Murray Makes it a Match, But Nadal Still King in Monte; Roddick Weds

Vamos Rafa!
Great match by both players. Rafa needs to think about Murray and Djoko on clay as well as federer. I think Murray is not close to his peak and will improve and will be one of Rafa’s biggest challengers if not “THE biggest challenger”.

Murray was very distracted during the first set. In the second he was more composed and played much better.

Rafa played better than his previous matched, still needs to improve his serve. Hopefully he will get better by RG.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Nadal can win 15 French Opens in a row. He will be the world no. 1 for the next 7 years.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:16 pm

“Murray’s been in peak form of late but it just wasn’t nearly enough against Nadal. Despite the addition of Alex Corretja. I thought Murray was still far too passive against Nadal early in the match. Murray’s “cat and mouse” game translates much better on a hard court than on clay, especially so against someone like Rafa.”

The tantalising thing is, what if he plays a whole match from beginning to end the way he played in the second half of the second set? I think Nadal would adjust and find a way to hold him off, but it would raise a few questions. At the least, I don’t expect Murray to start the match in submission the next time.

“Andy has the kill-shot power and the serve to trouble the clay elite – he did have a good win against the returning Nikolay Davydenko Friday – but it really comes down to if the Scot chooses to use it.”

To Davydenko’s credit, had he not been recovering from an injury, I would have expected him to beat the Scot.

“To beat Nadal he has to be more aggressive and he did change gears late in the match forcing Nadal to dig out a well-played tiebreak.”

In spite of this, he was playing catch up the entire set. Not once did he have his foot in front, courtesy of early breaks and minibreaks by Nadal. He has to start the match the way he ended it and stay at that level to have a chance.

I expect him to make a semi final at Roland Garros.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

Sean says “he did have a good win against the returning Nikolay Davydenko Friday”. Yes kudos to Murray for that win; however, I do think it’s worth mentioning that the results could’ve been different if Davydenko had not had to play three sets against Nalbandian earlier in the day. Murray had to close out Fognini in only one set. Davydenko is a formidable player on clay, and like Wawrinka, he should not be underestimated.

But I agree with everyone that this semi-final result at this event is an excellent one which proves Murray can play well on clay.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Giner says “He has to start the match the way he ended it and stay at that level to have a chance.”

Well Murray is a notoriously slow-starter. He needs to come out of the gates firing, but he likes to kind of “toy” his way into a match, only that won’t always work. He’ll be able to get away with it more in the slams but not as much in best of three.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:27 pm

I’ve worked out that Murray will have 9050 points next week.

Djokovic will have 9160 if he loses in the final, 9560 if he wins. He has maintained his advantage on Murray (110 pts).

Le Rog will drop down to 10410. That’s 1250 pts clear of #3 (assuming Novak loses on Sunday). He should stay #2 seed at RG but has his work cut out for him defending finalist points.

Sean says Murray could be #1 by the end of the year. If he does this, I hope he does it by winning a Slam or else he’ll be the next Safina/Jankovic. I don’t think it will happen this year though. The one guy who can wrestle it off Nadal decided to come off the boil. Will Halle really be Roger’s first title of 2009?

April 18th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

“Will Halle really be Roger’s first title of 2009?” Both Tsonga and Djokovic are playing there this year, so don’t bet the farm on it, especially if the baby arrives.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

I don’t think Novak will be able to stave off the loss of number 3 given that he has a title to defend in Rome; he may pick some up at the Serbia Open and/or if he plays Madrid, but he also has semis to defend at Roland Garros. But it still remains to be seen what will happen after clay, during grass, hardcourts, and indoor.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

You raised that point about the baby earlier. Here’s my take.

Fed will let Mirka handle the baby most of the time. She won’t be out travelling with him during tournaments, so it won’t be a distraction for him. His hunger will be dampened somewhat, but he’s a professional player, and he will continue to play to win. It may not be humane, but he will put his career first before his duties as a father. He will probably not even sleep in the same room with the baby, and just let Mirka do most of the parenting, or employ some people to help out. He’s not going to be around it 24/7 and not practice his game.

