Coin-Operated Exit for World No. 1 Ivanovic at US Open

“Ivo Karlovic slammed a tournament-high 42 aces Thursday in a three-set win over Florent Serra”

That is insane.

August 29th, 2008 at 3:05 am

“Andy Roddick and Ernest Gulbis were born on the same day, Aug. 30. Roddick turns 26, 20 for Gulbis.”

Go figure: so which one gets the early birthday gift tomorrow? Does youth trump age, or does experience trump lack thereof? I am really looking forward to this match tomorrow night.

August 29th, 2008 at 3:08 am

Has Federer ever played during the day at the US open?

August 29th, 2008 at 5:13 am

” (1) Roger Federer vs. Thiago Alves ”

It still feels strange to put a “2” infront of his name ;)

August 29th, 2008 at 7:04 am

^ Nice pick up Joe. YOu’re absolutely right.

August 29th, 2008 at 7:13 am

Anna G….whatever…hit a 128 mph serve? Venus should sit up.

August 29th, 2008 at 7:37 am

To say that Nadal dispatched DeHeart is deceiving. The thing is that a player can do incredibly well against Nadal and still lose. It was a good match and no walk over for Nadal.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:51 am

Ha, oops, (2) Rog Fed.

August 29th, 2008 at 11:25 am

My Picks for today (aiming to hit 65%-70%). Try yours.

1. Fed vs. Alves : Fed
2. Djoko vs. Kendrick : Djoko
3. Roddick vs. Gulbis : Roddick
4. Gonzu vs. Reynolds : Gonzu
5. Robredo vs.Safin : Robredo
6. Davy vs. Calleri : Davy
7. Cilic vs. Ginepri : Not sure
8. Moya vs. Tsonga : Tsonga
9. Minar vs. Nieminen : Nieminen
10. Chardy vs. Andreev : Andreev
11.Hanescu vs. Tursunov: Tursunov
12. G G-Lo vs. Seppi : Seppi
13. Haas vs. Muller : Haas
14.Verdasco vs. Machado: Verdasco
15. Almagro vs. Warburg: Almagro
16.Stepanek vs. Guccione: Not sure

August 29th, 2008 at 11:27 am

helluva pick.

August 29th, 2008 at 11:37 am

“Ivo Karlovic slammed a tournament-high 42 aces Thursday in a three-set win over Florent Serra”

The current record is with J.Johansson who hit 51 aces in 4 sets. Previously it was Philippoussis who fired 46 in 5 sets. Agassi was on the receiving end of both matches.

If Ivo can pull 42 in 3 sets, then if he were to play a 5 setter, he could easily break the record with maybe 65+ aces. Whenever you get half chances against this guy, you have to convert them.

August 29th, 2008 at 11:37 am

Fed is playing rather poorly today. He’s fortunate to be playing only a qualifier instead of maybe Murray, Davydenko or one of the younger players today, or else he would definitely have lost.
________________
Sean Randall:

From your articles I know you are a huge Monfils fan. I’ve always pictured you one of those Ivey league types, very intense, bookish type, without a sense of humor, but I’d have to say, I most probably am wrong, because no one without a sense of humor could like Monfils. That said, how did you like his celebratory jig and acrobatics after he won his 2nd round match? I sure got a kick out of that. He is the epitome` of charisma, has one of the most engaging personalites on the tour, and his tennis, when he’s on song, is absolutely a delight to watch. I suppose I’m going to have to change my mental profile of you now. :D Was I even close though?

August 29th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

Von,

Yeah, don’t know what’s up with Roger, but the errors are piling up and he is not converting on the many break point chances he’s had. Alves is competing well, but he’s also hitting a lot of balls short, mid-court, which Roger should be putting away.

Luckily for Roger, he’s able to hold quite easily due to his still strong serve. If that were to drop off, he’d be in big trouble even against Alves.

August 29th, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Jane:

As I stated, Fed’s lucky it’s a qualifier that he’s playing. The only good tennis is coming from Alves’ side of the net. Boring match.

I fell asleep last evening through the Nadal match. The tennis from the lower ranked players has been more entertaining and competitive than from the top guys.

August 29th, 2008 at 3:31 pm

Von,

I have noticed that Roger is now mentioning making a big push for the US Open and Champions Cup now that he has failed to win Wimbledon and the Olympics. He might as well add the Australian Open as well because he is not going win this or the Champions Cup. His game (apart from his serve) needs a complete overhaul.

