Americans Blake, Fish Swim to Forefront at ATP Estoril

Well, good for Fish and Blake. I’d like to see them both do well on clay. In a way it’s a fight between them to see who’ll be picked when the US faces Croatia on clay in Davis Cup. Way to go guys!

David Ferrer seems to have entered his on again, off again slump, and Davydenko seems to be emerging from his. Hopefully, we’ll see some exciting matches for the QFs, SFs, and finals, if they are shown on TV. Always the big “IF”.

May 6th, 2009 at 7:36 pm

YAH!! GO USA!

May 6th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

I am particularly pleased to hear Blake say “I felt like my old self” and not only that but to hear him sound hungry.

May 6th, 2009 at 8:20 pm

Al:

“YAH!! GO USA!” Please save some of that for Davis Cup. Thanks.

May 6th, 2009 at 8:25 pm

This win should feel good for Blake and hopefully will help him out of his slump. His smile on the ATP page says a lot.

May 6th, 2009 at 8:28 pm

Seems Djoko won Tipsy in Belgrade. but Tipsy managed to take a set from Djoko. Good on him. I bet the audiance was thrilled to see the battle.

May 6th, 2009 at 8:29 pm

This is part of what Blake had to say after his win:

“Even if I don’t win another match here I’ll still feel good about my clay game. But I’m not ready to stop, I would really like to win this tournament.”

Interesting statement. I’m surprised that he’s talking about losing so soon after winning. I doubt you’d hear such a statement from anyone else in the top 20.

May 7th, 2009 at 10:18 am

It’s the “But” phrase that caught my attention, “I’m not ready to stop”. And Blake won again today. That’s great; if he could keep on going, make a real run at this event, this could be the kind of boost that he’s been lacking seemingly all year.

May 7th, 2009 at 10:50 am

MMT:

“Interesting statement. I’m surprised that he’s talking about losing so soon after winning. I doubt you’d hear such a statement from anyone else in the top 20.”

I’d say he’s alerting the media to back off with respect to any expectations they’d have of him going further at Estoril, and if that happens then he won’t see any negativity emanating from that area. I suppose he believes in disarming the press. On a lighter vein, the win was probably a shock to his system. LOL. Poor James, my heart goes out to him.

I also feel that the upcoming DC tie is weighing heavily on his mind and he’s apprehensive as to whether he’ll be picked or replaced. He stated when they won the last time, in a group interview, after being probed by Gimel that he’d go ‘if’ he’s invited. And, that ‘if’ speaks volumes to me that he’s already gone through that scenario in his mind and there’s a strong possibility of him not being selected for that tie.

Did you watch the Seniors match last night? I’m very surprised, nay shocked to see Arias beating Wilander and Cash, and making it to the finals. WOW. I didn’t realize he was 44 already. I also didn’t know he lives in my neck of the woods in Florida, but of course, that shouldn’t be a surprise because so many players live here due to our climate being very conducive to training, not to mention the “zero” state taxes enticement.

I answered your post on the other thread and apologize for my redundancy. After I posted I realized I had repeated myself quite a few times. It was one of those days, unfortunately, where the brain juices weren’t flowing el rapido. I doubt you can identify with that situation because you’re always so very precise. My brain circuits are running on overload, and i’lll probably short out any time. Ha, ha.

May 7th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

Youzhny may’ve actually found some mojo; he’s into the semis at Munich. And Hewitt’s currently up a set on Berdych though Tomas winning the second set. Also, I noticed that Simon has been doing alright at Estoril. If Blake gets past Serra today, he’ll have Davydenko waiting in the semis. I almost see Davydenko winning this event; after all, he was winning last year’s final before he retired and handed the title over to Federer. Davy took out Fish fairly easily today. Mind you if Blake is rejuvenated who knows. Munich is harder to call as Cilic, Chardy, Hewitt, Berdych, Youzhny are all still in it as I write. In Belgrade, Karlovic is through and Seppi has been playing excellently there this week. If Djoko gets past Troicki today, both of these guys could give him a tussle; he’s never played Seppi on clay and Dr. Ivo and him are even at 1-1.

May 8th, 2009 at 10:56 am

Heartbreaker of a loss for Hewitt, in a third set tiebreaker, but Berdych had the upperhand throughout that breaker. Cilic so far is cruising, even though Chardy is putting in over 80% first serves. So is Blake at Estoril, having won the first set and now up 5-1 in the second. The Blake vs. Davydenko semifinal should be a really good one as both will be hungry, both having dropped out of the top ten.

May 8th, 2009 at 12:15 pm

Montanes takes out Simon in a 3rd set tiebreaker and Chardy comes back to take the match from Cilic; that’s a big win for Chardy. Lots of tight matches today.

May 8th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

Jane, “Djokovic junior posts upset”. Hmmmm…. Very significant information. But I’m waiting for the youngest to become a star! He’s something! Djordje Djokovic called George…

May 8th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Jane, where are you! Jumping from one thread to another… I’m waiting for Nole and Troicki to start. I ecpect a great match, but Nole in two sets. Victor is very “inconvinient” for Nole’s game. He won the only previous match, and when they were children, Victor beat him like 9-0 or something. He is 2 years older though.

May 8th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

Hi Von:

I missed the seniors match, but I try to watch whenever I can – I have to say Phillipoussis is unbearable. He doesn’t even look like he’s trying.

Missed your response on the other thread. I’ll have a look now.

Cheers.

May 8th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

Duro, I am trying to post on the “relevant” threads, that’s all. It looks so dark on the court; they need to put on the lights and cheer things up a little!

May 8th, 2009 at 2:16 pm

There is no power! I thought for a second it was a scenario like in box matches, but it’s a power problem. Bizarre.

May 8th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

Duro – Yes, this is a problem! I was wondering what was taking so long to get started. It looks like there is power in some places; the jumbotron is working. What are the announcers saying? And what time is it there?

May 8th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

It’s 8:30 pm. They expect the problem to be fixed in 10-15 minutes. The problem is with reflectors.

May 8th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

Yay – light. Let’s hope for an electrifying match now. haha

May 8th, 2009 at 2:38 pm

Worm-up! It’s OK now.

May 8th, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Well, I expect it be very electrifying! Victor is 38th now, he plays best tennis of his life, plus this is home, special feeling and motivation. For Nole, because of the loss in their previous match, I expect him to play very strongly and with authority. Two sets, in my opinion.

May 8th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

Duro, the lights are off again; is this another power issue? I expect that the tournaments organizers are going through a learning curve. They’ll need covers for the clay next year, for example. But I’d love to hear more from people who are there.

I think Danica was going tonight so I hope she posts her thoughts on things afterwards.

May 8th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

Phew… electricity already!

May 8th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

Jane, they are playing! May be you lost the signal!

May 8th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

This is weird because the ATP scoreboard shows that Troicki has the first break already. But meanwhile, the TV coverage is dark. I am confused!

May 8th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

Okay it’s all sorted out now; and Djoko has got the break back. Phew is right.

May 8th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

I think they are nervous both. They started with a worm up 1 our ago, got ready, but had to wait until now.

May 8th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

Jane, did you notice the little falcon on the Nole’s racquet strings (on the rubber actually). It used to be :) ones, but it’s falcon now.

May 8th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

What a cute scene… Did you see the old man?

May 8th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Yes, I noticed the falcon in Rome. I missed the cute scene as; what happened?

Nice rally to finish the first set.

May 8th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

First set to Djokovic. Second will be breezing!

May 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

After great point that Djokovic won, the old man took a hand of his daughter (probably) and squeezed it sort of speak. Very sincere expression of joy. If it’s a Nole’s grandpa it’s him who gave Novak this Falcon nickname.

May 8th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Sounds like a nice gesture. There’s the break for Djoko. Wow the stands are sure packed; i hope the fans are having fun. It’s so nice to see a tournament that’s so packed! Often you see tournaments and look up in the stands when two great players are playing and there is hardly anyone there; that always freaks me out. I think Djoko looks a little stressed out. What do you think?

May 8th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

Duro, where are you? Troicki is not going away easily here is he? Djoko is having to play longer points than he’d like, i suspect. Do you think he’s looking a little stressed? I bet there is a lot going on behind the scenes for him and he might feel a lot of pressure. Hmmm. Tough to say. I just want him to hang on here and finish this in two sets.

May 8th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Good game Novak!

