Berdych Beating Roddick on Monday at Wimbledon? Stay Tuned!

by Sean Randall | June 28th, 2009, 8:07 pm
  • 515 Comments

We are less than seven days from crowning two (new) Wimbledon champions, so what’s to come? Well, for one, I’ll stick with my initial picks at the start of the tournament, Roger Federer and Venus Williams and for two, looks like with many of the seeds getting through, we are shaping up for a great last week of tennis from London, and it begins on a high note with a tremendous Monday schedule. ADHEREL

Despite Andy Murray’s improved play and his Queen’s title, Federer is still leaps and bounds ahead of what’s left of the field on a grass court, and my gut tells me Robin Soderling will find that out again Monday.

Murray shouldn’t have many problems either against his pal Stanislas Wawrinka and the third pick, Novak Djokovic, figures to cruise past Dudi Sela (though I am rooting hard for Dudi! Did that come out right? Oh boy!).


On the other hand, one of my longshots Tomas Berdych is making all the shots and absolutely destroying his foes. Granted Alex Bogdanovic, Paul-Henri Mathieu and Nikolay Dayvdenko have limited grass abilities, but I really like his chances against the sub-par Andy Roddick. The fact that Roddick’s lost serve five times and he’s dropped sets to Igor Kunitsyn and Jurgen Melzer absolutely gives me pause, so I’m picking Berdych in an upset here. Remember, the Bird Man was playing well enough to have Federer dead to rights in Melbourne so I expect a similar performance Monday against Andy, except this time I think Tomas finishes the job.

I also like Ivo Karlovic over Fernando Verdasco, Gilles Simon over Juan Carlos Ferrero, Tommy Haas beating Andreev and Lleyton Hewitt to beat Radek Stepanek. For me, Hewitt’s been the biggest surprise of the first week on the men’s side. Who would have guessed Federer, Djokovic and Roddick would all lose more sets than Hewitt. So Hewitt thus far is clearly the biggest beneficiary of Rafael Nadal’s absence.

As for the women, all things still point to Venus-Serena in the final, and I still like Caroline Wozniacki to come out against Venus with Elena Dementieva losing to Serena in the semifinals.


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515 Comments for Berdych Beating Roddick on Monday at Wimbledon? Stay Tuned!

vared Says:

Berdych is not going to beat Roddick.


jane Says:

Berdych will have to find some serious mental stability to pull off an upset, as that’s often his downfall. He can get to tiebreaks, he’s got the game, but then he often falters. Roddick will be mentally stronger in those situations, so he just needs to hold serve imo. If he drops serve it could get dicier. But even then, in 5 sets, Roddick would be tougher.

Dudi and Djok have played once; Djoko won but there was a tiebreak involved. I hope Djoko can get to the quarters.

Murray could lose a set to Stan if his serve and backhand are on song. Wawa can be a tough player. Fed could lose another set too, although I’ve read elsewhere that Soderling has had the flu since last Wednesday so that does not bode well for him.


Tennis Freak Says:

Roddick-Berdych is the most intriguing one to watch.

My sure bets are:
Fed def. Sod.
Djok def. Sela
Murray def. Wawrinka
Haas def. Andreev

A little less sure
JCF def. Simon
Hewitt def. Stepanek

Unsure
Ivo. vs. Verdasco
Roddick vs. Berdych


scineram Says:

“So Hewitt thus far is clearly the biggest beneficiary of Rafael Nadal’s absence.”
Why? He was given a harder opponent.


Von Says:

Sean Randall, trust you to make a headline off Roddick, simultaneously being able to denigrate and reel off some well-chosen, descriptive adjectives, such as: “the sub-par Andy Roddick”. But, I really gotta hand it to you, you surely know how to light up your threads to make them the most popular by featuring the one and only “Andy Roddick’. I’ve yet to see an article from you, where you’ve been able to write without disdain whenever Roddick’s the subject, or should I say, you intentionally make him the headline and focus of your ‘sub-par’ article or whatever the content may be. I’m glad this year you were denied the pleasure of revisiting your famous ‘Roddick stink up Wimbledon’ scenario. Yee haw! Isn’t it strange that you’ve not mentioned even one of the other top 10 players’ playing as ‘sub-par’ even though many of them did? sheesh

Remember, any player can look imperious if they are facing inferior competition. Roddick got a tough draw, but then again, why bother telling you that. I’m not saying Roddick is playing super tennis as we saw at the FO or previous to the FO, but he’s playing well, and doing just what it takes to get the job done, just like the others, however, they won’t make for anjoyable bashing fest and eye-catching a headline as Roddick, will they? Enjoy the ride!


evie Says:

Tough draw? I’d say JMDP is a tough second round draw. Chardy? Not so much.

That said, Berdych could be tough and I seriously hope Roddick makes it through. I’d love to see a Roddick/Hewitt quarter.


Colin Says:

scineram, I suppose you could say Del Potro presented an obstacle less formidable than his ranking would suggest. I doubt Hewitt would have beaten him on clay.
I don’t believe in predictions (who can, this season?) but I have a funny feeling that if they both get to the final, Murray may beat Federer and, moreover, in less than five sets. Too often last year, when Fed was trying to recover from his illness, he’d have a few good wins at a tournament, and be greeted with cries of “he’s back to his best”. Then he’d lose.
In terms of progress through the rounds, Karlovic is doing nearly as well as Hewitt, by the way.


Paul Says:

Am I missing something?

I’d love to see Federer win on Sunday, but Murray’s playing great and he’s beaten R. four times in a row.

Federer’s openly lamented that he’s struggled to figure out how to beat him.


tenisbebe Says:

Sean tries to get our goat with provocative comments like “the sub-par Roddick” – I guess Federer is playing sub-par too since he lost a set to Kohl’s? The headline was a cheap ploy imo. And I would hardly call Berdych a longshot (Mine That Bird – now THAT was a longshot!) as we are all well aware of how dangerous be can be and how well he is playing thus far. Same goes for Ivo over Verdasco – hardly a ballsy pick the way Ivo is serving.


tenisbebe Says:

Paul says: “I’d love to see Federer win on Sunday, but Murray’s playing great and he’s beaten R. four times in a row”

Fed won at the USO. Murray’s won 4 times since then???

Murray has beaten Fed but not in a best of 5 I believe.


Von Says:

tenisbebe: “The headline was a cheap ploy imo.”

Always has been, always will be! Sean’s bread and butter is writing derogatory, trite stuff with reference to Roddick, and he loves to lambaste him. If we were to look at the whole picture, Roddick’s not even in the conversation, similarly to Hewitt, Verdasco and Simon, but we’ve just got to hear about Roddick and his sub-par tennis, don’t we? IMO, to headline Andy, is just looking for some cheap hits.

I’d pick Dr. Ivo over Verdasco, and Roddick/Berdych is a toss-up. Berdych looked imperious against Paul Henri, but by now it’s evident Paul Henri is an easy out for a big server or any top player. Roddick has been having a tendency to win the first two sets and do a walk-about in the third, similarly to what he did in ’07 v. Gasquet, so he’d better stop his astral walks and remain here on earth. Earth to Andy Roddick, hello, are you there A-Rod, and or paying attention?


tenisbebe Says:

Von – “I’d pick Dr. Ivo over Verdasco, and Roddick/Berdych is a toss-up.” Definitely – if Ivo (I noticed you used Brad’s nickname for him) serves like he has been, heaven help Hot Sauce. Someone said that when he’s on, it’s like receiving serve from a player on top of a building. Ha ha, ha ha. Same if Byrd man plays like he has been vs Roddick, 50/50. If Andy can get through this match, with all the talk, I think if will really boast his confidence for the rest of the week. I’m picking Fed, Djoko, Murray (gimmies), Haas, Hewitt (oldies but goodies) and JCF/Simon 40/60. Not very daring am I when it comes to wagering.


tenisbebe Says:

Oops – should read: with all the talk, I think it will really boast his confidence…


tenisbebe Says:

Oops – should read: with all the talk, I think it will really boost his confidence…


tenisbebe Says:

Damn – I mean “boost”, then he can boast about it :-)


vared Says:

Dudi and Djok have played once; Djoko won but there was a tiebreak involved. I hope Djoko can get to the quarters.

Jane
They put Djoko on the graveyard court.

Another poster said this: if Sela will come to the net as frequently as he did in the past 2 matches Djokovic will have a hard time. Sela has huge touch at the net. Robredo was so frustrated by Sela’s droppers and lobs in the past match he threw his racquet several times.


TD (Tam) Says:

Von, once again I am in awe of your ability to rip Sean and tennisx to pieces with facts and logical assertion. hee hee! you are my hero, the wind beneath our wings. ;)

vared Says:
“Berdych is not going to beat Roddick.”

I hope you are right! but I do think Berdych is dangerous I hope Andy will come out firing, I have not seen him do that yet in his previous matches.

I think the Soderling/Federer match is going to be a very big disappointment-meaning that Soderling will catch a beating even worse than the one he got in the French Open final. Soderling seems to be another one of Roger’s puppy dogs so he will be happy to just share the same stage with the mighty Roger before he obediently submits in straight sets and then thanks Roger for the honor.

Same story with Dokovic and Sela, sela wont know what hit him. ditto Murry/Stan. The favourites will win here no surprises.

The most interesting looking matches on the mens side are Andreev/Haas – Hewitt/Stepanek – Ferrero/Simon. I think one of these matches could hold an extraordinary upset. the three veterans make a nice cinderella story.

As for the women I do not care, I think Venus is going to win it all again this year. but why won’t Wimbledon show her the same respect they do Roger? She has just as many titles.

well I have looked at tomorrow’s play so I have changed my mind the Safina/Mauresmo match is a must see.

good night all! and good luck to your favourites.


tenisbebe Says:

Vared says:”They put Djoko on the graveyard court.” Do you mean Court 3? The old graveyard, court 2, has become court 3 i think. Usually top seeds do not play on 3 but tomorrow is a busy day.


jane Says:

vared, yes, I saw that they put Djoko or court 3 or 4. Fed & Murray are the big draws so they’ve not yet set foot outside center court, understandably so. As I said before, though, I am surprised Fed always gets to play first; he’s the only guy who’s not yet played a late match: Roddick, Murray, Djoko etc, all the others have (Haas has had two matches carried over). I wonder if he requests to play early? He’s usually first on. Once he’s been second. But no later.

Anyhow, I hope Djoko can get past Sela and make it to the quarters, but sometimes underdogs are particularly challenging because they have nothing to lose and they can play out of their skin. Maybe that’s just what Sela will do tomorrow? Anyhow, whatever happens, I am happy Djok made it to the second week. It’s better than last year here and better than he did at the FO. A step in the right direction.


Von Says:

TD(Tam) You’re wellcome.

I know I’m not allowed, per Sean, to make any excuses for, and/or rise to Roddick’s defense, but I’ll tell you what I’ve seen from Roddick, even though he’s not saying. IMO, he’s still struggling with his ankle. He’s not able to get up to the ball as quickly and set up for the pass or return as he should and when he does get there, he makes the error, for the obvious reasons, I just mentioned. Therein lies his problem and it’s why he’s been unable to break people like Kunitsyn and Melzer as often as he’d like. Also, I heard the commentators state that the way the court is playing is one of the reasons why there are so many tie-breaks and fewer breaks of serve when the players are evenly matched. I’m not talking about No. 2 playing aginst No. 80, I’m talking about a player in the bottom of the top 10 playing against a player in the top 20, where very little separates them, and it’s mostly what’s between the ears, so to speak..
________________
vared; let’s face it, Sela is a lightweight going up against a heavyweight. This is where you won’t be able to gauge Djokovic’s level of play for the SF and finals if he makes it to there. His draw has been very, very easy. I see when some people refer to Roddick there’s a little handle applied to him: “even Roddick”. Thus, I’ll just state, even Roddick can put away Sela, hence it shouldn’t be a big deal for Djoko. This much I’ll say, I wished Roddick got Djoko’s draw, and that’s the truth.


Von Says:

TD(Tam); I forgot to mention I love Bette Midler’s “You are the wind beneath my wings” very, very much. So thank you for reminding me about it and now I can sing. tah dah!
________________
tenisbebe: Agree with your picks. Ohh, I so wish Roddick didn’t have to meet Berdych in R16, I so wanted him to get to SFs. Maybe, Berdy will stump a toe, you think? nah, I’m not being chaitable, and that’s not fair.

I happen to like Gilbert very much, and I like his handles. He insists on calling Simon S(eye)mon, instead of ‘Seemone’, but you get my phonetics, I hope. Yes, Dr. Ivo is some kinda giant, and then some. Did you read my post where Gilbert said if Dr. Ivo’s serves bounce up high against Olivier Rochus, he’ll need a mini trampoline to jump up and hit them? I mean is that precious or what? LOL.


vared Says:

IMO, he’s still struggling with his ankle

Von, he should sue Queen’s for that defect in the grass that caused it.

Sela maybe, but Haas/Andreev I’m not sure. I know that I like them both. Then of course there’s TMF. My dream final would be Roddick and Djokovic. One of them would get the 2nd GS.


tenisbebe Says:

Von – or maybe Berdy will have wild crazy sex with Kirlenko tonight and be tired tomorrow :). I remember watching the FO final ’04, Coria was crushing Gaudio, up 2 sets and JMac said “Gaudio just needs to get the ball back, hang around. You never know, the other guy could fall & break a leg.” Shortly thereafter Coria started to cramp…..so you never know…

Yes – I did see your post re: Gilbert’s Rochus comment…too funny. He’s a true jock – & they love nicknames. “Simon says”


tenisbebe Says:

I think I got Berdy mixed up w/ Andreev, yes? Maria is dating Igor. So sorry for my boo boo.


tenisbebe Says:

vared Says: “IMO, he’s still struggling with his ankle Von, he should sue Queen’s for that defect in the grass that caused it.”

What happened? I didn’t see QC & just heard he defaulted due to the ankle. Please enlighten me. Thanks.


Von Says:

vared: Thank you for being so open minded and perceptive. It’s very obvious isn’t it, even though he’s not saying, but that’s Andy for you. From my obsercvations it hurts more moving forward. Normally, Melzer is a piece of cake for Roddick, and Kuniktsyn would have been a breeze. Roddick played last year’s Wimby despite his doctor’s protest and as a result he struggled throughout the HC season and the USO. He recently mentioned that, but PMcEnroe was aware of how much he was suffering and was the only one who knew and spoke up on Andy’s behalf. Andy made zero excuses. We’ll probably hear about the ankle sometime next year or if he’s asked about it, but I don’t think he’ll give too lengthy an answer as to what’s happening.

You’re right he should sue Queens. I wish I knew how to do twitter, then I could suggest it to him. LOL.


Von Says:

tenisbebe: No his girlfriend is Safarova, but they don’t do that sort of stuff do they? I thought that was reserved for the honeymoon. LOL.


jane Says:

Did anyone see Roddick’s press interview after beating Melzer? Both my husband and I thought he was acting kind of “down” or something; he had pulled his hat down low and was speaking almost low-key and stuff, almost like he does after a disappointing loss. I didn’t see the whole thing, but that’s how he seemed in the part I did see. Anyhow, I don’t know if there is a connection between what people are saying about his ankle and his appearance or behaviour in that presser, but it’s possible he was feeling it.


Von Says:

tenisbebe: At Queens, Roddick ran down a ball hit by Blake, he got to the end of the court, by the wall, but didn’t realize there was an indentation, between the end of the grass and where the concrete began. He tried to step forward as if on even ground and rolled his ankle. He continued to play but had to call for the trainer, then he played a couple more minutes and retired, thus, allowing Blake to get to the finals. That happened just a week prior to Wimby and I doubt he’d been able to practice much, which would definitely harm his fitness, and/or the ankle being healed enough to run down balls without pain. That kind of injury lags on for months some times.


Ty Says:

Tomorrow should be a great day of tennis. I am glad that I really don’t have any reservations as to who wins. I feel sorry for all the posters here who are really pulling for a particular player because the level of nervousness is making me a bit sick I think.

