Hi everyone, now that RG has started, how about some Grand Slam tennis trivia?

Let’s see you is the first tennis-x fan to get the correct answers to these 5 questions:

1 – Which is the youngest male player of the open era to have reached the semi-finals of all four grand slams consecutevly?

2 – In the 1990s, which male player, with a carreer high ranking of number 2, was once one point of becoming number 1 in the world?

3 – In the open era, who is the only male player to have twice won grand slams singles titles in 3 diferent surfaces?

4 – In which grand slam final did the 2 male finalists have the same first name (spelled slighty diferently, but almost the same)?

5 – Before Federer, who were the last two players to reach the final of all four grand slams?

Let me know if you find this sort of trivia entertaining; i used to organize quiz games in pubs and have dozens of tennis related questions that could be posted if you wish !

May 23rd, 2010 at 8:24 pm

1. Djoko
2. Becker
3. Connors
4. ? Gustavs? Jims? I don’t know!
5. Lendl and Mcenroe

These are guesses all, so let me know how I did!

May 23rd, 2010 at 8:37 pm

Hi jane and thanks for participating and for the quick answers !

Number 1 is correct, and i’m not surprised that you were the one to get it, since it involved Djokovic :)

The other answers you gave, i’m sorry to say, are not correct, any other attempts?

When these 5 are figured out, i’ll post 5 more !

May 23rd, 2010 at 8:43 pm

Sheesh, I thought I had number 5. : ) How about Agassi as an answer for that one? And maybe “Andre” for #4?

May 23rd, 2010 at 8:45 pm

For number 2, could it be Wilander, or was he finished by then? Maybe he was number 1 but for some reason I don’t think so.

May 23rd, 2010 at 8:47 pm

#5 – Before Federer, who were the last two players to reach the final of all four grand slams?

Courier – 91 FO, 91 USO, 92 AO, 93 Wimb

Agassi – 92 Wimb, 94 USO, 95 AO, 99 FO

May 23rd, 2010 at 8:54 pm

i am sad ernie is out. i hope he’s better for grass season. i read he’s was on his way to get an MRI and see what’s up.

for anyone else sad that gulbis is out, this should make you laugh:

more ‘gulbis-worthy’ gems in the Sydney Morning Herald. when asked about using daddy’s learjet he quips, “…i have a helicopter, a submarine, and a spaceship too.”

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/the-universe-according-to-ernests-gulbis–its-a-little-weird-20100520-vgwr.html

getting up early to watch federer and nole in their matches.

all is not lost. i know better than put all my hopes in EG.

x-mike- uh, i don’t do well on tennis history quizzes. i’ll go with jane’s answers. i give up.

answers please?

May 23rd, 2010 at 8:56 pm

2. michael chang
3. Borg
4. Agassi, Borg

May 23rd, 2010 at 8:58 pm

Here’s my guesses for the quiz (can never resist something like a pub quiz):

1. Djokovic
2. Tommy Haas
3. Rod Laver
4. Andre Agassi and Andrei Medvedev, French Open 1999 final
5. Steffi Graf and Serena Williams

How’d I do?

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:02 pm

hi guys

nr 2 is still wrong, this male player never got to number 1 is his career (becker ansd wilander both did), his max was two

Nelta is right on number 5, it was agassi and courier

Still waiting for the answers for 2,3 and 4 :)

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:11 pm

uh, i am going to bed super early but still waiting for an old tennis junkie to get the right answers, xmike.

if you tell me there are prizes involved, i’ll google the heck out of anything! lol…

i like the the bracket challenges, er love to hate the bracket challenges.

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:16 pm

ok then, since no else is trying, here are the answers

2 – In the 1990s, which male player, with a carreer high ranking of number 2, was once one point of becoming number 1 in the world?

Answer: Michael Chang (if Sampras had lost the match point to Corretja at the 96 US Open)

3 – In the open era, who is the only male player to have twice won grand slams singles titles in 3 diferent surfaces?

Answer: Mats Wilander (Australian Open was played on grass when he won it the first two times)

4 – In which grand slam final did the 2 male finalists have the same first name (spelled slighty diferently, but almost the same)?

Anwser: Andre Agassi and Andrei Medveded, final of french open 1999

i’ll post some more tomorow during the day time !

have a good nights sleep contador

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:25 pm

#2 is chang?

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:27 pm

number 4: Andree Agassi v/s Andrés Gómez Roland Garros final 1990

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:28 pm

aack, those were exactly the answers i was going to say, if i had known!

thanks, xmike. and NELTA and jane, of course.

i will be livestreaming at 4 am.

cheers

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:33 pm

Oh good – I sorta got number 4, on the second try; I got one right for #5, and I got #1 right. That’s a solid 2.5/5 with 2 tries. : )

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:36 pm

yes it is jane, and i’m guessing without any googling, so i’m declaring you the winner of this nights quiz :)) congrats to you, feel free to have a virtual drink at the non-existing tennis-x pub, put it on my overdue tab..

thank you also to nelta and contador for playing along and see you guys tomorrow during the federer and murray matches

cheers

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:43 pm

contador,

Sorry about Gulbis :(. I thought he’d make a better run, hope his injury is not serious.

@xmike

Tennis-x pub? Please tell me where is that? I’m all in…..

Shaaammmonn!

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:50 pm

Safina got rid of her coach. LOL

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:51 pm

Woot – I am drinking it now x-mike. You’re right: no googling. The only one I knew for sure was #1 (of course) and the rest guesses. Looking forward to more quizzes. Don’t call me Cliff Clavin or anything, but I do like some trivia.

See ya’ll tomorrow for the matches.

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:55 pm

i love your “Shaaammmonn’s” weezer, skeez-#1a

totally cool about the gulbster. he has no bizness tying to do splits. monfils can get away with the gymnastics but ernie? nah, very bad. i watched some of the match but didn’t see the reported “splits” incident. ouch

c’mooon federer, nole and muzz! oh yeah.

May 23rd, 2010 at 9:59 pm

Great quiz xmike. Tough question.

skeezer, i am behind you to the tennis-x pub…

Contador, sleep well. Tough loss for gulbis. Hope he recovers for wimbledon. Tomorrow some great matches though..C’moon!

May 23rd, 2010 at 10:01 pm

Mens tennis is deep right now, these first round matches are no cake walk! Best of luck to Dr. Federer tomorrow!

May 23rd, 2010 at 10:08 pm

i think i was at the pub before the quiz. that’s a good nuff excuse, no?

in the early, early morning, Kimmi. gooooo federer!

check out that SMH link i posted, Kimmi, if you have time. more of ernie’s description and detail than i have read anywhere. atp needs an ernie, imo.

hope he’ll recover fast. too many are out injured as it is.

g’nite people.

May 23rd, 2010 at 10:16 pm

And good luck to Murray and serena, too! And fed the whole tournament, I know I need to take thongs slow, but it would be the crowning achievement if Roger could defend this title. Oh, Roland Garros, the magic you bring!

May 23rd, 2010 at 10:22 pm

I am going to be cheering on Roger, Serena, and Stan tomorrow! Venus came through today.

May 23rd, 2010 at 10:37 pm

Contador, thanks for the article. I read one similar to this few days ago. and i though he is hilarious. Love his carefree mentality. We miss it from marat..go gulbis

Today was just not his day, maybe he partied too much after madrid :) Even before the injury, he was playing like the old gulbis..a lot of crazy shots..I was going crazy watching him. Anyways, he knows what to do. If its just muscle strain then he should be ok for wimbledon. I am still on his bus though… go gulbis

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:00 pm

I like Gulbis and he has a great deal of talent, he is witty and seems like an interesting guy. BUT now let’s see if he likes it when other players start saying the same things about him that he has said about his opponents: “He wasn’t really injured, he took a time out to break my rhythm,he did that on purpose and I don’t believe him. He retired because he was losing and was down two sets and knew that he had no chance to beat me”. Ok Ernests, as part of your maturing process you have to realize that what goes around, comes around, so learn to keep your mouth shut and take things at face value before you start to criticize your colleagues. I think you must have learned that stuff from Marat. Good luck for a speedy recovery; you are good for the competition and we’d love to see you back soon.

