Murray Wilts, Nadal New No. 2 at US Open

Nadal hit a whopping 0 aces in 4 sets. He needs to learn to score cheap points if he wants to get things done easier.

September 8th, 2009 at 11:51 pm

I don’t know who “staff” is, but that was funny; you know?

September 8th, 2009 at 11:59 pm

You know, I think you’re being, you know, too harsh on players who, you know, over-use “you know”, you know.

Most players do not have beyond 10th grade education. As juniors they train full time and go pro, and their you know, work commitments come at the cost of their education. So you know, you can’t expect players to be too intelligent or to have you know, good communications skills. A guy like Blake is smart and has good language skills. He went to Harvard. It’s rare you know, for any player to do post high school study because they want to focus on their career, you know.

September 9th, 2009 at 12:13 am

Someone’s paid to count the number of times tennis players say “You know” in their post-match interviews?

I am in the wrong line of work.

September 9th, 2009 at 12:20 am

“Andy Murray said “you know” 81 times in his post-match loss at US Open…”

Could have been because he lost a match. Check out his post-match interview after beating Dent – he said ‘you know’ only 6 times. He said ‘you never know’ two times, though.

My point is that you never know with Murray when he is winning, but you know when he loses… ;)

September 9th, 2009 at 12:24 am

“My point is that you never know with Murray when he is winning, but you know when he loses… ;)”

LOL :-)

September 9th, 2009 at 1:04 am

Mental midget? Well, as tall as Monfils is, it sounds quite appropriate :-)

September 9th, 2009 at 1:05 am

We know, you know and he also knows how darn boring he is.

Let the excitement begin.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:06 am

Mental midget?
What, did Monfils do a Safina?

September 9th, 2009 at 2:02 am

Ok, huh?? Could someone explain this to me? From an AP article:
“Nadal will overtake Andy Murray in next week’s ATP rankings, but might not regain the No. 2 spot.”
Does that mean Djokovic or DelPo have a chance to get there?
Yet, the ATP site says this assures Rafa’s return to No. 2
Does anyone, you know, know what’s what?

September 9th, 2009 at 2:05 am

caroline kennedy was educated at harvard and how many you knows did she say when she was trying to get that senate seat handed to her.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:19 am

Giner: „Nadal hit a whopping 0 aces in 4 sets. He needs to learn to score cheap points if he wants to get things done easier.“

That’s very true, but then again, he can compensate that with his 1st serve percentage, which is usually above or around 70 (as it was the case today). In other words, as long as he can hit that 5000 rpm 1st serve to the opponent’s BH (especially wide), even if it’s not an ace, it’s usually still enough for him to set up a nice position for unleashing that bludgeoning lefty FH (which, in most of the cases, means game over for the opponent).

September 9th, 2009 at 3:02 am

Check out the live action for Asia at http://www.totalsports.tv!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:24 am

Dare I say that Rafa’s serve was inhibited by the stomach muscle injury???

Well Done Rafa. You are simply the best!

September 9th, 2009 at 5:02 am

Lenny, if Djokovic wins the title and Rafa goes out to Gonzo, then Djokovic will be No 2.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:06 am

Murray has been found out, once he had to play against someone who was not prepared to play ping pong with him he was unable to do anything. I believe that Delpo would have beaten him in Montreal if he wasn’t exhausted, Murray only won it in the 3rd set, when Juan-Martin was to tired to do anything.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:17 am

My prediction:
RF vs Djoke 1st semi – Fed goes to the final
Del Potro vs Nadal 2nd semi – Del Potro goes to the final.
Regardless of who goes, RF wins. He simply has too much variety.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:20 am

Wouldn’t it be a hoot if soderling beats fed tonight, hence clearing the way for rafa to complete his career grandslam if he can beat JMDP in the semis? Hahaha …

September 9th, 2009 at 8:19 am

Ferix that would be ironic. I don’t think Murray is unintelligent and clearly he had every right to be disoriented after his loss. It was just a striking use of words. Federer uses the term “pity” anytime he describes something he sees as unfortunate in his pressers.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:29 am

>>Re: gonzalez-Tsonga match: Once again, the french-bear let emotions get the better of him. on song while things were going ok, & a wounded puppy when thins got away from him. But I mst say, Gonzalez displayed a classic case of bullying in the first set. Endless histrionics in the first set (curse, rackets & everything in between)…to bottom-up towards the opponent!! Lol. He completely entered tsonga’s head & by the time Tsonga ecovered, sets 2&3 were done & dusted with. The match lived up to it’s explosive billing.

Rafa-monfils: My man Monfils! allez! you lost again *puffing smoke from both ears*. well, well, no surprise here really. the better man won i suppose.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:06 am

REQUEST TO THE ADMINISTRATOR:

Is it possible to have emoticons on this website? It will go a long way in making blogging more enjoyable in displaying a bloggers imaginary emotions. Also it may assist a few posters in realising that not everything that is written about their favourite players or anything else for that matter is either directed to them, or not taken as seriously as they wish to believe (****cough, cough….wink, wink****)

Nice blog overall & definitely lives up to it’s name as the dysfunctional tennis blog. lol!

>DAN MARTIN, can you assist with this?

September 9th, 2009 at 9:14 am

<>

LOL I totally agree. I do think he has a good game mind you, just not good enough to come through a major yet.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:20 am

I think the website is fine as it is. Interesting discussions, some bordering on the insane and irrational but fun, nonetheless. One cannot be lucid all the time while in the depths of despair (from an idols loss) or the zenith of ecstasy (from an idols win). While another blogger stomps down on you further in times of defeat, another one tries to cheer you up. The same way that one blogger tries to dampen your joy in victory, another one shares in your celebration and lifts you up further. It is just so much like life.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:22 am

Btw did ESPN or any TV channel in the US show the Tsonga-Gonzalez match live? I’m outside the US but I guess they had the same stupid feed from US ESPN so they were showing the same Oudin match instead of live action. I can’t wait till I can see all matches live and free on the internet, then I can say bye bye to crappy sports networks.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:29 am

“You Know” Polo,

I’m not one to stomp an anyone when they are down.

“You Know”

*Wink*….*Wink*

September 9th, 2009 at 9:30 am

@1@05: “Mental midget? Well, as tall as Monfils is, it sounds quite appropriate :-)”

LOLEST! you know! ayayaiya-my man Monfils makes it very difficult to watch & support once he meets a top5 player you know. He completely loses it. Roger Rasheed still has plenty of work to do. At least Safina tries when she’s losing her brains…you know…but for My Man Monfils, a shut-down is a complete shut-down you know….no pretence to even trying you know. I still like him you know.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:37 am

Me neither, Cindy_Brady, I never stomp on anyone when they are down. I just jump for joy. Unfortunately, my feet land on them on my way down.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:44 am

Monfils was more physically than mentally exhausted last night. He was getting out of breath towards the end of the second set. Safina on the other hand, starts her matches already out of breath from tension. What is wrong with these Russian women (except Sharapova)? Why are they all so mentally handicapped? Pres. Medvedev should detain them all and not allow them out of Russia. As representatives of their country, they are failing miserably. This give Russia a bad name.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:50 am

If it was more physical than mental, then I give My Man Monfils the slightest pass…..I’ll cut hiim just a bit of slack. I only watched the first set (crazy time zone difference) & I thought he’d be able to keep up. I check the results later & I assumed he collapsed mentally ‘coz he’s quite fit & athletic…..but knowing Nadal, yeah, the opponent will be running all day long. You know!

September 9th, 2009 at 10:00 am

I think the problem with women in general is that they experience success at a very young age when they are not fully developed. Yes, they can swing the racquet & hit the ball really good…but tennis, like most other sports is more than just physical. Most of these women are in there teens to say 22/23. By 22/23, most of them have already had a breakthough. Someone like sharapova is just 22 but already had immense success & anyone would be forgiven to think she’s been on tour for over a decade 7 close to retiring. The Williams sisters also had success on WTS level at teens.

imo, what these teenage girls need is an extra-support team…non-pushy parents. someone to help them cope with the success….this is where Richard Williams & Sharapova’s father have excelled. their daughters are mentally tough as nails & if they lose, it’s rarely a mental issue. On the other hand, we have someone like Ivanovic who despite having immense talent, a grand-slam champion is a shadow of her last-yr self. She just hasn’t coped mentally. And the thing is that it is not always possible to separate on & off-court stuff. e.g. if the teenager is having off-court melodramatics, then she’s hardly going to be focussed on court.

Now, compare this with the mens game….we find that Nadal is the exception rather than the norm of being a successful teenager on the ATP(i.e teenage top10/20, GS champion). The men have mostly have a breakthrough circa 21-22 yrs. so by this time, they are more mentally ready to cope with the pressures of the tour than the teenage girls.

Just to show my point, how many teenage boys/men are ranked in the top100 for men? Is there any. The youngest ones, the DelPs & Cilics are already twenty. Now compare this with the women’s tour where the majority in top100 is between 17-24, with the youngest, Michelle De-Britto (#70s), being only 16yrs old.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:20 am

Talking about teen girls in women’s tennis, I’d like to add into the mix Nicole Vaidisova…who showed so much promise 2-3 years ago, but just faded away totally. She’s been a mess on court lately.

Tennis and glamour at very early age don’t mix together very well (few exceptions such as when u r mentally so strong and have the right people around…e.g. Sharapova, Williams etc).

September 9th, 2009 at 10:34 am

Ferix,

If Soderling were to win, what would be the bigger streak he stopped: Rafa’s 31 in a row at Roland Garros or Federer’s 21 consecutive slam semifinals? Both streaks seem unlikely to ever be replicated

Been there – I can ask, I have no real responsibilities for the site beyond writing (and encryption of classified information), but it never hurts to ask.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:38 am

About tennis girsl starting at their teens, remember Graf, Seles, Chris? They turned out very well, indeed. Add to them the Williams sisters and Sharapova. Some people are just born naturally mentally tough. Some as born baskets. That is something inherent and cannot be learned. They can mask it for while but when the going gets tough, they crack. Only the mentally tough ones win. Ivanovic and Kusnetzova won their French because they were up against the queen of mental meltdowns, Safina. They would not have won against anybody else (except maybe, another Russian, e.g., Zvonareva, Petrova, Dementieva)

September 9th, 2009 at 10:54 am

If Soderling were to win, what would be the bigger streak he stopped: Rafa’s 31 in a row at Roland Garros or Federer’s 21 consecutive slam semifinals? Both streaks seem unlikely to ever be replicated

Most definitely Federer streak by a large margin.

To never get tripped up once before a semi-final at a grand slam event in 5 + years is more Joe DiMaggio 56 hitting streak like. Which has never been topped.

To do it consistently on different surfaces dealing with all kinds of circumstances and conditions is beyond amazing. It will never be duplicated. Ever!

September 9th, 2009 at 10:58 am

To Dan Martin:
Federer has 38 consecutive macthes won at USOpen, I think that’s better than Rafa’s 31 in a row. And for you Federer will win the tournament.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:12 am

Polo…I agree on most points. But I don’t believe in someone being born with a skill, especially mental toughness. I think it’s shaped by the surroundings, upbringing and the people one interacts with right from the day of birth. Often, there is not much choice.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:20 am

To add to Fed’s semifinal streak, how many can play for nearly 6 years at peak fitness? Scary thing is it is not over yet!

Most champions have invariably had more than one miss during their peak (either being absent, physically unfit or mentally down). This record suggests to me that Fed is quite unmatched in all those areas.

Though Nadal’s record is simply great, he hasn’t maintained peak physical form every year. He is at the top of his level for French…but invariably has been tapering off at the end off the year. It’s like he has a fixed capacity tank…which is more like…”the more u use, the more it runs out…and there is no reserve”.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:31 am

To Blank: Good point. It is a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. I would say though that hereditary factors play an important role. One is born with an inherent potential for something. It is up to his surroundings, upbringing and the people he interacts with. One thing I can say though about current researches about the mankind, a lot of researches seem to show that our actions are governed by what is contained in our genes. Those genes control the chemicals and hormones and etc. Schizophrenia is hereditary, so how one reacts mentally to life’s stresses later on, like in professional tennis, may somehow be controlled by hereditary factors. Let me site Safina and her brother Marat as examples. Aren’t both hindered in their tennis successes by their mental limitations?

