Blake Bounced at Wimbledon; Grass Notes

That’s a tough draw for Roddick: (likely) two back-to-back Wimbledon Junior champions in Chardy and Dimitrov.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:44 am

This is the Blake who said something like Americans shouldn’t bother with RG bcos it interfered with grass court preparation… Hmm hope the others do rather better.

June 23rd, 2009 at 1:25 am

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23062009/3/wimbledon-s-scream-queen-won-t-distracted.html

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/22062009/58/wimbledon-meet-loudest-grunter-tennis.html

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:34 am

In view of Blake’s Wimby results, coupled with his patchy performance this year, I think Patrick McEnroe needs to do some serious thinking about Blake’s participation in the upcoming DC tie, Croatia v. USA, scheduled to be played on July 10th. If Blake is picked, it would be the same scenario Roddick has been faced with previously of having to win two DC matches, with the hope that the Bryans win their doubles match to make the 3 wins. However, the Bryans winning their match is no longer a foregone conclusion, considering their patchy results this year also. I’d say the US DC team and Captain McEnroe is now faced with a serious problem of whether to pick Blake or use another player.

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:45 am

I hope Murray’s given a fight by Kendrick. And I hope also that Roddick and Dimitrov also win their first round matches. I’d like Roddick to steamroll Chardy but Dimitrov must win a tough 5-setter so that he’s tired while facin Roddick in second round.

June 23rd, 2009 at 6:43 am

huh: “I’d like Roddick to steamroll Chardy but Dimitrov must win a tough 5-setter so that he’s tired while facin Roddick in second round.”

I see your mind is working over-time. ha ha. Even if Dimitrov’s match goes to a 5 setter, he has a day to recover and he’s young, so the chances of him being tired are pretty small.

June 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 am

Mrs. Jane, may be you’ve given up on Djoko winning
Wimbledon but,
as is clear from his interview, Djoko certainly seems to have the hope and belief of winning this championship and I’m glad to know this. :)

June 23rd, 2009 at 7:13 am

It’s better to see Fed lose to Djoko than Murray; not coz Djoko’s a superior guy but coz Murray’s started talking about quite a few things regarding Fed. But I completely agree with Kimmi
that once Murray wins a slam he’s likely to become a TERROR.

June 23rd, 2009 at 7:23 am

I don’t think Murray’s being given enough credit for his all round game and mental toughness by critics.

June 23rd, 2009 at 7:41 am

Dancevic disappointed me, he could have done so much better. His movement isn’t superb but I would put it above average for his immediate competitors especially with that one handed backhand of his when it’s working. I think he has a solid game, just the consistency aspect that’s holding him back. Anyhow, good overall first day Monday was.

June 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 am

Von, I don’t know anything more than that I just want Roddick to blast his way through the first two rounds (then the weeks) and Dimitrov to win his first round match at all costs and then bow out meekly to Roddick.

June 23rd, 2009 at 7:56 am

huh, I said that a long time ago and even forget about it but you have a good memory. I really see a lot of talent in Murray and I am the biggest fan after Federer ofcourse. I hope he wins some slam soon because I believe a confident Murray will be hard to beat.

June 23rd, 2009 at 8:01 am

I don’t know why the idiots need to show women’s tennis?

June 23rd, 2009 at 8:03 am

Ginepri vs Hewitt could be a good match today, as should Santoro vs. Keifer. Looking forward to some great matches!

June 23rd, 2009 at 8:15 am

Kimmi, I don’t know about you telling this a long ago, may be only a few days back I think, when you said Murray’d start playing great when he wins his 1st slam. Anyway,
I surely share your view in this respect. But honestly, my memory ain’t that good. :(

June 23rd, 2009 at 8:21 am

Huh, just joking LOL

June 23rd, 2009 at 8:32 am

JMDP cruising, 2-0 sets now. He is a dark horse

June 23rd, 2009 at 9:22 am

Beautiful serving from Roddick in the first set; Chardy’s good but I don’t see him taking a set today. He’s got potential though.