When he’s out on the court, none of the off court business will be on his mind. He’ll temporarily cast everything else aside and concentrate on the match. That’s what professional sportsmen have to do when they have family. His baby may not have even been unplanned. They’ve been together a long time and “precautious” so it’s hard to see him letting his guard down after 8 years. Maybe marriage wasn’t on the cards and he didn’t think he’d be pressured into it after the baby?

This is not to say that Fed’s season can’t suck in any case, but I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt for a little bit longer. If he fails to make a Wimbledon final this year, I’ll write him off for good. For the time being, he is undefeated at the US Open for the last 5 years, and defeated only once at Wimbledon in the last 6 years. Both are like a second home to him, so I’ll give him that much credit. For now.

For me, it will be weird seeing Nadal in a GS final without Federer as the opponent. In the 8 GS finals he has played, he’s had to go through Federer (SF in RG 05). Because I like the rivalry in finals so much, I hope Fed picks himself up.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:48 pm

I checked Andy Roddick’s website for wedding photos but couldn’t find any; Congrats to him and his wife! Hope they’re happy.

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Giner, the birth of a baby is life-changing; pretty much all of the men I know who’ve experienced the birth of their first baby are totally changed and smitten by the experience. I’m not suggesting Roger will suddenly be changing diapers 24/7, of course. However, the baby will **definitely** be on his mind. I am not as convinced as you that he’ll be able to “cast everything else aside and concentrate on the match.” But I guess we will see.

April 18th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

This has turned into ripping good match. Rafa so intense & Andy so cool. What a duel! This is hellava match! Wow what a point! Gosh, these guys are good.

Are we seeing the start of an epic rivalry? Murray has the heart of a champion, I believe. I feel he may become great tennis warrior.

Tennis tips accepted with gratitude.

itwitter.com/ilovecrosswords

April 18th, 2009 at 2:29 pm

Novak has played excellent during the whole week even though this fact was not covered at all by the press. His draw was one of the hardest and he came through with flying colors!
Congratulation to Jane and all other Novak fans!

April 18th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

gordan – I agree he has played well; “controlled aggression,” not over-doing it, but knowing to play the big points with big shots. Congrats to you also!

April 18th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

As much as I love Novak, tomorrow will be a beat-down. The tennis pot is aboil. What a glorious time to be a witness. We shall see, what we shall see……http://twitter.com/ilovecrosswords…..Be patient.

April 18th, 2009 at 3:00 pm

All I can say is: Look out Rafa!

April 18th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

Great match by Rafa. He raised his level when he needed to. Congrats to the Djoker. Looking forward to the final tomorrow. It should be a good one.

April 18th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

Sean
***Since we’re talking clay, no surprise Rafa’s also looking quite good. For the first 90 minutes against Murray Rafa looked like the clay God that he is, but then we saw another lapse when he failed to serve out the match. As we saw against Andy Roddick at Indian Wells or even Juan Martin Del Potro, Rafa couldn’t slam the door shut like we are use to seeing from him. So for me, some of those issues we saw during the hardcourt season are still present.***

I agree. Seems Rafa has trouble closing matches. Today it wa not just Rafa but I think Murray was losing and started playing more relaxed and made it tough for Rafa.

Congratulations to Andy and Brooklyn. Seems April is the wedding month.

April 18th, 2009 at 4:17 pm

Zola: “I agree. Seems Rafa has trouble closing matches. Today it wa not just Rafa but I think Murray was losing and started playing more relaxed and made it tough for Rafa.”

I agree, Murray played realy tough but kudos to Rafa for hanging in there in the tie break.

Cannot wait for these two to play again. Is it a rivary in the making ?? it looks like it, and I hope so.

I cannot understand when people say “if davydenko has not played with nalbandian he would have won the match” NOOOO !Murray played well and won in that match so please give him credit. Its the same as saying, “If Wawrinka did not make 50 something errors today he would have won it”…No either, novak won the match fair and square. There is no ifs or buts here.

Lets see what Novak will do tomorrow.

