Federer, Djokovic Line Up Semifinal at US Open

How do you people get the interviews up so quickly? The match ended about three minutes ago!

September 10th, 2009 at 12:17 am

22 Straight Grand Slam semi – finals in a row.

Amazing!

Too bad Federer won’t be meeting Roddick on Saturday. Instead he will get to beat Djokovic again. I guess that’s the way the cookie crumbles.

Damn you Isner for ruining an American presence in the semis and on Super Saturday too. How anti-American of you! Very very selfish!!

September 10th, 2009 at 12:38 am

Well played Federer! Soderling was playing awesome tennis in the fourth set (that’s all i watched). It’s great that Federer managed to finish the fight in the fourth set, else there would have been a tough fifth set for sure as i felt Soderling’s game was just peaking.
Federer is getting even tougher mentally than he was prior to this year :)

September 10th, 2009 at 1:04 am

It’s true about the Rafa-kissing incident; that freaked me out after I saw replays of it. And then there was that jimbo guy who put the hat on Fed at the FO.

The security at the slams maybe needs to beef up, or beef down, as the case may be: “the overweight, middle-age “security” person reacts but is too slow to keep up with the young trespasser.”

————————————

As for Djok looking forward to facing Fed, the answer you posted above, was in response to the journalists asking if it was “good to be back in the semis”. But he did also say the following:

“Q. What do you wish to make better for the next round?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I just need to be ‑‑ if I play with Roger, you know, we don’t need to talk a lot about him. His records in US Open, we all know his style of the game. I have been playing against him many, many times and a lot of different kind of surfaces.

There is no secrets in each other’s game, so I just ‑‑ it’s a matter of good day. I hope I can have a good day and concentrate, and physically I’m going to have enough time to recover and be ready.”
—
And earlier he said this:

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don’t think you can always ‑‑ you can ever get your game to the perfection, you know. Only if you’re Federer. (laughter.)
—-

September 10th, 2009 at 1:11 am

“RAFA KISSED BY LUCK — How sad was that incident where the fan was able to run right up to Rafa on court Tuesday night and give him a kiss? What if that was some insane Swiss Fed fan with a knife ala the Monica Seles incident? Tennis would be rocked, and Rafa would be in the hospital. Sadder still was the ESPN slow-motion replay where you see the guy dash out of the crowd, and the overweight, middle-age “security” person reacts but is too slow to keep up with the young trespasser. Thank goodness that guy didn’t have bad intentions…”

Was it a guy or girl that kissed him? Anyone know where I can see a replay of the incident?

Are security staff armed with handguns? If they are, it would take some fanatic to stab a player, because they know they’d get shot. Who would be willing to die for such a cause? This isn’t religion, just a sports player.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:23 am

Giner: it was a guy; here’s the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za1aI8Ybxoo

September 10th, 2009 at 1:26 am

Umm… I think you guys are over-reacting to the fan thing. That kind of thing really can’t be helped unless you go the Azteca stadium route with moats and fences with barbed wire.

Live sporting events have some risk I suppose. But this wasn’t any scarier than that clown at the RG final trying to get a rise out of Federer.

THIS is how you do it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKoAlpWD_Lg

September 10th, 2009 at 1:29 am

“What if that was some insane Swiss Fed fan with a knife ala the Monica Seles incident?”

ROFLMAO :-) Now this is what I call a true Tennis-x.com staff’s humour! Anyway, I bet that, even if the guy had the knife and succeeded, the knife wouldn’t do much damage to Rafa. Like with Chuck Norris, it would most probably bleed to death :-) Just kidding…

But seriously, Monica Seles must be shaking her head in awe! It’s just sad when you see how easily can one breach the security and literally storm on the court… Seems like nothing has changed since that fateful April 30th 1993…

September 10th, 2009 at 1:33 am

Djokovic: “So it was really a lot of enjoyment playing with McEnroe the other night. It was something else. You know, it was unexpected. I promise it wasn’t planned. It just came out. It was good.”

September 10th, 2009 at 1:33 am

Holy Crap Shaky! I don’t like watching boxing, but that was HILARIOUS. And bizarre!

I always thought the streakers were good for a laugh, but when they get up that close – like that dude with Fed at the AO or Rafa here – it is a little unnerving considering what happened to Seles. Maybe over-reacting, but ya just never know with people.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:34 am

Thanks jane.

I’ll bet Rafa’s reaction would have been a lot different if it was a girl…

Can’t really fault the security staff. They reacted as promptly as one could expect of them. They didn’t see it coming and wasn’t expecting it so would have been a bit less than vigilant.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:39 am

I just figure if you’re going to be a jerk and try to get on TV while harassing some player, go all out and make it happen.

Anything worth doing is worth doing right.

Jane if you like streakers, just mosey down to youtube and drink in all that pale skin!

Here’s the best commercial Nike ever had:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCVVE4pwlnM

September 10th, 2009 at 1:41 am

LOL! Talk about a paratrooper here, Shaky :-)

September 10th, 2009 at 1:41 am

Okay – that 22 consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearances for Roger Federer set me to wondering – how many of the 128 men entered in this year’s US Open Mens Singles draw had even PLAYED in the last 22 Grand Slams? Who has been skilled and healthy enough to be able to play at least one match in each of the Grand Slam events over the last 5 1/2 years?

So I put on my nerd hat and looked up every man in the draw and here are the players who have played in the last 22 Grand Slams, including this year’s US OPEN – In brackets besides their name I have put the number of semi-finals each player reached –

Albert Montanes (0)
Tommy Robredo (0)
Fernando Verdasco (1)
David Ferrer (1)
Fernando Gonzalez (2)
Tomas Berdych (0)
Fabrice Santoro (0)
Ivo Karlovic (0)
Feliciano Lopez (0)
Roger Federer (22)

Grand totals? Out of 128 players, only 10 have played the last 22 Grand Slams. Of these 10, four have reached at least one semi-final. Of these 4, two have reached more than one semi-final – Gonzalez, with 2 and Federer, with all 22.

Draw your own conclusions, but you have to think this record is going to last FOREVER!

September 10th, 2009 at 1:46 am

Gordo Said:

“Draw your own conclusions, but you have to think this record is going to last FOREVER!”

I agree. This record is even gonna be harder to break than his GS record, which I think will last for a few decades.

And to think that Rafa, the only person among current players too even come close to Federer’s league, has a consecutive semi-final appearance streak of 5 (from AO 08 to AO 09) and that streak is now broken.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:31 am

I meant “to” instread of “too”.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:31 am

nadal is going 2 win it sharapova i like u

September 10th, 2009 at 2:56 am

Maybe tennis needs to add Cosmo Kramer-type “ball men” on each side of the court who serve as ball kids and added security if need be.

