Jankovic Moves into US Open Quarterfinals; Federer Gets Stepanek Test Today

Your picks match most of mine. I give Fed a straight win after watching 4 games. You were certain about A-Rod, but I’ve some hesitation.
Did you copy mine or what? Just messing with you.

August 31st, 2008 at 1:32 pm

I thought Step was back with that break to level the match, but he fails to consolidate it. I like the way Fed is trying to get every ball back, is serving great (ace on 2nd serve, 124 mph), and mixing his shots.

August 31st, 2008 at 1:50 pm

Fed is serving great; Step, not so much. If Step can get his serves up above 54%, maybe into the 70s, then this could be a gppd contest, but if it stays like this, Fed will win in straights, as you said above, S.

August 31st, 2008 at 1:56 pm

ESPN 2 in South America suddenly just stopped broadcasting the match!…. Im so mad!!!

August 31st, 2008 at 2:29 pm

Federer is slowly re-creating the magic he is capable of, but he is still quite shaky from the back of the court.

He needs to play a couple of solid base-liners and get his baseline game in the groove if he has to beat A-rod or jerkovich.

He has hit a few magical shots, but the baseline smash is my pick. There might be a you-tube video quite soon, but incase someone missed it, it was quite identical to this shot, except that radek reacted towards the very end when he realised the ball was coming in to the court.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQHHBWbtEmA

Sheer Magic!

August 31st, 2008 at 2:29 pm

Roger’s cruising to the finish line.

Meanwhile Muller is in a dogfight with Almagro, playing in the sun and shadows. This one is either guy’s match. Maybe a 5th set tiebreak would be appropriate in this case.

August 31st, 2008 at 2:50 pm

S Green

He did it

August 31st, 2008 at 3:00 pm

The “completed matches” panel on the US Open website says Jankovic defeated Wozniacki 6-3, 2-6, 1-6.
Er – let’s have that again…

August 31st, 2008 at 3:02 pm

osazone4real,
Yeah, I am happy.
How did you like that one, J?

August 31st, 2008 at 3:04 pm

Wow, that’s a huge win for Muller, a qualifier. I remember when he beat Roddick, but that was a long time ago.

Federer seems much stronger today and this win will give him a boost, I’d imagine. Does this mean he’s back on form on hardcourts? He’s not been in a hardcourt final this year; will the Open be his first one?

August 31st, 2008 at 3:04 pm

Who knows, J? He looked good out there today.

And I am 100% until this time, 3 out of 3.

August 31st, 2008 at 3:10 pm

Jane,

I think Fed played great, although personally I think he is still shaky at the baseline.Needs better to get past Djoko.

August 31st, 2008 at 3:11 pm

Yes osazone4real, Step is a different kind of player than a Djoko or Rafa, or even Murray. So we’ll have to see going forward.

Davydenko could be a test for Roger from the baseline, but the difference there is the serve: Roger’s is great, Davy’s is so-so. That’s why he can never beat Roger, even though he gets close sometimes. He can get the break, but then Roger always breaks back. Davy can’t consolidate breaks against Roger. Last year their semi herewas a bit like watching a WTA match with all those breaks exchanged.

—————-

S, I commented on picks on the other thread.

August 31st, 2008 at 3:23 pm

Roddick starts strong. Everything looks slow to him now after playing the fastest player the other night. He seems to have mental edge over Seppi, too.
Now, I predict him the winner with certainty.

August 31st, 2008 at 3:25 pm

S Green

for me I think Roddick will be hard to beat, bcos like I said b4 he will have at the back of his mind that he skipped His last best shot at winning the Olympics bcos of the US open, which shows that he is in it to win and he thinks he can beat anybody this year on Hard(fed,Djoko and Nadal) and also he will be thinking lets beat fed while he is riding a rough patch(after all who knows if he will return to his dominant ways soon that will be his reasoning)

August 31st, 2008 at 3:36 pm

Federer has turned into an all serve player.

August 31st, 2008 at 4:51 pm

Gossip update: Novak denied in his last interview that the javelin thrower is his girlfriend; he said they’re just friends.