Kimmi, JMDP is definitely a dark horse. He handled Clement without so much as a blink. He may have more of a problem beating Hewitt, but it’d be an interesting match up, assuming Hewitt gets through today.

huh – I am happy to see Djoko thinking positively as well, but I am also being realistic. This is not his best surface, and he did not look strong in his first round match: good, but not great. That’s why I’ll be happy if he can make the quarters.

Cilic might (?) be another dark horse here, with his big serve and good movement.

Can’t wait to see Murray enter center court!!!

June 23rd, 2009 at 10:13 am

I guess the “prodigy” Dimitrov got blown off the court – what happened? He retired after almost having a double bagel. Anyone see it? I am curious – so much HYPE on this kid.

June 23rd, 2009 at 10:16 am

jane, Dimitrov retired 0-3 on the third set. Apparently he got injured. Don’t know what happened. He won the 1st set comfotably but he never won a game after that. I still think the HYPE is OK, the kid can play and he has potential.

June 23rd, 2009 at 10:31 am

PMac and Drysdale mentioned the sun/weather today and how it’s dried the court – no slippage. Yesterday was overcast and first play on it, whereas today it’s worn in a little and drier. The ball is bouncing high in this Roddick/Chardy match. Chardy has a good second serve; he’s serving below 50% first serves in, but he’s holding in this second set, in part due to his strong second serve. But Roddick will win the tiebreak.

Kimmi, I am not sure when Dimitrov got injured, or how (?), but he lost the second set 0-6 and was losing the second set 0-4 when he retired, according to the Wimbledon site. Of course he can play (any junior who wins a major can play); I just think that the media and pundits should give him more time before they hype him as the next “it” boy.

June 23rd, 2009 at 10:46 am

Mrs Jane, Dimitrov won the first set 6-3 and then only lost the 2nd set 0-6 and in third set he retired after 0-4. It’s obvious that he was having some real injury type problem or he’d not have retired. So how can you say the hype’s unjustified?

June 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 am

huh – Did I say the hype was “unjustified”? No. I said, they need to give him some “more time” to develop before declaring him the next big thing. He’s only 18. He just started playing the tour. I’d hate to see him buckle under too much early pressure. That’s my point. I know he can play; I saw him play Simon at Queens, and he showed some promise even though he lost. But people need to let him work his way into the tour before expecting big wins etc…

Did you see the injury b.t.w.? I am curious what happened, as I can’t find anything about it anywhere.

June 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 am

Chardy gets the set from Roddick.

June 23rd, 2009 at 11:23 am

Kimmi, it’s nice for Chardy that he got the second set, but Roddick could’ve finished this in three. He just hasn’t been able to convert some of his break point opportunities. Roddick’s played a much cleaner match. Hopefully next round he can convert on a few more of those breakers. But it’s still a great first round and Chardy is no slouch.

June 23rd, 2009 at 11:36 am

Yeah jane, he had a lot of break points almost every game in the 3rd set. But broke back straight away in the 4th, can’t see Chardy coming back from here.

Hewitt easy win to the second round. I agree with you there Jane, I think this will be tricky for JMDP. I would like to see that encounter.

June 23rd, 2009 at 11:42 am

Good start for Roddick; the serving in particular looked strong.

June 23rd, 2009 at 11:52 am

Kimmi – JMDP vs. Hewitt could be a cracker! I am looking forward to Murray now. Crowd will likely go bonkers. Looks like Murray will have Gulbis next round after all.

p.s. I meant the 3rd set in my 11:36 post.

June 23rd, 2009 at 11:53 am

yean Murray match is coming, I talk to my sister in the UK they are all ready and set to watch Murray. I hope he can handle the pressure.

June 23rd, 2009 at 11:56 am

Yes me too; he can handle the pressure if he keeps his head down and plays his game. Henman Hill, a.k.a., Murray Mountain, is packed. Crowd hollering. Yippee!

I like JMDP; he is so determined but modest. He’s a little like Nadal in his work ethic and desire to win. After his 5 setter with Federer I am convinced that he’s the type of player to look for solutions against everyone. He’s not one to settle. And that’s really the mindset of a champion. He’s added more variety; his movement is getting better. His serve has improved. Maybe tactically he could still get a little stronger, but overall he deserves to be top five, no doubt.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:03 pm

This is gonna be a rough one for Kendrick. Anyone else remember Kendrick’s next match after he took Rafa to five sets that year at Wimbledon?

