Sunday U.S. Davis Cup Live Blog — Roddick v Wawrinka

by Richard Vach | March 8th, 2009, 1:46 pm
  • 103 Comments

Andy Roddick will try and clinch the tie for the U.S. today against stan Wawrinka, catch the live blogging and contribute to the conversation here:


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103 Comments for Sunday U.S. Davis Cup Live Blog — Roddick v Wawrinka

Richard Vach Says:

The flags are out and getting ready for the opening ceremonies once again — here’s the intro of the Swiss team. Get ready for the indoor fireworks. Will the captains again get a chance to address the crowd, especially after some issues yesterday with noises during the Swiss’ service tosses?


Richard Vach Says:

Here’s the “Superman” soundtrack and the intro of the U.S. team to a deafening roar.

Roddick seems to play his best when he’s a little “aggravated,” pumped-up, miffed if you will, as when he was yelling obscenities Chiudinelli’s way when closing out their match in the tight third-set tiebreak. Those were some amazing points.

Wawrinka has also been fired up over the last two days, smashinga racquet to bits during the doubles, and giving some fist-pumps and yells against Blake.


Richard Vach Says:

Nice national anthem. That kid has a pair of lungs on him. And a strong “Beatles” haircut.

Roddick can’t stop fidgeting and swaying — looks pumped and ready to go. Wawrinka looks like — Stan the man always does, calm, smiling. andy and some other U.S. players exit the court — bathroom break? The crowd is pumped and on their feet, screaming and chanting and the first ball is yet to be hit — lots of excitement.


Richard Vach Says:

Holy cow, “Welcome to the Jungle” greets the Swiss during the warm-up, this place is rocking.


Richard Vach Says:

Amazing that the U.S. has never had to play a live fifth match in Pat Mac’s tenure. Roddick has been The Closer, will it be any different today? Play begins…


Richard Vach Says:

Wawrinka holds for 1-0. Stan’s forehand has this cocked-back wristiness to it that looks to be the source of some of its problems. Stan looks like his serving will continue to carry him today.

Stan was able to find the Swiss red shirt today, as opposed to the strange orange one he had yesterday in the dubs. Roddick answers with some service blasts of his own to hold for 1-1.

Some horns are going off during points, as out balls have yet to land, which it looks like the chair umpire is taking notice of. Wawrinka gets in some serving trouble at 15-30, but some aggressive play leads to 30-all and an eventual hold.


KarthikaM Says:

Good play and quick thinking by Wawrinka to get out of some tight corners there…
Ooooh bad fault….
And awesome play to seal the point.
And game.


Richard Vach Says:

The “Davis Cup House Band” is in full form, with the cheerleaders back doing their tumbling and tossing. And Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is also back. The house band needs to expand its repertoire.

Roddick is one match from sending the U.S. to Croatia for the next round of Davis Cup. Wow, Andy comes in on nothing, but makes a great stab volley to win a big point for 15-all. That will be a key to this match — how much does Roddick come in, and can he find the right balance of attacking successfully, as Blake failed to do against Wawrinka?

Roddick attacks but Wawrinka replies with a deft topspin lob. But Roddick hammers his third ace of the match to evens things at 2-2.

Wawrinka hits a lot of forehands off his back foot. thus far, Wawrinka, is finding that making roddick hit a backhand passing shot could be a points ATM. But the Wawrinka forehand is Andy’s ATM, with Wawrinka coughing up a lot of errors. At 30-all Wawrinka hits and aggressive backhand long for break point, then Wawrinka fight it off with some nice volleying. stan gets what looks like a clean ace called out, but then wins an extended rally. Roddick’s court coverage is VERY impressive, keeping points alive with the forehand chop, but Stan eventually holds for 3-2 on serve.


Richard Vach Says:

KarthikaM, tight corners indeed for Stan, he is hanging in there as the loudspeaker blares “The Devil Came Down to Georgia” (is that the name of the sing)? Lots of fiddling.


KarthikaM Says:

Richard Vach, that’s what I thought it was! The background noise is too loud on that court…Acoustic issues. horns still going off.


Richard Vach Says:

Roddick is flattening out the forehand, hitting some big inside-outs combined with some huge serving for an easy hold, 3-3.