Roddick is not winning tomorrow and all the favorites (fed, murray, djoko) are marching through in straits. Mark it down.


TD (Tam) Says:

oh jane and Von this new information about Andy’s ankle and his introverted interview does not bode well. I hope everything will work out! why does he have the worst stupid dumb luck? how come it’s never Federer to sprain his ankle?

Off to bed I go.


jane Says:

TD (Tam) – Contrary to Ty’s “mark it” predicition, I think Roddick will still win. I rewatched the interview just now @ the Wimbledon site, and it wasn’t so bad; he just wasn’t full of the vim and quips, per usual.


Von Says:

Ty: Bite your tongue, and tomorrow you’ll eat your words. Ohhh, if wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.
_________________
TD(Tam): Andy has not stated anything with respect to his ankle, it’s all my observations and silly musings, but I strongly feel there is a connection.

“how come it’s never Federer to sprain his ankle?”

Be careful what you wish for.” Lol. Sweet dreams and don’t worry be happy. My famous last words, and if you believe me, then believe I’m Donald Trump’s new wife to be, and I now reside in NYC at Trump Tower. Now that’s a wonderful thought, why didn’t I think of that before. i mean life with ‘The Donald’ could be pretty exciting. LOL. Sleep well.


tenisbebe Says:

Yikes! Thanks for the explanation Von. Do you remember what the score was when that happened? From what I understand, suing in GB is quite difficult and besides, I can’t see Andy doing that. Not his style.


Von Says:

tenisbebe: I think the score was 2-1 and then he retired at 4-4. I wouldn’t want to even venture into British jurisprudence. I mean donning a white wig and gown is not my style, ‘Me lawd’. Forget about suing them, Roddick wouldn’t do it. I’m also positive there’s a fine print that ATP would use on their contracts which is arbitrarily binding and incumbent on the players, prohibiting players from suing a tourney due to a sustained injury = case closed.


Pro_B Says:

On a lighter note, anyone seen this vid celebrating the great rivalry before?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz0qwiy92cs

Thought it was tre’ cool! :)


Von Says:

po B:

Was it you who asked about the Federer Wilson Racquet commercial? I think you wanted to know who was the other guy? I answered on another thread: It’s Feliciano Lopez.


Von Says:

Pro B: Try again, that video’s not accessible. Do you rate yourself as a ‘B’ player and not an ‘A”?


Pro_B Says:

Von: Dunno why the link ain’t accessible, tried clicking on it myself again and is opening up fine. Anyhoo, posting link again but if it still doesn’t work you might wanna go to youtube and search for wimbledon 2009 rocky 3 parody.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz0qwiy92cs

And nope, wasn’t me asking abt the commercial. I wud know Flo. And the B is just the initial of my surname just like the Pro constitutes the first 3 letters of my first name. No great mystery there. :)


Roger That Says:

Sorry, but I’m not buying the idea that Roger is going to give Soderling a worse beatdown then Roland Garros. This one is going the distance I think.


Gordo Says:

I know, I know – there is a first time for everything, but in his 6 previous 4th round matches at Wimbledon Roger Federer’s opponents have been Lopez, Karlovic, Ferrero, Berdych, Haas and Hewitt.

Anyone care to guess the combined total of sets he has lost aainst this half-dozen? Anyone? Anyone? I’ll give you a hint – it is on your standard keyboard, to the right of the 9 key and to the left of the dash(-) key.

I know that Fed’s ease at which he dispatches of opponents will only ring true for some of you if en route to winning Wimbledon he disposes of his recent demons – two of them being Djokovic and Murray.

Murray is looking pretty good right now, but he still has 3 big matches, 2 of them potentially tough to get to that final.

And so does Fed have two tough matches. Karlovic may be a pain this year, and the Djoker is always tough, but today against Soderling don’t expect the Swede to take anything more than maybe one set… but I doubt it.

Murray against Federer would be an English dream match – even better than a rematch of Nadal and Fed. The Queen – who would rather be watching the ponies at the track – has even said she would attend if Murray reached the final. The last time she attended the final was when Virginia Wade won the womens’ title. So a Fed-Murray final would be massively historic.

Let’s see if the boys can make it happen!


Pro_B Says:

”Murray against Federer would be an English dream match – even better than a rematch of Nadal and Fed. The Queen – who would rather be watching the ponies at the track – has even said she would attend if Murray reached the final. The last time she attended the final was when Virginia Wade won the womens’ title.”
So i guess no pressure on murray huh? :)


Colin Says:

Mention of pronouncing “foreign” names like Simon’s reminds me of dear old Dan Maskell, who used to commentate for the BBC. He was exceedingly English, and resolutely refused to learn foreign pronunciation. There was an Italian player called, I think, Pietrangeli, and Dan always called him Peter-Angeli.
I’ll tell you who could deal with Ivo’s serves – those guys in the Hong Kong fantasy martial arts movies. They could jump twenty feet in the air, no trouble.
As for Murray’s record against Federer, yes, Roger’s won over five, but that was one match, hardly a trend. Nadal didn’t beat Fed on grass first time, either.


huh Says:

Murray can handle the pressure if he reaches the final, he really should IMO. Whether that’d or wouldn’t be enough for Murray to win the Wim beating Fed’s a different thing. That said, IF Murray reaches final, I don’t see anyone except Fed beating him.


huh Says:

I’d also say that this year, Fed reachin semi’d be a more arduous task for him then reaching the final itself. I mean IF Fed reaches semi, he’s almost surely going to the final, but for me, it only remains to be seen if he can reach the semi. Go Fed !


huh Says:

Lemme make it totally clear however that when I said that I don’t see anyone except Fed beating Murray in the final, it doesn’t mean Murray can’t beat Fed. He’s a superb game and that’s why he can beat Fed.


Pro_B Says:

No doubts about Murray’s abilities however i do believe that SOMETIMES it can come down to whether winning is a habit. Anyway, all predictions are still premature imo. Funny old game tennis can be at times. In the meantime, GO Fed!


huh Says:

TD (Tam) on the one hand’s seemingly wishing for Fed’s ankle to be sprained and again he/she wishes all the people out here, obviously including the Fed fans, good luck! Can anyone guess what he/she’s
wishing for Fed? Stunning, despicable and good too !


huh Says:

Oops, ‘despicable’ ain’t a good word to refer to TD in the previous post, ‘bad’ will more than suffice. So TD’s good & also bad like anyone else.
More good than bad perhaps or why’d he/she wish fans of all good luck? Thus all’s perfect in imperfect world.


Kimmi Says:

Haas and Andreev look close, 1st tie break at the moment. C’mon Haas.


tenisbebe Says:

Haas is looking good so far! Up 2 sets 3-ll in the 3rd.


Kimo Says:

lol. Fed hit the cord three consecutive times and still won the point with a winner down the line.

Maybe he was aiming for the cord. ;)


Kimmi Says:

Tie break is tense. C’mon fed


Kimo Says:

Where are all these people who thought that Soderling would trouble Fed?

I mean, cmoe on guys, 10-0 should give you a hint. Just becasue he beat Nadal at RG doesn’t make him Superman.

It is still grass and it is still Fed. Wake up.


Kimmi Says:

Yes fed. 2-0. Soderling is too nervous, federer is not playing magnificent but he is ahead 2 sets. Does not look good for the Sod.


Tennis Freak Says:

Fed handled the tiebreaker just fine, to take 2-0 lead. The match has already been tighter than I expected.


Kimmi Says:

Haas goes thru, easy one this time. straight set.


Kimo Says:

Tennis Freak Said:

“The match has already been tighter than I expected.”

That’s because Soderling is serving great. He won 100% of points on his 1st serve in the 2nd set, and he got 58% first serves in.


Tennis Freak Says:

Kimo and Kimmi,

Are you two related somehow?


Sean Randall Says:

Von, sorry. I’m just stating my opinions and will continue to do so. In my mind the Roddick-Berdych match rests with Berdych. If he plays like he’s been playing he’ll win.

Federer seems to be in control, Haas gets through. No real surprise.


huh Says:

Kimo, there’s no need to be so happy if Fed wins a tie-break. There’s the whole tournament still left. So enjoy but don’t be ecstasic unless Fed lifts the trophy. I promise to join the celebrations if it happens. Too much dreamin & euphoria by me geez! ;)


Pro_B Says:

Agree with Kimo. If you took Soderling’s serve out of the equation, this would be far more straight forward game leaning towards Fed.


Tennis Freak Says:

I see some occasional lapses in Fed. Sod is playing great right now. Be careful.


Kimo Says:

huh said:

“Kimo, there’s no need to be so happy if Fed wins a tie-break.”

Actually there is. He might be playing Ivo next match. Nuff said.


Tennis Freak Says:

Thanks Fed escaped that hole, almost broken.


Pro_B Says:

Actually i think Soderling’s nerves are showing. The last game was completely his to break.


Pro_B Says:

And i’m not sure if that had anything to do with lapses from Fed really. Soderling was just going for broke on his returns and well, i guess that won’t always come good but when it does, little even Fed can do about it.


huh Says:

Oh My God, Verdasco v Ivo’s already started and I’m already freakin out thinkin of Ivo’s serves. I hope it’s Spanish Hot Sauce in the end though I woulda liked Chinese sauce even more. Come On Fernando, come on for God’s sake !!!


Tennis Freak Says:

Even if Fed wins in straight, I’d call it a tight match.


huh Says:

Ha ha, my short memory’s showin up now! Thanks Kimo for remindin about Ivo ! That said, I hope Verdasco wins today.


Tennis Freak Says:

Tough one, but Fed pulled it off in straight.


JCZ Says:

All right Fed takes it!! He had impressively only 8 UEs throughtout the match compared to Soderling’s 25. Meanwhile the winners were pretty close: 34 for Fed 38 for Sod. Good tight match but Roger too good in the end.


Gordo Says:

Soderling’s play is quite good – it was unfortunate for him to be facing Federer in the 4th round.

Still yet to have given up a single set in 7 years of 4th round marches at Wimbledon – Roger Federer – that would be 18 – 0 in sets. Still mighty impressive.


Kimo Says:

In the post-match interview Fed said that he finds it difficult to judge how well he played today because it was pretty much a serving contest. He said had it not been for Sod’s double fault at 5-5 in the 3rd set tie-break it could have easily gone to four sets.

Talk about putting a win into perspective!!! (I’m looking at you British media).


Kimo Says:

No one can say Soderling played badly today. He came up with his best tennis, but like hundreds of other players, his best still wasn’t enough to take a set from Fed.

I’m really happy Fed got to win his two TBs today. It will give him confidence going into Ivo’s match.


huh Says:

Ha ha, Fed won ! Now I can fully concentrate on Verdasco’s match. :)


huh Says:

Oh yes, winning two TBs may give him some much needed confidence! But again, only future will tell.


JCZ Says:

Dr Ivo is at it again. Serving for the set…


Gordo Says:

Kimo said –

I’m really happy Fed got to win his two TBs today. It will give him confidence going into Ivo’s match.

===

Uh – are you living in the future? Where I am watching the match Karlovic just won the first set in a tiebreaker and Verdasco never gave the tall boy as much as a single break opportunity. Are you this quick to write off someone as talented as Verdasco?


Kimo Says:

Gordo Said:

” Are you this quick to write off someone as talented as Verdasco?”

Actually I like Verdasco a lot. Have liked him for years, but I just don’t like his chances today. There’s no doubt he’s a lot more talented than Ivo, but Ivo has that damn serve.


JCZ Says:

BTW, Novak’s rolling as expected. Who know how much we’re gonna get from the guy. A SF showdown with Fed would be great.


huh Says:

I’m so tense right now! There’s a realistic chance now of Fed facing Ivo in the next round ! Ughh!!


JCZ Says:

I’m not watching the match, just following on Slam Tracker. Karlovic “only” has 11 aces so far. Is he not serving that well or is Verdasco getting his racket on everything?


Tennis Freak Says:

The most entertaining match rght now is Hewitt-Step. Step just took the 1st set. Let’s see if Hewitt can take the next set.


Scottish Says:

Hey all,

Missed the fed match – oh well. Hewitt in tough. Djoko has a Joke of a draw and will sail through to the quarters. Hope Roddick wins (that’s for you Von :-) Would love to see a Roddick/Hewitt semi.

huh: Are you worried if Fed faces Ivo he will go down?


jane Says:

Haas won in straights. Stepanek and Ivo took the first sets. The “older” guys are still in the game. It must be tough to play Karlovic, as it’s so difficult to find a rhythm or do anything but carry on serving and try to get to tiebreaks. That will be Fed’s m.o. against him next round, in the quarters.


TennisFan Says:

Nothing like watching replays of each of the Williams sister’s pounding on and injured Ivanovic and another unranked player … while the woman’s #1 ranked player is on centre court and the Verdasco-Karlovic match is on. The Americans love watching their players win even if its against second rate competition today… forget the rest of the world…


Tennis Freak Says:

Djoko looks uninspired to play in the cemetery. Sela is all pumped up, so it could be risky for the Serb.


Shaky Says:

Novak’s rolling? I see them on serve in the 2nd, and Novak just saved a break point. Looks like Dudi is in this, no?


huh Says:

Ivo just has a Goddamn serve !


jane Says:

Yeah, Tennisfan, I am a little disappointed with the coverage at the moment – show some live stuff! Very irritating.


Shaky Says:

TennisFan: try espn360. They stream 4-7 matches every day. I think it’s free also. You get lots of different commentators also, like Becker and Henman.

so from where I sit, the coverage is great.


JCZ Says:

TennisFan: What’s wrong with that? I’m not American but it makes sense that they’d want to follow their players. Do you think British people would be following Safina’s game if Murray is playing against a second-tier opponent? It makes sense to follow your own.


jane Says:

Djoko is doing his usual drop off in form during the second set. His serve almost always goes through fits and starts in a match, which is a problem he’s got to fix. If Djok gets to the quarters, I can’t see him beating an inspired Tommy Haas unless he finds a way to lift his form considerably.


Tennis Freak Says:

TennisFan,

I agree. The media is still old fashioned narcissistic. They like masturbation (in the 19th century euphemism “self-abuse”), not sex, but not the core part of American tennis fans.


Scottish Says:

Djoko is definitely rolling, he just broke and is serving for the 2nd set. Not much Sela can do.


jane Says:

JCZ, I’d have no problem with it if it was live, but this Serena match is long over, so it’d be nice to see some live tennis is all.


Tennis Freak Says:

Nothing to worry for the Serb today, but, like you said, Jane, with that game, Haas will beat him in straight. Hope center court may inspire him, but will that be enough?


huh Says:

Scottish, yes, I’m definitely worried about Fed facing Ivo in the next round. Its plain horror for me. :(


Tennis Freak Says:

Djok just got broken back by an unknown. Shame on him.


Rab Says:

Damn and blast!
Woz is out ;-(
Lisicki played well though. I thought they were going to come to blows for a minute when they faced up, (bumped chests) as they tried to take their seats in the last but one game.

Ok, I’ll just put my British hat on now and get ready for the Murray trouncing of flash Stan ;-)


jane Says:

Tennis Freak, Djoko doesn’t need inspiration (although these graveyard courts don’t earn that name for nothing); he needs to keep his level up throughout a match, particularly when he is on serve. Sela just broke back. That’s how it is with Djoko. He can serve tremendously one set, and cruise through, and then the next set he can’t get a first serve in to save his life. Very up and down. His saving grace is his return. He can usually get a break back based on that alone (which he did, taking the second set). But if he could steady up his serve, there’s no reason why he couldn’t be a real threat. Anyhow, back to streaming, since ESPN (via TSN) is showing all “pre-recorded” material, nothing live!!


jane Says:

Looks like it may be the end of the line for Hewitt. But Verdasco has a mini-break in the second tiebreak; he may pull this out?


Tennis Freak Says:

Now I think Step will end Hewitt’s run, about to be 2 sets up.
Ivo might go down, at least that’s what I am hoping.


Tennis Freak Says:

Lisicki has the potential to be new Hingis. Go Liz !


jane Says:

Rab, I like Lisicki, but Wozniacki was playing well here. Lisicki has a better serve though, and she really likes to play high risk tennis. Her winners to u.e. in the last to matches have been close.


