Give it up for Gonzalez; Roddick, Federer Ahead
In my last post I unfairly omitted Fernando Gonzalez from mention. My bad. I just didn’t think that him beating James Blake was that big a stunner. Nor do I think him beating Rafael Nadal in straight sets last night was much of a stunner either.
I am a big Gonzo fan, and I am thrilled he has reached his first Major semi, and I hope not his last. Hooking up with Larry Stefanki last summer (and Gisella Dulko) is easily the best thing that has happened. With the help of his new coach, Gonzo has learned to channel and harness that enourmous power that he has, and the results have been pretty incredible. ADHEREL
Credit to Larry and to Fernando for getting it done in a big way. I think Gonzo will take out Tommy Haas, a five set winner yest. over Davydenko, and then give Federer a real run for his money in the final. – at least taking a set. If it’s Roddick, Gonzo could get really tight knowing a Slam title is well within reach. So that could be tricky. But he continues to play as he has the sky’s truly is the limit.
As for the women, yes I said Serena is fat, and I’ll say it again. She’s fat. So what? Doesn’t seem to matter much as Fat Serena is back in a Slam semi for the first time since she won in Melbourne in 2005. Can she win it again? Sure, why not. I think Vaidisova will get too tight come crunch time against Serena, and then in the final neither Kim or Maria would really look forward to playing her.
Like I said before, imagine if she was in shape. If she was she’d easily content for No. 1, she’s that good. He’ll she might anyway.
As for Kim or Maria. I’ll stick with Maria, even though just like Kim she played like crap in her semi. I think these days Maria’s been too mentally tough to beat. And while I’ll be rooting for Kim, I just don’t think she has the fire to do it.
Back to the men…
Message to Rafael Nadal. Get your second serve in check. From the stats – I didn’t see the match – sounds like Gonzo was all over that second offering. The gig is up, Rafael-a. Lose the capris, get a second serve, move closer to the baseline, add some variety and quit picking your you know what.
My pick for Andy Roddick-Roger Federer: Federer. But close. Very close. So close it wouldn’t shock me to see Andy pull it out. So close i may just change my pick before the match.
Roger hasn’t dropped a set, but he hasn’t been at his best I don’t think. Whereas Roddick is playing far better than he was a year ago, and you watch today how many times he out rallies Roger from the baseline. Andy’s somehow added a backhand that can go up the line in addition to cross court. Wow.
On the flip side I don’t think Andy’s serve and forehand are as strong as they once were. Plus, I really don’t think Roger wants to blow his calendar Slam chances by losing to Andy Roddick of all people.
Time for some tennis…
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