Very crafty of Roger Federer to lose on purpose before meeting Andy Murray in the semis. Guarantee Murray #2 in the world and the bottom half of the draw in the upcoming U.S Open. Most probably Murray and Nadal will be on the same side of the draw to end up beating the Hell out of each other.

Nadal will have to win Cincinnati and hope Murray doesn’t reach the final to regain his #2 position. A tall order considering Nadal’s current form and Murray’s.

Fed lost a whole 20 pts in the computer ranking from his antics last week but gained much more in improving his chances at the U.S Open. Again, Federer is sly as a Fox. He can now do what ever he wants in Cincinnati, win or lose. Won’t change the rankings or the seeding at the US Open.

August 17th, 2009 at 8:51 am

Interesting hypothesis Cindy and if it were true, my oh my, Fed indeed is sly as a fox. Because tactically it would be a brilliant move, but I doubt Fed would lose on purpose like that…

August 17th, 2009 at 9:35 am

Of course, Rafa could land in Fed’s side of the USO draw, which would mean he may have to go through BOTH Murray and Rafa to win the USO. And then there are lurkers, like JMDP and Roddick, who could feasibly beat Fed on a hard court. I wouldn’t hand over the trophy to him just yet.

The field for the USO is wide open, and while Fed has to be a favorite considering his record there, I don’t think he’s going to win it this year.

August 17th, 2009 at 9:45 am

Veno,

Lendl was accused of pulling things like this too. Once tanked a match at Madison Square Gardens so he wouldn’t have to play Borg, so as to increase his chances of winning the year end masters event.

Just very fishy that Federer would blow a 5-1 lead with two breaks when he was invincible on serve against Roddick at Wimbledon. I’m just not naive.

August 17th, 2009 at 9:48 am

Cindy_Brady:

Always entertaining reading your posts here. You as naive? Nah. Conspiratorial Tin Foil Hat-Wearing Kook..well, that’s a whole other kettle of “fishy” fish LOL

August 17th, 2009 at 10:08 am

You as naive? Nah. Conspiratorial Tin Foil Hat-Wearing Kook..well, that’s a whole other kettle of “fishy” fish LOL

Got a little inspirational there Voicemale1… LOL

August 17th, 2009 at 10:29 am

Cindy, you do a common bit of sleight-of-hand there. In your first sentence you mention an accusation. Then , a few words later in the second sentence, you talk of established fact. Was he merely accused of tanking, or do you actually KNOW he tanked? If the latter, how do you know? You with the government?
By the way, I believe Del Potro has pulled out of Cincy, though that’s subject to confirmation

August 17th, 2009 at 10:30 am

Colin,

If Del Potro did, smart move! Rest and keep the rest of the field guessing and worrying about him. Nothing more to gain at Cincy except exhaustion and maybe a bad early loss. Could win the U.S Open series but probably doesn’t care.

Look for Djokovic to win in Cincy. No one paying much attention to him. All eyes on Fed, Nadal, Murray, and Roddick.

BTW….It was Jimmy Connors that accused Lendl and called him a chicken to boot. It was well known that Lendl feared Borg and hated playing him. Kind of the modern day version of Federer hating to play Nadal/Murray. Now it looks like Federer is pulling a Lendl. Very interesting.

August 17th, 2009 at 11:10 am

Voicemale1:

“Cindy_Brady:

“Always entertaining reading your posts here. You as naive? Nah. Conspiratorial Tin Foil Hat-Wearing Kook..well, that’s a whole other kettle of “fishy” fish LOL”

There ya go, I love it! Now, why didn’t I think of that? LOL. The above is nothing compared to what she wrote after his loss on Friday; that was a masterpiece, and some agreed with her LOL.

August 17th, 2009 at 11:14 am

I would hope that Federer’s smarter than what the conspiratorial theorist has alluded, because if it’s true, he could be slapped with a huge fine and banned from playing on the tour, period. Then there goes the USO and the TV commercials on the Tennis Channel detailing how much he loves the sport.

Cindy Brady has just written Federer’s tennis obituary. LOL. Oh, the scrivener’s pen, what brilliance and folly thou dost conjure as in ‘thy tongue is like the pen of an ingenious writer.’ LOL

August 17th, 2009 at 11:28 am

Von, the below link is for you…

It’s a sad story…the one of Nicole Bobek…If only she would have had more guidance when at a young age…

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/figureskating/columns/story?columnist=nelson_amy&id=4389556

August 17th, 2009 at 11:40 am

Veno: Just for you!! Under ‘More Stories” click on the video — absolutely amazing!

http://uk.yahoo-email.com/a/hBKiRUsAbKI4DB7W7qF-Qyucub2/uksp18

August 17th, 2009 at 11:41 am

Veno: Now this is scary, I was writing a post and sending you a link and you were doing similarly with respect to moi. How weird is that?

August 17th, 2009 at 11:43 am

For Margot and Colin:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/17082009/58/murray-targets-world-number-ranking.html

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/tennis/barometer.html

August 17th, 2009 at 11:46 am

Looks like the 4 hottest players on tour are all in the top half: Murray, Fed, del Po, Roddick. Djokovic has a REALLY easy draw, all the way to the semis. Nadal has the French duo (if we can now dispense with the idea that Simon and Gasquet are contenders), but that shouldn’t be too much for him.
Definitely see Nadal/Djoker as the semifinalists in the 1 half, and by then Nadal should have enough match prep not just to be prepared for the USO but to have the confidence in his knees to play free of worry. Unless they ARE still hurting.
Should be Nadal’s first final.
That top half is TOUGH to call. But I think we should get the Murray/Fed semifinal. And I think Fed is going to be plenty motivated to shut down Murray’s bandwagon.

