Tennis Handicapper: Thursday at Indian Wells

I like Ana, Vika/Vera, Verdasco, Bryans. The rest, I don’t care.

March 19th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

Would love to see Ljubicic beat Murray on his 30th birthday.

March 19th, 2009 at 3:36 pm

So you’re going with Verdasco; interesting…

March 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pm

Not sure Verdasco over Fed would be considered a huge upset given Hot Sauce’s form. They’ve only played one another twice on clay @ Hamburg both times – for me, it’s a toss-up.

March 19th, 2009 at 5:21 pm

Ljubicic is holding his own against Murray; yeah, Murray won the first set, but it was a landslide, and this second one is tight too. Ljub’s doing a good job of returning Murray’s second serve. Murray’s getting a few more first serves in and has been able to convert on one more break point than Ljub and that’s the difference thus far. Interesting as I though it’d be easier for Andy. I wonder if this is testament to Ljub’s new and improved fitness, or Murray’s lack of match play leading in?

March 19th, 2009 at 5:33 pm

“but is was a landslide” should be “but it wasn’t…”

March 19th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Am watching this game at 4-5, this is crazy, that ball looked out – how unfortunate – could they have brought up the wrong image on hawkeye? weird…

March 19th, 2009 at 5:51 pm

Too bad for Ljub – he got a bad “hawkeye” call; the ball looked out but the machine showed it right on the line. The crowd even booed when he gotten broken. Hmmmm…. The umpire said he “had to go with the machine.”

This will likely be the match too.

March 19th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

Maybe that’s poetic justice – the break for Looby. Murray looked aweful in that game – tentative.

March 19th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

As i write this, Roddick/Fish are leading the Argies by a set 6-1 first set in doubles. Andy you need to save some energy for tomorrow’s match.

Roddick fans, here’s something nice for our guy.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/1/en/news/newsarticle_2646.asp

March 19th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

The one area of Murray’s game where he needs to work on is his second serve percentage. He’s very ineffective in that regard and it does cause him to play extended point rallies because it seems to be locker room knowledge. Most of his opponents, especially Federer, viz. the USO, T off on Andy M’s second serve.

March 19th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

Fish/Roddick are now leading 3-1 in the second set. Any Roddick/Fish fans watching the live scores, or are interested in doubles?

March 19th, 2009 at 9:00 pm

Hi Von! Yes I am interested in the doubles with Andy/Mardy. Do you know if there is a live feed of the match available?

Too bad about that bad hawkeye challenge during Lubicic’s match with Murray but I don’t think he would have won either way to be honest. Murray is a better mover and player than the veteran.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:15 pm

Great win for Fish/Roddick, 6-1, 6-1, over Nalby and JMDP in doubles and they are now in the SFs. Next up Gasquet/Wawrinka who are in the SFs due to a walkover from Robredo. The Bryans are also in the SFs and are the defending champions — this will become a sticky wicket should the two teams advance to the finals.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:18 pm

Fish/Roddick must be a tough team to handle for anyone. Roddick sucks at net but they both have huge serves. Can’t be easy even for good returners like Nalby/JMDP.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:20 pm

Update: Now that Ana is playing Pavlyuchenko I still say she has the edge, only because of experience. The kid’s run has to end sometime. But maybe not?

Fish/Roddick, good they came through. But I have to go with Bryans for the whole thing, maybe!

I did notice the booing and and crowd support for Ljubi after that bad call.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:27 pm

TD(Tam):

Hi, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but no live feed on doubles matches at the present time. Maybe the SF and finals, I hope. See my post at 9:18 pm wherein I mentioned the finals could be between two US teams. Also, did you see my post above on this thread at 8:53 pm with the link to an award Andy received in China ? I’m happy for him.

I’ve always hazarded a secret thought/wish that Mardy and Andy could probably team up and pick up where the Bryans leave off in Doubles. They’d make a super doubles team; what with Andy’s serve, Mardy’s too, coupled with Mardy’s beautiful two-handed angled BH — killer net game. Who knows they might pick up some good titles. Just wishful thinking/day dreaming on my part, but some dreams do come to fruition.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:28 pm

sensationalsafin:

Hi, glad to see you around. Have you watched Andy’s game lately? I don’t think he still “sucks” at the net. He has greatly improved in that area. Take a look next time he plays.
_____________
Sar:

Yes, the Bryans are somewhat of a shoe-in, considering Doubles is their specialty, but Roddick/Fish are better servers. It will be difficult for me to choose if they do meet in the finals, but if they do and one wins, the US still wins. A win/win situation and that would be wonderful for me personally.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:35 pm

Sar;

Would you want to watch Pavlyuchenko wring out her hair again? Are you Serbian? I’m curious, what is it that Ana says when she’s in a point rally? I try to listen but I don’t understand.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:37 pm

Von says
“The Bryans are also in the SFs and are the defending champions — this will become a sticky wicket should the two teams advance to the finals.”