Be interesting to see Fed/Andreev; they’ve not played since 2004 and then only once on clay, which went to 4 sets. I am sure Fed will win but they’ve sure not played much.

I see Seppi got a break; maybe he’ll take a set off Andy, but he won’t win it. He may not even hold onto the break as it’s still early in the set.

August 31st, 2008 at 4:52 pm

It was good to see Roger play Roger-like tennis today.

August 31st, 2008 at 4:54 pm

On the women’s side, Bammer just took out Bartoli, about which I am happy; I’ve never enjoyed watching Bartoli’s weird tennis-style. I guess her father is yet another creepo tennis dad on the women’s tour.

August 31st, 2008 at 5:08 pm

yep roddick breaks back

August 31st, 2008 at 5:08 pm

jane

wow i sucked today on the women prediction.

Jane ,come on seles played both hands too and she would have been one of the greatest if the steffi fan didnt stab her.

go roddick(used to be a big rodick fan)

August 31st, 2008 at 5:11 pm

i officially sucked today

igor takes it

August 31st, 2008 at 5:14 pm

osazone4real – yeah, and I actually liked Seles. I think some of my dislike for Bartoli stems from what I’ve read of her dad, how he made her gain weight and play in this style, which really isn’t fair. But I also liked watching Seles’ game and I liked her attitude better. She was one of the first noisy ones though.

Graf was my all time fave female player; and on the men’s side Johnny Mac is up there.

August 31st, 2008 at 5:15 pm

Roddick will win this tiebreak easily.

I think Tsonga will beat Robredo quite easily too; I don’t have much confidence in Tommy after this year.

August 31st, 2008 at 5:17 pm

why does it take ages for the scores to change on the TV,

August 31st, 2008 at 5:17 pm

phew great roddick wins, thought i was jinxing players today

August 31st, 2008 at 5:20 pm

Roddick beat Seppi in straight sets. That was really impressive. Now I see A-Rod going far deep into the tournament, possibly winning the whole thing.

August 31st, 2008 at 5:21 pm

osazone4real,
Where are you located? Norway, Sweden, Denmark,or Finland (definitely not Iceland)? Let me guess. Denmark? Just curious.

August 31st, 2008 at 5:25 pm

jane

ah i didnt know about bartolis dad making her gain weight, thats strange,although personally i kinda prefer if women have some weight on (haha).

Yeah graff is also my female Player of all time although I watched her towards the end of her career and she is married to the person who started to make watch Tennis(Andre Agassi

August 31st, 2008 at 5:27 pm

S Green

I gave away it today(prefer pretty blondes)
Norway.

August 31st, 2008 at 5:28 pm

“S”:
Ref: “V,
Let us know your picks before the match starts. You cannot just say, “I picked the winner.” We need evidence.”

Sorry, as I’ve stated many times previously, I’m not into predictions and/or speculations publicly. I secretly make my picks on the draw print-out. I’ve actually begun printing out the draws instead of commiting them to memory. See, JCF, I don’t make notes. :) Anyway, back to “S”. I have my picks down on paper and thus far, I’ve only been wrong a couple of times. I was hoping to see Simon win v. Del Potro and Safin vs. Robredo, but that didn’t happen. I didn’t hold much hope for Blake due to what I’ve seen thus far for this year. he’s not a very altogether up there mentally person. He has a very fragile mindset, which is to be expected, due to his family and personal health problems a couple of years ago. Hopefully, my explanation is suitable to you because the only proof is on my office desk.

August 31st, 2008 at 6:29 pm

JCF:

You mentioned on another thread that Fernando Gonzalez split with Stefank, when did this happen and why? Thanks.

August 31st, 2008 at 6:33 pm

V,
I don’t laugh normally. I did this time while reading your post, particularly this section, “I’m not into predictions and/or speculations publicly. I secretly make my picks.”
That’s not fair. Don’t chicken out. I challenge you on this: “I’ve only been wrong a couple of times.”
Is that a good enough bait?