September 9th, 2009 at 11:50 am

Plus the ATP Master Series level events all used to be best-of-5 till 2007. Since 2008, it is best-of-3. Which makes Federer’s record (16 currently) even more great.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Federer_career_statistics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Roger_Federer
Enuf said. :-)

September 9th, 2009 at 12:07 pm

I have been impressed with Nadal from the time I saw him play Roddick in Davis Cup several years ago. That was before he won his first slam. He is a phenomenon as much as Federer. Maybe even more so considering how much he has accomplished this early in his career. And he works really hard to improve on all surfaces. Whereas previous champions such as Lendl and Agassi (early in his career) were scared of and even avoided playing some surfaces such as the grass of Wimbledon, Nadal fearlessly embraced it early and tried to hone his game to the surface which eventually lead to his victory there. He should be a model to all upcoming tennis players to try to be good in everything.

September 9th, 2009 at 12:19 pm

If Djokovic wins the US Open and Nadal loses in the Quarters, Djokovic will be ranked 2nd by 275 rating points over Nadal. Any other combination of events, Nadal will be ranked #2.

September 9th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

I agree Polo that Nadal is phenomenal and one of the reasons I love watching him play. Some of the returns he made last night were unreal. The problem I have with him is that I can’t see him having a long successful career with his style of play. For sure he will win some more majors and maybe even this USO. But to see him at the same level in 5 – 8 years is unlikely unless he changes.

September 9th, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Even more Polo,

Federer is more naturally gifted then Nadal. He can win points easier with one swing of the racket. Fed doesn’t always have to rely on the mental side of things. With the type of game Nadal employs, he needs to be mentally tougher which he is. Even more so than Federer.

I Don’t think I’ve seen a player as mentally strong as Nadal is. Used to believe Borg was supreme in that area but I think since Federer pushes Nadal so hard he’s even better than Borg.

If Federer and Nadal meet in the U.S Open final (cross fingers) it will be very interesting to see who is favored and why by all the experts.

Nadal has the head to head over him, especially in big matches at grand slams. Has the ability to force doubt in the head of Federer.

And Federer has the streak going on at the U.S open and seemingly the surface favors his game. Also, wants to prove to the world he can beat Nadal in a big Grand slam match when everything’s on the line. Wants to justify his last two grand slam victories and his #1 ranking which many feel are jaded by the absence of Nadal.

Something is going to give here. It will probably be the most anticipated encounter in tennis, “maybe” ever. Nadal will really have nothing to lose. IMO, the pressure will be on Federer.

September 9th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

If Fed and Nadal meet in the finals then I can see Fed having trouble beating him. He hasn’t beaten Nadal at a slam since Wimbledon 2007 and for sure the pressure is on him.

September 9th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

Polo – I concur. I am sure hundreds of others would have been in similar situation as Graf, Seles, Sharapova, Williams’es when they were in Teens…but not all turned out to be mentally as strong…majority not even close. Pardon my ignorance (haven’t paid much attention to the research and stuff; I was reflecting on my own experience more than anything when I said what I previously said), I agree genes more likely do play a role in how one shapes up to be. Too bad, not everyone is born equal!

September 9th, 2009 at 1:04 pm

Cindy – very good argument. But why do you think Nadal will have nothing to lose? If he reaches the final, it is his golden chance to get the career grand slam. I doubt if it is going to be easier for him in later years (especially if he plays the full season) and throw in JMDP, Murray, Djoko, Cilic etc who could be much stronger next year. And against Federer, no matter what, no matter where…just considering the fact that Nadal has a better head to head and has beaten Fed in Grand Slams (grass, clay and hard court), he is going to be the favorite. Also, if Nadal reaches the final, that will wipe out any injury related arguments.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

Nadal will most definitely have pressure on him but not as much as Fed to beat Nadal. Fed isn’t about getting the slam record or proving himself but the one big flaw on his record is his H2H with Nadal (and to a lesser extent Murray). It would be a nust win for Fed where I think Nadal will have pressure but it’s not as critical.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:20 pm

roger has had cupcake draws, that’s why he has been able to get to 21 slam semi’s in a row.

if roger faces nadal in finals he will lose.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:23 pm

Just few weeks ago Murray was talking about taking Federer spot as number one. He said it was a matter of winning here and a couple there…I do not now where. Anyways, it is wise or better to let his tennis racket talk …..as like Federer (he talks sometimes but should be forgiven because he backs it up practically), Sampras or Graf. They did not have much to talk unless they are pushed to…hence we hear from them very loudly in big tournaments from their play…it should be a big lesson for all…

Murray, it was all media hype, even McEnroe suggested Murray may win…I do not know whether he was asked by a British journalist or all the listeners were British, so he would not offend anyone… You can not grab a slam from a tree like a fruit..it is not that easy. One should first win a couple of slams and then talk about being number one. Anyways….

September 9th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

Nadal will feel no pressure at all if he reaches the final. He has beat Fed in the last 3 slam finals they played, and considering their respective paths before this Open, Nadal already did much better than he thought he would do and Fed is where everybody expects him.

Furthermore, if Nadal wins, everybody will hammer Fed endlessly again while if Fed wins, it will be cinsidered normal. This puts extra pressure on Fed.

But the most pressure Fed will feel is seeing Rafa at the other side of the net :)

On the other hand, Fed really would like to set the record straight for the Ozzie Open loss this year to level their H2H in HC slam finals at 1 all.

I for sure would like to see that match, but long ways to go. Could be a JMDP-Novak final or a Gonzo-Verdasco final(ok, long shot but who knows…)
All fine by me. May the best man win!

September 9th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

Oh my, the Bryan Bros again have a tough pill to swallow. Another close match that they lose…

September 9th, 2009 at 1:31 pm

5 and 1/4 years of cupcake draws?

September 9th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

Fed is afraid is all hot air. No need to pay attention to him.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

To me the most impressive tennis statistic by far is Fed’s 21 consecutive semifinal streak and it’s still active.

I thought Pete winning 7 Wimby finals in 8 years(ponder on that for a second if you will) was before Fed got this one over 16 and is still continuing it.

Also noteworthy is Lendl’s 8 straight final appearances at the US Open

September 9th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

Of the two, Nadal may feel less pressure if Fed is across the net in any grand slam final. Agreed.

Does it make Nadal have less to lose than Fed? I don’t think so. It’s not going to get any easier for him to win the USO (if he gets to the final here).

September 9th, 2009 at 1:41 pm

yes, have you seen who he has played? weak competition for fed, when someone finally comes up who challenges him, he can’t handle it.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Nadal is in a great position. If he wins, he improves his head to head record against Federer which means that even if he does not equal Federer’s lifetime career record, he can always claim that he has a winning record against the guy considered by many to be the best ever. If he loses, he does not even have to say anything because his defenders could always lay the blame on his knees and lack of match play. Hopefully, these 2 get to play in the finals. It is always exciting to watch them play. Win or lose, both should be proud of what they have done, Federer for what he has already accomplished and Nadal for an even glorious future that lies ahead. They are both winners in my book.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Yes. Everyone looked at who he has played. He played Hewitt (same age), who has been a world no. 1 for longer than any other active player in the field (other than Fed himself of course).

September 9th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Good point Blank, I agree.

fed is afraid, you’re reasonings are just a joke

By the same reasoning I could say:

“So why hasn’t reached Rafa more finals then? Sure he can win aainst Fed when it really matters, but he regularly can’t handle the even weaker players than Fed ”

As I write this I can’t help starting to laugh because of the ludicricy of such a statement.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Agree Polo, I’m a Fed fan, but I mucho respect and enjoy Rafa!

They are great for tennis, as are Novak, Murray(like him the least) Juan Martin and Roddick.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

Fed is afraid: The whole field of players who Federer plays in a major can be considered as weak competition because he has a winning record against all of them. So in that regard, you are correct. The only one who can be considered as competition for Roger is Nadal. The same logic can be applied to Nadal and his four straight French Open wins. To borrow from you, “Have you seen who he has played at the French? Weak competition for Nadal, when someone finally comes up who challenges him (Soderling), he can’t handle it.”

September 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

This young Belgian Wickmayer has got some game. She takes the ball so quickly…Agassi-like. Nice to see

September 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Seem like Veno and Polo we are on the same page. Both players have made tennis what it is today. I don’t understand why people have to love one and hate the other. The other challengers to the throne have also been exciting to watch as well.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Please note that my last blog was not to diminish Nadal’s accomplishments. It was meant to show the holes in Fed is afraid’s logic.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

Polo, I’d be careful getting into a discussion with fed is afraid…..you won’t be able to get rid of him when he gets going…

September 9th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Yeah Polo, like I said, no need to pay any attention to him.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

rafa was injured that is why he was beat by robin. a 100 percent nadal does not lose to soderling. if rafa had been across the net from roger at french final, roger would have lost. roger should send thank you note to rafa’s knees.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:57 pm

Excuses, excuses. Everybody can offer excuses. You just did that now. Excuses are the arguments of the weak.

September 9th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Veno, what’s your thoughts on the rest of the women? Do you think anyone can stop Serena?

September 9th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

If fed is afraid is not mentally injured right now, he’ll be talking alright.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

Scottish,

Fed is afraid is a girl but ANYWAYS,

I agree with you. There is certainly pressure on both Nadal and Federer, but for very different reasons. Federer needs to win to put this thing to rest that he can’t beat Nadal in big grand slam matches, similarly what he did to him on clay in Spain earlier this year. No way Federer could challenge the unbeatable Nadal on clay. Well he proved to the world he could and in a big way.

Blank,

I say Nadal has nothing to lose, because he’s not really expected to win. Not really. He’s never even reached the U.S open final before. With the bad knees and his lay off – add to that the questionable stomach problems he’s more of a long shot now that even at Wimbledon. He’s definitely playing the challengers role to Feds champion status despite the lopsided h2h. A very unique situation.

Of course all of this may become a moot point if Djokovic and/or Del Potro ruin the party.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

Nadal’s match last night was the first match he’s played here where he looked like it was conceivable he could possibly win the whole thing. And he had that look in his eye last night after the match like he believed it too. Guys like Nadal and Federer are experienced enough at Majors to know when to step it up. Federer didn’t look all that great here in the first week – until he humiliated Robredo like he did. Nadal looked almost as good last night. And to be fair, Djokovic too stepped it up against Stepanek. These three know that a major is all about the 2nd week. Del Potro has been playing excellent ball all week – but my question on him is: does he have that other gear to step up to? He’s been playing great to now, but what will he do if his level drops (as Murray’s did)? Or even if it doesn’t – will he have an answer if Cilic plays as well as he did yesterday? That should be the question for Juan Martin – does he have that Champion’s Gear to kick into if he needs it?

Murray’s comments that he ran out of energy is puzzling. And it shows how far he is from actually winning 7 Best of Five Set matches in two weeks. He’d contemplated being #1 at year’s end just before Wimbledon after Nadal decided to withdraw. He said all he basically had to do, and fully believed he could, was “hold his serve” as well as he believed he’d been doing. Evidently Murray’s problem is dealing with the expectation of his results. So far, that’s been a pressure, especially at the Majors, that’s been too much for him to shoulder.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

Scottish, for a lot of people considering their faves, they want to have the cake and eat it too.

A fanatic Rafa fan will only be satisfied if he wins everything and if he doesn’t he/she’ll bash on the opponents.

A fanatic Fed fan will do the same thing.

I for one am glad Fed has a nemesis like Rafa. An almost complete opposite to him who took it to Fed, also outside the clay tournaments.

Imagine if it weren’t for Nadal? I doubt if I would enjoy watching tennis anymore if Fed would have won 10 straight Slams with 2 calendar slams….sheeshhhhhhh

Fed and Rafa have made all the other players better because of the level they set and boundaries they kept pushing. And they still are.

How great is it that we have them and behind them young players are pushing themselves to get better and better. And not even only young players. Look at Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Tommy Haas, Juan Carlos Ferrero to name a few.

I don’t understand how you can be a tennis fan, cheer for either Rafa, Fed, Novak or whomever, and not like/respect/enjoy their opponents.

I for one do!

Men’s tennis is exciting, much more exciting than a decade ago(oh yes, I followed it as actively as I do now) and as exciting as the mid eighties!!

September 9th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

fed is afraid, Nadal played 21 majors so far not including this US Open and won only 6. Do you think he lost the other 15 slams because of injury?.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:05 pm

I don’t know if anyone is watching Wickmayer-K.Bondarenko but the Belgian has serious game and she can hold serve!

September 9th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

and of course after saying that she faces breakpoint loooool

September 9th, 2009 at 2:09 pm

if roger is the GOAT, then what does that make rafa?? he owns roger. believe me, roger doesn’t want to see rafa in the finals in ny.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:09 pm

I wonder what tennis would look like five years from now? Nadal barring injuries, would probably be gunning for Roger’s records. Or maybe another player would show up and be his Waterloo much like what he is doing to Roger now. That player would probably also be much younger than he is. I wonder if any of us has seen him yet.