September 10th, 2009 at 3:18 am

What a deplorable security lapse! I hate such lapses!

September 10th, 2009 at 6:11 am

WTF?!!! Serena hasn’t been the best female tennis player for the entire decade. Hello, Jutine Henin anyone???

September 10th, 2009 at 7:36 am

Good gracious the security definitely needs to be more alert! A few good fit commandos would do too besides the obese ones. Thankfully, he didn’t kiss Rafa on the lips!! :P

September 10th, 2009 at 7:39 am

Daniel2:

Serena has won all the Majors. Henin has not won Wimbledon. She made the Final there twice, losing to Venus and Mauresmo. If Serena wins this event she’ll have 12 Majors on her balance sheet compared to Henin’s 7. So it’s no real stretch to say overall, Serena’s accomplishment’s resound a little wider, and a little louder, than Justine’s.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:36 am

After the generation of Graf and Seles, the best female player in her generation is Serena. Henin comes in only second to her…several steps behind. You can mention Serena’s name along with Graf, Seles, Navratilova and Evert but Henin does quite belong to that echelon.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:58 am

While I agree that there was a security lapse, Americans seem to be far more paranoid about fans coming up to players. There has been numerous occasions where fans come up to players and nothing has happened, and only 1 occasion where something has happened. However, as a society, we’ve gotten pretty paranoid about the worst things happening, which is why kids can’t walk to school anymore, kids need child restraints, and so forth.

If you want to think about it this way, why would a crazed fan who had a vendetta against the player risk needing to get close to a player to harm them when they could do it at a fair distance away. That would be far more shocking. The odds are still far more in favor of a someone being a streaker than a psychotic fan out for blood.

One should note that in both occasions, Federer and Nadal brushed off the incident trusting in people’s better nature than their worse. Nadal even seemed slightly amused by the incident.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:04 am

Daniel2 Says:

WTF?!!! Serena hasn’t been the best female tennis player for the entire decade. Hello, Jutine Henin anyone???

I think this is a surface dependent argument.

Henin is the best female clay court player over the last decade.

Venus is the best Grass court player

And

Serena is the best over all player.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:18 am

Rafa didn’t seem to mind the kiss very much. He was actually trying to get to the guy afterwards to give him a hug or something, but they took him away, Rafa was just smiling and didn’t care. I think Safin or Roddick would have whacked the guy.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:34 am

The tennis-gods have the most twisted sense of humours….bringing Soderling back from a 2 set demolition to who knows what had it gone to a fifth set! I believe in the sod’s ability’s & despite the 0-11 H2H, the actual sets are usually quite close, especially in FO 7 wimby where it’s the sets are usually 7-5, 7-6 affairs.

I braved the first set demolition, then on to the second set. Granted, the Sod improved in the 3rd (or rather, the windy conditions calmed down & aided his game better)…..I had predicted that the Sod would manage to steal a set this time round….but after those 2 sets & seeing Fed 4-0 up in the tie-break, I for one called it a night….switched off the teevee & hoped for Sod’s revenge at a future match. The match was done & dusted in straight sets, Mirka was taking her last snaps, packing her camera & making calls to the nanny, Pat & John McEnroe had long stopped commentating on the match & were fondly remembering their days of glory.

…..Only to find out that it infact went to a 4th set tie-break & having watched the review, anything could have happened & gone either way. Of-course I remember the famous (or infamous for Roddick) 2nd set wimby tie-break, but i didn’t foresee how the Sod could pull off a roger against roger himself in that 3rd set tie-break at 0-4. lol. For sure, it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings.

I understand reviving oneself from a 2 set deficit, but for even Fed & Rafa, this is usually after closely contested sets where one loses in a tie-break or loses a single serve at 40all. What Soderling tried yesterday was something else, but thank goodness for the swiss maestro, it’s all shoulda, woulda, coulda……

Congrats to Roger for not losing his cool at the Sod’s force after that 3rd set….I suppose this is what makes him & Rafa great….what my dear Tsonga & Monfils should learn….had it been Tsonga in roger’s place, he could have completely lost the plot at such an opponent’s comeback.

Nowadays, the only person in soderling’s way at a GS event is a certain RF. My fortune teller crystal balls say that he’s definitely getting Roger in their next meeting, but only IF it’s a best of 3. So should this highly anticipated meeting come before AO, it goes to the sod, but should it happen in AO, am afraid he’ll have to waitcome AO, should they meet, I’m afraid normal service will resume. But again, it ain’t over till it’s over, so I bin my crystal balls.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:10 am

I TOLD YOU SO! FEDERER HAS AN EASY DRAW! BUT WITH THE WAY HE PLAYED, SODERLING WOULD TOOK HIM TO FOUR. I ALSO SAID THAT THE OTHER DAY. MURRAY MIGHT GET BEATEN! Anyway, Federina would gets in real trouble playing against Djokovic!

September 10th, 2009 at 10:23 am

I also said that, Roddick would not be in the final. Man! I should I put my money on those sporting bets! lol Djokovic has a pretty good chance against Fed Allstop in the semi, there are pretty good chance a repeat of the 2008 semi-final of the Australian Open! lol

September 10th, 2009 at 10:28 am

No, the Williams sisters fail every time substantial competition comes along. During Hingis’ dominance (1997-2000), they were shaded. I might add that Hingis beat *both* Serena and Venus in the 2001 Australian Open. Capriati won a few during her comeback as well. Before Henin emerged, the Williams sisters dominated (esp. Serena) for a couple of years (particularly around 2002). But Justine was remarkably consistent. I think in 2006, she made every GS final (winning the FO). Not winning Wimbledon doesn’t take away from the 7 slams she won in a very short space of time (Ken Rosewall’s inability to win Wimby doesn’t take away from his greatness; nor does the fact that Borg, Mac, Sampras and Connors failed to win career slams take away from theirs). Henin had Federer-like consistency (albeit not to the record-smashing extent Roger does). Now Henin is gone, the Williamses are winning again, although we’ll see if Kim can’t do something about that. Frankly, the Williams sisters ain’t all that. As soon as *serious* competition comes along, they wilt.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:30 am

Rick this is how I view you….

http://omnomed.com/gifs/wtf.gif

September 10th, 2009 at 10:37 am

This could be Djokovic’s tactic against Federer. Serve well, and get everything back on Federer’s serve. To make Fed Allstop to goes for his serve. And get him into double faults. And chase on everything to frustrate Federina. If not to beat him, just to wear him down for the player would be in the final. lol

September 10th, 2009 at 10:41 am

Re: security,

While what happened to Seles is obviously scary, I too think that there’s a bit of an over-reaction to the whole Roger FO & Rafa US open incidents. This sort of thing happens all the time in other sports, especially in football/soccer. And in athletics for the marathon runner where the fans are literally by the roadside stretched for the whole 42 km. Also in tennis, it’s actually quite common with other players in outside courts but only makes the news & a whole load of furore ‘coz it’s happening to rafa & fed on on centre court.