Kimo Says:

Go Fernando go go go!!!!!!!


scineram Says:

They cannot all play on one court. I am hoping Murray and Đokovic will play on centre and Federer on 1 on Wednesday. Assuming they get there.


jane Says:

Tennis Freak, check out our last two posts and what times they were posted: simultaneous agreement!


Kimo Says:

scineram said:

“I am hoping Murray and Đokovic will play on centre and Federer on 1 on Wednesday.”

Fed on ONE?? Blasphemy.


jane Says:

“Fed on ONE?? Blasphemy.” Why? Fed’s not played anywhere on Centre Court and is the only top male player who has not played a later match, all have been first on but one. It would seem fair if he played on court 1 once!


huh Says:

Thank God, Verdasco took the second set! Sigh


Tennis Freak Says:

Jane,
I did.
Not just one, Two. Each pair on the same players. What coincidence ! Great minds think (alike) simultaneously, they say.


huh Says:

Come on Fernando, kick butt !


jane Says:

huh, your nerves are funny. Don’t forget that even if Ivo wins, Fed’s H2H with him is 8-1! So I don’t think you have to worry either way. Fed will be in the semis for sure.


Rab Says:

Jane:
I couldnt agree more.

I would have liked to have seen the Ferero v Simon match on one of the show courts. Thats got to be an attractive matchup and Simon has not had a sniff of a show court yet.


Kimo Says:

jane said:

“Fed’s not played anywhere on Centre Court and is the only top male player who has not played a later match, all have been first on but one. It would seem fair if he played on court 1 once!”

I don’t think it would be fair to put Fed and the rest of the field under the same terms.

But hey, if any of them wins Wimbledon five times they can play on Centre Court all they want :D


jane Says:

Good job – Djoko makes the quarters! That’s all I wanted from him. If he can beat Haas and make the semis (which I kind of doubt unless he ups it), then even better. But this is all I wanted based on how he was playing. One encouraging stat is that he did well at the net today.

Hewitt’s finally got a break over Step. Can he win the next 3 sets?


Tennis Freak Says:

The Serb dispatches the Israeli in just over an hour and half. He should ask Fed how to defeat Haas.


jane Says:

Kimo, okay it’s true that Fed and Murray deserve Center Court, but Fed should have to play at least one late match. He hasn’t yet and it’s the quarter finals – every single other player has. It’s not really fair scheduling if it’s not varied. As I’ve said before, Haas has had two matches carried over to the next day already because they keep putting him on last.

And just to compare: how many Wimbledons has Venus won? 5 or 6? Well they’ve put her on court 1, maybe even court 2! So what’s good for the goose should be good for the gander.


huh Says:

No no Mrs. Jane, this previous stats aren’t always gonna work in one’s favor and I cannot see Fed either losing(God Forbid!) or winning to anyone in TBs. I mean, winning I’d obviously enjoy but losing’d be too sad for me,
I can’t stand much pain !


Tennis Freak Says:

Rain interruption. Matches suspended. Great roof will get its life over the center.


jane Says:

” He should ask Fed how to defeat Haas.” LOL, I don’t think Fed would tell him. : ) Djoko has defeated Haas twice in the past; Haas’ win at Halle was his first over Djoko I think. But Haas is hot right now and he’s got an awesome all court, aggressive game for grass.

I hope it’s a good quarter final anyhow. Maybe go five sets or something.


Fedfan Says:

Haas is a damn good player on grass (underrated). Now that he has tasted success again, he will be a very tough test for djokovic. Till now, djokovic has hardly faced a quality grass player. Same for Murray.

And yes, the TV coverage in the US, as always, is too biased sometimes. They should rename it to “Coverage of American players at Wimbledon”. That way it would be fair. Nationality shouldn’t be put above sport – the best matches should be shown live.

Ivo is not serving that well today – only 23 aces in 2.5 sets (15 serve games and two tie breaks)? I think this is as far as he goes.


Kimo Says:

jane said:

“So what’s good for the goose should be good for the gander.”

Well, let’s not get into that.


jane Says:

huh, I understand. But don’t worry, I really think Fed will be fine against either Verdasco or Ivo. You’re right that past matches don’t always tell the story, but Fed’s stronger than both of them on grass. He really is the top grass-courter of this generation right? So that should ease your mind.


jane Says:

Okay Kimo. Let’s leave it.


Tennis Freak Says:

I can see the roof being pulled over the Center. It has Murray’s written all over. Lol.


Kimo Says:

Is Wawrinka a good indoors player? hehe.


Tennis Freak Says:

I think they had to call Buckingham, because the Queen had accidentally put the roof’s remote control in her purse.


Tennis Freak Says:

Kimo,
Wawrinka is a good indoor player, but Murray is no less. That neutralizes. Your hope may not be granted.


jane Says:

Thrilling, watching a roof close. The first live coverage I’ve seen today. LOL.


Pro_B Says:

Well Well, FINALLY we have a Roof over our heads! :)


Kimmi Says:

Yeee Peeee !! The Roof is finally here. I am excited. This will go in history books, the first match to use the roof at W19….Mauresmo vs Safina.


JCZ Says:

Would the court really play any differently with the roof closed. It’s not all of a sudden an indoor type court. It’s still grass so there should be no significant difference right?


Kimo Says:

JCZ said:

“It’s still grass so there should be no significant difference right?”

Wrong. Indoor hardcourts are different rom outdoor hardcourts. The difference is not about the surface. It’s about the air: how humid, how hot, how windy. In an indoor climate, all these things are under control, so what would affect an outdoor match would not affect an indoor match. Players who cope well with trsting conditions would have their edge neutralized and hence the match-ups play out differently.


Kimo Says:

I meant “testing” conditions.


huh Says:

Mrs. Jane, thanks for trying to comfort me. I’d try to be more optimistic if I can. My mind’s not ready to listen to my heart you know, and that’s where the problem lies. I can only hope for the best while expecting the worst.


jane Says:

huh, this is my line! “I can only hope for the best while expecting the worst.” LOL. It makes more sense when cheering on Djoko than Fed though. Sigh.


Tennis Freak Says:

Negatives:
Under the roof, there is more likelihood of bad bounce and ball hitting the ceiling. Humidity could also increase dampness and slow the already heavier ball (this could benefit some players).

Positives: No wind effect or gust.

Neutral: As this roof combines both natural and halogen (?}, the brightness will increase/decrease a little bit depending on how it handles the outside light.


Skorocel Says:

Fedfan: “Ivo is not serving that well today – only 23 aces in 2.5 sets”

LOL! I guess anyone (including Sampras) wouldn’t mind to serve like that ;-)


Tennis Freak Says:

Aslo, under the roof, the noise level goes up and reverberates.


jane Says:

I wonder if they’ll open the roof before Murray comes on if the rain lets up?


Kimo Says:

Tennis Freak Said:

“Positives: No wind effect or gust. ”

Ummmm. I think you forgot something. What was it? Oh yes….

NO RAIN.


Tennis Freak Says:

Kimo,
True. That was funny.


Scottish Says:

Come on Hewitt, you can come back!!


jane Says:

Looks like Hewitt V Step may go 5. But Karlovic seems to have the edge over Verdasco just now.


Pro_B Says:

Cmonnn Safina!


jane Says:

The sound is sure echoing in the Safina v. Mauresmo match under the roof. Nice to see Safina at least giving Amelie, a former champion here, a fight.


Tennis Freak Says:

Sorry, guys, Ivo just won, with what 35 or 36 aces.


Tennis Freak Says:

Oh, no, not yet.


Pro_B Says:

Go Hewitt! Can the ‘little mongrel’ turn this around? i sure hope so. And before anyone draws any daggers, that COMPLIMENTARY appellation was granted by Cash and not me AND i love all doggies! :)


Kimo Says:

damn that Croat monster.


Pro_B Says:

Tennis Freak- Am Following the Ivo- Verdasco match online and you just gave me a WTF moment with your premature verdict! :)


jane Says:

Dr. Ivo continues to surgically remove competition with ace, ace, ace.

Safina lives up to her ranking and takes out the former champion.


jane Says:

Bring on the Andys…!


Pro_B Says:

Oh well, not so premature any longer :( Apologies TF


huh Says:

Horrible news for me this Ivo victory !


jane Says:

Hewitt takes it to a 5th. He’s such a scrapper.


Rab Says:

Wow!
Did not know where to look. Too many good matches today.

Who can stop Karlovic???
I am not sure even the great Fed can break his serve.
Thank goodness they have slowed the courts down and given us bigger balls.

Well done Dinara – good gutsy display.


Pro_B Says:

Huh: As Bon Jovi advised, Keep the Faith! Rog IS capable of making more than just a fashion statement on court. :) Loving the games tonight though. Each one a nail biter!


Pro_B Says:

Rab: Given us bigger balls? LOL! :)


Fedfan Says:

Skorocel,

You didn’t get the irony in my statement….

35 aces in 3 hours. Ivo is through. It will take a bit more against Federer. I would have loved to see a fifth set between Ivo and Verdasco. Might have just gone on and on, since either guy would have had trouble breaking.


Tennis Freak Says:

Jane,
As to your question, they have to open the roof for the next match, as it has stopped raining before the match has begun. That’s the rule.
And it looks like Hewitt will pull it off. He’s already taken an early break in the 5th. Good for him.


jane Says:

JCF got the first set off Simon…interesting. And good choice on the wild card. He’s earned his spot, clearly.


Kimmi Says:

Oh No Dr Ivo could be the Siderling of Wimbledon


Tennis Freak Says:

Bigger balls? I thought they were smaller and heavier. Correct me.


huh Says:

Pro-B, thanks for your post. I’ve the maximum faith in Fed but I haven’t got as much faith in his fortune this time. :( I’ve never felt this scared for Fed at Wimbledon and that all’ve cast their evil eyes on his semi streak’s even more discomforting !


Kimmi Says:

Oh No Dr Ivo could be the Soderling of Wimbledon


huh Says:

Mrs. Jane, how is ‘I can only hope for the best while expecting the worst’ your line?


SRM Says:

huh, don’t worry. For me, Federer is playing freely and he would through although it might be a battle in tie-breaks.


Rab Says:

TF:
Heavier yes, but I am sure they are bigger now.


jane Says:

huh, I always say that line; I was joking with you, but I am an eternal pessimist who tries to counter that with realism. Sometimes it’s hard though. I can see why you’re worried. But from an objective stand-point, I cannot see Fed being ousted by Ivo.

I think Roddick will win based only on the first two games; he’s WAY less error prone than Berdych, who hits big but often not accurately.


huh Says:

Pro-B, today’s matches’re not nail biters but are something which can give many fans heart attacks!


Von Says:

C’mon Andy, send the ‘Bird’ man to Alcatraz!


SRM Says:

wow, 3 break points already for Wawarinka. Murray is nervous looks like.


jane Says:

Wawa 3 break points to begin…hmmm


Von Says:

Gosh, I never thought a 6’10” giant could evoke so much anguish. C’mon guys TMF can walk on water and fly through the air toppling the sky-scraper. He’s supposed to be ‘The Mighty’, isn’t he so why the fear?


Kimmi Says:

Hewitt pumped up..wow great come back….welldone


Kimo Says:

Hi Murray, you’ve just been broken by the only good player you’ve played for two weeks.

How does it feel?


Pro_B Says:

CMONNN! that was hewitt not me! :)


jane Says:

Congrats to Hewitt – into the quarters – wow! And Wawa got the early break; not the first time Murray’s dropped serve here, but surprisingly early.


Pro_B Says:

WB Von Needed a friendly face in here :)


SRM Says:

Another grand slam champion into quarters. Can Ferrero also make it?


Pro_B Says:

And yep, he’s faster than a speeding bullet too so no fears! :)


Kimmi Says:

Murray just had a slow start, watch how many breaks of serve he is going to get from now on.


huh Says:

Von, contrary to what many think, Ivo’s a good player in my view who’s a good user of his S&V game and if his game’s on, it’s most undesirable to be on the opposite side of his net, no matter how mighty one’s. By the way,
nobody’s unbeatable includin Fed.


Kimo Says:

He might Kimmi, but right now he’s up against a real tennis player. Murray can’t just slice all his shots and expect an easy win. He’s gonna have to work for it, something that he hasn’t done since Wimby began.


Kimmi Says:

Wow wow wow..wake up Murray


vared Says:

Remember Wawa is Fed’s assassin.


Kimo Says:

Murray mania is falling down, falling down, falling down,
Murray mania is falling down, take that British mediaaaaaaaa


jane Says:

Maybe true Kimmi, but Murray needs to serve decent also. If the court is playing slower today that could affect his match and serving. Hmm. I wonder. Wawarinka is a tough player. He freaked me out at the Davis Cup, how well he was serving.

And now he has a double break. Wow. Wonder what’ll happen now.

They’ve kept the roof closed. Surprising, as I thought Tennis Freak said it was against the rules.


Kimo Says:

vared said:

“Remember Wawa is Fed’s assassin.”

What?! He did win one match, but ASSASSIN?!


Tennis Freak Says:

It is against the rule, but they may have some caveat to that rule.
As it stands, it is in favor of Wawrinka so far.


huh Says:

Even I’m not saying that Ivo beating Fed’s a foregone conclusion but a realistic danger and chance of Fed’s elimination cannot be ignored or denied this time, at Wimbledon. I just hope the QF vs Ivo won’t be the last match for Fed this year at the AELTC.


Kimo Says:

The British media started the Murray hype and Murray actually believed it.

He still might win this match, but he’s gonna have doubts about his game now, as he should. You can’t slice your strokes forveer and not get overpowered.

But I really hope Wawrinka puts him out of his misery and relieves us from all the British media BS by beating Murray.


Kimo Says:

If Fed wins over Ivo, the title is his.


jane Says:

Okay, Murray is playing awful. Just awful. Wake up Murray. Open the roof and give Murray a blast of fresh air or something.


Tennis Freak Says:

Is it because of the hype, pressure, nerve that Murray’s playing not so well?
Anyway, finally, he is on the board.


Kimo Says:

Murray is being Murray, there’s nothing wrong with him folks. He’s just playing a guy who knows his weaknesses and can exploit them.


tenisbebe Says:

vared Says: Remember Wawa is Fed’s assassin.

His Swiss assassin, huh? Very funny.


Von Says:

This is Murray’s walk-about set. So watch out Wawa Murray’ll make you drink a lot of wawa and then sink you like the Titanic. C’mon Andys! GO USA, GO GBR!

Po B; What’s WB?


Kimo Says:

Wawrinka is embarrasing Andy at the moment.


tenisbebe Says:

Wow, Stanz is on fire. The crowd is silenced.


Tennis Freak Says:

You’ll may not be paying attention, but JCF is about to win in straight.


Kimo Says:

Von Said:

“This is Murray’s walk-about set”

I dunno about that. He’s being humiliated right now and he looks pissed.


huh Says:

Wawrinka’s backhand’s very good indeed !


jane Says:

Come on Murray! Come back to centre court and land already. Open the roof and give him some air.


Von Says:

Scottish: Thanks for the good wishes. I’m wishing and hoping for the best for my little ‘sweetheart’.

Good job by Hewitt. today shows he ain’t ‘Rusty’.


Von Says:

Kimo: Trust me, he can do it.


tenisbebe Says:

“If Fed wins over Ivo, the title is his.”

Can we put a sock in the Fed winning the title talk for the moment? Good God I am sick of it. Let’s enjoy these matches shall we.


jane Says:

Very happy about JCF Tennis Freak. Hewitt, Haas and JCF all winning. Karlovic is also “older”. Experience on grass is key.

This is how Wawa served against Blake during Davis Cup. Tough to break him when he’s serving like this.


Kimo Says:

That was by far the most satisfying set I’ve seen all tournament. ]-)

Murray’s going down.


Kimo Says:

tenisbebe said:

“Can we put a sock in the Fed winning the title talk for the moment?”

No.