About WTA in 5 years? Well, never mind.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

fed is afraid Says:

rafa was injured that is why he was beat by robin. a 100 percent nadal does not lose to soderling. if rafa had been across the net from roger at french final, roger would have lost. roger should send thank you note to rafa’s knees.

Excuse me wasn’t Rafa across the net from Fed in spain on clay a few weeks earlier and won?

I suppose in your world, Rafa can only be beat if he’s injured. This can be the only reason he ever loses. The other player on the other side of the net gets no credit at all.

Just wanted to clear things up.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

fed is afraid….ask Rafa who he least favours playing against…

The answer is Fed

September 9th, 2009 at 2:14 pm

Dunno about Rafa gunning for Fed’s record in 5 yrs…He’ll have to win 2 a year for 5 years and Fed not winning any more…

Bit early to say. Don’t forget, 4 of 6 slams are Roland Garros and that comes only once a year.

And when/if Rafa takes over the mantle(again) from Fed he’ll have a lot of guys behind him gunning for him….

September 9th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

Thanks Veno and Scottish for the warning about Fed is afraid. Logic is wasted on that guy (girl? according to Cindy_Brady). I will leave him alone, he/she embarrasses himself/herself enough.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

no, tsonga totally beat down rafa at Australian open in 08, killed him there.

veno-rafa just says that, alittle gamesmanship going on, he loves playing against roger.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

Murray should take notes from Janina Wickmayer on how to play aggressive tennis!!!!!!!

September 9th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

Any idea why they changes the Masters from 5 to 3 sets? I highly doubt Murray would be #2 or #3 if they still were. I guess it’s too tough on the guys to play that much tennis in a year.

Murray looked like he was running in molasses. There was no zip to him at all. He might have run out of steam from Montreal and Cincy.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:22 pm

I know and Roger loves playing Rafa too, despite the heartbreak Rafa has already cost him. Roger loves the thrill of the toughest challenge. Don’t underestimate Fed’s grit because it all seems so easy.

He is a great competitor and I also love watching them take it to eachother. Besides the Roland Garros Final in ’08 all their matches have been high class!

It was good to see Pete and Andre battle it out in the 90’s but Fed-Rafa’s matches have been in a league of their own…

Let’s hope there’s plenty more to come…

September 9th, 2009 at 2:22 pm

To Veno: Nadal, without Roger, is good for at least 2 majors a year. So that would be plus 10 to his current six. Of course, that is a very generous estimate considering that he will have plenty of competition from the likes of Djokovic, Murray, del Potro and my mystery guy.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

WoW!!!!!!

Wickmayer is one of my new favourites!!!!

If yiu’re not watching….you should.

She’s playing unbelievably aggressive and scarefree tennis! 19 winners to 20 UE in 1 set! Those are men’s stats!

September 9th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

Polo: not saying it’s beyond him, but as of now he trails 9 so before hypothesising on it let him get to double digits first…..

September 9th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

Scottish, they probably changed the Masters from 5 to 3 sets after looking at the list of winners of recent years of 5 set matches and saw only 2 names there, Roger and Rafa. They probably thought nobody could get pass those 2 if they had to win 3 out of 5 sets.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Veno, okay. So let us keep blogging for the next 5 years and then we will count. I don’t want to place bets. You have a better chance of winning.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:29 pm

It’s refreshing to see a young woman with a powerfull attacking game hammer down one of the Eastern European retrieving ball machines so far. Hope she can keep this up.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

Do you guys have any idea what time they start the mens finals on Sunday?

Too darn bad I am going to have to travel that day.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

the problem for roger is he let rafa get into his head, if that hadn’t happened who knows how many more times he could have beaten him.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

I am not watching the women play. I saw the Safina/Kvitova match and promised not to subject myself to watching such horrible tennis. But with your recommendation, I will turn on the TV. Bye for now. I will get back to you and berate you if turns out to be bad.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

Blank – the men’s begin at 4pm or 4:30pm EDT on Sunday (after the NFL games end).

September 9th, 2009 at 2:34 pm

Scottish said: “Any idea why they changes the Masters from 5 to 3 sets? I highly doubt Murray would be #2 or #3 if they still were. I guess it’s too tough on the guys to play that much tennis in a year.”

With the exception of the final of the year end championships, all Masters Series finals were reduced from best of 5 to best of 3 in 2007. It had been under consideration for some time before that, but the straw that broke the camel’s back was the Rome final in 2006, which lasted 5 hours, after which both finalists (Nadal and Federer) withdrew from the next MS event, in Hamburg, citing fatigue.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

that’s another match roger should have won, which he proceeded to choke away to rafa.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

Lol Polo, we’re putting it aside….

I personally don’t care about how many Slams who won.

Everybody getting crazy over Roger breaking Pete. As a Fed fan, didn’t do so much for me.

Winning the French did it much more for me because he was trying and close for the 5th year and finally did it.

I just enjoy tennis and I like his tennis most.. Even if he hadn’t won any more slams after Wimby things would have been the same for me. It’s not like him breaking records, in itself impressive, is something I will notice on my bank account :)

September 9th, 2009 at 2:38 pm

Hate to burst everybody’s bubble but only Master Series and Masters Cup FINALS were best of 5. They cut that to best of 3 after ’07

September 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

MMT: Hello and welcome back. I’ve mised you and your sound analyses.

____________________
Veno: Hello mon ami, je’taime bien. Were you able to squeeze in a few hours of sleep? I just finished up my work day and saw a part of Bondarenko/Wickemayer — very interesting match with a lot of drama and excitement.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

Voicemale 1 : we had this conversation prior to the Open and now I am beginning to agree with you that Murray cannot handle the pressure of expectation. Was v.v. disappointed in him against Cilic, no fight whatsoever. . Match against Warwrinka at Wimbledon shows that he can, on occasion, put up a good fight and win. He must somehow get beyond this mental block. I disagree with some posters here, I think he is a major talent. However, at this rate he will always be the bridesmaid. Too many times, he has looked like a rabbit in the headlights.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

Thanks tenisbebe. Then I have it all planned out perfect :-P

Still too bad as to make it happen I will have to start from home at 3 in the morning.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

Hey Vonnie! I got 3 hoursof sleep in…but I won’t be able to see Fed tonight…

You’ll see it’ll be a 5 set crackerjack of a match. Usually when I’m not able to watch his games live, which aren’t many!

We’ll see

Wickmayer’s impressing but let’s see how she handles the pressure. Bondarenko(another defensive hard fighting grinder) is starting to get the better of Janina.

But Wickmayer is young and what I’ve seen so far….she’s got game. Very attacking and going for it. Has a reliable serve too.

I don’t care for Bondarenko much. Just another ball retrieving machine that rolled off the East European assembly line.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Hey Margot, I agree on andy. I expected more from him. But people who say he isn’t talented are just crazy imo.

The guy is unbelievably talented. I would advise him to start talking less bravely. He’s putting extra pressure on himself and until he can deliver he’s making himself into an easy target…

September 9th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

margot: commiserations.

I believe part of Murray’s problem in the GS is his energy level which begins waning. He can handle 3 setters but 5 setters is where the problem lies. Once anyone’s drained physically, then it affects them mentally. Murray still has far to go in the fitness area and I guess it could be a matter of time before that higher fitness level is achieved, or it might never happen. Training and supplements can only take an athlete so far, but overall, that sort of physicality is derived from genetics/DNA whereby our physical makeup is contingent upon those factors and once an individual’s fitness level peaks, then he’ll plateau out and nothing can raise their level further.

Nadal’s family is a testament to DNA/genetics as being part of his physicality. I don’t think Murray’s genetics is close to Nadal’s and therein lies the problem of energy and physicality. Murray has done well for his DNA/genetics makeup (look at his brother and mother), but I don’t know if it’s at all possible for him to take it up another notch.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

I agree Von. I even think Andy has already plateaud fitness-wise.

If he would keep increasing his endurance/stamina to get through the best of 5 format better, he would lose too much explosivety and power.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

“mental midget” definitely describes monfils. the guy has an incredible game, but his shotmaking decisions at important times of match simply r sad sometimes. i really think he should have won the nadal matchup. hoping federer gets thru and wins title no matter who he plays.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

Veno: “I just enjoy tennis and I like his tennis most.. Even if he hadn’t won any more slams after Wimby things would have been the same for me. It’s not like him breaking records, in itself impressive, is something I will notice on my bank account :)”

Another example of how much we think alike. For me, it’s all numbers 1, 3, 25, 30, just numbers. If they win one, it’s the same as 25; and breaking records don’t mean much to me in the grand scheme of things. I’d love Michael Phelps even if he had won only one Olympic Gold. I just like to watch the athletes I like strut their stuff and the records is all academic in my mind.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

It also depends a whole lot on how one’s game suits another’s. Federer’s style of play is maybe not enough to hit a winner against Rafa who can reach to every ball and hit a winner back. Doesn’t mean Federer’s game is inferior. Add to that his obvious and clearly visible choking ability against Rafa in Slam finals and his near paralysis on clay against Rafa. But if you look at the head-to-head wins of RF against 99% of other players and the ridiculously high achievements of his career, it’s hard not to give a standing ovation and a salute to him, his game and his contribution to tennis. He is just too good. He has the most variety of strokes in his repertoire (go see his matches from 2003-2007) to see what I mean.

Another very important thing to consider is Tennis Masters Cup / ATP World Tour Finals which gives the opportunity to win 1500 points and is not a knockout tournament (one of its kind). Look up who’s won it most number of times. Former tennis greats have already said who is the GOAT. Federer’s career is not over, I just hope in the next few years he beats Rafa when it matters the most and this debate will be possibly put to rest. I am today a Nadal lover, but once I was a Nadal hater. Federer is above everything. He is the one and only one of his kind.

September 9th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

Wickmayer breaks back…on serve 4-3 Bondarenko in the second….

September 9th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

Wickmayer has trouble dealing with the pressure, she’s moping and muttering….Not ready to keep focus and forget the bad shots and enjoy the good shots. You see that in a lot of young players.

Fed sure had it in ’99-’02.

He put himself in some agony back then…
Well, he found a way and became a champion…

September 9th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

Wow, this kid is amazing!!!!

Von, I’m getting more faith in women’s tennis again, through this Open!!!!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:05 pm

Hey Von, welcome back. Anyone who says Murray doesn’t have the talent is crazy. It’s not his talent that has kept him back from the majors the past year or so. His fans were right to think he could win any of them this year but he just hasn’t gone the extra step to make it happen.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

And as long as we are on the subject of fitness…

Yanina looks very fit with tight, long muscles, say compared to world number 1 chubby Safina. Nice to see!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

Wickmayer wins!!!!!

Woohooo

2 Belgians(and no, not Henin) in the Semis!!!!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

1 ace plus 34 clean winners!!!! And 35 UE but that is ok, because she was playing flat out attack tennis!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

von; thanx 4 commiserations. Agree Andy’s fitness level looks a bit suspect to me and his game is so reliant on retrieving, must wear him out. So many male players these days are SO huge! Hope he finds a way through all this. I think he needs a new coach. The present team has brought him a long way, but perhaps a change is now needed. BTW I think Wickmeyer must be young player I talked about to you ages ago. But hey, your Melanie is going places isn’t she. How excellent Henin is her role model.
veno: greetings from the slough of despont!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

LOOOOOOOOOL, Look at Bud’s pants!!!!!!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Margot, the mention of “Slough” puts a smile on my face as I am a huge The Office fan!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

And Margot, I think Andy will bounce back stronger.
He’s just too good and he’s willing to really work his butt off to get better!!!

I agree he might look to a new team that can make him take that last little step needed

September 9th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

I saw a few discussions on the mental aspect of the teenage girls and guys, and I’d like to add that a lot of their mental fragility is due to their lack of education. Two important ingrediants are missing from those teenager’s’ lives, a close family tie in their formative years, and a serious lack of education, rendering them to have undeveloped minds; the brain iks a sponge which dries up and is stagnated from lack of use. Nothing and I mean nothing, can replace the lack of academic mental development in a child’s formative years and that’s the important ingredient that’s missing from many athletes who begin their careers as HS dropouts. We’ve only got to listen to a teenager who’s academically inclined and is working towards an HS diploma as opposed to an HS dropout and the conversation emanating from both tells it all.