If they are going to be serious about it, then they oughta report it whenever it happens to all players. The fact they it’s only reported when it’s a Fed or Rafa shows me that they (whoever’s in charge of security) don’t think it’s a big deal but leave it to the media & commentators to have their news field day.

A whole load can be put into secirity but if someone wants to harm a player, no amount of security will stop it, afterall, it doesn’t have to be a stabbing….guns can be sneaked in you know.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:45 am

Federer should be in draws of where all the young guns are, instead of playing Soderling, Haas, Roddick or the players who are allergic to him in their entire careers over and over. He won most of his Slams for beating them over and over.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:48 am

Hey Rick I have an idea, here’s how Federer’s draw should be. Maybe you’ll be happy with it:

R1: Verdasco
R2: Tsonga
R3: Roddick
R4: Del Potro
QF: Murray
SF: Djokovic
F: Nadal

Is that ok, or is that an easy draw. I mean, he has an overall winning record against the group so it might be too easy. What do you think?

September 10th, 2009 at 11:05 am

“Serena has won all the Majors. Henin has not won Wimbledon. She made the Final there twice, losing to Venus and Mauresmo. If Serena wins this event she’ll have 12 Majors on her balance sheet compared to Henin’s 7. So it’s no real stretch to say overall, Serena’s accomplishment’s resound a little wider, and a little louder, than Justine’s.”

I’m not saying Serena isn’t the most acomplished female tennis player of the decade, I’m saying that she hasn’t been consistenly the best for a decade, which is what Martin said. There has been a couple of years where Henin totally dominated.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:29 am

ESPN preview to the Cilic-DelP match:
Tallest Quarter-final in Grandslam history.

I understand channels/commentators trying to create a big deal out of everything & pointing out all types of histories occurring in the tennis, but of all inane ones, this one takes the cup for me. lol

September 10th, 2009 at 11:54 am

soderling’s game really seems to match up well with fed. he did start laying some big bomber serves down in the last 2 sets though. it was an interesting dynamic in match – totally demolition for the first 2 sets and then super competitive in the last 2 – usually it’s the flip.

rog was lucky to get out of there in 4 sets.

thanks gordo for your nerd analysis. really puts that semi final record into perspective. like darren cahill said to roger last night “explain how that is even possible”

September 10th, 2009 at 11:55 am

Hahaha! Very good line-up, JCZ. But aren’t those guys (with the exception of Nadal) also allergic to Federer?

September 10th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

been there, done that – lol @11:54.

I was noticing yesterday that for the women’s quarter/semifinal matches, nearly everyone of them has a “back story”. There was Melanie’s “Believe”/ Cinderella tale, then Kim’s Baby / Comeback Queen tale, then Wickmayer’s “moving” and tragic story about the loss of her mother and dedication to the sport. But what was interesting was when they switched to the men’s there was basically none of that – just more tennis analysis and stats reporting and such. This was when the 2-Mac team and some other guy were at the desk. They do a much better job of commenting on the men’s matches imo. But anyhow, those “featurettes” can be quite inane and definitely repetitive if one is watching a lot.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:04 pm

Rick, all those young guns were entered in those majors that Federer won “over and over”. They could not even get pass their own sections of the draw and you expect them to do better against Federer?

September 10th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

JCZ,

I’m becoming a huge fan of yours. Pwned Rick!

Daniel2,

Henin did dominate for a while but so not like Serena. Serena’s domination was far greater than Henin’s ever was. Serena once held all 4 majors at one time.

Add to the fact that Henin is gone but Serena is still winning slams. Taking into account the ups and downs over a decade, Serena would have my vote. Henin if she was still playing might be, but apparently her body can’t hold up. Guess Serena’s like Federer’s body and game have stood the test of time.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

That was on overkill on the Oudin promotion by the network. Could they not think of anything else to generate interest in the US Open? Ofentimes, dumping so much hype on a youngster backfires because they get derailed. I hope it does not happen to her but we will see. Now is when the strength and values of those around her such as her parents, coaches, etc become very valuable. Believe, which is her slogan, should not turn out to be “believe the hype”.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

Polo I’m just trying to figure out who the “young guns” are? Gulbis (?), Cilic, Monfils, Querry, Del Potro? The only one of those three that’s probably gonna give Federer a match is Del Potro and he’s 5/6 in the world, he’s a quarters matchup at earliest.

I can’t think of any “young guns” that are going to hurt him in a 5 set match. I supppose Querry has a game to hurt Federer on a fast surface if he’s having a really great serving day?

Who are these imaginary people you want in his draw? He can’t face top 16 guys until the 4th round, top 8 guys until the quarters… if you could build a mathematically possible draw for him, who goes in it?

Round128: Gulbis (I think most people thought this was potentially the roughest 1st round matchup any of the top 16 guys got)
Round64: ___
Round32: ___ (someone ranked outside the top 30)
Round16: Cilic?
Quarters: Del Potro (this one I think is the toughest 5-8 matchup he could get, but you could put Roddick here)
Semis: Nadal?
Finals: Murray?

September 10th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

Nadal’s kissing incident:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09092009/2/fan-charged-kissing-nadal-courtside-u-s-open.html

Nadal stated in his interview:

“For me it wasn’t a problem,” Nadal, who appeared unruffled, told reporters about the encounter. “The guy was really nice. He was a great fan, he said ‘I love you’ and he kiss me.”

The fan faces criminal charges. If convicted, he’ll have to pay a fine and serve one year in jail. I believe, with Nadal’s testimony, as in his interview, and if the fan’s a first time offender, his charges could be reduced to just a fine and/or maybe probation.

I know that this could have probably been a serious attack, but nothing happened, and I’m hoping the fan is not sent to prison for his moment’s indiscretion whereby he threw caution to the wind and did the unthinkable. Probably, Rafa could seek the indulgence of the court on the guy’s behalf.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:18 pm

Von, thanks for the link on the fan incident; I agree with your comment thus – ” if the fan’s a first time offender, his charges could be reduced to just a fine and/or maybe probation.”

September 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm

Shaky, ask Rick who these “young guns” are. I was just responding to him when he complained that Federer should be playing with those guys. See Rick’s post at 10:48 AM.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:26 pm

JCZ Says:

Rafa didn’t seem to mind the kiss very much. He was actually trying to get to the guy afterwards to give him a hug or something, but they took him away, Rafa was just smiling and didn’t care. I think Safin or Roddick would have whacked the guy.

Rafa says he was try to stop the guy being arrested because he didn’t mind a fan coming up to him.