April 18th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

Kimmi,

Well, of course Murray beat Davydenko fair and square and I assume he played well; I couldn’t find a feed so could only follow scores. There is no doubt that a win is a win. But I don’t think we can completely rule out the factors that go into a match either, for example if a player is just coming back after injury, like Davydenko, or if a player just finished a long 3-setter and then has to come out and play Murray! That’s a daunting task! All I was saying was that the chances of the results being different would’ve been higher, imo, if Davydenko did not have a 3-setter against Nalby, a tough player, a few hours earlier.

But you’re entitled to disagree of course.

April 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

I did not see the match either. When i was watching Murray Vs nadal match on Tennistv Robby Koeneg (sp)(commentator) was saying that Murray played the best first set with davydenko and i believe them. Davydenko is a very good player but so is Murray, and I think Murray game is starting to traslate well on clay. Robby continue to say that murray had the best defence on that match hence davydenko was forced to hit too many balls and eventually he made mistakes.

Anyway, he won that match and good for him to reach the semi and hopefully we can see another Murray /dvydenko match where both of them are rested and fit, and let the best man win.

April 18th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Kimmi, I agree with you 100%. I think Murray is getting very scary on clay if he can push King Rafa to a tiebreaker from 2-5 down! What Murray is so great at, imo, is the way he thinks and adjusts on court; he’s a VERY smart player. He doesn’t get as down on himself anymore either, which is great, and this is something I’d like to see more of from Novak: don’t get down, just figure out a way to get better and get the W! I am sure that’s something Roger wants to recapture as well.

But there’s no doubt Rafa still looks to be the King of clay. The final two points in that tiebreak were ridiculous! ;-)

April 18th, 2009 at 6:31 pm

Yes, especially the point before match point was ridiculous. Its great to see Nadal play when he is really pushed. He is coming up with unbelivable shots and so did Murray at times…was great match. Hope for the same tomorrow.

April 18th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Kimmi
The scary thing is that neither Murray or Djoko re not at their peak yet and can improve a lot. It is good for Rafa too, because it gives him motivation toimprove further.

Here is a clip from Rafa-Andy match today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCRl1jQx-1s

April 18th, 2009 at 7:06 pm

on a completely different note,
Apparently Murray had blisters in the palm of his hand. I read somewhere that Rafa had blisters too ( at least before MC). The commentators said that Murray had to apply an artificial skin to reduce the pain.
I know Rafa said he can have blisters on his fingers in an hour of he does not tape them.

So my question is, can they use a type of fingerless glove to protect their hands and fingers from blisters or would it make it worse? or reduce the feel for the racquet?

April 18th, 2009 at 9:12 pm

sorry, with a fingerless glove they still need to tape the fingers but it should protect the palm!

April 18th, 2009 at 9:13 pm

No matter what happens tomorrow Novak is satisfied with points gained as finalist. To take a set would be gravy.
In Miami he wanted to get to the finals for points but also he wanted to beat Tsonga and Fed on principle.

Has anyone noticed that Novak was playing doubles all week and winning? Bet he was pleased to be in the semis and is also relieved he lost to Zimonic/Nestor today. After Rafa tomorrow he won’t has an ounce of gas to play doubles.

April 18th, 2009 at 9:32 pm

…Novak is satisfied with points gained? He wanted to get to the finals for points? What? The number 3 of the last 3ish years is satisfied with gaining a few points? So, he coulda been playing me in the final of Miami and woulda lost anyway just because he was happy with making the final? What? Djokovic is a professional tennis player, number 3 in the world, a Grand Slam champion, etc, etc. He, in no way, is “satisfied” with getting points and making finals. He enters to tournaments to win every match. I’m not saying he’s the perfect contender because he has given up in a few too many matches (I’m not talking about retiring, either). But he’s still hungry and gunning for the top spot. What an insult.

April 18th, 2009 at 9:51 pm

“What an insult.”

Oh! Pardonnez-moi.

April 18th, 2009 at 9:57 pm

With all the hype surrounding the matches today, I completely forgot to wish my ever-loving Andy R. and his bride, Brooklyn, a very happy, long and fruitful union. Way to go Andy!!!! You’ve got class and style and has set the example for young people, girl meets boy, they get married and then have babies. Please don’t rush too fast for the babies though — tennis first, now that you’ve caught the prize.