I believe it’s why we hear the players using ‘you know’ in their pressers, due to their limited vocabulary (a topic which was discussed about a year ago here on Tennis.X), especially the European players and contrast them to Isner, Querrey, the Bryans, Roddick, Blake and the American players who’ve progressed through HS and college, and therein lies the difference. I once said, it’s good for the athletes to earn such high amounts, but they also need to know how to count their money. Sometimes, we hear of heartbreaking stories whereby an athlete made huge sums but lost it all due to bad investments. I believe that’s where education plays a huge role in those circumstances. When an athlete’s career is over he/she is launched into the real world and it’s one of the reasons we see so many screw up their lives from that point onwards. The reason is clear, an undeveloped mind. As the saying goes ‘a mind is a terrible thing to waste’.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Those of you who are Djoko fans be sure to cheer loudly :)

I have to miss the first couple sets as I have to teach but I’ll have my fingers crossed. Hotsauce is great but would like to see Novak get to one grand slam semi this year.

Cheers & enjoy all!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:18 pm

Looking forward to Hotsauce-Novak

Should be a great match!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:18 pm

Veno, your new female favorite did win. Congratulations! Bondarenko could pass for a female Russian player there. Too many errors. I did not see fight in her face only dread. Very much like a Safina although I was worried that Safina would have a nervous breakdown right there on court in the middle of that match that she lost. I have never seen a number one player play so poorly. Did I hear it right that she called herself the best player in the world when she complained about her match being moved to the Louis Armstrong Arena? She maybe be number one but that does not translate to being the best player in the world. Beside, she should not be calling herself that after losing so badly to a player ranked way lower than her and in the first week of a major.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

veno: lovely cheering words-thanx again.
von: interesting what you say. Andy M’s life has been all tennis and he left home at 16 to go to Barcelona to the tennis school. He doesn’t speak Spanish so must’ve been very lonely.
jane: can you not hear me shouting for Djko ? Come on ,you must be able to……..it’s v. v. loud…..just put your ear to your computer…..

September 9th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

Djoko should take this one in 4 at most. He’s got too much game and he seems to really want this slam. If Verdasco fires his FH bombs on target it could be close though.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Threading a dangerous line there Von.
Your country has a totally different sports culture than other countries have.

The concept of sports scholarships and funding does not exist.

Here and in most countries a young man or woman has to choose between trying to become a pro and make a living through sports or persue an academic career.

Also, the American education system is totally different(especially your concept of colleges and universities)

Not many in my country for instance are able to go to University(we have no colleges like you have) because they don’t have the intelligence level needed to get the diploma to enroll in a study at a University. We have only 8 in a country with 17 million people.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Margot: you’re welcome. Melanie is a breath of fresh air and I’m proud of her. Our little midget will go far if she can keep it up and not let it go to hear head.
_________________
Veno: Re Murray: “He’s just too good and he’s willing to really work his butt off to get better!!!”

There’s only so much working off of an athlete’s butt that they can do if there are genetic limitations. What Murray has to do is cut down on using too much variety in his game, focus on his strengths and work around his weaknesses. In sum, he should select a few shots from his arsenal, perfect those and use them to the hilt as his template for success, thereby eliminating the confusion of which one shot to use at crunch time.

In the beginning of Fed’s career he had too many shots in his arsenal and became confused as to which ones to focus on, which rendered him ineffective. Once he learnt to be selective with those shots that worked best, use them as his template or MO, he became more effective and rose in status in the rankings.

In sum, in Murray’s case, even though variety is the spice of life, selectivity of his shots should be his watchword. Sometimes, too much poduces ineffecteness, a little goes a long way, to becoming more effective.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Thanks Polo, the Belgians are my neighbours :)
I knew Wickmayer, but she’s really breaking through here. She played fantastic tennis and she’s soft on the eyes too. That’ll get Veno going :)

I love Belgians, especially the Flemish as I live in Maastricht(btw for information Maastricht is a Roman city and is 2200 years old) and The Belgian border is 2 miles outside of Maastricht borders.
You should hear how they speak, it’s just adorable :)

Jane good luck to Novak!!!!

And to everyone else, let’s hope they’ll give us a thrilling match!

September 9th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

Von, I don’t know how lack of formal education contributes to the lack of mental toughness of tennis players. I don’t think Graf, Seles, Borg, Agassi, Becker, etc had a lot of formal education. They started very young and I don’t remember them going to school.

As regards vocabulary, the men you mentioned are all Americans and English is their native tongue and one would expect them to express themselves better. Most of the other players, especially the Europeans, speak English as a second, third or fourth language. Their vocabulary is therefore limited, hence the use of so many filler words like, “You know”. Murray has no excuse.

I have to give it to your idol (Roddick)though, he gives the best interviews. Very witty, intelligent and funny. Federer gives bad interviews. He also uses a lot of “you knows” and his adjectives are limited to “crazy”.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

I agree on your assesment Von, but I wasn’t analysing there, just sending out some support and positive vibes to Margot after Andy lost :)

September 9th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Polo says:

Federer gives bad interviews. He also uses a lot of “you knows” and his adjectives are limited to “crazy”.

It’s hard to compare a person speaking their first language and someone speaking their 3rd or 4th.

I’ve heard reporters say Fed is much more at ease in a few other languages than English.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

Veno: Please, I’m not treading dangerously at all. It’s a proven fact that education and strong familial ties/support, especially in the formative years, plays a huge role in a youngster’s mentality.

I’m sorry the Europeans don’t have the resources and help similar to the Americans, and it’s not a knock on them. This is not about countries, it’s about the role education plays in a child’s mental development. I cited the Europeans vs. Americans merely to show where an American athlete who remains in school has the edge in those areas as opposed to their European counterparts. On the other hand, there is a drawback, and that is, because the Americans remained in school, it’s one of the reasons they don’t peak early or climb in the rankings as the Europeans, due to the late start in their tennis careers. I cite Querrey vs. DelPotro, as an example.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

Lol Polo, Fed is Swiss

I agree he isn’t a great speaker, however, in German, Swiss-German and French he is much better and more fluent. He’s kinda witty and he’s intelligent enough.

Andy Roddick(although in the top bracket amongst tennis pro’s intelligence-wise) is imo more witty than intelligent(I mean pure intelligence here), he’s funny, smart and a great speaker. Gotta love hearing him talk.

Austrians and Swiss are unbelievably dull and unexciting people, very generally speaking of course.

They are introvert and speak monotenous and lack fire and spunk.

Actually Fed’s doing well! He could be much much worse.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:45 pm

von: agree with you about Andy M’s shot selection too, he surely needs to focus(!) on some that use less energy.
Polo: people use “you know” to give themselves time to think when answering jounalists’ questions that they’d rather avoid. Some players have the gift of the gab, some don’t. And BTW Scottish people are quite different from English, as are Welsh/Irish.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm

Signing out for now – I’ll be on later to enjoy Fed win. :-)

September 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm

PS Fed’s mother is South African. I wonder if his second language is Afrikaans or English.

September 9th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Von says: Veno: Please, I’m not treading dangerously at all. It’s a proven fact that education and strong familial ties/support, especially in the formative years, plays a huge role in a youngster’s mentality.

Oh not disagreeing on the theorem there. It is very true, but you translate that to the tennis pro-circuit which makes it a dangerous assumption.

Where is the proof the Americans who stayed in school have the edge? Are they not “professional” tennis players? Which means they earn their living playing tennis in stead of working in academics or in the corporate world.

And the theorem you bring up there hardly holds up under scrutiny. Although it is very true if you were to compare 2 youths form into adults under the same circumstances, so put them under the same constraints, then the family ties and education have a huge beneficial effect.

However, players making it to the top of a professional sport are not easily compared to normal test subjects(anyone out of the population). Different constraints and different variables come into play there.

I’m not saying what you say is wrong, just pointing out that you have to be careful in cross-drawing conclusions. Have you read Freakonomics? If not, you should.

Furthermore, be careful to take something that apparently scientifically has been proven as an absolute truth. Especially if it serves as to enforce your own argument on a subject

September 9th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

Von, we really need that BBQ as we have so many interesting topics besides tennis to passionately discuss!!! I love it!

September 9th, 2009 at 4:02 pm

Polo: Agassi went to the Boletteri Academy where they did teach academic subjects and not only tennis. Graf, Seles, Borg, and Becker, were mentally tough and that could be the result of their familial ties. Graf had very close family ties. If you were to read my post again, you’ll see I stated close family ties is responsible for mental maturity also. Children emulate their parents,and a child is a reflection of their parents, thus, what those athletes didn’t learn in school, they probably learnt from their parents, e.g., the Williams sisters, and Sharapova.

Therefore, it’s a combination of education and close family ties which are pivotal to a young player’s mental maturity and toughness. I’d also like to add that a lot of it comes from genetics, but without a sound education as a basis to encourage growth of those inherent genes, those traits remain dormant/stagnant.

Yes, I agree the American have an edge language wise, but that in combination with education goes a long way toward mental maturity and expression of opinions.

“I have to give it to your idol (Roddick)though, he gives the best interviews.”

Please, I like Roddick very much, but he’s NOT my idol. I would shoot myself as a Christian to think that I in any way idolize another human being, and that’s the gospel truth.
_________________
Scottish: I asked you a question yesterday about what you found offensive about Roddick’s treatment of reporters? Do tell.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

OK, Von, I will not call Roddick your idol, henceforth. I did not mean to use idol as being synonymous to the idolatry of pagan worship.

Didn’t Agassi himself admit that he lacked formal education? He even joked in a recent speech that he spent the best three years of his life in the eight grade. That is why he is very proud now of his school where he helps indigent kids get formal education. I have doubts about how much classroom education they get at the Boletteri academy. I don’t think Boletteri himself could even spell.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

“Yes, I agree the American have an edge language wise, but that in combination with education goes a long way toward mental maturity and expression of opinions.”

Again, depends on what you’re it comparing to…

Looking at the mean of the total American population, education wise you score way below my country for instance.

Of course you’re country is much, much larger and much more complex because you have 300 million inhabitants as we only have 17 million. And my country is very population dense with.

Is very hard to compare, but the interval between the extremes is much smaller and less skewed than in the United States.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:18 pm

Von – The Boletteri Academy made an arrangement early on with a nearby school in Bradenton to school the rooming players (early 80’s). Having said that, to buttress your assessment, I would hardly call Agassi a “mentally tough” player early in his career. On the contrary, Agassi folded consistently in big matches early in his career, but he still had that Canon “Image is Everything” commercial spot to keep him in the public eye. How many years did he refuse to play Wimbledon on the premise that “he just couldn’t wear white” when everyone knew he was scared to death to play on the grass. The kid was a complete tool early on, by his own admittance. A traditional education would probably have helped as we all know he did not have the most positive family environment.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

Polo, it is human nature to covet what we don’t have.

Agassi has been successful in tennis and although he lacks education, going down an academic path in stead of having become a successful pro, in which case you think he’s now able to reach out to underpriviliged kids and help them get a good start in life?

It is great what he does. I love the fact he is giving back and is being even a bigger inspiration to others then when he was a tennis pro!

September 9th, 2009 at 4:23 pm

Von says ““Yes, I agree the American have an edge language wise, but that in combination with education goes a long way toward mental maturity and expression of opinions.”

I think people from different countries may have an edge over others for several things (education, family, genetics etc like you mentioned)…but not language. I assume you are referring here to the ‘English’ language here. Each one, generally speaking, is as well versed as the other in their own language(s). Not being fluent in a foreign language should never be viewed as disadvantage.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

I like Serena’s interviews also. Very funny and forthright with a touch of being acerbic. I love how she loves herself. And I mean that in a good way, like a sign of self-belief.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

Polo: “As regards vocabulary, the men you mentioned are all Americans and English is their native tongue and one would expect them to express themselves better.”

If you will remember in my post I mentioned that if we were to listen to a teenager speak (an American), one who’s in school and one who’s a drop out, you’d hear the difference in how they express themselves. and, I think the same holds for teenagers from other countries. If they remain in school their education level goes up. However, I still feel that a parent’s influence is pivotal in the moulding their children’s mentality. ________________
Veno: On that BBQ discussion, we’d probably end up fighting, because you’d needle me too much and I’d want to scratch your eyes out. Now, on th coluch, where you’ll be holding my hand, and we’re sipping wine, watching roddick play, that scenario most probably would be more fun. LOL.
_______________
been there, done that: On the emoticons, we used to have tennis balls smiley faces but according to Mr.Randall, the site was undergoing changes (approx. 9 months ago) and programs had to be updated, but that’s Luke’s department and that’s as far as my request got — filed as in ‘under trash’.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:26 pm

I was not an Agassi fan when he was playing. I thought he was all show. I like him so much better now and I am so impressed as to how much he has evolved as a person. And looking at him, he seems to be happier and more fulfilled than he ever did.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:29 pm

Lol Von, ok, the needle is out then….

Wow, Novak wins the breaker after digging out of a hole at 5-4 15-40 down…

Hotsauce played a horrible breaker there…

September 9th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

benntheredonethat: am sure u do not need a symbol to know what a miserable face I’ve got on me……!