May 24th, 2010 at 3:16 am

Federer is second match on centre court today. And it’s a hot one, so I hear.

So, c’moon Federer! Let’s get busy very early on and do this in straights!

Hi to all federer fans and novak fans.

Jane, I think Novak is on after federer. It’s the women’s match first, Kutznetsova is on first.Fed, Novak, Murray.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:15 am

and murray fans of course!

May 24th, 2010 at 4:16 am

Skeezer, this one is for you :)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-1280747/Mike-Dickson-Roger-Federer-Rafael-Nadal-duopoly-getting-predictable.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

It’s an interesting one!

May 24th, 2010 at 4:20 am

For Gulbis fans, this is what he said on BBC Sport – check out the 20 grand slams comment!

Gulbis revealed he would undergo a scan on his leg, but refused to be too downbeat, saying: “I stretched my hamstring in my right leg and I heard two cracks. I will go for a scan and hope that nothing is broken.

“It’s very disappointing. I prepared really well for the tournament. But I have another eight or nine years in front of me, maybe 20 Grand Slams.

“If I concentrate on just this one, I’d go nuts. It’s happened and I will learn from it,” added the 21-year-old.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:24 am

Good morning everyone, how about another quiz before this thread gets flooded with posts during the Federer match?

1 – Before Nadal and Federer, which two male players took part in three consecutive finals at the same Grand Slam?

2 – Which was the last player to win a grand slam title after having saved match point during the tournament in an earlier round?

3 – With which former number 1 in the world does Federer have a zero-three (0-3) record in head-to-head matches?

4 – Before Federer, Agassi and Courier, who was the last male player to reach all four grand slam finals?

5 – Which two male players of the open era reached the semi-final of the US Open at least 10 times during their careers?

Hope you enjoy the questions; let’s see you wins a virtual beer at the non-existing pub :)

all answers will be posted at the end of the Federer match !

keith and martha, last night your posts didn’t appear straight away, only saw them this morning :/

May 24th, 2010 at 6:41 am

Thank god Fed returned to the blue outfit!

Love the shoes also.

May 24th, 2010 at 7:00 am

1- Sampras and Agassi?!
2- Gaston Gaudio
3- I think is Kuerten but Fed is 1-2 agaisnt him, or is it Rios
4- McEnroe
5- Lendl and Connors

May 24th, 2010 at 7:05 am

hi daniel, answers 1 to 4 are not correct

number 5 Connors is one of them (14 semis), lendl “only” has 9 semis, so he’s not the other one

keep the answers coming !

May 24th, 2010 at 7:13 am

federer is letting luckaz hang in too long in this first set…c;moon

May 24th, 2010 at 7:18 am

ok, the guy is playing well too..

May 24th, 2010 at 7:19 am

hey kimmi.. good to c u,, i was wondering where have all the rog fans gone?? Huh Madmax, skeez??

May 24th, 2010 at 7:22 am

good he won the 1st set after a massive struggle to break

May 24th, 2010 at 7:25 am

1- Borg McEnroe
2- Safin 05, but semis isn’t a early round
3- Rafter
4- Lendl

May 24th, 2010 at 7:26 am

forget 5, hum…McEnroe

May 24th, 2010 at 7:28 am

Fed playing solid, you can see by his movement when he wants to play.

May 24th, 2010 at 7:28 am

hi daniel, number 1 is not correct

in number 2 i was counting earlier rounds as the ones before the quarters, gaudio saved match point in the final in 2004, safin in the semis in 2005, there was another player who won a grand slam in the last decade who won after saving match point in the 4th round

number 3 is correct, rafter won all his 3 matches against federer

number 4 is half correct, lendl did rach all 4 finals, but between him and courier, there was another male player who also did it

May 24th, 2010 at 7:32 am

number 5: mcenroe reached the us semis 8 times

May 24th, 2010 at 7:33 am

Damn it

1- McEnroe x Connors
2- Kuerten
4- Wilander?
5- Sampras?!

May 24th, 2010 at 7:38 am

Nole is looking pretty good. 6:1 first set! :) Ajde, Nolee!!

May 24th, 2010 at 7:39 am

xmike you can confirmedt this. I didn’t know that if Federer reaches this year RG final he will be the first player to have ever reach 5 straight finals in Roland Garros!

May 24th, 2010 at 7:45 am

hi gannu..better this set

May 24th, 2010 at 7:45 am

hi again daniel

number one is not correct, sorry

number two is correct, kuerten saved a match point against michale russell (who?)in 2001

number four is not correct, wilander never even reached the wimbledon semis, let alone the final

number five is still not correct, sampras, like lendl, reached the semis 9 times

daniel has 2,5 correct answers so far, anyone else want to take a shot?

May 24th, 2010 at 7:48 am

no.1 edberg and becker @ wimbledon…

no.4 edberg?

no.2 kuerten?

May 24th, 2010 at 7:48 am

yeps kimmi.. so far so good.. will be hopefully following his journey till June 6th ;-)

May 24th, 2010 at 7:49 am

daniel, federer already is the only player to have reched the roland garros semis 5 times in a row, and one of 3 to have reached 4 finals in a row (borg and nadal are the others) if he reaches the final again he will be the first to reach 5 finals in a row

May 24th, 2010 at 7:51 am

Fed reading serve better and Luczak making too many errors, next third set.

May 24th, 2010 at 7:51 am

Hello Gannu!

yes I am here. But at work right now, just had quick break, but am here so will have to watch the full match on vcr later. But am thinking of you all – I hear he is back to blue? Yes! AO colours! Cant wait to see, but keep me posted Gannu.

Cheers to all federer fans!

Go Federer!

May 24th, 2010 at 7:52 am

nole not in trouble at all

May 24th, 2010 at 7:52 am

sorry for the earlier post, 4 players have reached 4 consecutive finals in rolland garros, lendl also did it from 84 to 87

May 24th, 2010 at 7:54 am

Good to hear from u madmax.. even i am in office.. so just catching up a bit here and there thru live web streaming..!!!

May 24th, 2010 at 7:59 am

Last try:

1- Edberg x Becker
4- Gave up
5- Agassi?

May 24th, 2010 at 8:01 am

Thanks xmike. Well I hope Fed does reach the final, this way he will have one clay record that Nadal won’t have, at least for now. :)

May 24th, 2010 at 8:03 am

hi agaih daniel

number is correct, wimbledon finals from 88 to 90

number 4 is stefan edberg :)

number 5 is correct, agassi reached 10 finals

thanks for playing, i’ll put up another quiz during the murray match, hope more trivia fans will around by then

May 24th, 2010 at 8:06 am

Unbelievable!!!

He just covers the whole court and then, a drop from 2 meters off the baseline. He even smiled. Fed really is the man.

May 24th, 2010 at 8:11 am

great shot by the fed to hold serve. korolev seem to play better in this 2nd set

May 24th, 2010 at 8:12 am

Nole has to work harder in 2nd set than in 1st. Korolev is playing better now.. Nole had a break and lost it, now he is struggling…And, still blowing his nose..

May 24th, 2010 at 8:12 am

2 break points gone..c’mooooon

May 24th, 2010 at 8:15 am

korolev breaks..nole in trouble in this second set

May 24th, 2010 at 8:16 am

another break for Korolev, 5:3..ahh.. :(

May 24th, 2010 at 8:16 am

Fed’s forehand is in the zone today. Hardly any mistake and when he did he was forcing the baseline.

May 24th, 2010 at 8:17 am

and federer breaks..going according to plan so far.

3 holds and he is home..c’moon

May 24th, 2010 at 8:18 am

drop shots garole and they work

May 24th, 2010 at 8:19 am

Drop shot show! 3 in the last 4 points on all sides.

May 24th, 2010 at 8:20 am

Hello Gannu!

Am being naughty checking the laptop! But cannot help myself!

Hello ollyk! stay positive, always for your guy!!!

C’moon Federer!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:20 am

one more!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:20 am

s/b galore..

May 24th, 2010 at 8:20 am

madmax, you are missing one of those displays by The Fed. Where is Kimo also?!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:21 am

korolev took second set..djoko needs to re-group

May 24th, 2010 at 8:22 am

2nd set for Korolev…
Maxi, hi! :) I am positive and believe in him, of course. I just wanted him to finish this asap, he doesn’t need long matches right now..