May 8th, 2009 at 3:53 pm

Those last two games were fantastic, more authoritative excellent tennis from Djoko. Nice to see Novak mixing up the shots and pace and serving well also.

May 8th, 2009 at 3:57 pm

Danica, be sure to post your thoughts on the match and tournament when you get home! I think you’re there tonight.

That was so nice of Novak to hug the disabled people at the front and pose for photos with them; I don’t know that I’ve ever seen that before, but that young girl’s smile afterwards made it worthwhile. :-)

May 8th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

Very interesting ! Have you guys seen this WTA tour draw for Madrid ? Is this a new rule with WTA tour ? I am wondering why Safina, Venus. Azarenka and Kuznetsova gets a bye in the 1st round, while all other top players don’t get a bye ? Strange !! Could it be because they reach the semi in Rome ??

Here is the link !

http://www.madrid-open.com/media/uploads/cuadros/1241813129_MDS.pdf

May 8th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Kimmi:

That’s strange, it doesn’t make sense, but does follow a pattern — they all made it to the semis in Rome. Is the men’s draw out as yet?

May 8th, 2009 at 4:59 pm

http://www.madrid-open.com/media/uploads/cuadros/1241813114_MDS.pdf

Mens draw very different this time. Djokovic gets Nadal and Murray gets Federer. Murray is still seeded 4th and Djokovic 3rd, so no changes.

Wow ! Can’t wait for Madrid to start, real tennis again..

May 8th, 2009 at 5:02 pm

Hi Von, Yes strange with WTA tour. New rule I guess.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

‘Safina, Venus. Azarenka and Kuznetsova gets a bye in the 1st round, while all other top players don’t get a bye ? Strange !! Could it be because they reach the semi in Rome ??’

That appears to be the case as Madrid starts tomorrow and squeezing two big events in 2 weeks is not easy. I actually like this idea as you really need to ‘earn’ the bye with a good result.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

tennisontherocks:

“I actually like this idea as you really need to ‘earn’ the bye with a good result.”

You’ve said it! That thought has got my draws /seeding and carryover points wheels in motion though. It’s the reason I dislike the seeding in draws and the the whole scenario. It should be if the players want to be seeded high, then they should post good results, not piggyback on the carry-over points from the previous year. Also, the wins/losses should be reviewed on a quarterly basis. This way, the seeding would be more fair, but it would present a challenge for ATP though, because they’d have to do more statistics. The way it is now, it’s simple, all cut and dried and presented in a nice package with all the bows and trimmings.

_________________
Kimmi: Hi, I tried accessing the men’s draw from the ATP website, but the format is a mess. It’s one of the reasons I never liked Madrid because everything on their home page is so difficult to find and is more targetd to the Spanish speaking population — no comprende.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

Hmmm – 8 of 10 Spaniards are in Nadal’s quarter of the draw. That should cruise like a submarine with a screen door over in Madrid

May 8th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

Von, Roddick is in Federer’s quarter and Murray’s half. Murray has a pretty comfy quarter, I think; he should be able to get to the quarters with that draw. Nadal has Verdasco again in his quarter and Djoko has Tsonga, Simon, Safin and also Querrey.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

And, as usual, Roddick ends up in Federer’s quarter. Shake em up guys, shake em up!!!!

Kimmi: thanks for the link to the men’s draws. I know you’ll tease me and so will Giner and Blah, but that’s OK. The draws are ?????? ha, ha. Now laugh your heads off.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

Does anybody know WHY there is discrepancy in the division of prize money in WTA and ATP? Why does WTA get more money in Madrid? I saw the same in IW and Miami, so much for equal prize money!

I just concentrated on winner and finalist.

ATP
Winner – EUR 585,000
Finalist – EUR 270,000

WTA
Winner – EUR 620,000
Finalist – EUR 310,000

May 8th, 2009 at 5:21 pm

I was able to access quite clearly the draw:
In The ATP.com website – “Model Form in Madrid” blurb – click where “Tournament Profile” is underlined – then click “Draws and Order of Play, Singles”

May 8th, 2009 at 5:21 pm

Von: “And, as usual, Roddick ends up in Federer’s quarter. Shake em up guys, shake em up!!!!”

LOL, C’mon have some belief. Federer has not been that great recently…we all know that. This is the time for Roddick to shine here.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:24 pm

And the higher altitude will give guys who don’t relish playing on clay a little boost as I believe the ball plays faster. So yeah, Kimmi, this might be Roddick’s chance to break through; he’s got to be feeling rested anyhow, after a couple weeks off.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:26 pm

Jane, sorry for disappearing. I had to go to pick up my kids at mother in low’s (or mother’s in low, I’m not sure about the expression). I just saw first 3 games and match point! Yes, he was stressed! I’m positive about it! He is involved in many aspects of the tournament and not only in his game. Shame, but it has to be that way this time. You’re absolutely right. There’s a lot going on behind the scene, but this is understandable considering circumstances. This is an extra pressure on his shoulders, but I hope he’ll recover for Madrid. This is killing kind of tempo. Luckily, there’s a week off before RG, but for Madrid I’m not sure how it will turn out to be for Nole. So many matches, so much energy spent, and so little free time to recover. I think after Belgrade, he will breathe freely. Big stone off his back.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:26 pm

jane: “and Djoko has Tsonga, Simon, Safin and also Querrey.”

What’s hidden in that little message there, where you’ve listed ALL of Djoko’s opponents or perceived threats to him, as opposed to the other top 10 seeds? Are you trying to say that his is the toughest draw? It isn’t, ha, ha, gotcha. What has Safin, Tsonga, Simon and Querrey done lately in comparison to Djokovic? NADA. Don’t worry, he’s got it made in the shade just like Nadal, and Murray. Surprisingly, Federer has finally got some competition in Andreev and Soderling, but knowing Soderling he’ll choke when he gets to Fed, that is if Andreev doesn’t beat Fed. However, Andreev has lost early in some recent tourneys, so maybe it’s going to be smooth sailing for Fed.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

Hi Duro, i was wondering where you’d wandered off to. The expression is mother-in-law. Nice that she could watch your little ones for you. I don’t know how well Novak will do at Madrid either; he’ll have played a lot of matches back-to-back considering he’s gone deep now in the past few events. But we’ll see; you’re right that once this event is over for the year, he can focus on tennis only, which should be good.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

RSutherland: Thanks for the tips on accessing the draw, but I did it the easier way, I clicked on Kimmi’s link. I’m not computer savvy, so these things are a challenge for me. My son at 4 could understand the computer and internet and my daughter at 7, was computer whiz, and was able to rebuld some stuff that viruses took over through her fualt. Sadly, Mum never learned.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:33 pm

Von, No hidden message – I guess I pay closer attention to Djoko’s quarter; most of the players I’ve listed I think on a good day Djoko should be able to beat, although Tsonga’s been a tough one for him in the past. We’ll see.

No, I don’t think his is the toughest draw; I am realizing more and more that it’s really tough to analyze draws since they often don’t play out the way we expect them to. Though you can sometimes look for the general group/ section for winning/losing H2Hs and nemeses or players the seeded players should be able to beat – qualifiers or whatever. But even then, sometimes the qualifiers are more dangerous.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

Well Roddick might have had some rest, but he’ll be playing match deprived, which is not good. All things in moderation is the watch word, so we’ll see. Thankfully, he doesn’t have anything of consequence to defend in Madrid.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

Von says, “he’ll be playing match deprived” – yes, that’s the other side of the coin. He’s doesn’t have anything to defend at the French either, so maybe with his increased fitness, he’ll get those legs moving and pick up some points heading into the grass.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:39 pm

I agree with you Von, Fed has a little tough with his form_ anything can happen. Andreev can blow hot and cold, soldering_ don’t know his clay game yet, he got only one game with nadal, but nadal is a different animal on clay.

Novak with his form, I think should be OK with those people, Tsonga could be dangerous though but I don’t know his form yet, as what jane said its high altitude so you never know, I am sure the big servers will enjoy here. Interesting.

Roddick gets davydenko on clay, I hope he is all fresh and ready, davy can be tough. On hardcourt i would say roddick for sure but clay..mmm!.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

Kimmi:

“Does anybody know WHY there is discrepancy in the division of prize money in WTA and ATP? Why does WTA get more money in Madrid? I saw the same in IW and Miami, so much for equal prize money!”

That’s the WTA’s silent ‘thank you’ to the players for showing up and consenting to play. LOL. I think that it’s unfair that the women receive equal prize money.