August 31st, 2008 at 6:37 pm

J,
Ref: “I think Tsonga will beat Robredo quite easily too.”
Well, it cannot be said to be “easily” any more after losing the 1st set on tie break.

August 31st, 2008 at 6:43 pm

So far Tsonga is playing his flashy style, hitting more errors than winners (27 UEs to 19 winners) so Robredo has been able to hang with him. Surprisingly (to me anyhow) Robredo is also winning more points on both 1st and 2nd serve. We’ll see if this holds true. Robredo has had only one break chance, which he converted, whereas Tsonga’s had 4 and converted only 1. If Tsonga can get a break here (he’s at deuce), he may start to roll. But so far he’s not been too successful. The match is still young, and tight. Both Tsonga’s matches have gone four sets so far here, so.

August 31st, 2008 at 6:43 pm

S,

“Well, it cannot be said to be “easily” any more after losing the 1st set on tie break.” True. And he is now up a break in the 2nd. Secretly I’ve always hoped I’ll get this pick wrong, for Djoko’s sake. ;-)

—————–

Von,

” I’m not into predictions and/or speculations publicly. I secretly make my picks on the draw print-out. I’ve actually begun printing out the draws instead of commiting them to memory.”

This is what I usually do; I’ve been printing out the draws for a couple years now, but usually only for slams.

I’ll speculate on these threads, just cause it’s fun, but I rarely predict publicly. However, for S, I put my picks on the table today. Usually I suck & get around a D.

August 31st, 2008 at 6:49 pm

“S”:

“That’s not fair. Don’t chicken out. I challenge you on this: “I’ve only been wrong a couple of times.”
Is that a good enough bait?”

No, not enough bait for me. I fell into your trap yesterday and got into trouble. Even though the draw is a different thing altogether, I’m being a lot more cautious from yesterday on, at least for 36 hours or so, and then I’ll probably throw caution to the wind and fall big-time with a thunderous crash. Perhaps at that weak moment I’ll fall into another of your traps, but at this moment I’m following a caveat emptor mentality. :P
_________________
jane:

“Secretly I’ve always hoped I’ll get this pick wrong, for Djoko’s sake.”

You know, it’s quite alright and 100 percent normal to admit you’re a Djokovic, Nadal and Murry fan in that order, even though you try to disguise your true feelings with a smiley. Your arguments, concern and rationalizations on their behalf is a big-time give away. :P
_______________
Leftykick:

Sorry about your girl Woz losing to the theatrics major. LOL. :D

August 31st, 2008 at 7:09 pm

Von,

“You know, it’s quite alright and 100 percent normal to admit you’re a Djokovic, Nadal and Murry fan in that order,”

You’re right I always root for Djoko first; I guess I don’t advertise it too overtly but as you say, it’s obvious from my analyses. However, after that it gets really mucky with my faves: it’s not as simple as you make it sound. Between Murray, Rafa and Roddick, it’s a toss up. And I like so many players – especially young up-and-comers. As well as old faves like Safin and even Moya. Just last year, in 07 at the beginning I was still a Roddick fan first and foremost. Ask my Aunt. I was devastated when he lost to Fed at the AO in 07.

Anyhow, I am not trying to disguise my feelings with a smiley; that was a “wink” to S Green because of course he knows I will always hope for the best for Novak.

August 31st, 2008 at 7:15 pm

V,
“I fell into your trap yesterday and got into trouble.”
I don’t even know what you are talking about here. You are one crazy, crazy girl.

August 31st, 2008 at 7:28 pm

S.

Can you tell me this – did you know Robredo would beat Tsonga so easily? Do you have a crystal ball? Are you related to Nostradamus? I am truly surprised that he’s made it seem so easy so far. I truly did think the opposite.

August 31st, 2008 at 7:29 pm

J,
At this point, I’d say your open secret wish is about to be fulfilled. And mine, too.