Von, I think the Bryan’s have never won IW – it’s been the one tournament title that has eluded them.

Good win for Fish/Roddick – I’m surprised it was by that large of a margin.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:50 pm

Thanks for the stream information Von too bad one’s not available, maybe for the final. I dont think Andy “sucks” at net either. He’s not the best but he’s far from the worst.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:58 pm

tenisbebe:

You’re right. I always confuse Miami with IW because they are so close; Ehrlich/Ram d. Nestor/Zimon. Well now, in view of this new info, I wouldn’t feel so badly for the Bryans if Andy/Mardy were to win. Andy/Mardy have been winning easily in their matches. I’m happy.

March 19th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

TD(Tam):

You’re welcome. If I see anything on streaming for the doubles, which I think would be a miracle, I’ll let you know. I had thought that since so many top singles are playing doubles at IW, streaming would be given some attention, but not so. Too bad, because when good doubles teams are playing, doubles could be very exciting and their end of the sport is growing.

March 19th, 2009 at 10:08 pm

Is anybody still here watching Federer and Verdasco now?

March 19th, 2009 at 10:54 pm

I’ve 1 question. Who do you guys think Murray will prefer to meet in his next match? Federer or Verdasco?

March 19th, 2009 at 11:01 pm

TD: Hi ya. I am watching – don’t know who I want to win – am torn…Will be happy with either I think.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:12 pm

Federer will win the 1st set anyway…

March 19th, 2009 at 11:13 pm

Easy first set for Roger. He didn’t have to do much except keep the ball in play and wait for Nando’s errors to come.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

Agree with you. I think that is the major weakness of Verdasco – unforced error!

March 19th, 2009 at 11:17 pm

Excellent hold for Nando he needed that badly before the Fed express train completely railroaded him!

Von thank you for that nice link about Andy’s popularity in China. I am pleasantly surprised to see that but that’s our loveable American guy. :D

March 19th, 2009 at 11:24 pm

Ezorra Says:

“I’ve 1 question. Who do you guys think Murray will prefer to meet in his next match? Federer or Verdasco?”
Good question! Murray has good winning H2H’s vs both players. I don’t know but would guess Federer.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:28 pm

Geez – they both struggled on serve there. Now that’s more like it!! Better quality.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:30 pm

TD (Tam):

I was posting my comments on the other thread. I didn’t realize you guys were here. I thought I was alone and feeling soooo lonely.

You’re welcome. Our Andy is very popular overseas especially China.
_____________
Ezorra: Verdasco’s FH is misfiring nd is the cause of his UEs.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:30 pm

If I were Federer fan, I would like to see Federer to meet Murray instead of Ljubicic (eventhough I know Murray had beaten Ljubic already) in semifinal. I believe the winning against Murray will motivate him to do the best for the rest of the season!

March 19th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

This match is moving so fast unlike last night’s marathon. More tennis please.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:36 pm

A Murray-Federer match would be more interesting tennis wise I think, but we are headed for another dreaded Nadal-Federer final anyway!

March 19th, 2009 at 11:37 pm

Von says:
I’m not a Fed fan, but I wonder how he feels about Cahill being in Verdasco’s camp now that he’s shown Cahill some of his game. If I were he, and there was a thing as “conflict of interest” in tennis coaching, I’d surely ask for Cahill to be removed from their match, considering how soon after their interaction he’s coaching Verdasco. Verdasco has an inside on Fed’s game — an upper-hand. Just my silly musings.”

I have been thinking about this too. I mean, Darren just spent 10 days or so with Fed & definitely has an inside on his thinking, tactics, etc. You would think he’d be miffed at the thought of Cahill filling Nando’s ear with all of that. I guess they didn’t have a contract so all’s fair in “love & tennis”. :-)

March 19th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

tennisbebe:
“Murray has good winning H2H’s vs both players. I don’t know but would guess Federer.”

Agree with you. we will never know what is coming out from ‘the recent Verdasco’ every time he plays.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

Yeah – very basic. Nothing new in this match up. Fed’s serving well. Verdasco is not doing much of anything. Too bad. Thought it might be more exciting like yesterday’s matches…

March 19th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

Djokovic will have donkey for lunch tomorrow :) comon novak! slay the evil donkey!