“This is the time for Roddick to shine here.” We’ll see. He might still be seeing visions of Costa Rica and Brooke instead of the tennis balls. LOL

May 8th, 2009 at 5:41 pm

Kimmi, Tsonga has been on the injury list with his knee, so I don’t think he’ll be in good form. I wanted Querrey to be in Nadal’s section because Sam pushed Nadal when they played DC in Madrid last year, but my wish didn’t come true. To, too, bad.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Hi Von.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:50 pm

Hello Duro, I see you got a break today from the kids. I know how that feels — like a vacation.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:51 pm

I think this Madrid is going to play different to what we are used to. I think some guys that have not done well on other clay tournaments might really shine here. The usual suspect might not be the ones.

I also want to see what is the issue with Nadal here in Madrid. All that talk about him pulling out and all. Will he be pushed, will he lose early…..YES YES Please someone!

May 8th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

Andreev is injured, Kimmi. About the draw, Good for Andy Murray, pretty bad for Novak. Semifinals maximum for Nole with Nadal in his part of the draw. I feel, somehow, that in spite of the fact that Andy and Nole are switching the places (which is irrelevant for the draw) that at the RG Nole will be in the Federer’s half, and Andy in the Nadal’s. So, we might see Fed – Nadal finals. Surprise! Jane expected me to say Nadal-Nole finals, I know.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Kimmi:

“I also want to see what is the issue with Nadal here in Madrid. All that talk about him pulling out and all. Will he be pushed, will he lose early…..YES YES Please someone!”

I know the answer but I’m not going to tell. The last time I got into this kind of discussion with you I got into trouble, so I’m steering clear. Don’t wory someone will come up with the answers.

May 8th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Von, this was a REAL vacation, all right. And their mom was with them he he he… The dream day for me! Unfortunately I had to go for them in the middle of the Nole’s match, but I knew he’s gonna win anyway.

May 8th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Duro: You cleaned house. Encourage them to go out more often. I used to tell my husband take the weekend off and take the kids to watch soccer. I think he thought I was very generous but my head was thinking, FREEDOM at last!! LOL.

May 8th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

Duro “Andreev is injured, Kimmi” Oh OK.! But why they play when injured ? They must feel good enough to win…strange!
Yes the french, we can dream, we can dream. but you are right_if djokovic gets federer he might reach the final and that would be something for Novak, another GS final.

Duro, at last Murray did not get Nadal ..I am very happy this time. But also it was good for Murray to get experience to play the king, he needs to play Nadal more than once on clay this year.

That said, there is many things to worry about Murray on clay, he struggles a lot on his early rounds. I hope he reach the semi, and then my dream will come true, he meets Federer, and then….oh No, I love them both. Who to choose? You see, maybe it’s best to just let it flow and the best man to win all.

May 8th, 2009 at 6:20 pm

Ha ha ha! Exactly! Imagine my position, with one kid 6 months old, always to be taken care of, and the older one who runs like hell! Even at work I’m on vacation! I never ask you people, who’s playing tennis among you? It’s a question for everybody! I do, but no time at all!

May 8th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Von, this was for you, of course.

May 8th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

I think Andreev has to play or else he’ll be fined unless the tourney doctor says he’s not fit to play. I was wondering what was his problem due to his early exit from his last tourney, so now I know.

I want to see Murray do well too but quite a lot has to fall into place for him to get past Federer, but then that means my Andy R. will be knocked out. This is too confusing, so let the best man win.

May 8th, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Kimmi, don’t wish to Murray matches with Nadal at all, if you cheer for him. On clay – mission impossible. If he gets to the semis (in Madrid) and lose to Fed, he’ll lose a whole bunch of ranking points (in October though, but anyway). This clay season is not convenient for him at all.

May 8th, 2009 at 6:31 pm

Von: “I know the answer but I’m not going to tell. The last time I got into this kind of discussion with you I got into trouble, so I’m steering clear. Don’t wory someone will come up with the answers.”

C’mon, what happen to freedom of speech. everytime I try to tell you not to worry too much, but you keep doing it. Now you see this is affecting our tennis discussion. Please lets discuss tennis, lets discuss all players..everybody, Roddick, Nadal Murray Tsonga etc. Its great fun and I like to learn things. ha ha.

May 8th, 2009 at 6:39 pm

Duro: “If he gets to the semis (in Madrid) and lose to Fed, he’ll lose a whole bunch of ranking points (in October though, but anyway)”

You said it..in october. At that time he is already # 3 in the world. But i am with you, Novak has picked his game since clay season started. He is almost back to his best again. Good to see. Now his matches with Murray will get even more intersting.

May 8th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08052009/58/djokovic-dominates-serbian-clash.html

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08052009/58/blake-standing-estoril.html

Some very good SF matches in the making.

May 8th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

His matches with Murray will become classics. With Nadal also. October is not so far away, it will come eventually, and his points will drop then. The end of the year is what counts really. After Wimbledon, I think many things will change. I don’t think nor Nadal nor Fed are gonna win it. It’s very dangerous for Fed actually. Anyway, I think that Nole will regain his number 3 spot before the October and Murray’s points drop that we mentioned. Gotta get some sleeping. Good night, everyone.

May 8th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

Night Duro. Talk to you tomorrow.

May 8th, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Murray will have a chance to regain the points from Madrid in Shangai, which will be a new Masters where nobody has points to defend, well he has, the “week” point, just like Nadal has the Hamburg points to defend this week. Murray defends the title name, but Nadal defends the points.

The draw from Madri is very interesting, a lot of new match-ups on clay that we never saw before: Fedd x Roddick (possible Fed x Murray), Djoko x Tsonga or Murray x Del Potro. Only Nadal’s quarter full with the usual spaniards customers.

Let’s see how it will unfolds. This time Nadal is on a quest of a historical mark on clay if he wins Madrid and RG, a full complete clay dominance in a single year within what is possible from a human being, playing 4 out of 6 weeks prior to RG!

Duro, I do play regularly, at least once a week.

May 8th, 2009 at 11:25 pm

I really don’t get the seeding on clay, surely it should be Rafa 1, Novak 2,Davydenko 3 possibly, Roger 4 and Andy M somewhere down, 7 perhaps or lower??
I don’t know how Andy will do. He’s been tucked up in London practising, I’d have preferred him to be out there getting practise in a real tournament.

May 9th, 2009 at 3:47 am

Daniel, lucky you for playing so regularly. Why should Shaghai be a chance for Murray. It’s equal chance for everyone. About Tsonga, what did he ever do on clay that counts. His abilities on clay are insignificant. This time, Fed is gonna make it to the finals, and lose it to Nadal, of course. Novak semis, Murray semis at most. This how the things are…

May 9th, 2009 at 4:14 am

Nadal – no threats; Djokovic – no threats; Murray – threats from Wawrinka and Del Potro, serious ones; Federer – only threat from Davydenko.

All in all: Nadal-Djokovic; Federer-Wawrinka or Del Potro (I’m picking JMDP).

Finals: Nadal-Federer.

Winer: Xisca.

May 9th, 2009 at 4:42 am

Talking about Madrid Open, of course.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:47 am

I did not know, surprising to see James Blake has a 6 – 0 H2H with Davydenko. mmmmh.! He will definitely have a very big chance today, clay or no clay.

May 9th, 2009 at 12:40 pm

I did not know, surprising to see James Blake has a 6 – 0 H2H with Davydenko. mmmmh.! He will definitely have a very big chance today, clay or no clay…

May 9th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

sorry for the double comments, think posting has been acting up on me.

May 9th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

I hope the rain doesn’t muck with James’ momentum; I’d love to see him win this title. Wouldn’t that be something of a surprise? ;)

May 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

Oh No ! Blake lost the 1st set after 2 breaks lead. That will hurt. Good for Davydenko for hanging in there, now just finish the match.

May 9th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

Yep, I can’t see Blake coming back from a set down on clay against Davy; too bad as he had such a good lead. Oh well, it’s still his best result ever on clay, so that’s something positive to take away.

May 9th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

Well rain again at Estoril, with Blake up a break in the second set. Too bad this match can’t get any continuous rhythm.

Novak’s having to struggle so far in the first set against Seppi; he’s faced 5 break points already whereas he’s not had one against Seppi.