Footage of Rafa & Monfils after match interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQmrgyg6B2c&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6g5HK8KcVA&eurl=&feature=player_embedded#t=21

September 10th, 2009 at 12:28 pm

Oh please,

A crazy fan would have to stab a player before he or she were sentence to prison for any length of time.

This fan is only going to get a fine and some probation out of this. A slap on the wrist.

This is reality.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:29 pm

Polo: “That was on overkill on the Oudin promotion by the network. Could they not think of anything else to generate interest in the US Open? Ofentimes, dumping so much hype on a youngster backfires because they get derailed. I hope it does not happen to her but we will see.”

Indulge them — It’s been a long time since we’ve had a young woman in the QFs other than the Williams sisters. US tennis is sadly in need of more female players who can play the game.

I saw Connors and JMc in a discussion on the Tennis Channel last night. Their discussion surrounded the lack of male US players in the second week and Roddick’s draw. They felt Roddick had the toughest draw, and JMc stated (not verbatim) that no one wants to see a 6’9″ tall guy in his draw. They apparently feel, as I do, that the taller guys have an unfair advantage. For example, they have about a 6+ foot span in their reach off of both wings. In order to avoid their reach a player has to go for angles at all times, and that’s not an easy task. Anything up the middle will be severely punished, and anything dropped short, they’ve only to take a few steps forward and are right there to hit the ball with power and then some. OY VEY. I’ll say it again, put them in a league of their own, viz., Tour of the Giants.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:29 pm

No no I agree with you Polo. Sorry I should have directed my response at Rick.

I’m just trying to figure out who we’re even talking about when we talk about “young guns.” Like who are these young people who are contenders that aren’t in the top 16 already? Who has the game to bother really any of the top 4 guys in an early round?

I thought soderling was a fantastic quarters matchup, so I figured by this point nobody was still complaining about the draw. Rick is really something special, isn’t he folks?

September 10th, 2009 at 12:30 pm

Brady: What do you know about the law? I speak from experience, get it!

jane: You’re welcome!

“I agree with your comment thus – ” if the fan’s a first time offender, his charges could be reduced to just a fine and/or maybe probation.”

LOL, jane, it’s not as simple as that hon, we could agree all we want. However, if Rafa could seek the court’s mercy on behalf of the fan, the charges will probably dropped. I’m sure Rafa wouldn’t mind interceding on the fan’s behalf, but if the fan has other convictions he’ll have some problems.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Shaky: Soderling is a threat to any player for a few reasons. He’s 6′ 6″tall, and has that reach I’m harping about, plus he’s a great mover, a huge server, and has excellent ground strokes. He’s a very difficult player to beat. He virtually goes on a tear during the indoor season. I would not look at any player’s draw with Soderling in it and think they have an easy path, no way.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:41 pm

Von,

No doubt you have experience dealing with the criminal system. The logic in most of your posts demonstrates delusional, twisted, and ridiculous thinking.

Thanx for all the laughs, dear.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

Von, when charges are dropped -i.e., if Rafa did intercede on behalf of that fan – that means there is no punishment whatsoever right? Well, if that’s the case, then I suppose that would be fine. However, in my opinion, maybe a small fine or some amount of probation or community servise is in order to deter this guy from leaping bounds to kiss Rafa whenever he seems him in the future, lol. The $5000 fine the article mentions seems like way too much though.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Brady: At least I have logic, what do you have, garbage? I must be stating something right, because I noticed you stop talking about Federer’s alleged ‘tanking’ after I told you to call me when they drag you before a Disciplinary Committee to prove the nonsense you expounded. And, stop using the information I just put out on probation. That’s where I’d like to put you with a muzzle over your idiotic mouth.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:50 pm

I’m really looking forward to the Gonzo-Rafa match. Now THAT would be a slug fest.

If both are playing their best tennis it can easily go to a fifth set. For me, I think this may be the match of the tournament.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

@12:50 typos: servise s/b “service” and seems s/b “sees”.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

Kimo,

Let’s, indeed hope so!

May the best man win.

September 10th, 2009 at 12:53 pm

jane: Yes, If the charges are dropped, then there will be no punishment. It all depends on what Rafa does, and the magistrate judge’s leniency. The magistrate could be lenient and just impose a fine if he’s a nice guy, or he could be a toughie and fine the guy plus put him on probation. I agree $5,000 is a huge fine, and it could be wittled down to $300-$500. As I said, it’s all dependent on the mind-set of the judge. OY

September 10th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Does anyone know the schedule for today’s men’s QF matches?

September 10th, 2009 at 12:56 pm

Von JMDP/Cilic is on later in the afternoon (last day match on Ashe), then Rafa/Gonza is on at 7:00 pm, probably fairly close afterwards, depending on how long the former match goes, of course.

Thanks for your “legal” reply on Rafa/fan situation.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

Von Says:

Brady: At least I have logic, what do you have, garbage? I must be stating something right, because I noticed you stop talking about Federer’s alleged ‘tanking’ after I told you to call me when they drag you before a Disciplinary Committee to prove the nonsense you expounded. And, stop using the information I just put out on probation. That’s where I’d like to put you with a muzzle over your idiotic mouth.

This is the look people give when they read one of your Roddick excuse posts….

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx141/chichimon2/fifty-wtf.gif

September 10th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

Fed’s serve has just become the hugest weapon for him in many ways: he hit 28 aces in 4 sets last night, he won 86% off his first serves and 56% off second serves. He is not as strong at returning, judging by the year’s stats anyhow, as some nor as he used to be, but his serving more than makes up for it. If he is that consistent in his service games, it makes him really tough to beat. It’s like it has to happen during tiebreaks and/or if he begins to hit more errors than his opponent or something. The opponent has to not only protect his own serve but has to play a very clean match to have a chance at winning.

The top guys below Roger should step up their second serves. Many of them -Murray, JMDP, Rafa, Verdasco, Djoko – are good returners, so if they could secure their serves they’d be okay. Rafa and JMDP are the best in that group of securing their own service games, and likely it’ll be one of those two in the final to face Fed.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:10 pm

Brady:

Do yourself a favor by saving some time and energy, and get this into your sick head ASAP, I NEVER look at your links. You know what, you are one wicked and cantankerous $%^^**(). What is it with you? Is your life so miserable and in need of attention, that you stoop to harassing other people and making a nuisance of yourself? sheesh. This is ridiculous, it’s now progressed to not about Roddick, but anything and everything I write now.

I mentioned Nadal’s incident and you’re putting down my remarks as if I don’t know what I’m talking about. then you make fun of my profession. You’re ankle biting anything and everything I write. Is this some form of sick pleasure for you? If it is, then I’d suggest you seek the help of a good shrink. Ignoring you makes no difference whatsoever, you insist on coming after me with unjustified attacks. I’M SICK OF YOU, just leave me the hell alone!

