Von: This is for you.

I would like to quote from Andy Roddick’s rather extraordinary press conference. I think Federer may want to start reading it.

ON CHANGES IN RODDICK’S GAME AND LISTENING TO A GOOD COACH WHO SEES CHANGES IN THE GAME
“Q. Can you talk about your conditioning? I know you’ve lost some weight in the off-season and that kind of thing.

ANDY RODDICK: I don’t know that it’s so much of my decision as opposed to following orders. There’s a big difference there. (laughter.)

So, I mean, you know, I hired Larry, and told him that I would — you know, I’m not here to run it. This is your show. I’m here to follow.

He promptly said, Okay, lose 15 pounds, and I regretted saying what I said. No, but obviously it’s helped, and it’s made things easier.

He, you know, recognized that there is a change in the game, seems like everything is slowing down a little bit as far as surface and balls and whatnot, and therefore you see a lot more guys dependent upon their running ability and their legs.

So, you know, we’re just trying to keep up. It’s worked so far, but we’re talking about two-and-a-half months. It needs to be proven for a little bit longer than that to consider it an ultimate success.”

ON LARRY STEFANKI’S ABILITY TO SCOUT PLAYERS AND CREATE A GOOD WORK PLAN FOR RODDICK
Q. Apart from the weight loss, what has Stefanki brought to you?

ANDY RODDICK: He has a huge knowledge of the players. He’s worked with, you know, guys who are on tour, and he knows — you know, it’s very nice to trade thoughts about people’s tendencies and how to go about a game plan.

I like his energy, also. We’re not scared to work. We both enjoy the process of training. It’s just been a real good fit so far.”

ON THE UNDER-RATED (THOUGH OBVIOUSLY INCREDIBLE) SKILLS OF RAFA NADAL
Q. Safin was saying at Indian Wells that the thing that most surprised him about Rafa is his hands. He thinks that people didn’t really appreciate how great his hands were coming in. Is there anything, tennis-wise, what have you seen of him that surprised you over the last few years?

ANDY RODDICK: Marat is 100 percent spot on. He developed a chip that gets him out of trouble a lot that no one ever really talks about. They talk about the running and heaviness, but he volleys well. He’s able to transition into the court now. He’s able to play returns, as evidenced by Wimbledon last year.

No one really mentioned the fact that he was standing a foot inside the baseline and hit a return. They talk about how he stands back, but he’s able to mix it up. I don’t really think he gets credit for how complete of a tennis player he is. I think he kind of gets pidgeon-holed into what people remember from five years ago”

March 28th, 2009 at 11:36 am

Speaking of upsets, so much for us getting to see Murray vs. Nalbandian. Potted-plant Nalby showed up today (Remember that Von? from Queens?) I guess he can set down roots in concrete as well as grass. Troicki beats him 6-1, 6-3.

March 28th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

Andrew Miller,
great quotes from Roddick.

Roddick loses it sometimes on the court and becomes rude to the umpire or the linespeople and that makes it difficult for me to watch some of his matches. But I admire his strong will to get better and improve and I also admire the fact that he accepts a loss with complete dignity and free from jealousy or denial and has the ability to acknowledge the strengths of his opponent. This frees all his energy and let him play without any pressure or any negative feelings towards other players. A win is not a revenge for him, but a reward for his hard work. I can say this is a common ground between him and Rafa.

He is 28 and his career had many ups and downs, including several brutal matches with Fed. Yet, he is not giving up . He is changing coaches, losing weight and trying to get better all the time. I really hope for him to be rewarded for all his hard work by a great win. His true gift is that he has the ability to remain honest with himself and with the others. I think Federer can take a page from his book.

March 28th, 2009 at 12:43 pm

I just watched Nalby losing to Troickci.

I think Troicki is for real. He is becoming stronger by every tournament.

And speaking of players who can benefit from losing some weight, I think Nalby is definitely in that category! ( Jane had nominated Tsonga and I agree with that too).

March 28th, 2009 at 12:46 pm

And Simon won Hewitt easily! Can Hewitt make a successful comeback after surgery?

Gil won Karlovic? In straight sets?
unheard of! I think many players will buy that tape and study what he did to break Ivo’s serve!

March 28th, 2009 at 12:50 pm

zola, maybe I am not being fair enough to Victor. No doubt Troicki can get hot; he’s had some good wins over good players. But Nalby at his best should be able to beat Troicki or at least be more competitive. Yes, and do you remember who Troicki beat last round here? Seems to me that was a good win also. So maybe he’s found some form.

Ferrer already has break over Isner.

March 28th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Nalbandian out, Gasquet out—-lucky Murray. Hope Troicki can beat him.

March 28th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

Who beat Karlovic zola? Boy he’s on a downslide. I thought we might see a good match between Rafa and Karlovic but I guess not.

Isner and Ferrer are interesting to watch; they are like polar opposites: tall , small, server, returner, fast / amazing movement, no-so-good movement, baseliner, occasional net player, experienced, not-so-experienced… Interesting.

March 28th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

Murray’s misfiring quite a bit in the first set of this match with Monaco, who is playing an interesting match – kind of patiently aggressive just like Murray. Obviously Murray is down only one break so he can come right back. But Monaco is holding his own.

March 28th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Andy’s giving me heart failure guys! Why is he making such a meal out of beating a second rate player? yeesh…!!

March 28th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

Andrew Miller: Thank you — My very own personal copy of A-Rod’s interview. Absolutely marvellous and thanks again for thinking of me. I’m proud of our guy.
_________________
Zola: In just two seconds of writing, you’ve taken us to 2011 when Andy Roddick will be 28. He’s only ’26’, but considering he’s been in the limelight for such a long time, and his wisdom matches that of a much older person, I can see why you’ve added on the years. LOL.
_________________
I haven’t seen any of the matches today, so I don’t know what type of weather South Florida is experiencing, but in my area, we’re having high gusts of wind and cool temperatures. If these conditions are the same in South Florida, then the players are in for a rocky road today.

March 28th, 2009 at 4:18 pm

Margot: I the camera focused on the palm trees at Miami and the palms are moving which means the windy, conditionsd and gusting winds, so maybe it’s affecting Andy M. Hang on, fret not, and see the bright side — you’re able to see the match and don’t have to guess what’s happening.

March 28th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

Good to see Taylor Dent is back, though with his luck, one wonders for how long.He strikes me as an old fashioned sort of characer, a happy-go-lucky amateur type of the old school. Could almost have stepped out of the pages of P.G.Wodehouse. I remember watching a terrific match he had with Roddick at Wimbledon, a match he could very easily have won, he looked the better player, Roddick the steadier finisher.

Margot, I wouldn’t call Monaco second rate. I’ve seen him give both Federer and Nadal a lot of trouble.

March 28th, 2009 at 4:29 pm

GimelSlob
Murray is wonderful, Murray is great, Murray will be number 2 soon and overtake Fed.
I ate at Rafa’s restaurant in Mallorca.
Anna Wintour had lunch with Fed.

What an old hen he is.

March 28th, 2009 at 4:30 pm

jane: I didn’t see the match but that vision of Nalby’s Queens match v. Djoko is still strong in my mind. I can just imagine what happened. He certainly has a penchant for putting down roots 6 feet deep, doesn’t he? What a disappointment. I expected him to go deep here, but it just goes to show how inconsistent he is, and the sad part of it all, he doesn’t seem to care much when he’s in the potted plant mode. He’s just content to return and not move an inch to the right or left. I think we need the buy him a flower pot with a bright yellow (since he likes the color) daisy. LOL.