August 31st, 2008 at 7:30 pm

OK jane, fool yourself as much as possible, and I’ll give you the Roddick fave point, but you’re now a “fan” a word you don’t admit to, but you are, of principally Djokovic and Nadal, big time. Murray is a little higher up on the faves list than Roddick, and Safin is down the list or maybe gone. It’s not difficult to understand why — everyone likes a winner. I’m just “old fathful” because I’m very resistant to change, which is a part of my personality that many like.

_____________
“S”:

OK, I’m such a sucker for a bait. I’ll go publicly tonight and pick my girl Dementieva to win over Li na, even though Li na beat Elena a while back and she’s got nothing to lose. I’m so happy for Elena — it’s the first time she’s gotten to play under the lights. As i’ve stated before, there’s no other slam like to USO.
____________
Latent, you can take off on one of your rants against the Americans it’s alright with me. And, you know who’s got the grizzzzzly butt don’t you? The itching/fiddling gives it away. :)

August 31st, 2008 at 7:30 pm

J,
They played once before. I think it was a Challenger, and Robredo beat him easily. That was my basis.

August 31st, 2008 at 7:31 pm

“S”:

If I’m one crazy, crazy, girl, which some find alluring and provocative BTW, then what do i categorize you as, Hurricae Fay? You’re as tumultous as the Texas tornadoes. :P :D I am at times non-plussed and wonder what’s going on. Ahh, but there’s the catch, right?

August 31st, 2008 at 7:34 pm

That Robredo/Tsonga match is why I stated the drones do all the hard work for the queen bees and the draw speculation is not worth the concern. I think most seem to forget that the USO is Tsonga’s return to the tour after being off for 4 months and his knee surgery will make him slower in the future. By now, his knee is probably ready to close down from pain.

August 31st, 2008 at 7:38 pm

Wow, another great night at the USO! Dementieva lives in Buffalo with her boyfriend. Poor thing, I hope she drinks a lot and I hope she wins the USO.
I see others must agree with the match being board since the board reads like Gossip Girl tonight;>

August 31st, 2008 at 7:41 pm

This should be a great match:
Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)[10]
v. Andy Murray (GBR)[6] !

August 31st, 2008 at 7:43 pm

Von,

I am a fan of tennis first and foremost, and I mean it. Since Novak played in the hardcourt MS events last year, I started following him, and liked his game and personality more and more as the year went on, that by this time last year, I was rather hooked!

But I have -and have always had, since I began watching at around 13 years old- a lot of favorites. I am not fooling myself, nor am I trying to fool you or anyone else.

Probably I’d put Murray ahead of Rafa actually. But I don’t feel the need to put my faves in a hierarchy. I kind of follow along on a match-by-match basis.

My feelings about players change simply because new players arise and, well, I like them! I don’t stop liking the old players though. I still like Roddick and Safin, and was rooting for Safin and Murray and Rafa at Wimbledon because both Djoko and Roddick lost out. I don’t think that makes me a bad tennis fan.

I am not like this with people I am close to; I am fiercely loyal actually, with the same husband for over 20 years, have friends from grade school, etc…

But tennis is tennis; it’s just a sport. One I like very much, with so many great players, it’s difficult to pick a fave.But I am a Novak fan, for sure.

August 31st, 2008 at 7:46 pm

S,

I didn’t check their H2H, but so far am about a D on my picks. Sigh.

August 31st, 2008 at 7:54 pm

I have to butt in, Jane. I started following tennis because it was one of the few sports with female players. I’m from Philly and it was a big deal to have BJK’s team in the city– and Elton John wrote a cool song about it. It’s a bit before my time, but the sport was very popular. It’s a major sports city– Go Eagles!
There was Chrissy v. Billie Jean teams. Of course the men’s side was popular, but it was great to see women players.
In my neighborhood, Charlie’s Angels, Chrissy Evertt(sp.), Marie Osmond, and Dorothy Hamill would team together to fight crime! We had vibrant imaginations.

What got you to follow the sport?