August 29th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Roger finally got a couple breaks to end the second and begin the third, so that should put him safely into the next round. But he’s not going to get away with that many errors and missed opportunities when he runs into some tougher competition. Sure he’s hit a number of winners, but as John Mac points out, a lot of those are aces; when you take those out of the equation, then the differential is a different story.

Credit to Alves, though, for hanging tough. These qualifiers have been entertaining to watch. De Heart was great last night, really played exceptionally well at the net!

August 29th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

Leftykick:

“He might as well add the Australian Open as well because he is not going win this or the Champions Cup. His game (apart from his serve) needs a complete overhaul.”

Fed’s focus and emphasis in terms of tournament preference/priority/importance changes as the season progresses, and with each loss, he substitues another tournament that’s a few months far off on the horizon. I agree with you that his serve is his one saving grace. Today, his forehand has become errant again, and he had great difficulty with the few inside-out shots and/or down the line. His timing was waaaay off.

I don’t know if you’ve read my comments on the draws as a whole. My opinion is that the draws are very unfair to the lower ranked players, who have to play very tough opponents from the beginning of the tournament while the higher ranked players are placed on easy street and allowed to ease themselves slowly into the tournament. I feel if a player is No. 1, then he should be challenged from the inception not from the Qfs through the final. They should earn that ranking by proving their mettle, and not by being enabled and/or nursed by their easy draw. The lower ranked players have to do the hard work to get rid of the tough opponents, and then by the QFs are knocked out due to fatigue, then the higher ranked players take over and cashes in on the big wins. They draws are my pet peeve.

August 29th, 2008 at 4:22 pm

Leftykick Says:
“I have noticed that Roger is now mentioning making a big push for the US Open and Champions Cup now that he has failed to win Wimbledon and the Olympics.”

What do you expect him to do?? keep talking about how/why he lost them??…. he hasn’t given up and is still caring about the upcoming tournaments. That’s the best possible attitude he could have.

August 29th, 2008 at 5:06 pm

Von – You say the top players should be challenged from the start. I’d imagine the seeding system was developed with one eye on the gate receipts! If everyone were in serious matchups from the start, you’d get top players (whom people want to see) vanishing from sight early on, which wouldn’t be good box-office.

August 29th, 2008 at 5:46 pm

Time for a male chauvinist comment – the picture at the head of this article must be the least flattering I’ve ever seen of Ivanovic. Can this really be the girl so many male fans hyper-ventilate over?

August 29th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

Novak is not playing his best against Kendrick either, though Kendrick can be a tough competitor; I remember when he took Rafa to 5 sets at Wimbledon (he was up two sets to love!). Novak is having to grind out his service games while Kendrick is holding easily at the moment. So Djokovic better shape up too, if he wants to go further, as he has Cilic next, if he gets through this one. Kendrick’s been all over the net, not always winning points there, but he’s definitely trying to use it.

The top three guys have all been struggling a bit here; they don’t seem fresh and I presume it has to do with the Olympics. It applies to Blake too. I can really see someonee unexpected win this title now that I’ve seen a couple of rounds.

August 29th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

Von, Colin,
Also keep in mind that the top players had to work their butts off to get to their current position. They themselves were once lower ranked players who had to deal with harder draws and overcome them so it doesn’t make any sense that the current lower ranked players shouldn’t have tough draws.

August 29th, 2008 at 6:09 pm

Jane,
I think Nole needed a competitive match as a part of preparation for upcoming tougher rounds. He got one here. He’ll still come out in straight sets. I agree he is missing his shots more than normally expected, but he is getting his 1st serve in by 70%+. I take that as a good sign.

August 29th, 2008 at 6:12 pm

NachoF,

Of course he has to look forward but he mentions these tournaments as “dig deals” then downgrades them when he loses. I couldnt believe his comments after he lost at Wimbledon “The French means nothing to me”.

It would be nice to hear him say that he needs to work on a few things or improve certain areas of his game, which we can all see he needs to do.

August 29th, 2008 at 6:12 pm

No real surprise…Kuznetzova is out. She just runs out of gas.

August 29th, 2008 at 6:12 pm

Colin:

“If everyone were in serious matchups from the start, you’d get top players (whom people want to see) vanishing from sight early on, which wouldn’t be good box-office.”

As I stated, the draws are a pet peeve of mine. And, your statement reaffirms my feelings. it’s all about the almighty dollar and I absolutely dislike the reasoning and mentality behind the whole concept. Money, money and more money. When will enough be enough?