May 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

For djokovic fans, he’s hired a new coach.

http://www.watchtennisonline.com/2009/05/08/djokovic-hired-a-new-coach/

May 9th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Hi Jane, Seppi is a tricky opponent. He would always give the top players a go but for some reason never really finish it.

I can see he took the 1st set. Are you watching live or just the score ?

May 9th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

I don’t have an english version, hope somebody can find it. The link says “Gasquet test positive for Cocaine”.

http://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis/breves2009/20090509_195949_gasquet-positif-a-la-cocaine.html

May 9th, 2009 at 4:17 pm

traces of cocaine were found in the urine sample of Richard Gasquet, controlled in Miami when he had to forfeit the tournament. Ces traces, de l’ordre de 1,46 microgramme (soit supérieures au seuil de sensibilité de 0,5 demandé à tous les laboratoires accrédités), pourraient valoir au tennisman français une suspension de deux ans si la contre-expertise corroborait la prime analyse. These trace levels of 1.46 microgram (ie above the sensitivity threshold of 0.5 applied to all accredited laboratories) could claim the french tennis player suspended for two years if the second opinion corroborated against the premium analysis .

En effet, la cocaïne figure parmi les stimulants majeurs interdits en compétition. Indeed, cocaine is one of the major stimulants banned in competition. Le joueur français, qui nie toute prise volontaire, n’a pas souhaité réagir à l’information, mais devrait très vite effectuer des analyses capillaires afin de démontrer qu’il n’est pas consommateur régulier. The french player, who denies any voluntary, did not wish to react to information, but should quickly make hair analysis to show that it is not regular. Enfin, le TEAM Lagardère devrait communiquer très vite à ce sujet, probablement dimanche en milieu d’après-midi. Finally, Team Lagardère should communicate quickly about this, probably in the middle of Sunday afternoon. – Damien RESSIOT – Damien RESSIOT

May 9th, 2009 at 4:21 pm

Thank Von. Wow, this is something, I never thought he would be the one to do this. Anyway he is innocent until proven guilty.

May 9th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

“While Djokovic insisted that the change in trainers has nothing to do with the debacle against Andy Roddick at this year’s Australian Open—a 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2, 2-1 RET meltdown—Djokovic says he not satisfied with his conditioning overall.”

“The walkover in Australia was something else,” Djokovic said. “It was extreme conditions and a scheduling problem as well. It had nothing to do with my decision to change my [fitness] coach, particularly that match [against Roddick]. I have been thinking about changing for the last five to six months, and hopefully the new change is going to be better.”

I think Djoko should avoid the press like a plague, because he’s turning himself in to an excuse machine. This week, where he is the media darling in Serbia, he’s been rehashing the USO — 9 months ago, now the AO, close to 5 months ago, where he retired and it was NOT a walkover, and then the Miami loss, which I suppose was heat and/or schedule related?

There’s one thing Djoko should realize though, that there isn’t a coach who can correct his underlying genetic limitations, if indeed there is one as some have mentioned, nor his heat problems and mentality. These excuses tells me he is in denial as to his limitations, and especially in view of his recent wins against Federer, which was more Federer’s to give than for Djokovic to take. c’est la vie.

May 9th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

You’re welcome Kimmi. If it’s true, it can explain his sudden unexplainable withdrawals from matches and the injuries.

May 9th, 2009 at 4:32 pm

I should also add, hair analysis after 5 days will be inconclusive because cocaine exits the system after 5-7 days. If it was Cannabis, they’d have more substantiated evidence becuse that remains in the system for 30 day.

It’s good that the WADA/ITF/ATP testing is in force and those athletes who were against it can now take comfort that the inconvenience is worthwhile. I’m sure none of them would want to be beaten by someone who’s on drugs — in essence, the end justifies the means.

May 9th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Von, I’m getting mad at you… I told you about that interview and you are turning it upside down, and you even don’t know anything about it, never seen it, never heard it… Unfair, at least.

May 9th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

Duro:

No problem. I read about his statements on two other sites, so it’s not you who mentioned it alone. Also, that article I posted was dated May 8th, after you mentioned his comments.

You mentioned Roddick had a ‘big mouth’ and I wasn’t angry, so why are you angry because I’m citing Djokovic’s quotes? Are those quotes I cited a lie? He’s talking as though the AO was a walkover and there was a scheduling problem, well gosh, how many athletes that happens to? He has to learn to live with it. I’ve not seen one instance where Roddick, even though he has a ‘big mouth’ per you, has brought up the USO or the AO since it occurred, so why is Djoko? If he wants to change his fitness coach, whom he bad-mouthed in another article, I’ve read, do so, but please don’t keep rehashing his losses to reinforce his decisions. It’s too bad he can’t be consistent.

May 9th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

Miami is almost 5 weeks ago, if he is giving his B-sample now then from your statement the cocaine should be gone. Anyway I am not an expert in this but certainly its making for interesting times.

Von: “If it’s true, it can explain his sudden unexplainable withdrawals from matches and the injuries.”

Yes,‘unexplainable withdrawals’ — he pulled out of his opening match in Miami against Montanes because of a shoulder injury.
He withdrew from this week’s tournament in Estoril with a neck injury and is not playing at the Madrid Masters. This sounds strange, shoulder then neck, I guess he is probably nervous and did not want to face the media.

May 9th, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Kimmi:

Unless they found something else and it’s the reason why he’s pullled out of Estoril and Madrid. Myabe he tested positive prior to Estoril? Who knows? I’m sorry if it’s true, but if it is, then the withdrawals are going with a pattern.

May 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

I hope the news about Gasquet isnt true. I dont think it will be. But I’d it is and he is suspended for two years, at this stage I cant imagine him coming back to the game, considering his form as of late. :(

May 9th, 2009 at 5:22 pm

Von, moratorium on our relationship.

May 9th, 2009 at 5:44 pm

Duro:

This is a tennis forum where we meet to discuss tennis, AND the players. If I can’t post honestly on an article I’ve read, then I shouldn’t be here. If I’m lying and making up stories, it’s another matter. I’m not here to make friends, and if I do in the process, then wonderful. Hence, no problem if you want to stop being friendly — it’s your choice. What would you have me do talk about my life istead of the tennis matches and the players? Fans become annoyed if it’s stated their player didn’t play a good match, and if there are comments on the match affirming this, then they become even more angry because they don’t want to hear the truth. Sorry, we can please everyone. whether you like it or not, Djoko should be more careful what he states and he also should remember what he says. He can’t chan ge a retirement to a walkover and expect the press and fans to swallow same. It doesn’t work that way. Calling press conferences is not a good idea because a player needs to have a good memory. Sorry you’re unhappy.

May 9th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Von:”Fans become annoyed if it’s stated their player didn’t play a good match, and if there are comments on the match affirming this, then they become even more angry because they don’t want to hear the truth.”

I agree, blind worship of players is just as daft as unwarranted bashing, and it is only in fanland where no criticism can be brooked.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

Duro:

A footnote to the above. You started the excuse scenario when you stated Roddick was responsible for Djoko losing the USO SF to Federer, a few days ago, and then I read it also from two sources on the Serbia tournament and his many press conferences. I’m sorry I discarded the articles but I didn’t see any need since you mentioned it before.

Just for the record, Roddick DIDN’T cause Djoko to lose to Federer, he lost all by himself. He needs to learn you don’t walk into another player’s country and want to steal their limelight, much more bad mouth them, it doesn’t work that way. It’s similar to Roddick walking into Spain and Serbia and trying to upstage Nadal and Djokovic. Do you think if Roddick was in Serbia and he did likewise you guys wouldn’t have booed him or maybe stoned him ? Djoko is still seething from that situation and it’s the reason why he’s still talking about it in press conferences. He needs to accept the truth of the matter and move on. FYI, I subscribe to daily email reports from 4 sources because I don’t like to visit sites so many things I see posted here I read about them in more detail and is old news.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:17 pm

Kimmi; It’s the reason I said I don’t like to get into discussions because people only want to hear the nice, superficial stuff, and sometimes I comply, but sometimes I can’t/won’t. To me what I read was not the truth and I couldn’t NOT say differently. When is a retirement a walkover? I’m sorry I don’t get it.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Kimmi, sorry I didn’t respond; I had to leave right after the first set, and I just returned now, happy to see that Djoko rallied to win it.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:30 pm

“When is a retirement a walkover? I’m sorry I don’t get it.”