May 24th, 2010 at 8:24 am

Why is Nole always losing his serve these days? Still not gotten over his service yips? :( 2010 is fast becoming his worst year.

May 24th, 2010 at 8:24 am

drop shots are just great..keep them coming rog

May 24th, 2010 at 8:24 am

He won 6 points with drops in the last 10. He just hit perfectly, again and again….

May 24th, 2010 at 8:24 am

Daniel I am indeed missing the displays!!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:25 am

Slice lobby!!!!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:26 am

luczak going for broke in return

May 24th, 2010 at 8:26 am

He is totally on clound 9 here. One of the best matches he played all year, relaxed and with no mistakes.

May 24th, 2010 at 8:27 am

match point

May 24th, 2010 at 8:27 am

backhand winner finish the match..love it rog

May 24th, 2010 at 8:28 am

And with a perfect backhand angled winner he closes the match. Superb!!

He could play this relaxed against Nadal.:)

May 24th, 2010 at 8:29 am

congrats Fed fans. :)
Nole breaks in 3rd..now, pls, hoold!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:30 am

F’Lopez lost to “Julian Reister” in straight sets..boy, that is a suprise loss. who is this guy..

djoko back in control now..my tv just switch to djoko match

May 24th, 2010 at 8:32 am

double break..thank you, Nole!!
This Korolev guy is hitting ball pretty hard..

May 24th, 2010 at 8:39 am

Korolev is top 5 and hitting the ball hard, his probems is that he always hit hard.

Djoko is playing solid right now.

May 24th, 2010 at 8:43 am

Djoko is still blowing his nose.

May 24th, 2010 at 8:47 am

Kimmi, Daniel, Gannu!

Don’t worry boys n girls! I will watch tonight – it’s the timing, am at work and now have a break for 30 minutes! But I love your commentary everyone, thank you. I can relax and enjoy tonight!

Ollyk, I dont worry about novak, because he is experienced and i watched him practise on the courts on youtube yesterday, and he looked good, if not a little thinner – but to be expected – afte recent illness. He needs to build up his metabolism and immune system, dont worry, this will do him good in the early rounds. Your man is a fighter. Dont forget that.

Am so pleased federer fans that THE MIGHTY FED turned up today, round 1, go Federer!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:47 am

Daniel,

was federer “grumpy” on court today, or just focused. Some reports that he was “grumpy”? what a weird expression!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:50 am

http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/24258.html

one interpretation from espn, said that federer didnt play particularly well? (or words to that effect?), seems from you guys that he played really well! Oh the press!

May 24th, 2010 at 8:55 am

On contrary, he was laughing of his shots, very relaxed.
He was annoyed by the referee on his first set point. The first serve was out and he ask the umpire to check the mark, which was out, but the referee said he was sure the ball was good and didn’t come down his chair, this time Fed was grumpy, open up his arm in frustration like what is the umpire problem.

May 24th, 2010 at 8:55 am

djoko wrap it up in 4..one down.

May 24th, 2010 at 9:19 am

interesting match between serena and this swiss girl..so far she hanging in there with serena. almost breaking serena too

May 24th, 2010 at 9:26 am

Yep, he won!
It was far from perfect performance, but it was enough!
And, thank you maxi for you kind words. Usually, I wouldn’t worry about him, but now, when none knows much about his health status, I am a bit worried..
But, he didn’t look that bad today. I must say that I expected much worse after reading all those negative articles.

Ajde, Noleee!

May 24th, 2010 at 9:29 am

murray serve is big problem..gasquet is getting very close into murrays games here..already looks like a very good match

eventually he gets first serve..ace

May 24th, 2010 at 9:50 am

two break points gasquet

May 24th, 2010 at 9:59 am

hahahah some first serve..go murray

May 24th, 2010 at 10:03 am

this match omg..so much variety of shots from both players. passing shots..wow!

May 24th, 2010 at 10:06 am

I only saw a couple games of the Fed match before they switched it to the Djoker/Korolev which was very aggravating. Any time Fed has 3 times as many winners as unforced errors(34-11) he must be playing pretty good.

Isner and Dent both said the courts are playing fast, but they seemed to attribute it to the warm weather. Isner only had 8 aces in 3 sets of play which is very low for him. I don’t know if weather conditions being equal the courts are faster than last year. Even if the conditions are quicker this year they are certainly still a lot slower than Madrid.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:13 am

wow…that’s a low UE count for roger.

murray gasquet is looking like a good match. maybe another 5 set classic???

May 24th, 2010 at 10:20 am

this muzza/gasquet match the way its going, the winner could be anybody. gasquet playing excellent. and murray, well..need to get more first serve

giraldo missing out on the tie breaker. nishikori is coming back in this match

May 24th, 2010 at 10:22 am

ollyk, i am so pleased for you. I am not going to say I told you so :)))))).

In a way, for novak to have tougher, tighter first round matches, i think will do good for his confidence deeper in the tournament, if it was too easy for him, he may relax a bit more. i dont know. what do you think?

I guess you have to say to yourself, there is no way that novak would put himself into this tournament if he were not fit (may be not 100%, but as near to that as he can be). Smile, my friend! smile.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:28 am

It is beautfull to watch two talented players!

May 24th, 2010 at 10:29 am

danger moment for murray..

May 24th, 2010 at 10:31 am

Oh Murray! Awful forehand volley to lose the set.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:32 am

OK gasquet carrying on where he left off in Nice..he bags the first set.

Muzza, how can you get back in this match..no chance on gasquet serve so far

May 24th, 2010 at 10:33 am

Murray these errors are costing him..wake up.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:36 am

Gasquet is beautiful to watch. When he is playing well, I could think of no other player who is more enthralling to watch. Yes, that includes Federer.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:42 am

yeah, gasquet peaking just in time. if only he had the stamina of nadal he’d be unstoppable.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:48 am

Polo, there is no doubt that Richard’s game is aesthetically pleasing, but more than Roger’s? That’s a bit of a stretch, but to each his own. Having said that, Richard’s backhand is a thing of beauty, much like Roger’s forehand.

I know this is only the second set, but Richard seems a lot fitter than he used to be in 2007 and 2008.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:48 am

Well, Nole is through, but I am still not convinced. Sounds like Fed’s win was smooth. Now onto Murray and Gasquet – can Murray come back? Best of 5 so … yeah. : )

Troicki is beating Robredo, possibly in straights.

Nishikori and Giraldo are in the 5th – Nishikori up a break.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:53 am

Daniel Says:

madmax, you are missing one of those displays by The Fed. Where is Kimo also?!

Thanks for remembering me Daniel. I was at work so I couldn’t watch the match :(

Regarding another post of yours, Fed can’t play relaxed against Rafa, at least not anymore. We saw how both of them were nervous in Madrid. It’s because Fed knows that his H2H against Rafa is a blemish on his otherwise impeccable career, and because Rafa pretty much knows that when he finally hangs his racquet, he’ll be remembered as a hell of a clay-courter who has a very +ve H2H vs. the GOAT.

Their fates are intertwined.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:53 am

Ok, I just woke up in time to see that Fed WON. awesome :), Nole won too? Cool. Let’s go Murray! :)

Madmax, thanks for the link! :)

“andrea Says:

wow…that’s a low UE count for roger.”

That is what I want to hear, thanks! More winners that UE’s, at least!

May 24th, 2010 at 10:54 am

Gasquet’s balance on his backhand is….unparalleled.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:56 am

Yep, Gasquet’s backhand is one of the best, most powerful, most beautiful shots I’ve seen in tennis. Nice to see Murray coming in a little too. He’s got natural touch.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:59 am

And so accurate.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:59 am

Ivanovic, if you’re interested, is already down a break in the first set against a player from Taipei.

May 24th, 2010 at 10:59 am

Ivanovic is on serve. Murray on the other hand … is facing break point.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:02 am

oh no..murray struggling..DF..break point

He saved it…to close for comfort here…let go!

May 24th, 2010 at 11:03 am

Troicki MP for a straight set win over Robredo.