OH yeah it was a 6-0 6-0 loss ON GRASS to Murray.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 pm

That was a great match that Kendrick had that Wimbledon versus Nadal. Btw Mardy Fish could replace Blake now for the next Davis cup round.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Oh No..Double fault from Murray on break point, Kendrick breaks back. Kendrick is hanging in there..playing much better now. C’mon Andy.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm

Kendrick is showing quite clearly why he challenged Nadal so much in 2007. His game suits grass.

Hopefully Murray keeps his wits about him. Go Andy.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm

I have no idea why but I kinda want Murray to lose. The ultimate underdog.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm

Kendrick is now trying to hit thru Murray, in the end he is making huge EU. Great game from murray to break.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:46 pm

It’s good to see Ferrero playing well, he just took the first set from Youzhny. He always seemed to be a decent grasscourt player even when he was “king of clay”.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:49 pm

Ty, most federer fans wants Murray to lose, except me ofcourse, who I like them both equally.

Murray take 1st set. great job.

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Not really a Federer fan, just want one man to take down an entire nation of people. lol..

June 23rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm

“just want one man to take down an entire nation of people” LOL

With Murray you are right, if Kendrick wins that will happen.

June 23rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm

I’m pretty surprised Kendrick has hung with him so far. He’s definately making the best of his centre court showing.

June 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm

Kendrick takes the second set. Wow, a very aggresive tie break from Kendrick.

June 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm

That was a monster forehand on set point.

June 23rd, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Ole Mosquito. Two sets to none.

June 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm

Youzhny is a tough draw for Ferrero, its good he is hanging in there.

June 23rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Murray is too defensive sometimes, he needs to unleash the big FH and BH sometimes or he will lose this.

June 23rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm

It is really refreshing to see Haas and Ferrero winning. They both used to be two of my favorites back in the day. If only Gasquet wasn’t banned.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:01 pm

Would love to see Murray lose to an American, or anyone else for that matter. Brad Gilbert says:

“Murray has the best return of serve in the game”

“Murray moves better than anybody on grass”.

Give me a break

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm

“I’d say the US DC team and Captain McEnroe is now faced with a serious problem of whether to pick Blake or use another player.”

Agreed – some time ago I suggested that if Blake isn’t selected for the next Davis Cup tie, that’ll be the end of him in the Davis Cup, because he’ll never recover mentally. I also think Mardy Fish is a good pick for Davis Cup because he’s a very good doubles player.

Blake…oh dear…Blake is really struggling these days. I was thinking back to the point in the Federer match where he did that forehand squash shot and it smacked the tape and dribbled over. That was a lucky result, but I was just thinking at that moment that somebody like Blake would have hit that 12 feet out rather than play the defensive flick.

Defense counts, and Blake sometimes doesn’t appear to know the meaning of the word.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:05 pm

once Murray wins a slam he’s likely to become a TERROR.

HUH Does that mean that when Safina wins a slam she will become a terror?

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm

Murray doing a lot of “comeons” when opponent misses like Hewitt.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm

Did anyone notice Safin out on court 18? What’s up with that? He also lost the first set but recovered nicely.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm

I agree Dan Martin.

Andy Murray made a real jerk of himself in his match with the American, Robert Kendrick. Countless “Come on’s” made me sick to my stomach watch even on double faults is where this man disgraced the game and the lawns of Wimbledon. I hope the London press tears into Andy for this shameless act of bad sportmanship. What’s next for Andy? Maybe instead of shaking the opponents hand he can pull his shorts below and show his bumm to the opponent and to the world. Not to be too down he did comeback with some effective tactics that brought him to this lead. Andy is young and needs guidance and I like his game but please act with some respect for the game. Tennis is the best game in the world when it is played with great heart and equal respect for those who play. Also give the chair umpires and lines people a break if they make a mistake. Murray dropped some F bombs which is a wholenother topic.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm

Wow, not sure how you get that bent out of shape from a tennis match but I’ve always been annoyed with Murray as well.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Believe it or not court 18 is considered a ‘show court’.