March 19th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

tenisbebe:

Even though I’m not a Fed fan I didn’t like what Cahill did. I just can’t understand why he even bothered to call him and travel to Dubai only to change his mind. The whole thing seems weird to me.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:43 pm

Ezorra:

Sorry I looked t up but didn’t post it.

Murray 5 – 1 Verdasco (only win @ Oz “09)
Murray 5 – 2 Federer (last win USO)

March 19th, 2009 at 11:44 pm

Donkey:

Go kiss somebody’s ass…..

March 19th, 2009 at 11:45 pm

Cahill is coaching Nando? omg when did this happen? I thought he said he couldn’t coach because of travel away from his family? Does Nando live in las vegas?

Well this certainly answers my question why Cahill is watching the match I did not realize he was sitting in Nando’s camp. How awkward!

March 19th, 2009 at 11:45 pm

Jane – you are so right but now Nando’s broken so we’ll see.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:47 pm

tennisbebe:

get your head out of a-rod’s ass

March 19th, 2009 at 11:48 pm

TD (Tam) Says:

“Cahill is coaching Nando? omg when did this happen? I thought he said he couldn’t coach because of travel away from his family? Does Nando live in las vegas?”

Tam – he took a job coaching for Adidas (like Sven G. – Ana’s old “coach”) so he’ll coach all the players Adidas represents that they want him to. Nando’s on that list. I’s just ironic that Nando & Fed are playing against one another so soon after this all transpired.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:51 pm

Donkey:

My head’s up Nando’s pants – but not his ass…..

March 19th, 2009 at 11:53 pm

Maybe we’ll see a tie-break in this set.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:53 pm

Well at least Tobasco broke back.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:55 pm

tenisbebe, just ignore donkey. it’s not worth it to even react to somebody like him at all. he just a “donkey” after all.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:57 pm

Ezorra – Yes, I know better. Sorry everyone.

March 19th, 2009 at 11:59 pm

Roger’s feeling the pressure, Nando has 3 break points!

March 19th, 2009 at 11:59 pm

Nando breaks – it’s a whole new match. Jane you’ll get your wish for a 3-setter looks like.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:00 am

I vote for a third set.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:00 am

Come on Verdasco, don’t give back the break — hold on to it.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:03 am

Fed does look a step slower than in the past. Age is creeping up on him too.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:04 am

Von:
The article said Bryans vs. Frystnberg/Matkowski so I was for the Bryans in this case. I think if Fish and Roddick could win the doubles it would be great for A Rod. Bryans have so many titles already and will surely beat the Woody’s record in due time.

LOL Von. It was Kleybanova who was wringing out her sweaty hair not Pavlyuchenko. Kleybanova reminds me of a Viking wife who should be wearing one of those horn helmets.

I must confess I am around one fifth Serbian but have never been there and do not speak the language.I think she must be saying come on or something like that. The rest of me is among other things German,French and Dutch! I am also partial to Haas and Monfils sometimes and lots of Russians such as Zvonareva, Azarenka, Kuzzy. I like Roddick, Querry, and a couple other Americans.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:06 am

Nerves is what’s happeneing to Verdasco — he can’t seem to close out the set.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:07 am

Slob just called Fed “the greatest player of all time”. Someone please gag him.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:07 am

don’t let him break back Nando! we want a third set.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:07 am

I hate how lucky Federer gets, all these choking players who cant hold serve…….

March 20th, 2009 at 12:10 am

Verdasco is going to prove me wrong….arrrrghhhhh

March 20th, 2009 at 12:11 am

But he should’ve at least served out the second set. Too bad.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:11 am

Right! donkey is the only one who earns his wins. Lets whoop donkey ass!

March 20th, 2009 at 12:12 am

That is the different between the great and the good one. the great one is always know when to give their best and when to hold back a little bit. I bet Federer will win the 2nd set and the whole match!

March 20th, 2009 at 12:13 am

Yeah Tam but that happens alot with the top players. Look at Rafa last night vs Nalby at the end of the second?

March 20th, 2009 at 12:14 am

sar:

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I’d love to see A-Rod win too, but if the Bryans win it, that OK with me — it’ll be all in the US family.

Seems like you’re very cosmopolitan, but am glad to know you like some of the Americans also.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:15 am

Oh well, it’s up to Murray now.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:16 am

I’m disappointed — the match was too short and it’s the only match for tonight.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:17 am

So Murray / Fed play Saturday?

March 20th, 2009 at 12:18 am

Von – not so we have the women. Hopefully no screaming.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:20 am

I guess. Murray can beat him.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:20 am

Yeah, I feel robbed of a 3rd set!! Why’d Verdasco have to give up and not serve it out. Sheesh. So Murray should have a good shot against Roger though. That’ll be a competitve semi.