September 9th, 2009 at 4:32 pm

Verdasco dropping hsi bhs in the net now…

Let’s see if Novak can capitalize

September 9th, 2009 at 4:34 pm

I know a of people, quite educated, and including a doctor who’s conversation is full of “you knows”. Every now and then, when I could not stand it anymore, I say, “No, I don’t know. Please, just tell me.” I could do that because he they are my friends. I think the use of fillers is a habit to a lot of people. They are not even aware that they do that.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:35 pm

Wickmayer’s story:

http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/in-grief-wickmayers-tennis-journey-began/

September 9th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Polo: when I was at Uni one of the lecturers used to say “entire thing” every other sentence. In one seminar we counted them, when he got to 42 the whole room burst out laughing much to his bewilderment. You can imagine the rumours that went round as to that particular phrase…

September 9th, 2009 at 4:38 pm

Polo Says: “I like Serena’s interviews also. Very funny and forthright with a touch of being acerbic. I love how she loves herself. And I mean that in a good way, like a sign of self-belief.”

I’m glad someone likes them. Personally I cannot stand her post-matches. Lord she is a catty bitch, having lost, never giving her opponent credit, & if having won (most of time in GS’s) she’s just wonderful. Always looking to generate controversy for controversy’s sake.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

Polo, In English Fed uses the “you know” continuously(I hate it too but whatta ya do?)

but in French, Swiss-German and German(all of which I understand perfectly) he doesn’t use fillers.

When English speaking people say it all the time, I think it’s worse :)

September 9th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

Veno – have you somehow missed all of my posts re: Wickmeyer since Cincy? Where have you been dude???

Today: http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2009-09-09/2262.php

September 9th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

veno: luckily Andy M aint English….you know…

September 9th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

Blank: I was responding to Polo’s post that the Americans have an edge on the English language.

“Not being fluent in a foreign language should never be viewed as disadvantage.”

I agree, and that’s why I’m saying that even though the English language is a disadvantage for the forengn born players when speaking in English, it still should not be the sole reason for their lack of mental immaturity because if they were educated in HS in their own language, they’d be more mentally mature and be able to express themselves better in thier interviews in their own language.
______________
Veno: “Looking at the mean of the total American population, education wise you score way below my country for instance.’

This argument is a sore spot with me, because most Europeans think of Americans as dumb. We are not, and have millions of the very educated people living on our shores. Let’s not forget that our country is a country made up of immigrants and what we have here is a melting pot. So if our country is deemed dumb, then let’s look to who has made up the population, and why we have this problem — simple solution close our doors to the uneducated, and then we’d see our country’s level of education rising. I love this country for its generosity to peoples of different origins and giving the outcast of other countries a good life, and I become very angry that we’re so criticized and deemed dumb due to that generosity. America is placed in a situation of ‘she’s damned if she does, and damned if she doesn’t’.
________________
tenisbebe: Agassi is an exception to the rule of education. He was a truant, due to an overbearing parent and his rebeliousness is a manifestation of what and how an overbearing parent can damage a child.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

Margot, rest assured, You’ll never see me call Andy English….

One of my colleagues is Scottish(Carruthers) and we make fun of her sometimes calling her English before correcting ourselves…all in good fun of course.

Did you watch Michael Mcintyre’s stand up bits about the Scots? Very funny…

September 9th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

Bebe, between Cincy and US Open I was in bed on time as I always miss much sleep during the American HC season….

Sorry if I didn’t read your posts on Yanina.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Does anyone know what time rafa plays tomorrow day session or night session?..thanks in advance

September 9th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Von – I didn’t know that comment was made with reference to Polo’s post. My bad.

Now I am off to home to catch some live tennis action!

September 9th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Do other languages use a lot of fillers? Are there filler words in Spanish, French and German? I speak Spanish and some French if my life depended on it. Since I do not speak those languages often, I am not aware of what filler words they use. Veno, maybe you can give me the more common filler words in the other languages you speak.

Going to the Djoko/Verdasco match. If Verdasco’s first serve % goes up and his unforced errors go down, he will win. But if his abdominal muscle pull bothers him, it will not happen.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

Polo: “I know a of people, quite educated, and including a doctor who’s conversation is full of “you knows”. Every now and then, when I could not stand it anymore, I say, “No, I don’t know. Please, just tell me.” I could do that because he they are my friends. I think the use of fillers is a habit to a lot of people. They are not even aware that they do that.”

That’s funny, because I say, pretty much the same thing.

I love this one: “You know what your problem is”? (from my spouse of course) To which I usually respond: “no, I don’t know, but I’m about to hear, so why not tell me’. LOL.

Polo, you know what, I absolutely enjoy these little discussions with you at times, which are rare, so tell me why do you have to be such a nudzh at times and pick on me so much? LOL. I like you better this way, and isn’t it so much more fun? And, if you are about to do one of my spouse’s “You know what your problem is” on me, please don’t tell, because I don’t want to hear. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:52 pm

Blank: I’m glad you asked. Hey, enjoy the tennis.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:53 pm

veno: u like Michael Mcintyre!! He is one of my favourite comics and I’ve seenn him live at the Edinburgh fringe. How come you know of him? The Office I can understand.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:54 pm

Von says: Veno: “Looking at the mean of the total American population, education wise you score way below my country for instance.’

This argument is a sore spot with me, because most Europeans think of Americans as dumb.

I know, look at how I phrased myself…

I don’t think Americans are dumb.
What I noticed while being there and talkinf to the Americans I know, is the amount of contrasts that exists between in all forms and the extremes in those contrasts.

It’s interesting how Americans perceive Europeans and vice versa. Also astonishing how both sides generalize in categorizing the other as a people.
The problem being that neither truly understands the other.
Have read some interesting literature on the subject. Very educational and insightful.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

tennisbebe, if Serena weren’t such a good player, her interviews would be the most ridiculous one could ever hear. But she is arguably the best among the active female players. So all her talk is not pure braggadocio because somehow, she is able to back them up. Ungracious because of her frankness maybe but nevertheless interesting, at least for me. Same way that some people find Federer’s comments about other players ungracious also.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:57 pm

Veno Says: “Bebe, between Cincy and US Open I was in bed on time as I always miss much sleep during the American HC season…. Sorry if I didn’t read your posts on Yanina.”

LOL Dude you are on this blog 24/7. FYI – I posted about Yanina at the start of Cincy, through Canada and all through the first week of the USO (seeing live scores) so she shouldn’t be a completely new phenomenon (anymore than Melanie is).

btw, this article contains some incorrect info. Her father OWNED a business & sold it along with all of their household belongings to come to Saddlebrook.

September 9th, 2009 at 4:59 pm

Verdasco seems to have grooved in now. He’s not good at tie-breakers. When the match is over I’d like to say something with respect to Djoko’s form during his match vs. Step.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Margot, although I’m Dutch I am very much British orientated. I’m lucky we get BBC 1 and 2 here and in fact I watch more BBc than I do the Dutch channels.

I saw him first at Jack Dee’s live at the Apollo and saw the Royal Variety Performance.

Also saw him on “Have I got news for you” where he did a Clarkson impersonation(funnily it was on tennis) and have been you-tubing his Comedy Road Show.
I absolutely love him!

Another program I really like is Mock the Week with Dara O’briain and the panel

September 9th, 2009 at 5:00 pm

veno: the Dutch are so good at languages, I’m envious and admiring. I too like Mock the week, but I think Frankie Boyle, while being very quick, is a bit of a bully. Have seen him live too, you wouldn’t have wanted to be in the front row of the audience. I like Paul Merton too.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

bebe, why are you calling me a dude?

BTW, I knew about her, but this was the first live match I’ve seen her play and that’s why she got me interested. I have to see to become a believer :)

Melanie Oudin I have already seen play at Wimby. Already liked her and she’s a breath of fresh air in the women’s game.

Anyways, again, sorry if I didn’t read your apparent dissertation on Yanina.

What is it? You want me to do an exam on what has been written by everyone on this blog the past month? LOL

September 9th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

Von says: Polo, you know what, I absolutely enjoy these little discussions with you at times, which are rare, so tell me why do you have to be such a nudzh at times and pick on me so much? LOL.

Because, you know (hahaha!), sometimes you irritate me so I have to irritate you back. You do the same anyway. But in spite of our zings and zangs, I must admit that I admire you for leaving them behind when another topic comes up. Or do you? Anyway, do not rest assured that I will not throw another zing your way once I read something I do not like. You will do the same to me, wouldn’t you?

September 9th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

Polo – Yes, if Serena couldn’t back up her trash talking it would be somewhat ignored however I wish sh were able (JUST ONCE, mind you) to give a clinical, cerebral, non-biased assessment of a match (a la Dementiava, or even Safina at times). It truly is remarkable that she is unable to do this. Federer is very adept at giving a cold and calculated match assessment imo.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

My most favorite unloved tennis player is in the ESPN booth, Ivan Lendl. What a great player he is. HE is quite funny if you can get pass his accent and robotic delivery.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pm

Hey Margot, although Frankie Boyle is very quick and has made some classics I have the feeling his main objective in being funny is to shock or ridicule people.

Paul Merton is great, really suave and cool.

I loved the episode where belching Brian Blessed was guest presenter….It was too much!

I’ve always loved British Comedy….Monty Python through Ab-Fab, alas Smith and Jones, Dawn and French, not the nine o’clock news and Mock the week and have I got news for you…

Just brilliant laughs all over

September 9th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

Veno Says: “bebe, why are you calling me a dude?”
Didn’t I get into trouble in the past thinking you were a female? No mistakes here…

Just surprised you weren’t more up on a fellow countrywoman tennis player before this – thought you would for sure remember those posts that we chatted about her, SHEESH :-).

September 9th, 2009 at 5:16 pm

veno: nice chatting, night.
tenisbebe: hello and goodnight to you too. Am licking my wounds here. Must admit love Serena. She takes no prisoners, on or off the court.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:16 pm

Thanks for the correction on the Wickmeyer story bebe, appreciate it.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

bebe, Yannika isn’t a country woman of mine :)

September 9th, 2009 at 5:21 pm

Night Margot, a pleasure as usual…

September 9th, 2009 at 5:22 pm

Hotsauce playing muy impressivo at the moment…

Novak has to keep up with him

September 9th, 2009 at 5:23 pm

*Yanina

September 9th, 2009 at 5:24 pm

Good to see Novak is able to lift his level when needed. All the top guys can do this, as has been said by a couple of you earlier. This is a prime example

September 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm

Polo: “Anyway, do not rest assured that I will not throw another zing your way once I read something I do not like. You will do the same to me, wouldn’t you?”

No, I wouldn’t. What’s where I differ (I suppose as a Christian) I don’t hold onto grudges, and I forgive easily. I’m a reactor not an initiator, but if you zing me, depending on what you state, I will either let it go, or retaliate. I’m very good at forgetting yesterday’s slights, and I don’t like discord. Hope you get my drift. But you know what your problem is? …….LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

It’s obvious Verdasco’s health problem is bothering him and it’s manifested in his serves. I don’t like to see matches where an opponent will win due to the other’s injury. sheesh

September 9th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

Veno: Have you gone to sleep and if not, are you still watching this match?

September 9th, 2009 at 5:58 pm

Hey Von, you see something in his serve motion?

September 9th, 2009 at 5:59 pm

I’m back home. I need a 5 setter now!!

September 9th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Watching the match on tele, looks like Djoko up 2-1

September 9th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Fernando seems very inconsistent

September 9th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Veno; yes, Verdasco’s serve is off. he’s double-faulting a lot and that’s indicative of the back sprain/strain problem he’s been nursing. Do you remember how Fed’s back problem affected his serve?

_____________
Blank: I’d love to see a 5 setter also, but I think Verdasco is not up to fighting.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

Veno: Do you see what I mean with respect to Verdasco?

September 9th, 2009 at 6:08 pm

Gosh, why does Djokovic behave like that when time he misses a point?

September 9th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

I agree Von, been watching his movement on the serve, he’s hurting. And mucho doubles…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

I find that strange about Novak too, totally unnecessary imo, hitting his shoes, hitting the back board, bouncing the racket….

He doesn’t need it…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:14 pm

doubles piling up and Verdasco just going for outright winners to keep the points short. Not a good sign…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:18 pm

I doubt if he’ll finish the match, it looks bad…what a pity

September 9th, 2009 at 6:19 pm

it’s one of the reasons ik don’t like watching him play — too many histrionics.

The commentators are saying Verdasco has a few health problems going on — look at how he’s walkikng. What a pity, or else this could have been an awesome match and the only serious competiton Djokovic has faced up to now for the entire tourney.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:20 pm

Von – I also doubt if Verdasco is up for it.