March 28th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

sar: Gimel uses his on air FSN and other commentating stints to fish for compliments and to ingratiate himself with the top players by swooning. He likes to give the impression that he’s very friendly with them, by dropping little bits and pieces of information, which is probably hugely inflated – in essence, he’s a name dropper whose imagination runs wild. He’s in his own little world of make believe. I feel sorry for his type of personality — they suffer their hell in their heads.

March 28th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Yes, Monaco has played a nice match and obviously has a lot of game; he didn’t really cave until the second break for Murray in this 3rd set. Murray went from below 50% first serves in during the first set, to 71% now, so that’s surely helped Murray’s cause.

Von, lol. But yeah, too bad, as it would’ve been fun to see a good Nalby against a good Murray on hard courts.

March 28th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

Grendel says “I wouldn’t call Monaco second rate. I’ve seen him give both Federer and Nadal a lot of trouble.” As have I – vs Rafa in Cincy (Monaco won).

Sar – The Slob is not going away – just turn him off (& turn up the web commentators).

March 28th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Monaco is not going away, yet…..

March 28th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

duro:

I found a very good translator that should work for you. I checked to see that the languages included Serbia and it’s there. I hope you like it, and don’t say I’ve never done anything for you. Ha, ha.

http://translate.google.com/translate_t?hl=en

March 28th, 2009 at 4:52 pm

oops, poor Andy,
didn’t mean to age him prematurely!

Thanks Von for your correction.

March 28th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Andrew Miller, thank you for posting that. Does Andy Roddick ever NOT give a good interview?

Will FSN be showing any tennis on TV tonight? I really hate them and their lack of coverage. I wish it would go back to ESPN.

Congrats to the Murry fans I see he dug himself out of a bit of trouble today.

March 28th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

Jane,

I think Troikci has usually been good and lately he is being more consistent. I like the philospopher Tipsy, but we might hear more from Troicki.

And who is Gil? I think Rafa owes him a dinner! Amazing Dr. Ivo!

about Justin Gimel,
I don’t know if a commentator or reporter has ever been disliked as much as him and yet, amazingly he is everywhere.

I think he will write a book with a title like this;

**********How I thrashed Anna Kournikova, flirted on TV, talked nonsense instead of commentating on matches and still kept my job,, got promoted and got a place in ATP council! **********

March 28th, 2009 at 5:11 pm

TD
use internet streaming;

http://channelsurfing.net

scroll down and there should be links to the Miami masters.

March 28th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

Phew! At last after first match of second set Murray started to play….tennis…Thank goodness I didn’t have to listen to your Gimel as well- too too much.
Amazing re Nalbandian cos he beat Troiki at IW just last week. Now, if I were a fan of his, I’d really be in despair. I was also a bit worried about him and Andy M cos last time out he whopped A.M. Not so worried about Gasquet but now he’s gone as well.
Perhaps we should start a list of most talented players who never…..quite made it……Of current players, Mr Nalbandian would be top of mine, though a couple of years ago he was in top 10 wasn’t he? How old is he anyone?
Oh and Von, why do you call Andy R Rover?

March 28th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

Bah! I mean first GAME of second set of course!

March 28th, 2009 at 5:43 pm

margot, now you can relax, at least until the next match!

By the way, anyone know what happened to Gasquet; is he injured?

You’d have to add both Gasquet and Berdych as they are chronic under-achievers imo; both have the games to be up at the top. I believe Nalbandian is 26 or 27; he’s close to the same age as Federer.

March 28th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

Cheers jane! would agree with you, especially Gasquet, but I did read somewhere that his mother travels to all his matches with him?? can’t be totally true can it, but possibly some truth!
Interesting, now you’ve told me Nalbandian’s age, I’m immediately thinking, “Well too old then to change his ways” but Andy R’s making improvements so perhaps I’m being premature?

March 28th, 2009 at 5:53 pm

Wow – Bjorn Phau is one lucky guy-and he played well. Think Andre commented about him a few years back. FYI: Delic & Cilic (sounds like a deli) are coming on in 15 mns or so.

March 28th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Grendel, if you’re around lets hear from you. I want to explain you some things about your beloved Murray.

March 28th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

Andy R is a horse from “My fair lady” called Rover, as far as Von is concerned, ha ha ha!

March 28th, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Von, thank very much for your Google translate tool. It’s great! Exactly what I needed! I’ll write a book now…

March 28th, 2009 at 6:34 pm

margot, the thing with Nalbandian is that, from my vantage point anyhow, I don’t think he can be bothered to “change his ways.” I could be way off base, but to me, with his talent, he’d’ve won a slam by now if he was really motivated to do something.

Motivation, however, seems to be A-rod’s middle name! Andy Roddick never tires of trying something new, hence he has been in the top ten longer than any current player, other than Federer. Roddick should never be underestimated because of his efforts and, well, that wicked serve helps a lot!! =D

tenisbebe – the tennis gods do seem to be smiling on Phau – was it Rafa he pushed at last year’s USO? Seems to me I recall him playing well against one of the top guys recently….

March 28th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

TD(Tam):

FSN will be showing coverage tonight at 10:00 pm in my area, (and I suppose it will be delayed) but it will be on their sister station SunSport one channel down from FSN. Their coverage time changes by the area. In the meantime, watch the matches on the site I gave you, which to me is the best coverage for streaming. ATDHE.net.
_______________
Margot: You need to have a little more faith in Andy M. He gets the job done in the end. He’s prone to do a mental walk-about in the second set, if he wins the first one, and then he comes back roaring. I’m happy he pulled out the win!

Ah Rover, I took that line from My Fair Lady. Eliza, after being taught by Professor ‘Enery ‘Iggins, to be as genteel and as properly bred a woman should be in the Professor’s eyes, was taken to Ascot to see the horse races. She liked the horse ‘Rover’ and in her moment of excitement watching Rover fall behind, shouted out: “Come on Rover, move your bloomin’ arse”. Hence, my statement and pet name re to Andy R.
_______________
Duro: Did you not see my post with link for translation?

March 28th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Wow – Delic is looking like Fed with the hairdo & shirt he’s sporting.

March 28th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Duro: Our posts crossed in the ‘mail’. Please disregard my question. Did you download the Google tool bar with the dictionary/encyclopedia features? Well now, you can argue with all of us who write three-mile or longer posts. Ha ha. Carry on smartly, but remember all things in moderation.

March 28th, 2009 at 6:51 pm

Von, your posts are late! I’ve already thanked you and I explained Margot about Rover!

March 28th, 2009 at 6:55 pm

Prize question: Who has or had a single most perfect shot in the game of tennis?

March 28th, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Duro: I noticed. Answer: McEnroe.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:02 pm

One small tiny creature…

March 28th, 2009 at 7:06 pm

Wrong! Try again!

March 28th, 2009 at 7:07 pm

I mean of all time!

March 28th, 2009 at 7:10 pm

Rod Laver?