I come here to have some fun not to argue with a VIRAGO like you.
___________________
jane: Thanks for the info on the matches. I have a dental appointment OY VEY time, and am hoping I’ll be able to see Rafa’s match.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:16 pm

Jane,

Federer’s serve was a big part of what helped him win Wimbledon again. It is the most under-rated part of his game. Time and again he served him self out of trouble.

It’s not the fastest serve but it’s placement and spin make it just as lethal as any of the guys who routinely serve bombs in the 130-140 mph range. His 2nd serve is the best in the business, better than Roddick’s imo.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

jane: “Fed’s serve has just become the hugest weapon for him in many ways: he hit 28 aces in 4 sets last night, he won 86% off his first serves and 56% off second serves.”

After Fed lost at Miami he stated he’s going to work on his fitness and his serve. I suppose he’s cognizant that his return game is not as strong as it once was, therefore he’s trying to get cheap points from his serve.

What’s of interest here and something I find amazing and kind of ludicrous, that in the past posters used to knock and put down the the big servers by saying they get cheap points off of their serves, and their games is all about the serve. However, there’s now a shift in fans’ thinking and an acceptance also, that it’s alright for the top players to be reliant on their serves and/or use it as a weapon. It’s unbelievable how times have changes and thinking also.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:26 pm

Good luck at the dentist Von! I am off to work – hope to be able to catch all of Rafa but will likely miss most of JMDP/Cilic. Oh well.

September 10th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

Von Says:

Brady:

Do yourself a favor by saving some time and energy, and get this into your sick head ASAP, I NEVER look at your links. You know what, you are one wicked and cantankerous $%^^**(). What is it with you? Is your life so miserable and in need of attention, that you stoop to harassing other people and making a nuisance of yourself? sheesh. This is ridiculous, it’s now progressed to not about Roddick, but anything and everything I write now.

I mentioned Nadal’s incident and you’re putting down my remarks as if I don’t know what I’m talking about. then you make fun of my profession. You’re ankle biting anything and everything I write. Is this some form of sick pleasure for you? If it is, then I’d suggest you seek the help of a good shrink. Ignoring you makes no difference whatsoever, you insist on coming after me with unjustified attacks. I’M SICK OF YOU, just leave me the hell alone!

I come here to have some fun not to argue with a VIRAGO like you.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/getyourpapers/ceoalex.jpg

September 10th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

jane: hooray, Djko got to the semis! Must have been my shouting from the UK that did it! Best.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

federer-biggest phony in the game

pray nadal takes care of the egoist in the final

September 10th, 2009 at 2:06 pm

For those who’re complaining about Fed’s “easy draw”, that “draw” and much more will come in the ATP World Tour Finals/Tennis Masters Cup. RF has already won TMC 4 times. Now only if the TMC was best-of-5, that would shut up the anti-RF naysayers. Another possible difficult draw for RF:

– Karvolic (Round of 128)
– Verdasco (Round of 64)
– Isner (Round of 32)
– Wawrinka (Round of 16)
– Gonzalez (Quarters)
– Murray (Semis)
– Nadal (Final)

but it’s difficult to find anyone (except the top 4-6) who wouldn’t lose to The Master. My only increasing worry over the months is that RF is making way beyond excessive use of the backhand slice (especially unnecessarily for returning) and it’s only working half of the time.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Yes tennies bullies, he’s such a phony, he acts like he wants to win all the tournaments he plays, which is also very egoistic of him. He has some balls… Does he not think that everyone else deserves a trophy.

Don’t be so negative man, everyone would enjoy a Rafa-Federer final but I sure hope that’s not what you’re praying for. Anyway, your boy has to take care of Gonzo and then probably Del Potro befoe any of this matters. Should be fun to watch.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

Dory and JCZ:

Thanks for the hypothtical draws, but I’m sure you know they’re not possible because of the seedings. :)

Seems to me like the Fed haters want Fed to play all the top players while Rafa gets nobody.

The easy draws argument is just so lame.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:16 pm

if roger and rafa get to the final. rafa will win.
roger better hope that rafa gets knocked out first.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

cindy-a crazy fan stabbed monica and he didn’t go to jail for a long time. of course that was in germany.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

Jane@12:04

The men have them too….there’s Fed with the ’emotional exhaustion’ after FO, i.e. the reason he wasn’t supposed to win Wimby (hello, that’s why he skipped Halle)….& now, the babies have come, he’s supporting his wife, he’s had a busy summer etc, he MUST fold at some point…..they forget he already did at Montreal! The US Open is now a whole new start. lol.

Then they did one of Nole reaching the finals of I dunno, like 4 master finals this yr & winning none? Then they go like, ‘What must djokovic do?’…then analyze & counter-analyse what’s going on??

A few minutes ago, they’ve just done a ‘Nadal the grinder’ special, full with safari/wildlife/African drumbeats in the background! They say he grinds & then some more, won the AO, & then the consequence…the injuries… (a James bond like suspense/disaster soundtrack here)….and now he’s back!!(more safari/wildlife/african drumbeats). Lol.

For Roddick, the whole wimbledon success was looped over & over & we’re constantly reminded of the no. of fans he’d won from that performance. Oh, & the endless praise of larry stefanki’s effect on him….oh, the improved backhand, ‘soft’ hands at the net, 7 things like ‘i never imagined Roddick had such a shot in him’ etc. lol.

Then there’s the Dent story line, Querry’s summer success, & Blake for am not sure what (I just remember the hype). Also Haas’ injury-ridden career….’but he’s just being so positive blablabla’ before a list of all his injuries over the years is read. & Hewitt’s surgery, drop in rankings & now the continual rise in ranking. Now, there’s the whole ‘hard-hitting Chilean with a fiery temper’ thing going on Gonzalez before his match.

I love these featurettes…most are inane but rather funny.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

It’ll be interesting to see how the weather turns out to be for later today. For the 1st match, heavy winds are forecast (20+ mph)…that’s crazy. With more experience, I’d think JMDP will handle it better.

For the 2nd match (15+mph winds) and 50% chance of rain. If it rains and it the match is not completed today, it’s going to be bad for Nadal (I know I am making conclusions here, be never once has Gonzo looked like he can beat Fed or Nadal; I think Nadal is fit enough to pull through with little difficulty). If the match goes on to tomorrow, it’ll be like 3 five set matches in 3 days then (assuming he gets to the final). Roger or Djoko will consider themselves very lucky here.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

Von says:
“…Soderling is a threat to any player for a few reasons. He’s 6′ 6″tall, and has that reach I’m harping about….”