Fed’s winning the title. Sweet 15.


huh Says:

First set to Wawrinka!


tenisbebe Says:

Trouble in Murrayland. Good thing it’s best of 5. I had to run out for a while. Who won the Amelie/Safina match please?

JCF, Hewitt, Haas and JCF all winning-beautiful.


Pro_B Says:

Safina Tennis bebe and i’m so kicked abt it!


jane Says:

Roddick winning the tiebreak – yay! JCF serving for the match; how nice for him!


Tennis Freak Says:

Roddick also wins the first set. Von should be happy, I suppose. I want him to reach the final, honestly.


jane Says:

Amen and Hallelujah tenisbebe!!! “Can we put a sock in the Fed winning the title talk for the moment? Good God I am sick of it. Let’s enjoy these matches shall we.”

EXACTLY!


Von Says:

tenisbebe: Safina won. I was so hoping for my fave, Amelie to make a good run at wimby. I have a feeling she’ll be retiring soon.

Pro B: What’s WB?


jane Says:

Von, I think Pro B meant “Welcome Back” to you, but I am guessing.


Von Says:

Pro B: “Safina Tennis bebe and i’m so kicked abt it!”

We belong to the mutual admiration society for Mauresmo. You have excellent taste!


tenisbebe Says:

Thanks Pro-B – DAMMIT! I really wanted Amelie to win. JCF is straight – wow – that’s impressive. Bet he’ll be getting a text from Rafa. ANdy won the first, yes!!

Sean? No comments?


Von Says:

Thanks jane. I was waiting until tonight to post, but my anxiety made me leave my TV and I headed for my computer. The thread is a pleasant respite. OY


Kimmi Says:

OK, Murray waking up slowly now, C’MOOOOOOONNN Murray, show wawa how to play tennis.


jane Says:

Pro-B was saying “come on!” to Safina earlier, so I think he meant ”
kicked” as celebratory.


SRM Says:

Does anybody like to get the latest comments with out doing browser refresh?

I just developed a small Javascript code for Firefox browser which runs every minute and shows the latest comments while you are still reading the old comments !!

Please let me know if you are interested.

Sorry for the off topic.


Von Says:

tenisbebe: “JCF is straight – wow – that’s impressive.’

Only now, I mean just this minute? I thought he was that all the time. Surprise, surprise, wonders never cease but daily increase! When did you receive that wire? Hot damn!!! extra, extra, read all about it, JCF is now straight! LOL, LOL. This is a moment of truth movie time.

Sorry, tenisbebe, I couldn’t let that pass. OK back to my TV.


huh Says:

Actually few’re subject to as much mental agony as Wawrinka, being a Swiss has been a curse for him and nothing for me’s more painful than Fed not inviting him to his marriage. How easily Fed forgot the part played by Wawa in pumpin him up for USO 08 win?


Kimo Says:

John McEnroe has got to be the best commentator in the world. His analysis is flawless.

Wawrinka is indeed looking too strong for Murray right now.


jane Says:

Wawa’s backhand is truly firing today, and frankly, unless Murray figures out a way to begin dictating, things don’t look so hot for him. He’s flat today and making a lot of errors.


Tennis Freak Says:

I love Wawa’s backhand shots. They are spectacular to watch.


tenisbebe Says:

SRM – yes please tell re: refreshing via Firefox. Thanks.


jane Says:

Roddick, meanwhile, is playing above-par – HELLO SEAN? I guess your two hated players, Roddick and Djoko, aren’t doing so badly eh?

Roddick has played some nice variety, his serve is super consistent, he’s mentally strong, he’s only hit THREE unforced errors all match.


Kimmi Says:

Murray is in touble, Wawa attacking tennis is rewarding. C’moon Murray.


Von Says:

Tennis Freak: “Roddick also wins the first set. Von should be happy, I suppose. I want him to reach the final, honestly.”

Is this really you? Thanks!


tenisbebe Says:

Von – you brat; someone said that he won in straights and like a fool I believed them without checking the facts :)


huh Says:

Beating his racquet to his head isn’t gonna do any good to Murray. He should stop such behaviour otherwise his concentration’d be affected. He’s too good to let himself get distracted !


SRM Says:

tenisbebe, who is “re:”? Do you mean the site moderators?


tenisbebe Says:

Murray’s waking up. Thank God.


Tennis Freak Says:

That is really me, Von.
———————

Murray survives double break points. That passing shot did the job. He’s slowly getting into the match. Must be encouraging for his fans.


tenisbebe Says:

who is “re:”? Do you mean the site moderators?

It means “regarding” – you said if anyone was interested, etc. Your post from 2:30pm.


Tennis Freak Says:

Roddick-Berdych match is going head to head, as expected. If it goes into another tie break, it should benefit Roddick.


Kimmi Says:

Wawrinka call for a trainer ?? What injury now ?


tenisbebe Says:

You know that whoever made the decision to keep the roof closed during the Murray match is going to be crucified in the British media – poor guy.

Notice, notice US viewers that ESPN WAS NOT focused on the Americans match exclusively. It’s just the boneheads at NBC – they think the US tennis fans will only watch US players, idiots.


Kimo Says:

Murray is auch an a**. A c’mon on a double fault? That’s ain’t right.


Von Says:

NBC is killing me with their coverage. A few minutes on Roddick, and a few minutes on Murray. and, back and forth it goes.

tenisbebe: I’m sorry for being a brat, but I thought it was so funny. However, you didn’t quite get my ‘straight’ humour — JCF being straight. Maybe the light bulb will eventiually turn on.


Tennis Freak Says:

It is not injury; it is massage.
Wawrinka’s baseline(a couple of shots)-to net approach is working wonderful for him. Murray hits on-the-run passing shots beautifully.


SRM Says:

tennisbebe, Thanks for the clarification. Here is how it can be setup in Firefox.

1) Installe Greasemonkey add-on by using the link https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/748

2) Install the custom user script using the link http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/52640

That’s it. The comments will be refreshed automatically every minute.


jane Says:

One more set Roddick!


Shaky Says:

Murray’s got some amazing shots on the run in this match. I gotta say though Wawrinka has really been pushing him around. And his serve has been nasty.

Good match.


jane Says:

Yay the break!!! Go Murray!


Kimmi Says:

YEEES MURRAY BREEAKS. What a match.


Tennis Freak Says:

Murray’s serving for the set.
Roddick just won the 2nd, without going into tie break.


Sean Randall Says:

So who picked Berdych? Murray back on track now.

Ferrero in a mild surprise and a nice win for Hewitt who came from two down!


Tennis Freak Says:

Murray levels the match, set a piece. It is getting exciting.


Shaky Says:

Wow, considering how close that set was to being for Stan, that one loose service game at 3-4 was pretty weak.


Kimmi Says:

Murray to finish this match now….c’mon


huh Says:

JCF, Hewitt, Fed and Haas through today. So oldies’ day out !


Tennis Freak Says:

I think that was it for Wawrinka: 1 set.


Kimo Says:

At least Wawrinka is giving Murray his first real match at the tournament.

If Stan was at 100% he would have won.


Von Says:

C’mon Andy R. C’mon Andys. Well, it was just a matter of time for Murray to start hiting his stride. What ever happenend to the Wawa cheering section? All gone? Oh my.


Shaky Says:

I think that might be right if the injury is semi-serious. If it is, he really needed to get that second set to give him a chance here.

I feel really bad for him. Went from challenging nearly every murray service game to sort of rolling over at the end (again, think he had 3 errors in that 3-4 service game).

Injuries suck. He’s moving slow now too. Really bringing me down here, Stan.


huh Says:

Murray must not be doubted too much, he’d get the job done in this match. He’s a slow killer. Just ask Fed about it !


jane Says:

Andy R is playing exactly the right way against Berdych; just staying consistent and waiting for him to make errors or cave in, whichever comes first. He’ll be through in straights. No worries.


Kimmi Says:

Murray to probably win Wimbledon this year.


Kimo Says:

Von Said:

“What ever happenend to the Wawa cheering section? All gone? Oh my.”

I’m still here and still rooting for Stan. It’s a shame he ain’t at 100 percent or Murray would have been toast.


jane Says:

“He’s a slow killer.” LOL huh.


Shaky Says:

Von — I know Murray is playing a lot better now, but it’s undeniable that Stan is moving pretty slowly now. His footwork is suffering, his court coverage — that injury is real.

I’m still with him though, mainly because he is a nice guy, is built like Federer’s athletic older brother, and has An AWESOME 1 HANDED BACKHAND.


tennisbebe Says:

Sean say: Who picked Berdych?

Uhhhh, I think that would be you Sean.


Tennis Freak Says:

Roddick butchers the Bird in straight. Great !
Sean may be eating his own …


tennisbebe Says:

I feel sorry for Stanz – playing Murray with the roof closed – everyone in the crowd against you. Just like Davis Cup.


tennisbebe Says:

Here we go – Woo Hoo!! Roddick in straight sets!!! He looks pumped. 1 hour and 48 mns total – very nice!!


Kimo Says:

Stan is not moving well. It’s really a shame because he’s the better player.


gordon Says:

Dick Enberg commented on Djokovic, how he is hiding in the shadows… the truth is that he was ignored by organizers, cable network schedule and by commentators. Of 16 hours on TNS and TSN2 Wimblendon there was no room for 5 minutes of Djokokic Sela match…


Kimo Says:

Why is Murray such a prick? No sportsmanship at all!!!


Shaky Says:

“Stan is not moving well. It’s really a shame because he’s the better player.”

Woah, let’s not go overboard here. Murray’s the better player 8 days out of 10, but he wouldn’t be today if not for that quad injury.

It’s not over yet either way. on serve, even on sets, I’m still with Stan.


tennisbebe Says:

Sean, Sean where are you? We have a nice plate of stewed crow for you….yum, yum.


jane Says:

Yay ABOVE-PAR Roddick!!

Murray seems to struggle around this point in the slams: round of 16 is when he played his tough match with Gasquet here last year and also when he lost to Verdasco at the AO. Either that, or the quarters, where he lost to Gonza at the FO and had a dog fight with JMDP at the USO. There is no doubt that Murray still has “lapses”. He needs to begin quickly and stay focused throughout.

He’s the better more consistent player in this match (if you’re not biased Kimo :)). Just look at their results in Masters Series or even slams; Murray’s are better. Wawa might be better on clay but even that remains uncertain.


Tennis Freak Says:

How could anyone doubt A-Rod, the 2nd King of Grass?


huh Says:

Murray’d have been a toast for a 100 % fit Wawrinka?
I don’t think so!


Kimo Says:

Break him Stan!!!! Come ON!!!!!


Von Says:

Awwrrrighhttt!!! Yeah, Roddick wins!!!!!

Sean Randall: Yeah, who picked Berdych? I don’t know, do you??

Roddick sent the Bird man back to Alcatraz. Hey guys there is a movie: “The bird man of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster. A good oldie and a classic.


tennisbebe Says:

gordon Says:: Dick Enberg commented on Djokovic, how he is hiding in the shadows… the truth is that he was ignored by organizers, cable network schedule and by commentators. Of 16 hours on TNS and TSN2 Wimblendon there was no room for 5 minutes of Djokokic Sela match…

You are oh so right Gordon. It disgraceful they didn’t show any of the Djoko match. DirectTV is looking better and better.


huh Says:

Roddick finishes the match in style! :)


jane Says:

I meant Murray’s the better player in this “match up” (between the two of them overall) not this match; actually so far today these two are fairly evenly matched.


Kimo Says:

huh Said:

“Murray’d have been a toast for a 100 % fit Wawrinka?
I don’t think so!”

Didn’t you see the first set? Murray was helpless. He’s only in it now coz Waw is injured.


Von Says:

Shaky and Wawa fans: Seriously, jokes aside, I’m really sorry Stan is hurting so badly. It would have been a awesome match had he been able to play injury free. Too bad.


huh Says:

This Wawrinka volley matched the Murray passing shot !


tennisbebe Says:

Stanz is still looking pretty good despite the injury. They are on serve after all – even as even can be.


Shaky Says:

Huh- “Murray’d have been a toast for a 100 % fit Wawrinka? I don’t think so!”

I think the comment meant “the way he was playing today.”

Yeah I think the way the first 13 games of this match went, if Stan hadn’t gotten hurt Murray’d be in a 2 set hole. Nothing is certain at that point, but you can’t deny he handed that set to Murray giftwrapped at the end.

I’d have picked Wawrinka to win that second set based on the first 3 games of it and the first set, and I’d have picked him to win in a runaway with a 2 set lead.


huh Says:

What’s this awful teeth-rubbing and fistpumping stuff from Murray’s mom? His girlfriend’s so graceful and good mannered in comparison to his Mom?
Brat old lady !


Tennis Freak Says:

Wawrinka has run out of gas and is about to lose the 3rd set.


Von Says:

Gordon: Don’t feel too badly, ESPN has only shown bits and pieces of Roddick’s match. I didn’t see one full set of tennis, and this is US TV, so go figure.


Kimo Says:

Looks like Murray is winning this one.

Well, thank you Stan for challenging Murray. That was all we wanted.

At least now people will realize how vulnerable Murray is.


Kimo Says:

huh said:

“Brat old lady !”

I didn’t need to see her to know that about her. Just look at her son.


Von Says:

huh: ‘Brat old lady.” That’s a new one — you’re a rather spunky kid. Ha ha.


tennisbebe Says:

Hey – Judy can fist pump all she wants – she birthed him, raised him, coached him & supported him. As long as she doesn’t yell, “The King is Dead” or something similarly distasteful, she alright in my book.


Von Says:

Sean is terribly quiet.


Shaky Says:

Like if you watch that last murray service game where he saved 3 break points, if you think Murray is actually doing a lot to win here then I don’t know what to say.

Stan just lost all 4 points on his service game from 3 forehand errors and a forehand volley error. Not one of those was a long point. I can’t give Murray a lot of credit for this, no matter how many times he pumps his fist and yells “come on!”

Stan is going for too much and blowing those points, probably because he’s having an even worse time in longer points than he ought to because he’s moving like crap. Murray’s playing a role, but he was practically an observer out there for that break.


Von Says:

If my son were playing they’d probably need restraints to keep me in my seat. Give Judy a break, at least she’s quietly doing her thing.


Kimo Says:

Shaky said:

“no matter how many times he pumps his fist and yells “come on!””

Amen to that. He’s really getting on my nerves.


jane Says:

GOOOOOO Murrray goooooo! : )

I agree with tenisbebe – if I was watching my son fight to stay in Wimbledon, on centre court, I’d be fist pumping till kingdom come!! Manners schmanners.


Tennis Freak Says:

Murray has already won this match. From here on, it is only a matter of formality.


Tennis Freak Says:

Bathroom contest. One goes after the other.


jane Says:

“Sean is terribly quiet.” LOL Von, and indeed. Where’d Sean go? Probably sticking pins in Roddick and Djokovic dolls in his basement. ha ha.


Shaky Says:

JMac writes people off way too early for my taste, especially for a guy who made his living on being a tough competitor.

If Murray were actually playing a really good match I guess I could see it, but he’s not and I don’t think Stan is a mental meltdown type. Honestly I’d love to see Stan take his time here, calm down, play aggressively on Murray’s serve (VERY unimpressive today), get to net, and convert on a break point and take the air out of this building.

I don’t just dogpile on a guy because he pulled a quad and put together a craptastic set. Not unless it’s Safin. I guess we’ll see how this ends.


Rab Says:

Murray finally takes the game to Stan and surprise, surprise it works! Break and third set to Andy – match over.

Hope he learns from this. He was being schooled and out-Murrayed for a set and a half.


Kimmi Says:

Yes yes yes, Murray Murray. Beutiful tennis. See you in the final on sunday.


Kimo Says:

jane said:

“Manners schmanners.”

Cool. You better remember those two words whenever you feel like talking about grunting and on-court manners, because if you don’t, I’ll make sure to remind you.