In the break game, did you see that fault serve land outside the baseline?! He is just spraying the ball.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:20 pm

Look at the taping on Verdasco’s stomach. OUCH. Poor guy.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:21 pm

If Novak holds here I think it’s a wrap. Pity, it had the makings of a classic…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

Blank: People talk about Federer’s luck but I think Djokovic is one lucky player. The first decent opponent he faces has to be injured.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

And true Von, When Fed was having back problems his serve went so far south it popped up on the Southern Hemisphere…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

It’s a wrap. Should be a comfortable win for Novak. Jane can relax. Was worrying mucho on the other thread lol

September 9th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

LOL, Veno, I guess Fed thought he was playing in South America. Gosh, the Djoko histrionics is killing me.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

A fit Verdasco, dunno if Novak could have taken him

September 9th, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Novak hitting his chest there after Verdasco hands him the game…Novak was growing on me, but his maneurisms are starting to annoy me again.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:30 pm

Verdasco is playing like, please let this be over, I just want to take a pain killer and go to sleep.

jane will be happy of course.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:30 pm

I hope he doesn’t hug Verdasco after the match…That would really crunch my stomach…

Let’s wait and see

September 9th, 2009 at 6:31 pm

Yeah, Jane will have another match she can be totally pessimistic about…good times for her lol

September 9th, 2009 at 6:31 pm

Will be Novak’s third SF or better in a row at the Open…That’s an impressive feat…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

Veno: You’d better stop with anything on Djokovic before his behemoth fan starts cursing you out for days like he did to me a few months ago.

Poor NachoF stated that Djoko’s unlikeable, which is an opinion he’s entitled to, and got a ton of uncalled for verbal abuse.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

That net hugging stuff is all a PR gimmick, and I don’t buy it at all.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:33 pm

Ok. This one is as good as gone.

Von & Veno – Are you guys going to watch the women’s match?

September 9th, 2009 at 6:33 pm

A win is a win, injury or not, but it is Novak’s luck today. Seriously doubt it he would have beaten a fit Verdasco

September 9th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

I think I like Djoko, but when I watch his antics on court, I tend to cease to be a fan.

Von, true he is lucky…but unfortunately he hasn’t made much out of the opportunities he’s presented with. Let’s see how far he goes with this.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Blank: Of course, I need to watch my little girl Melanie play and support her feisty ‘comeons’. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Lol, I remember Von, but behemoths don’t bother me.
They can rant on me all they like, it won’t affect me one bit. I always tell it straight. About anyone, to anyone.

I can be harsh and critical but I’m pretty good in accepting criticism on my person with laughter and lightness

September 9th, 2009 at 6:38 pm

Are you guys watching Verdasco with the trainer. man, is he in serious pain. How awful.

Veno: I agree, Djoko the way he’s playing would not have been able to handle Verdasco.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:38 pm

Poor Verdasco is gutted! No love at the net. Feel for him, but it’s part of the game. Disappointing but can’t blame Novak for his physical problems

September 9th, 2009 at 6:41 pm

I’m not implying btw that Verdasco blames Djoko(just read how unfortunate I wrote that)

September 9th, 2009 at 6:41 pm

Veno: That guy is nasty, period. He cursed at me for days on end, and picked on anything and everything I said for days even though it was unrelated to Djokovic. I think he has my psychological profile twisted, but I can only laugh. What he didn’t tell me, I doubt it’s yet to be written.

Can’t say this was an enjoyable match.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Who knows Novak’s luck will run further and the Sod knocks out Fed in a tough match for him…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Who, you mean Nacho?

September 9th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

As I said I don’t like watching matches where one opponent is hurt, but a win is a win.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

I thought it was enjoyable for a little over 2 sets…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

Von, I saw the Bryan Bros. Aiaiaia, another close tough match to lose…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

Not not Nacho, his attacker, the other guy, whose name I’m not going to mention. NachoF didn’t do anything wrong, all he said Djoko’s ‘unlikeable’. So it’s his opinion, and what’s wrong with that. He didn’t need the verbal onslaught that followed nor to be told to get the ‘f’ out of here. Nachof has been posting longer on this site than the other guy.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

And with Nestor-Zim out…

September 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

Ok, wait, wanna know his name…

“Djoko is unlikeable”

September 9th, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Veno, please don’t tell me the Bryans lost, to whom?

September 9th, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Oh yeah, sorry, nacho’s cool….remember him now..

September 9th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Veno: You’ve lost me, whose name you want to know?

September 9th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Paes-Dlouhy

September 9th, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Never mind Von, it matters not

September 9th, 2009 at 6:49 pm

You’ll know who he is when he posts, watch out.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

They lost the first set, won the second….

Then the third they saved 2 matchpoints and got to the tiebreaker, and then were 6-3 down, fought off those 3 matchpoints.

They switched sides at 6-6. Paes served to get a 6th matchpoint and then Bob served to save it but after a long rally they lost the match 8-6 in the deciding breaker

September 9th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

sheesh, why did the Bryans have to lose now that their main rivals got ousted.

This is turning out to be one topsy-turvy USO.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

The Bryans are not good at playing breakers. If you notice, most of their losses are due to the tie-breaks.

September 9th, 2009 at 6:53 pm

Yeah I noticed. They didn’t used to have this problem, I think Nestor-Zimjonic are in their heads because of how many tiebreakers they won against them. Maybe translating over to other teams…Hope they can turn it around.

They looked impeccable at the beginning of the season and their season got worse as time went on…

Pity

September 9th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

From Pennetta’s interview:

Q. Do you think she’s above all the other players?

FLAVIA PENNETTA: Well, for me, Serena and Venus are the best one, you know, when they are in shape and when they are like fit, they are the No. 1.

Ouch for the stab at Safina. The girl’s getting it from every direction

September 9th, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Veno: They began having the problems when the new tie-break was instituted as the decider instead of playing 3 sets, and nestor and Zim were able to win the breakers. It’s not a matter of them being in the bryans’ head so much as it’s the tie-breaker that seems to work against them.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Going out to dinner. Hope to be back in time for the Federer match.

Go Oudin!! I will be routing for you in spirit.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:03 pm

Bhubpati/Knowles won their match.

Veno: I’m waiting for Oudin to begin playing. Are you going to stay up?

September 9th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

Von sorry to see the Byrans went out; I was surprised and thought after Nest/Zjim went out that the Bryans would win. But there’s still Melanie! And of course Serena…

September 9th, 2009 at 7:10 pm

In the Slams they don’t play Super tiebreaks and they lost 2 breakers at Wimbledon in the final.

True, they lost Cincy in the super tiebreaker. Could be, I don’t know. Before Nestor-Zimonjic got some close wins on them I assumed they’re a little in their head a la Rafa in Fed’s. I could be wrong though…

September 9th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

Congrats on Novak’s advancement to the semis for a third straight year Jane. Pity Verdasco was injured, could have been a classic 5 setter.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:14 pm

Djokovic/Verdasco match- not very interesting. Djoko is trying so hard to be liked but he resorts to some antics that are really quite irritating. After he won over Stepanek and called McEnroe to play with him, I thought it was pandering. I could not believe that McEnroe could be cajoled into it. I started to wonder if Novak and John have the same management company.

Speaking of doubles, I am not a fan of the new tiebreak. They should just play a regular third set. This new format makes doubles very uninteresting.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

I agree Polo. And I saw they play Super Tiebreaker in the mixed doubles here….That’s weird!

September 9th, 2009 at 7:17 pm

Novak’s mature attitude made me warm up to him more and more, but him overdoing it and his return to excessive histrionics starting to annoy me. What a pity

September 9th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

Von, did you see Wickmeyer play?

September 9th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

she played 4 matches under the radar on outside courts getting no media attention at all and the 19 year old played a superb match to beat grinder K.Bondarenko on Ashe.

She was astouned how big the stadium was and how much was going on. But she was really focused and just overpowered Bondarenko with impressive attacking tennis. And considering her history, I am so happy for her.

I pick her over Oudin or Wozniacki to reach the final if she plays this level.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Polo: I caught a bit of conversation between Johnnie Mc and Tirico/ESPN team, and the gist of that after the match scene, per JMc was a scripted one and a PR ploy from Djoko’s manager to ingratiate him with the US crowd due to last year’s debacle. I made a comment that I’d remark on something about that match after Djoko’s match vs. Verdasco today, and I’m now repeating that little tid-bit. I suppose that’s why Todd martin, who’s a joke IMO, is now on his team to promote his US image and Todd’s presence can open some US doors, I suppose.

I’ve defended Djoko on many an occasion, but I find it very difficult to like him due to his semantics on court and some of his put-downs when he loses, especially at the AO and Miami.

Also, I didn’t want comment on Djoko’s match vs. Step that night, where it was mentioned that Djoko played so fantastic and imposed his game, with his classical shots but that’s so very easy to do when the opponent did not show up isn’t it? However, today’s match was a testament also that if the other guy is not there in the match, then fantastic shots are easy to pull off.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:27 pm

Veno: I saw about 4 games of wickmayer/bondarenko and Wickemayer looked sharp. Bondarenko looks a bit like Zvonareva face wise.

Yes, I think Wickemayer will most probably beat Oudin or Wozniacki.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:29 pm

Von says: “I caught a bit of conversation between Johnnie Mc and Tirico/ESPN team, and the gist of that after the match scene, per JMc was a scripted one and a PR ploy from Djoko’s manager to ingratiate him with the US crowd due to last year’s debacle.”

“If” this is really true Novak has dropped back to sub zero levels on the Veno-warmth-meter, because frankly it’s just sad.

I hope it’s not true. He should win over the crowd by showing his tennis skills and being respectfull to opponents and the audience.

Respect has to be earned not scripted….

September 9th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

Well Von, if Fed beats Sod luck isn’t going to save Novak in the semis. He will have no choice but to let his racket do the talking.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

It may well be that Djok’s opponents haven’t been playing up to par – certainly I don’t think Step was and I didn’t see today’s match. But a player doesn’t get to the top five that way, so he can pull off fantastic shots from time-to-time. :)

Lots of people don’t like Djok because they don’t like his yelling on court, or his comedy or his family or whatever. That’s their prerogative. Same with Murray – as has been shown on these boards, tons of people don’t like him. But I think they’ve both proven they can play top-rate tennis, just not as consistently as Fed & Nadal.

It’s hard to say if they’ll step up and start winning slams or not. I think Murray will win a slam next year, and as for Djoko I’d want to wait and see if he becomes more consistent. With guys like JMDP, Cilic, maybe even Isner around, it’s not going to get easier for anyone. That’s for sure.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:39 pm

Hmm, wonder how much energy Oudin still has left.
But with her, I won’t put a prediction past her. I’ll watch a little Von.

@Jane: no question about his talent and skills. He’s in the semis and that’s 3 years in a row at the Open. That’s impressive.

I wish he would refrain from the histrionics though. Starting to annoy again and he was doing so well.

Novak can live with a loss to Fed, but if he faces Sod(you never know) he’ll be disappointed not to make the final.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:46 pm

Looks like Melanie likes to give up the first set to fancy her chances of a win :)

September 9th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

Oh and Fernando had a stomach injury too. So Djok will probably have a rude awakening against Fed if he doesn’t bring his A-game. He has had a pretty good draw, as potential threats were taken out. Haas by Verdasco and Roddick by Isner – also Stepanek played so well to beat Kohls and then was a deadbeat vs. Djok. So it’s really opened up for Novak, who can just play whoever is across the net. But he has shown flashes of his great tennis here, which has been nice to see. Yet he’s still too inconsistent for the most part.

Anyhow onto Melanie and the “believe” thing… LOL

September 9th, 2009 at 7:49 pm

Veno: It’s true what I heard Johnnie Mac state on that after the match thing. I believe it, because JMac also had on sneakers, or else I wouldn’t repeat it. You can count on one thing with me, due to my professional backround, I’d NEVER cite anyone’s words unless I heard it for myself and I never write as fact by hearsay, and you can take that to the bank. ha ha.

jane: “Lots of people don’t like Djok because they don’t like his yelling on court, or his comedy or his family or whatever. That’s their prerogative. Same with Murray – as has been shown on these boards, tons of people don’t like him. But I think they’ve both proven they can play top-rate tennis, just not as consistently as Fed & Nadal.”