March 28th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

Margot, I’m probably wrong, but I take Von to be expressing her affection for Roddick. Rover is usually taken to be a dog. Thus: come here, doggie. Good doggie, show’em what you can do, and so on.
It’s interesting about Nalbandian. People like us, who frankly know bugger all about this stuff, have to pick up what clues we may. From certain things Nalandian has said, his ambitions are strictly limited. It’s not that he wouldn’t like to be the best player in the world – and he probably could be – his ego is just as monstrous as those of Federer, Nadal and so forth. He is every bit as arrogant as Fed, Nadal etc. But he understands very well the enormous effort it would take. Not that we understand this, but we can infer it I think. Not knowing much about the Argentine, I have no idea whether it’s the physical, mental or emotional aspect which puts him off. Perhaps some combination.

A lot of people despise Nalbandian for this. Not me. Personally, I feel extremely comfortable with lazy people – and this is relative, don’t forget. Nalbandian is only lazy compared to Fed, Nadal, Murray , Roddick and so on. Compared to most of us, I suspect (certainly me) he is a paragon of industry.

Nalbandian is so good, and he knows he’s so good the arrogant swine (but no more than…..), that he knows he can win a few biggish ones from time to time – and that’ll do him. Yes, he’s missed out on the slams (he might reasonably have been expected to get one, working at his half-throttle rate, but it hasn’t worked out that way – such is life). Of course, he was severely pissed at missing out on the Davis Cup, but there you are. I rather like his philosophy. A spot of fishing. a Masters tourney perhaps, a couple even – will possibly do pretty well in one of them – more fishing, or perhaps stock car racing. Takes all sorts.

Duro – sorry to disappoint, but Murray is by no means my beloved. I rather like him, but not noticeably more than several others, and less than some. But I do try to be objective.Just a quirk of character, you know, bear with me won’t you….

March 28th, 2009 at 7:12 pm

Today’s not a good day for the Americans. Fish and Querrey lost, and now Delic seems to be receiving a shellacking from Cilic. Bummer.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:13 pm

Beep beep beep! Wrong!

March 28th, 2009 at 7:13 pm

Yeah, Von: I saw that Queerey lost in a long battle with Lopez; I suspect we’ll see more good stuff from Sam on the clay though.

Duro: Samprass’s serve?

March 28th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

Come on, people! And you call yourselves tennis fans? Who has or had the single most perfect shot of all time in the tennis game?

March 28th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

Sorry Jane. One hell of a shot, but no!

March 28th, 2009 at 7:17 pm

Von, you probably know that in the original Shaw play, “Pygmalion”, Eliza is asked a question and replies, with her newly learned perfect enunciation, “Not bloody likely”. At the time that was quite sensational enough. Shows how things had changed even as long ago as “My Fair Lady”, one of the few film musicals I ever saw. But then, in my young days I had a big crush on Audrey Hepburn.
To return to tennis, I do hope the weather will calm down in Miami, because, as I said here before the Indian Wells final, windy conditions don’t suit Murray. I’ve seldom been less pleased to have made a correct forecast.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:17 pm

grendel, Nalbandian is extremely passionate about his car-racing from what I have read.

I, too, like the fact that he’s not ultra single-minded like some tennis players. I tend to like the ones who also have passions elsewhere: Tipsy and Dostoevsky; Safin, vodak and girls; Johnny Mac and rock and roll; and so forth. Kind of makes them more intriguing as characters but not necessarily more intriguing on the court, although most of that lot I mention are all pretty darn talented, so they can afford to drift and still pull off some great wins. Mac was clearly the most focused on tennis during his day.

Anyhow, pure speculation I suppose but interesting nonetheless.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

Colin one of my students just gave a fantastic seminar on that play, all about linguistics, vernacular, and the transformation of perception. My Fair Lady is good fun; you should watch it.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

Troicki took Rover’s scalp as well…

March 28th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Duro – you have to help us; there are too many fantastic shots and players to narrow it down to ONE BEST (similarly it’s silly to call someone a GOAT) but I know you like clear-cut lines. How about how give us a wee hint then?

March 28th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Justin Henin’s backhand is the single most perfect shot in the tennis game of all time. Pure music… I don’t want to torture you anymore.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Troicki won that match when Roddick was playing injured. He also lost to Nadal, Tipsy, Cilic and DelPotro in that period of time. Roddick has since beaten Troicki, but have not had a rematch with the others to date. Let’s give Rover a break; he’ll be Secretariat very soon.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Colin: Thanks for reminding me of that famous Eliza line too. I’ve seen the show and movie countless times. Like you, I loved Audrey Hepburn, who oozed class and also possessed an ethereal kind of beauty. I loved: “Just you waight(wait) ‘Enery ‘Iggins, just you waight”.

I don’t know about the Miami weather improving — this is March and ‘beware the ides of March’ is appropos here. We’ve been known to have beautiful weather one day and tumultuous, windy conditions the next. I often wonder why IW and Miami are played in March because the weather conditions are anything but conducive. Well, here’s hoping for blue skies with a hint of a balmy breeze.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:39 pm

Grendel, you asked me if some shot is more efficient then someone’s else, doesn’t it mean that it’s better in a first place. Not necessarily! If you stay close to the net and you hit the ball with an oar, and you score, it can be rather efficient but it doesn’t mean that it’s better. Andy Murray has a more efficient backhand right now then Roger Federer’s, but not better by any means then his.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:41 pm

I thought the Delic whom Cilic is playing was the same game Djoko played at the AO, but I just tuned in and this looks like another guy altogether: lighter and longer hair and eyebrows, seemingly thiner. Wow – is that what you were talking about tenisbebe?

March 28th, 2009 at 7:41 pm

Duro: That’s unfair. We’re talking ATP Men’s tennis, and you throw us a curve by going to the WTA? Beep, beep, that’s unfair!! If you don’t behave yourself by confusing us, I’m going to put a wrench into that translator. LOL.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:43 pm

Von, ha ha ha! I was very precise! In the tennis game!

March 28th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

jane: that’s the same Delic. I know him by his walk. He’s lost some weight and has let his curls grow. And, they say women are vain. I’ll probably get whacked for that comment.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

Von, yeah, he’s also dyed his hair AND his eyebrows lighter; check out his picture at the ATP site and you’ll see what I mean: quite the change. Men are more aestheticised than ever these days; I see it in the college boys especially, who have more one their minds than what I am trying to teach most of the time.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:53 pm

jane: Per ATP webite — “Richard Gasquet withdrew due to a right shoulder injury and was replaced by [LL] Bjorn Phau.”

March 28th, 2009 at 7:53 pm

The same Delic, ha ha ha! Are there two of them?

March 28th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

jane; As I’ve mentione before, mine is a male-dominant profession. Vanity personified with the men. I catch them viewing themselves in the glass windows, and any other place they can view themselves, not to mention the gossiping. Oy Vey, we’re not even close. I’d say this much though, I enjoy working with them more than I do with women, because the catty stuff is eliminated, not to mention, they’re extremely complimentary and I do get treated to some nice free lunches. The perks are great. LOL.

March 28th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

Von, this is sexism! Leave poor modern feminine men alone. We must love ourselves when you don’t love us anymore… You (women) don’t need us to hunt for you anymore. So, what to do? To dye our hear and eyebrows, of course.

March 28th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

Gosh, did Delic give away this match. Two very, very careless shots. Bye, bye Amer, unless he can break Cilic..