The longer this match goes between Murray and Gasquet, the better for Murray. He’s fit. Plus it’s been uber physical; they’re both using the whole court, running each other around. Murray is especially running Gasquet. Richard, if he wants to conserve energy, should stop trying to chase everything down – like Murray’s droppers.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:17 am

danger time for murray now..c’mon stay with him.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:19 am

Commentators are talking about Gasquet’s “instinct” to go for it, when he’s playing big points. It’s interesting, because with Murray is seems much more cerebral, he’s calculating how to play, what strategy will work. Gasquet doesn’t seem to be doing so; he’s just playing what comes. They’re like foils, which again makes the match great to watch – loving this one.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:20 am

if murray wins this set, he is in a good position to win the match..coz I don’t know how long gasquet can go.

But if gasquet wins, murray in trouble..gasquet will get some new energy to finish in 3

backhand return gasquet WOW

May 24th, 2010 at 11:25 am

Nishikori eventually wins..great comeback. Giraldo had the match for the taking..missed it.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:30 am

set point gasquet ..oh nooooooo!

May 24th, 2010 at 11:34 am

Tactically Gasquet is not up there with Murray, imo. It’s looking like a tiebreak.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:35 am

Phew!! C’mooon

May 24th, 2010 at 11:37 am

Ivanovic should get through – Kimo, are you happy?

May 24th, 2010 at 11:38 am

Just turned it on after following the live scores for a while. Murray still has that weary-groggy kind of look about him but I’m loving all the chances he’s taking with his forehand. Not so much chances but he’s being really aggressive with it.

Gasquet is just an amazing talent. Both of these guys just put on the most beautiful displays. But I don’t have much hope in Gasquet anymore in terms of living up to his potential. Cmon Murray!!!!

May 24th, 2010 at 11:40 am

aces on the tiebreak gasquet..he did that to verdasco last saturday..they gave him the match that day

May 24th, 2010 at 11:40 am

I’m not an Ivanovic fan, but I wish she comes back from the abyss.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:42 am

Murray be careful here! Get your first serves in!

May 24th, 2010 at 11:42 am

Some boos for that shot. I don’t think Murray meant anything by it so it was uncalled for by the crowd.

Gotta admit, I miss hearing Johnny Mac’s voice but I could do without Robinson.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:44 am

great FH to set up a set point from gasquet..murray oh nooooooo..C;mon

May 24th, 2010 at 11:45 am

Elsewhere, Nishikori came back from 2 sets down to win. Great win for another up-and-comer with a lot of potential.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:45 am

2 sets gasquet…well well well..can murray do a wimbledon and come back here…Yes you can c’moon

May 24th, 2010 at 11:46 am

Gasquet 2 sets up – come on MURRAY! That was not a good tiebreak from him. Gasquet served better and took more risks. Really thought Murray would get that set. : /

Ah Kimo, I thought maybe you were an Ivanovic fan. I wish she’d come back from the abyss too. When she played well, her forehand was a delight, and she was a good competitor. Since her serve fell apart, her confidence went with it and she went into free fall.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:47 am

well we’ve seen gasquet up two sets before, even in the first round, we all know where this is…

eh, screw it, Go Gasquet! (sounds like he’s being aggressive on his fh too, coming in and serving and volley, aces, I can only hear the match since I don’t have tv access.)

and stop whining, murray. =P

May 24th, 2010 at 11:47 am

Cmon Murray. He needs to wait out the storm or raise his level. Physically, the edge is definitely with Murray. But if Gasquet continues to play so well, it won’t matter who’s more fit. Murray needs to make a big statement as soon as possible to let Gasquet know the match will continue to be long and grueling.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:47 am

Murray complaining about the crowd.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:48 am

Rafa is scheduled to play on Suzanne Lenglen tomorrow.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:49 am

Murray is taking it out on the umpire..gasquet is holding him up to serve..oh dear

Concentrate murray…do it!

May 24th, 2010 at 11:49 am

For someone so good and smart on the return of serve, why doesn’t that carry over to his serve? Murray’s first serve % over the first 2 sets is 44!!

May 24th, 2010 at 11:50 am

Gasquet 23 winners to 10 unforced errors in the 2nd set. On clay, that ratio is insane.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:53 am

Murray isn’t complaining about the crowd. What he was saying is that the match should go at the server’s pace. However, Murray was saying that Gasquet was stopping him from serving when the crowd was moving, and Murray (and the commentators) were saying that with 10,000 people, there will always be someone moving.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:53 am

Kimo, murray was not complaining about the crowd. He was complaining about the fact that gasquet is always making him wait when he is ready to serve. he said it is suppose to be in serves pace and that he never made gasquet wait but he has to wait. And the fact the umpire not saying anything…

Why is nadal not on chatrier?

May 24th, 2010 at 11:54 am

They just showed Murray’s first serve percentage in 2 sets to be 39% – that will not cut it. Luckily he’s a great returner. But Gasquet’s been the risk taker, going for it.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 am

Kimmi – looks like we heard the same thing. : )

May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 am

jane, didn’t see your post :)

May 24th, 2010 at 11:56 am

Where are you guys watching the match?

Tennis channel showed some women who won a trip to Roland Garros so I completely missed Murray talking to the ump.

May 24th, 2010 at 11:58 am

blah, Gasquet’s talent is phenomenal to watch; I am sad to hear you haven’t been able to see your fave play today. What he needs to work on is his fitness. One can just see him fading, and that may end up really hurting him in the end. Tough to say right now what’ll happen…

May 24th, 2010 at 11:59 am

murray needs to get first serve..gasquet is punishing second serve…c’mon murray

May 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pm

Don’t they have challenges here?

May 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pm

Ben, in canada we have another feed..one of the commentator has french accent, I wonder if it is a french feed..

May 24th, 2010 at 12:02 pm

Jane- I think there’s a great chance he could fade, lack of mental toughness and physical fitness, but hopefully he can get this win to get his career back on track. Sounds like he’s already trying to finish points early. And I’ll probably look for it on youtube later if it’s there.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:03 pm

clay leaves a very deep mark clearer than hawkeye…
there is no need for challenges on clay..

May 24th, 2010 at 12:03 pm

Kimmi, I was thinking the main commentator on TSN2 might be Wilander; what do you think?

May 24th, 2010 at 12:04 pm

blah, Gasquet’s mental toughness and focus today have been fine as far as I can see. It’s Murray who’s shown more frustrations. But yeah, Richard should amp up the workouts, cardio maybe? I don’t know. His serve has been a blessing because he’s won a lot of easy points off it, and that’s not easy against Murray, who we all know is a great returner.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:07 pm

WOO found live stream on tennis channel just saw gasquet’s backhand

May 24th, 2010 at 12:07 pm

its all abt da game – I am aware of marking on clay, but I thought there was Hawkeye here for some reason.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:09 pm

I cannot believe gasquet’s backhand. It’s amazing! Murray is really having to work hard today. Standard from gasquet is phenomenal. But can he keep it up? Murray is one of the fittest guys on tour. It’s all mental now.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:10 pm

Gasquet breaks! and ya I just saw that step in backhand approach return leading to a winning backhand volley. Looks like Gasquet is playing near his top =)

May 24th, 2010 at 12:12 pm

Murray made double fault when he served 4-5 in first set and again another one in the tiebreak 3-3. He is the one feeling the pressure today.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:12 pm

ESPN use hawkeye to show balls that are very close to TV audience but this feed seem not to have it jane.

BTW, I don’t know if the commentator is wilander..whoever he is I like him.

Murray..in trouble again..he miss tha ball and is broken. match for gasquet to lose I am afraid.

Even Andrew miller was correct yesterday..sheesh!

May 24th, 2010 at 12:13 pm

I just don’t see Murray winning anything today unless Richard implodes, which isn’t that unlikely, but given how well he’s playing today I say he’ll finish the job.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:14 pm

Murray never breaks gasquet in this match..that is very amazing by itself..he has 0-40 here to get back.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:15 pm

@madmax,May 24th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
gasquet has the best single handed backhand in the business today..