True, it’s our prerogative and I’ll reiterate, I don’t like Djoko’s many semantics on court, period, and that’s my prerogative. Why bring Murray into this, again, you’re using other extraneous factors as leverage. Also, no one stated Djoko can’t play tennis, so why mention that? Let’s deal with the issue, which is Djoko’s on court semantics, NOT Murray’s or any other player.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

And Woz is a Dane….a Scandinavian…so as cool as a cucumber. There will be fits and emotional break downs from Carolina

September 9th, 2009 at 7:51 pm

I believe Von’s comment about the Djokovic PR ploy with McEnroe. The whole thing felt so contrived especially since the game finished early and they have quite of bit of TV time still to cover. I believe that ESPN agreed with this to improve Djokovic’s appeal to the audience which could translate to improved TV viewership not only for this Open but for future ESPN TV coverage which will most likely include Djokovic a lot being that he is a highly ranked player and would have a lot of TV face time in the future. Wise guys, aren’t they?

September 9th, 2009 at 7:51 pm

Veno: “Novak can live with a loss to Fed, but if he faces Sod(you never know) he’ll be disappointed not to make the final.”

Soderling could really turn it on against Djoko and if they were to meet it would be interesting to see how that match will play out.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:55 pm

Djokovic’s management is trying very hard to improve his image. Why do you think his parents are absent from his box? They have always been around before when Novak played. But after last year’s faux pas at the Open, they suddenly disappeared. Bad image means less endorsement deals.

September 9th, 2009 at 7:56 pm

Ok Von, believe you. You don’t need to accredit yourself to me my friend.

It’s just my nature and experience to never state something in my own name as “fact” if I haven’t been presented or come in contact with the information first hand.

Remember what I do professionally and we can agree on it being my unavoidable deformation :)

My only reaction to hearing this news is a shake of the head saying sad, sad, sad

September 9th, 2009 at 7:57 pm

First “Come On” by Oudin!

September 9th, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Polo: According to JMac, ESPN was approached by the Djoko PR manager and ESPN consented to it. Why did JMc conveniently have sneakers considering the suit he had on (beautifully tailored threads if I might add) if it wasn’t scripted? No way would ESPN be so generous towards an impromptu request. That bit of time is worth mucho dollars.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pm

Agree Von. Soderling will hammer right through Novak when he’s on like he did Rafa and also being kind of a Scandinavian Recluse on the tour, he won’t be phased or distracted by any antics Novak might use.

Probably call him out on it as he did with Rafa. Ok, Rafa beat him then(Wimby), but it shows his character. He’s not afraid of, intimidated by or let’s anyone bully him. I like that about him.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:01 pm

Semantics? Not sure I follow what you mean by this Von?

I do know what Veno means by histrionics though – and even I hate when Djok shows that negative body language on the court, or gets into excessive hollering. I won’t get into defending him for this.

I brought up Murray because ever since he lost yesterday I have read one negative comment after another after another and I haven’t really had time to comment – but they’ve been about his game, or personality or whatever. So I felt like pointing out he’s played great tennis to get to where he is no matter what anyone thinks. And he can comeback from this.

Besides, I like both Djok and Murray.

As for the PR ploy, I thought it was fun to see the two goofing around and the crowd seemed to enjoy it too, so if it was indeed a scheme I guess it worked for some.

Anyway, nuff said.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:01 pm

Veno: In my line of work the word ‘can’ instead of ‘cannot’ could have deleterious effects on an argument and could render it null and void. Do you remember what I said about the ‘Fed tanking’ thing when it was mentioned?

September 9th, 2009 at 8:03 pm

For you Von, as I know you like your Latin: Whomever Novak will face in the semis, he’ll have to tone down on the “veni” and the “vidi” and start showing more “vici”

September 9th, 2009 at 8:04 pm

Von, indulge me if you please…

September 9th, 2009 at 8:06 pm

I wonder if they would’ve still done it if the Djok vs. Step match had gone the distance? I mean it did work as a time-filler too, and I suppose, considering the match wasn’t super dramatic, this added some fun for those hanging around, to see Mac hitting.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:07 pm

Woz tactical plan is working very well. Is not letting Melanie any rhythm whatsoever.

Let’s see how Melanie will cope and if she can find some rhythm. But if anyone can this Open it’s Melanie.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

Let’s see if “believe”stays “believe”and won’t turn into “hope” or even “pray”

September 9th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

LOL @ 8:11 Veno. She’s trying to lose the first set remember? It’s worked like a charm everytime!

September 9th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

I know, but I’ll repeat myself….Woz is Scandinavian….cool as cucumbers

September 9th, 2009 at 8:14 pm

jane: How he tries to put a different spin on things in his interviews. I should have said, (which I did a few posts earlier,) his on court histrionics and his semantics in interviews.

As for adding Murray, I know this is how you like to write with inclusions, e.g., as ‘Von said’ (but not jane thinks or feels that way, always someone else) et al., but I think the two are unrelated regrdless of what was said yesterday with respect to Murray. The topic is Djoko, not Murray. Believe me jane, I can see more than you think I can see.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

Woz is altering pace on her shots . Melanie likes pace, pace and even more pace. I think it’s a good tactic by Woz as Melanie has dunked quite a few already in the middle of the net.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

Impressive set by Woz….
Let’s see how Melanie “believe” will go about her play in the second

Go Mel… “I beli….” Nah, can’t say it. It’s too American, too corny, too cliche…Sorry, no offence

September 9th, 2009 at 8:21 pm

Adding Murray has nothing to do with saying “Von says” as it was MY opinion on Murray not yours. I owned it then and I still do.

I am not going to worry about *how* I write my posts because you think I am doing something I am not; I said why I mentioned Murray and I meant it sincerely. Whatever you think you can see, is what you see. Not what I intended. There is a difference.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:23 pm

Veno: Could be Vincit qui se vincit or if Sod wins, Omnia iam fient fieri quae posse negabam. You’re going to get me into trouble, and I hope you’ll be backing me up. LOL. I’m just kidding around quipping back to you, but …..

September 9th, 2009 at 8:24 pm

“How do we begin to covet? We begin to covet what we see. And the more we see, the less we covet”

September 9th, 2009 at 8:27 pm

I like to be quipped and I have your back Von.
It’s funny though that you keep addressing me for causing you to get into trouble LOL

September 9th, 2009 at 8:29 pm

jane: It’s how it comes across to me with your inclusions, and that’s my interpretation. I never said it was your intention, but my interpretation. I feel that if you want to say something just say it, why include someone else’s name. Anyway, I should know this would happen, any time Djoko’s the topic, regardless ….. so moving on …..

September 9th, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Von: for you: “Ipsa scientia potestas est”

(or is it scientiae?)

September 9th, 2009 at 8:35 pm

Veno: What are you talking about covet? Vincit qui se vincit means, he conquers who conquers her/himself. Omnia iam fient fieri quae posse negabam means: “All the things which I denied could happen are now happening.”

“It’s funny though that you keep addressing me for causing you to get into trouble LOL”

Because you’re furthering the conversation and the more I say, the more problems it will cause for me. There isn’t freedom of speech here on many things .. get it? OY

September 9th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Very nice by Mel!

Great points….

Question for you guys…

Why do the women counternaturally move back to the baseline when they have to go forward. They take one step to come in and back off again, almost all of them do it…Seems so weird….

September 9th, 2009 at 8:37 pm

I wonder if Vared is checking out Woz’s makeup. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

My coveting fortune cookie wisdom was not a reply to your Latin sayings….and please hon, you don’t have to translate them for me….Classical trained remember?

September 9th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

Veno: OK I’ll humor you, so knowledge is power, and Here’s one back at you: In virtute sunt multi ascensus.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:40 pm

The whole Djoko-Mac thing looked staged from the beginning.

At the least, I’d give little credit to Djoko for trying to endear the fans he estranged last year.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

““All the things which I denied could happen are now happening.””

I know this one – Ovid. I was teaching Metamorphoses today in fact so a bit of synchronicity.

Anyhow, back to Melanie, who seems to be holding better so far in the second.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

If I were to translate it through notation “Omnia iam fient fieri quae posse negabam”

would mean: Everything(Omnia)I used to say couldn’t(iam fient fieri) happen, is able(posse) to happen now(quae negabam)

Of course yours is probably the normal translation into English….am a little rusty here…

September 9th, 2009 at 8:46 pm

Lol, nice Von….let’s not turn this into a contest please….Head already starting to spin going back to those days of endless translating Julius Caesar Oy Vey!

September 9th, 2009 at 8:47 pm

Don’t forget the ipsa Vonnie….Knowledge itself is power :)

September 9th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

Wozniaki looking bit edgy in this set…if this goes according to the script, we could see Williams-Oudin final. What a cracker that’d be!

September 9th, 2009 at 8:50 pm

Blank Says:

Wozniaki looking bit edgy in this set…if this goes according to the script, we could see Williams-Oudin final. What a cracker that’d be!

I think that it would be a “Blank” my friend.

Something in the lines of 6-1, 6-2

After the match Serena will have to scrape Melanie from he Nike’s, she’ll eat up the poor girl

September 9th, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Veno: Yes, knowledge is power, but how about, there are many degress in virtue.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:55 pm

Veno – I agree, Oudin (or even Wozniaki) has a very little chance against a pumped up Serena. So, I’ll rephrase…it’ll make a ‘cracker’ of a story and build-up leading up to saturday! ;-)

September 9th, 2009 at 8:56 pm

Told you, Woz is not a Russian fickle case but cool as a cucu…

Good effort by Mel though. She still believes as do the New Yorkers. Great to see.

If she can hold serve here and keep pushing Woz….who knows…If it goes to a third…she’ll probably take it….

September 9th, 2009 at 8:56 pm

Amen Blank. Don’t count out Wickmayer. She was impressive. Playing like that I give her the best chance against Serena if she were able to handle the nerves… Girl got game!!!

September 9th, 2009 at 8:57 pm

Blank: Serena will tear up my little girl and eat her as a ‘snack’ then she’ll be asking ‘where’s my dinner, bring it on?’ LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:57 pm

I like watching these two: both are pretty quiet and you don’t get the sense that either one will back down. Plus there is some good variety on show so far – Melanie with her droppers and stuff. But Melanie needs to strengthen her serve. And too many errors today unfortunately. She’ll have to really dig in here.

September 9th, 2009 at 8:58 pm

unlucky for Melanie there…

Can’t see Woz faltering now…

September 9th, 2009 at 9:01 pm

Wozniaki just 2 games away…not looking very good for Melanie.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:01 pm

Can you believe the dumb move by the management of the Hotel that had Melanie move out? Funny…

September 9th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

Veno: The hotel management didn’t do themselves any favour. That’s bad publicity for them. Another hotel would have given her a free room considering how she’s playing, not to mention the publicity for the hotel in the future. You can bet they’ll lose a lot of business due to that move … bad……

September 9th, 2009 at 9:08 pm

Melanie looks crest fallen. Poor kid, but good for Woz.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:09 pm

Congrats Wozniaki!

Good job Melanie…keep it up!

September 9th, 2009 at 9:10 pm

Good for Woz, her first GS SF. Way to go ….

September 9th, 2009 at 9:12 pm

Woz played it smart and isn’t a Russian basket case hahahaha

Great tourney for Melanie. Good to see she’s so disappointed. I like that, will motivate her to work even harder!

Melanie Oudin, a breath of fresh air, but tonight the tank ran empty real fast. Can’t blame her.

Btw, if Woz doesn’t up her game by a significant margin she’ll get clobbered by Wickmayer.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:14 pm

Veno: I have to run an errand. If you leave before I return have a good night and sleep well, manana

September 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pm

Djoko says during his interview. “the most important thing today was that I came back. In the third set I tried to stay the course, try some new things and I returned a lot more serves in.”

Lol, true, but Fernando’s serve wasn’t the same serve to return :) No mention(at least not in the part they showed) of Verdasco’s injury, but could be he addressed it during the interview. He also said he is now going to get ready to face Federer lol.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:23 pm

Too bad for Oudin. She ran out of Russian players to play against. Oudin’s next tournament will tell us more as to what her future may turn out to be. To Oudin’s credit, she played hard, went for her shots and did not wilt like the Russian ladies. I sense mental toughness there which will help her do well in future tournaments. The Russians, seeing her their mental frames are, probably fear her now.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:24 pm

ok von, I’m kicking myself that I’m still up…..Fed about to hit the court…How can I go to sleep now?!

September 9th, 2009 at 9:24 pm

Good morning Veno ;-)

September 9th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

Verdasco is in my list of good players who will never win a major. Davydenko, Monfils, Tsonga, Ferrer, Nalbandian and Gasquet are also in that list. I considered Gasquet briefly after his win over Federer ages ago but that has dissipated really fast (even without that cocaine kiss). Blake was never a factor even during his prime, in my opinion.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:33 pm

Polo: “Too bad for Oudin. She ran out of Russian players to play against.”