Someone texts me that Gimelstob on the Tennis Channel is again talking about Roger Federer…

Stan gets so flushed when he plays, with the red nose and blotchy face, it always looks like he just came in from sledding or something.

Trouble for Stan at 15-30, but an ace brings it to 30-all, where Wawrinka totally controls the point but then overhits a backhand togive Roddick a break point. Another journalist says, “This is going to be a long day.” Roddick htis skimming backhand slice that Wawrinka cant come up with, and roddick has the break for 4-3, first blood.


jane Says:

Good job Andy – he created a few break points and finally converted on this one. Should be the set then…


KarthikaM Says:

There, break in hand, it’s pretty much going to be routine from here. Roddick is in un”break”able form.


Richard Vach Says:

KM, the noise during changeovers is tremendous — loudspeakers, band, the free horns they give fans, the Swiss chanting and clapping, cowbells…


KarthikaM Says:

Richard Vach Lol, maybe that’s why he refrains from wearing the red shirt, so the coloring on his skin isn’t complemented.


KarthikaM Says:

RV yes, it’s a party…there they go again


Richard Vach Says:

Roddick gives a shout-out to himself after he wins a backhand-to-backhand rally with wawrinka, a pattern you think he wouldnt want to get into regularly, but he seems to want to send a message by going to the Swiss’ strength. Roddick is in steamroll mode now, going to 40-love then holding for a 5-3 lead.

Roddick has a lot of MPH on the serve, and the second serve is just leaping everywhere.

Roddick is pressing the wawrinka forehand, but the Swiss is coming up with big passes and groundstrokes. Wawrinka holds to make Roddick serve it out.


Von Says:

Rich:

Gimelstob is feeding me a diet of Federer and other nonsense on the TC. He’s talking about IW and Miami, Roddick’s/Fed’s h2H, their previous meeting at Miami and their supposedly upcoming match at Mimami — he’s consulting his crystal ball. I had to walk away because this is going to be a further repeat of yesterday. His lips have moved from the permanent position on Fed’s butt to another location, not the left, or right… I would welcome another commentator. Ted Robinson, always so politically correct, is a boring one too. I’m frustrated — moving between my bedroom and my study.


Von Says:

WaWa is Rudolph’s brother, but it ain’y Christmas yet. He looks like a pudgy little Rudolph. Ha, ha. when will our smiley’s be back? I miss them.


markrules Says:

i wish i could set my tv so i can’t here justin gimelblob


KarthikaM Says:

Von, totally, the Tennis channel needs to hire Johnny Mac. But occasional Federer references are warranted when there’s a tennis match going on, and a little more so when the visiting team is his country.


markrules Says:

ha. i typed my justin bash before i read von’s diss. that’s 0-2 for justin today.


Richard Vach Says:

Now we’re getting a little “country” with the changeover music, which the Birmingham crowd is not adverse to. The boys on the sidelines, in addition to Papa Bryan, seem to be enjoying the energy.

Wawrinka lets out a shout when Roddick misses a forehand to go down 0-30. Roddick hits a great approach to bring it to 15-30, and crunchesa forehand winner for 30-all. The Swiss’ floaty slices are not cutting it. Wawrinka nets a forehand during an extended rally, game point Roddick. Another long point and a bad Wawrinka volley, and the U.S. takes the first set 6-4.


markrules Says:

oops. 0-3 counting karthika. that is three strikes. see ya justin.


Von Says:

Yippe, and Roddick takes the first set! He stood his ground in the last rally. Go Andy. The crowd is sounding very moltivated with a lot of loud cheering. Alabamy has not seen this much excitement in a looong time.


Richard Vach Says:

Von, I can see Justin in the stadium but dont have to listen to him. But I can hear Pat benetar’s “Hit me with your best shot” for a third consecutive day, blah.

I dont expect Wawrinka to change up his game plan — serve huge, think you can beat Roddick from the baseline, but there are so many points where he has Roddick off the court and roddick barely slice it back, and Wawrinka could finish the point with an easy volley.