He’s actually 6′ 4″. Most male players are now around between 6′ to 6’4″. The likes of Roger & Rafa at 6’1″ are now on the average side. Murray himself is 6’3″…Roddick 6’2″…Monfils 6’4″
(Can be checked on ATP websidte player profiles)

So unless someoone like Soderling is meeting some like Davydenko, his height barely gives him any advantage ‘coz his height is quite on the normal side. But obviously if someone is 6’6″ & over, (DelP, Cilic, Karlovic, Isner, Querry), then the height advantage can be used….but I can hardly call it unfair, imo, ‘coz there movement is impeded, therefore balancing out the height advantage.

September 10th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

Cilic and DelPo going at it!

Let’s have us a game!

September 10th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

fed is afraid said:

“if roger and rafa get to the final. rafa will win.
roger better hope that rafa gets knocked out first.”

This post just shows how little you know about tennis or either player. The US Open hard courts are by far Rafa’s worst surface. Roger is a five time defending champ while Rafa never even made the final before.

And believe me, now that Roger has a career slam, he wants nothing more than to beat Rafa several times to erase the only blemish on his resume that is their H2H.

September 10th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

toughest draw for fed:

1st round___________hrbaty (2-1)
2nd round__________ simon (2-0)
3rd round__________ murray (6-3)
round of 16________ rafa (13-7)
quarter_____________murray 2nd time
semifinal___________rafa 2nd time
final_______________murray 3rd time

These are the only 4 active players who have better h2h against fed. and at slams only rafa has. so maybe fed should play rafa in all the 7 rounds. still fed would prevail.

or if you are delusional and could clone and bring Kafelnikov (4-2), Enqvist (3-1), Sergi Bruguera (1-0), Rafter (3-0), kuerten (2-1), corretja (3-2), and Medvedev (1-0), you might have some hope.

September 10th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

i don’t care that it is rafa’s worst surface.
if he faces roger in the final he will win.
roger will see nadal across the net and choke.
like he always does against rafa.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

to fed is afraid: OK, fine. Roger will “choke” against Rafa. I would expect Rafa to beat Roger all the time being that he is five years younger and at 23 should be at the peak of his form. It would be a big shame if Rafa could not beat somebody considered old in this game. Rafa should beat Federer all the time now and start collecting major wins so that he could come close to his record number of 15 majors. Do you think he could win 15 in his career? I would be happy for him if he does because he is a nice guy. But can he do it?

September 10th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

Well fed is afraid we may just have to wait a couple of days to find out if your man can back up all your talk. No point in blowing air. We’ll find out soon.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:19 pm

By the way. Cilic just closed out the first set. The man is a believer after taking out Murray. I was expecting a somewhat easy win for Del Potro, but he’ll have to fight for this one.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

Cilic’s gonna break his back with that service motion. lol. It’s a half backward somersault. Looks good though. Nice play from Cilic in 1st set.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

Ok this is like the 10th damn time this has happened. The set ends and CBS cuts to the desk where PMac and Dick Enberg are going on and on about why they knew cilic winning the set was possible, and how one break will do it in every set…

and we miss the break in the first game of the second set. For god’s sakes, leave it in the booth at Ashe so we can see the match in the background at least. Seriously why do I need to see Dick Enberg’s mug while Cilic is breaking JMDP again? Why? WHY?

They have done this countless times and it’s inexplicable. Don’t tell me the camera man needed to grab a bite right then, and don’t tell me you can’t just point it and leave it for 5 minutes. Heck, have PMac grab the guy a sandwich if necessary. They’re KILLING the tennis.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:32 pm

By CBS I mean ESPN2 btw. Regardless, I’m incredibly disappointed that they do this over and over, and I’m starting to wonder why I expect any better at this point.

Seriously raise your hand if you prefer to watch Dick Enberg right now?

September 10th, 2009 at 4:36 pm

Shaky, so how is it playing out? I’m only following on Slamtracker. Is Cilic taking it to him or is Del Potro not playing too well?

September 10th, 2009 at 4:36 pm

cilic is taking down dePo. i like cilic fine. not just as much as dePo. looks like i am gonna have a sad day.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Cilic is playing great…comeback/monkey off back win against Murray going to skyrocket his career?
DelPo doesn’t look good at all. And his body language Oy Vey!
It’s crunch time for DelPo…A test of his mettle for sure. He’ll have to remember Robin last night to look for inspiration….

September 10th, 2009 at 4:38 pm

Delpo holds despite 0-30 on his serve again. Good for JM…. Go DelPo fight back!

September 10th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

it’s alright if cilic becomes the overnight star, if not quite like oudin’s Cinderella story.
we have known all along he was good. it was a matter of when, and it has turned out this is his time. just have to accept it and applaud his success.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Veno – Did u catch some sleep at all?

September 10th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

No blank, straight to work lol….wasn’t the best I ever felt at work, but got through it lol
Thanks for asking…

September 10th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Del Potro has had much better results, both at slams and especially this hard court season, right?

I had Del Potro winning the bottom half but that was more because I didn’t trust Murray (or Nadal) than any other individual factor. I confess I like that Del Potro is a freakish athlete for his height, but now that I think about it Cilic moves like a normal guy and is covering the court better.

Maybe I didn’t give Cilic enough of a shot, or enough credit for slapping Murray around (thought that was mostly about Murray, really).

Is Cilic really this good or is he just getting a lucky break each set BECAUSE I SURE COULDN’T TELL YOU how he got that break! (Thanks ESPN!)

September 10th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

I think it’s key for JMDP to break back because a 0-2 in sets down. With the way Cilic is playing, can’t see him come back, especially because I doubt if he’s physically strong enough to grind it out…

Cilic is outplaying DelPo, just more variation and better execution.
Maybe DelPo’s struggling with the windy conditions, don’t know…

September 10th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

yeah but dePo is still a set down and a break down. i have lost my hope on dePo in this match. cilic is just playing the best tennis. next to fed. if he wins today which is most likely he should go all the way. i may be rooting for him in the next match if it turns out to be not against rafa.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

DelPo breaks back!

We have a match!

September 10th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

thank god dePo took that break. it’s not over yet.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Well at least I got to see THAT break! PMac must have had to walk Dick to the little boy’s room or something.

On serve in the second. As far as I can tell Cilic has played a little better into Potro’s service games, but they’re awfully even.

Sorry I can’t give more info tbh I’m only half watching now, got a last minute fantasy football draft here.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

You have a good stamina Veno! You are going to stay up for Gonzo-Nadal too, right?

September 10th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Good thing about DelPo is I’ve not seen him give up easily ever.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

If Rafa comes through Gonzo either Cilic or DelPo on HCs aren’t great match ups for him.
The power, serve and reach of those guys can really hurt Rafa, but, Rafa is Rafa. I won’t put anything beyond him. Still, it will be Rafa’s stiffest test so far.
Fed experienced it yesterday when Robin started firing away. They have so much power, hit it so flat, it’s touch to get good septh and feed off their speed. This is what Rafa does best agains other hard hitters not hitting so flat, like Gonzo, Monfils and Verdasco.