I think it’s great ARod and Fish are cruising in doubles; who knew?

Later all … have to watch 30 Rock!

March 20th, 2009 at 12:22 am

Good night all. S. Green if you are out there, join us.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:23 am

Sar:

Can you give me the scoop on the women that are left? The only one I am familiar with is Ana. Thanks in advance.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:23 am

tenisbebe:

Thanks, I forgot about the women, but it just goes to show how little attention I pay to what’s going on with them. I hope it’s a good match we’ll see without the hysterics. It’s too late in the night to hear screeching sounds.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:27 am

Von – FSN went to another show – unbelievable! The tourney website says they ar supposed to be on the air til 2:30am with the women’s – I am not happy with this lack of coverage. It’s a QF after all.

March 20th, 2009 at 12:33 am

I have seen Roddick play, and I agree. He has improved. He’s improved almost every aspect of his game. Only I think he’s still kinda dumb sometimes. But even though I picked him to beat Ferrer, I’m still very impressed with the result. Good on him.

March 20th, 2009 at 1:05 am

Hey sensationalsafin – You must be pleased that Roger is winning here so far. What do you think about Mirka & Fed’s news? Or about Fed’s chances against Murray?

March 20th, 2009 at 1:21 am

Von: Yes, andy M’s second serve is generally rubbish(!) and needs some quick work, if possible, he’s also way too passive on occasion, no need cos when he plays agressively he plays well, he a competent volleyer and yeeesh..those awful drop shots, that he seems to play if uncertain or under stress,surely test a fan’s patience. So your Gimel is slobbering over Andy is he? Perhaps then I should learn to love Gimel…?
Ezorra: Didn’t see Fed, Verdasco match, wrong time in UK, but I think Murray would prefer to meet Federer, he seems to play much better against the top players and sees beating Fed as welcome challenge, and FV beat him last time out, though Andy M seemed ill to me.
Jane: if Andy M can’t win ANYONE except Raf n Rog please!

March 20th, 2009 at 2:20 am

margot – yep someone besides the top two would be nice. spread the love, money and trophies around.

March 20th, 2009 at 2:24 am

Good morning Jane! Just heard Andy M interviewed on radio, oooer, saying how well he feels etc! Good.

March 20th, 2009 at 2:30 am

Hey TD, what’s your problem with Roger winning? And don’t keep repeating that Fed’s been lucky always to win due to his opponents choking! Your Roddick’s a good player and would have been a multiple slam winner if Fed had not beaten him in two or three or whatever slam finals have been played between them. But while envying Fed’s luck so much, you must never forget that your Rod was also lucky enough to win his match against Nalby due to some controversial decision(s?), had the umpire’s decision not been wrong, he well might never probably have won a slam! I’m not saying this to denigrate Roddick’s achievement but to remind you that your Rod has also been lucky at times. So to say that it’s just because of Fed’s stars remaining aligned that he has won is to denigrate Fed as well deny the truth that Fed’s one of the greatest ever. So try to not ignore what I’m telling you.

March 20th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

margot says:
“if Andy M can’t win ANYONE except Raf n Rog please!”

I hear ya margot – I also am ready for some new faces at the winners podium, casting the net wider. We shall see…

March 20th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

tennisbebe:
Besides Ana there is this new “comet” Pavlyuchenka..young, won 3 junior titles, one USO and 2 AO. Making great transition from juniors. On a hell of a run.

Zvonareva used to be a bit of an emotional head case. Seems to be overcoming this problem lately.

Azarenka is from Belarus just beat Safina and she almost took out Serena at AO but had to quit due to heat. She and Pavlyuchenka are my picks for the future.

March 20th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

fedster, you’re becoming very obvious to me with your new name. Just a word of advice, stop being so effusive or else you’ll be back to square one, and I’m sure you won’t like that. I can’t handle the vacillation too, one time you like Roddick next time you’re against him, not to mention the other stuff. Anyway, don’t mind me, carry on.

March 20th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

Margot:

I answered your pot on another thread — In gist I said you can have Gimel in exchange for one of your Brit commentators, and fret not, my money’s on Andy M.

March 20th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

oops: ‘pot’ s/b ‘post’.

March 20th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

tenisbebe: That was some mess-up with FSN last night. Seems like they were in a hurry to pull the plug on their tennis coverage. Maybe they wanted to get Gimel out of there, pronto, to keep their ratings afloat. Ha, ha.