Looks like Andy M. has the match in the bag now ;-)
Has to sort out his second serve though or he will be out next round…

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Also Mauresmo must have some type of contract with her clothing/racquet sponser that says she has to play three sets every match.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm

Tom Foober – it could be that the early pressure is agitating Murray a little bit. But he seems to have a hold of the match now in the 4th.

I’ve done a lot of Murray bashing in the past, so I’ll leave that one alone, but it suffices to say that he knows that his opponents are annoyed when he celebrates their errors (of which his mother has also been accused) and does it anyway. Not on, in my book.

Apparently this “lucky loser” Beck, who beat Feliciano Lopez yesterday was yelling, “Vamos” during his match as well, even when Fe-Lo was making errors. I think this whole self-congratulation thing stinks when it comes off of opponents errors. I don’t mind so much if a guy gets excited about a nice shot, or some seminal moment in the match, like winning a set, getting a break, or makeing a tough hold, something like that.

But this business of sticking it in your opponents craw is just bush.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm

Murray really does’ve a silken touch. . . . . :-]

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Hmm…so far 5 retirements already. I really don’t know if that’s a lot compared to previous, but I’ll let you know (if you care) in a bit. :-)

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:41 pm

What happened to the humble, gracious Andy Murray that lost to Fed at the USO last year?

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Great win from Murray.

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm

The counts of retirements in the first round are as follows:

2009 5 (so far)
2008 7
2007 2
2006 0
2005 3
2004 0
2003 3
2002 3
2001 3
2000 3

Not sure you can call it a trend yet, but we’re not even done with the first round yet, and already more than any of the last 10 years except last year.

Hmm…

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm

In New York, Andy’s antics would earn him the moniker “Jerk-off”

June 23rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm

Kendrick was good to watch in the first 2 sets (good call MMT), but Levine is more entertaining to watch at the moment.
I also find Murray’s “come on” on his opponents errors not quite fitting for the occasion, if not annoying.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm

Safin is really struggling lately. If he goes out in the first round here after that “Miracle” of a seed he got from the ALl England Club it surely will tarnish his career a bit.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm

Well McEnroe gave Murray a B for this match and he gave Roddick an A, A+

Dan
You are right about Judy. Muray’s mummy has been known to cheer on her son’s opponent’s misses. Ask Del Potro. This cheering of opponent misses constantly like Murray and his mummy do is one big reason I dislike him.

Gulbis and Dmitrov highly overrated.

Von, Roddick looks good. I think he can beat the pasty one.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Safin just added some entertainment when he murmured his curses at the umpire (hopefully, the umpire dd not hear). Safin deserves a little bit of slack on his last match of his career at Wimby. Levine will be remembered as the last man to defeat Safin here.
Courageous kid, definitely deserves some kudos.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Vared, No man no !!! Where did I say anything about Safina? But Murray sure… He’d be a TERROR (if he wins his 1st slam)…. But that said, it’d be fun to see, at anytime, Fed/Djoko/JMDP flog him, ha ha ! ;)

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Tennis needs a new villian. I’m so sick of all these “nice guys” and players who are chastised for being “unsportsmanlike”. We need just a nasty loud, obnoxious villian with no regret and no humbleness.

I think it could elevate the sport if we got something like that on the Nadal,Federer level. SOmeone who could win and say they are the best.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:18 pm

HUH; just a hypothetical.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Well said Ty, Murray is just OK to me. His tennis is what matters. You cannot make everybody happy. Some people say Fed is too arrogant. some say Nadal is too humble, Murray is too cocky ? So what! we need different personalities and that is what makes the games fun to wtach.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:30 pm

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6558058.ece
Hot off the press. Nadal parents separate.

Since Miami there were already rumors of this with Nadal.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:44 pm

JJ’s new coach, Chip Hooper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI2Vqh4RSEs&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcowbell%2Etypepad%2Ecom%2Fforty%5Fdeuce%2F&feature=player_embedded

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Man, that is terrible news really. It is kind of strange when we forget that these people we expect to be superhuman suffer really human problems.