March 28th, 2009 at 8:12 pm

Von, I know what you mean about the catty stuff and unfortunately I have to agree on that note. But the vanity is there as you say – funny about the glass windows.

Delic just blew the second set, but Cilic played some great defense.

Thanks for filling me in re: the Gasquet withdrawal; I hadn’t heard anything and really didn’t go searching like I could’ve. Am snowed under with end-of-term marking. So have tennis on in the background to augment the tedium! Occasionally I get a good paper, but these are first years so …

March 28th, 2009 at 8:12 pm

I had occasion to listen (on the radio) to Pygmalion fairly recently, and it’s remarkable how closely My Fair Lady follows the original (apart from the typical silly Hollywood ending). Shaw was a deeply foolish man, totally taken in by Stalin and people like that, but he was genuinely witty, and it is sort of heartening that Hollywood was capable of recognizing that. There is a nice story that when My Fair Lady was touring America, Louis Armstrong was in the audience one evening. Afterwards, he came up to speak to Rex Harrison (who starred in the show as well as the film). Rex Harrison could not, under any circumstances, sing – so he kind of talked/chanted (really not sure how you would describe this)his way through his songs. Armstrong was moved to say it was the best performance of its kind he had ever come across. One can imagine Harrison calmly accepting this tremendous accolade (considering who it was from) as his due. He was a wonderful light comedy actor with perfect timing – and a deeply arrogant man. Remind you of anyone in the tennis world? Of course, Audrey Hepburn also couldn’t sing, and she was therefore dubbed (in the film)- Harrison, however, wasn’t. His performance was truly remarkable. I liked Hepburn – who didn’t? But it was sort of cowardly of Hollywood to go for her (a superstar) rather than Julie Andrews, the star of the show.

Justin Henin had a good backhand, but it is interesting that she rated her forehand more highly – and it was certainly the more effective shot in terms of winning points. Did Henin have a better backhand than, say, Serena Williams? to Henin fans, and to Williams fans, the answer is obvious. To the rest of us, I suggest not.

March 28th, 2009 at 8:14 pm

Speaking of Delic, he kind of reminded me of Roger during that AO match with Nole. Same hair and hair band, even very similar combo of clothes and colors…

March 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

Wow – good for Delic, however vain (;-)) to keep fighting and take it to a tiebreak.

March 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

Duro: I’m laughing so much. You are so very funny, and exactly what we need here. I like humor and you fit the bill perfectly. I only hope it stops with the eyebrows though, and they don’t start putting on false eye-lashes, too; then there will be mucho problems if one of the eyelashes get caught in their eye when about to serve. LOL.

Well, Delic broke back to take it to a tie-break. come on Amer win this set.

March 28th, 2009 at 8:18 pm

Jane –
yeah jane, His hairdo, backhand, movement all remind me of Fed – do you see it too?

March 28th, 2009 at 8:19 pm

Grendel! Good backhand!???? How possibly could it be any better? What were you watching all these years???

March 28th, 2009 at 8:20 pm

jane; Are you kidding me, they even look into the computer screens– the dark back-ground shows an image. They become very flustered if I happen to see them, but it’s very cute.

It seems as though Delic had his eyebrows shaped/plucked. LOL.

March 28th, 2009 at 8:23 pm

Yes – I see the Fed resemblance tenisbebe and Danica (hi you!).
Maybe he thinks if he can transform himself to look like Federer outwardly, he can somehow harness his talent! Or at least get good tables in restaurants.

Von – eyelashes, lol.

March 28th, 2009 at 8:23 pm

He broke!!! Lordy – he almost gave it away.

March 28th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Amer really hung in there, though Cilic helped him with a double. Good for him.

March 28th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Wow, Timuraz is making some great shots against Nadal. Anyone else watching this?

Good going for Amer. I am actually rooting for him this time ;)

Hi Jane ;)

March 28th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Who is playing under the lights tonight? I pity the poor players because it’s becoming quite chilly/windy. ATP has changed the order of play to tomorrow — I don’t understand why they’ve begun doing this before the day’s matches are complete. Frustrating!

March 28th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Zola, it’s Rafa & not Fed who needs to take a page or two from Andy’s book
so that others players would start to like Rafa more. Right now the reckless fist-pumping, jumping & casting of egoistic & cunning look at opponents isn’t expected of Rafa !

March 29th, 2009 at 6:40 am

Zola, I’m truly sorry if I hurt you, but I never intended to hurt ya personally, it’s not yours but Rafa’s criticism. I mean there’s reason why despite Fed’s bold & authoritative behaviour & Rafa’s modesty display, Fed’s not less liked by his peers!

March 29th, 2009 at 6:53 am

Fed, Rod & Nole are nice guys. Rafa too’s a good guy ! But all of these have some bad qualities. Murray’s getting a bit more cocky right now as is evident from his declaring that he can reach no.1 by year end. I’d love Murray doing it, but can he?

March 29th, 2009 at 7:05 am

Fedster, did Andy Murray really say he could get to No 1 this year? It doen’t sound like him, because he’s usually very realistic. Anyhow, surely it’s pretty well mathematically impossible, unless Nadal suddenly gets injured and is out for the rest of the season.

March 29th, 2009 at 7:40 am

Roddick definitely gives a good interview. I think he gave a rough interview in 2007 after losing to Federer in the USOPEN Quarterfinal (7-6, 7-6, 6-2 I think?) – basically, much like in Australian this year or Australian in 2007, Roddick lost but it came at the US Open and I dont think there was anything that Roddick did NOT do during that match, and it probably left him feeling pretty bad because in 2006, he makes the US Open final and loses to Federer (after quite a summer comeback under the guidance of Connors) and is back in the conversation about having another slam in him, and then in 2007 makes the mistake of practicing with Federer (a practice match) at the 2007 US Open before he faces him in the semifinal of the draw, giving Federer another chance to scout Roddick and then absolutely beat him black and blue in the 2007 Australian Open. The US Open 2007 added insult to injury (made is even worse) because Roddick had put in so much work to get to that match and he faces the same guy, perfect conditions, night match, New York excitement, and meets the same result (with the exception that he played a great first two sets by holding serve for the most part – it was different than Australia 2007).

So I think once Roddick hit the interview room after the US OPen 2007 match, he probably felt pretty bad. Is Roddick the player that destroys his racquets in the locker room?

I had seen some rumour posted that there is some player on the tour that takes losses extremely badly, and instead of wrecking the raquets on the court, destroys them off the court.

March 29th, 2009 at 9:22 am

I meant that Roddick made the mistake at the AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2007 of agreeing to play a practice match with Federer at the 2007 Australian Open, maybe several days or a week [I am not sure WHEN] before his match with Federer, allowing Federer to design a game plan and prepare for Roddick’s adjustments and improvements (that I think was Roddick’s worse loss to Federer – it came on the heels of a four-set loss at the US OPen 2006 finals and a well-played but botched match at the China Masters 2006, where Roddick had match points and should have beaten Federer, but Federer beat Roddick instead.

March 29th, 2009 at 9:25 am

Hi Colin, in some previous thread I had found jane, Ezorra, Zola etc discussing about Murray talking of his reaching no.1 by the year end ! And I assume that they are right because I myself have not much time to go through stuff regarding Murray.