He has more time to bite the ball creating those wicked angles with his FH. Against the Gullivers he’ll have a tougher time cause they can hit through Rafa.

Meanwhile DelPo is upping his level. Good to see him being more energetic.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:52 pm

touch m/b tough and septh m/b depth…..sorry…fatigue

September 10th, 2009 at 4:53 pm

dePo is back. I almost gave up on him. my hope is reborn.

September 10th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Cilic drops a little, sprays them a little more and DelPo chance to level it at 1-1. This is what we wanna see!

Let’s again hear it for the fighters who don’t give up so we get to see good battles!

September 10th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Hello Veno my fellow old blogger,

I came across some post where you referred to me as ‘young prince been there, done that’ (whether in sarcasm, praise, or just for the sake of it)

you neithr know if am a man, woman or even a hermaphrodite, so it would be best not to make such assumptions.

Otherwise enjoy matches.
P/S@ nothing is written or taken ‘seriously’. :)

September 10th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

i would put gonzu in the same group as soderling, dePo, and cilic in flatness, above them in outright hitting. gonzu does not wait to line up the ball and if his forehand is clicking no one can survive. one-handed backhand is unpredictable by nature and add ultra abruptness to gozu’s backhand. rafa will have either extreme hard time or an easy time depending on how consistently gonzu can hit.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

finally dePo levels the match at 1-1. i see light at the end of the tunnel.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Del Potro never gives up, he’s as tough mentally as Nadal.

If you beat him, it’s because you played a better match, not because he caved mentally.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

wow dePo breaks and he has the mo going.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

steve Says: If you beat him, it’s because you played a better match, not because he caved mentally.

what about his AO loss to Federer this year

September 10th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

strong start from dePo in the third. this is the dePo i have known. he scared the hell out of me until he leveled 3-3 in the second. since then how many games in a row has he won? 5 or 6? that gives me some peace.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:12 pm

Is it me; or am I missing the fireworks in the match? It’s either guy A or B in the zone.

Key for Delpo was getting a little more length/depth in his strokes. In the first set and a half they were all dropping short/mid court and Cilic was putting them away.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

my man dePo is finally in control after that double break and now a game from going 2 sets to 1.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

cilic has been making a lot of errors since he got broken in the 2nd set.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

dePo’s aggrresion is paying off. he wins this match he will regain his no. 5. he is the virtual no. 3 in the world right now.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

hey been there, done that…Hi and cheers to you mate/gal/youngster/old geezer/martian???

Good to see DelPo raised his level, but Cilic went where exactly? Would have been nice if he were to make a match of it but it’s a one-way street. Can’t see him get back, buy you never know. Go Marin!!!

Fight, fight, fight!

September 10th, 2009 at 5:49 pm

cilic’s serve has gone way off. his unforced errors gradually increased.
he just missed forehand in the corner and got broken in the opening game of the 4th set.
nobody saw this coming before that turnaround. clic of the first set and first 4 games of the 2nd set just vanished suddenly.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:51 pm

cilic has twice as many errors as dePo’s at this point (42-21).
dePo has more winners than his errors.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

marin has only one place left to go. that’s home. Croatia.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:53 pm

dePo goes 2 breaks up in the 4th, with that lob right inside the line. he is on a roll now. no turning back.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:55 pm

Lob-Sterrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Dunno what it is but Croatian players don’t excell in the mentality department. Great players, but for some reason they lack true mental strength to get through “dirty” situations.

I’m thinking Ljubicic(getting to number 3, where is he now?), Ancic(unbelievable talent, but not mentally strong and injury prone), Ivanisevic(what a game he had, but until Wimby ’01 where everything went his way, he wasn’t mentally tough) to name a few.

Goran Wimby ’01 was the only exception I think and also that year his mentality almost had him lose, but it was good the sentimental favourite pulled through.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:59 pm

the way dePo serves and goes for 1-2 punch to smack the ball is just marvelous. he takes easy 4-0.

September 10th, 2009 at 5:59 pm

JMDP is my favorite player on this side of the draw. I love Gonzo’s go for broke attitude. Cilic is really good but new to me. I love Nadal’s grit, but del Potro is the man!

September 10th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Ouch, this makes Andy Murray’s loss even more painful. He really had a bad day at the office.

Again a player gets a big scalp only to lose the next round…..So disappointing

September 10th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

cilic may get a bagel here.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:02 pm

my man dePo will cook a bagel for cilic in the 4th and win the match and become no. 5 once again.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

what a choke by Cilic. After 6-4, 3-1 he could only win 2 more.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

I am very impressed with Juan Martin. The way he has matured as a player the past 2 seasons is remarkable. A force to be reckoned with, And I doubt he’ll relinquish his place easily when breaking into the top 3…

September 10th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

Central European side of the draw versus the Spanish speaking side of the draw?

September 10th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

I know it ain’t over till it’s over, & I should have learnt my lesson after yesterday’s Fed-Sod match, BUT, here goes…..congrats to Del-Potro for such a wonderful win. (serving for the match at 5-0 4th set)

*Hope it’s not jinxed!!

September 10th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

This surely qualifies as a choke.
Lack of mental strength. Pity, cause he’s so talented.

They are seperated by 5 days but looks more like 5 years.

Congrats to Juan Martin to stay calm and getting back into the match.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:06 pm

Cilic will learn he lost in 3 sets at the Aussie Open so this is progress. His first quarterfinal all of that. Del Potro got slaughtered by Fed down under, came close in Paris, both guys have work left to do, but New York could complete his training and progress arc if he beats Roger in the final.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:09 pm

LOL, he waits til 0-5 receiving to put some fight in and breaks… DelPo going to do a Safina? hehehe

September 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

cilic saved bagel. dePo did a favor for his good ol friend.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

Lol, let him break again at 5-2, hold and then the rain comes…That would be something

September 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

oh, oh….poops! Delp.P couldn’t serve it out. lesson permanently learn now. What a cruel joke if Cilic were to come back to 5 games all. lol

September 10th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

Actually jimbo, Cilic took the first set 7-5 off DelPo at Ozzie Open this year, so he hasn’t learned much yet….

September 10th, 2009 at 6:12 pm

That’s why I love and respect Rafa’s attitude so much, no matter if you’re up 6-0, 6-0, 5-0 40-0….He won’t ever give you a free point!!!

September 10th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

Was it the camera angle or did Juan Martin look a tad taller than Cilic?