Roddick is hitting some low-skidding nasty slices, but Wawrinka is coming up with he goods, getting down low to drive the ball. Finally Wawrinka come in to finish a point and holds for 1-0.


markrules Says:

justin: that’s the shot andy has improved, his drop volley. yeah justin, he wins so many more points because of that shot. ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. kill me.


Von Says:

KarthikaM:

I don’t mind the Fed references but with Gimel once he starts he throws in every sick little detail. It’s as though he has Fed on speed dial and they are buddies. I’m sure Fed doesn’t even talk to gimel except for an occasional hi, but Gimel talks as though they are buddies.

Yesterday, he was on the Fed should do what he wants and if he doesn’t play DC then he has other piorities which is to win slams and he’s earned the right to dictate and exercise his options. Gimel was talking without any prompting whatsover and he took the conversation down the Fed path, which was totally unrelated to anything happening at theat moment. Just nonsensical rambling. He’s a master at deviating from the subject matter and what’s happening in front of his eyes. OK back to my bedroom. The break from Gimel’s voice was much needed.


Richard Vach Says:

When did Roddick get the sweet drop volley touch? Nice shot. Huge serving and net aggression, and Roddick holds for 1-1.

Roddick wins ANOTHER backhand-to-backhand rally, then a stunning volley gives him two break points. Roddick converts, and theres the second-set break for a 2-1 lead.


Von Says:

Richard:

Keep away from Gimel before you contract the mouth disease.


markrules Says:

justin says he got the drop volley from hours of mini tennis with him.


Von Says:

What’s wrong with Stan, he’s getting a rub-down. Is he injured or is the pressure geting to him? This is going to disrupt Andy’s momentum.I don’t like these in jujry time-outs, they’re detrim ental to the op;onent.


markrules Says:

nice. wowreeka is getting his left shoulder worked on. does it hurt when he tosses the ball on his toss or when he holds the throat of his racket right before he hits a ONE HAND backhand?


KarthikaM Says:

Von, Yeah, incessant rambling of the kind is way too frustrating. There is a way to include context and reference and history to what is actually happening on court, instead of mere verbal reiteration of the motions, and Gimelstob certainly has no clue on how to do that.


Von Says:

markrules:

Gimel knows Roddick but the way he talks about their relationship it’s as though he’s inside Andy’s every movement. Another situation of up close and too personal. Watch out for a diet fed to you on every detail and aspect of their supposed friendship. OK I’m done with Gimel.


KarthikaM Says:

markrules since there’s still at least a couple sets, Gimelstob has a lot more to come…


jane Says:

Andy’s firmly in charge. To be fair to Wawrinka, he’s played all 3 ties because he’s kind of had to, ahem, “shoulder” the burden for his team.


Richard Vach Says:

Anyone got some asperin, because “Life is a Highway” at 500 decibels has given me a headache. Roddick gets a rousing ovation as he takes the court, as the swiss continue to argue if Roddick got the ball before it bounced twice.

Andy keeps pressing and holds easily for 3-1.
Roddick feathers an approach shot wide, drawing “ooh!” s from the crowd. Lots of off-hits, with neither player hitting the ball particularly clean. Wawrinka holds for 2-3, down a break.


markrules Says:

vach, if they start 80s hairband anthems during changeovers, i’d pack up and leave.


Von Says:

Wawa doesn’t appear to be too happy with the calls both from the Umpire and the lines people. He seemed dejected and out of sorts while talking to his captain. Something’s amiss.

Richard, sorry can’t send you aspirin through the net.

The commentator of ADTHE.net is very good. Maybe I’ll watch the live streaming, but I love being a couch potato.


KarthikaM Says:

Did he just say “his shoulder blessed by God?”


markrules Says:

i wonder who got the tongue and vocal chords blessed by god? not gimmel for sure.


Von Says:

Some loud commentating emanting from somewhere in the stadium. Is that one of the commentators talking so loudly?


Richard Vach Says:

AC/DC “Thunderstruck” is apparently the loudest thing they can find to play on the loudspeaker during the changeover. Sorry, i have a headache.