BTW, I had asked on a previous thread for your input on Australian football and Brit Rugby. ren’ they the same?

Re: Ivanovic, I don’t see her as drop dead gorgeous or even beautiful, and I too, don’t understand the male drooling. However, I’m a woman, but I still know beauty when I see it. For instance, I still think Liz Taylor was absolutely one of the best all-time beauties.
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Oleg:
“Von, Colin,
Also keep in mind that the top players had to work their butts off to get to their current position.”

Yes and no. Once they get to where they or ATP feel they should be, then it’s easy street from thence forward. The way the system is set up, the top 4 are assured of getting to at least the QFs, thus ensuring they will remain in the top 4 and attract huge ticket sales. It’s so wrong! Anyone, got a picket. I protest, and vehemently too!!
_____________
jane:
None of the top 4 is playing, what I call, scintillating tennis. Kendrick is playing with knee problems, and still Djoko is having to grind. I prefer to watch Safin, if I can find a feed. I’ve left Djokovic’s match, I can’t watch anymore.

August 29th, 2008 at 6:27 pm

Sådan!!!

The girl from my adopted country continues her relentless march through the tournament. Lets hear it for Ms Wozniacki ;-)

August 29th, 2008 at 6:54 pm

Jankovic watch out.
I feel another upset coming on…

August 29th, 2008 at 6:57 pm

Leftykick:

I like WozniackiI and I think she’s very cute too. In my opinion, much prettier than Ivanovic. Nadal has dated Wozniacki a few times in the past, even though his main squeeze is still Xisca. BTW, what does Sadan mean? Great, wonderful, stupendous, spot on? What? :)

August 29th, 2008 at 6:59 pm

S Green,

You’re right; it’s good to be pushed early, but I see the matches only getting tougher for Djoko: he’s got a helluva draw, as I’ve been saying from the beginning. Now, he has to get through Cilic, who’s hot at the moment and serving bombs. If he wins, he’ll likely have Tsonga or Safin next, and if he gets through that round alive, he’ll have Roddick or Gulbis, probably – maybe Gonza. And then Fed in the semis?!! SO: that’s a tall order. I can’t understand why people have said his draw is not tough.

Rafa and Roddick have tough draws from here on out too. Even Murray could run smack dab into a hot Simon, Del Potro or Nishikori. He has it pretty easy with Melzer next, but then he’ll likely face Wawrinka, who’s not his best on hardcourts, but can be a tough out.

The only top guy with an easy through is Roger: he may face Stepanek next, who can be tricky, but if he gets through that, he should coast to the semis.

I know draws have a way of surprising us, but so far this men’s draw is going pretty much to form.

August 29th, 2008 at 7:04 pm

Jankovic should indeed watch out as she’s on what seems to be, her last leg. I didn’t like what she did to Arvidsson in her last match. The girl had her hand up, and Jankovic ignored her, won that point which was a very crucial one, and rushed the subsequent points because she was tired. Had Arvidsson not been upset after the hand thing and losing that point, I think Jankovic would have lost the match. She was baked.

August 29th, 2008 at 7:07 pm

Von,

Didnt know she had dated Nadal???

Yes, she is cute but actually I think Ivanovic is prettier. But then I have a brunette bias – dont know why I came to live in Denmark? Sådan means done, thats it, sorted, finished, take that (literally, like that!)

August 29th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

“I can’t understand why people have said his draw is not tough.”

No mtter how you turn it or twist it, the Top 4 have easy draws. The guys you mention in Djoko’s part of the draw are ‘if’ scenarios, they could be taken out before he gets to them, and even if they don’t lose, they shouldn’t be a problem for a No. 3 player. As I’ve stated previously, Djokovic played and beat Cilic. Cilic might be serving ‘bombs’ as you say, but isn’t Djoko serving ‘bombs’ too, e.g., against Kendrick and in his first match. he relies on his serve just the same as the better servers. Of the players mentioned, Roddick has the toughest part of the draw. Perhaps Djoko would like to switch with Roddick.

August 29th, 2008 at 7:16 pm

Jane,
Ref: “I can’t understand why people have said his draw is not tough.”

Who cares what others say? We know he’s got the toughest draw. To prove he’s the best on this surface, he must go through this “tall order.” No excuse. He should take the challenge happily. I am not praying for any threat to disappear (maybe, except tricky Safin). I know he can do this. Even if he does not, there is not much to worry about the ranking. He’ll keep his year end No. 3 even if loses everything this year. No challenger in sight yet, not this year.