LOL, Djokovic is going for a grand slam retirement, only the US open is eluding him. So, a walkover could just make things a little different.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Von, just for the record, Djoko still had the same coach; he just hired a new fitness trainer. I realize there’s no need to go back and rehash the past, but to be fair, I believe Djoko was asked about the past by the journalists (i.e., if his retirements/trainers were related to fitness) so he answered. As to his answers, I guess that’s how he sees it. Same with “genetic limitations” – perhaps he has some, but on the other hand, perhaps he feels that if he improves his fitness he’ll be able to last longer. I think it’s a really smart move on his part, since in 2007, for example, Djoko was able to play *several* marathon matches, a couple at Wimbledon and then the longest ever match played at the USO (against Stepanek). So I think his conditioning may’ve dropped off or he may’ve fell into a rut. But we will see going forward how this impacts his game. I’d agree that the Miami win was sort of handed over by Fed, since he totally fell apart, but in my opinion, after having watched the Rome semi twice, Djoko earned that win as much as Fed lost it; after Fed gave the break back in the third set, for example, they were still on serve, but Djoko worked really hard from there on out first to go up a break and then to consolidate it.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Duro, don’t take things people say too personally. Von is entitled to her opinion, as are you. We can all discuss our opinions without ending our online relationships. Sometimes it’s best to simply “agree to disagree” and move on, if you don’t want to get into a long discussion.

Anyhow – smiles for Djoko’s fourth final in a row! :-)

May 9th, 2009 at 6:38 pm

Hi Jane, no worries. Yes he won but after a 1st set scare. Seppi is a tricky opponent, very steady and his balls are deep, so top players need to be focused. But, I was sure once Djokovic is focused he could run away with it, and that’s what he did.

I remember Seppi always giving Federer his run too.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Von, you make a valid point here ” It’s similar to Roddick walking into Spain and Serbia and trying to upstage Nadal and Djokovic.”

What Djoko did at the USO was “reactive” and a mistake; he should have tried to be more mature about the jokes or Robredo’s serious accusations; in my opinion, much as I like Djoko, he did bring that situation on himself. But I do hope and think that he’s learned from it. I honestly think the reason it came up again is the media. But I’d have to find the full transcript and I don’t know when that interview was; I think it was pre-Rome. I am sure I read it and I am pretty sure he was asked about his retirement at the AO and that’s how it came up.

Anyhow, I won’t blather on about it.

Does anyone know what’s going on with Blake? Will he and Davy have to finish tomorrow AND the winner have to play in the final as well?

May 9th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

Kimmi,

Yes, I knew Seppi was playing well this week in Belgrade and I’ve seen him trouble the top guys. He’s at his second highest ranking ever right now, and although Djoko is 5-0 against him, they’ve played some tight sets, so you never know. Seppi has a great serve and some nice down the line shots, deep, as you noted.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Jane: “Does anyone know what’s going on with Blake? Will he and Davy have to finish tomorrow AND the winner have to play in the final as well?”

Yes, they finish up their match tomorrow, starting at almost 12 pm. Then the final at 3pm. Montanes will be very happy man, I am sure he will be wishing for them to go for tight 3 sets.

May 9th, 2009 at 6:57 pm

jane:

I expected you’d want o reinforce the argument, that’s fine. I’m what, the only Roddick fan here, and there are tons of Djoko fans? FYI, the press works in many ways. Players call press conferences, schedule scripted interviews, etc., to make themselves look better in a different light than was initially portrayed — many revisions to the scripts. They can tell the media when they want to set a matter straight. I’m having difficulty believing that Djoko’s was an innocent little press conference, considering it’s in Serbia an d how his father manipulates even the TV station when he wants them to give Djoko more coverage. The guy is still angry that he lost to Roddick. I mean how dare Roddick, the worst player in the universe beat the might Djokovic? Right? Too bad, he lost fair and square, not once, not twice, but thrice (trois)3 times. That’s the way the cookie crumbles, nes’t ce pas? roddick has been there and done that, he was no. 1, so Djokovic can now get on line.

I still feel had Djoko and Fed continued to play in Rome and there wasn’t a break from the rain, Djoko would have lost 6-4, 6-3., because he was absolutely winded. The rain gave him a much needed respite. I remember watching that first set and thinking to myself that if Djoko wants to win that match he had better start conserving his energy and let Fed’s service games go instead of trying to break him because he’s using up a lot of energy. That’s his problem though. That’s where Sampras was a genius. he’d break, and he’d just let the opponent fight with the points instead of tiring himself = match win, Sampras.

BTW, I noticed you completely ignored the real gist of my post and Duro’s as it concerns Djoko’s comments with respect to his ‘retirement’ which he has now turned into a ‘walkover’, etc., and the Miami loss. Instead, you’re mentioning the Stepanek/Djoko match from ’07? Come on jane, you can do better than that. Also, if he fell into a rut along the way, why did he have to bad-mouth his former trainer?

May 9th, 2009 at 6:58 pm

jane:

“But I’d have to find the full transcript and I don’t know when that interview was; I think it was pre-Rome. I am sure I read it and I am pretty sure he was asked about his retirement at the AO and that’s how it came up.”

I’m talking about what he’s saying now in Serbia. He’s still taki ng to the press on his USo and AO problems with Roddick.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:02 pm

Kimmi: I think Montanes in the final is probably a shock to his system. I mean has the guy ever won anything? I feel badly for Blake and Davy; they have to play twice in one day. Those are the breaks in tennis though.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

Jane, I kindly ask you not to interfere! I’m perfectly capable to answer on my own.
Von, I would like to ask you not to offend may intelligence anymore with these basic happy-unhappy childish emotions that you’re inputting I feel. I hope that my decision not to answer you won’t be understood as an absence of the arguments or me being “unhappy”. You used my information given to you and you turned them upside down. You made up many stories here and you know which ones! I won’t embarrass you revealing it, but you should know that it won’t go unnoticed by me. It’s my birthday today and I don’t wont to argue. I’m not accepting felicitations either. So long.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

Von, says “I mean how dare Roddick, the worst player in the universe beat the might Djokovic? Right?”

I never said or implied any such thing Von; Roddick’s a great player and I often say as much on these threads. Recently I took on Fedex about Andy’s great record and that he deserves kudos; it was when you were taking a few days off.

All I wanted to clarify is that Novak has the same “coach” just a new trainer, and also to add that I had assumed that the past match came up again because he was asked about it. Now you’re right there are several press scenarios and I don’t know what type of scenario this one was.

Djoko bad-mouthed his trainer? I have never heard or read anything about that! I read about him saying only that he felt he “needed a change”. That’s all.

I was going to say something about the walkover vs. retirement wording. And I agree it was obviously a retirement. Andy was soundly beating Novak anyhow. I have no idea why he’d say walkover, or if it’s a bad translation or what. But it’s not the right word. It was a reitirement.

I agree that the rain delay was a help for Djoko against Fed in Rome, but credit to Djoko for coming back and playing better. Mind you, as Fed himself said, even without the rain delay it’s possible Djoko would’ve come back and beat him. But the delay helped him to regroup and rethink his tactics. And he played great the last two sets. even in the first set, up until that one break, he played well.

Anyhow, I don’t want to “reinforce the argument” – just put in two cents to a discussion that’s all. I have to run as my son is outside flooding the backyard.

Speaking of my son – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY tomorrow to all the mums who post here. We deserve it! :-)

May 9th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

Duro – I wanted to respond to a few things for my own sake. I hope you don’t mind. I am signing off for the day anyhow.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

Duro – Happy Birthday…

May 9th, 2009 at 7:17 pm

jane;

“What Djoko did at the USO was “reactive” and a mistake; he should have tried to be more mature about the jokes or Robredo’s serious accusations;”

Djoko’s problem is his centeredness. He likes to be the focal point. He was deluded into thinking he’d be popular in ’09 as he was the previous year, at the USO. He got some attention through his impersonations, which were in poor taste, IMO. Hence, the following year, he thought he’d go in and claim more attention, but it backfired on him and he couldn’t handle it. Life is sadly not like that and there are consequences to actions. His impersonations is nothing novel. All the players before him have them, so he’s just using that to gain popularity. Many have done it in jest, but he took it one further, at the USO, on prime-time TV. WOW. I recently watched an old match between Sampras and Agassi, impersonating each other while playing their match. It was two-way, not one-way as Djoko does. Anyway, I’m done. I shouldn’t have posted that article, but I don’t understand why he’s calling his retirement a walkover and also blaming the schedule and the heat. Wasn’t Cincy as hot? How come he didn’t complain?