March 20th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

How do we get rid of GimelSlob? What do I have to sign?

March 20th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

You need money. If they didn’t fire him after the Kournikova incident, they won’t now. His dad gives a lot of donations to tennis, and he’s secure. I wouldn’t mind him if he’d just stick to commentating on what’s in front of him — the current match, instead of incorporating inconsequential information to make himself appear as Mr. Importance and the guy who’s in the know. Hopefully, for our sake he’ll learn — hope springs eternal.

March 20th, 2009 at 3:48 pm

Sar – it’s perfect for him, yes? Gimelslob or just The Slob as I’ve come to call him, for short. The man is a pig – he made a comment at the beginning of the Andreev/Tsonga match that Kirelenko was a nice consolation prize for Andreev after he (presumed by the Slob) would lose to Tsonga. Idiot. I’ll sign the petition.

March 20th, 2009 at 3:52 pm

Von:
“His dad gives a lot of donations to tennis, and he’s secure.”
Wow, now it makes sense. I was wondering how a guy can get fired from blogging for SI, the Kournikova incident, which cost major money considering they had to reshoot those commercials, and just be a jackass in general– gets to keep a job.

While I realize the broadcasters try to catch the new-to-tennis viewers up on the landscape, they go way overboard with repeating the same thing and talking through the points.

March 20th, 2009 at 4:18 pm

Watching Azarenka/Zvonareva match. Boring so far.

March 20th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

Sar: Where are you watching the matches?

______________
Mary:

As I stated, I don’t mind the talking so much, but it’s when and howmuch it’s. I used to like Sam Gore, but when he’s with Gimel I’ve noticed he is fast becoming as good a gossiper as his co-commentator. I can’t believe some of the stuff they talk about.

March 20th, 2009 at 4:26 pm

Von: I cannot lie– I like some gossip during a match. I’m just tired of hearing the same gossip. Also, tennis lacks a bitchy queen commentator, a la Dick Buttons. I was watching the Federer match last night and had no idea why I had to see his parents’ reaction to every shot(they just stared at the court, wow fascinating).
I enjoy ESPN where they just focus on some random fan for an uncomfortable amount of time.

Thanks for the new links to watch matches! I enjoyed it earlier in the week. Who decided to schedule both the men’s matches for the afternoon???

March 20th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Mary: To be honest, I do hear some stuff from some of the commentators that keeps me in the know, and I like that, but it’s the repeat over and over, and the obsession/fixation that drives me crazy. I don’t know if you remember how Mary Carillo used to obsess with the Serbs and their swimming pool and pizza stories. It drove me crazy.

I think the reason for scheduling the men’s matches in the pm is due to giving Ivanovic prime time coverage and also to give the doubles players some recovery time. The Bryans are playing on Court 1 after Ivanovic since they are the No. 1 Doubles players. If I’m not mistaken, the DelPotro match was previosly scheduled for prime-time, but after the cancellation of the women’s match last night, I think the schedule was changed. I can’t keep us with the changes.

OK, your mention of Dick Buttons tells me you’re a Figure Skating fan. Do you think Meissner has completely faded? And, who is our next US men’s/women’s hopeful? Whatever happened to Timothy Goebel?

March 20th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Hi Von, Tenisbebe, Sar… Where is Jane, tennis lovers poker missing card?

March 20th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

Tenisbebe, how’s Chicago these days…?

March 20th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

i am watching on Direct TV channel 646 FSN south

March 20th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

Hi Duro:

How be you? Ready for the Djoko/Roddick match? Have to warn you, I’ll be rooting for Andy but hopefully will remain objective. Looking forward to a good competitive match! Jane, Von & I (and others) might be blogging during the match. You?

March 20th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

Von:
Timothy Goebel is in NY going to university. I know his mom Ginny from my gym.

Azarenka just lost. This was not the same Azarenka that beat Safina. Zvonareva looking confident.

March 20th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

I was thinking that maybe Gimel has a contract, so they can’t let him go until his time on the contract is up, but it may be more insidious than that, according to Von’s post.

March 20th, 2009 at 5:44 pm

Vera looked very confident. Jane – I assumed it was a contractual thing as well but the relative connection may be a factor as well a la Mary Jo Fernandez.

March 20th, 2009 at 5:49 pm

Sar
***How do we get rid of GimelSlob? What do I have to sign?***

include me too!

I have no idea why he still is in this job. He is a another reason to appreciate the mute button.

March 20th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

I don’t know what to watch adthe or tv. If I can’t take Slob I may turn the sound off tv and listen to british live streaming commentators.

March 20th, 2009 at 6:03 pm