August 29th, 2008 at 7:26 pm

Leftykick:

“But then I have a brunette bias – dont know why I came to live in Denmark?”

You are indeed living in the wrong part of the world to have a brunette bias. You need to live in the Mediterranean. I’m a brunette too, and we are the prettiest women, but see, I have a brunette bias too. I’ve got to like myself, n’est ce pas? — self-love, and all that sort of psychological stuff. :)

August 29th, 2008 at 7:33 pm

“Who cares what others say? We know he’s got the toughest draw.”

WOW, you guys are indeed living in la, la land. But, if Djoko wants to prove he’s indeed the ‘best’ on hardcourts, (which is debatable, because there are so many others who are great on hardcourts) then he should and must beat all of his opponents — not a tall order for the best on hardcourts and the No. 3 player in the world. The proof of the pudding, is in the eating!!

August 29th, 2008 at 7:38 pm

Von,
It is so obvious and rule of the game that a lower ranking player must always get a tougher draw. You take it or stay home and pay fine. If you want an easier draw, climb in the ranking. It’s that simple.

August 29th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

I have a brunette bias too – for men and women.

As for draws, maybe they’re a matter of perspecitve, but I don’t see Cilic, then let’s say, Safin, then maybe Roddick, then Fed, as easy – even for a top 3 player. Nor do I see Rafa’s road (after this next match as easy, through probably Karlovic, then Blake, then Monfils or Nalbandian. A

Maybe that’s because, as the qualifiers have shown us here, and other players have shown throughout the year, there is not a lot of difference between players on a given day. Certainly of the top 20 players in the world, they should be able to beat each other here and there throughout the season.

Anyhow, we’ll see how it plays out.

———————-

As for Jankovic, I agree: it’s amazing she’s made it this far.

August 29th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

“I have a brunette bias too – for men and women.”

Er that sounded weird. I just like dark and handsome men, but if and when I asked to judge “prettiness” in women, I typically think brunettes are prettier – including Ivanovic, who I see as quite lovely. Not her forehand these days though!

August 29th, 2008 at 7:55 pm

“S”:

“It is so obvious and rule of the game that a lower ranking player must always get a tougher draw. You take it or stay home and pay fine. If you want an easier draw, climb in the ranking. It’s that simple.”

How about if we take your statement and apply it to the present situation with the draw. Using your analogy, how can you say that Djoko has the toughest draw? It’s an established FACT that he’s already climbed in the ranking, to No. 3 — hence, the easier draw. Now, baseds on the foregoing and the analogy applied thereto, isn’t it superfluous to state that his draw is the toughest? Just a technicality, using your factual statement, n’est ce pas? Merci. :P

August 29th, 2008 at 8:11 pm

Von,
I was not responding to you in my 7:26 post.

Ref: “WOW, you guys are indeed living in la, la land.”
I guess we all are “in la, la land” of some kind. Fed fans say their guys have a tougher half than Rafa’s. There’s definitely validity in that. A 400th ranking player gets tougher draw than No. 9 or any above him.
About Djoko being the best on hard, he has more race points on hard court than all others this year. The challenge is before him either to take it and maintain it or lose and let Rafa or somebody else have it.
Ref: “if Djoko wants to prove he’s indeed the ‘best’ on hardcourt… then he should and must beat all of his opponents — not a tall order for the best on hardcourt.”
Exactly. If he is the ONE, he’s gotta prove it. No order is tall order.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:12 pm

I hope Dementieva wins the women’s trophy; she due, she works hard, she’s positive, and her serve has even gotten (marginally) better!!

August 29th, 2008 at 8:17 pm

Von,
Ref: “Just a technicality, using your factual statement, n’est ce pas? Merci”
Not just technicality. You’ve nailed it. From another angle, Djoko must always be in a tougher draw than Rafa as long as he has a lower rank. That’s obvious. No excuse.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:19 pm

“S”

Sorry, about the 7:26 pm post, I shouldn’tg have jumped in.

From another angle, Djoko must always be in a tougher draw than Rafa as long as he has a lower rank. That’s obvious. No excuse.”