April 18th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

“You’ve got class and style and has set the example for young people, girl meets boy, they get married and then have babies”

Ha ha ha ! ….and have babies and then divorce courts….

April 18th, 2009 at 10:18 pm

sar vous etes stupide, ton RF is sinking

April 18th, 2009 at 10:58 pm

“Way to go Andy!!!! You’ve got class and style and has set the example for young people, girl meets boy, they get married and then have babies.”
Looks like Roger got the marriage-have babies order mixed up! =P

April 18th, 2009 at 11:48 pm

No one cares that Elton John was at Roddick’s shindig? Wow! How did Roddick become friends of Elton, or was Elton the paid entertainment?

April 19th, 2009 at 12:22 am

Elton has been to Andy’s charity fund-raisers, and Roddick has been to his; they both have big hearts, thus it makes ideal sense that Elton was at Andy’s wedding.

April 19th, 2009 at 12:29 am

Shan
I think they are friends. I read that Elton John helped Andy raise money for his foundation before and Andy helped him for some charity work as well.

gordon
the marriage-baby order was funny. lol!

April 19th, 2009 at 12:30 am

Von Says: “With all the hype surrounding the matches today, I completely forgot to wish my ever-loving Andy R. and his bride, Brooklyn, a very happy, long and fruitful union. Way to go Andy!!!! You’ve got class and style and has set the example for young people, girl meets boy, they get married and then have babies.”

Von dear ITA. It took ten years and an unplanned baby before Roger would commit to his love in ceremony but Andy needed nothing of the sort to know that he has found his soul mate. So congrats to the Roddicks for doing it right. I hope they have a nice long honeymoon right through the clay court season. ;)

Good luck to the Novak and Rafael fans here tomorrow.

April 19th, 2009 at 1:29 am

Elton John and Roddick go way back since he was a teenager, same with Pete Sampras. Sir Elton was at Pete’s wedding also. They all became very friendly due to playing in World Team Tennis with the great Billie Jean King, and Andy with Elton especially with the Andy Roddick Foundation. An example of how much the two are dedicated in their friendship, Andy played the weekend prior to ’08 Madrid on Elton John’s WTT team, then hopped a plane to Madrid arriving on Monday afternoon and played a super match v. Robredo that night until 12:00 am Tuesday morning, Spain time. Later the same day, Tuesday he played v.Monfils and lost. It was too much for anyone to do without rest, but he knew this and still played WTT to help his buddy Elton. That’s why I luv the guy.
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Kimmi: “Ha ha ha ! ….and have babies and then divorce courts….”

Why so cynical, marriage is a wonderful institution!!
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gordon: “Looks like Roger got the marriage-have babies order mixed up!”

That was the general idea of my post — the horse before the cart, not vice versa, and chickens then eggs. LOL.

April 19th, 2009 at 2:12 am

TD(Tam):

I’m proud of our little guy.

“So congrats to the Roddicks for doing it right. I hope they have a nice long honeymoon right through the clay court season. ;)”

Hang on now, he has SF points to defend in Rome which is approximately a week away — they can continue their honeymoon while in Rome. They chose a lovely place, Costa Rica, for their honeymoon. Florida is beautiful but Costa Rica, is exotic, and surprisingly a lot of American retirees are living there due to the cost of living.

April 19th, 2009 at 2:16 am

1) I don’t understand why everyone is talking about Roddick’s wedding when there’s tennis to be talked about.

2) Why would he honeymoon through the clay season. That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Why is Roddick still afraid of the clay? With all his improvement and everything and he’s skipping the one time of the season where he can legitimately prove himself as a contender for slams and the top spot. This is how Roddick shows he wants to get back into the conversation? If he continues this skipping the clay season crap, I’m gonna lose all my respect for him. Idc about charities and WTT bs. He’s a pro and right now his job is to play the clay events. This is unbelievable Roddick. Good guy or not, even Federer gave Monte Carlo a go.