LOL :-)

September 9th, 2009 at 9:34 pm

Dory said: „Former tennis greats have already said who is the GOAT. Federer’s career is not over, I just hope in the next few years he beats Rafa when it matters the most and this debate will be possibly put to rest.“

Or he just, once again, loses another couple of those „when it matters the most“ type of matches and his GOAT status will then be deducted to OOTG (one of the greatest) ;-) Should be fun on Sunday!

September 9th, 2009 at 9:34 pm

Veno said: „It’s refreshing to see a young woman with a powerfull attacking game hammer down one of the Eastern European retrieving ball machines so far.“

„I don’t care for Bondarenko much. Just another ball retrieving machine that rolled off the East European assembly line.“

Well, not that any of those „Eastern European retrieving ball machines“ plays an eye-catching tennis, but then again, WHAT exactly is so amazing on Wickmayer apart from originating from your neighboring country of Belgium, Veno? Another 180 cm+ tall, boring, one-dimensional baseline ball-basher… Henin at least had that crazy onehanded BH, but Wickmayer? Bwah!

September 9th, 2009 at 9:35 pm

Wickmayer won because Bondarenko played like a Russian.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:43 pm

Fine Skorocel, tastes differ. You don’t have to find her appealing. I do! You don’t! Fine by me :)

September 9th, 2009 at 9:44 pm

And you’re comparing her to Henin? She’s 19 LOL

Henin at 19 got knocked off the tennis court and not until after she worked on her serve and her strength she started to break through.
I loved Henin’s game! And I like wickmayer too! Would be the same if she was a Russian, that she’s Belgian(oh yes, a small country like my own and a neighbour) is only a bonus

September 9th, 2009 at 9:47 pm

My goodness, Fed is giving Robin a clinic. Poor Sod

September 9th, 2009 at 9:52 pm

Soderling is still in Swedish time…

Veno, when will it be morning there? I want to know when he’ll wake up ;-)

September 9th, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Sod is doing everything he can, can’t believe how hard he was hitting but Fed just stood on the baseline and kept knocking it back as hard.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:56 pm

What? A bagel in a men’s slam quarter final. Come on Robin, have something lighter, like the breadstick Djok snacked on in set 2 today.

September 9th, 2009 at 9:58 pm

My goodness. What a demolition!

September 9th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

Ah well, might as well do the dishes… doesn’t look like much competition in this match. Will maybe check in a bit and see if Sod has come up with anything…

September 9th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

Veno, are you still watching the Federer/Soderling match? You probably won’t have to stay up too late anyway. In fact, you might as well go to bed now. 6-0

September 9th, 2009 at 10:00 pm

Veno: I’m back and I see Fed’s about to give Sod a bagel for dinner. Is djoko sure he wants to meet Fed? LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:00 pm

Is anyone in the crowd watching the match? Every person ESPN shows in the crowd is running her/his mouth.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:01 pm

Blank: You’re bad! Poor robin is awake in the twilight zone LOL. he’s saying “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing”. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:02 pm

Mary: The camera focused on “The Donald” as in Trump, sitting next to an Hispanic/Italian young thing, working his mouth. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:04 pm

Von: That wasn’t Melania, was it?

September 9th, 2009 at 10:05 pm

Mary: I’m not sure. In some respects she looks like Catherine Zeta Jones-Douglas. Is Melania his newest filly?

September 9th, 2009 at 10:07 pm

Oh my, wonder of wonders, Robin has won a game.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:08 pm

Von: No, Trump has been with Melania for some time.They married in 05 or 06. I know they have a son.
The girl with him looked younger than Melania. The fat guy sitting behind them was totally listening in on their conversation.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:09 pm

I like this match. I get to see all the celebrities among the spectators. That girl with the Donald is very pretty and very much not his wife. I see Gavin all the time but where is Gwen Stefani?

September 9th, 2009 at 10:14 pm

Mary: The woman looks about early 20s. I guess the guy is looking for a story. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:15 pm

Gwen’s touring with No Doubt, I think.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:15 pm

Sod did well to avoid the early break there

September 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pm

Polo: Then “The Donald” is cheating? OY VEY. Gwen’s nursing the baby.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pm

Can’t believe the wind!

September 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pm

John Mcenroe: “Roger has to come down and Murray is much hungrier. I pick him to win the Open.”

Really John?

September 9th, 2009 at 10:18 pm

The same John now just said about Roger – “Did u see that…how does he do that?…so amazing etc etc”

That guy is a leech.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:20 pm

And yeah…he’s right on one count. Murray is hungry, that’s why he is at home eating dinner now instead of sweating it out on the court.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:22 pm

Did you see Kate Hudson? She does not have a date. She with a couple of ladies. I believe she dated Adam Scott for a while. Adam is now going out with Ana Ivanovic.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:22 pm

Poor Johnnie Mc. I told you guys that he’s in his dotage, so what do you expect from him. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:23 pm

I really like Roger’s new haircolor.

Roger needs to get his rich self and his huge zit on the nose over to Duane Reade and buy some Queen Helene Mint Julip Masque.

And now that th McEnroes are going full tilt with “Come Ons” and “producing magic.” they should stop the match.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:25 pm

Kate Hudson’s date…A-Rod just finished his game. I guess lost to Tampa Rays.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:25 pm

Polo: Do you read the Celebrity gossip? Man, you’re up-to-date. I’m not in the know at all. However, all i can say is that Adam Scott’s not helping Ivanovic’s tennis in the least bit. Why is it that she cries so much each time she exits early at her matches?

September 9th, 2009 at 10:25 pm

Jane, can’t imagine you like to see Roger in this form against your man if he plays like this..

People can say what they want but Fed is playing top class! And that in those windy conditions.

Feel sorry for Robin, after his final in RG he backs it up at Wimby and here, reaches the 4th rnd at Wimby and QF now and runs into Fed every time…

September 9th, 2009 at 10:26 pm

Polo: Hudson has been thru all of male Hollywood.
“She’s producing magic. come on!”

September 9th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

Blank: Andy Roddick’s the authentic A-Rod. Any other is an impostor. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

Veno: Sod is following in Roddick’s footsteps and seems to have the same luck of the draw.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:28 pm

good racket break though…should have given it to a spectator like Gonzo yesterday

September 9th, 2009 at 10:28 pm

Mary: Are you saying Kate Hudson is a mattress?

September 9th, 2009 at 10:29 pm

You said it Von

September 9th, 2009 at 10:29 pm

Von – That’s true. Being a tennis fan (I hardly watch MLB, just happend to flip a channel and the yankees game was on) I should call only our Roddick A-Rod!

September 9th, 2009 at 10:31 pm

Hahaha! This match is turning us into gossip mongers.

Von, I don’t “intentionally” follow the celebrity gossip thing. I just happen to “glance” at the tabloids when I am doing the groceries.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:31 pm

Von: Yes, Hudson is a hoochie.

I like Soderling. I think you would hang out with him and wake up in a daze in two or three days later.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:32 pm

Blank: “I should call only our Roddick A-Rod!”

You just won my heart. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:32 pm

Polo: “I just happen to “glance” at the tabloids when I am doing the groceries.”

That’s what I do when I’m waiting on line at the chek-out. I’ve become a bit bolder as I’ve gotten older, I take out the magazine from the rack and read, then when I’m ready to check-out, I smile and say to the clerk ‘just taking a read’. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:35 pm

What Robin has to do to win points….

September 9th, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Mary says: Hudson has been thru all of male Hollywood.

I am moving to Hollywood. But first, I have to ask persmission from my wife.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:37 pm

Veno: throw the tennis racquet at Fed.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Veno: Maybe stand on his head and hit the ball through his legs. Seriously, he’s a big hitter and server and Federer feeds off that kind of pace. soderling has pretty much played a good match, it’s just that Fed’s in the zone and the NYC crowd can really pack a punch on a player’s ego.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:39 pm

Von – So you say my hard work has paid off?!! lol

September 9th, 2009 at 10:39 pm

Polo: You need permission to move? Do like the french guy did in Rush Hour 3, tell her like it is, then wait for the slap.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

Oh good lord, half of Federer’s box is wearing the RF jackets.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:41 pm

Blank: Yes, you’ve done it this time. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:41 pm

Polo: Whatever you do, don’t take her to Hollywood with you. It’s community property out there. She’ll get half.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:42 pm

Some tennis-golf connections based on what I glanced at while at the grocery:

Chris Evert- Greg Norman
Ana Ivanovic- Adam Scott
Martina- Sergio Garcia

Only male golfers because you probably know about female golfers.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:43 pm

I think Mary, Soderling will have to hit Fed with his racket

September 9th, 2009 at 10:43 pm

We’re all laughing here, but this is no ‘yoking’ matter for Sod.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:43 pm

Mary, I will definitely take her with me to Hollywood then. Thanks for the information.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:45 pm

Which Martina?

Mary: Half of what? Kate Hudson? If so, which half? LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:45 pm

Veno: “Jane, can’t imagine you like to see Roger in this form against your man if he plays like this..”

Honestly, Djok doesn’t have a hope at this rate! He’ll just have to do what Robin is doing and try to keep it competitive without trashing too many racquets. Listen, it’s his first slam semi in 2009 so that’s something to be happy about. No matter how he got there, he still got there!

Worse off is that they’re saying it could rain tomorrow so the bottom half of the draw could be screwed again this year with rain delays. And they have some slug-fests to get through down there. Hope it doesn’t rain for their sakes.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

All fun aside, I admired Verdasco for staying in the match to the bitter end today.
______________
Veno: Wasn’t this worth your while to lose some sleep?

September 9th, 2009 at 10:47 pm

I like Robin’s attitude and going to net!

September 9th, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Hmm, Sod playing like this could get to a tiebreak. Fed loses concentration. Wins it. Gets on a roll and wins in 5! Oh, jane, am I sounding like you now?

September 9th, 2009 at 10:49 pm

Come on Von, don’t tell me you thought it could be Navratilova. She is for the LPGA. Oops! I am getting mean again.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:50 pm

Soderling is ahead!

September 9th, 2009 at 10:51 pm

The camera focused on Pascal Maria and he looks bored.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:51 pm

Polo: I honestly thought of Navratilova. I thought maybe she changed her choice of partners.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:53 pm

“Oh, jane, am I sounding like you now?” What do you think Veno? I guess the situations are comparable. But something tells me Fed’s just a bit more consistent, a bit tougher to beat. You know, all the stats. 22 grand slam semis in a row. I am just happy Djoko got to 1 this year!

September 9th, 2009 at 10:54 pm

Hey, Fed’s eyesight is better at night. He won that challenge.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:54 pm

Just messing with ya Jane….

September 9th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

When you are ahead that much, you should not be allowed to challenge anymore!

September 9th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

Von,… and I thought you know so much about human behavior.

September 9th, 2009 at 10:57 pm

Take that Fed! SOD IS COMING BACK! booyah!

September 9th, 2009 at 11:01 pm

well, if Sod can take the set Fed will have a match on….or will he raise his level at crunch time yet again

September 9th, 2009 at 11:02 pm

looks like it will be a breaker

September 9th, 2009 at 11:04 pm

Veno, go to bed already.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:05 pm

Veno: You’re one busy guy; you’re on both threads. LOL.
____________
Polo: My books didn’t teach me about switch-hitters.LOL. Hey, I’m the product of a nice Catholic girls school. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:05 pm

The announcers were trying to bring in some drama when Fed missed that overhead and it went to 0-15. J-Mac says “all of a sudden here…” implying Fed’s losing it. LOL!! Sod is holding though so we should see a tiebreak – usually there’s one in their matches I think.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:05 pm

Dear tennis players,
I’m already missing the second showing of Top Chef, so you can take your time this set.
Your Welcome In Advance,
Mary

September 9th, 2009 at 11:06 pm

Polo: It’s a waste of time sending Veno to bed. I’ve given up. It’s about 5:00 am Dutch time, and Veno could care less. Talk about an excitable child. LOL.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:07 pm

Bold prediction: Soderling will win this set and the match will go into 5 sets. Then a shock ending.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:07 pm

Either Soderling breaks serve here or we will definitely have a tie-break.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:10 pm

You can dance, you can jive having the time of your life!You go on with your bad self, Sod!

September 9th, 2009 at 11:16 pm

Wow, awesome Fed shot for 6-6.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:17 pm

I think Veno fell asleep.

September 9th, 2009 at 11:30 pm

Veno’s still watching and enjoying the match

September 9th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

Veno: „And I like wickmayer too! Would be the same if she was a Russian“

Well, judging from those labels which you attached to those Russians, I’m not quite sure here…

September 10th, 2009 at 12:48 am

I think, almost all the rules have some exceptions. So considering what has happened in the tennis world since 2004/05, Federer is the rule, while Nadal is very much the exception!

September 10th, 2009 at 6:08 am