I wish him the best in his emotional and physical recovery.

June 23rd, 2009 at 3:52 pm

vared:

You’re kidding! McEnroe handed out grades on the matches of the two Andys. I’m not hoping for too much from Roddick, but hopefully, he’ll surprise me, and will make me happy.

I had mentioned a few weeks ago that Nadal seemed to be very unhappy, not with his tennis, but with his personal life. Thus, the announcement of his parents’ separation explains why he’s been looking so unhappy. This has to be a very bleak time in his young life, but it will most certainly mature him emotionally. Too bad it happened at such an important time in the tennis season, but is there ever a good time in sports for personal problems?

June 23rd, 2009 at 4:01 pm

Kendrick seemed to love every minute on Centre Court today and he played a very good match. I liked that he made Murray serve for the match. Kudos to Kendrick, a 29 year-old, for hanging with the 22 year-old, Murray. Just goes to show that age is not that important, it’s the fitness that matters in any sport.

June 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 pm

Rubbish some of you guys! It’s all in the eye of the beholder. When I hear Murray shouting “Come on” it’s to gee himself up after a particularly good shot; of necessity that usually happens after his opponent has missed! I suppose you want some British toff in topper and tails drawling “OH I say dashed good shot,” every time he loses a point. Well, that’s the sort of bloke who kept losing matches! Andy wants to win. Good on him say I, keep your plaster saints, give me a real human being any time!
On a more temperate not….
jane: most Wimbledon wishes already dashed…

June 23rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm

I disagree Margot but I respect your opinion.

June 23rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm

vared: What happened to Ivanovic’s match? Did she win? The last time i checked she lost the first set. I suppose the Brits were cheering her on because they wanted to see more tennis. The crowd likes to cheer the loser in an effort to spur them on so that the match could be extended. Nothing wrong with getting their money’s worth.

June 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm

I agree with Kimmi that there’re few people who can make everyone happy and Murray’s also within this rule. But what matters the most is his tennis which’s just as good as one’d like to see.

June 23rd, 2009 at 4:30 pm

You know, back in 2008, when Murray started beating Fed more consistently and secured a +ve H2H against Fed, he still called Fed as greatest ever. But then, ironically even the Fedfans didn’t fully accept it as Murray’s honest opinion! Need I say more?

June 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm

margot you paint very vivid pictures with your words, very funny lol! Yah, as if anyone on a court is really thinking in their head “oh darn it my opponent just made a big mistake, they must feel quite downtrodden and disappointed right now, maybe I should coddle them whilst singing them a tender lullaby”. :P

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm

…Of course notwithstanding reasonable sportsmanship, but hey, even complete @$@holes on court have become respected and revered personalities

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm

That news about Nadal’s parents is sad but not surprising. At Miami in one of his post-match interviews he implied he was having “personal” problems. But then it was debated as to whether that was a translation issue or what. Anyhow, it seemed clear that something was up. The poor guy is suffering physically but now emotionally too. Hope he feels better soon, in both regards.

margot – I don’t know what the big deal is with Murray’s actions either. He is only trying to keep himself pumped up as far as I can tell.

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:10 pm

Still wondering why Dimitrov retired; did anyone find out anything? It must not have been in the first set, but then he was getting beaten badly at love in sets 2 and 3, so I am curious to know when/how was he injured?

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:23 pm

Hi Jane.

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:30 pm

Von: Yes, Ivanovic barely squeezed out the win over Hradecka – 5-7, 6-2, 8-6. Her ball toss is still disastrous. I only watched her last few service games and saw her reset her serve about 10 times. The commentator said that she did it about 30+ times throughout the match.

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Jane, margot, Von

Got my ticket for Court n.1 Round of 16 Monday June 29th, Thaks for your support!

If it rains this day I sware I´ll kill somebody!

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:43 pm

Well they won´t put Fed on Court n.1, neither Murray so I´ll probably watch Djoko or Roddick´s match which will be great anyhow.

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:46 pm

Congrats Daniel on getting your tickets. I’m so jealous!

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm

Hi Duro! Nice to “see” ya.