April 19th, 2009 at 2:39 am

Von: “gordon: “Looks like Roger got the marriage-have babies order mixed up!”

That was the general idea of my post — the horse before the cart, not vice versa, and chickens then eggs. LOL.”

Von dear Von did you have to slam Roger for this too, you just don’t like the guy, do you ? Him and Mirka marriage seem more belivable to me, after 9 yrs of being together, it does not matter what order the baby and marriage happen. I am sure “young people” would not mind if it happens this way either. It just seem very real and good luck to them.

Good luck to Roddick too, we want to see the wedding pics.

April 19th, 2009 at 2:49 am

I hope brooklyn files for divorce soon and takes much as much of Roddick’s money as soon as she can. Let’s face it, Roddick is no nadal to really satisfy a woman. Nadal is a stallion, Roddick , well, you guessed it – a d$%%kEY

April 19th, 2009 at 4:56 am

Well, I hope Novak can make a match of it today too. He’s already lost his serve, which doesn’t bode well. I know he won’t win against Rafa on clay, but I do hope it’s not a rout.

April 19th, 2009 at 8:25 am

Come on Novak; show us your heart.

April 19th, 2009 at 8:43 am

Novak, don’t come to net, arrrgh. You’re making me too nervous with that as Rafa is too good of a passer. And get more first serves in, pretty please? lol.

April 19th, 2009 at 9:02 am

hey, where are you guys watching this online? I can’t seem to find one with English announcers, and Channelsurfing.net just shutdown on me.

April 19th, 2009 at 9:13 am

Well, Novak can break Rafa’s serve, but he hasn’t been able to hold his own today, at least in the first set. Too bad he’s not getting a few more first serves in – still only 64% whereas, I see Rafa’s first serve percentage has come up. Oh well…

April 19th, 2009 at 9:42 am

With Djokovic leading 4-1 in set 2, this ain’t going to be a rout!

April 19th, 2009 at 9:50 am

To Jane:
just want to translate what Novak’s kept saying to himself – “Take it easy… don’t rush… play him…don’t let him impose you his style…etc.”
It’s encouriging, since it indicates that he believs he can win

April 19th, 2009 at 9:57 am

NOVAK NOVAK NOVAK…well done

April 19th, 2009 at 10:01 am

YAY! Novak took a set good on him! Thanks for translating Bojana. Much appreciated and a big smile for that belief Nole is showing in himself. :-D Bravo!

April 19th, 2009 at 10:01 am

Hey Jane: Jko is just terrific and showing everyone how to play Nadal! You must be thrilled.
Hope Andy M is watching!

April 19th, 2009 at 10:02 am

wowww..novak can actually do it..nadal first serve just really bad today and novak is taking full advantage

April 19th, 2009 at 10:06 am

trouble nadal cant find his game..never so him struggling so much on holding his own serve but Novak is just playing him wonderfully

April 19th, 2009 at 10:13 am

Did you see how Djokovic made that sarcastic gesture of thanking God after he lost a point unluckily?… this guy tries to make people not root for him

April 19th, 2009 at 10:28 am

Ah crap – dumb drop shot. Now with Nadal up a break in the third, this is likely over.

I am still very proud of Nole for the effort and the set he took.

April 19th, 2009 at 10:29 am

novak deserves to win this one ..he is playing great..nadal is on survival mode..

April 19th, 2009 at 10:41 am

Novak have not played this well for a long long time. Good for him, I am so glad he turn up this way. This is turning out to be the best match of the tornament.

April 19th, 2009 at 10:43 am

But he keeps getting broken. :-(

This is more like the first set, where Novak could get the break but then couldn’t consolidate it.

But I do agree with you Kimmi that it’s **awesome** Novak has come to play and along with Rafa is helping to make this final an exciting one.

April 19th, 2009 at 10:50 am

Djokovic’s game is really going away after getting back on serve at 1-2. Nadal 40-0 serving for match now with a double break!

April 19th, 2009 at 10:58 am

Nadal won! But Djokovic really played a very good 2nd set!

April 19th, 2009 at 10:59 am

Congrats to Rafa. But Bravo also to Novak for a good match!