No chance for Stan with Roddick serving like he is, and the American takes the 4-2 lead. Stan gets new balls to serve with, and the chair umpire calms down the crowd chanting “USA! USA!”
Wawrinka looks like he might be a little more willing to force the net issue being down a set and a break, but right as I say that, he hits a backhand slice up at the “t” then scampers backwards to the baseline. That gives Roddick an added element, knowing the Swiss is hesitant to take short balls in. Wawrinka nevertheless holds for 3-4 down a break.


jane Says:

If you guys really can’t take it, you could always switch to the online streaming at ADTHE; the commentary is reserved and balanced.

WOW another DC upset besides the Czech over France one; Israel has just beaten Sweden in another marathon match ending at 8-6 in the 5th. Vindication for Dubia debacles? On some deeper level, that’s a reallly nice win.


Richard Vach Says:

How about “What I Like About You” as the cheerleaders toss rolled-up towels into the crowd? No free towels yet, but I scored some free media swag, davis Cup longsleeve.


Von Says:

Rich: Maybe they’ll change to “you’re still the one” or “Hey, hey, it’s Andy roddick”. Be thankful they haven’t started playing “Way down upon a Swanee River”, or “Oh Shenandoah”.


jane Says:

Von – I see you’re already onto the streaming…I agree, the commentary is good.


jane Says:

markrules – come on! what’s wrong with poison and the crue. LOL!


Von Says:

I’m watching the ADTHE. Gimel has taken me out of my comfortable “couch potato” mode, and I’m now relegated to sitting in my study. Somebody go over there and smack him one for me, pulease.


markrules Says:

vach, bring me home a L long sleeve t. i didn’t get mine b/c amer stayed home with his bad knee instead of going as a practice player.


markrules Says:

jane, did you mean “what’s wrong” with poison besides everything?


Von Says:

jane;

Yes, I give up, I can’t take the chatterbox. I’m recording the match and it will be shown again tonight, unfortunately, i’ll have to mute it. I’m not enjoying the match at the moment.


Richard Vach Says:

Stepanek/Berdych and the Israelis winning are big, Jane, that is good stuff. The Worm will find a way to win.

Roddick in a spot here at 30-all, but will probably drop a bomb. And he does, another ace, wow. Not to bring up the “F” word, but it would be interesting to see this in-form Andy against Fed. andy holds for 5-3, and the “USA!” chants resound, one game from a 2-0 set lead.

Does Wawrinka have a Plan B? Because he needs to get it out. How tired is he playing his third straight match? he doesnt look particularly spry around the court. Roddick presses the net with less success this game, but a couple Wawrinka errors bring it back to deuce. Wawrinka looks like he is fighting off fatigue, physical and/or mental, trying to jump around and pump himself up. He eventually holds for 4-5 down a break.


markrules Says:

i got tennis on tv and no sound, and dirty dancing on the other tv with sound. nobody puts baby in the corner.


Richard Vach Says:

Markrules you’re saying you have players getting you shirts? Must be nice to be connected.

it’s “Axel F” during the changeover! Who is old enough to remember the Eddie Murphy movies when he was good? Back to the ’80s here in the arena!


Richard Vach Says:

Roddick is running Stan all over; if the swiss isn’t feeling it now, he is going to be. Roddick wins a touchy net point and the crowd goes ballistic, 30-0, two points from the set. Roddick missed the “out” call on an ace, glared at the umpire, stepped up and served a bomb, then glared at the umpire some more. Roddick holds at love, two sets to nil, crowd goes crazy and “Sweet Home Alabama” puts them into a frenzy.


markrules Says:

vach, i wish players were getting me stuff but everybody i know is injured. i’m like a curse. amer was supposed to be practice player. he was hitting with blake all week in tampa but has to stay off his knee for a while. i’m bad news. don’t be friends with me if you want a healthy sports carreer.


jane Says:

markrules – cherry pie must be one of the most soul-searching songs of all time – NOT! i think it goes w/o saying 80s hairbands bit it.

Richard – I remember “Trading Places” – Murray was great in that.