He’ll also be bounced around in between Fed’s and Nadal’s half of the draw. Andy got bounced so much as the No. 3 player, and most of the time ended up in Fed’s half. Not a good seeding position to be in as the No. 3 player.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

Does anyone know how heavy the rain is in NYC? All I can see on the scoreboard is “play suspended” and I’ve got football on TSN – grrr.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:33 pm

Jane,
Ref: “I typically think brunettes are prettier.”

I don’t know how to respond to this. But I am not comfortable with that statement coming from YOU. I always try to like what I “typically” don’t like.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

Von,
No problem. It’s ok to have occasional, mild friction, as long as we do it with good intention and civility.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

To Von:

Wozniacki is out of Nadal’s reach.She’s too good looking for him.I was surprised when you said that.

Check this out

” I saw from a lot of newspapers and on the internet that people start talking that I’m dating Nadal. But this is NOT true. We have never been together. The speculation that we were together in Miami is also false. I’m 17 years old, and for the moment Tennis is my main priority.”

http://www.carolinewozniacki.dk/blog/not-dating-nadal/

August 29th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

S – sorry. Some things are kind of chemistry dictated. Not always, but if I had to choose, it I am sure I’d pick a brunette. Like Safin ;-) But I like all types, as you know.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:48 pm

S – “I always try to like what I “typically” don’t like.”

Well I’ve tried to like turnips, I really have, but it’s a no go with me.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:49 pm

Ryan:

I read that on the Tennis Planet. That’s the only other site I visit every few days. Anyway, there was an article on the two of them and there was speculaion that he had broken up with his Cxisca. Now I’m promoting propaganda — shame on me. :) Thanks for correcting me. I’m going to have to check out that article again, if I can find it. Anyway, from Wozniacki’s statement, it seems that there was indeed a rumor mill taking place.

August 29th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

Ryan:

I can’t believe I’m actually dedicating time and indulging in this gossip mill, anyway, here’s the link from Tennis Planet. There was a picture of Wozniacki in the article. I hope you can see it.

http://tennisplanet.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/nadals-new-girlfriend-from-sarah-thanks/

August 29th, 2008 at 9:10 pm

Jane,
Have you tried (1) Amish Turnip, (2) Backbone Turnip, (3) Chinese pork and turnip, (4) Duck and Turnip (my best), or (5) Lamb Braised with turnips, cabbage, mint, and Chives? Btw, I am a cook.
My curiosity was how one can find a person invariably prettier based solely on color of hair. I always thought prettiness is something media markets globally by circulating images, making certain types selectively more desirable, and of course uses history (established images of the past) and proximity (similarities with those past images). I take “chemistry” to be an inscription, whose horizon can be ranged over, to which another can be added, or can be entirely re-written. That’s just me. I am glad we disagreed on something, finally.

August 29th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Okay I agree – just to bug you, ha-ha.

(But there may be something in youth, i.e., if your mama is a brunette, will you have a slight predilection?)

And no, I’ve not tried all of those turnip dishes you list, but I have tried them sweetened, deep fried, mashed, baked and in soup. And that taste just never works for me. I wish I lived with a cook; my husband (who, yes, is brunette…) can make grilled cheese and eggs, and work the BBQ reasonably well, but that’s about it. Sigh.

—————————
When you picked Robredo to beat Safin, I was surprised, but I see he pulled out the second set tiebreak, so maybe you’re onto something. Even though Moya does well here, I was surprised he won the first set too. Maybe now is when the draw starts having some hiccups?

So far Bartolli is smoking; i’m surprised. I thought Lindsay would play her close. It’ll be sad to see Davenport leave the court permanently; I’ve heard this is her last Open.

August 29th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

“I fell asleep last evening through the Nadal match. The tennis from the lower ranked players has been more entertaining and competitive than from the top guys.”

Good players have to play themselves into form. That’s why the early rounds are dangerous for them. They don’t give everything they’ve got if they can get away with it. You want to save it for the latter rounds of the tournament. They don’t always play their best in early rounds.

“I feel if a player is No. 1, then he should be challenged from the inception not from the Qfs through the final. They should earn that ranking by proving their mettle, and not by being enabled and/or nursed by their easy draw.”

They did precisely that in getting to the high rankings… They earnt their ranking from getting past difficult draws as a low ranked player. Getting low ranked players early is the reward. It’s all fair in the end.

If top players face other top players early on, you’re going to get crappy matchups in the late stages where crap players play other crap players because they avoided playing good players.

I would rather see good matchups at the end of a tournament rather than the beginning. A final between #1 and some ranked 100 player would be an anticlimax.