March 29th, 2009 at 9:54 am

fedster,
it’s OK. At the end what the players do affects their own career. So if Fed is OK with things the way they are, who am I to dispute?

btw, I don’t remember talking about Murray’s year-end #1.
He is definitely the best player after Rafa this year. But to get to No 1, he has to be No 3, then No 2 first and I don’t think Djoko and Fed let that happen so easily. Rafa’s ranking points is almost twice as much as Andy’s.

But one can never speculate. All I want is for Rafa to stay healthy and injury-free. If he loses No 1 because there is a player better than him, then it is up to him to improve and get it back.

March 29th, 2009 at 11:09 am

Andrew Miller
**********
I meant that Roddick made the mistake at the AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2007 of agreeing to play a practice match with Federer at the 2007 Australian Open, maybe several days or a week [I am not sure WHEN] before his match with Federer, allowing Federer to design a game plan and prepare for Roddick’s adjustments and improvements (that I think was Roddick’s worse loss to Federer – it came on the heels of a four-set loss at the US OPen 2006 finals and a well-played but botched match at the China Masters 2006, where Roddick had match points and should have beaten Federer, but Federer beat Roddick instead.
*********

Wasn’t it when Roddick won the Kooyong in a final against Federer? And there were talks that he could win Fed in AO? he lost in three sets and one of them was a bagel (4-6 0-6 2-6 ).

I think Fed talked about it later, but right now I don’t have the quote.

March 29th, 2009 at 11:20 am

Andrew, I thought that was the stupidest thing Andy could have done, practicing with his opponent prior to an upcoming match with him. Andy showed Federer his hand so to speak. No one does that — it’s similar to playing poker, showing one’s hand before the game. I’ve noticed Federer invites the players to practice with him, he did the same to Gonzalez at the AO. If I were a player I’d never practice with my opponent if I’m in his half of the draw or have an impending match.

Today is a very bad day in Miami. Rain and high, gusty winds. Roddick and Tursunov had to leave the court due to rain. The balls are certainly sailing out of the court.

March 29th, 2009 at 11:36 am

Thus far, the umpire has missed two out calls, as shown by HE. Andy is not happy. Why can’t these umpires do their jobs instead of staring into space and sitting there like a bump on a log.

March 29th, 2009 at 11:42 am

This commentator, I don’t know who he is but he needs to go back to sleep. He’s mumbling and it’s difficult to understand what he’s saying. he needs a jolt of something.

March 29th, 2009 at 11:48 am

Intermitent rain is causing a problem for the players. I wonder who scheduled Roddick’s match at 11:00 am. He doesn’t like playing early in the day.

March 29th, 2009 at 12:53 pm

I always have a difficult time hearing/understanding the commentators on live-streaming (Goodall, etc)- and I always have the volume up- I know they are trying to be polite but good grief, speak up man!

Andy’s almost through this match, assuming he stays focused. And why was this match scheduled for 11am? The stands are not even half full.

March 29th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

That was weird – he apologized to the umpire at the end of the match for what he said in the last game when Dimi challenged super late – it was mild what he said but Andy admitted he did not handle it well.

March 29th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

Which two were commentating on TC in the Nadal/Gabasvili match?

The Brit said in his opinion Murray is world #2.

March 29th, 2009 at 1:20 pm

Switching to Robredo/Dent, on serve. I have always enjoyed Taylor’s game, the ole serve & volley.

March 29th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

tenisbebe:

That’s what I wanted to know — why did they schedule the match for 11:00 am for such a high seeded player. It was ridiculous. IMO the tournament should have been delayed due to the rain and gusty winds.

Yes, Andy’s apology was loud and clear but the umpire made some very bad mistakes and Roddick lost two points that were very costly, causing him to lose the break he got and taking the set to a tie-break. It’s no wonder he gets angry with the umps and I don’t blame him at all.

Yes, I liked to watch Taylor play. He’s a good player and it’s such a pity he injured his back.
______________
Sar: it was Goodall. He stated Murray is playing like the No. 2 player presently. Goodall bypassed Federer and Djokovic. It seems the order for Goodall: Nadal (1), Murray (2), Federer(3) and Djokovic (4). When Roddick was the No. 3 player, they never mentioned him in the conversation. It was only about Federer and Nadal; they also forgot Davydenko the No. 4 player. One day I heard Goodall state: “We never mention Roddick, and he answered his own question by saying, I wonder why. During the entire time Roddick was in the top 3, up to and including Toronto ’07, when he lost to Djoko, Andy was ignored and never received the respect he deserved. The commentators only focused on what was wrong with his game, instead of what was good. Negativity galore.

March 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

FSN is broadcasting so I’ll see you guys later, unless they switch to the women’s match then I’ll be back sooner than later.

March 29th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

Goodall bypassed Federer and Djokovic. Roddick, Davydenko…—from Von

I never realized that because I wasn’t a “real” tennis-obsessed nut until recently. I always was aware of what was going on but didn’t have direct tv until a year ago,no live streaming, saw finals on network tv, only read papers mostly so I missed all this disgusting commentary. I think it was better when I was ignorant.LOL

March 29th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

Yoo Woo – Taylor won in 2!! Sorry for Tommy, but for Taylor with all his back issues, this is a great win ove the 15th seed. Hopefully more serve & volley from Taylor playing vs Fed/Kiefer!

March 29th, 2009 at 2:17 pm

Von says: “That’s what I wanted to know — why did they schedule the match for 11:00 am for such a high seeded player. It was ridiculous. IMO the tournament should have been delayed due to the rain and gusty winds.” Perhaps it’s like the last Saturday of the USO ’08 whereby inclement weather is approaching and they need to get as many matches in earlier than normal – but I haven’t loked at the weather forecast for south Florida – just guessing.

Sar says: “I never realized that because I wasn’t a “real” tennis-obsessed nut until recently.” I suppose it’s best to get the “worst” out of the way 1st (Gimelslob, Ted R., etc) so you can appreciate good commentary & coverage when it appears again (slams, other majors). I like Goodall’s commentary in general, thoughtful & succinct – he is a Brit after all & covering for that market so no mystery that Muzza is their focus.

March 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

sar: Yes, at times ignorance is bliss. The commentators and media were extremely cruel to Roddick from 2004 through the present. If you think they’re bad to Djoko, as the saying goes, you ain’t seen nuttin yet.

I don’t know if you heard Gimel’s comments after Andy apologized to the Ump. Gimel said that’s one I’m going to talk to Andy about over dinner tonight. Hello America, Gimel has a dinner date with Andy R. tonight. The guy usurps every opportunity to inform everyone as to his popularity with the players — very insecure person.
_________________
tenisbebe: I’m happy for Dent. He’s playing very well, but he next will face Federer and I don’t think he’s up to that as yet.

March 29th, 2009 at 2:45 pm

Von says: “tenisbebe: I’m happy for Dent. He’s playing very well, but he next will face Federer and I don’t think he’s up to that as yet.” Neither do I but am hoping it will be beautiful tennis.

Like Fed’s outfit – very sharp! Men: take note of his very flattering tennis garb-I like, I like. Kiefer’s game is matching up to Fed’s advantage thus far, showing off the Fed vintage shotmaking – haven’t seen this in awhile! Nice to see.

Monfils & Safin are starting – again let’s see if I can watch 2 matches at once! Let’s see who has the most errors.