April 19th, 2009 at 11:02 am

Jane: you must feel as “chipper” about Novak as I do about Andy! How many years is it since anyone took a set off Rafa -wow! Also, unlike yesterday, when Andy M played “catch up” all the time and I did not feel he could win, today at times I did feel Novak was in with a chance!

April 19th, 2009 at 11:05 am

exactly what I ordered Djoko of old came to court today.The final was worth watching

Jane you should be proud of your guy he came back strong in the second and could have turned it in the 1st 3 games of the 3rd.

Great for tennis that Murray and Djoko are knocking on the door makes tennis more exciting.

But anyhow vamos rafa

April 19th, 2009 at 11:06 am

Vamos Rafa!!! So happy to see him win the tournament! Hopefully he got enough time to recover for the next event.

Having said that, I think Novak is the biggest threat to Nadal on clay. Therefore, congrats Jane, Duro and the rest of Novak’s fans!

April 19th, 2009 at 11:06 am

he got – he gets

sorry for all the grammatical errors. sooo excited!!

April 19th, 2009 at 11:08 am

But in future Djoko should refrain from using the drop shot too much,it should be used sparingly

April 19th, 2009 at 11:10 am

Nothing but proud is what I feel and what Novak should feel too. Great privilege to watch such a match; it was a present to all tennis lovers. After Hamburg ’08 I thought it couldn’t be possibly better, but today it was a rhapsody of the game. Thank you Ezorra, your guy is something extraordinary, you are blessed to have someone like him to root for. Jane, Sar, all of other Nole’s supporters, be happy and proud, Nole deserved it today.

April 19th, 2009 at 11:32 am

Kimmi: I don’t think you got the meaning of my post, so it’s no point explaining anything. Jump to whatever conclusions you want. FYI, you do a pretty good job of slamming Roddick and other players yourself, so let’s not point fingers.
________________
margot:

“How many years is it since anyone took a set off Rafa -wow!”

Sam Querrey has done twice.
________________
Sensationsafin:

What’s stupid about roddick being married at this time. He didn’t lay MC last year and hadn’t any points to defend, so why not now.

I don’t see you complaining about the treads being full of any of Federer’s life. We eat, breathe and exhale Federer, perpetually on these threads..
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Roddick:

“I hope brooklyn files for divorce soon and takes much as much of Roddick’s money as soon as she can. Let’s face it, Roddick is no nadal to really satisfy a woman. Nadal is a stallion, Roddick , well, you guessed it – a d$%%kEY”

Yeah, yeah. At least he’s got money and is somebody who’s proud to write and speak his name, unlike you hiding behind facades non-stop. Why not be man/woman enough to reveal yourself instead of being known as the jackass who brays to much hot air.

April 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am

sensationalsafin:

“If he continues this skipping the clay season crap, I’m gonna lose all my respect for him. Idc about charities and WTT bs.”

Even though I like you a lot, I’ve got to tell you, you don’t show any respect for Roddick whatsoever, regardless of what he does. You call him the most ridiculous names you can find in your vocabulary. He’s a dumbass, so what can I tell you — he’s living up to his image in your mind.

“This is unbelievable Roddick. Good guy or not, even Federer gave Monte Carlo a go.”

Well, Federer didn’t have a wedding to plan and he’s been on a 9 year honeymoon, so why would he skip MC?

This is the kind of stuff that causes the responses that people don’t like to read, but don’t turn on the radio if you don’t want to hear music, bad or good.

April 19th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

Ezorra:

Congrats to you and Nadal fans on Nadal’s 5th consecutive MC win. You should be very proud and he’s deserving of every accolade the tennis world should bestow on him. Hopefully, the writers will not overshadow their write-up with stupid comparisons and rhetoric.
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Duro, jane, sar, gordon, Danica, bob 22, SGreen, RG, et al., I’m happy for you guys that Djok put up a good fight and stayed the course of the match. The commentators said it’s the best they’ve seen him play since the AO ’08, and it’s how he needs to play if he wants to remain in the conversation with the top guys. Good job Djoko!! One demerit — he needs to stop the dropshot-itis and some of the signs up to the heavens.