May 24th, 2010 at 12:15 pm

first break for murray…gasquet missed the easiest shot..well well..will this be what murray needs.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:17 pm

no. not this again. anything but this again.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:17 pm

Too bad Gasquet was not allowed to have his match moved for tomorrow. He has been playing for two weeks! He looks like fatigue will get him here.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:21 pm

I don’t know why murray cant rip these shots..he is waiting for errors..he wont get them. gasquet goes for his shots and get rewarded.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:24 pm

Kimmi, Murray just doesn’t have that kind of firepower. His forehand is very awkward on clay, and his backhand does not zip through the court like it does on hard courts or grass.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:27 pm

double fault to give a break..murray to serve for the 3rd set..GOOOOO

May 24th, 2010 at 12:28 pm

oh nooo..not giving the break back…

May 24th, 2010 at 12:30 pm

breaks back..murray, what a chance that was..no first serve..still serving poorly. Oh dear.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:32 pm

Sheesh – a lot of breaks here. Gasquet has been playing very far back; he hits with so much power.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:34 pm

Polo, yes I heard that Gasquet had asked to move the match till Tuesday, but was denied. Also Tsonga asked and was denied. Interesting that the F.O. officials wouldn’t be more accomodating to the French players.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:36 pm

gasquet serving more doubles now. he had no double in the first 2 sets…c’moon Murray

May 24th, 2010 at 12:37 pm

set point murray..c’mon

May 24th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

Gasquet’s serve is definitely fading; he’s not getting near as many free points off it so far in this set. He’s also making more errors.

Another break from Gasquet.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

he got it..can gasquet still go on..grand slam tennis is tough.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:39 pm

jane, if the officials start accommodating everyone they won’t get any work done. If they accomodate Richard coz he’s Richard, and Gael coz he’s Gael, and Jo-W coz he’s Jo-W, and Rafa coz he’s Rafa, and Roger coz he’s Roger, and Serena coz she’s Serena, and Justine coz she’s Justine, they’ll create a mess.

Roland Garros is the smallest of all GS complexes and they don’t have much room to maneuver in terms of scheduling

May 24th, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Given how tired Richard looks, I don’t like his chances anymore. I thought he had a little more left in the tank.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:41 pm

Wrong preposition – another break against Gasquet, which gives Murray the set – finally!

Now, can he win two more in a row? I think it depends on his serve as much as Gasquet’s. If Murray keeps serving seconds, he’ll offer up more opportunities to break. Either way, it feels like this is going 5 sets, with the momentum with Murray a.t.m. But Gasquet could get a second wind by then. Hmmm… not sure what to think.

Kimmi – am pretty sure that’s Wilander’s voice, but not positive. Sounds like him. And yeah, definitely like the commentators – not too chatty but offer good insight from time to time.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:45 pm

Kimo, it’s early goings though, and these are French players. So you’d think the French officials would try to accommodate one of the requests – especially Gasquet’s given that he’d just won Nice, not to mention a Challenger event the week before. Just sayin.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Murray defence can be good..like now!

May 24th, 2010 at 12:51 pm

Murray’s playing tactically smart, making Gasquet run. Meanwhile, Almagro is in a spot of trouble against Hasse, potentially 2 sets to 1 if Hasse keeps the break, and Monfil’s is into a fourth after losing the 3rd set tiebreak.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Nothing like a skin-colored under garment to provide a little shock and awe.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//100523/483/urn_publicid_ap_org62d0e25e2601474d91c292473c249013/

May 24th, 2010 at 12:54 pm

ugh. I am going to be sick.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:55 pm

blah, sorry but richard looks like he is run out of fuel…apparently he said that loud too when chasing one of the shots..our commentator was translating.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:57 pm

Poor blah – no doubt Gasquet is fading now. But sometimes he comes back in the 5th. Could he be thinking ahead to that already? Wilander was saying that when Gasquet was suspended he should have used that time to do a lot of running track work, and come back really strong and fit. Because he needs to back up the talent with fitness. That certainly seems to be the case now. Murray looks fresh.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

You are a pro. You were once number 7. How freaking hard is it as that kind of talent to get fit enough to be able to play five sets.

May 24th, 2010 at 12:59 pm

One would think that he would have developed some in mental toughness and physical fitness than two years ago, but nope…

May 24th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

yeah jane, if you play 3 weeks in a row its tough for anyone..even the super man nadal gets tired.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

and that end of third set. was it that hard to just tough it out and try to win the thing instead of moving like crap and looking like you lost already…

May 24th, 2010 at 1:03 pm

Murray needs to be careful and concentrate, its only one break..gasquet can come back..that drop shot was poor.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:04 pm

murray is crazy with these drop shots..very lucky..CONCENTRATE!!

May 24th, 2010 at 1:05 pm

lol NELTA..venus like these. He had another one in the AO i think.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:07 pm

trainer again… I seriously wonder how he even lasted 5 sets with roddick at wimbledon

May 24th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

almagro is on his way out..
just need to hold his serve and haase sends almagro packing..

May 24th, 2010 at 1:18 pm

oh…please flip some switch in your head and prove me wrong. =(

May 24th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

Today it doesn’t seem like a mental toughness thing for Gasquet; it seems more like his body is letting him down. His coaches should be kicking themselves; they need to get Gasquet doing much more endurance work. And Gasquet, of course, needs to be motivated to do it.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

Wow Almagro is now down a break in the fourth; it’s looking like he’s going down in round 1.

Clement and Dolgo in a dogfight, 5th set.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:21 pm

Commentators reiterating what I mentioned earlier: Gasquet is playing way far back. I think a lot of us knew this match could come down to fitness, with Murray having the edge the longer it went on.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Bad error from Murray – Gasquet had a b.p. but Murray serves his way out of it; the serve, first serve in particular, is key in this fifth.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:27 pm

Thats it for gasquet now..Murray is all pumped up.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:36 pm

Where is everyone!? Anyhow, it looks like Murray weathered the Gasquet storm, and, as the commentators mentioned, the cooler conditions make the ball heavier and favour Murray, as Gasquet can’t hit through the court as easily.

In all honesty I feel a little sad for Gasquet, but he’s got to work on that fitness! He also needs to get his ranking up, whether winning smaller events, challengers, whatever, so that he doesn’t keep running into these tough first round slam matches.

Mostly, I feel happy for Murray, because I believe he has a better chance of going deep here, and I’d love to see him do that!! He’s just the stronger one, and much, much more prepared!

May 24th, 2010 at 1:39 pm

I’m here, jane. Just can’t find anything inspiring to write about at the moment.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Murray’s full variety on display now – great lob. Gasquet has all but given up the ghost.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

same old story. I think I am going to completely give up any expectations for Gasquet doing anything ever in his career now.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Awww, sorry blah. Maybe Gasquet can learn from this! Get fitter so you can pull off these sorts of victories. Commentators said “tennis better from Gasquet, but fitness, mental focus better from Murray.”

May 24th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Murray did it again to gasquet what he did at wimbledon. Congratulations to Murray.

to be fair to gasquet, if he did not have those back to back tournaments he could have done better.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

The match lasted 4 hours and 4 minutes, same as the Rafa-Djoko match in Madrid 2009, and that match was best of three. This was best of five.

That match was crazy.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Anyone know what happened with the Almagro match? The score seems to be frozen on my scoreboard.

Kimmi, I don’t think this is quite what Murray did against Gasquet at Wimbledon; that match was WAY closer. Murray had to work uber hard and work the crowd too to pull that one off. In this one, Gasquet just went away after the third set got away from him.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:48 pm

kimo, I was thinking about that too when they showed the match 4 hr mark. If the djoko-rafa match would have been 5 sets..maybe they could have 7 hrs

May 24th, 2010 at 1:49 pm

apparently la monf got another opponent in the last minute. mayer his first opponent pulled out today due to injury,

Great win by la monf.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:54 pm

Is anyone else’s scoreboard frozen?

Yeah, Kimmi, heard them say that about Monfils. Might explain why he lost that set – just did not know this guy or what to expect.

May 24th, 2010 at 1:55 pm

me too scoreboard is frozen on almagro match..or have they stopped playing. Other matches seem to be working tough..like JJ score board is working.

Djoko is fit he says..great tennis to come

May 24th, 2010 at 1:59 pm

Wow – F-Lo, Robredo and Almagro (possibly??) out first round?!! What’s happening to the Spanish Armada?