March 29th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

yeah Von I heard that ass say he was having dinner with Roddick. Then just now one of the two gossips asked Fed how his lunch was with Wintour. What a stupid old hen.

March 29th, 2009 at 3:15 pm

Von I agree regarding practicing with Federer while being on the same side of the draw – to Roddick maybe it was a chance to size-up his chances or get in a good practice, but Roddick being a poker player should have KNOWN BETTER! Maybe part of it is that it’s tough to say to Federer, “hey Roger, yeah you know, I think our playing each other even in practice just is bad for both of us. Tell you what, if we make the semifinals, we’ll put on a great show for the fans. Let’s look forward to the fireworks.”

instead it was, “ok yeah, let’s hit around. Oh you want to play a practice set, ok no problem. Two practice sets? Ok we can do that.” (Why did Connors agree to that! I think this shows some stupidity on Connors part as well – no one objects to meeting the 2007 champ in a practice session? I mean I understand that the ATP is collegial and the pro’s respect each other, but that to me was a dumb move.

The telling part of the following Federer quote from OZ 2007 was, “I still remember all of those things.”

Well of course, Mr. Federer…you did all of that on purpose because you wanted the extra CONVICTION and KNOWLEDGE that you knew what sorts of new things Roddick was bringing into the semifinal…EXACTLY what things – like knowing the answers to an exam before stepping in the room, because of course you got a copy of the exam a few days before, that you referred to before the matchup.

Not that Federer had not played him before, only that he was a little more concerned by the Exhibition loss at Kooyang AND almost losing in China, and that it took four sets to shut him out at the 2006 US Open…suddenly Roddick was looking just a little tougher – not the same guy Federer was routinely dominating.

What better way than to scout him…actually go ahead and play him in practice, convince him to practice two sets (usually a practice set is ONE set or some tiebreaks – but this was a FULL two sets). That would give what, a good 45 minutes or maybe hour and a half to get a full understanding of the strategy his opponent would employ should they happen to meet say, in a semifinal.

That to me also was a bad move by Roddick. I think with Stefanki he’s thinking a little bit better out there, but there’s no question in my mind that Federer exploited Roddick in order to set up an absolute blow-out, that did not make sense given Roddick’s momentum heading into the match. Why beat someone in five sets…when you can always just persuade them to give you their entire gameplan and then escape with a marvelous three set match, one of the best he’s ever played.

Ah yes…the devious Mr. Federer. I dont mind the scouting, but I thought Mr. Roddick should have KNOWN BETTER. The dude Federer was #1 for a reason at that time – he LEFT ALMOST NOTHING TO CHANCE.

Here’s the quote from Federer refernencing their practice match:

Q. Second set, was that the best tennis you’ve ever played, or close to it?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, it’s hard to say. Big occasion, I played incredible today. I’m so happy. Second set was definitely incredible. I mean, I’ve had a few good ones at the US Open against Lleyton and other players. But it’s incredible to do it against a top guy, you know, on a big court on a big occasion.
So I’m really happy, yeah.

Q. We kind of asked this question after the Djokovic match. Was there a bit of an extra edge out there? You really wanted to make your statement and play your best in these circumstances against someone who has come close to you in the last couple times that you played?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, exactly. We’ve played a number of times. Against players like him, I always enjoy playing. Not just because I’ve been winning, but, I mean, I know how close he was at the US Open and Shanghai. He played well in Kooyong, too.

We practiced here. He beat me in practice here. He beat me 4-4. I still remember all those things.

To come out and beat him, you know, so convincing, it’s a surprise for me, too.
Yeah, that’s about it.

Q. You said on court that you were shocked. How would you be shocked if your name was Andy Roddick or Jimmy Connors?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, look, it’s a tough one for him of course and for the team. He’s been playing so well, made it to the semis. I mean, you got to be confident coming into the semis. I was, too.

I always go into matches thinking, Well, this might not work out. Especially against Andy, more so.

I mean, it’s hard for him. I put it more down on just the day form. I mean, I was just better today. I guess it makes it easier to forget for him, I hope.

…

Q. Roddick was saying that he was closing the gap. Now we are all thinking this gap became the Grand Canyon, the Pacific Ocean. What do you think it is?
ROGER FEDERER: What was the first question (laughter)? Seriously.

Q. Lleyton Hewitt.

ROGER FEDERER: Lleyton Hewitt, yeah. Look, that one was the finals. This is the semis. That makes a big difference already. I don’t know. I mean, it’s hard to really say what the difference is because, I mean, there’s been quite some years apart of that now.

I remember also against Lleyton I was so much in control for one and a half sets, then all of a sudden he came back, whereas Andy never really came back once I was in the lead.

This one probably felt a bit easier because I wasn’t in the second or third set challenged as much as I was in the first. Whereas with Lleyton, all of a sudden it got really close in the second set, and then just I raced away with it once again in the third.

What I said with Andy, I don’t think we can be too harsh on Andy tonight because it was just one of those great days of mine. I just was playing so well, and he couldn’t really get his teeth into the match once the first set was over.
Look, what he said, he might get closer. I felt that, as well. Now maybe things have changed again. I don’t know. I mean, we got to wait again for the next match. Not to put him down or put him up or me up, I don’t think that’s quite fair. It was just one of those days for him to forget and me to remember. That’s it.”

and here’s the quote from Roddick in 2007 AO:
Q. You seem really disappointed. Did you think you had a real crack tonight, a chance?
ANDY RODDICK: Yeah, I was playing well coming in. There’s no reason to think — if you would have told me this beforehand, I probably — I didn’t foresee it.
Q. Is that the best you’ve seen him play for a while?
ANDY RODDICK: Yeah. I mean, he played really well tonight. I mean, that’s for sure.

March 29th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

Andrew: Thanks for sharing that presser. I don’t usually read the players’ pressers, especially Federer’s. I’m being a pedant here, but I can’t stand the endless “you know” the players use. And then they talk as if they’re telling the interviewer what he’s supposed to do when playing. For example, “well, you know, you have to do this, and that, and you know, if your opponent is coming in fresh, then you know, yeah, really, you need to adopt a different strategy, you know.” It’s not, I need to do this or I need to do that, it’s ‘you’ need to do this and you need to do that. Unbelievable. I prefer to remain ignorant of their pressers, because I’d state the obvious and I know it wouldn’t go over very well with many. I think most of them are so inept in the manner they articulate due to a serious lack of education.

I’ve observed also with Federer, ever since Nadal became dominant, he’s made it a habit of engaging the lefties to practice with him, especially if it’s a new kid on the block. This is beneficial to him two-fold. Not only is he benefiting from learning about their game plan, but he’s being helped playing against Nadal. When Nishikori hit the tour, and there was the hub-bub surrounding him, the first player to practice with Nishikori, was Federer. The next time they played, Fed beat Nishikori with a humiliating score.

I read an article after Fed humiliated Roddick in that AO match, detailing a conversation between Mirka and Federer. Mirka told Fed: “Darling, you were a maniac out there”. That spoke volumes to me, vis-a-vis,(1) Fed loves to and enjoys humiliating his opponents, and (2) that he and Mirka joke about his tennis prowess and his defeat of his opponents. I’m sorry, I don’t admire athletes who gloat about beating their opponents. I think they should be grateful they’re not on the receiving end, and should withhold the gloating, because one never knows when the pendulum would change direction.