Richard Vach Says:

Now Watergate does not bother these Alabamans, and they don’t like Neil young. At least according to their music. Now AC/DC back in black, everyone on their feet, Davis Cup nuttiness in Birmingham. Everyone is rocking, that is, except the Swiss fans who are standing around looking stunned. The men now seem to be concentrated on the beers, and are getting into “Back in Black.” This seems like a long TV timeout.


jane Says:

Murphy not Murray – sorry my brain is on tennis not movies.


markrules Says:

vach. what t shirt did murphy wear in that axel f movie?

jane, it’s murphy not murray. don’t bring up other tennis players or you are no better than gimel. lol.


Von Says:

I love Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in that series. I liked the other tall cop, whose name escapes me, who, the Axel Foley character could twist around his little finger. Hilarious movie.


Richard Vach Says:

Third set, Stan serving, he needs to fire up these Swiss fans who are looking at their plane tickets and making dinner plans. Stan is back to the orange shirt? he must have changed earlier and I missed it. Stan holds for 1-0.

Roddick’s serve is just too on, giving him the opportunity to come in and try crazy drop volleys that look like lobs, knowing he can always serve his way out of trouble. Roddick serve down the middle that pat Mac looked like he disaggred with, but no opposition from Roddick. P-Mac sitting almost right on that service line. Another Roddick bomb and its 1-1.

a didastrous game for the tired Stan, down 0-40. Now 15-40 after a superb volley, something he hasnt done enough of this match when having Roddick on the defensive. Theres the break, Roddick up 2-1.


jane Says:

I dunno what t-shirt he wears but he sings “Roxanne” in the first film; now there was a good 80s band, the police, esp. the early stuff.


Richard Vach Says:

Markrules, cant remember the t-shirt but it was distinctive, was it detroit tigers of something, wasnt he from detroit in that movie.

the Davis Cup House Band is Rockin’ with roddick up a break, four games from the win.


jane Says:

There’s the break – break, set and match!! Good job Andy.


Von Says:

WOW,Andy is being very aggressive and taking chances. It’s so not like him, but it’s working. i love it.


Jill Says:

gimel just found a way to worship federer again LOL, this time calling him a “genius”


markrules Says:

vach, it is mumford high school grey tshirt. from detroit.

match over. roddick is not a gagger like blake.


Richard Vach Says:

Roddick serving 2-1, Stan with a great opportunity to lift a lob over Roddick but he hits it short, and looking a little spent the way he is waling around the court compared to earlier matches. Stan wins a long point and gets a nice ovation from the Birmingham crowd. This surface is perfect for Roddick’s serve and slice, and he goes up 3-1.

The large block of swiss fans is subdued, now only applauding a bit when Stan wins a point. Stan is a loittle slow getting to a drop volley attempt, 15-all. Stan gets an overrule in his favor, and follows it up with a nice drop volley winner. Stan ends the game with an ace, holding but still down a break.


Richard Vach Says:

Lots of fans going for the beers in anticipation of this match ending soon.


markrules Says:

too bad wimbledon is so slow. roddick could do well this year.


Richard Vach Says:

Andy delivers ace #12 to begin the game at 3-2, and the bombs keep coming. Ace #13 for 40-15, and a Stan forehand error to bring it to 4-2.

Andy waves for the crowd to tone down the horns and such, a lot of kids here with a lot of horns.

Stan in trouble again at 15-30, looks mentally done. Long point then Stan shanks a not-so-difficult forehand into the crowd, double-break point. Noise level goes way up. Another Wawrinka forehand error and the break, 5-2 roddick


jane Says:

Guess Stan really gave up the ghost there!


Richard Vach Says:

Jill, Gimel loves him some Federer.
Fans are all on their feet and chanting, realizing this is probably the last game. Stan jumping around trying to stay alert.


Richard Vach Says:

Wawrinka rips a nasty backhand to win the first point off Roddicks serve after a shank return. A bad roddick volley makes it 0-30, and the crowd gets behind andy.

Boomer service winner for 15-30. Overhead winner for 30-all. Ace for 40-30, match point, crowd is on its feet chanting “USA!” to the drumbeats. Wawrinka backhand long, U.S. wins.

The US will travel next to Croatia to face the large-serving team of Cilic, Ancic, Karlovic, Ljubicic, etc. in what will be a good one.