May 24th, 2010 at 2:04 pm

Scoreboard is back up Kimmi – Almagro is still alive – came back and won the fourth set 7-6 so they’re just going to a fifth. Unfortunately stupid TSN2 has cut off tennis. Grrrr.

JJ is looking strong, cooking a bagel vs. Molik.

May 24th, 2010 at 2:09 pm

COME ON MURRAY!!!!!!

ALLEZ!!!

ALLEZ!!!

May 24th, 2010 at 2:10 pm

thanks jane, almagro is a fighter..lets see what haase can do.

JJ is due to win her first slam..she should. she is a good player..what is stopping her..

May 24th, 2010 at 2:15 pm

jane, kimmi…wheeeeeeee!!! And for the first time since I don’t know it’s on TV.
Some amazing tennis in the first 2 and a half sets and only a couple of points here and there.
BTW how can Gasquet hobble to the chair, get treated and then run round the court and slide all over the place like a two year old? Hmmmm.
Just saying!

May 24th, 2010 at 2:17 pm

And wheeeeeee for huh too! And Ben??

May 24th, 2010 at 2:18 pm

margot..YES! happy for murray. he did great. Hope he has it left for next round. he plays chela next..Go Muzza

May 24th, 2010 at 2:23 pm

LOL margot – yep a great first round win for Murray! He was challenged, but he came through. As for Gasquet’s running and sliding, I’d say it was a last gasp and nothing more. Murray has Chela next, and he beat him in Madrid right? So he should get through that. But Murray has a pretty tough draw! Baggy could be right after Chela. And then Isner. Then Berdych, Youz, Tsonga and de Bakker are all waiting on the bottom of his quarter.

Looking at the draw, Fed should be fine through to the quarters. F-Lo is out and Tipsy and Gulbis are out. I don’t think Wawa has a chance against him, esp. in 5. Maybe Monfils will give him a tough match, if he gets to the R16. But Cilic, Montanes and Soderling are all on the bottom half of Fed’s quarter, so he can face only one of them. Which one will come through I wonder? Right now I’d say Soda pop, but it’s tough to say.

Djoko has Nishikori next, then likely Hanescu (with whom Djoko has trouble), and if he gets through that, likely Querrey then JCF. Hoping he makes the Quarters though!!

Dolgo plays Gonza next round, that could be a fun one to watch!

Almagro’s up a break in the 5th – looks like he’ll squeak through.

May 24th, 2010 at 2:29 pm

Wow.. looks like French are still against Nadal… He is scheduled to play on Lenglen while Roddick is on Chatrier.

Nice. This should fire up Nadal even more. :P

May 24th, 2010 at 2:33 pm

It is very surprising that Nadal isn’t on Chatrier given that he’s a 4 time champion here.

May 24th, 2010 at 2:39 pm

monte carlo, do you think by scheduling nadal on lenglen, they want him to lose? lenglen is one of the biggest show courts too, maybe I am missing something!

May 24th, 2010 at 2:43 pm

@jane

What’s more surprising is he is the highest seed playing tomorrow and what’s even more surprising is he is playing against a Frenchman.

Amazing effort by whoever made the schedule.

May 24th, 2010 at 2:43 pm

@kimmi

Not lose but they are giving him the clear signs that however times you may have won this you are nowhere close to Roger in popularity and we hardly care for you.

So in short trying to irritate him? Anyway Lenglen is much faster than chatrier so may be they are also trying to give some chance to Gianni.

May 24th, 2010 at 2:47 pm

AND WOW,

MUZZA AND FED WON ALREADY!!!

I must not be this late next time! But I was actually reading the comments on this thread one by one, I came when MUZZA-GASQUET match was going full-fledged, but I completely forgot to keep continuously looking at the live score and by the time, I read the ‘May 24th, 2010 at 1:20 pm’ post of Mrs.Jane, I suddenly sent my ALLEZ to Muzza, biut at that time, I still hadn’t thought that already about 30-40 minutes must have elapsed in the meanwhile. And by the time, I sent my “COME ON” shout, the match’s already over!

Anyway, I could have been much much more happy on this ‘come from behind’ victory of Muzza if it had not been so bad for Richard! ):)
This had to be absolutely crushing for Richard! It really has to be devastating for poor Richard!
He had lost in similar fashion to Muzza in 2008 WIM, who can forget it! Not me at least.From that match on, Murray became of my downright faves! Thst match was absolutely the match which created the real Muzza, it pumped him up really and banking on it Muzza actually reached the US 08 final! Just the reverse happened for Richard. That 2008 match actually led to Richard’s free fall which seems to be continuing upto now, sadly enough, I must say, particularly coz Richard has loads of potentials which he’s failed to materialize. :(
Whatever may have happened in today’s Muzza-Gasq match, but both tried their best and gave the tennis fans a worthy match, this I’m thinking after reading comments about the fantastic backhands of Gasquet and the corresponding brilliant defense from Muzza.
THUS KUDOS TO BOTH MUZZA AND RICHARD FOR PLAYING WITH ALL THEIR HEART AND SPIRIT!
There had to be a loser in this match unfortunately.

That said, I wish both Muzza and Richard all the best for the remaining part of the year. Hopefully, after this, I can only wish for Muzza to go deep into the FO taking inspiration from this match and similarly for Richard, I can only pray that he’d learn from his mistakes and come back much stronger. Muzza’s my guy, but I also admire Gasquet tremendously. Both are important for tennis and fans.

———————————————–

On a different note, one has to appreciate the fighting spirit of Murray, I do for sure. May he win his 1st slam this year!

GO MURRAY!!!

———————————–

CONGRATS DEAR MRS.MARGOT, ON MURRAY’S VICTORY! :P
CONGRATS, CONGRATS!! :P

CONGRATS TO KIMMI, MRS.JANE and others who were rooting for Murray today, enjoy it!
Today indeed was Muzza’s day!

———————————————-

blah:

I am also feeling sad for Richard, honestly. Hopefully he’d make you happy the next time. :)
Keep rooting for ur Richard, no matter what! I think he was also a bit tired, that’s why he couldn’t keep it up.
Anyway, the show must go on….

———————————————

FINALLY MY DEAR FELLOW FED FANS, CONGRATS ON FED’S VICTORY! :D :D :D
FEDEXPRESS KEEPS MARCHING! :D

ALLEZ FEDERER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 24th, 2010 at 2:50 pm

Kimmi, nah, I don’t think they want him to lose, but the highest seed usually plays center court I think. Maybe they are thinking that Roddick should get a shot on it though? And his match might be more competitive too, so they might’ve thought of that. I think they rotate who plays on center court so the top guys all get a shot on it.

monte carlo, I don’t think it’s a conspiracy, but just a bit surprising. Rafa might just be more focused anyhow. He won’t care.

Venus’ skin coloured underwear is crazy! When the camera shoots her from a distance, it’s totally like she’s flashing the crowd. LOL.

May 24th, 2010 at 2:51 pm

I had a pretty good day today! Roger won (pretty easily so he didn’t get me a stroke); Serena won; Gonzo won; All in all – a good day for my favorites!

Now I am a big fan of Venus but she needs help with her clothing! Even I don’t like what she’s wearing! Yuk! I do like what Roger’s wearing though.

May 24th, 2010 at 2:51 pm

They probably put Nadal’s match on that court because since he’s playing the 653rd ranked (or somewhere down there) player in the world, it’ll probably be over in 20 minutes (6-0 6-0 6-0). Who, on center court, would want to see that route? Against a Frenchman too? lol! They better have the cameras rolling fast to even get a picture of this guy. I clicked on the French Open site to try to get some information on Nadal’s opponent and they don’t even have his weight or height listed, and where it states which hand he plays with, it just says: Handed! lol! If this guy gets 2 games, that would shock me tomorrow!

May 24th, 2010 at 2:57 pm

I am surprised at montecarlo though. what is this got to do with federer? federer played today, a complete different day to rafa.

In this case maybe players like roddick is more popular over there or maybe rafa asked to play in lenglen, who knows.