So I’m looking for ThE RIVALRY RENEWED next Sunday in Cinci! And, ok, I think Nadal will win.

August 17th, 2009 at 11:47 am

For anyone who’s interested:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/tennis/multiplex/30915.html

August 17th, 2009 at 11:48 am

Von,

These things are not provable. Only speculation. Typical of you to create a straw man argument.

I bet you read the astrology section of the morning paper every day and plan your day accordingly. You seem like the superstitious Ouija board type of person. Witchcraft, VooDoo, and totem pole dancing are your strong suits. Logic isn’t. Good grief – Hag!

August 17th, 2009 at 11:55 am

Cindy, why are you filled with so much anger?
Is this blog your way of venting personal issues? You are so hostile in your posts and what a pity…Totally senseless, cause although many reply to you in word in these threads, at the end of the day, nobody really cares…

You surely must know there are better ways of venting and dealing with surpressed anger and built-up frustrations…I know…go out and play some tennis :)

August 17th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Hey Vonnie!

Yeah, it’s a little freaky sometimes lol
Let me read your links….

August 17th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Thanks for the links Von, but already saw the Eurosport coverage live yesterday :)

August 17th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

Tennis Vagabond:

Good take on the draw – but for one thing I just noticed looking at the draw sheet: DelPotro is out. I thought he was originally in the Murray Quarter but Julien Bennteau is now listed as a Lucky Loser with a “bye” into the 2nd Round. Probably smart of JMDP to take a pass here. Those real tall players eventually start to feel it in the joints on a hard court in today’s game. So he’s out and resting up for the US Open.

Djokovic did get a spectacularly easy draw. Which is good for him because he needs the confidence of winning again. Federer has a trickier draw then he had in Canada, so he’ll need to step up from what he showed there to go far here. You just get the feeling Roddick is itching for another crack at him; and Murray has no fear of him. Nadal’s progress will be more determined by whether he gets his consistency back on both his serve and his gound-strokes. That’s gonna take a while – and he’ll only et it back through playing. If he gets to the Semis I think he’d be ecstatic since that’s how far he made it in Cincinnati last year.

And speaking of Murray, Von’s interesting article on Murray’s quest for #1 this year has some interesting repercussions. Suppose Murray gets tot he Final but doesn’t win the US Open, and Federer loses in the QF’s or something and Murray inherits the #1 Ranking through Federer’s losing of points. We’d then have two #1’s (Safina & Murray) who’ve never won a Major. If you think Safina (and jankovic before her) took a lot of heat for being Major-less #1’s, will they say the same of Murray?

August 17th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

Veno,

Put a sock in it. I post on these blogs for the lulz and to spread good information, the way I see it.

You read way too much into it. Your psycho analytical babble is ridiculous. Nothing penetrates my cranium.

Von just can’t take criticism. She can dish it but can’t take it. Any time anyone says the slightest thing against her boy Roddick, she flys of the handle and calls it viscous attacking. Even when it wasn’t the intended case. I just call her out on it. She doesn’t like it. Tough tits.

Over sensitive and defensive are her ways. At least I’m objective about all the players. I don’t have a fanatical allegiance to any player.

When the U.S Open starts, I’ll be equally critical, good or bad about all the players.

I’m nothing if not fair.

August 17th, 2009 at 12:30 pm

“Put a sock in it. I post on these blogs for the lulz and to spread good information, the way I see it.”

Quote of the year! hahahaha

The problem is with the way you see it. You’re so blinded by your self-proclaimed clarity of mind and objectivity you can’t see past the ludicracy of your argumentation. I don’t mind though, it offers great reading :)

August 17th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

Delpo also tanked the final to lower expectations and pressure going into the US Open.

August 17th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

Zverev and Mathieu treat the ballboy. Hilarious.

August 17th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Dr.Windmill already broke Gael!

August 17th, 2009 at 1:00 pm

The Windmill is playing with visors…ridiculous

August 17th, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Mathieu saves the day with 7-5. Onto the third.

August 17th, 2009 at 1:09 pm

Cindy Brady @ 11:55 am infra dignitatem — look it up. Talk to me when a disciplinary committee hauls you before them to prove your ‘supposed’ speculation which you proffer as objectivity and factual knowlege — I’ll help you with bail.

August 17th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

lol Von, et alea iacta est!!!

August 17th, 2009 at 1:23 pm

Veno: Are you having any problems watching Karlovic/Monfils on ATDHE? I’m getting an illegal message on embedding.

BTW, thanks for that link on Bobek, it was very insightful and sad.

August 17th, 2009 at 1:25 pm

Von: no problems on my stream Karlo/La Monf

August 17th, 2009 at 1:27 pm

Paul-Henri served out 6-3, Gael or Ivo next.

August 17th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

Watching these live streams I’ve really come to appreciate commercial breaks.. and I never thought I would ever say that. Tennis sure is boring sometimes. I want to watch a guy eat a banana in a chair for 2 minutes at a time while the announcers remain completely silent.

August 17th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Veno: Are you watching Karlovic? Pretty decent match thus far.

August 17th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

Wow, Karlovic won!!

August 17th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

And, el mosquito is up now against Cilic.

August 17th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

Veno: FYI, below is the world championship schedule. I hope your TV company is showing the competition — I’ll have to check with mine also.

http://uk.yahoo.eurosport.com/athletics/world-championship/2009/calendar.shtml

August 17th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Good ol’ Cindy. “Nothing penetrates my cranium”.
Indeed it doesn’t.and that’s the problem. Delusional conspiracy theorists such as yourself have minds that are closed, self-sustaining systems, into which no new information can penetrate, if it happens to contradict the existing belief. Sad, really.