“Time for a male chauvinist comment – the picture at the head of this article must be the least flattering I’ve ever seen of Ivanovic. Can this really be the girl so many male fans hyper-ventilate over?”

Pics are random and alternate with each refresh of the page.

“I hope Dementieva wins the women’s trophy; she due, she works hard, she’s positive, and her serve has even gotten (marginally) better!!”

Yeah I hope Jankovic loses soon so that she can have a chance at being #1. Of course, she’ll have to win the title to do that. I’ve always liked Demmie since 2004. She was my favorite player. She’s an overachiever.

“Wozniacki is out of Nadal’s reach.She’s too good looking for him.I was surprised when you said that.”

I looked at her pics on the link you gave. I didn’t find her that pretty to be honest. Xisca was a better deal. She’s got that sweet, girl next door look, which is better if you’re after something long term.

August 29th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

So Fed will meet Stepanek next. Could be interesting: Radek can be a crafty one. Best of 5 probably favors Roger, but who knows?

People make comments about Serena’s weight, but Bartoli is definitely on the hefty side. It must be difficult to carry that extra weight as an athlete. She could probably be even better if she were fitter.

August 29th, 2008 at 9:52 pm

J & V,
Sorry your “handsome” is about to lose. My pick (Robredo) was obvious. Look at their H2H on hard court (2-1, and Rob won last two times).

August 29th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

S Green,

You’re doing awesome on your picks! Like about 80% so far, although you did avoid a call on two matches, fairly enough. I would’ve picked Step though.

How did you know Robredo would beat Safin? It’s not like Robredo has had a good year on hardcourts, but he’s up 2 sets and 2 breaks in the 4th, so he’ll come through, maybe even with a bagel in the 4th! Poor Marat. And I was hoping to see Marat vs. Tsonga.

Tsonga probably will come through, as he’s up two sets, although it hasn’t been easy. Moya has been keeping it close.

I’m happy Lindsay pushed it to a tiebreak; I wish she could’ve got it to a third set.

August 29th, 2008 at 10:22 pm

S Green,

“Sorry your “handsome” is about to lose.”

Oh well, all the better for Djoko ;-) and besides, maybe they’ll show replays of the parade of champions. LOL.

Are you gambling btw? Doing the fantasy picks? You should; you’re doing well on your calls.

August 29th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

J,
I don’t gamble. My extracurricular activity has limitation to playing tennis and golf, and watching tennis, basketball, and golf (of course, cooking !). Whenever I have nothing to do (no philosophy books to fathom), I blog in political sites.

Yeah, Safin’s exit should be good for Djoko, but I was not really worried.
Only one wrong pick so far: Haas. Not bad, huh!

August 29th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

“S”

“J & V,
Sorry your “handsome” is about to lose.”

I guess the saying, “handsome is as handsome does”, is a sort of a truism in this instance. I knew that Marat wouldn’t get far here at the USO. He can’t handle the hardcourts anymore. Clay and even though he doesn’t like it, grass, is now his kind of surface. His knees are very problematic and he’s getting up there in years. I’ll miss watching his boyish, wicked, roguish smile.

And, BTW, brunettes have more sweet, alluring and radiant features. You can get lost in the depths of those, large, dark eyes. They’ll melt your heart and turn your feet into jello. :)
_____________
JCF:

WOW, I’d never have figured you out as a guy who fancies brunettes. But, then there more to you than meets the eye. A little of your own medicine. :D

_____________
What happened to Lindsay tonight? She looked sleepy.

August 29th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

JCF:

“I looked at her pics on the link you gave. I didn’t find her that pretty to be honest. Xisca was a better deal ..”

Tut, tut, tut, that memory of yours is atrocious!!!!!! I posted the link with Wozniacki’s picture, which was an hour before you posted. I hope you don’t work in banking, because the customers will have problems with their funds being credited to someone else’s account. :P

August 29th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

Von,

“What happened to Lindsay tonight? She looked sleepy.” – Them’s the breaks when you got a wee one perhaps? I don’t know, but she sure started slow, and it cost her. When she came back around in the second set, it was too late. Too bad.

“roguish smile.” Yeah, Marat is a rogue of sorts. I hope he sticks around a little longer, if only on clay and grass.

Tsonga just got the break so this should be over soon, and I see Ernests has come out in earnest. Phew. But it’s a long match; we’ll see how things settle in…

August 29th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

V,
Looking at the 1st 4 games, I am already worried about A-Rod. I don’t want him to lose, and I don’t want to be wrong on this. You make sure he wins. I’ll blame you for his loss.

