. my post to duro above explains a lot, and i would add, i liked his tennis, his serve, the powerful groundstrokes, his ease in front of a big crowd, laughing with roddick although he lost to andy, he was impressive and that was the first time i noticed him, us open 2008.

thought we lost him to his life of luxury last year. but i always watched for him in the qualies, nearly gave up when i noticed how out of shape he was last summer. but he’s taking his huge talent seriously, more fun than ever to watch and today against f-lo, ernie was returning serves which were NOT returnable!

cheers

May 13th, 2010 at 7:25 pm

I missed all live matches but i have to give a shout out to la monf. nice to see him to the qtr in his first tournament back..just watched the highlights..he did some great shots too. I hope we get a good match against rafa tomorrow.

No gulbis interview on tennistv conty :(. just saw federer, murray, nadal and a lot others but not gulbis :(((

May 13th, 2010 at 8:16 pm

Yep, Guy, you come across as a racist.

I rarely if ever pull for Serena, but I admire her incredible tenacity and ability to win under pressure. I like the fact she’s educated, unlike, among others, that popular American bubblehead Capriati.

It’s racist to group the Williams sisters as a single entity, by the way. Other than the skin color, they have very different personalities. Venus is incredibly surly in post-match interviews, but other than that, she’s had no negative incidents like Serena.

And why in the world should they forget about what happened at Indian Wells? That crowd absolutely, positively was racist as it booed Serena from start to finish in the final after the default in the semis. You don’t forget something like that.

The funny thing is Americans will hold a lifetime grudge against a relative for not coming to their wedding but then say they can’t understand how blacks could still be sensitive about their ancestors being brought over as slaves, then, after they were freed, being subjected to official, institutionalized racism all the way until the 1960s. Some things are unforgivable, and the crowd reaction to the Williams sisters at Indian Wells clearly reached that level with them. Serena didn’t do anything wrong, yet everyone booed her in nasty fashion for hours the next day. That would never, ever have happened to a white American player.

Sorry to everyone else about getting on my soap box. This is a forum to discuss tennis, not political issues, but I couldn’t let the intense hatred for the Williams sisters expressed by Guy pass without comment.

May 13th, 2010 at 8:25 pm

I noticed monfils is wearing a different label on his close, not sure what it is exactly. he used to wear Nike for a long time. His gear used to be the same as delPo, sleevless shirts and all.

He looks different with sleeves on now and the checks on the shorts like rafa..same colour..mmmm!

I like the sleeveless look on him, looked better I think

May 13th, 2010 at 8:36 pm

close s/b cloths

May 13th, 2010 at 8:37 pm

oops clothes lol

May 13th, 2010 at 8:40 pm

nope i have tried everywhere. the only gulbis interview was tuesday. i’m sure he was interviewed. you’d think there would at least be a transcript somewhere. would be fun to hear what he had to say about that 2nd set shootout. f-lo was serving to kill! but he couldn’t match ernie’s returning. gulbis got ALL the tiebreaker points! i could barely breathe, then was laughing with relief as ernie played straight up awsome, Kimmi.

i had two livestreams and kept an eye on federer’s match but mostly watched f-lo, you could see he wanted to win that grudge match so bad. wawa and fed were not as emotional, of course.

ernie was shaking his head but there was not the self talk on court like during his youhzy match. maybe he was being ‘discreet’ for the spanish crowd? i dunno. : ( interview please? somtimes something pops up on youtube. seems like there used to be more post match interview vids available on atp or the official sites.

if only i had been courtside!

verdasco played awful, you would not have enjoyed it. credit to melzer for the win.

i don’t see melzer preventing an almagro v nadal semi. almagro bludgeoned pico today. i’d like to think he’ll bring his best out for the semi but it kinda looks like practice sessions for rafa the next two matches.

won’t be watching any matches tomorrow. hope you can. and i seriously don’t care who wins in federer v gulbis. i just hope no one gets hurt! lol…. save yourself for the FO, if you need to feddy! let ernie knock himself out.

i would be completely confused watching. i want fed to make it to the final but the best of the two tomorrow will be fine. federer find some of his fine tennis today from what i saw.

but, i hope muzza wins his match and after watching him today, he has a good chance tomorrow, i think. he’s playing pressure-free it seems. get ready to run andy!

go muzza.

i picked ferrer to get to the final with rafa. but on the road there my bracket collapsed. 20 points off the leaders! for rome it took all of 5 minutes to pick and i did twice as good. this time i thought i knew the top 100 better and took all day deciding.

la monf made it but he’ll need to bring a whole lot more game than i saw today for his next match. few to none can beat rafa in his present form.

May 13th, 2010 at 9:26 pm

I am afraid the old verdasco is still there..he manage to get rid of him in his last 3 tournaments but today he was alive and kicking. We could excuse the injury but he said himself that things just didn’t work today. Hope he can regroup for the FO.