Tennis Freak Says:

Jane says: “I’d be fist pumping till kingdom come!! Manners schmanners.”
You really sound like you are all pumped up, giving free rein to your emotions. Must be beautiful day out there. Look outside.


huh Says:

Stan’s not movin well since his injury no doubt. But even if Stan’d been injury-free and moving at his swiftest, I still’d not say he’d have beaten Murray for sure. I can’t be unrealistic !


huh Says:

Great rally and brilliant play by Murray to win the point! Kudos to both for giving me a quality match to enjoy.


Kimo Says:

I honestly think he would have beaten Murray had he been 100% fit.


tennisbebe Says:

This is interesting having Kimo anti-Murray and Kimmi pro-Murray, back and forth going at it.


tennisbebe Says:

We got it Kimo.


Kimmi Says:

“This is interesting having Kimo anti-Murray and Kimmi pro-Murray, back and forth going at it”

Tenisbebe, LOL


Tennis Freak Says:

T-bebe,
I always confuse them. I still think they are siblings like Safin and Safina, though one of them denied.


tennisbebe Says:

TF – Ha ha – good one!!


Kimmi Says:

Wawa shanking the forehands will not help either


Kimmi Says:

Tennis Freak; I saw your question; I am glad we are not related, it would have been Murray fight all the way…not very healthy.


tennisbebe Says:

OK Stanz Let’s win this set and make it a five setter.


andrea Says:

i love it. talk about ‘old timers’ at wimbledon this year – hewitt, haas, ferrero….all taking out younger peeps.

that would be cool if the queen attended for the final as rumoured.


tennisbebe Says:

Stanz is getting some nice applause now.


Tennis Freak Says:

Kimmi,
One is guy, and the other is girl? Both girls? Both guys? Which one is anti-Murray?


huh Says:

Old people resorting to fist-pumping
and yelling at young men/women of their children’s age looks extremely unpleasant and is utterly disgraceful. There’s no way young people’d respect such oldies, this is harsh truth.


Kimo Says:

I’m a guy and proudly anti-Murray.


tennisbebe Says:

huh – OK Miss Manners, whose children was she “yelling at” (cheering for is more like it) besides her own?


Kimmi Says:

Phoooo! that was close c’mon Murray.

TF, I thought you could tell from the posts. Anyhow..I am a big Murray Fan….and I am a girl.


huh Says:

Wawa missed his chance. Anyway , I’d love Wawa to push this already exciting match to 5th
set. Again a bloody jerking roar by Murray’s Mom! Why doesn’t this old woman sit quiet ?


Tennis Freak Says:

Where did Jane the Manners schmanners go?
———————
Thanks Kimmi-Kimo duo. So Kimo is my ally, then.


tennisbebe Says:

Old woman????? Watch it huh. Them’s fightin’ words.


tennisbebe Says:

Von – did you hear Roddick’s interview with ESPN? He was asked what stat he liked the best (meaning unforced errors, etc). He replied that Roger’s stat of 20 straight SF’s going back to the ’04 FO was a ridiculously great achievement. Hear that Sean?


huh Says:

tennisbebe, you’re smart but read my post and then again ask me what you’ve to. No hard feelings to you though. By the way, I’m a Mr !


tennisbebe Says:

Good hold for Stanz. Very good quality match.


huh Says:

Was it a F-Bomb by Murray or what? ;)


Shaky Says:

I dunno guys, pretty good set here. Gosh it sure sucks that this 4th set is just a “formality” and the match is “over”… otherwise this would be worth watching.


tennisbebe Says:

huh: “ask me what you’ve to.” Please explain. btw I figured your were a man (Kimo a man, Kimmie a woman, TF a man.). Miss Manners is/was a newspaper advice columnist for edict.


huh Says:

It’s 3 o’ clock at night and frogs’re making all sorts of mild and wild happy noise! :)


Dan Martin Says:

I like Simon quite a bit in part due to being able to cover Indianapolis last year and this round of 16 helps when added to his AO quarterfinal, but Simon needs to get a few more good results to stay in the top 10. JCF, Lleyton Hewitt and even Roddick to a degree are turning the clock back to 2002-2005. Federer also played during that period so the turn back the clock idea may not be perfect.


huh Says:

The nightwatchman’s blowin his whistle too!


Tennis Freak Says:

T-bebe,
Did I ever say I am a man? How are you so sure?
I am not gonna reveal my gender, any way.


SRM Says:

I am not watching the match live. Can someone tell me how long this match is going to be played. is it not dark yet?


tennisbebe Says:

TF – you didn’t – I am guessing. Same as I guessed about Kimo & Kimmi.

SRM – the latest match in Wimby history. 10:30 local time maybe.


Kimo Says:

WAWRINKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!


Kimmi Says:

Wawa breaks, maybe we go to 5th sets. C’mon Murray


huh Says:

Yesssss !!!!!!!!!! Stan breaks!!! But can he take the 4th set? I hope so! ;)


Shaky Says:

Don’t worry guys, that break was just part of the script in this formality.

If Stan wins this set they’re not really going to make Murray actually play this 5th set are they? Don’t they know Murray punched his ticket to the finals by winning the third set?

Someone post a link where I can pre-order my “Andy Murray: 2009 Wimbledon Champion” t-shirt? Can I get that in an XL?


Tennis Freak Says:

If Wawa serves out this set, we’ll have the 5th set. They will play till they finish.


Kimo Says:

Shaky said:

“Someone post a link where I can pre-order my “Andy Murray: 2009 Wimbledon Champion” t-shirt? Can I get that in an XL?”

WOW you even skipped Federer. That definitely takes some belief.


Kimo Says:

ALLES!!!!!!!!!!!!


tennisbebe Says:

Jez Murray is fast! GREAT TENNIS!! 5th set!!! You must have heard me Stanz :-)


Kimo Says:

If Murray does win this, and he probably will (although I’m hoping he doesn’t), he’ll be tired.

I love you Stan. You DA MAN!!!!!


huh Says:

Great fighting Stan and well done to take the 4th set !


Kimmi Says:

Now we can all enjoy wimbledon at night. Beutiful center court. C’mon… Murray doesn’t want a dog fight here… It will get very dangerous.


Tennis Freak Says:

We’re blessed with a 5th set. Thank you, guys.
Go Wawa !


tennisbebe Says:

Dick Enberg is almost creaming his jeans over Stanz play. “How is it that this 24-yr old man has never won a title???” Dick – I thought you were supposed to be a tennis expert….


tennisbebe Says:

Now the person who decided to keep the roof closed looks brilliant. The media will crown him tomorrow if Murray wins… Ah, the British press.


Dan Martin Says:

I look at the no title thing a few ways. To win a tournament you have to face players who use different styles so that could be part of it. Also, Stan could probably enter every small event he wanted and pick up a title or two, but playing the 4 + the 9 + maybe a key tune up here or there leaves him playing a tough field every event.


Kimmi Says:

Stan has NEVER won a title ??? I am very suprised too.


huh Says:

Murray needs some butt pinching . Why not play his aggressive tennis for the last part ? Murray can definitely be aggressive as he’s shown vs Fed in Shanghai last year.


Shaky Says:

Oh come on, TF. I dunno if you’re allowed to root for Stan again, not today.

“Murray has already won this match. From here on, it is only a matter of formality.”

You’re trying to pull an Austin Powers post-40 year coma. “Yay, go capitalsm!” I can’t allow that.


Kimmi Says:

YYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS.

Now hold few time, then we will be home.


Kimmi Says:

SHOOOOOOT !!


tennisbebe Says:

Dan Martin says “…but playing the 4 + the 9 + maybe a key tune up here or there leaves him playing a tough field every event.” Dan what do you mean by “the 4+ the 9+”? Thanks.


Dan Martin Says:

Stan has to hold and get his legs under him. Holding serve 3 times with the weight of a nation on your back might cause a buckle if Stan gives him that chance. Still, I think Murray has more or less embraced the mantle (Fred Perry line indeed) and that is probably the only way to handle this much stress. Murray 6-2 in the 5th is my guess. Great match…


huh Says:

This is the Murray which I expect to be the challenger for the top. Just you see how he could change the virtual winner from his opponent to an unforced error !


Kimo Says:

Come on Stan! You can do it.


Dan Martin Says:

Bebe the 4 slams, the 9 Masters Series 1000 events, and then throw in Queens or Halle and maybe Qatar, Dubai and Basel and Stan is playing tough fields with good draws.


huh Says:

An epic match and brilliant tennis by both the players!


tennisbebe Says:

Boy, they couldn’t have scripted this any better if they tried: 1st roof-enclosed match, Murray playing, goes to 5 sets well after dark and the lights allow enough light to play on much longer than thought, this Hill packed, & Murray breaks early.

The Brits will now know the joy of a “night match” and it appears that THEY LIKE IT. We’ll see what the tabloids have to say in the morning.


huh Says:

Murray and Stan’re chasing down whatever they can and that’s quite something to watch!


vared Says:

If Murray does win this, and he probably will (although I’m hoping he doesn’t), he’ll be tired.

Kimo, told you he is the assassin for Fed in one way or another. Looks bad for Stan, I was rooting for him.

Von, told you Berdych was not beating Roddick.


Tennis Freak Says:

Shaky,
Ha..haa Thanks for a good laugh.
I intended to root for a competitive match.


huh Says:

Murray’s serve isn’t at his best today though!


Kimmi Says:

BUGGER !!


huh Says:

This is unbelievable, Stan’s broken back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Shaky Says:

“I intended to root for a competitive match.”

Yes, but you’re going to have to do that back on the Murray bleachers!

I’m only kidding. If you stick with Stan here when he’s down a break, all is forgiven.


Kimo Says:

I told you guys a few days ago that Murray can be overpowered. I told you he didn’t come up against anyone decent. I told you that the British media are not putting his wins out of persepective.

I bet newspapers in Britain were already gloating a Murray victory by the end of the third set.


Dan Martin Says:

Back on serve from 0-3 40-40 to 2-3 – wow!


Tennis Freak Says:

T-bebe,
As for the night match, drunk crowd, and fun, Brits are slowly being Americanized. More they get this, more they will yearn.


huh Says:

Stan’s swinging his backhand freely! Murray just CAN’T lose this or hell’d break loose…


tennisbebe Says:

Dan Martin – gotcha. Yes he always plays against the big boys so that may be the reason for no titles.


Kimo Says:

I meant into persepective.


huh Says:

I’m thinkin something, let’s see if what I think’s correct!


Shaky Says:

RUHROH! BACK ON SERVE!

Why does McEnroe sound surprised that he’s fighting? Murray didn’t exactly play a scintillating match: he served at 45% in the third set and only won when Stan dumped like 10 of the last 16 points on UE’s. He was also nearly on the ropes when he was handed a quad injury on a platter.

Moral of the story: if the 4th set were just a formality, they wouldn’t play it. Hey McEnroe, you forgot what competition was about when you retired, go to bed.


Tennis Freak Says:

And it is 3-3. Kudos to Wawa, for not giving up. He seems to have a renewed sense of belief.


Ty Says:

jeez, Hewitt, Haas, and Ferrero are all still alive. Although I was dead wrong on my Murray straight set and Roddick going down predictions


Kimmi Says:

Murray looks tired. I hope not.


Ty Says:

Did anyone get to see any of the Roddick-Berdych, or Ferrero-Simon matches?


Skorocel Says:

Murray leading 4-3


tennisbebe Says:

TF: “As for the night match, drunk crowd, and fun, Brits are slowly being Americanized. More they get this, more they will yearn” LOL


tennisbebe Says:

OK Murray – let’s get this done.


Ty Says:

Damn wawa just gave him that one.


tennisbebe Says:

God, the tension!


I like tennis bullies Says:

put murray out of his misery and let’s end this Stan


Kimmi Says:

C,MOOOOOON Murray


Ty Says:

Wawa’s so tight you couldn’t fit a pencil in his butt.


huh Says:

I can’t say about Stan’s renewed belief but he’s surely pissed off coz of more than 50% of the questions being asked to him’s about Fed/Murray and he’s trying to come out of the shadow of Fed and today, IMO, he’s done that regardless of what happens !


Dan Martin Says:

Murray showing some steel


Kimmi Says:

BREEEEEEAAAAAAK


huh Says:

And hey, Murray’s serving for the match !


Skorocel Says:

Murray breaks & is serving for the match!


Skorocel Says:

An excellent dropshot brings him 2 points away from the match.


Kimmi Says:

SO many challenges here. Whooo !


Kimo Says:

Thanks you Stan. You’re the real hero of the match.

Good night everyone.


Skorocel Says:

Guess it’s indeed “Murray” written all over that roof :-) Murray wins!


huh Says:

Congrats to Kimmi, Margot, Colin and other Murray fans on his winning such an epic tennis match ! Kudos to Stan too ! I’m proud of Stan! Ohhh… What a lovely sight to see Murray so ecstasic after the match, a la Rafa Nadal !


Kimmi Says:

WOW ! Great match from both. Congratulations Murray.


Tennis Freak Says:

Murray just rehearsed what he’d do if he wins the Final. He mimicked Fed’s FO victory gesture.


Shaky Says:

Nice finish. 5th set was the best of the bunch.

But hopefully Hewitt and Stan have taught us to stop writing guys off early!


Tennis Freak Says:

Skorocel Says: “Guess it’s indeed “Murray” written all over that roof :-)”

Ha..haa You noticed that one, quite handy for your celebration?


tennisbebe Says:

Like I said – they couldn’t have written a script any better and it was exactly what I myself wanted to see. Congrats to Murray, Stanz too, Margot & Colin. GREAT MATCH.


huh Says:

Bye bye friends, sleeping time ! With dreams and lullaby ……. :)


vared Says:

Oh well, go JCF


Von Says:

vared: You were right! I need to listen to you more often.

What a pity there had to be a loser in this match. I think Stan played with heart and he’s earned my respect. Even though the crowd was so pro-Murray Stan kept his head held up high and played with dignity and class. to reiterate, what a pity there had to be a loser.

Today was indeed a super terrific Monday.
________________
Daniel: I think you got your money’s worth today. I thought of you when it began to rain. Hope you’re enjoying yourself at Wimbles.
________________
margot & Colin: You must be floating on cloud nine.


vared Says:

Von I guess Sean will choose Haas and Hewitt.

Jane from Sela’s interview, LOL:

Q. What did Djokov say to you after the game?

DUDI SELA: Nothing, good work, and that’s it.

Q. I know you know he has a few Israeli people on his staff. Do you think they gave away your secrets?

DUDI SELA: Maybe. I hope not (smiling).


Skorocel Says:

Tennis Freak: Yes, I’ve noticed that one post of yours and found it VERY funny :-) To tell you the truth, I was actually rooting for “Wawa”, who’s (still) one of these guys who everyone will remember more for losing than for winning (and for being titleless)… But then again, had Murray (or “the Hype”, as you call him, LOL!) lost it, Fed wouldn’t have a chance to improve his H2H against the Scot, should, of course, these 2 meet in the finals (which is a BIG “should”, since Murray today was really pushed to the limits, and since Fed’s playing Dr. Ivo in the quarters)…


Fedfan Says:

Lets see how fit Murray is – he faces ferrero in less than 48 hours. Last year’s Murray would not be able to come back from such a strain. Is this year’s Murray different?

I am taking Roddick over Hewitt. Haas over djokovic. Federer over Ivo, obviously. And Ferrero over Murray. Roddick Federer final. Lets see.


Von Says:

Ty: Do you remember the following:

“Roddick is not winning tomorrow and all the favorites (fed, murray, djoko) are marching through in straits. Mark it down.”

Did you mark it down, and where? I hope it was on ice and it melted away, otherwise, you’d have to eat your words. I love these ‘I told you so’ situations. LOL.
________________
Giner: I know you’re not patriotic, but don’t you feel even a smidgen of joy to see Hewitt make it to the QFs? Where’s your buddy JCF? I hope he’s happy his old fave is playing so well and made very good use of the wild-card he was given. Please say hello to JCF and give him my congrats. Of course, I don’t think I need to mention how much I miss his cheery posts.


vared Says:

Roddick Federer final. Lets see.