About brunette, they do attract my attention; I may even prefer them secretly but will not reveal it in gestural or verbal articulations. And definitely I resist any kind of preferential treatment at work and public places.

August 29th, 2008 at 10:56 pm

Gulbis hasn’t given any chances at his serve; that puts a lot of the pressure on Roddick’s serve, which Ernests seems to have a pretty good read on so far.

Andy has to hold if Gulbis keeps serving like this; he has to get his 1st serve % up above 50%.

So far Ernests is hitting more winners and aces, and predictably making more errors. That can undo Ernests in the long run, if he starts going for too much. A lot can happen over 5 sets. But at this point I have to agree with S Green; Gulbis has a bit more of an edge because he’s holding just a bit more easily at this point. One thing he has going for him is that he has no fear and nothing to lose; that’s the thing with these young whipper-snappers!

August 29th, 2008 at 11:18 pm

Gulbis a hold away from winning first two sets. He just made a great slice shot to avoid being broken after chsing down a winner forehand and two smashes from Roddick.

August 29th, 2008 at 11:58 pm

Leftykick:
I couldnt believe his comments after he lost at Wimbledon “The French means nothing to me”.

What!?? did he say that?? can you please give me a link to the interview when he did??….Im sorry but I find that hard to believe….. if he did then that really is proof of lack of sportsmanship.

August 30th, 2008 at 12:07 am

Roddick takes the second set after being a break down! Good for him. Gulbis’s first serve percentage has dropped down to low 50s so that bodes well for Andy.

Exciting match so far, as expected.

August 30th, 2008 at 12:22 am

Roddick wins the 2nd set, levels the match, and keeps his hope alive. The crowd is lovin it.

August 30th, 2008 at 12:24 am

Now Roddick’s up a break in the 3rd!

Gulbis’s errors are currently equal to his winners, as I thought might happen over a stretch. He will have to learn to rein his game in to be a top contender, to not always go for the big shot.

Roddick, meanwhile, has kept steady, and that’s experience. The match is still young but if Roddick goes up two sets here, I like his chances of finishing it in 4.

August 30th, 2008 at 12:37 am

“JCF:

WOW, I’d never have figured you out as a guy who fancies brunettes. But, then there more to you than meets the eye. A little of your own medicine.”

Actually, I’m not picky. I don’t mind girls of any type, shape, or size. I’m more of a ‘personality’ guy. When I don’t know their personality, I can only go by looks. Blondes are nice. I just didn’t see anything that special about Woz given Ryan’s proclaimation that Nadal was too ugly for her.

Maybe she looks better live than in still photos. Some people are like that. I can’t stand seeing myself on camera. I’m very unphotogenic.

“Tut, tut, tut, that memory of yours is atrocious!!!!!! I posted the link with Wozniacki’s picture, which was an hour before you posted. I hope you don’t work in banking, because the customers will have problems with their funds being credited to someone else’s account. ”

Hm? Huh? What I do?

August 30th, 2008 at 12:46 am

2-1 for A-Rod. Looks good to me.

August 30th, 2008 at 12:50 am

What happened to V? Where did she go?

August 30th, 2008 at 1:02 am

I don’t know S, but I bet she’s smiling…

I just lost my justin.tv feed (first the English went, then I switched to Spanish and now it’s gone and all I’ve got is the scoreboard, bummer); anyone know where I can watch the rest of this match online?

August 30th, 2008 at 1:09 am

No idea, J. I can do a little bit live commentary.
When it was about to be 5-3, Gulbis saved a big time with an ace and then down the line forehand.

August 30th, 2008 at 1:19 am

Eurosport has better commentary than mine. Check it out: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/tennis/livematch/253221.html

Gulbis looks more stable now, so it might go into tie and then possibly 5th set. He’s smiling with a set down. Funny kid !

August 30th, 2008 at 1:24 am

A lob winner and an ace give A-Rod 6-5 lead.

August 30th, 2008 at 1:25 am

S, Thanks. The justin Spanish feed is back up, thankfully, so I can actually watch. Yes, they’re both holding steady at the moment. I want Roddick to win, but I sure like Gulbis. He’s got a great smile that lights up his face. I look forward to him winning some slams in the future. I notice he’s coming to net more now.

August 30th, 2008 at 1:27 am

Roddick has match point…

August 30th, 2008 at 1:30 am

Match point. That was a big UE at the net.