August 17th, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Good that Del Potro is taking a rest this week. I’d hate to see him burn himself out too bad before the US Open. Looks like Cilic is actually going to win a match this summer. Ferrer up next could give him trouble but at least he’s getting one win in before the Open. I wouldn’t be surprised if he entered New Haven to get some more matches in if he loses next round.

August 17th, 2009 at 4:36 pm

Cindy_Brady said: „Very crafty of Roger Federer to lose on purpose before meeting Andy Murray in the semis. Guarantee Murray #2 in the world and the bottom half of the draw in the upcoming U.S Open. Most probably Murray and Nadal will be on the same side of the draw to end up beating the Hell out of each other.“

Or Nadal will end up in Fed’s half of the draw and beat the Hell out of him in the semis ;-) Let’s not jump the gun yet, Cindy_Brady…

August 17th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Roddick will get his payback from Fed at Cincy.

August 17th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

Tsonga: Dear Roger, no matter what you say and your check to me, I just can’t get myself pumped enough to beat you. I don’t want to face an Andy either.

Fed: I can help you. (and he DF’ed the first MP.)

August 17th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Colin Says:

Good ol’ Cindy. “Nothing penetrates my cranium”.
Indeed it doesn’t.and that’s the problem. Delusional conspiracy theorists such as yourself have minds that are closed, self-sustaining systems, into which no new information can penetrate, if it happens to contradict the existing belief. Sad, really.

Could we please stick to analyzing the tennis and limit the personal attacks. Some of those remarks were uncalled for. I do have feeling, you know.

I simply threw an alternative explanation for Federer’s collapse out there. Is it so far fetched? Or is your mind so closed that you cannot conceive of this possibility.

OR maybe you’re in denial thinking your hero, Federer, would never do anything like that.

Now who’s delusional?

August 17th, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Good for Del potro to pull out, he looked dead yesterday. Smartest thing he has done… last year at the US Open, he also looked burnt out playing Murray…Now he can recharge the batteries. A full charged del potro will be dangerous…exciting times.

He he ! Murray draw now looks empty, semi final showing is looking good…

August 17th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

after watching murray/del potro final in montreal, the US Open looks like some exciting times.

even though i am a fed fan i don’t think he will win this year. i don’t know what is going on with him and hardcourts this year but he still seems to struggle in the best of three format. i still see him in the semis though.

after seeing nadal exit meekly in montreal (despite some flashes of brilliance) doesn’t give me high hopes for him either. it would be a tragedy not to see him in more five set battles this year though so hopefully his knees will stand up.

murray certainly is on fire but hasn’t proven to the most consistent player at grand slams. that being said, he is a riot to watch with his screaming and swearing on court, so i hope he makes a deep run.

del potro’s kind of growing on me. he’s kind of sampras-esque the way he lurks under his eyebrows by the baseline and he’ll never be voted the life of the party but i’m digging his play these days.

and roddick can hopefully make a strong run. it would be a real shame for him to be in the final and be denied yet again, so he either has to win it or get ousted in the semis.

August 17th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

This seems like a great draw. Djokovic always played Nadal great for some reason. He would do better against him than against someone like Roddick. One is coming back from injury and one is trying to stop his fall in the rankings- if they meet in the semis it would be the first time since the Madrid semi- since then both have struggled- maybe the winner would be able to recover (or maybe they would wear each other out before the USO again.)

On the other side it would be interesting to see what happens if Federer and Roddick runs into each other again. I wouldn’t be surprised if Federer tries to hold something back but seeing the history between these two I doubt he would want to lose to Roddick. I don’t think Roddick should throw everything out though- save something for the Open. Murray needs to start hitting more aggressive to regain his form from last year- that’s how he broke through and made a run in the U.S.O. Junk balling is fine but he needs something else to win in five setters.

August 17th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

blah Says:

“This seems like a great draw. Djokovic always played Nadal great for some reason.”

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

This is true. Their matches almost always gut wrenching. Mostly because Djokovic’s backhand handles the uber-topspin from Nadal’s forehand better than most. Nadal has come out on top in 14 of their 18 meetings, but it’s got more to do with Nadal playing more intelligently than Djokovic. Nadal is the only guy in the Top 10 who has a winning H2H record over everybody else in the Top 10. That intelligence is the large part of what’s gotten him what he has.

August 17th, 2009 at 8:24 pm

Safin won! Woot!

August 17th, 2009 at 8:43 pm

Safin won! Woot!

August 17th, 2009 at 8:43 pm

Jane, I watch safin too. He played within himself today. He got broken in the first set while serving for the set, I thought.. here we go again but he broke back straight away and serve for the set.

I heard the commentator saying.. “now the word is gone around the locker room, guys know if they hang in their with Marat there is a great chance he will self implode” ..Not good. Next match with Stepanek..he has a chance if he concentrate, stepanek gets a retirement today, he has not done well in the last few months…. but so is Marat.

August 17th, 2009 at 9:00 pm

Sorry, i didn’t realize my post went up twice. That happens to me occasionally and am not sure why. Anyhow, Kimmi I agree. Safin was “contained” tonight, really focused on the match. Safin in 1-1 vs. Stepanek, but they’ve not played since 2004 (!) so basically it’s a new match up. I am rooting for Marat all the way. I’d like to see him and Murray play. Marat has won their only match up but that was back in 2005. Likely Murray would take him to the cleaners, but it’d be a fun match to watch – one guy on the way out; one on the way in.