Roddick/Djokovic final, I hope.


jane Says:

HOLY CROW! I had to go for an appointment directly after Murray won the third set. Given momentum was on his side, well, I thought Stan was done for. I see I was wrong and Wawa fought valiantly? Anyway – PHEW! Glad Murray is through.

margot – have any finger nails left dear?


Von Says:

WOW, 425 comments already! I can’t wait to see how many the SFs and the final will yield. Way to go Sean — that’s a record for less than 24 hours!


jane Says:

“Roddick/Djokovic final, I hope.”

Either Andy / Djokovic final and I’ll be over the moon.


Von Says:

vared: Send Dr. Ivo and email. I’m sure he’d be happy to accommodate your request.


jane Says:

Kimo says “Cool. You better remember those two words whenever you feel like talking about grunting and on-court manners, because if you don’t, I’ll make sure to remind you.”

Oh Kimo, I am a little scared by your tone here. But seriously, I usually cheer on the “ill-mannered” ones, and generally speaking, I am one of the lesser troubled tennis fans re: time wasting, ball bouncing, “come on” yells, screeches, umpire tiffs, fist pumps, and so forth, even though I can see peoples’ concerns re: some of this. I just like all the differences in the players, and have a weakness for rebellious, colorful and defiant ones. But I don’t like it when it derails their games, e.g. when Djoko’s negativity and gestures hinder his focus, etc. So there. You probably will not need to remind me.


Gordo Says:

One thing I love is how the ATP has got to be bordering on being crooks with their contest, where ALL you have to do to win a trip to Barclays in London at the end of the year for the year-end tournament is select the winners of EVERY MATCH in a Grand Slam or Masters 1000 tourney.

That’s right folks – get one match wrong and you are not eligible.

So – in a slam – how many are going to successfully predict all 127 matches? Think ANYONE called Soderling over Nadal at Roland Garros?

What a great contest – offer a grand prize that no one can possibly win. Ah – the ATP!!!


margot Says:

Crikey! That was 2 close 4 comfort, but Andy showed some steel, good. His serve was awful, just shows how hard he has to work when it aint right. And have got to say wawrinka was moving remarkably well for a man with a quad injury especially in the fourth and fifth set…..
von: your Andy R played brilliantly, lucky you, no shredded nerves there. Teehee someone had to eat their words, wasn’t Berdych supposed to be the “dark horse.”
Otherwise Hewitt, Hass, Ferero fabulous and Jko too. At least Verdasco put up a bit of a fight, but hey what if Karlovic wins Wimbles, yikes!!!


margot Says:

jane: no finger nails left at all, your Djko gave you a far easier time!


Dan Martin Says:

I am not sure Soderling’s parents called that one.


margot Says:

Fedfan: don’t forget Andy just beat Ferrero at Queens, it’s ball bashers he doesn’t like.


jane Says:

margot: congrats and phew! I think the buck stops here for Djoko. He’s had a fairly pleasant draw and now he runs into a hot (in more ways than one ;)) Haas. But that’s okay. I am happy he made the Qs. Both Andys too. Yipee!

All’s well that ends well.


sensationalsafin Says:

To win you just need the most points at the end of the whole competition. If you get a perfect tournament you win something else. But the tickets to the WTF is for the person with the most points.


Gordo Says:

Does anyone seriously believe that Fed is goinbg to lose to Karlovic in a best of 5?

Are some of you so programmed that no matter what Fed does you already have the “Yeah, but watch out for [his next opponent]” line ready?

How many “watch out for Soderlings” were there? And now its “Oh no!!!! Not Ivo!!!!!”

Karlovic has 2 chances of beating Federer – medical and none. I am leaning toward none. I think each of Karlovic, Haas and Murray MAY take one set off of Fed, but forget the pressure on Murray by having the Queen there; if Pete Sampras flys all the way over to watch Fed pass his record number of Grand Slams you know he is going to deliver.


vared Says:

I say Djok/Haas is 50/50. Same with Dr. Ivo/Fed.


jane Says:

Gordo – “How many “watch out for Soderlings” were there? And now its “Oh no!!!! Not Ivo!!!!!””

Very good point – what’s surprising is that Fed is the OBVIOUS favorite at this event, and he’s 8-1 versus Dr. Ivo. So why Fed’s fans would be worried is not super clear.

I worry all the time, too much, about Djoko, but he’s so up and down it’s no wonder! LOL. Plus he’s had a quite easy draw. I think the fans here who worry for guys who’ve NOT won Wimbledon 5 times and do not have winning records against ALMOST everyone still playing having a slightly better reason for their frets.

But it’s tough when the shoes not on the other foot, and certainly Fed’s form has dropped somewhat since “win everything” days. But it’s not like he has anything to lose!

———————–

vared, think Fed / Ivo is more like 70-30.


mem Says:

venus’s quarterfinal match is scheduled for court 1 tomorrow. can somebody explain to me why federer never has to play on any other court besides centre court, while everybody else including venus, who also has 5 wimbledons has to play on court 1 or 2? serena alluded to the exact same thing last week during her post match interview. i’ve noticed that roger is always scheduled for centre court in every slam, no matter what the situation. everybody else, even nadal have had to play on a lesser court occasionally. matter of fact, one of nadal’s matches was squeezed in on suzanne lenglen at the french open and he was the #1 seed and the four-time champion. no wonder he didn’t push himself to play wimbledon. why should he? i think he knows now that it’s all about roger from the top to the bottom. the way i see it, it would good for roger to regain the #1 ranking because he will always be #1 when it comes to priviledges. there are no benefits to being #1 for rafa. he’s only #1 on paper! maybe, i’m missing something.


jane Says:

mem, I wonder the same thing re: the Fed/Venus discrepancy. There was a recent online article that said they were scheduling the “hot babe” matches on center court instead of going by ranking or draw or whatever. Moreover, all the top male players have had to play a late match here at Wimbledon by now, except Fed, that is.


Von Says:

margot: I didn’t have any time to indulge in nerve shredding since ESPN only showed bits and pieces of A-Rod’s match. I saw almost all of Andy M’s match — to be more specific the parts ESPN chose to show. Is your TV broadcast spread over several matches simultaneously? I wish they’d just pick a couple of featured matches and show them in their entirety, but that’s too simple for them. sheesh.


Shaky Says:

I’ll tell you why Fed should be afraid: tennis karma.

Federer may or may not be the GOAT (I say yes, you say no), but he’s angering the tennis gods by knocking the 6’10” giant with the huge serve with his comment about service contests not being tennis. This is grass, serving contests happen! All the time! He’s won plenty of matches with an overwhelming serve!

Federer is gonna win that match, but don’t be shocked if it’s closer than he’d like or if he falls down on his butt a few times — karma.

… Yes, I just went with tennis karma as the best reason for concern for Roger fans.


tennisontherocks Says:

‘Very good point – what’s surprising is that Fed is the OBVIOUS favorite at this event, and he’s 8-1 versus Dr. Ivo. So why Fed’s fans would be worried is not super clear.’

Against Haas at RG, Roger won almost all points on his serve in first set and yet, managed to loose tie-break. Now we are on grass with Ivo serving. So the match outcome will be decided by few points. If you let some of them slip, you are in trouble.


jane Says:

Shaky, LOL. Tennis karma eh? Well, Fed must have pretty awesome karma if that’s the case. I never heard the “serving contests are not tennis” comment, but I guess ole Rog will just have to suck it up and have one against Dr. Ivo. Because that’s what it’ll come down to.

And tennisontherocks, Fed won’t let three sets “slip”. It just won’t happen. I will bow down to the 6’10′” serving giant if he can take out Fed at Wimbledon. But I cannot see it happening.


Daniel Says:

Guys, Wimbledon rocks! Amazing experience. The venue is awesome and the crowd has a life inside the court. Love it! I just watch Court n. 1 imagines if I was in centre court…

Regarding the matches, Ana x Venus was … fast!

Verdasco x Karlovic was exciting in tie breaks because Dr. Ivo has by far the best serve of the ATP circuit (and as Roddick’s match was right after I could compare). He has so much variety and he looked unbreakable: I think not a single service game of him went to deuce, no break point for Verdasco at all! This made a match a bit boring and everybody was in Verdasco’s favor, which didn’t help much.

Roddick looked great (very few UE) and I consider him favorite after Federer. Althoug he served the fastest serve of the day (141 mph) his serves looked flat all time, weist to knee height. This is why I think Federer has more trouble dealing with Karlovic’s serve than with Roddick’s, and that’s why I understand that some are afraid of Ivo as a potential dark horse. He reminds me of Ivanisevic a few years ago.

The crowd is really in for Murray, we could hear when he won the second set by the noise outside from the screen viewers, which is behind court n. 1. When the Venus match was over I went there and could see Fed x Soderling second set ending: Fed looked excellent, just 8 unforced errors, this stat is THE main change in his game, due to confidence. I can’t see him losing this tourney now, especially with Murray struggling, as he usually gets better from the quarters onwards.

But if Fed gets upset by Karlovic or Djoko I think Roddick will win it. He looked sharpen today and Berdych was cruising during this tournament.

I hope I can return next year, in Centre Court, will see….

P.S. Jane, I saw Djoko’s parent and little brother walking and got a picture with him. They didn’t look very happy but at least I got my “fan moment”.


Shaky Says:

Again, I’m picking roger to win it because that’s what he does. But here’s Roger’s fate-tempting comments about Karlovic’s win over Tsonga:

(if I were a tennis god, I would smite him!)

“No disrespect to Karlovic, but that is not really a tennis match. Just a stroke of luck or bad calls at the bad time — and what can you do? I lost to him too last year,” said Federer, who could meet Karlovic in the quarterfinals. “Once you get to the tiebreaker, he knows it and we know it: It is 50-50.

“I think he is a good draw for players who are less highly ranked, and he is a bad draw for those who are stronger, because I have the impression that he manages to up the level of his serve against us,” Federer said.


Dan Martin Says:

Dr. Ivo is the most unorthodox player on tour to face. It is hard to get rhythm against him. He crashes the net and volleys well. Having said that Federer should come through, but unorthodox is always unsettling for someone to face. I played doubles against a guy who is 6’11” once and it was freaky. My partner and I won in large part due to my partner being 6’4″, serving 120 ish, poaching like the World Wildlife Fund should lock him up and the fact he can dunk a basketball helped us offset the net coverage of the other guy. Still, I felt like a smurf out there (I am 6′ but can’t jump at all). The 6’11” thing really threw me off – protocol says lob but your brain says are you crazy?!?!?! Fed should win but Ivo has a punchers chance vs. anyone.


jane Says:

Yahoo Daniel! I am so happy for you and that you had fun. It’s so interesting to read your report and hear “first-hand” how the serves looked – your comparison of Karlovic and Roddick is great. I thought both Roddick and Federer played exceptionally “clean” matches today so I can see why you’d pick A-Rod as second favorite to win.

Glad to hear you got your “fan moment” too!

Did you go to Murray mountain for the end of the Murray match? Are you going home now or will you try to get more tickets?

Anyhow, thanks for thinking of us and posting!!


Gordo Says:

The one time Ivo actually beat Fed (That was one out of NINE matches, ye of little faith!) in the first set Roger Federer had no (read ZERO) unforced errors in his 6 service games and he still lost the first set. THAT, and that alone is the only way the tall kid who got lost en route to basketball camp can have an iota of a chance against Roger.

Were this earlier in the year I would be concerned, being a Federer fan. But the soon daddy-to-be is ON his game this week. I am afraid it shall be Oh no for Ivo; Karlovic will be carved up quick.

As to why does Federer only get Centre court? Uh – he gas earned it, plain and simple. He fills stadiums (okay – stadia!) and tourney officials want the maximum number of paying bums in seats.

And yes – Venus has earned it as well, just like she has earned getting discussed in these forums as much as the men. But we don’t really talk about her or her sister, do we? Unless it’s to gripe that because of them being covered on the telly we can’t watch Djokovic.

The ladies are getting the same pay however – for a best 2 out of 3 match that is clearly second fiddle entertainment to what the men provide. You don’t hear Fed, Rafa or the Djoker complaining, do you?

Maybe if the men were grunting more…


jane Says:

“Still, I felt like a smurf out there” – LOL Dan. You needed Djoko’s blue shoes to realize that smurf moment.


Tennis Freak Says:

mem Says: “Rafa. he’s only #1 on paper!”
Jane says: “the ‘hot babe’ matches on center court instead of going by ranking or draw or whatever”

Fed is the hottest babe with 14 titles transplanted on his hump. He’s the ultimate sugar mama for ATP-ITF and media, the two power houses to pimp most out of him. Even if Fed expressed his wish to play on a different court for change, they would not let him, not only because of stadium capacity.

But what does Fed have to do with Vinus’ schedule on court 1 tomorrow? He’s not even playing tomorrow. Has he been lobbying to deprive Venus of the Center Court privilege? Is he in some way accomplice in this heinous act?
MEM sounded like Venus did not get Center court; so Fed should not, either. You should be arguing for Venus; and if you need, ask for Fed’s help. He’s a nice guy, and he will back you guys up. In a disguised way, this is a sort of version of what happened to Shahar Peer in Dubai(?).
If BTA, London TA, ATP, and ITF are discriminating Venus on the basis of being “not hot” (sexism), black (race), or female (gender), Wimbledon should be boycotted and scrapped. That’s my political stand. Archive the tournament, by limiting it to seniors, or sale it to some better and higher bidder who will abide by fairness acts and also fetch more money. It’s that simple.


jane Says:

Fed’s earned center court, yep okay; that I’ll concede. But why does he never play last? Why does he always get to be first on (or latest, second)? He didn’t play many late matches at the AO or USO either. I’ve been wondering if he requests that, perhaps due to eye sight? Just a thought. He didn’t appreciate playing at dusk in last year’s Wimbledon final and commented on the darkness. Yet many players have had to do just that at Wimbledon this year as well as at the French (e.g. Roddick vs. Monfils). So anyhow, just wondering how they determine who plays first, second, etc. I had thought it was “rotated” so they all get a chance to play first, last, etc. But maybe they go by requests or rank? I dunno.


jane Says:

Tennis Freak,

Here’s the “Babe, Set, Match” article on the women players’ center court scheduling:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196155/Babe-set-match-How-looks-count-talent-Wimbledon-decides-girls-play-Centre-Court.html

And as for the men, if they were to go with male babelicious scheduling, I can think of a number of players who’d get center court before Fed would, going on looks first, talent and/or accomplishments second.


Gordo Says:

Jane – a typical conversation in June in various London SW19 households, were Fed on late –

INT/DAY: Blue collar kitchen.

WIFE (Reading paper)
Ere, it says Wimby starting in a couple of weeks. Care to go, dear? We’ve never been and it’s so close.

HUBBY
Alright – I wouldn’t might seeing that Roger whats-is-name? – the bloke who plays great and he’s always crying up a storm?

WIFE
Roger Federer? The Swiss fellow who always makes the final?

HUBBY
Yeah, him. When’s he due to play his first match?

WIFE
It says here he is the last one on centre court on the first day?

HUBBY
Ah, bollocks to that! I have to work the next day. Let’s go to the pub and watch some darts.

WIFE
Yeah, too bad – if only he were playing earlier!

=====


Tennis Freak Says:

Shaky,
Where did you get the quote you have above from?

In his last 2-3 interviews, besides the glitch you noted (if it is verifiable), Fed had a lot of good things to say about Karlovic, when the press people were trying to trap him to agree with their reduction of Karlovic to just Serve guy.

From today’s interview:
Q. How do you prepare to play against someone against Ivo Karlovic?

ROGER FEDERER: Same as I do against other players. I like those sort of challenges, you know. I mean, it’s maybe not the most fun match to go through. But I like to beat this guy, you know, because he makes it hard on us, you know, to beat him. He’s become an excellent player. Not only just his serve, he’s got to have something more otherwise he wouldn’t be ranked where he is and he wouldn’t be beating all those good players.
He’s not to be underestimated.


mem Says:

jane, others see it too; they just look the other way! it’s ashame the outright blatant favoritism shown toward federer as if these other players don’t matter. i feel bad for other players who work diligently to contribute to the success of the tour. without them there would be no tour! it’s not likely to change, because it’s accepted by the majority.