August 31st, 2008 at 7:55 pm

I would honestly be happy if any of the following won the USO: Djokovic, Roddick, Monfils, Rafa, Murray, Del Potro, and even Querrey (the last two are probably not contenders, but ya never know). If Roger wins it would be good for him & a boost to his year, but I do think he has enough hardware already, and imo he’ll still tie or beat Sampras’ record anyhow, even if he doesn’t win this tournament. Plus he has enough money to buy a small island.

August 31st, 2008 at 8:03 pm

jane:

“But I am a Novak fan, for sure.”

No need for the long explanations. You’ve admitted to what I’ve been thinking al along and stated today. You’re a Djokovic fan, and If I might add, Nadal and Murray fan too, in whatever sequence you care to place them. My point is simple, you’ve stated that you’re not a fan of any one player, but I didn’t agree and your admission in the above sentence confirms what I feel. Good for you to admit to the obvious — now you can admit to all “I’m a Djokovic fan,” and a supporter of the sport of tennis. :P

August 31st, 2008 at 8:08 pm

Proud Mary,

OMG this is too cute, and you are definitely from my era! “In my neighborhood, Charlie’s Angels, Chrissy Evertt(sp.), Marie Osmond, and Dorothy Hamill would team together to fight crime!”

I skated for 10 years, so was big on Dorothy and her bowl cut!

I don’t know why I got hooked on tennis, but I did love Everet and Austin as a young teenager. It true. It was nice to see some female athletes. I think there are a few other reasons too: (a) I love drama and as tennis is an individual sport, there is so much one-on-one drama. (b) I love characters [I teach film and literature so it follows!!], and there are so many unique characters in tennis, which in team sports is a little different. Sometimes I feel like I almost *know* tennis players. (c) I have three older brothers who always watched hockey and football. My love of tennis set me apart; it was mine! (d). I played a little tennis and badminton in school and enjoyed it.

So there you go – probably way too much personal information but what the hell.

August 31st, 2008 at 8:11 pm

Dementieva is cruising!

August 31st, 2008 at 8:28 pm

V,
Thanks, wild woman (if “crazy” was provocative). Demi is my pick, too, not because she’s the greatest player but because she’s my type (among my top 3: Kirilenko and Golovin are the other two).

J,
I agree with you every bit about being a tennis supporter first and foremost (I play and watch tennis). About the word “fan,” I don’t use it at all. I don’t say, “I am a Djoko fan.” I support him and will continue to do so until a certain point of time just like I did Fed until 2007 (switched to Fed right around the time Agassi started fading; Agassi was the longest I was loyal to). I support Rafa because he has been the one to challenge the No. 1 and finally oust him. I don’t know how long that’s gonna last, but I’ll stick with him for a really long time if he makes hard court his favorite surface. I support all young guns, especially those who can challenge the top 3 and shake the order. Murray fits well into this profile. I like Gulbis more than Cilic and DP for now. Mostly, my support for a player goes according to match, tournament, and surface. Despite Gulbis, I was supporting Roddick the other night (V, I have subscribed to his club on facebook: search me. But I did not see you there). Djoko has been my indisputable No.1 and will remain so as long as he plays good tennis on hard court. I don’t have fixed no. 2, 3, 4, etc, in my favorite list, either. I support a player for a reason.

August 31st, 2008 at 8:29 pm

S,

I agree with you pretty much 100% and also avoid using the word ‘fan” mainly because it’s dangerously close to “fanatic” LOL! No, seriously it’s because it’s the sport I like more than any one single player.

Sheesh, we really are of the same mind in a lot of ways. BTW, you said you blog at political sites; would you be willing to tell me which so I can check them out?

August 31st, 2008 at 8:36 pm

“S”:

“(V, I have subscribed to his club on facebook: search me. But I did not see you there).”