August 30th, 2008 at 1:30 am

Gulbis saved it and now Ad with a drop shot. Serve called out. He misses 2nd serve. Deuce 2. Beautiful slice caught the line. Gulbis gets ad. He misses. Deuce 3. Gulbis missed forehand from inside. Match point 2. He misses another (long) from the mid court.
A-Rod wins.
My pick is pretty good.

August 30th, 2008 at 1:34 am

Good for Andy; he deserved the win for being so focused and watching the errors. Great match!

Gulbis will be even better next year.

Von – smiling?!

I’m tired.

August 30th, 2008 at 1:36 am

Gulbis played an incredible match. Those drop shots were astonishing. Roddick praised Gulbis’ powerful shots.
A-Rod: In those 1st 2 sets, I felt like a kid playing against a great player. After that I played like a 26 years old (something like that).
Q: How did you come back after a set down and a break down.
A-Rod: I did not.

He survived, but I am not sure how deep he can go.
I am tired, too. Good night.

August 30th, 2008 at 1:43 am

Now that was captivating, exhilarating, scintillating and tiltillating tennis. WOW. I was hoping Andy would win because I couldn’t face the boos.

“S” and jane, I’m back and I’m smiling from ear to ear. I clapped so much my hands are hurting. Sounds like you two played the match instead of Andy and Gulbis — tired. I suppose too much excitement considering we were seeing only a few good matches. Gulbis has a very engaging personality. A very nice young man! The New York crowd was music to my ears, a sort of tintinnabulation. I’m happy Andy will indeed have a Happy birthday, but sorry for Ernests. Anyway, he’s young and will have many more birthdays to celebrate.
________________
JCF:

“Hm? Huh? What I do?”

I gave you a big hint. I posted the link with Wozniacki’s picture NOT Ryan. you were telling him you looked at the picture in the link HE posted. That’s why I stated your memory was atrocious. You couldn’t even remember who posted the link. Got it? I had to spell it out for you too. :) What are we to do with you, young man? :P

August 30th, 2008 at 2:13 am

NachoF,

When asked how he felt immediately after losing the Wimbledon final, part of what Federer said was, “Losing the French… that was like nothing to me, but this… this is a disaster.”

I don’t have a source for that other than having heard it with my own ears, so that may not be exactly verbatim, but my aural recollection is generally very solid. It didn’t strike me as even remotely unsportsman-like but as an earnest indication of the relative importance of Wimbledon in his mind and heart.

August 30th, 2008 at 3:23 am

Ra:

Forgive my oversight for not saying ‘hello’ to you when you returned from your posting sabbatical. I wondered what had happened to you. Glad to see you’re back! :P

August 30th, 2008 at 3:42 am

Ra Says:

NachoF,

When asked how he felt immediately after losing the Wimbledon final, part of what Federer said was, “Losing the French… that was like nothing to me, but this… this is a disaster.”

Thats very different than saying the French means nothing to him

August 31st, 2008 at 1:15 am

Shoot!

Von, there are a number of jobs I wouldn’t be fit for. I’d embarrass the company in front of the clients for a lot of reasons, not just the fact that I can’t hold a thought for more than two seconds (literally).

I have so many inspired ‘shower’ thoughts wasted because whatever I was thinking was forgotten before I could act on it (after getting out of the shower). It hurts even more because I’m such a muse.

I should carry a notebook with me at all times, though that would be pretty embarrassing in itself.

September 1st, 2008 at 9:34 pm

JCF:

“I should carry a notebook with me at all times, though that would be pretty embarrassing in itself.”

HaHa: Shower thoughts!! :P Funny, funny. I don’t think there, I sing, and don’t laugh, I used to sing in the choir with the nuns. But, seriously though, get one of those memo recorders and hang it high up on a shelf in the shower then you can record all you want. Of course, you have ro remember you have it and use it. :) Also, keep one in the car. You need to do a course in mneumonics. Didn’t they teach you that in grade/elementary school? I suppose not, the kids these days are spoilt by the internet and calculators, while we older people had to do mental math in our heads, memorize and/or construct our owns essays instead of cheating on the internet, tut, tut, tut.

September 1st, 2008 at 11:14 pm

JCF:

Did you see my 2:13 am on 8/30 on this thread? I used that word for you “tintinnabulation”. It means the jingle sound of bells.

September 1st, 2008 at 11:17 pm