August 17th, 2009 at 9:55 pm

So glad JMDP pulled out. He needs the rest for the USO. Tennis is at a great place right now for the men. There are always a bunch of guys now who can win and upsets are a lot more common. It means the talents is getting deeper and that can only be good for the sport. Djoko has an easy draw so let’s see what he can do with it.

Murray definitely should go deep if not win it again. I hope Nadal and Fed both make it to the semis at least and would love to see them play in the final. It’s been a while.

August 17th, 2009 at 10:07 pm

“Safin in 1-1 vs. Stepanek, but they’ve not played since 2004 ”

Was that the year when safin won the AO ? That was his best year…Hope he does well here too. At least he looked like he was enjoying himself today… he looked miserable in Montreal, its easy to makes you wonder “why does he keep playing ?” Apparently, he is looking for that last PUSH…can he do it ???

Too bad Monfils lost to Dr Ivo today…he was playing really well in the beginning of the year, with these injuries his confidence is crushed over and over again. I love to see him play well, great talent but probably it will not be this USO.

August 17th, 2009 at 10:31 pm

Scottish, I know you’re not much of a Djoko fan, but I hope he can do something with this draw. You’re right; it’s a generous one, as he doesn’t run into any of the top guys right away. However, after Ljubicic (who can be great on the day, gave Murray major trouble at IW, for e.g.), Djoko will meet the winner of Chardy/Isner/Haas. Haas can obviously trouble Djoko on grass, but I am not sure how they’d match up on hard. I’d have to give Haas a good shot at the upset, if he gets through. And even Isner and Chardy are no slouches. So while i agree that Djoko’s section is light, especially compared to some of the other quarters, the way he’s playing (not very good) many guys can pull off the upset.

I’ll still cheer on Djoko all the way but he is really floundering.

I actually like Roddick’s chances against Fed, if they’re to meet again here. But Fed could go out sooner than that, imo. Roddick could have a tough match against either Soderling (if his injury is better) or Hewitt, but I really feel he should get at least to the quarters, and then likely run into Murray, who has a pretty good section overall.

So I am picking Andy vs. Andy in one semi, and on the other side, I’d love to see Nadal and Djoko – come what may! Given that I like all of these guys, if this plays out I’ll be happy no matter who wins the title.

On the other hand … wouldn’t it be fun to see Safin hoist a good-bye trophy? Dreaming…I know.

August 17th, 2009 at 10:37 pm

Kimmi – no Safin won the AO in 2005, and he was hot hot hot that event. His semi-final vs Fed is an all-time classic.

I was a little sad for Monfils too, as he played a good match. But you gotta hand it to Karlovic. He’s become a very very good serve and volleyer and takes very good care of his own service games, which means he just has to handle those tiebreaks, when they happen. Besides, he raps too! LOL.

August 17th, 2009 at 10:39 pm

Guys, I’ve something that I want to ask for a very long time. Is Ivo Karlovic a real doctor?

August 17th, 2009 at 10:44 pm

“Besides, he raps too! LOL.”

ha ha ha Good one jane. I need to listen to his rap on Youtube oneday. Just by looking at him, I feel it must be awful….

August 17th, 2009 at 10:47 pm

I am at Cincy and it is super hot. Really a blast furnace out there and more expected all week. It’s hard to just walk around, it’s hard to sit in the stands. Some guy gave us free evening box seats today so we gave our terrace seats away. Nice seeing Querry and Marat up close at night.

Saw Nadal and Rddick at the practice courts this morning. Delpo is smart to withdraw. He has probs with the heat like Novak. Lots of great matches today.

August 17th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

Sar, good to see you r enjoying yourself. I heard about the heat in cinci, must be really hot hot and humid… will test the fitness of a lot of players. Djoko reach the final last year, I don’t think this heat will be his issue, he has proved he can play there, his problems are something else.

I saw Ferrer’s post match and he said he thinks he won the match with wawrinka easily because he dealt better with conditions. Looks like it will be survival of the fittest…

August 17th, 2009 at 11:32 pm

Sar I hope you have loads of fun; carry a parasol around maybe, or at least were 45 sun block; we wouldn’t want the sun to affect you or the players. It sounds as though you’re seeing a number of the players up close and personal, so that’s what it’s all about. Enjoy!

August 17th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

Guys…..What is up with all of this tanking talk…..Federer did not and has never lost a match on purpose….You people are crazy to think that…..No, Federer is not near as motivated at the MS as he is at the majors, but how could he be….I will tell you this though…..If Federer thinks winning as MS will boost him on to Major than there is a good chance he will win it….Look at Madrid, and look at Cincinatti in 2007…….Do not be surprised to see Federer win this tournament right before the US Open…….Anybody who says Murray is the favorite going into the US Open has lost there minds……..Federer is the favorite for this reason (2004,2005,2006,2007,2008) he was the champion and it does not matter how bad he is playing or how well somebody else is playing Roger will be the favorite until somebody takes his crown and I do not think that is going to happen this year……Specially with the number 1 ranking on the line……Do not wake up a sleeping Dragon!

August 18th, 2009 at 1:04 am

Rafael Nadal says:

“No. 3 is a very good number too…”

Its cool dude! :)

August 18th, 2009 at 2:33 am

sports fan – interesting that you say “Do not wake up a sleeping dragon.” That indicates that you admit Federer is not what he was. Otherwise, why would the dragon need to “wake”?
Meanwhile, back at Cincy, Karlovic has defeated Monfils in a match which – surprise! – included a couple of tiebreaks.