Back to that ugly AO match, I wonder what was Connors thinking? Why didn’t he tell Andy that wasn’t a good move to practice with his Federer. From what I’ve observed with Roddick, he’s not a calculating type of individual, and he got duped. However, Connors is and should have seen the writing on the wall. But then again, I didn’t see Connors as any type of coach for Roddick. I think Roddick wasted valuable time with Connors. And Andy further hurt himself having his brother John as a coach. Double whammy. I think Stefanki is the right guy for Andy. he’s a father figure, he’s worked with hot-heads before, e.g., Johnny Mc, and he has a very up and energetic personality, which is exactly what Andy needs. Hopefully, Andy will win that second slam soon under Stefanki’s tutelage. Here’s hping for our guy, and thanks again, Andrew.

March 29th, 2009 at 4:28 pm

Hey Von,

Good win from Andy; I remember this issue too because I was kind of obsessed with Andy at the time: “When Roddick was the No. 3 player, they never mentioned him in the conversation. It was only about Federer and Nadal; they also forgot Davydenko the No. 4 player.”

I wonder, and I am merely speculating here, if it is because there was such a big point spread between Rafa/ Fed and the rest of the players then? Fed was winning nearly every slam and Rafa was winning the French and most of the clay events, so they were likely ahead by a lot? Now the points between Rafa/Fed are considerably less – well Rafa has quite a lead – but a couple of MS events or one slam and Djoko could catch up to Fed, if he lost out early, and clearly Murray is stepping on Djoko’s coattails.

I am not suggesting that this justifies the commentators and press overlooking the other top players; I am merely trying to figure out a possible, albeit weak, reason for their oversight.

On a completely unrelated note, this Safin vs. Monfils match is excellent; i’ll beat Andy is happy they’re grinding it out out there!

March 29th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

jane:

I can agree yes, that could be their thinking, but then they should consider the top 4 if that’s what’s important. However, they completely ignored Roddick and Davy, but they were cognizant of so doing. It doesn’t make sense to me though, because if it’s a matter of point spread, Nadal almost doubles Murray’s points presently and is about 5,000 points ahead of Djoko, so that’s not good enough rationalization for them to use if they did. Also, when Djoko overtook Roddick he was only leading by a few hundred points, but Djoko was immediately propelled into the spotlight, Roddick was again forgotten, and the conversation then focused on the top 3. The media is biased and should be ignored.

On another note, will FSN ever rise out of the mire? They began their coverage at 1:00 pm, smack in the middle of Roddick’s match, and went off the air, at 1:00 pm in the middle of Safin v. Monfils match, at 3-1 Safin. would it kill them to wait until the Safin/Monfils match ended? And what are they showing that’s of pivotal importance, a small documentary on Mickey Mantle.

This is one exciting match — Safin just got broken by Monfils again, after leading 5-2, and it’s all tied up t 5-5 in the 3rd.

March 29th, 2009 at 5:21 pm

“The media is biased and should be ignored.” ain’t that the truth! This Safin Monfils match is a TREAT!! Too bad Safin has somewhat imploded as he was leading by 2 breaks in the third. Hope it at least goes to 3rd set tiebreak!!

March 29th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

What a humdinger of a match. i’m happy to see Safin duking it out though.

March 29th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

Here it is – 3rd set tiebreak! Great Job by Safin and Monfils; this has been the best match at this tournament and a pleasure to watch, even though I am really behind on my marking. lol.

March 29th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

Ah too bad Safin is kind of imploding in this tiebreaker. He had played so well but things went haywire. Or maybe Monfils went haywire?

March 29th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

I wanted Marat to win so badly. I was so happy when he was leading 5-2 and thought he had the match in the bag. But then as always, the UEs began to rule. Ouch, is all I can say.

I think Monfils, Tsonga and the worm should stop with the celebratory jigs, dance, et al. It’s very uncouth/disrespectful towards their opponents.

March 29th, 2009 at 5:44 pm

Perhaps, at the Aussie Open 2007, Connors was thinking it was a chance for Roddick to scout Federer? (a Kind of “two can play this game” thing?)

Perhaps at the Aussie Open 2007, Connors wasnt doing his job – perhaps Connors SHOULD have been scouting Federer? He was there after all.

Perhaps Roddick had practiced with Federer before Connors arrived, as maybe Federer spoke with Mirka and they decided, ok this is how you deal with this problem of a near-loss in Shanghai 2006 and an exhibition loss in Kooyang 2007? “Rog, find out if Connors is here yet or when he’s heading into Melbourne for lunch and see if Andy is up for some extra practice – you know, hit a few balls. He shouldnt suspect anything because, of course, a number one player in the world to any one else, has nothing to lose by hitting with another player – they probably see you as confidant enough to have a fierce practice match without feeling as though you are giving away any of your secrets, and probably think, well what better practice exists in the world than practicing with the best player of all time? They will gladly do it and think of it as a privilege and THANK YOU FOR IT.”

“If you are so worried, honey, how about just ask Roddick to practice, throw in the possibility of a set and play well but don’t show him what you have been working on, but play hard so it forces him to show you what he’s been working on (both you and I know that you know his serve inside out, but this time give him a few breaks, which he wont be used to) and we’ll chat after that ok, sweetie?”

“Oh Mirka…what would I do without you? That is a great idea. You know me so well – you know that I dont want anyone to get too close to me in the course of a match. I like challenges, but I like it even better when I can pulverize an opponent, you know – make them feel as if they HAVE A CHANCE, and then show them THEY DONT HAVE A CHANCE. You know, make them think twice about seizing my throne, put the thought in their head that they are, you know, make them feel that ability-wise and match-wise, they are oceans away from where I am rather than the reality, which you know but which I do hate to admit and never do publicly, the truth…

THAT OF COURSE THEY ARE CLOSER THAN THEY THINK! That Nadal character, he and his “Toni” character, thank god he’s not too comfortable on hard courts, though he had me once at home in Dubai earlier last year and gave me a scare in Miami the year before, nothing that I didnt take care of but as you know it was troubling to me. I did dislike it when he beat me our first match in 2004, and I must say he was quite the fighter. Thank god I took care of him in Shanghai last November and at Wimbledon. He’s not a bad grass court player, but you and I know, he’s not me.”

“Yes honey that’s all good, but remember to stay focused. You said you were a bit concerned, I think you said troubled or concerned, I dont recall. But if you are concerned, the best thing you can do is keep your motives and those concerns between us, and out there on battlefield, the practice one at least, go convince Andy to practice and see what he says. If he goes for it, great! You have nothing to worry about, in fact I think you will play your best match against someone you already “own”. Andy will feel like the writers are right, that his game simply doesnt “match up” well against yours, and perhaps its true, but Rafael’s game doesnt match up well against yours either, but he is still tough out there. This whole “matching up” business as you know is neither art nor science, just a popular, somewhat fraudulent idea. It’s always more than that – more of what you see of your opponent and how you take advantage of what you seee, and focusing and executing well.”

“Just take a look at what Roddick is doing, maybe we’ll get someone to video-tape him or we can send Marcus Chiudinelli, you know he’ll do anything for you, to do you a favor and watch Roddick’s match to confirm some of what you see if you get a hit with him, or practice near him, something. We’ll work our network and see what happens.”