Thanks everyone for tuning into our experiment. The indoor fireworks are going off and the U.S. team jogs around the court with the U.S. flag.


jane Says:

“Dancing in the Streets” – okay. Congrats to the USA Team for another win. I wonder, will they still show Blake’s match?


jane Says:

Bye all – thanks Richard. You guys should do live blogging for the Slam finals…


Von Says:

Gimel did another one of his interviews that’s lacking in in the art of subtleties.

He’s standing with the whole US DC team and begins with reiterating the accolades for Andy tying Agassi’s record for 31 match wins in DC, then the Bryans for their historic record then fumbles and looks at James, hesitates and says “And James Blake has been a stalwart on the DC team”. Gimel is just the PITS, I TELL YOU. Why did he talk about the accolades in front of James. Doesn’t he know that would be kind of upsetting for James. There was an uncomfortable moment there on the faces of all.

Then Gimel talks about the US going to Croatia and asks, looking directly at James; “Can we expect the same team to be there” then James. answers: “Well, yes, if I’m invited.” Is this guy the pits or what? Someone go over there and slap him for me, please. Or better still, GAG HIM.

____________
jane:

did you know Canada is playing Ecuador in DC Cup?


Von Says:

James is going to play the 5th rubber and he should win this one. I guess we’ll hear some loud groaning from Chuid.


Von Says:

I’m very happy for Argentina winning without Nalby. Hopefully Nalby will be injury free when they next play DC in July. Who knows maybe in July the DC tie won’t interfere with DelPotro’s hard-court game. How ridiculous.

Too bad Germany has to meet Spain in Spain. Spain/Nadal should give thanks every day for the substance called “clay”.


Mary Says:

Thanks for the live blogging of the US Davis Cup.


jane Says:

Yes Von – and Canada is leading 2-1 last I checked; would you believe there is NO t.v. coverage here? Of course not. Only curling and hockey. Sigh. It’s a vicious cycle; unless interest is shown in tennis, interest won’t be created for growing tennis here.

I can’t even find live scores, though ADTHE. have shown matches. I am hoping Dancevic can cinch it for us.


jane Says:

Oops Dancevic lost to Lapentti so now it goes to a 5th deciding rubber. Sigh. I don’t know about these guys so really can’t call it – Niemimeyer and another Lapentti but not Nicolas (he beat Dancevic). Anyhow I don’t pay much attention, perhaps you can see why.


margot Says:

Von, your description of the Gimel interview was priceless. He seems a real piece of work, perhaps he’s related to Andrew Castle?
In fact same prob here, commentators and interviewers going “Of course with Murray in the team we could win everything blah blah blah..but without..” long doleful pause, uncomfortable shuffling…etc etc


Von Says:

Margot:

I don’t know who Andrew Castle is, but I can tell you Gimel is a piece of work. God broke the mould after he made him and threw it in the fire. Gosh, I don’t think there is another to match this guy’s bungling, idiotic statements.

The Tennis Channel will deteriorate in viewership if he remains a staple. I shudder to think what will transpire at IW and Miami. Lord help us — we need prayers, so Margot, say one for me. If not, I’ll have to leave the comfort of my recliner and wide-screen TV for the smaller screen TV in my and office chair, in order to avoid listening to the jerk. I can’t even bear to look at him with his puffy cheeks when he smiles. Yuck! I’m really being uncharitable, but I can’t help t. This weekend was the last straw.

Wawrinka mentioned to Gimel when he was being deluged with Fed questions after his match that Roger was fine, but he’s at home and we are here. I thought that was a nice subtle and polite way of saying, “Don’t dwell on Fed, let’s talk about the present team”. Oh no, that didn’t do it. Do you think that was enough? No, no, no, the idiotic, on Saturday, before the Bryans’ match went into a dissertation of the whys and wherefores of Fed’s actions; how hard he’s worked and is entitled to make choices regarding DC. He’s concentrating on other thin gs and has the right to do so. This is without any prompting by his colleague.

Gimel, next cornered P McEnroe after the Bryans won, and literally insulted our DC team by saying if Fed was presently playing we wouldn’t have had Sunday to look forward to. P McEnroe said why do we have to talk about Federer. Gimel just looks for an opening to begin spewing garbage. As I said, Lord help us, please. Rant over until IW. Do you think I should take up a collection for some ear plugs?