August 18th, 2009 at 3:57 am

Federer doesn’t want to win Cincinnati. Look for one of those crazy early exits from him. He doesn’t need the points. Murray is on his side of the draw. Probably doesn’t want to show his hand to Murray until the US Open.

If Murray wins this event, it doesn’t look good for him at the US Open. I Remember Stefan Edberg coming into the Open in 1990 winning all the hard court events leading up to it. He got stunned early. The law of averages catch up.

Murray fans better hope he doesn’t win Cincy and Djokovic or Roddick does. The tennis Gods will be kinder to Murray at the Open.

August 18th, 2009 at 7:40 am

The seeding system can be strange sometimes.

Sharapova not showing enough consistency in her career.

Do you think tennis ranking system needs to be changed?

August 18th, 2009 at 8:37 am

Who cares if Nadal is no.3?.. everyone wants a Federer-Nadal final for Grand Slams.. there is just no comparison

August 18th, 2009 at 10:25 am

does anyone know who won montreal and cincinnati masters in a row last time? has anyone won these 2 masters and us open in the same year?

August 18th, 2009 at 11:33 am

Depending on the outcome of the results of Verdasco’s match today, looking at his draw, he has a wonderful opportunity to get to the QFs where Murray will be waiting, and their match should be a very electrifying one.

I’d be very surprised if Roddick makes it to the QFs in his section of the draw considering it will be his 10th match in two weeks and he could be riding low on energy. He’d have to go through Querrey, who’s rested, having lost early at Montreal last week and then the winner of Soderling/Hewitt, all extremely tough competitors who’ve always played Andy very close. Hopefully, Roddick can weather the storm and get to the QFs to gain some ranking points and at least make his appearance at Cincy count for something. However, I’m not holding much hope for a miracle to happen whereby there will be a Federer/Roddick QF meeting. If it doesn’t happen, it would be a blessing in disguise for Roddick to get some much needed rest and simultaneously refrain from giving Federer any looks at Roddick’s form going into the USO.

August 18th, 2009 at 11:40 am

“has anyone won these 2 masters and us open in the same year?’

Without looking at the stats, I believe Roddick did it in ’03.

August 18th, 2009 at 11:42 am

Von, you have made a good point about Roddick; I’d kind of forgotten he played Washington too, so it may be a good thing for him to have some down-time pre-USO. However, I’d see like to see him in the quarters at least here.

———————————————–
i am it, I know for a fact that Agassi won the Roger’s Cup and Cincy in the same year, but I don’t think it was the same year he won the USO.

August 18th, 2009 at 11:45 am

Voicemale1:

For you — Nadal says his return to his previous form will take time. I don’t know if you remember my post to you on Nadal’s present form wherein I mentioned that progress is cumulative and takes time, well it seems Nadal thinks that will be the case for him. As I said, if anyone can do it, Nadal is the one, so despair not. I love his mindset and it shows tremendous maturity for a 23 year-old whereby he’s cognizant that patience is the watch-word and time will be his friend. Mazel tov!!

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18082009/58/open-nadal-return-form-time.html

Another example of Nadal’s maturity and knowing his priorities, he’s not bothered by the ranking — awesome mindset. Where others would be devastated, this guy is showing mucho maturity — I think I’m becoming an admirer of his.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18082009/58/nadal-bothered-ranking.html

August 18th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Murray just one of the contenders per the following:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18082009/58/open-fed-murray-contenders.html

_________________
Ezorra: You had asked whether Karlovic is a doctor. NO he isn’t; it’s just a nick name for him. I do know he’s married to a psychologist though.

August 18th, 2009 at 12:06 pm

Von Says:
Without looking at the stats, I believe Roddick did it in ‘03.

Rafter 1998.

August 18th, 2009 at 12:09 pm

I thought Ivo went to some college, no?

August 18th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

Roddick did it in 03. Rafter in 98. AA in 95, won canada, cincy, washington and new haven and lost in the USO final to sampras.

August 18th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

Is there going to be an ITF inquiry into Roger’s cheats? If he tanks Cincy too I would expect money penalty even some short ban.

August 18th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

jane:

Roddick played some extremely tough matches in DC and Montreal, and I don’t care what anyone else says, those tough matches are extremely taxing both to the mind and body. He had to go through huge servers in Querrey, Karlovic, and Isner before meeting DelPotro in DC. Then in Montreal, Andreev, Verdasco and Djokovic before meeting DelPotro in the SF. To me that’s a lot of tough matches in two weeks. So to reiterate, I’m not holding out much hope for him but would like him to at least get to the QF, but an upset could happen before then, and I won’t be disappointed one bit, because he needs the R&R big-time and then some.

August 18th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

scineram: Ivo has some college but he’s NOT a doctor. Maybe you’re confusing him with Ancic, who’s got a law degree in his country, Croatia.
___________________
“Is there going to be an ITF inquiry into Roger’s cheats? If he tanks Cincy too I would expect money penalty even some short ban.”

I thought you were a Fed fan.

August 18th, 2009 at 12:17 pm

Roddick also won the USO Series points twice, and got second place once. During the ’03 USO series, I also believe Andy won DC, but am not 100 percent sure — I think he won DC in ’03, ’05, and ’07. If Andy did win DC in ’03, it means he won DC, Montreal, Cincy and the USO all in the same year. I think that says a lot for my little guy and he ain’t that bad at all, n’est ce pas?

August 18th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

I wonder why all of the top seeds are playing tomorrow? I would think that the TD would have liked to spread them out over Tuesday and Wednesday to give more bounce to the ounce at cincy, but it looks like they want a super Wednesday instead.