Gordo, i’m sure you’re joking, but indulge me anyway, are you saying, venus, serena, nadal, haven’t earn the right to be respected and treated equally? I didn’t know that being treated equally meant that each player had to have the same number of majors/titles, etc. In other words, you’re saying that federer makes up the tour all by himself and fills stadiums all by himself; he doesn’t even need an opponent to play against; he just that perfect. so, that means that nadal didn’t earn the #1 ranking, 15 master shields, 4 french opens, etc; venus didn’t earn five wimbledon trophies, etc. and serena didn’t earn 10 majors, and the #2 ranking. federer is the only one that deserves it. well, excuse me! say no more, i won’t argue with a blind man!


jane Says:

Well, I checked to make sure I am not imagining things, so here’s the deal.

Wimbledon 2008. Fed played 1st Center all days but one.

USA 2008. Fed played day/afternoon matches all days but one night – his first match.

AO 2009. Here night matches were preferred due to heat wave. Fed played all nights except two, one of which he nearly lost to Berdych.

FO 2009. Fed played first or second, Centre court, all matches but one (late aft. vs. Mathieu).

So it is a pattern. And it’s not a bad thing to wonder about it, especially considering that in three out of four of these slams Fed was not number 1 but number 2.

As I said, I would just be curious how they decide on the scheduling; do they accommodate requests or is it based on rankings or babe status or what? I think that process could be more transparent.

But whatevah.


Gordo Says:

No of course I am joking. But what we have here is a case of a person going out for a walk, electing to not take their umbrella and it rains. “Oh!” they exclaim, adding, “Why does it ALWAYS rain whenever I don’t bring my umbrella?”

Well of course it doesn’t always rain. It just seems like it – at the time.

I guess certain people in here hold that Fed-grudge. There has to be some reason he is so good. Wait! I know – he gets preferential treatment. He has NEVER player a night match since 2002.

Fed has played nights. He has been the last one on in tourneys. It just seems like he never has, cause certain people in here choose to ignore the facts.

If you say “Why is it that always…..” enough times people will think it is true.

Let me start one, “Why does Any Roddick always chew out the chair umpire in every single match?”

Of course Andy doesn’t. But if I repeated it over and over and over and over SOME people in here would think it were true.

Tah-dah!


jane Says:

Gordo – good script. Love your sense of humour! I can picture the pub and darts anyhow. Want some fish and chips with that luv?


Gordo Says:

Ge Jane – Andy Murray has now played 14 consecutive matches at Wimbledon on centre court. They should have him play on 18, don’t you think?

THE SPORT IS ABOUT SELLING TICKETS.

Roger Federer is the number one attraction in the world as far as tennis goes. More people want to see him than any other player on earth.

So why should he not get centre court every time? Until he no longer merits it?


mem Says:

Tennis Freak, i think my question was, why is it that federer never plays on any other court? if others top players have to rotate, so should he. i don’t care if he has twenty majors. what would happen if he was the only one on tour? these other players are necessary and valuable. regardless of how you may rationalize it, it’s just plain and simple unfair. i know this may come as a shock to you, but everybody doesn’t watch tennis or come to a match because of roger federer. there is an opponent across the net, you know who also have fans.


jane Says:

Gordo, I’ve said a number of times: Murray and Fed are center court mainstays at this event – and *understandably so*. I’ve conceded that much.

My question is about scheduling match times and how it is decided – as you can see from that article on the women’s scheduling, there are some questions to be answered as to why/how.

That’s all. I am not discussing accomplishments; I am discussing the process of deciding day, night etc. matches.

Anyhow I do not want to get into an argument with Federer’s supporters and it’s looking like that’s where this is headed, so I’ll bow out.

Besides which, it’s dinner time.

Hope the matches are as good tomorrow.


Gordo Says:

mem –

Let’s see – DAY 1 this year at Wimbledon –

Yen-Hsun Lu (TPE) vs Roger Federer (SUI)on Centre Court.

Meanwhile…

Steve Darcis (Bel) vs Frank Dancevic (Can) on court 10.

All those fans of Darcis and Dancevic, they might even number greater than Yen-Hsun Lu’s, no?

What is WITH those scheduling fools anyway?


SG Says:

Hey Von,

I’m a little late into the thread here but it seems that Roddick must have been reading Sean’s headline prior to his match with Berdych. Good win for Roddick…for sure. I’m not a big fan of Roddick. Hell, I’m not a big fan of Federer either. The thing is, if you want Sean to stop bashing Andy, Andy’s going to have to do something to shut him up. Getting to the semis of a slam even once would be nothing short of a Old Testament miracle for someone like me, but for a guy like Roddick, he has to get there and then win a big final against a heavyweight opponent. He hasn’t done that in a long time. I hope Andy goes far at this Wimbledon. Truthfully though, his game doesn’t match up well against the Murray’s, Nadal’s and Federer’s of the world.


Tennis Freak Says:

Mem,
I agreed and always agree it’s unfair.
My question to you: Why is Venus not playing on Center Court tomorrow?
She should just go there and not leave the court unless the authority clarifies the discrimination. So should other players do, male and female.
As far as I know, Fed is not the head of the scheduling committee and is not indulged in discrimination. He does not get to decide his schedule, just like other players.
We all know every player asks for a better court and better time slot. Some are granted; others are rejected. Who does that? It is the board comprising of members of British Tennis Association, London Tennis Association, ATP, WTA, and ITF, plus whoever are in the scheduling committee.
In my view, a player’s right to request for a preferred venue and time should not be scrapped, and I accept it is available to all. You cannot blame players for what they get and don’t get. If the authority is unfair, it should be held accountable. In Venus’ case, why is WTA or other rights groups silent?


Tennis Freak Says:

Mem,
If you are suggesting Warren Buffet or Bill Gates should burn down their homes and distribute wealth because my neighbor lives in a trailer house and lives by dumpster-scavenging, I disagree with you.


JCZ Says:

Mem, get over it man, its not going to happen. Fed in Wimbledon in any court but Centre Court would just be blasphemy! Aren’t you forgetting? He’s the GOAT! lol… In reality it seems a bit biased, but that’s life. He’s a/the main attraction in Wimbledon and sells a ton of tickets so that’s how it goes.

Jane has a point about time. But I suppose night time should be left for Murray since it is more like prime time over there and they get more of an audience on TV. On the other grand slams, beats me…


Scottish Says:

Heyt Jane, Gordo, I’m probably too late to get in on this but I agree with Gordo about selling tickets. Fed is the #1 draw in tennis even when he has been #2 and for sure Murray in this tournament is also the hot ticket. So they SHOULD get the center courts. They are also the highest seeds. I’m not saying the other players and matches are not as good but they certainly don’t bring the same number of fans. I do think Djoko should have been playing on a higher court than 3. And there were some singles matches earlier in the week with good players who were like on courts 10-18 which didn’t seem right to me.


tennisbebe Says:

OK – had to leave to go play a TENNIS match which I won. Yea Haw!

Von – the light bulb is on re: JCF comment. I didn’t see the “straight” screwup. Good catch, you brat you :-)

Well, having witnessed Dr Ivo’s only career win over Fed last year at Cincy from about 10 ft (3+ meters) away, I can understand the fans trepidation regarding this match-it was a silencing spectacle. When he is on, he is on & no one, not even TMF can stop him; however that was a very hot day & a 3 setter at a MS event on HC’s so I think all the nail biting is for not. Ivo can’t sustain this level over the best of 5 imo (should that Ivo even show up) so all s/b well in Fedland.

Daniel: “But if Fed gets upset by Karlovic or Djoko I think Roddick will win it. He looked sharpen today and Berdych was cruising during this tournament.” Thanks Daniel. What I think and what I hope are 2 different things and I really want Andy to win this one so either of these scenarios works for me.


Scottish Says:

Do you really think anyone will beat Murray before the final? He’s played great and he has the whole stadium behind him. Unless of course he crumbles under the pressure.


tennisbebe Says:

The players have very little influence on when they are schedule to play; they can merely request a particular slot. This same argument raged during AO re: Djoko’s scheduling. The tournament director has the ultimate say & for the GS they must consider many variables: TV coverage, popularity, home country players, # of top player deserving, etc. What a thankless job – everyone bitching no matter what you do.


tennisbebe Says:

Scottish Says: “Do you really think anyone will beat Murray before the final? He’s played great and he has the whole stadium behind him. Unless of course he crumbles under the pressure.”

So, are you saying you think he will win overwhelmingly or he will crumble under pressure? You seemed to be trying to cover all the bases with this statement.


Von Says:

Hi SG:

Thanks for your comments. Yes, it seems that Roddick read Sean’s headline. I think I need to sit the little guy down and have a heart to heart talk with him. This kind of stress is not good for my health you know. ha, ha. I know the only way to silence Sean and make him eat humble pie is for Andy to produce not just good, but perfect results. Sean has set such high expectations that nothing short of perfection will cut it from Roddick. lol. I’m also hoping for Andy to be motivated enough to want to go far and win the darn thing, already. I mean Wimby should be his for the taking, he just has to extend his frame and take it. Hence, Andy Roddick, if you’re reading this, please play perfect matches and WIN, so that I don’t have to battle Sean’s headlines. lol.

SG, I think Andy already silenced Sean because he’s only posted once since Andy beat Berdych. BTW, where have you been, you seem to post sporadically?


Von Says:

tenisbebe: Yee haw is right. I’m happy for you! It seems like today is a good day for Roddick and his supporters — Roddick fever.

Finally, the light bulb went off! It took your playing and winning a tennis match for the neurons to kick in, eh? Sorry to have been such a brat, but I need to keep you on your toes. lol.


Shaky Says:

TF — it was from the day 4 run down.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon09/news/story?id=4288780

Either way I’m only kidding, his answer was totally fine in my mind. Federer is going to roll over Stretch Karlovic.


Von Says:

I’ve been watching some recordings and the topic of certain players being scheduled on Centre court was touched upon by John McEnroe, Carillo and Ted Robinson. The consensus of opinion is that the eligible players, viz., the Williams sisters, should just lodge a complaint and see what happens, but not to make a big fuss over the situation. I didn’t hear what sparked their interest in this topic but I think it’s obvious to many that the Wimby Committe has it’s own ideas and do not follow the rule of what’s just and fair, but what favors their bank account. The slams are money grabbing affairs and per marketing, the product that sells will always receive top billing. Perhaps Wimby feels Sharapova is more in line with top billing than Venus and Serena. I mean they gave the Shrieka a No. 24 seeding and she played on Centre Court until she was knocked out. That was a money move. In sum, it’s ‘show me the money’ guys.


tennisbebe Says:

Von – my “brat” comment was a tease (which then huh used in one of his later posts). I completely misread your post (obviously) – thinking that JCF hadn’t actually won yet when I posted and you were ribbing me. A cluster to be sure. Hope you don;t think I was serious.


Von Says:

tenisbebe: No, I didn’t think you were serious, so don’t bother about it. As I stated, I just couldn’t let that bit of fun escape without putting you through the motions. I enjoyed seeing you baffled, and I’m definitely a brat for so doing.LOL


tennisbebe Says:

“Yee haw is right. I’m happy for you!”

Thank you Von. Having lost a match yesterday, I was happy for this win.


Von Says:

“No disrespect to Karlovic, but that is not really a tennis match. Just a stroke of luck or bad calls at the bad time — and what can you do? I lost to him too last year,” said Federer, who could meet Karlovic in the quarterfinals. “Once you get to the tiebreaker, he knows it and we know it: It is 50-50.’

I’ve given up trying to figure out why Federer indulges in this kind of verbiage. He puts down Karlovic’s game and says it’s no disrespect. Yeah, that’s like me saying somebody is fat, but please don’t be offended.

I’ve recently seen him in an interview on Tennis Channel and I’ve gotta say he hogs the accolades big time, with respect to his ‘beautiful’ tennis. I think the guy feels he can walk on water and is superman zipping through the air. Pretty soon we’ll hear people say, ‘is it a bird, or a plane, no, it’s TMF, the superman of tennis’ as he zips through the atmosphere landing on the Wimby Centre Court. Oh Federer, Federer, TMF, thy name is vanity. He’s the epitome of narcissism: ‘I’m in love with myself’. I wonder if he kisses his mirrored reflection? I’ve already conjured up an image of his mirror full of his lip imprints. LOL.


jane Says:

tenisbebe says “The players have very little influence on when they are schedule to play; they can merely request a particular slot.”

True -would be a thankless job. But surely some players have more influence than others then, based on sales etc. Did you see the link I posted above re: babe matches on centre court for womens? It’s interesting if nothing else.
———

Von says ” the topic of certain players being scheduled on Centre court was touched upon by John McEnroe, Carillo and Ted Robinson. The consensus of opinion is that the eligible players, viz., the Williams sisters, should just lodge a complaint and see what happens”

Really? I didn’t hear any such commentary on the coverage I had. But I haven’t heard much of Johnny Mac. I heard him only on one women’s match today.

Anyhow, lodging a complaint seems reasonable; at least it can be addressed and it’s “on the books” for future occurences.


Von Says:

jane: They were discussing the matter during Serena’s match.


jane Says:

Thanks Von; I didn’t see that match; when I woke up they were already onto Safina’s. And I didn’t see replays as I left home mid-Murray match. I am glad to hear it’s on the table for discussion anyhow. The more they make such processes “transparent” the better.


Shaky Says:

“I’ve given up trying to figure out why Federer indulges in this kind of verbiage. He puts down Karlovic’s game and says it’s no disrespect. Yeah, that’s like me saying somebody is fat, but please don’t be offended.”

…Meaning it would be like you making a true observation without real malice. The only difference between you and Roger would be Roger was solicited for a comment on the match, vs. out of context you would just be saying someone was chubby. That’s a pretty big difference, in my opinion.

I used to think Federer was just a shameless self-promoter and belittled people that irritated him when offered a chance (his comments about Nadal very early on, for example). But the reality is he gets asked to weigh in on EVERYthing. All the time.

Sometimes he does offer a point on his own terms about how great his game is, sure. The constant allusions to his consistency in slams for example (truly remarkable). But the reason he is sort of forced to do this is because of the level of day-to-day media exposure and dialogue of the internet, blogs, etc. — look at the number of people on this blog even, from Zola to whomever else, who live for chances to watch him lose, and opportunities to diminish his legacy (which by any objective measure should put him at least in the conversation with Laver as the best ever).

So basically, when he goes out of his way to talk about how great he is, I’m at the point where I believe he is playing defense, not being aggressive. If he doesn’t, he leaves his game alone to do the talking, which while it sounds nice and noble, it doesn’t get the job done in any context, not in today’s day and age. Tiger is the ultimate media darling, the greatest head to head competitor of my lifetime. But even as much as there is always a line around the block of people at ESPN eager to pucker up and kiss his behind, he is KEENLY aware of his place in history, the measuring stick he is up against, and he plays the self-promoting media game too.

I have a whole comparison to Michael Jordan (truly the greatest self-promoter of all time behind only like Jesus (if you’re a cynic like me)), but I’ll spare you that.


Shaky Says:

Oh man that was a lot longer than I thought it would be. Anyways, good luck to everyone with their favorites this week, back for semis.


Tennis Freak Says:

Von,
“He’s the epitome of narcissism: ‘I’m in love with myself.’

I wish I had self-love like that so that I could become as successful as he has. Or, maybe, he has made worthy of himself to love self-reflection. Maybe, he just admires the art he has been able to perfect around himself. Maybe, it is not self-love: Maybe, it is the alter that the ego created that he loves so much. Maybe, it is just his love for tennis that he expresses through self-love. We don’t know for sure.
Are you one of those self-haters, Von? You sure don’t sound like: my sense is that you love yourself so much that your ego is rock solid and, at the same time, vulnerable to any slight. I may be totally wrong in speculating on your self-love.
Maybe, we all are just narcissists in our own way: Maybe, we all love what we create and rear.
Who knows?


tennisbebe Says:

Jane says: “Did you see the link I posted above re: babe matches on centre court for womens? It’s interesting if nothing else.”