May 9th, 2009 at 7:20 pm

Duro:

“Von, I would like to ask you not to offend may intelligence anymore with these basic happy-unhappy childish emotions that you’re inputting I feel. I hope that my decision not to answer you won’t be understood as an absence of the arguments or me being “unhappy”. You used my information given to you and you turned them upside down. You made up many stories here and you know which ones! I won’t embarrass you revealing it, but you should know that it won’t go unnoticed by me.”

No kidding! I used information you supplied and I’m now using it against you? I’m talking about the AO and yes the USO. He’s still talking about his losses, as per the article I posted. Didn’t you have fun posting your previous comments on the whole scenario at the USO, it was there for everyone to see, did I make it up?. If there were more Roddick fans here, you’d see a backlash, but you got away with all you said. Who’s having child-like tantrums, you or me? I’m not your friend anymore, because I can’t deal with the truth? What the hell happened to freedom of speech? Have your say, I’m done.

jane: Djoko’s statement per the first article I read on his trainer, viz, not verbatim: he had to make the training change “becuase some peole were not doing what they were supposed to do”. I wonder who that could be?

I’m done with this, because there’s a ton of you, and one of me, as per the above.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:31 pm

Jane, thank you. Of course that you never heard or read about many things mentioned here. Don’t bother trying, there are no any. I’m unusually disappointed after all. Now I get the picture what the fuss was all about re Wikipedia. See you around, sometimes…

May 9th, 2009 at 7:31 pm

jane: “I mean how dare Roddick, the worst player in the universe beat the might Djokovic? Right?”

“I never said or implied any such thing Von; Roddick’s a great player and I often say as much on these threads. Recently I took on Fedex about Andy’s great record and that he deserves kudos; it was when you were taking a few days off.”

I’m, saying that’s Djokovic’s thinking, not yours, because he can’t accept Roddick beat him — he thinks he’s better than Roddick. I’m sure some here would agree he’s better, but hey, I think Federer is better than Djokovic, but he still got beaten by Djokovic, so them’s the breaks.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:36 pm

Duro; “Now I get the picture what the fuss was all about re Wikipedia.”

Are you for real? You put that information out there and I also read it. You can’t handle that there’s more and now you’re using the Wikipedia thing to give leverage to your stance? Go right ahead. I won’t aregue with you — that’s pretty low.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:38 pm

Duro: “Jane, thank you. Of course that you never heard or read about many things mentioned here. Don’t bother trying, there are no any.”

Of course she knows, you posted it on the other thread where she commented before and after. how come MMT saw it and answered you? That’s fighting dirty and no need for it.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:40 pm

I have a question about those who blog about Djokovic’s tennis matches. Please remember, while I am an avid Nadal fan, I am only a tennis aficionado-in-waiting and honestly do not understand:

When Murray (a current great player and already crowned future #1) comes close to set against Nadal on clay, and Djokovic (another great player – now deemed second best in the world on clay)takes one set in Monte Carlo, then subsequently comes close to a set in Rome, the press and the fans trumpet fanfares that could be heard up to the now-no-longer-called-a-planet Pluto.

When Tipsarevic and Seppi (not Humpty-Dumptys but not exactly in the top 10) each take a set off
Djokovic in his home country, there is not a peep.

Educate me but please be gentle.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:41 pm

Rsutherland: “When Tipsarevic and Seppi (not Humpty-Dumptys but not exactly in the top 10) each take a set off
Djokovic in his home country, there is not a peep.

Educate me but please be gentle.”

It speaks volumes. I personally don’t agree Djokovic is No. 2 on clay, and it’s the reason I didn’t comment on that thread. I think for Djokovic to be No. 2 he has to surpass Fed’s consistent record on clay for 5 years, then and only then he can be No. 2 on clay, but that’s just my opinion. even tholugh i’m not a Fed fan, i still feel it’s unfair to overlook him because he’s not doing well this year on clay.

Djokovic played night matches and still struggled in Serbia. Hence, scheduling and heat is not the real problem is it?

May 9th, 2009 at 7:49 pm

Von,

“I’m, saying that’s Djokovic’s thinking, not yours, because he can’t accept Roddick beat him”

Well, I don’t know what Djoko’s thinking or what he can’t accept, but I am glad you don’t think I was saying that.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

jane;

Here’s one, not the same,but similar.

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu5C1FgZKGS8AcOlXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBybnZlZnRlBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkAw–/SIG=13gehi2qt/EXP=1241999413/**http%3a//www.aol.com.au/news/story/Djokovic-hires-Musters-old-fitness-coach/1991361/index.html

I discarded the email I got unfortunately. I googled this from the web, but he does speak about a certain member of his team.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:53 pm

Rsutherland: When a player takes a set off Djokovic on any surface, is not a big deal because it has happened before and very often for that matter.

But If a player takes a set off Nadal on clay it’s a big big deal because you favorite player Nadal is the GOAT of clay. I am sure you ask this question because you want to hear again and again the Nadal praises.

Don’t worry they will come again next week.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:53 pm

Rsutherland,

“When Tipsarevic and Seppi (not Humpty-Dumptys but not exactly in the top 10) each take a set off
Djokovic in his home country, there is not a peep.”

This is a fair enough question, but whom should be “peeping”?

On this blog, on the other thread, I think the last one with “Djokovic” in the title, we were in fact discussing how dangerous Tipsy is and so forth. And I commented above, before I had to go out, that Djoko was struggling against Seppi today, especially with regards to his serve.

So I do think “peeps” have been made.

However, it might have something to do with the fact that Nadal is often touted as “the greatest clay courter ever!” and therefore much ado is made when a player can compete with him and – gasp! – even take a set from him on clay. In addition, those last two events were Masters Series.

Other the other hand, this weeks’ events are smaller and so there’s been a lot less fanfare and press on them. Moreover, Tipsy and Seppi may’ve taken a set from Djoko but they didn’t pull off the upset. If they had I am sure we’d’ve heard about it!

That’s about all I could say, and it’s mostly speculation.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:56 pm

Kimmi:

“I am sure you ask this question because you want to hear again and again the Nadal praises.”

I won’t answer for Rsutherland because I don’t know his reason. From the way I read and understood his question: If Djoko is No. 2 on clay, how come these lower ranked players are taking a set from him and no one is wondering why? He’s even being pushed at home in Serbia.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:58 pm

TENNIS X STAFF – COULD YOU PLEASE FIX THE TEXT WRAP ON THIS THREAD? Thanks.

May 9th, 2009 at 7:58 pm

jane: That link I posted is broken. Another Wiki affirmation. Here’s some of what the article mentioned. Notice Djoko’s comments.

“Djokovic hires Muster’s old fitness coach
April 27, 2009, 01:32 AM Post Comments Novak Djokovic has hired Thomas Muster’s old trainer as his new fitness coach.

The third-ranked Serb started working with Gebhard Phil-Gritsch after losing to Rafael Nadal in last week’s Monte Carlo Masters final.

The move comes at a key point in Djokovic’s season. He is the defending champion at the Rome Masters, which starts Monday, then plays at home in Belgrade, followed by the Madrid Masters and the French Open, which starts May 25.

“(Fitness) is what I’m going to need a lot of in the next period, which is very difficult,” Djokovic said Sunday. “I play all three weeks and then we have the French Open, and we all know the transition between the clay and grass is very short. It’s going to be a very exhausting couple of months.”

Muster won three titles on the clay at the Foro Italico in the 1990s and won the French Open in 1995.

Djokovic was the only player to take a set from Nadal in Monte Carlo, but he appeared to grow weary in the third set before getting beat by the Spaniard, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.

“I’ve been always trying to be a better player and to improve myself in any aspect, so as soon as I felt that I cannot improve or learn anymore with a certain member of my team, no hard feelings, but I have to change some things,” Djokovic said. “I was thinking about it for the last couple of months.”

May 9th, 2009 at 8:02 pm

Von thanks for posting that link, although I don’t think Djoko is “bad-mouthing” his previous fitness trainer there; he’s simply stating that they’ve reached a kind of stalemate together, which seems fair. Surely that happens with coaches, trainers, and so forth and the players have to make the decision to switch, which is precisely what this quote implies.