I hope Muzza plays his best tennis tomorrow, he will need it. Muzza’s best can definetly beat ferrer. this is fast clay too, i have hope.

Not too far from you on bracket challenge conty..the retirements really messed up things..i have ferrer to the semi..losing to federer but I hope muzza mess up my bracket and beat ferrer..Go Muzza.

just watched some highlight real on gulbis/lopez..great dropshots from gulbis..lopez had his own too..was a great match.

May 13th, 2010 at 9:45 pm

funches,

I know we are talking out of the order of the topic but I had to write in support of your comments. I never saw the Williams sisters as nothing but tennis players. And Serena, love her or hate her as that, SHOULD be judged by that or have an opinion like the fans did of McEnroes days, not because of anything else.

Despite how talented Johnny Mac was, most people, including in America, did not like him. Same with a young Connors and “didn’t mind what age” Nastase.

Regarding Serena’s behavior, it it but a grain in the sand compared to MceEnroes antics in his day. Like I said a lot of people didn’t like him either.

In the end, IMO Serena shouldn’t care, with things that happened to them like IW what would you do? I know what I would do and keep entering tourneys and MY leisure, know that I am the most feared woman player alive, and keep winning those GS titles. She will ultimately be remembered for those, there is no Asterisk.

Remember the year she came in to AO? The commentators would not stop about her being out of shape, over weight, etc. You know what? Maybe she was. What happened? GS TITLE.

So maybe the girl does have an attitude and a good reason to have one? So what? Watch her tennis…it’s awesome. Just don’t watch the interviews? lol….

I am done and off the soap box too. It’s a shame with such an “Global Sport” with “Global cultural differences” that does bring all types of people together, but then there a few still that want to go back to “Divide and Conquer”

Out

May 13th, 2010 at 10:25 pm

Does any one have the order of play tomorrow? Is it available yet? Thanks………:)

May 13th, 2010 at 10:31 pm

Friday, May 14, 2010

Manolo Santana (from 11.00hrs)
1. Nadia Petrova vs. Lucie Safarova
2. Samantha Stosur vs. Venus Williams
3. ATP: Monfils vs. Nadal (NB 15.30hrs)
4. ATP: Federer vs. Gulbis (NB 20.00hrs)
5. ATP: Murray vs. Ferrer

Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario (from 13.30hrs)
1. ATP: Melzer vs. Almagro
2. Shahar Peer vs. Li Na (NB 15.00hrs)
3. Aravane Rezai vs. Jelena Jankovic (NB 20.00hrs)

Stadium 3 (from 12.00hrs)
1. Dulko/Pennetta vs. Llagostera Vives/Martínez Sánchez
2. ATP: Fyrstenberg/Matkowski vs. Bryan/Bryan
3. ATP: Dlouhy/Paes vs. Almagro/López (after suitable rest)
4. Williams/Williams vs. Peer/Schiavone (after suitable rest)

Court 4 (from 14.00hrs)
1. ATP: Knowle/Ram vs. Granollers/Troicki
2. ATP: Nestor/Zimonjic vs. Kubot/Marach

May 13th, 2010 at 10:36 pm

Skeezer: above order of play is from WTA site bytheway…thats the reason for ATP reference.

May 13th, 2010 at 10:41 pm

Thanks Kimmi!!! :)

May 13th, 2010 at 10:45 pm

“Duro,
would love to hear your “impressions.” not a bother at all.”

+1. :) Come on, Duro. I was waiting for your (and Sar’s) “report” from Belgrade and SO. You said that you enjoyed in Nole’s closeness..Sooo, you met him? :)
And I hope he is making cunning plan for RG..I want all flowers to die in Paris before he comes there. ;)

May 14th, 2010 at 4:00 am

Rsutherland @ 1:05 pm, LOOL.

Poor Isner, he apeared t be hung over from too much stregizing on how to beat nadal. But, to be fair to him, he had a problem with his servin g arm.

May 14th, 2010 at 8:36 am

stregizing s/b strategizing.

May 14th, 2010 at 8:37 am

guy Says:
the williams sisters are a disgrace to the game. anyone who defends their complete lack of class both on and off the court…is a moron.

May 13th, 2010 at 2:54 am
______________________________________________

Rafael Nadal said he didn’t like playing Madrid either. In fact he complained about it for weeks leading up to the 2009 tourney and then when he got there complained about the facilities and the clay. Flash forward to 2010, Nadal complained even more about playing Madrid and started to intimate that he would skip it. And he was in such a pissed off mood about playing there he was fussing at the ballgirl models while on court! He complained SO much about Madrid that the ATP is switching the tourney in the schedule with Rome. Is he classless as well? No, they are just players expressing their opinions.

May 14th, 2010 at 2:20 pm