Roddick loves the support he’s receiving in the US and is also humbled by this experience.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/tennis/08/17/roddick.support.ap/index.html

Interesting analysis of the depth in men’s tennis:

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/115130-depth-showcased-on-mens-tour?eref=fromSI

August 18th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

Veno: For you — my favourite Verdasco commentator. LOL. Look at the comment where the poster asks: ‘Who is he’. LOL.

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/115226-cahill-leaves-mark-as-tv-analyst?eref=fromSI

August 18th, 2009 at 12:43 pm

Does “IT” ever stop talking about Roddick??

“IT” rubs the lotion in or it gets the hose again.

August 18th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

Cindy, do you realize you’re speaking as though you are “Buffalo Bill”, the sexually confused, psychopathic serial killer from “Silence of the Lambs”, who raises moths in his basement? Not the most flattering voice to use to portray yourself. Besides which, it’s unclear to my why you care if Von talks about Roddick.

————————————————-

Verdasco is out. He hit too many UEs today, just couldn’t get a rhythm going.

August 18th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

Von:

I did see your post about Nadal and how you likened his comeback to a sort of rehab. Nicely put. I’d thought, given how he’s basically playing his way back into fighting shape that we wouldn’t see the best of him until probably the YEC in London at the earliest, and probably not at full tilt until Australia of 2010. He also has the Davis Cup Semis right after the US Open, and if Spain wins that one – the Davis Cup Final in December.

His ranking at #3 poses a lot of challenges to both Federer & Murray, especially at the US Open or even Australian. If Federer or Murray have to go through a Major having to play guys like Tsonga, Roddick or Del Potro in the Quarters, then have to deal with Nadal or Djokovic in the Semis and still have the Final to play after matches like that – it’s tough to see both of them coming through it. Especially Murray. Best of Five is not exactly Murray’s forte – and all of the potential QF & SF seeds he’d meet have played him very tough many times. Federer Forehand is more of a weapon than any one shot Murray has, so he’s far more suited to Best of Five. But at age 28, a series of long grueling matches like that could well take a toll on even Federer – especially if he had Nadal as a SF opponent.

August 18th, 2009 at 1:14 pm

Lol Von…

And tx for the WC schedule in Berlin earlier….but I’m in the same time zone and they broadcast all live on Eurosport and the BBC….so no worries that I miss anything :)

If you think Cahill talks a lot(mumbo jumbo and love sick of Fernando V) try listening to Brendan Foster(Who? The Olympic Bronze medalist on the 10K at the Olympics in Montreal) when he’s commentating to an event with a Brit in it….OH MY GOD!!!!

August 18th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

Jane, a shout out to your boy Novak…

As I have told you earlier I have never been a fan, but I really am rooting for him to get back into the mix. Since he has put a little space between him and his(annoying) family my respect for him has grown and I like to see him get better and more confident. For some reason I think he will be a force at the USO this year.

August 18th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

Cahill’s expression of his man crush on F.V. will have to be put on hold until the USO…

August 18th, 2009 at 1:27 pm

jane:

I suppose you know I hardly ever post any articles on Roddick but only on the top four and tennis in general — this was a one-off, so I don’t know what’s Brady’s problem, except to pick a fight and unleash her pent-up venom, which is why she posts under the guise of being a tennis fan.

Cindy Brady is infra dignitatem to me. She hates Roddick, and she hates herself even more. How could anyone who has a smidgen of self-love open themselves up to so much criticism from others? Yesterday, she told Colin to stick to tennis and leave the personal attacks because she has ‘feeling[s}, but then she goes on to call him ‘delusional’ and attack him personally. Also, she showed her hand by criticizing Federer, which demonstrates that her support of him was false/fake all along as I’ve been saying. LOL. ‘Oh what a tangled web we weave’. She keeps harping on ‘tanking’, and I hope she knows one phone call on her alleged factual knowledge on the alleged tanking of Lendl’s and Federer’s, could get her into serious trouble big time.

I doubt whether Brady and the others like her, who go out of their way to attack me and others without provocation, are aware that they are the ones who look bad/sick and not the person they are attacking. It’s unbelievable how far removed from reality some people are. LOL.
___________________________
Cindy Brady you are a coward and this is for you:

“Cowards die many times before their deaths,
The valiant never taste of death but once.”
Julius Caesar (II, ii, 32-37)

BTW, I know you won’t understand the above so I’ll explain it for you, you are the coward and I’m the valiant one. LOL. Attack me how much you want henceforth, I won’t answer you because I know it will kill you and I’d like for you to STIFLE. capiche?

August 18th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

CAT FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! meauwwwwwwwwwwww….chhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….tssssssss…….

August 18th, 2009 at 1:41 pm

“A coward dies a thousand deaths, I soldier dies but once.”

August 18th, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Dear von, please get into your inperturbed MO again…Think figure skating, Andy Roddick, T&F and Veno :)

August 18th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Voicemale1:

“I’d thought, given how he’s basically playing his way back into fighting shape that we wouldn’t see the best of him until probably the YEC in London at the earliest, and probably not at full tilt until Australia of 2010.”

To reiterate, I think Nadal has the healthiest mind-set one could have by embracing this affliction he’s dealing with in a very positive way. In such situations, the mind battle is the most difficult one, which translates to Nadal is winning the war and is conquering his major pitfalls. he’ll get there and he’ll look back on this time as a part of his learning curve. It’s only when we are faced with trauma and tragedy that we truly experience mental growth and this young man is now ahead of many in that department. Words cannot express how much I admire Nadal’s new mindset and I wish all the good things he’d wish for himself. Mazel tov to your guy, and be proud of him — he’s a winner!