Von Says:

jane:

ADTHE was showing the matches for Canada. Is Nestor not playing doubles?


Von Says:

jane;

Sorry about Djoko’s loss. Would you believe I watched the match then went back to sleep. I don’t normally watch Nadal but I wanted to see how Djoko fared on clay against him.

It seems to me Djoko has lost interest in playing. He made about 50 UEs in the match v.Nadal. Nadal did not play well at all, and made a lot of UEs also, but he managed to break Djoko in the first two sets and the third set Djoko gave up entirely. His H2H is now 12-4. It’s now 6 on clay and 6 on other surfaces. This is just over a 2 to 3 year period.
_____________

Margot:

What was the finalscore for GBR. I didn’t see anything on the ATP website pertaining to them. From the forthcoming QF matchups, it would appear they lost because they are not one of the contenders. Sorry.


Mary Says:

Gimel must have pics of the tennis media frolicking with livestock. It’s the only way he can still be getting work.
A few years back, he was blogging for a major magazine. He blogged about how the female players must feel so darn ugly next to some of the player’s girlfriends. He then went to rate the girlfriends of the male players.
He apologized the next week by writing a piece about how his girlfriend battled breast cancer. I don’t know what his girlfriend’s breast had to do with his prior comments. Like somehow dating someone with cancer means you know how to be a really nice guy deep down inside.


jane Says:

Von,

Yep, Nestor played and the doubles team won, but Neimimayer kind of blew it; he was cruising again Lapentti part deux then he lost momentum, let Lapentti back into the match, and the latter won the tiebreak and 3rd set, which meant Canada lost their tie.

i don’t know what to think about Novak’s loss today; I didn’t see the match, but Danica said on the other thread that the two 6-4 sets were very close and well contested. So that made me feel more positive. By the third set he knew it was over, so…

Yes, Novak’s H2H against Rafa not great: it is 0-6 on clay, but nobody has a winning H2H against Rafa on clay do they? I’d love to know about anyone who does, maybe from before his 4 French titles? Fed has won ONE match on clay in NINE tries. So I am not too worried that Novak lost that one. :-)

Novak still has a winning H2H against Rafa on hardcourts at 4-3. He lost twice to him on grass, but I believe if he plays to his potential he can beat Rafa on grass, maybe not clay, but grass, yes. He was very close at Queens and gave up a lead. He just needs to get a win and get some confidence.

I do think both Roger and Rafa are a little bit in his head; they are such tough competitors and I think he gets nervous when he plays them in particular.

Anyhow, I am not worried about Novak’s game just yet; he may be in a mini-slump, perhaps due to the racquet and off court issues, perhaps not, but in any case, I’ll wait and see how he does on hardcourts before I really worry. Go Novak!!!!


RB Says:

Just wondering, does anyone know where the Nike shirt that Patrick Mcenroe can be purchased? Looks cool.


TD (Tam) Says:

I hope to see in the Trunk/funk next week,

Who’s Got Funk-
Andy Roddick/USA.

In the Trunk-
Justin Gimelstob, Worst. Kiss/Rogers/Bum. Commentator. Ever.

Please to enjoy the USA’s wins American fans of tennis!

jane, sorry abour your man’s loss today but if it is any consolation he did much better than anybody thought he would against the king of clay. :)

good nite.


jane Says:

Thanks TD – I only caught a bit of the last set so was feeling quite bummed, but I ‘ve read a couple other posters’ thoughts and they didn’t think it was so bad. Anyhow, I do appreciate the consolation! It’s just tennis after all. Novak’s life is pretty great being a top ten player — sheesh! Wish we all had it so good. :-D

Yes – Andy’s got the Funk!!


margot Says:

Von: it really pains me to write this but the final score was 4-0…..ho hum. Was also very miffed that France lost, just really like their talented players, up against very experienced players at home so that must be part of it, but Simon lost both his matches, awful.
Just read Mary’s comment about Gimel, could not believe it!! Yes, industrial ear plugs are called for or could you have the sound off and listen to a radio commentary, which is what I do sometimes, except there’s a slight time lag which can be disconcerting!