“Oh Mirka…I was so scared but I think I will do what you said. You’re right…Roddick does scare me a little even if I take him every time, but you just show me that ‘where there is a will, there’s a way’ – I’ll just put on the charm offensive and that should be enough. You know I am a year older than Andy or a little more or less, who cares, but I’ve been around longer. I’m glad we talked.”

HA!

March 29th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

Andrew: Wonderful!! You’ll make a good playwright. I’d say you’re probabaly closer than we think. You forgot the end, mwah, mwah, kiss, kiss, hug, hug, chiao sweetheart, now go get him, and he wouldn’t know what hit him. Dummy!

March 29th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Fed loves to and enjoys humiliating his opponents, and (2) that he and Mirka joke about his tennis prowess and his defeat of his opponents.

Good win for Andy R. He’ll face a dog-tired Monfils.

Yes, I agree with this view too about humiliating his opponents. I’ve always thought Fed had a cruel streak.I don’t care about his charities. What we see is a mask.

I heard Slob say that Murka was having the baby after Wim but before USO. Gynecologist Slob.

March 29th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

jane: Kendrick might help Djoko with Tsonga. He’s a very good player, except he loses concentration and it’s the reason he’s ranked so low.

March 29th, 2009 at 5:58 pm

sar: Slob is the Chief Consulting Gynecologist and will be there giving us a blow by blow commentary.

March 29th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Slob is the Chief Consulting Gynecologist

LOLOLOL!!!!!

March 29th, 2009 at 6:03 pm

Jelena Jankovic lost to Dulko; Ana is out also. Both girls have fallen off rather badly in their game. It’s as they they are mirroring each other, and Djoko too. Strange, they all rose up at the same time and are falling off simultaneously. They need to change their drinking water.

March 29th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

Great playwright by Andrew & hilarious drinking water comment by Von too, ha ha !

March 29th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Von,

“I think Monfils, Tsonga and the worm should stop with the celebratory jigs, dance, et al. It’s very uncouth/disrespectful towards their opponents.”

I said something very similar to my aunt after Monfils won, although I forgot about Step. Although these guys are showing character, sometimes it seems like the celebration is overblown.

Like you, much as Monfils can be fun to watch, I felt sad for Safin’s loss. He really lost it there, when the match was on his racquet too. It was a great match but a bit disappoint from Marat and his fans’ perspective.

Yeah, and Safina also lost out today too. Sheesh.

But it does seem that the Serbs should go back in time and figure out what was working as they are all floundering. I think with both Novak and Ana, it was the pressure that came with winning their first slams, and maybe the pressure their country put on them, that caused them to faulter, Ana even more than Djoko in terms of results. It’s sort of expected but funny how it’s happened simultaneously, especially with these two. Both got to finals (Novak 07 USO; Ana 08 AO), and then won the next GS (Novak 08 AO; Ana French AO), and then both lost early at Wimbledon and have been having confidence issues ever since. Novak managed to get the bronze, win Masters and reach other big semis and finals, but still…

March 29th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

Even though people are claiming Fed to be a sadist, the thing only’s that he’s a perfectionist. If giving a great performance results in humiliation for the rival, so be it ! Got it fellas?
But I’m not sayin this for people who love heart-choking matches!

March 29th, 2009 at 6:34 pm

I think Von is right about the experiences with Connors and John Roddick. I think Connors should have told Roddick about what to expect. They might be too fiercely competitive each (rather than say Annacone-Sampras, where Annacone knew about competition but did not need any “lime-light” – I dont think Annacone cared about fame because he never got any in Doubles, so he didnt see a need to try to control Sampras.

March 29th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

There’s a delay in the Tsonga match and people are standing around but I can’t figure out what’s wrong. It would be nice if the commentator would stop mumbling, speak up clearly, and give us an update. This commentator is the PITS.

March 29th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

Andrew, you’re correct about the limelight. I think Connors’ ego is so huge that he was in the coaching stint with Andy for the limelight, considering his own is history, and the money was good too. Why look a gift horse in the mouth and turn it away. That was rather crummy. A young man’s career was in Connors’ hands and he didn’t rise to the challenge but used the mentality of ‘what’s in it for me.” Very wrong and cruel. In many ways i see him as being a hindrance to Andy — any young man would be intimidated by a coach who’s won more GS than the pupil.

March 29th, 2009 at 6:49 pm

sar, Nole was the last guy to appear in a mask in the ATP tour. By the way I must remind you that making irrelevant & baseless allegations about Fed’s not gonna harm his reputation ! So why make the meaningless & painful effort for spoiling
Fed’s image?

March 29th, 2009 at 6:53 pm

I see paramedics and a stretcher in one of the rows of fans, so I suppose a fan is sick. The time it took for help to arrive, I hope the sick person is not having a heart attack. No one seems to be in a hurry.

March 29th, 2009 at 6:53 pm

Fedster, forgive us, he’s wonderful.

March 29th, 2009 at 7:02 pm

Oy Vey!

March 29th, 2009 at 7:19 pm

Von, Jane, watch Novak Djokovic composing music tonight…

March 29th, 2009 at 8:22 pm

Duro: I’m watching. I guess we’ll see poetry in motion.

Jane: Yes, Djoko has on the same colors as Tsonga. I like that shade of blue too. Blue, blue, my love is true!!

March 29th, 2009 at 8:27 pm

Whose seed did Dent upset? Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to have remained a private affair.

March 29th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Dent beat Almagro the 19th seed.

March 29th, 2009 at 8:41 pm

I really like PHM and usually want him to win anytime he is playing….except today.

March 29th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

Sar; We’re posting on the Querrey thread. come on over and hold jane’s hand.

I like PHM too and I have a soft spot for him because of how much he was psychologically destroyed by his loss in Davis Cup. he has never been the same since. i think he’s a handsome guy too.

March 29th, 2009 at 8:48 pm

Doing my annual visit to the Sony Ericsson.
lots of ‘grist for mill’ here, will limit to:

a) Safin – obviously, and Nalby and Gasquet – not so obviously, are through.

loss to Monfils was a microcosm of his career.

b) And what’s the deal w/Gasquet – out w/a whimper (“sore shoulder”) and spends his day w/Dolphins’ cheerleaders – guess their attn was focused e/w.

c) Wish that Gimel-slob WERE through. Years of him will be tougher to take than was Mary C.

d) re: fatuousness of “pressies” – refer you to the final word on the subject: the late, lamented DF Wallace’s piece “How Tracy Austin Broke My Heart” (in collection “Consider the Lobster”). The lack of insight into the magic they produce is intrinsic to the performance of most great athletes, tennis players certainly included.

e) that “infamous” Fed/Roddick practice session, etc. – and the little script that was posted – is complete BS. If it’s one person the magisterial Fed had absolutely no need of fearing, partic back then, it was Roddick.

Enjoy the Fed while you can; we’ll never see his like again. He’s created shots that noone else cd’ve conceived of.

Vamos Gisa!

March 29th, 2009 at 8:58 pm

Von says: “I wanted Marat to win so badly. I was so happy when he was leading 5-2 and thought he had the match in the bag. But then as always, the UEs began to rule.” SAME WITH ME VON! I’m really tired of seeing Federer and Safin snatching defeat from the jaws of victory! As Von’d say- who says life’s fair?!! :-(

March 30th, 2009 at 10:50 am