“His ranking at #3 poses a lot of challenges to both Federer & Murray, especially at the US Open or even Australian. If Federer or Murray have to go through a Major having to play guys like Tsonga, Roddick or Del Potro in the Quarters, then have to deal with Nadal or Djokovic in the Semis and still have the Final to play after matches like that – it’s tough to see both of them coming through it.”

You’re bang on here. I can’t see either of them making it to the final and winning. Well, maybe making it to the final, but winning, I doubt it very much.

I don’t know if you’ve seen my posts wherein I’ve mentioned that I’d like to see the top 4 guys challenged more earlier in slams and MS tourneys in general? I honestly feel if they were, then we’d see very different results and there won’t be such utter domination from just a few players. I feel the seeding enables the top players to get to the SF and finals without having to expend too much energy. In essence, I’d like to see them work harder for their titles and for the fans to be able to see more competitive early round matches.

August 18th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

“I feel the seeding enables the top players to get to the SF and finals without having to expend too much energy. In essence, I’d like to see them work harder for their titles and for the fans to be able to see more competitive early round matches.”

Nice out-loud thinking there, but alas, also wishful thinking imo.

They have worked hard enough to get that seeding. It’s up to the other players to make up the gap and challenge them, like they had to do before they got to the pinnacle of the draw…

Otherwise, why don’t just get rid of seeding altogether and draw all 128 from the same bowl.

August 18th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

Veno: “CAT FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! meauwwwwwwwwwwww….chhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….tssssssss…….”

Are you doing an ‘Et tu Brutus’ on me here? LOL.

Hey, did you watch the T&F yesterday? I watched some recorded portions and enjoyed them all. The US athletes are doing very well, however, I didn’t see any from the Netherlands? What’s going on there?

BTW, I’m back to my calming MO and thoughts of Veno. LOL. You’re welcome on the Berlin link. Did you read those links I posted today?

August 18th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

Veno: “They have worked hard enough to get that seeding. It’s up to the other players to make up the gap and challenge them, like they had to do before they got to the pinnacle of the draw…

“Otherwise, why don’t just get rid of seeding altogether and draw all 128 from the same bowl.”

I know, I always get this argument, but it’s how I feel about the seedings, but I digress. Happy now, Veno?

August 18th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

Yes I have ma’am! And I’m shocked you make the reference to me pulling a Brutus!!! I dare never go that far as to betray my caesar(remember my classical training? I have read Julius Caesar in Latin a long time ago)
Always a pleasure to read your links!!!
T&F does mot get ANY financial support whatsoever in the Netherlands…It’s sad…There was a heptathlete competing but that’s it unfortunately.
Some great “Athletics” (as we call it) in Berlin and it’s broadcast here live on 2 channels….

August 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

Veno: I was kidding about the Et tu brutus because of the ‘cat fight’ thing which you were making funof. If you noticed i wote ‘LOL’, because I thought it was funny. capiche?

Tell HRH Beatrix to dole out some money for the athletes in the Netherlands. Those male giants would do well in T&F for sure.

August 18th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

Lol Von, don’t worry; I was redirecting my comment at you in a playful and joyful manner LOL!
Just as reference I would have to say in Latin the phrase is: Et tu, Brute?

But now I’m digressing…

We have had a couple of good athletes but unfortunately the money goes to other sports…

August 18th, 2009 at 2:15 pm

Von is an e-warrior/e-psychiatrist now LMAO…..

Those are the real ramblings of the delusional.

Von is no tennis fan. She is more of a Roddick stalker in disguise who would boil his bunny if he “ignored” her in person.

Light switch ON

Light switch OFF

Etc….

August 18th, 2009 at 2:20 pm

Veno, thanks for the shout out. I think Djoko needs all the shouting he can get these days. LOL. It’d be so nice to see him back at his 07 form, but alas, they all have their ups and downs, don’t they?

Von, it’s true that the links you’ve been posting have rarely been about Roddick but have encompassed a myriad of topics. I enjoyed the post on the depth in tennis, with insightful comments from both Stefanki and Edberg. I thought the first comment in the “comments section” was a good counter-point though. For while there is more depth in men’s tennis right now, the same two guys have mainly been winning the slams. Let’s hope that begins to switch and we get a few more winners in the mix!

August 18th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

You’re welcome Jane!

And Von, I’ve been in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin adn stood where Jesse Owens made history!!! Very cool feeling to be there…..

August 18th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

jane: Thanks for the affirmation/verification on my links. I try to share as much as possible from my email subscriptions because I know you’re awre also that I never visit websites (my lazyness big-time) and the emails are my only source of tennis information. You know what I enjoy most, is reading the comments from the multitude of posters. Wow, talk about a conglomeration of the sane vs. the insane, well it’s there in those comments. LOL.

Don’t worry about your boy, he’ll get a second wind. It’s a stage most athletes and young-men go through until they finally get to a point that some things need to be changed in their mind-set. It’s not about coaches and player’s camp, it’s all about what’s going on upstairs and ? in testosterone land (see Veno for some insight on how that works, whew, it’s hot! LOL and LOL again). And, until that’s all sorted out, then their game will be on hold. Remember, each player is an individual and what works for one does not necessarily work for another.
_______________________
Veno: Actually, it can be ‘Et tu Bruti’ also.

August 18th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Hewitt got it back on level terms…

August 18th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Veno: It’s funny you mentioned Jesse Owens (1939 wasn’t it?) because I thought about that last night and got goose bumps just trying to envision what it was like in those days for him as a black athlete in berlin. Talk about history, it’s right there, and it’s awesome!