Daniel – you’re in! Congrats. Full report on matches is due by Monday before midnight. : ) Too bad you can’t see Federer; you’ll have to catch him on the practice courts.

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm

Mina: Thanks for the update on Ivanovic. I was hoping she’d pull out the win, but she’s got to begin playing better if she has any hopes of going deeper at Wimby. Meanwhile, I think Jankovic had an easier match due to an easier opponent. Safina and Wozniacki won their matches also, thus things on the women’s side seem to be panning out as was expected. I dislike it when too many of the top 10 seeds begin losing early in tourneys.

I think with each slam we’re seeing the matches on the men’s draw becoming more and more interesting/exciting from Round One, which was not the case just a couple of years ago. Usually, the second week began the excitement and the first week was boring. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore, which translates to more excitement for the fans — absolutely wonderful!

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm

Daniel: Mazel Tov! I can’t believe you got your tickets so quickly, and didn’t have to queue up. I hope for your sake it doesn’t rain. I had this weird thought yesterday that now they’ve put the roof on, I think the rain will stay away. It’s similar to when you get to the dentist the tooth stops hurting. That said, I’m hoping for the best for you, and rain, rain, go away, come again another day, that is, after June 29th.

June 23rd, 2009 at 5:57 pm

MMT: I think Blake’s confidence is at an all-time low. I’ve never seen him contradict himself and make excuses like he’s been making recently. That tells me he knows he’s not playing well but feels compelled to cover it up. I really feel badly for James. His poor form began last year at DelRay, and aside from the Olympics and Queens, everything else has been a washout. Oy vey!

June 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm

There’s one man saddest in the world right now. With all the joy and excitement around, he deserves that we all pay respect to him. The master of the game! I wish him all the luck in the world, both professionally and privately. You’ll be back champ!

June 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm

I didn’t even get to see Safin; he was gone so quickly : ( But his interview, as always, was insightful and honest.

June 23rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm

We need more noise and more muscle flexing, if we are not already pumped up enough about this year’s Wimbledon. Let’s pit Mr. Scottish Hype against the Greatest. The following are actual quotes from these two.

Greatest (Dubai presser): I like to win matches not just by waiting for the other guy’s mistakes. [Mike Dickson, a sports analyst for Mail, interprets, “the sub-text usually being: ‘Come back and ask me about this guy when he’s won a Grand Slam tournament’ “].

Scottish Hype: A lot of the times after I have beaten him [Federer] he has said negative things about my game. It doesn’t bother me. He doesn’t lose that often and it can be tough when you go into a press conference afterwards… I don’t think if someone beats you then you can criticize the way they have played. They have always won because they have done what they needed to do.

Greatest (AO presser): He has put himself into a winning position, but still, winning a Grand Slam is a different animal. But it still does surprise me the bookies say that, because he has never won a Slam (title), nor is he defending champion here. It’s surprising to hear, but we’ll see what happens.

Scottish Hype: Every time I have played against him I have felt like I had a good chance to win and that my tactics have worked well… A lot of times he has been very frustrated playing against me and my style of game…If we were to meet at Wimbledon then, for sure, our recent matches would have a bearing, I can take confidence from them.

Greatest (SW19): When I lost to him in Shanghai [at the Masters Cup in November 2008], for example, I was ill and suffering with my back, and I still almost beat him, so I’m not about to say that he’s the best player in the world all of a sudden…I know it’s in my racket if I’m going to win Wimbledon or not.

In today’s match, the Hype did not show any convincing sign indicating he has what it takes to walk the whole nine yards. His game is too defensive for my taste. And Federer said it right, the Hype just “[waits] for the other guy’s mistakes,” and I am not sure whether tat is enough to win a Slam on grass. Any way, back to the business, I’ll let you guys wheel the hyping and de-hyping roulette in motion and see where it stops.

June 23rd, 2009 at 8:44 pm

No offense to Murray fans, but I find Murray’s style of play boring to watch. He plays evey single point the same way, albeit a way with a lot of variety, but still I find it very repetitive.

He wasn’t very convincing in today’s match, and he could have easily lost that first set at 4-5 0-30. Hawk-eye saved him, but considering that he was against a jouneyman, and not a good one either, it wasn’t a good sign.