May 24th, 2010 at 2:58 pm

Congrats on Nole’s win Mrs. Jane! :)
Hopefully my good wishes for Nole’d help him here and he’d have a very good French Open, for the sake of you and the No.1-Nole-fan Duro, not to mention the Djokoholics like Olly-K, Ben etc.

Go Nole!

May 24th, 2010 at 2:59 pm

Fot “they don’t even have his weight or height listed, and where it states which hand he plays with, it just says: Handed! lol!”

LOL! Are you serious? Does it really just say “handed” – ha ha. Maybe he’s ambidextrous? Anyhow, good thing he’s handed. HA HA.

That underwear of Venus’ has got to go – couple that with the black lace and it’s a rather risque look!!

May 24th, 2010 at 3:03 pm

Thanks huh for your kind wishes – and kudos to your Fed. I saw only highlights of his match but it looks like he got stronger and stronger as it progressed which is precisely the right direction. ; )

May 24th, 2010 at 3:05 pm

“montecarlo Says:
Wow.. looks like French are still against Nadal…”

Yes, they are, without any doubt.
It’s a shame that they’ve denied Nadal, the greatest clay court player since Borg, the chance to play in Chartier. It’s too unfortunate for the Parisians that they’re not respecting someone like Nadal who’s actually helped in RG gaining such relevance that it’s now almost regarded at par with USO or even Wimbledon! Not many cared about FO before the Fed-Rafa saga of which Nadal was the most important part! Nadal has truly elevated the status of RG, he’s been that great a champ at Roland Garros, now only if someone could’ve explained this to the Parisian crowd! :/

It’s so funnyn that Fed, Rod etc. are being allowed to kick off their FO campaigns on Philip Chartier while the real-RG-owner Rafael Nadal’s not being allowed to do so! Ridiculous and just hilarious!…

And don’t you please think for a moment that such cheap tactics’d deny Rafa any honour, God knows he deserves the maximum honor and respect at RG! It’s in fact the RG organisers who are losing their credibilty.

May 24th, 2010 at 3:14 pm

i saw that news about nadal and lenglen and it’s quite surprising. but i read somewhere recently that the French are surprisingly nonchalant about Nadal at RG. what really bowls me over is that they have roddick on chartier! WTF???

well, the good news is that at least these days RG warrants prime time TV coverage…that wasn’t always the case.

too bad gasquet faded in that match – prevented it from being a classic. murray should count his lucky stars. his serving was very hot and cold today.

May 24th, 2010 at 3:26 pm

yeah I will continue to root for ugh… gasquet, and hope to see him do well in his favorite slam, wimbledon, but he’s still the same player with the same problems from what I saw.

Now I just want to see djokovic make a deep run in fo and run into nadal.

May 24th, 2010 at 3:38 pm

Loved Novak’s interview coz he answered things very honestly, appreciate that.

AND I LOVE WHEN FED TALKS ABOUT FOOTBALL, EVEN HE’S EXCITED, WHAT TO SPEAK OF ME! Just 15/16 days left for start of FOOTBALL WORLD CUP!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D….

May 24th, 2010 at 3:41 pm

this is what luczac said about Fed towards the end of the match:

Federer, who committed only 11 unforced errors and lost just 14 of 64 points on his serve, broke again in game six before finishing on serve with a razor-sharp backhand winner.

“The beginning is always important, coming back as defending champion and trying to get off to a good start,” said Federer.

“It was a good first set for me, without any hiccups on my own serve. After that things were a bit easier. He had to push it a bit more. I could relax and towards the end I played some great dropshots.

“So it was a perfect match to start the French Open.”

Luczak added: “If it was anyone else, I’d be getting pretty angry. He just had me on a string and just was toying with me at the end. I think he was enjoying it.”

May 24th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

Gasquet simply ran out of gas. It was obvious towards the end of the second set that he could not go the distance. He is a good player and hopefully, this loss will make him realize that he has to work harder to improve his endurance. You need to be physically fit to win any of the majors. Djokovic will have problems with this later. Murray is fit but I don’t think he has to game to win the FO. Not yet anyway. Verdasco, I would never bet on to win. There is hardly anyone I could think of who could go all the way except for Nadal and Federer, again. I really miss del Potro now.

May 24th, 2010 at 3:49 pm

Huh, you inspired me to seek out Nole’s presser, which I hadn’t done. And you’re right: it’s very honest, straight-forward, respectful and cautiously optimistic. : )

Polo, as far as legs/flexibility go, Nole is fit. I believe that since he hired his new trainer last year he is fit overall. There have been few trainer calls since then and he had not retired in over a year and only then due to illness/bronchitis. The problem with him is breathing/immune system, which is more difficult to alleviate/fix. So he may run out of gas, but not in the quite the same way as Gasquet, if that makes sense. P.S. Totally miss the Delpo!! Get well Juan Martin!

May 24th, 2010 at 4:10 pm

Quiz time

First person to get all of them correct wins a virtual beer !

1) Who is the oldest ever winner of a grand slam title (male/female/singles/doubles/mixed) and at what age was the feat acomplished?

2) Who is the only male player to be ranked number 1 in singles that has never won a grand slam title?

3) Which male player has the most match wins at roland garros?

4) Who is the only male player that won all the five Masters 1000 finals he participated in (5-0 win-loss record in finals)?

5) Who is the only female player to have the defeated the Williams sisters in the same tournament in two diferent ocasions?

May 24th, 2010 at 4:14 pm

Polo,

Murray is in Gasquet’s head.

This is the second time he has been ahead by 2 sets to love and lost it.

It is something that he will have to deal with. There is no doubt that Gasquet is so talented. What a backhand! So relaxed and so smooth. I would argue with you that it was the best in the game. I still think Fed’s backhand, when it is “on song” is a sight to see!

AO 2010 comes to mind, it had never been working better! In the 6 years that he has been reaching grand slams, – 6 years! – I cant believe it! – his backhand during the AO, was the best it had ever been. I also think that warwinka’s backhand is pretty awesome too. It’s right up there.

I think Gasquet, needs to work on the mental belief (with Murray), but as Jane said earlier, run up a few hills at a weekend, there are plenty where I live, and fell running will help his game, a lot.

But the positives from the Gasquet match, shows that he could, and I say “could” have won that match in straights if his fitness was up to speed. It wasn’t and this is something that he will need to overcome, particularly with wimbledon approaching – especially if he meets Murray again!

THe fed game at 5:4 in the first set.

Would appreciate some input on this one.

The commentator said that if anyone deserves respect in the game, and for the umpire to come down from the chair and check the mark, it’s Roger Federer. The commentator said “it’s disgusting. The umpire should be a help and not a hindrance2. Why couldnt he come down and check the mark? what was the big deal?

Luckily, Fed went on to win the game and the first set, but can umpire’s do that? refuse to come down and check a mark if a player thinks that it was out? Fed had marked the spot, the commentator agreed with him, but the umpire was having none of it? I don’t understand this? The other umpires have always come down from the chair and checked the marks. Just wondering why this happened?

May 24th, 2010 at 4:18 pm

Jane, Djokovic’s breathing problem has been hindering his game for many years now. I have heard about this being due to his “weak immune system.” Don’t they have a diagnosis yet? He has a lot of money. He should consult with the best doctors to get this fixed. Oherwise, he will never reach his full potential.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:22 pm

Murray isn’t in Gasquet’s head…. he’s in his legs. RG can’t play three solid sets.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:25 pm

madmax Says:

Would appreciate some input on this one.

The commentator said that if anyone deserves respect in the game, and for the umpire to come down from the chair and check the mark, it’s Roger Federer. The commentator said “it’s disgusting. The umpire should be a help and not a hindrance2. Why couldnt he come down and check the mark? what was the big deal?

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

The umpire refused Fed’s appeal because he didn’t stop play soon enough. He hit a very weak return on purpose which made it look like he was stopping play, but he didn’t actually stop and point to the mark or start walking towards it. He waited until Luczak hit a volley in the open court then he went over to the mark to take a look.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:28 pm

Madmax and Kimo, indeed, Federer most definitely plays one of the most beautiful games in tennis. It is very subjective. I just enjoy watching Gasquet’s backhand better than Federer’s. For overall game, of course Federer beats everyone.