“”I’ve been always trying to be a better player and to improve myself in any aspect, so as soon as I felt that I cannot improve or learn anymore with a certain member of my team, no hard feelings, but I have to change some things,” Djokovic said. “I was thinking about it for the last couple of months.”

Many people had mentioned that Djoko needed to do something about his conditioning, and now he is, so I think it’s a commendable move.

As for this business about Djokovic being no#2 on clay, well this is just indicative of media hype. Sure, Djoko has been #2 on clay in terms of clay results this year, but you’re correct that Fed has a much lengthier resume as far as his clay results. Mind you, I will add that only Djoko was able to get Nadal to a tiebreak at Roland Garros last year, which was more than Fed could do in the finals. Anyhow, I don’t pay too much attention to all that hype – just to the matches. And if he plays well, even if it means rallying from behind to win, then that’s great.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:05 pm

jane:

“Although I don’t think Djoko is “bad-mouthing” his previous fitness trainer there; he’s simply stating that they’ve reached a kind of stalemate together,”

Djkoko said; “I felt that I cannot improve or learn anymore with a certain member of my team, no hard feelings,”

He’s putting blame somewhere and it’s on the trainer,: he says he cannot improve BECAUSE OF THE TRAINER” then he goes on to say “no hard feelings”. If that’s not blame, then what is?

Anyway, if I can find the other article I’ll post it. Until then the other will suffice. I’m being very careful about my cites because one time I was careless, and I’m now seeing it repeated as leverage against me. I live and learn about our human species every day.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

Kimmi –
As per your questioning my motives about hearing Nadal’s praises: are you trying to get me to mudwrestle with you too?
I have found that tactic becomes rather sterile quickly in a blogging situation and would prefer it in person. I think it could be hot!

May 9th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

I don’t interpret it as putting blame Von; it’s more like this sort of analogy to my mind. Let’s say I’ve had a certain history teacher for 3 semesters of college, and I have learned a lot from said teacher, but then by the 4th semester I feel like the classes I am taking with that teacher aren’t really enlightening me more, like they used to. Therefore, I decide to try out another history instructor, to get a different perspective on things, so I can learn/improve more as a student. I don’t think I am putting the blame on the other teacher; I’ve simply outgrown that person, and am moving on, making changes. That’s how I interpret Djoko”s move, which I feel is a smart one and a positive one. I don’t see it in that sort of negative light. But I admittedly like Djoko and see a lot of good in him. I think he’s still learning and maturing and I think he’s got flaws like all the players too. But that’s okay. They’re just human.

And don’t worry about your citations; I know you’re not cheating! Some of my students on the other hand … OY! A quick google search and sure enough, they’ve plagiarized. But that’s another topic altogether … Thankfully it’s summer break now.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:20 pm

Alright jane, we have different interpretations.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:23 pm

Von, don’t drag me into it! I wasn’t talking about my posts nor the Novak’s interview I told you about! Since you made me do it I’ll tell: There was no press conference called by Novak! You made it up! I never told you he called a press conference! I told you he had an interview. They asked him stuff, he just answered them, very very sincerely! In that interview he never mentioned Roddick! I did! “I read it also from two sources on the Serbia tournament and his many press conferences. I’m sorry I discarded the articles but I didn’t see any need since you mentioned it before”. What articles? You made this up! I happen to know of each and every article and interview that Novak gave, especially back home, and there is no such a thing that Novak said that Roddick was responsible for him losing to Fed! It’s a lie! There are no such articles! Where did he “bad-mouthed” his trainer in “other article” There is no such an article again! What’s wrong with you???
“He needs to learn you don’t walk into another player’s country and want to steal their limelight, much more bad mouth them, it doesn’t work that way. It’s similar to Roddick walking into Spain and Serbia and trying to upstage Nadal and Djokovic.”
What and when did he “bad mouth them”! They accused him, they bad mouthed him, he has only said it was not nice thing to say! He constantly repeated:”It wasn’t nice thing to say” That’s all! It was a mistake but don’t tell me that he bad mouthed anyone!
Another thing, you mentioned something about stoning… It tells me a lot. I can’t stand prejudices and hatred! Goodbye Von. Enough said.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:24 pm

Von: “He’s putting blame somewhere and it’s on the trainer,: he says he cannot improve BECAUSE OF THE TRAINER” then he goes on to say “no hard feelings”. If that’s not blame, then what is?”

Sorry I have to get in here even if this was address to Jane.

I cannot see anything wrong with this statement either. So what if it’s because of the TRAINER? Thats what he feels. Most athletes do changes to their team if they feel things don’t work or needs improvement. This is business not charity work.

Another example is on Federer when he felt there was no communication (the way he wanted) with Tony Roche, he fired him and that did not mean bad mounthing either. They just wanted a change.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Murray got rid of his coaches many times over. Gilbert and before that Petchey and before that…. What’s the big deal about Djokovic hiring a new physio?

May 9th, 2009 at 8:35 pm

Duro:

I’ve mentioned his interviews AND press conferences, which I’ve read. Yes, YOU blamed Roddick for the USO loss, but the article I posted, Djoko’s blamikng the schedule and weather for his retirement which he calls a ‘walkover’, and it’s not true. I also mentioned you had your say as to why Djoko lost the USO and you blamed it on Roddick’s ‘big mouth’. It’s all there in the above posts to read. To make it clear to you: I think it was pretty low for YOU to blame Roddick for Djoko’s loss to Fed, and it was pretty low for Djoko to call his ‘retirement’ a ‘walkover’ blame the heat and schedule. I didn’t say it before, but since you want to put it all out, there I’ve said it. I hope it satisfies you, but you’v said enough on the other thread, so I doubt that it will.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:35 pm

Kimmi; I don’t think you should, but my comment was he blamed the trainer. Sure he can change, but why blame the trainer for parting. Just state he wants to end the relaionship and go — “no hard feelikngs” says he didn’t like what the trainer was doing, and he even said so in not too many words.

For your info, Fed let Tony Roche go because he said he was paying him fat checks for no communication, etc.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:40 pm

Rsutherland: LOL, I don’t want or need to “mudwrestle” with you or anybody, but now thinking about it, I would not mind at all- I mean in person.

The way I understood your question was like -you wanted to hear Nadal praises, because to me it is quite obvious that Nadal is a clay GOAT not Djokovic.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:40 pm

Kimmi: I think you totally misunderstood Rsutherland’s statement, as I mentioned previously.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

Von thanks. Rsutherland I probably misunderstood you but please don’t ““mudwrestle”” me, I am very little, will lose.

let me go back and read this again.

May 9th, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Duro: Here’s what you said, so we’d have no more further misun derstandings.

“That episode cost my boy a lot… Semi with Fed at least. He was so suffering… Always too sensitive about such things.”

“He admitted … 3 days ago in the national TV of Serbia that it influenced him that much that he couldn’t recover and play against Fed.”

Hence, wasn’t Djoko still talking about his loss to Roddick, and now you’re saying he didn’t, but it’s you who’s saying such? The thread posts are what they are, Duro. You’re trying to change the facts now. And, what about the article I posted, what is that stating?

May 9th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

Von,
So now we come to the point when Novak never said any of it but I did! Exactly, I did! So, please, next time be more careful what you’re saying. Novak has every right to call his retirement anything he likes. He never offended anyone. He played until 2:30 in the morning and they refuse to schedule his match in the evening and he was a defending champion. Big disrespect! To play under mid day sun and 40 degrees Celsius (in shade), probably 50 on the court… If that’s not inhuman I don’t know what is. Of course he was blaming scheduling and heat. But never offended anyone and never bad mouthed anyone!
About me blaming Roddick about USO loss, I said pretty clear that Roddick caused that indirectly, audience did the rest of the job. They were booing him, two matches in the row, supporting Fed afterward and booing Nole again, cheering for him to miss every shot and lose and celebrating every lost point of him. He was devastated, crushed and he suffered very much and that is what bothered me! I claim that that incident with your “big mouth” Roddick started a chain of reactions that cost him that semi with Federer!
The only thing that Novak Djokovic said in the Belgrade interview was that he suffered very much, that he spent lots of energy on it and that influenced his game in the match with Fed big time! No accusation, no excuses! It was, simply, the truth! You used my information, turned it upside down and made many things up. You also accused Novak for something that he never said or did. I said before that I love people that I root for. I don’t like to see Nole suffering, no matter what. So long.