Daniel: You lucky @!$#^*&!!! May I ask what they cost, because I hear Wimbledon tickets are quite pricy.

June 23rd, 2009 at 11:33 pm

You’re kidding! McEnroe handed out grades on the matches of the two Andys.
—————————————-
After the Kendrick match Mac said those exact words. I have Direct TV where I can watch that idiot Gilbert or Mac commentate the same match, so I picked Mac. With Mac was a british guy name Simon Reed i think. Mac was not too impressed with Murray and got the B probably for not screwing up. I really like Kendrick. I never really watched him before. GREAT Personality.
BTW Ivanovic is being newly coached by Cahill now. Might be a bit late for her to do anything here but he could help her for the future. I guess they said Ana is very popular in Wimby so the crowds were there for her.

June 24th, 2009 at 12:00 am

Kimo, this is rather vague “He plays evey single point the same way” – what do you mean? How can someone play every point the same way? It does not make sense.

June 24th, 2009 at 12:16 am

Daniel: I’m so pleased for you! How long did you have 2 queue? I too will keep fingers crossed for good weather.
All you folks who can’t take honesty and a desire to win in a young guy who wants to go all the way, well go support Mr Perfect Manners, and good luck in your search!

June 24th, 2009 at 12:22 am

Tennis Freaks: “I’ll let you guys wheel the hyping and de-hyping roulette in motion and see where it stops.”

LOL hilarious.

June 24th, 2009 at 2:21 am

No one recognized Nadal in my post. Too bad…

June 24th, 2009 at 3:09 am

Hey Duro, your post re ‘sad young man’ didn’t go totally unnoticed by me as I was wondering whom you’re talking about. The only thing’s I didn’t ask you as we dunno each other.
But what you said’s true. I sympathise with Rafa. You’re a Rafa fan, right?

June 24th, 2009 at 7:25 am

I dunno if anyone among you knows this, but honestly this evil divorce thing was about to wreck Fed’s family as well. Fed himself talked about it in 08 in an interview,so all his fans were very worried about this as his parents weren’t far from
divorcing.

June 24th, 2009 at 7:53 am

But thank God for not allowing Fed’s parents to divorce. But doesn’t any of you (hey Fed fans, what about you?), know about this friction between Fed’s
parents? Unfortunately I don’t have excerpts from that interview right now, but I’d surely try to find.

June 24th, 2009 at 7:57 am

However I’d give some information and clue to some of you expert internet surfers , if any, so that you, if someday come across stuff re Fed’s parents’ conflict, may provide us stuff. I only remember that Fed talked ’bout it around 08 Olym-USO time.

June 24th, 2009 at 8:06 am

huh,
What I know is that they are divorced for some years now.

June 24th, 2009 at 8:36 am

margot,

I bought my online: onlinewimbledon.com.
Expensive, but I thought what the heck, I am there and I need to watch some live tennis. My friend told me that already are 1000 people on queue, I gave up and empty my wallet.

I read somewhere there will be 3 big screens in specific points of the city where people could watch the matches. I´ll let you know where I will be watching the finals.

June 24th, 2009 at 8:47 am

Thanks for your response Daniel. But can you kindly tell me more?
I’m suprised coz only last year in Fed’s official site, I found his fans worrying over the possible divorce of his parents !
May be I need to take more interest in Fed’s personal life !

June 24th, 2009 at 9:54 am

Note that his parents are never side by side in Grand Slmas finals. I don´t know for how long they are divorced but since 2006 I am positive, maybe sooner.

June 24th, 2009 at 10:31 am

Daniel & huh: I’ve read an article on Fed’s parents where there was speculation of a pending divorce, but I don’t think it actually happened. Also, in that article his mother stated she dislikes sitting next to his father at Fed’s matches because he talks non-stop. I can see that as an irritation to anyone, especially when one is trying to concentrate on an important event, and is constantly being distracted by annoying rambling. LOL. Isn’t married life sweet? And it gets better after 65 when the guys are retired and don’t have jobs to occupy their time. Ha ha. Hey guys, don’t let that happen to you — live and learn, so by the time you approach 65 you’ll find other diversions lined up to keep you happy and occupied. LOL.