You won’t find me there. I’m not one for supporting clubs and visiting players’ sites. The only player site I’ve ever visited is Roddick’s, approx. 5 times; to check on his schedule and I’ve sent him 2 emails, to suggest his consideration of hiring a new coach and last year to let him know he should play at the TMC when it was a question mark. Apart from visiting ATP and Tennis Planet approx. twice a week, web surfing is out for me. I hardly ever email and have had 2 email friends in my entire life. One I still correspond with, the other turned out to be a total mystery — I thought we shared the same passion for Roddick and was totaly dumbfounded at his support for Nadal when he won the gold, but those are the breaks, ain’t it?. That said, you can say that I’m not as people savvy as I would like to be, and am too trusting, which can be detrimental.

August 31st, 2008 at 8:53 pm

if Djoko does not refrain from getting into those long rallies with Cilic, then he’ll be burnt out by the end of the 2nd sest with a set more to go. or maybe Cilic will burn out, but one of them for sure will burn out.

August 31st, 2008 at 9:01 pm

J,
It’s TPM. Most are mature people there.

Dj has not been able to break because every time he gets closer, Cilic comes up with big serve to dissuade it.

August 31st, 2008 at 9:46 pm

Yes, V, but Cilic is a tough opponent and is serving big and playing fearlessly great.

August 31st, 2008 at 9:49 pm

S,

Yes, the Cilic serve is killer. Djoko needs to go after the forehand of Cilic. He’s very focused and has a great tiebreak record too. So I can see Cilic taking this first set. We’ll see.

August 31st, 2008 at 9:51 pm

“S”:

Sit back, relax, unwind and/or remain uptight. this match will go to 4 or 5 sets and then it will be survival of the fittest! I say this due to Cilic beating an injured Roddick, who’s one big, strong guy. So I can’t know for sure. May the best man win. the tnnis is great to watch!!

August 31st, 2008 at 10:13 pm

Yep, Cilic takes the first set. Djokovic gets the break early in the second one though, which is good. Novak was coming slightly closer to breaking the killer Cilic serve in the first set, but he couldn’t get it.

At the moment Cilic’s errors are higher than his winners while the reverse is true of Djokovic. But this is a very close match thus far.

Djoko has got to quit using those dumb droppers at the worst moment! It drives me bonkers. Actually, I agree with Wilander’s commentary that generally the longer rallies favor Djokovic. And since a lot of the points on the Cilic serve are short anyhow, when Djoko gets a return in he has to go for it and play the rally. He kind of has no choice.

I see Fernando and Jarko (sp?) are in a 3rd set tiebreak.

August 31st, 2008 at 10:18 pm

Nieminem’s hurt!

August 31st, 2008 at 10:42 pm

S, Not looking good for Djokovic is it? Cilic just broke back. Not a good sign for Novak, because since that first break, he’s not had a chance on the Cilic serve. Looks like Djokovic may go out tonight.

August 31st, 2008 at 10:43 pm

Well Djokovic somehow manages to break back and even the match, don’t know how he did it, but crap this is a tight match! Very well played by both, so far, regardless of who wins. Cilic has a good, calm demeanor and a truly wicked serve; it’s hard not to like this youngster.

August 31st, 2008 at 11:00 pm

Who r these two commentators who r commenting on the Djoko-Cilic match?

August 31st, 2008 at 11:09 pm

“You mentioned on another thread that Fernando Gonzalez split with Stefank, when did this happen and why? Thanks.”

I’m not sure. It didn’t last that long, but it was probably the usual reason “I’ve learnt all that I can from him.”

This happens with the ladies as well.

I saw a lot of temperance of his game under Stefanki. Instead of pulling the trigger on every shot, he was a lot more patient, and waited for his opportunities before unloading. He cut down errors that way. That was how he routed Nadal at AO and made the final.

August 31st, 2008 at 11:17 pm

J,
Did you see how he wasted 2 double break chances in the 3rd game of the 3rd set? He’s not moving well and being careless. Now he gets broken back, 2-2. How pathetic that is?

August 31st, 2008 at 11:25 pm

S Green,

Where are you? I need someone to commiserate with. Djokovic should’ve been up two breaks, and now he gets broken at love! Very negative body language from him, even when he was up a break. I am not impressed with that. He has to learn to stay more positive, or at least even keel, don’t you think? He’s also making a few more errors now. And his first serve % has dropped off. Tell me what you think.