May 9th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

Von, what’s wrong with you! Can’t you read??? What loss to Roddick? He defeated Roddick!
“He admitted … 3 days ago in the national TV of Serbia that it influenced him that much that he couldn’t recover and play against Fed.”
He was talking about that incident! The fact that the audience booed him was something that influenced him so much! It was the truth! As simple as that! Problem with Roddick was over the minute he defeated him, but the real ones started afterwords. The audience was his problem! He never accused Roddick and never talked about him as a cause of the loss to Fed. The “relationship” with the audience influenced him that much that he couldn’t recover etc etc.

May 9th, 2009 at 9:32 pm

Duro: I give up. My last paragraph was a question to you, not a statement. I asked: Wasn’t it Djoko who stated that stuff on Serbian TV on the USO?

Anyway, it’s not important so forget about it.

May 9th, 2009 at 9:34 pm

Duro;

“He was talking about that incident! The fact that the audience booed him was something that influenced him so much! It was the truth! As simple as that! Problem with Roddick was over the minute he defeated him, but the real ones started afterwords.”

I rest my case. We’ve come full circle. Thanks for admitting Novak DID talk about that incident on the USO. You’re right, I can’t read.

As I stated several posts ago, I”m talking about BOTH the USO and the AO, AND the trainer. Never mind. Enough. It’s bad when it’s one but two and three then it will be four and five.

May 9th, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Von, He did talk about it because he was asked about it! You made up that you read articles that Novak said about Roddick being a cause of his semifinal loss to Fed! Here’s the proof: “You started the excuse scenario when you stated Roddick was responsible for Djoko losing the USO SF to Federer, a few days ago, and then I read it also from two sources on the Serbia tournament and his many press conferences.” These are your words, Von. You made this up! He never said such a thing, especially on “many of his press conferences”.
About AO, I told you he has a right to call it anything he likes. No offenses to anyone and “bad mouthing” of anyone.
About trainer, you made your conclusions implicitly, but stating about “bad mouthing of his trainer” and article where you read it, was more than untrue. There was no such an article! The article you are referring to has no such a “bad mouthing” part!
All in all, too much energy spent over nothing. I was thinking not to be involved in arguing with you, but you provoked me and I had to, which I now regret and find it as a sign of my weakness. I should stick to my original decision. The end.

May 9th, 2009 at 10:07 pm

You probably have already had this discussion, but since I missed it, I will need your help …
I seems that even if Djokovic won the tournament in Belgrade he will still lose his 3rd place tomorrow.
Currently Djokovic has 9670 points and on May 11th he will lose 1000 points (Rome2008) and even if he gets 250 points in Belgrade he will still fall back in the rankings. How is this posible? He should have 8920 points and Murray who has 8810 will lose 70 point (Rome2008) which will be 8740. What am I missing?

May 10th, 2009 at 12:52 am

Gordon: Daniel answered this question very well in the other thread.

Here below is his answer
__________________________________________________

Even with Djoko winning Belgrade it will replace Sidney points as the 5th countabe tourney (other than Monte Carlo which isn’t a Mandatory masters anymore), meaning he can only gain 160 points with Belgrade.

Murray will lose 60 points by tomorrow (last year he also reached R32 in Rome but he was not seeded, so he got 70 pts, this year he gets 10).

So, on May 11th Murray will be with: 9050-70(Rome last year)+10(rome 2009)=8990 pts
With Djoko winning Belgrade he will be with: 9160-1000(Rome last year)+600(finalist in Rome this year)+250(Belgrade 2009)-90(Sidney 2009)=8920 pts

Just 70 points going into Madrid if he wins Begrade and 230 points difference if he skips Belgrade. They can change again in Madrid!

May 10th, 2009 at 1:45 am

Isn’t Novak’s problem that the whole weight of expectation of the Serbian nation seems to be on his shoulders. This maybe perceived or real, I wouldn’t know. Whatever, it seems to elevate his feelings and at the same time, weigh him down, hence excuses when he loses.
I’m really pleased Andy M is a dour Scot, the expectations of the British nation count not a fig for him and appear to be completely diminuished by his expectations of himself.
Goodness, this is a ponderous blog!! Apologies to one and all.

May 10th, 2009 at 3:33 am

Thanks Kimmi!

May 10th, 2009 at 8:53 am

Jane, watching?

May 10th, 2009 at 10:10 am

RAFA AND MADRID

1. The Altitute
“The altitude is a serious problem so close to Paris. It would be better if Rome were the last event before Paris since the altitudes are similar,” said the top seed.

2.The 5th Grand slam
“Madrid is a great venue but tradition says there are only four majors. Madrid is great – but so are Rome and Monte Carlo.”

3.The Blue clay courts
“Orange is the perfect colour, I’m totally against blue,” said the world number one.

4.The facilities
“The facilities here are good, but things are a little disorderly,” he added of the huge complex which still resembles a building site.

5. The bounce
“The bounce is complicated. I trained on Friday and had a lot of bad bounces on the courts.”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jXaK6SvPGibWI9PMRcM1yEAEHdlg

mmmmm, interesting! Rafa seem to be not happy with this tournament at all, so my question is why is he playing?

May 10th, 2009 at 10:40 am

OH No! James blake had two match points and then went along to lose the set. Can he really still give it all ? I doubt it but lets see. I am sure all that tiredness of going to three set with davydenko will start to show.

May 10th, 2009 at 11:53 am

hey margot – yeah, I think that’s part of the problem: pressure. All players have it of course, but some maybe feel it more than others and some countries maybe are more into their players than others. Certainly Henman used to feel it at Wimbledon every year, but as you say, it’s lucky that Murray is at ease with this and hopefully doesn’t let it get to him at any point. Djoko’s still maturing; I think he’ll get more comfortable and able to play within himself at some point. His family are quite involved too; I wish he had a little more autonomy at times. Mind you, he seems to play well with their support, so whatever works!

I see Blake lost the tiebreak by a hair and is struggling already in the third set; meanwhile Youzhny was up 5-1 in the 3rd set tiebreak but somehow Berdych came back and stole the title! It’s still a great result for Berdych since he’s been slumping for about a year now. And Novak and Kubot are in the midst of a 2nd set tiebreak! Too many finals to follow!

Duro – course I am watching! ;)

May 10th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Yay! Duro – what does the shirt say? Please translate.

May 10th, 2009 at 12:07 pm

Amazing job by Kubot also, the first Polish player to reach an ATP final since I believe 1982, and he took out Karlovic to do it! Good for him, and he’s kinda cute with those long locks.

May 10th, 2009 at 12:10 pm

Montanes is running away with it now; I think James is out of gas. Too bad. It’s nonetheless an awesome result for him to take out Davydenko and get to his first final on European clay; good for James!

May 10th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

Good for Montanes too, will be his 2nd atp title, I think blake used all his energy with davy. it was a tougn schedule for him…but no excuses

May 10th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

I meant to say in my 12:02 post that Youzhny has been slumping for about a year, not Berdych.

May 10th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

Yes congrats to all the winners: Montanes, Berdych and Djoko!

May 10th, 2009 at 12:31 pm

If anyone gets a chance – Duro, gordan, sar, Danica, I’d love to know what Nole’s shirt said. Cheers all!

May 10th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

Serbia, I love you. That’s what it say.

May 10th, 2009 at 12:38 pm

Thanks Duro. :-)

May 10th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

Thank god it’s over. The most difficult tournament for Novak in every possible sense of it. I think he is empty both, physically and emotionally. No rest for him since ever! I’m very conserned about his performance in Madrid. Four finals in row, so many matches, no rest at all… This Belgrade title can be very expensive after all. But, as I said before, thank god it’s over! Finally he can breathe normally.

May 10th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

Finally Djoko has a title for his great effort in the last tourneys. I hope he continue his final streak, stopping Nadal, since Rafa seems not confotable with Madrid!

Changing subjects, I will be in London during Wimby but tickest are impossible to get, any of the brits here has one left, please????!!!!

May 10th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

Daniel – I hope you get your wish and get to go to Wimbledon! I wish I could help out, but don’t give up.

May 10th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

Daniel:

Maybe the following could be of some help. I also have a link for tennis hotels in te UK if you are in need of one.

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/section?tm_link=tm_logo

May 10th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Yeah Jane my hope will be to buy there from one of those scalpers. I hope I get some tickest less than 500 pounds! :)

Thanks for the link Von!

May 10th, 2009 at 10:39 pm