Duro, remember I told you not to despair. The power of positive thinking works most of the time.

April 19th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

correction:
“Sensationsafin:

What’s stupid about roddick being married at this time. He didn’t lay MC last year and hadn’t any points to defend, so why not now.

I don’t see you complaining about the treads being full of any of Federer’s life. We eat, breathe and exhale Federer, perpetually on these threads..

He didn’t ‘lay’ shold be ‘play’
complaining about ‘treads’ s/b ‘threads’.

April 19th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

Von, Sam did it on clay?

April 19th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

Dear Von, I only asked a question, and this is a kind of response I get that i have been slamming Roddick a lot. I can’t remember when did I slam roddick…but anyway it does not matter.. I would not care less if anyone slams federer or murray for that matter. The only think I can do is put my constructive (with examples) points accross and thats it. I have enjoyed constructive criticism and enjoyed reading a lot of posts in this board and some of your posts too.

Now, if i misunderstood what you said then the only thing you could have done is enlight me.

This forum takes people from all angles. If you are going to get up-tight about anything or anybody who mention Roddick then you are going to have a very miserable time here. Some people just love to take the mickey… and the moment you respond with anger it makes them do it again and again and again. So I think it will be best for you to just relax, take a deep breath and enjoy wonderful tennis that we are blessed to witness.

For example today Novak played excellent 2nd set, do you think he can maintain that level next time he meets Nadal ? what about Murray, he showed some promise after being 2-5 down, do you think he can maintain the high level to beat Nadal ?

April 19th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

Kimmi:

To answer you would open a can of worms and fall into a trap which I have vowed that I’m not going to let happen this year. So if you don’t mind, I’d like to leave the matter alone. Something for you to think about though, do you remember your remark recently about people eating stink eggs, with reference to some negative remarks concerning Del Potro? Why did you become so up-tight about that situation? See Kimmi, we all do it, without thinking, and inasmuch as you say you don’t care, you do, per many of your posts. It’s OK for you to become uptight, but just remember it’s also OK for others to do the same.

With reference to your questions on Nadal, we had a discussion last year in which you mentioned you didn’t want to see him winning again as in ’08, and I told you I didn’t think it would be repeated in ’09, due to every player having a huge break-out year and I think ’08 was his. I firmly believe Nadal will not be as dominant on clay as in the past. I think he is slowing down and more and more players are going to be able to push him harder than he’s been accustomed to in the past, because his shots are not as effective as they once were and he’s making more errors, but only time will tell.

April 19th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Von,

Thanks for the good wishes. BTW, I have been trying to find some pictures of Roddick’s wedding, including Brooklyn’s dress! But I can’t. i’ve checked his website and googled. The only photo I’ve seen is the one at the ATP site with Andy looking very handsome and happy, with his friends. I’d like to see the bride and groom. Let me know if you come across any photos!

April 19th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

margot – yes, “chipper” is a good word for it, though still disappointed with the loss; like you, for a minute there I thought he could really pull out the upset! osazone4real, thanks to you also.

April 19th, 2009 at 8:15 pm

OK Von. Peace ! With regards to someone challenging Nadal on clay, i keep my fingers cross and hope for it to happen this year.

April 19th, 2009 at 8:41 pm

Well Novak played his best today and kept his points,took a set, got a nice silver prize, $203,000euros and closer to maybe someday getting this title. I’d say he did great and being in two finals Miami/MC is not too shabby.

April 19th, 2009 at 9:41 pm

jane:

I haven’t come across any actual wedding pictures of Andy’s wedding. I too, would like to see the wedding gown. It’s a Vera Wang creation and from the description, it sounds as though it was a beauty, with rouching down the sides and a spray of rhinestones at the back — a style (rouching) for a slim person, but she’s small so it should look beautiful. I doubt we’d see pictures considering it was a very small, private ceremony, but then they had a huge shin-dig at Stump’s BarBQ in Austin, Texas, for 250 people the following night, Saturday. Money, money.

April 20th, 2009 at 12:04 pm