By the way, I don’t think Murray is in Gasquet’s head. Gasquet just does not have the physical fitness to last 5 sets against any of the top players.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:30 pm

I don’t like this rule about not being able to contest a call after you hit the ball. The natural instinct of a player is to hit the ball. They should still be allowed to contest after hitting the ball once, but only once.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:34 pm

j”ane, Djokovic’s breathing problem has been hindering his game for many years now. I have heard about this being due to his “weak immune system.” Don’t they have a diagnosis yet? He has a lot of money. He should consult with the best doctors to get this fixed. Oherwise, he will never reach his full potential.”

sometimes it isn’t about the money. drs can only do so much. if I were Djoker I would be checking out a Dr. of chinese medicine. they are much more effective on these chronic types of problems than allopathic drs sometimes. also I wonder what his diet is like. any problems w/ wheat, dairy, corn soy etc. he should be checking out for problems w/
common processed foods. I wonder what his diet is like? is it natural or does he eat a lot of processed foods?

May 24th, 2010 at 4:37 pm

Polo, he did have nasal surgery just before the 2007 season, so I know he’s tried to do stuff for it. And I’ve heard different things about Djoko’s breathing problems. But the one that comes up most often – even in those links OllyK posted two days ago, the ESPN reporter cited this – which is that he has asthma. If so, there is not much more he can do, as asthma is not curable, and does weaken the immune system, if one gets a chest infection, allergies whatever. I have mild asthma and it makes every cold I get worse: usually they turn into bronchitis, which is what Nole had in Serbia. While no official diagnosis has been “announced” by his team, that seems to be the most cited “diagnosis” or theory I have heard. I guess Djoko’s team don’t want to say more. Or maybe he doesn’t have asthma, but I have never heard him deny it.

Anyhow, while some people don’t like him, find him immature, think he doesn’t have serious breathing issues, I find him to be a great player, showing more maturity all the time and doing his best to be healthy and strong. Sometimes his negativity on the court bothers me a little, but that’s his personality; he’s up and down like lots of the players.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:41 pm

It’s ok if you hit the ball on the return, but you then have to immediately call out/point to the mark and stop play. If you put the return in play and linger without really making a decision either way then you won’t get to appeal the call.

If Luczak hit an ace on that point then it would have been an easy appeal by Fed because an ace automatically stops play. Even if Fed shanked the return he could have immediately pointed to the mark after the shank and appealed the call. If you put the return in play then you need to stop playing immediately and point to the mark just like you would have to do in the course of a baseline rally.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:42 pm

By the way, I agree that Murray is not in Gasquet’s head, nor that Gasquet’s problems today at least were mental. To me, it seemed like he ran out of steam and after losing the third set he was making more errors and less first serves because of it. More, Murray started to serve better as well. Gasquet just won two championships, in two weeks straight. I think he was worn out.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:45 pm

OK, I’ll take a kick at this:

Quiz time

First person to get all of them correct wins a virtual beer !

1) Who is the oldest ever winner of a grand slam title (male/female/singles/doubles/mixed) and at what age was the feat acomplished?
-Martina Navratilova, 47 I think.

2) Who is the only male player to be ranked number 1 in singles that has never won a grand slam title?
-Marcelo Rios… I think.

3) Which male player has the most match wins at roland garros?
-Tough one…how about Guillermo Vilas. I don’t think Borg played enough FO’s.

4) Who is the only male player that won all the five Masters 1000 finals he participated in (5-0 win-loss record in finals)?
-Thomas Muster?

5) Who is the only female player to have the defeated the Williams sisters in the same tournament in two diferent ocasions?
-Kim Clijsters

May 24th, 2010 at 4:51 pm

I think Martina was 49? Rios is correct. I’ll say Borg for #3. Don’t know #4. I’ll guess Jankovic or Henin for #5 but Clijsters is probably right.

May 24th, 2010 at 4:58 pm

Or maybe Lendl for #3?

May 24th, 2010 at 4:58 pm

yeah…Lendl would be a good guess…or Wilander.

May 24th, 2010 at 5:03 pm

To those who are displeased with the organizers seeming disdain for Nadal, don’t feel so bad. Look what they did to their own countryman Gasquet? He had just won two tournaments in two weeks and on his way to getting back his form. Yet, they denied his request to postpone his game another day so he could get a bit more rested. He was too exhausted to play a five set match today.

May 24th, 2010 at 5:06 pm

SG Says:
OK, I’ll take a kick at this:

Quiz time

First person to get all of them correct wins a virtual beer !

1) Who is the oldest ever winner of a grand slam title (male/female/singles/doubles/mixed) and at what age was the feat acomplished?
-Martina Navratilova, 47 I think.

ALMOST CORRECT, SHE WAS 50 WHEN SHE WON MIXED DOUBLES AT THE US OPEN IN 2006

2) Who is the only male player to be ranked number 1 in singles that has never won a grand slam title?
-Marcelo Rios… I think.

CORRECT

3) Which male player has the most match wins at roland garros?
-Tough one…how about Guillermo Vilas. I don’t think Borg played enough FO’s.

VILAS IS CORRECT

4) Who is the only male player that won all the five Masters 1000 finals he participated in (5-0 win-loss record in finals)?
-Thomas Muster?

NOT CORRECT, MUSTER WON 8 OF 11 FINALS, JIM COURIER WON ALL 5 FINALS HE PARTICIPATED IN !

5) Who is the only female player to have the defeated the Williams sisters in the same tournament in two diferent ocasions?
-Kim Clijsters

CORRECT

SG WINS TONIGHTS VIRTUAL BEER ! THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT PLAYED, LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT SOME MORE QUESTIONS

May 24th, 2010 at 5:24 pm

Nice to see Murray pulled through but it just goes to show Gasquet is as far from realizing his potential as ever.

May 24th, 2010 at 5:25 pm

tennisfansince76 – Nole should go to a Chinese traditional “doctor”? Are you trying to get him poisoned? He, like ANYONE who’s ill, should go to a real, qualified doctor, so that in the majority of cases whatever he’s prescribed will have been properly tested.

May 24th, 2010 at 5:26 pm

Jane,

I was quickly reading through posts, apparently too quickly when I came across your psot and thought I saw you write;

“Murray snot in Gasquet’s head”

Sorry my bad,,,,, a transposing moment :)

May 24th, 2010 at 6:33 pm

Morning Colin,

Chinese doctors, have a lot to offer. Their medicines/knowledge been around for over 2,000 with “alleged” cures for many ailments, asthma, cancer, luekemia – i wouldnt discard it entirely.

“tennisfansince76 – Nole should go to a Chinese traditional “doctor”?”
Colin

And if you are someone that has been to your own doctor, time and again,without success, then you find you will try “anything”. A lot of Chinese doctors are qualified – We have 3 in our area, with a whole list of qualifications in alternative medicine and a whole list of supporting accolades from patients happy with the success of their concoctions. Think about it. The simple linctus of honey and lemon with a lil bit of sugar, to “soothe” the throat. No high fallutin’ medication in that, just “pure” and “simple” – and it works! No science behind this.

Chinese medicine is at the forefront of alternative therapy, and not to be “sniffed at”, (excuse the pun).

Novak does have asthma, I read about this, 3 years ago now. I will try and find the link in my bank of interviews, but will take a while.

Skeeze :)

funny! :)

May 25th, 2010 at 1:35 am

“To those who are displeased with the organizers seeming disdain for Nadal, don’t feel so bad. Look what they did to their own countryman Gasquet? ”

They did it to Tsonga, too. He asked for a Monday start because he wasn’t feeling well, but they didn’t give it to him and made him start on Sunday. Luckily, he came through his first match, though not without some difficulty.

May 25th, 2010 at 2:05 am

I agree with Colin. Nole has asthma and allergy problems (which can bring on bronchitis that after awhile turns into chronic bronchitis) and I am sure he has his own reputable doctor treating him and does not need to seek a Chinese healer that a pseudo doctor here recommends for him.

Many remedies for SIMPLE problems are just folk remedies, not necessarily Chinese in origin. But you can’t treat bronchitis (chronic especially) by a simple folk remedy. I feel bad for Nole and I hope he can weather whatever comes his way.

May 25th, 2010 at 2:34 pm