No I did not Jane. Can you plz guide me as to which thread it appears? Many thanks.


tennisbebe Says:

Von & Jane: – We all know Fed’s the overwhelming fav but I have really good vibes about Roddick’s chances here.


tennisbebe Says:

Good night all.


jane Says:

tenisbebe, I’ll just re-post is for you.

Here’s the “Babe, Set, Match” article on the women players’ center court scheduling:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196155/Babe-set-match-How-looks-count-talent-Wimbledon-decides-girls-play-Centre-Court.html

——————————-

“I have really good vibes about Roddick’s chances here.”

I do too – esp. after today’s matches. Roddick seemed to focused and he played smartly. If he can win Wimbledon that would be spectacular. He deserves it after playing so well in 2004 and always sticking with it.

——————————

Tennis Freak,

You’re conflating self-love and narcissism. There’s a degree of self-love in most healthy people, for sure. But generally narcissism is considered a disorder or psychological defect; it does, after all, lead to the death of the eponymous mythical character. A narcissist could be seen as a megalomaniac, almost. And in psych I believe that a deep insecurity is often thought to underly superficial narcissism, the excessive need for praise and accomplishment to feel worthy.

But anyhow, I am probably getting too technical. Just wanted to make that little distinction.


Von Says:

Shaky: I understand your point with respect to Federer ensuring the topic is finally settled when he’s asked a question. I suppose I’m viewing this from my coign of vantage, ala Sampras, that he should let his tennis do the talking and/or should receive the accolades without embellishing upon them. I don’t know, I’m of two minds with respect to one’s self-promotion — it’s similar to blowing one’s trumpet. But, then again, there’s the saying, if we don’t do it ourselves, then no one is going to do it for us. Hence the question should be asked, which is the best route to take when placed in such a situation? Do we demurely just dimple up and shyly accept the accolades, or do we show appreciation for them, but risk coming across as self-promoting and arrogant?

I believe people should be cognizant of their strengths and weaknesses, to know themselves more than anyone else can — self-knowledge. Thus when a compliment is given, you can instantly detect whether it was genuine by the sheer fact that you know where you truly stand in the scheme of things. Compliments that are specific usually mean people are sincere. Nothing feels better than to be acknowledged for a job hard fought and truly well done.

However, on the other hand, I feel they should be modest, taking care not to come across as arrogant and full of oneself and/or self-promoting. But, I digress …. I suppose Federer knows that he has given his all, the endless hours of practising, his quest to achieve mental toughness and physical fitness, and be the best in the game, and because of these factors he feels he is richly deserving of the accolades. Only Federer knows how he views these types of situations, and we on the outside trying to look in are failing miserably in our assessments and/or judgments. To reiterate, I’m of two minds on this topic and my views are not the benchmark on how to handle such situations.


Tennis Freak Says:

Jane,
The premise of discussion was proposed by one unlicensed self-proclaimed shrink (narcissism= “I’m in love with myself”).
One could start by questioning the premise, but it will not lead into a discussion. It will be either pre-discussion or extra-discussion.

I am familiar with the Greek mythical character of Narcissus, and how the fake institution demonized him, turned him into a disorder, subsequently to deify another type of disorder (psychology itself) healthy. And that is sick.

And I am not a fan of “normally” “healthy people.”
Thanks finally normality and mediocrity are boring to my taste.

(Politically, I don’t subscribe to psycho-theo-logy. I am a proud follower of Anti-Psychiatry movement, lead by Thomas Szasz, R. D. Laing, Michel Foucault, and Franco Basaglia. “Follower” in the sense of I follow, keep up with their works, not in the sense of blind believer).


Von Says:

TennisFreak: My answer to Shaky could enlighten you as to my thoughts.

Please no, I’m not a self-hater at all. You’re right I have enough self-love to promote a strong ego without looking to others for validation. This is based on my ability to know my strengths and weaknesses. But, despite my self-knowledge, I am, at times, vulnerable to criticism. Yes, we are all guilty to some extent of narcissism — some of us know how to harness this flaw, and some don’t. And, that’s for me to know and you to find out, to what extent my narcissism has progressed. ha ha.


jane Says:

Guess you must dislike Zizek TF? I think he’s the tops, maybe even a self-proclaimed narcissist marxist, on some level. LOL. Anyhow, I digress. And am really tired. Good-night.


Von Says:

TennisFreak: My observation does not make me an unlicensed self-proclaimed shrink. If this is the path you want to go then I’d have to say your asserions on some people purport to being an unlicensed self-promoting shrink. Gosh, you do delve too deeply looking for sinister thoughts when there is none, thus placing a moratorium on fruitful discussions. I will now take a ‘nolo contendere’ stance.


Von Says:

Tenisbebe: I wish I were as confident as you are with respect to Roddick.


margot Says:

von: we’ve got something called the “red button” am sure there’s a more technical term! This means you can select from 4 or 5 matches, only really happens when Wimbles is on for other slams we get what stream they’ve been allowed.
Gordo: you made me laugh but feel there’s a grain of truth there re scheduling of matches. BTW tickets are sold, distributed months b4 show starts. Applications by ballot have to be in by December 12.
Andy just said conditions were changed as the result of roof going up, think this threw him, so disadvantage having been there b4. Why does Fed always play first anyway, huge advantage, Andy’s match ended 10.40 same at USOpen. First time Safina had been on centre was yesterday, not right as she is No1.
jane: love your posts, you are always so cool under fire, very glad we seem to like the same players! Glad to have you in the trenches!


tennisbebe Says:

Jane -In my scheduling comment I was referring to WHEN not where they play. Thanks for the “Babes” article.


Tennis Freak Says:

Jane,
I have read my share of Slavoj Žižek. He’s an intellectual freak, a pop-culture intellectual guy who gave psychoanalytical turn to Marxism and helped renew interest in the “political.”
Good that psychoanalysis is not quite (scientist or academic) psychology, esp. in North America: . Hitory of psychology in brief: With Aristotle, it was the study of logos, the so-called “highest source of virtue.” With Descartes and others of 1600s and 1700s, it was separation of body and mind, and nativism that people are born with the ability to think and reason, which was rejected by empiricists like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, David Hume, George Berekeley, who believed mind is empty at birth and knowledge of outside world comes through experiences in life, thus construction. In 1800s, psychology claimed to be a science, a separation from philosophy initiated by William James and Wilhelm Wundt (1875-9) by establishing some weird labs, imitating science labs. Four schools emerged in subsequent years by 1940: Structuralism (Wundt; Kulpe); behaviorism (John B. Watson), Gestalt Psychology (Max Werthheimer); and psychoanalysis (Freud).
Modern Psychology kind of kicks out psychoanalysis (for its being talk-therapy, not “scientific,” I called it scientistic), thus revising the categories into (1) Stimulus-response School, an extreme behaviorism; (2) Cognitive School, reaction against behaviorism;(3) Humanistic Psychology, an alternative to behaviorism and psychoanalysis; (4) Eclecticism, selection of wide variety of sources, whatever seems usable.
That brief history is to see Zizek not belonging to any school, and his psychoanalytical twist of Marxism deserves contributes to post-Marxism.
I don’t know where you are going with your Zizek’s “self-proclaimed narcissist Marxist.” I never came across this when I strenuously perused his The Ticklish Subject or his most recent Mythology, Madness and Laughter.

You probably already know the story of Psyche, may I say extend it to psyche-logos, psychology (this is my counter to your subscription to Narcissus-megalomania conflation, just for fun): Psyche, a princess in ancient mythology, was so beautiful that people termed to worshiping her instead of Venus (fitting double reference), the goddess of love. Venus became so angry that she sent her son Cupid to punish Psyche. However, Cupid fell in love with her and carried her off to his fairyland of gold and gems. Cupid visited her only at night and told her that, if she ever saw him in the light, he must leave her forever. But Psyche, urged by her wicked sisters, one night lighted a lamp to see Cupid as he slept. He awakened and left her. In her grief, Psyche searched for Cupid, finally arriving at the palace where Venus was living. The goddess made Psyche her slave and gave her four impossible tasks (read slowly from here on). She performed the first three, but in the fourth, a visit to the Queen of the underworld (unconscious state, deep recesses of mind), Psyche failed and became trapped in the underworld. Cupid, with the help of Jupiter, rescued her and made his wife, but this last part is irrelevant. Her failure in the underworld can be paralleled to Narcissus’ entrenchment at his own reflection in the pool (when he fell in love, he did not know it was his own reflection in the pool; he killed himself at this knowledge that he loved his own image and sent to hell. A truly homophobic story). Psyche was also face to face with her self in that visit to the underworld. Psyche was forgiven; Narcissus was punished, for a similar “crime.” Where is the social justice?

—————————

Von,

Truth: That the use of my phrase “an unlicensed self-proclaimed shrink” is partly an expression of my self-love because you had me waiting in line, after Shaky, where as I thought you’d respond me first or in the same post.
Secondly, Jane’s response was sort of pro-psychiatry, and that aggravated my composure.
Third, as a sort of domino effect, I recalled your diagnosis of MJ (By the way, if a member of my family dies, and a neighbor comes and tells me how sick/bad that deceased person was, I’d punch him on his face. That’s how I look at everyone’s death as if she or he were a member of my own family, if the person is not a tyrant or a serial killer type or similar).
Do you see now that the phrase has love-hate wheel on it?


jane Says:

Tennis Freak – you’re overflowing my blank slate with that summary, but thanks. : )

re: Zizek – just teasing you, and your proclaimed dislike of psych. Was tired and trying to be tongue and cheek. Zizek talks about his own narcissism briefly, at times, like in the documentary for e.g.

Anyway – we’re getting off topic, and I’ve interrupted your and Von’s conversion. My apologies to you both for that.


Tennis Freak Says:

Jane,
Did you know that Zizek is a Youtube guy: He has the most youtube video clips of all the intellectuals out there?
I like your questioning of my position and pointing out my holes. And I have many. Actually, I write sometimes, hoping you to jump in; for instance, my post to Mem that mentions “distribution of wealth.” I think your interjections could be always boon to my aspiration of knowledge.
Don’t embarrass me by apologizing, please.


jane Says:

Yep Tennis Freak – I show the “Nite Beat” youtube clip/interview to my second year students when discussing Kafka. Slavoj’s so funny. And smart.

Okay cheers – glad you don’t mind my interruptions.


Von Says:

TennisFreak: “Truth: That the use of my phrase “an unlicensed self-proclaimed shrink” is partly an expression of my self-love because you had me waiting in line, after Shaky, where as I thought you’d respond me first or in the same post.”

Ha, ha, ha, so the guy/gal has a huge ego and some narcissism as well. Oh WOW. Sorry to have put you at the tail-end of my answer, and in the process bruising your ego, but I did want to tie-you into my response, which means you were ever-present and uppermost in my thoughts. Is this enough flattery for your ego? I hope so. Taking into account the foregoing, then I guess Shaky should feel he’s very important and rank higher than you do in my preferences for posters? Nah. Only kidding!! Hey you’ve got a sense of humor after all, and are vulnerable to slights yourself — some narcissism perhaps in those thought processes? I don’t like to get into psych discussions using the terminology, etc., cites and/or the use of references to such, due to this being a tennis forum, and even though we deviate, i’d like to keep things simple. I hope you understand.

Yes, I saw your interpretation of the love-hate wheel, but that was not my intention considering my opinion was mounted on the man’s music, but could not have disassociated, what I perceive to be his psychological damage as one mirrored the other. If you noticed, I was trying to tie-in the two. Thanks.


Tennis Freak Says:

I am truly flattered, Von.
I am glad you are beginning to see deep down I am not that obnoxious, though I may appear so at first, in the first post, which is often reckless and impulsive, but when pointed out, I can right my ship.


Von Says:

TF: Yes, you did right your ship, and kudos to you for travelling that path, but just keep it on even keel, will ya. The Lion in me roars when challenged. LOL. I also hope you’ve seen your misguided impression of me, along with the unearned name, is also a misnomer. Thanks.


I like tennis bullies Says:

Sean says: Murray shouldn’t have many problems either against his pal Stanislas Wawrinka On the other hand, one of my longshots Tomas Berdych is making all the shots and absolutely destroying his foes. I really like his chances against the sub-par Andy Roddick.
———————-

rotfl. roddick blows red-hot berdych away
stan gives murray headaches.
good picks sean
try again.


Von Says:

margot: The red button seems similar to the espn360.com I have. My complaint is having to sit at the computer for endless hours. There is DirecTV, which is a satellite provider, and they’ve dedicated six (6) channels to Wimby, however, in order to obtain that service I’d have to give up my FIOS and/or subscribe to the two which would generate a huge monthly bill. I enquired for just the GS subscription and was told I’d have to purchase a 2 year contract for continuous service. even though I like tennis, I can’t see sheling out that kind of money monthly for just the 4 GS tourneys. sheesh. so I’ll just have to suffer with live streaming, ESPN, and delayed NBC broadcasts.


Von Says:

bullies: “rotfl. roddick blows red-hot berdych away”

Sean should have written s sequel to this thread/script, don’t you think?


mem Says:

Von, absolutely, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat! when sharapova was treated with royalty like mr. federer and she and roger wer queen and king of tennis, both were perfect. sharapova was exalted as if the william sisters didn’t exist, but the sisters kindly went about their business and stayed away from tennis for a long period of time; everybody was spectulating and saying all kinds of things; but they told everyone they were injured, which was apparently true, but they didn’t sit at home licking their wounds; they were everywhere in hollywood’s red carpet, enhancing their clothing lines, you name it. guess what happened to the tennis ratings? downhill all the way. by the time they finished with the tour, commentators, fans, players, tournament officials were outright begging them to come back. in the end, the williams made a statement and sent a message without having to say a word. maybe, rafa has taken a page from the williams’ book. i hope so!


Favorites Federer, Murray, Roddick, Djokovic Looking Good in Wimbledon Quarters Says:

[…] my Wimbledon quarterfinal upset pick of Tomas Berdych over Andy Roddick didn’t quite go as I thought did it? Roddick played his best match while Berdych did what Berdych […]


Skorocel Says:

mem said: „matter of fact, one of nadal’s matches was squeezed in on suzanne lenglen at the french open and he was the #1 seed and the four-time champion.“

That was indeed a bit unkind from the French organizers, but not particularly because they put him on Lenglen, but because he was the last one to play there on that particular day…

————–

„no wonder he didn’t push himself to play wimbledon. why should he?“

Agree. Apart from defending a grandslam title & 1000 ranking points, there was hardly anything which would make him play there ;-) LOL!


Skorocel Says:

jane said: „Moreover, all the top male players have had to play a late match here at Wimbledon by now, except Fed, that is.“

Would like to know what you’ll have to say if your fave Djoker (once again) collapses from the heat against Haas? ;-) Should be warm tomorrow…


Skorocel Says:

“No disrespect to Karlovic, but that is not really a tennis match. Just a stroke of luck or bad calls at the bad time — and what can you do? I lost to him too last year,” said Federer, who could meet Karlovic in the quarterfinals.

Kinda ironic to hear this from a guy who hit no less than 23 aces (and xy of another service winners) in his recent match vs Soderling, and who himself said that the match against the Swede was more or less a „serving contest“… Would like to know if he’d say the same about Sampras (whose serve, IMHO, was even better than Karlovic’s), had these two met more often? WTF Roger? Better let your racquet do the talking tomorrow or you may very well end up in Basel before Sunday!


Skorocel Says:

„Yeah, that’s like me saying somebody is fat, but please don’t be offended.“

LOL! :-) Bingo, Von!


jane Says:

Skorocel asks “Would like to know what you’ll have to say if your fave Djoker (once again) collapses from the heat”

I will be duly disappointed; Djoko may be my current top fave but I can recognize his faults and don’t hesitate to criticize him for them.

Not sure what that has to do with Federer mainly being scheduled first and rarely having to play late matches – which is what the quote you pasted of mine pertains to.

Top story: SHOCK: Iga Swiatek Suspended One Month For Doping Violation