June 24th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

Huh, I’m Novak’s fan. That’s the whole point. I feel Nadal’s pain. Two, maybe the most important thing in his life, lost in the same time. Can you even imagine how hard is for someone like him to miss something that he lives for? He deserves a moment of support from all of us that love tennis and moment of our thoughts to be reserved for him especially. Great champs make this game what it actually is. Be well champ!

June 24th, 2009 at 4:23 pm

“Apparently this “lucky loser” Beck, who beat Feliciano Lopez yesterday was yelling, “Vamos” during his match as well, even when Fe-Lo was making errors.”

LOL! Really? I actually saw fragments of his match vs Almagro today (which Karol lost 5-7 in the 5th), and I can tell you the guy was on fire :-) Just to clarify, I’m a Slovak, so I could perfectly understand what he was yelling… AND, it was nothing pleasant :-) “F.cking wind!”, “Stupid computer!” (preferably going after the HE), and so on… I found it a bit hilarious, because once he screamed that remark about the wind, the umpire, even though most probably not having a clue about what Beck was yelling, immediately gave him a warning :-), after which the local commentator on the Galaxie Sport channel (on which I watch the Wimby matches) mentioned something to the extent that the umpires allegedly have some guides which contain some of the most “common” invectives used in both players’ native languages :-) Wondering if that’s true or not ;-)

June 24th, 2009 at 9:10 pm

Skorocel:

“Just to clarify, I’m a Slovak, so I could perfectly understand what he was yelling… AND, it was nothing pleasant :-) “F.cking wind!”, “Stupid computer!” (preferably going after the HE), and so on …”

Ha, ha, it’s the reason I say the Americans need to learn to curse in a foreign language. Now if Querrey or Blake had cursed the wind in English, they would have had a heft fine to pay, whereas Beck was issung ‘F” bombs, left, right and center, and the umpire was non the wiser. LOL. I love it!!

June 24th, 2009 at 9:16 pm

The Umpire has first got to determine Beck was using an invective to be able to look it up, and if Beck was mumbling, then the words would have been undiscernible to the ump, so the onus would have been on the ump to know and prove what Beck said is an invective. As I said, I love it!

June 24th, 2009 at 9:20 pm

“I know it’s in my racket if I’m going to win Wimbledon or not.”

LOL! Why so modest, Rog? ;-)

June 24th, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Von: Allegedly, he also screamed (preferably after commiting an UE) something to the extent of: “Boy, am I f.cking idiot!” :-) Anyway, I have to say, I somehow feel for the guy… He, as you may know, had to serve a 2 year ban after being tested positive for clenbuterol in the DC 2005 semis vs Argentina, to which he always referred as a well guided conspiracy towards his person… According to Beck, someone allegedly gave him that stuff to one of his drinks when he was out on a party, and he strongly suspects that that “someone” was probably a person who was working closely with the Slovak DC team (or possibly Hrbaty?). You know, it may sound like a cheap excuse from him, but in Slovakia (where even a slightest success automatically means jealousy), you never know…

June 24th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

Skorocel: I love it! I’m cracking up reading your storytelling. I find it funny because it’s so hilarious when done in a foreign language. I sometimes look at Nadal, Djoko, Haas, and yes, Bjorkman, plus a few others and from the way their mouths form the words, coupled with their facial expressions, it’s obvious they are not saying “i love you” to the ump, the UE or HE. LOL.

June 24th, 2009 at 10:06 pm

“I like to win matches not just by waiting for the other guy’s mistakes.”

Uhm… Then let’s do it, Rog! I’d like you to go out there and win that darn match rather than hear you bitching about someone who’s LEGITIMATELY beaten you 6 times out of 8…

June 24th, 2009 at 10:06 pm

Von: When you mentioned Bjorkman, I have to say, I was really surprised when I found out about that outburst at Wimby 2007 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGdAknw4O4E)! The guy always seemed to me as an easygoing, kind of stoic person who can’t be angered by anything/anyone…

June 24th, 2009 at 10:24 pm