He just got a break back but still. I need to see more energy and positive emotion from him.

August 31st, 2008 at 11:27 pm

S,

Yes I am not impressed with Nole at the moment. Hopefully he gets a little more pumped soon or Cilic could win tonight. Not that I dislike Cilic but I give Nole a better chance to go deep if he wins.

August 31st, 2008 at 11:30 pm

Finally, he is a set up.

August 31st, 2008 at 11:45 pm

S,

Yep finally. But I won’t feel calm until he gets a break in this set. And so far Cilic’s serve isn’t caving in but Djokovic’s first serve percentage has dropped and his errors have crept up. He needs to play cleaner here.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am

These 2 guys killing me with these exchanges of breaks! What a nail-bitter.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:19 am

Cilic breaks back – AGAIN! I have no nails left.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:36 am

S,

Where are you again? Do you get the feeling this is going to 5 sets? Cilic has a second wind I think.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:42 am

Congratulation to Djoko. Finally he did it. It was mentally and emotionally tiresome watching him.
Kudos to Cilic for a great play. He earned the NY crowd.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:48 am

So Djoko gave more complement to JMac than his wife did in the last 3 years?

September 1st, 2008 at 12:51 am

FINALLY NOLE!! Thanks for winning but you nearly gave me a heart-attack in the process.

And Cilic – WOW! I have gained even more respect for him. He fought so hard. He just needs to work on that forehand and maybe his fitness. He looked a little tired at the end there, although I thought after breaking back he had a new drive, but he crumbled completely in the tiebreak.

S – where-ever you are, I hope you feel somewhat happy even though it wasn’t the best performance from Djokovic.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:53 am

“So Djoko gave more complement to JMac than his wife did in the last 3 years?”

S – what’s this about? The feed I was watching cut off and I couldn’t see the post-match interview; can you fill me in?

September 1st, 2008 at 12:54 am

J, that’s what he said in the post-match interview.
I am happy, J. This is not the time to criticize him. He fought hard out there for almost 4 hours, going almost an hour past midnight.
I can sleep well now.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:57 am

Today is a good test for Djokovic and will benefit him when he faces Federer in the semis.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:59 am

You’re right S – he did fight hard. But as you say, it was a tiring match to watch. I am happy too. Goodnight. Look forward to your next picks.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:59 am

Gotta love those Croatian players. I thought Cilic was a bit too aggressive nearing end of second set when Djokovic just looked frustrated, Cilic ended up making too many errors and giving it to Djokovic. But huge credit to him for not going away when Djoko was serving for match, He saved match points in rallies where Djokovic hit shots that should’ve been good enough to put him away. Good show by Cilic.

I don’t think Djokovic will have any problem with Robredo so it would probably be him v.s. Roddick, a match I would love to see.

September 1st, 2008 at 12:59 am

JCF:

“I saw a lot of temperance of his game under Stefanki. Instead of pulling the trigger on every shot, he was a lot more patient, and waited for his opportunities before unloading. He cut down errors that way. That was how he routed Nadal at AO and made the final.”

Thanks for the info. He made quite a bit of progress and tempering the forehand under Stefanki. I noticed sometime this year he began losing a lot of matches and wondered why. didn’t know Stefanki had split up with him. That’s too bad because Stefanki did not care to coach initially, but somehow accommodated Gonzo.

September 1st, 2008 at 1:03 am

Robredo must be sitting in his hotel room wishing the match had gone on to a 5th set. Djokovic should win that match easily.

So sorry Nieminen got hurt. I would have liked for him to give Gonzo a good workout.

September 1st, 2008 at 1:06 am

Von,

I may have been wrong about Stefanki parting with Gonzo. I recall reading about it (but my memory counts for… well, let’s not go there), though I just checked the ATP site, and it’s still listing Stefanki as Gonzo’s coach.

Larry is a good coach (Murray has tried to court him) so if they are still together, Gonzo should do what he can to keep him.

September 1st, 2008 at 9:25 pm