August 18th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

Veno: I’m hoping for Hewitt to win this one. I can’t seem to get a feed on get Seppi’s match. Do you?

August 18th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

C’mon Rusty.

August 18th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

Von says: “Veno: Actually, it can be ‘Et tu Bruti’ also.”

Thanks Von, for the extra insight…Somehow I knew you weren’t going to let it pass without notification hahaha
Unfortunately, as a classical adept I have to inform you that Et tu Bruti? is wrong. Sorry…
It is “Et tu, Brute?” when using the Latin phrase…

Don’t shoot me please :)

August 18th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

yeah, and, Rusty breaks!!

August 18th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

Veno, I haven’t been inside the Berlin stadium, but I saw the view through the entrance from a bus, while visiting Berlin for a jazz festival in (my gosh!)1971. I believe the architect – was it Speer? – was deliberately aiming for a building that would one day make a good-looking ruin.
As for the tennis, Hewitt is locked in a struggle with Soderling. First set to the Sod 6-3, then Hewitt won a long tiebreak. He may not be loveable, but you have to admire his fighting spirit.

August 18th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

Von Says:

Veno: It’s funny you mentioned Jesse Owens (1939 wasn’t it?) because I thought about that last night and got goose bumps just trying to envision what it was like in those days for him as a black athlete in berlin. Talk about history, it’s right there, and it’s awesome!

It were the Olympics of 1936, held in Berlin, hosted by Hitler in Nazi-Germany(his party NSDAP became the leading party in 1933) and it was a propoganda attempt to show the world the caucasian(white) Arians(Germans) were physically superior to other races. And there was Jesse Owens, winning 4 gold medals and obliterating the competition on 100m, 200m, long jump and the 4*100m relay. Hitler refused to shake his hand and he put the black power fist in the air on the podium!

August 18th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

Colin, they told me then it was a German named Werner March who designed it and it was buit to look like a Roman ruin in the future…

August 18th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

Looked it up…it was Werner March and there have been modifications made in 1974 by Friedrich Wilhelm Krahe.

August 18th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

16 aces for Robin, but the little ankle biter is ahead a break in the decider

August 18th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

Veno: Thanks for the correction nn the year. My Dad always talked of Jesse Owens and his admiration for such a valiant athlete (even though before my dad’s time) who won despite the race barriers. As I said it gave me goose bumps just trying to envision what it was like for Mr. Owens in that pro-German/white environment.

August 18th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

Colin: I don’t appreciate some of Hewitt’s on-court antics, but how could anyone not admire his tenacity — he’s such a fighter!

August 18th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Mucho thunderstorms here. i hope Daniel took my advice and is holding on to a post and the umbrella. ha ha.

Rusty is holding on for dear life on his break, and I’m hoping he will win. C’mon Rusty.

Gonzalez and Berdych are now playing. isn’t it wonderful that we get to see so many great matches from round one, which was not the case even two years ago. Tennis has evolved into a gladiatorial sport for sure.

August 18th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

Von and Veno – have you seen the Leni Riefenstahl film of those Berlin Olympics? She may have been politically suspect (to say the least) but she was an amazing film-maker.
Hewitt duly won, and his fellow Aussie Chris Guccione beat Kohlschreiber. That’s a good win, as the German is considerably higher ranked.
Meanwhile, Venus williams does it again – or rather fails to.

August 18th, 2009 at 3:56 pm

Colin: I did not see the film you mentioned, but I’ve watched the Jesse Owens story and all I can say it’s a resounding form of inspiration for black athletes all over the world.

Yes, great wins for Guccione and Hewitt. Tsonga has his work cut out for him when he faces that huge serve of Guccione, and I think Becker will lose to Hewitt.

August 18th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

Hey Colin-I have seen both parts(albeit a long time ago) of that documentary as well as other documentaries from that time.
It was called Olympia(spelled out loud as Olumpia) and that was some filming indeed.

Venus just lost the second set to 5 after winning the first to 1….Mucho UE again…
I saw coverage og the Cincy tourney last week, a total string of atrocious matches. Safina in the final was unbelievable weak mentally…The desperation in her eyes…oh my, a champion unbecoming and she even had on-court coaching!!!

August 18th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

I predict an easy win for Tsonga…about 4 and 3.

I’ll go with you on Hewitt beating Becker..I think in straights…tight sets though…4 and 6

August 18th, 2009 at 4:14 pm

Bah, Gonzo retired….And Kunitsyn got the break back on James….

August 18th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

Von: Andy Roddick says: “If we’re being honest, my worst day there is playing one of the greatest Wimbledon finals. It’s a pretty good worst day.”

So good to see he’s always able to look himself directly in the eye in the mirror of life!

August 18th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

Andreev-Simon looks like a great match-up

August 18th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Blake’s FH is giving me ajita, 17 UEs off of the FH side. It looks as though he’s going to lose this match — what a shame!

August 18th, 2009 at 4:56 pm

I concur Von. James is such a great person, but he can’t seem to find some form…What a pity. Love seeing the guy play…

August 18th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

All but over for Blake, my stream is with Russian commentary Von!!!!!!

August 18th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

19 ue on the fh side, forget ajita..giving me angina

August 18th, 2009 at 5:24 pm

Phew, James still in it

August 18th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

Veno: Please don’t get a heart attack over Blake — ajita is enough, but angina is way too much. LOL

I suppose pretty soon it’ll be time to slumber, so have a good night and I’ll catch you tomorrow.

August 18th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Later gator…

Unfortunately I won’t be able to see Andy’s match on the Wednesday of Wonders tomorrow :(

August 18th, 2009 at 5:38 pm