MMT Says:

“I love Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in that series. I liked the other tall cop, whose name escapes me, who, the Axel Foley character could twist around his little finger. Hilarious movie.”

Beverly Hills Cop 1-3 – the soft cop was Billy Rosewood played by Judge Reinhold.

“I dunno what t-shirt he wears but he sings “Roxanne” in the first film; now there was a good 80s band, the police, esp. the early stuff.”

That was 48 Hours, the cop was Jack Cates, played by Nick Nolte.

My favorites were Coming to America and Harlem Nights, that latter is probably the most underrated movie in his career.

Great tennis this weekend, BTW. Sad, but interesting statistic – of his 17 singles victories, just 7 have been live rubbers. 5 times he’s failed to get a win in the opening rubber, and he’s never played a live rubber on Sunday.

I’m wondering if Davis Cup has been so good for his career. Interestingly, Mardy Fish has done it 3 in 5 opportunities.


MMT Says:

Sorry, those last stats belong to James Blake.


margot Says:

Sorry Von results was 4-1. oh silly me, feel so much better……


Von Says:

Margot:

4-1 is better than a close-out. Cheer up, they’ll get better. I still feel John Lloyd should have used Rusedski, even if to get them into the group.
_____________
MMT: I figured you were talking about James Blake before I saw the Post script. Poor James, I feel for him, but PMc now has a big problem looming before him as James gets older. His BH is totally useless. As I watch James using his backhand at times, the manner in which he extends it, it appears as though in his mind he believes he’s Fed. Just a hunch, but his body language looks that way.

I loved every one of the Beverly Hills Cops movies. And yes, Coming to America was the best. Trading Places is also a good one.

One series I liked but the No. 3 version wasn’t that good is Rush Hour. I think Tucker is a blast.


MMT Says:

Hi Von:

Love Chris Tucker – he’s hilarious. As for Blake, his backhand has always been (one of many) albatross(es) – the other his tactics and strategy (or the lack thereof). Fish isn’t much better an option than Blake, and luckily it hasn’t cost them anything, but the problem for PMac is that if he drops Blake now, he’ll probably never be able to pick him again, and then he’ll have to RELY on Fish, which is a recipe for disaster. Davis Cup is really all Balek has left, in my opinion, and if he loses that, he’ll be really distraught.

I see him sticking with Blake until their campaign ends this year – if the US don’t win the DC, then Blake will be dropped for Querrey.

P.S. Did you know that the American twist serve was invented by Holcombe Ward and Dwight Davis (for whom the cup is named)?

http://www.daviscup.com/about/history/serveisborn.asp


margot Says:

Seems to be official now, Cahill will work with Roger at IW, then who knows.
Jane: I think Andy M has more chance of a first Grand Slam at the US Open, which is his favourite tournament. I can’t see anyone, this year, beating Rafa at the French Open, can you?
Von: Slumdog is a fantastic film, a celebration of life, but it’s very harrowing in parts.


jane Says:

margot – yeah, I tend to agree that Murray’s best Grand Slam chance, at the moment anyhow, is the USO, possibly grass but that remains to be seen. Rafa pretty much dominated him last year at SW19, though Murray’s win over Gasquet was memorable, to say the least.

I doubt anyone will beat Rafa at the French Open just yet, but it’ll happen eventually, maybe next year? If he wins this year, it’s 5 RG consective titles – wow.


Von Says:

MMT:

Thanks for sharing the Dwight Davis/Twist serve article. Very interesting. It’s a shame that good servers are frowned upon so much in view of the technicality that’s involved and the time devoted in breaking down the serve to acquire its perfection. I wonder why the scorer used blue balls — probably the school’s colors?

I would think Davis Cup would have a great amount of significance for James Blake. Yes, it would be psychologically detrimental for him if he were to be dropped from the team. It must be stressful for Roddick though, to have a team-mate that’s not too reliable.

I liked Lansdorp’s analysis of the serve on Tennis Academy that’s shown on TC. The Signature series is also very interesting.

___________
Margot: Both you and Two Cents have convinced me that it would be to my advantage to wait for pay per view and avoid the crowds at the cinema. I refuse to stand on line to purchase tickets to see a movie.

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