Could be that Cilic was slouching because he lost and DelPo standing up straight because of his win :)

September 10th, 2009 at 6:14 pm

He learned enough to beat Murray and reach a quarterfinal. Federer crashed out to Corretja in his first slam quarter in 2001 and did the same to Henman after beating Sampras at the 2001 Wimbledon quarters. Players can have let downs after an upset and can freeze up when the thought of winning becomes more than a fantasy. Cilic will be fine.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:16 pm

Finally…..official congrats to J.M Del-Potro for such a wonderful win. Also a small congrats to Cilic for saving himself from a bagel. a baguette is much better.

*Both DelP & Cilic are not phased by being a set or even two down. They’ve been through a few five-setters in their young career. whoever wins the next qtr, it’s going to be an exciting semi.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:16 pm

cilic self-destructed to some extent but dePo upped his level when he needed at the right time.

congrats to my man dePo for a spectacular performance. 8 out of 8 break conversion.

not a bad run for cilic. made it to the quarterfinal. his first in the grand slam. that’s a great achievement.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:17 pm

100% break conversion is a record in this slam. good work dePo.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:18 pm

Agree Jimbo, Cilic will be fine. Let’s hope he learned from today he’s going to have to fight harder to win these matches against the top guys. Alone on talent won’t cut it.
Federer learned this and started to work harder at the mental and physical part to be able to go deeper and sustain a better level during the slams.
Fed was only 19 when he lost to Corretja at Roland Garros, who was a true great clay court specialist and experienced player and to Henman at Wimby…a veteran and previous 3 time semifinalist in his home-slam.

Let’s hope Marin will go on and become tougher and can make some more steps from now on. Would be nice to see!

September 10th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Without Goran and Mario off starting a Law firm we need Marin.

September 10th, 2009 at 6:38 pm

Also the trunk funk stuff is funny as Federer and Verdasco might still have funk but Djokovic is not in the trunk and Dementieva and Querrey were defunct early

September 10th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

cloudy windy condition. opening ceremony got canceled due to possibility of rain. good decision.
windy condition will favor rafa as he’s more used to adverse weather condition. example IW earlier this year.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:05 pm

gonzu comes out firing right away. he needs to avoid rallies. play 1-2 punch. serve wide and hit winner in the open court.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:09 pm

rafa needs to constantly go to gonzu’s backhand and avoid forehand.
rafa looks sharper of the two. holds in love.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:12 pm

after watching 1st 3 games i give rafa a slight edge (55-45).

September 10th, 2009 at 7:17 pm

rafa is playing a very tactical game. varying shots and denying gonzu any rhythm.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

swirling wind bothering gonzu more than rafa. expectantly.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

SRM: “what about his AO loss to Federer this year”

Del Potro might have given up a bit in that match after the first set, but mostly it was due to Federer playing in God mode.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:27 pm

that acrobatic overhead backhand flick from rafa was spectacular.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:39 pm

Gonzo 1st serve is keeping him on the game at the moment. As soon as they start to rally..nadal wins the point. Gonzo has to hope his 1st serve stays intact.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:40 pm

Gonzo has won only one point on Nadal serve…does not look good even when they get to tiebreaker

September 10th, 2009 at 7:43 pm

no break point for either player at the conclusion of 10th game.
so far gonzu’s backhand has been letting him down.
looks like we are heading into a tie breaker.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:43 pm

gonzu holds in love. rare. 6-5.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

Setpoint Gonzo

September 10th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

i cannot believe gonzu shanked that ball in the net when he had set point.
he gets another.
rafa plays 1-2 punch and deuces.
why did not gonzu challenge that ball.
ok we go into tie break.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:55 pm

rafa serves below 100 mph and still wins points. his fastest serve is 117 mph. it’s working for him. he wins the 1st set.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:57 pm

no rafa fans on this site? that’s sad.

September 10th, 2009 at 7:58 pm

So wild forehand from Gonzo

September 10th, 2009 at 8:00 pm

gonzu just does not have patience to play tie break. and his 1st serve betrays him.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:01 pm

2 forehand mishits from gonzu and rafa wins the set.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Gonzo of course is exciting, but is so many times unable to control jis aggression. Handing too many gifts to Nadal and you can expect Rafa not to give any back. Rafa did well there to take the breaker.

He’s the smarter player again. But don’t see a differing tactical game than against an other right hander with a dangerous forehand. He’s heavy spinning the balls deep to the Gonzo BH, also serving exclusively(maybe except 1 or 2) to Gonzo’s BH.

Against Nadal you just can’t afford to play three outrageous shots at clutch moments. No surprise Rafa 1-0 up. Come on Gonzo, you need the second set to make it a match.

Hope Rafa is ok.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:07 pm

As much as Gonzo has been the agresser player today, I’m yet to see him play as agressively as he did when he beat Murray at RG. That day, his forehand, was “nuclear” as jane adequately put it back then.

If Rafa wins the match, and we’re still a long way from that, but if he does, he’ll have to play A LOT better to stand any chance against JMDP.

Right now my prediction for the final are Fed and JMDP with Fed winning in straights.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:07 pm

trainer for rafa about abdominal problem?

September 10th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

It’s actually always Rafa’s tactic against righthanders with a more dangerous bh….

September 10th, 2009 at 8:09 pm

All I have to say to Gonzalez is -_-

September 10th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

Agree Kimo. And because of Juan’s wingspan and height the kickserve out wide on dece court isn’t as effective as it is against the smaller players.

Also I think JMDP knows he’ll have the advantage game wise against Nadal on fast hardcourts. It will be down to execution for him. Mentally there is none tougher than Rafa, but JMDP is very strong in that department too. I’d take DelPo in 4 over Rafa and Fed in 4 over Novak and in 4 over Juan Martin

September 10th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

dece court m/b add-court obviously….

September 10th, 2009 at 8:15 pm

Gonzo is a good match-up for Rafa..even with his big FH he cannot hurt Rafa…spraying too many balls both sides…
looks to be easy straight sets for Rafa, me think

September 10th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

At Ozzie Open ’07 Gonzo absolutely blew Rafa off the court in the semis, but since then things have changed….

September 10th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

I think Nadal is going to win the whole thing. He’s going to beat JMDP in 4 and Federer in 5. Then Federer is gonna quit because he won’t be able to handle it emotionally.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

Rain..not good

September 10th, 2009 at 8:22 pm

oh no!!! rain?

damn

September 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm

If it were Fed-Rafa in the final it’s Fed’s too lose imo.

For some reason, because of the deep high spins(can’t think of any other playing hitting the baseline so many times) he pushes opponents deep behind the baseline forcing them to play the ball longer as they would used to be making the margins for error smaller.

Fed stays on the baseline taking the ball much earlier and refuses to be pushed back so he can stay on the offensive.

If he’s sharp, like he has looked so far(bar a little hickup in the Hewitt match) and his serve remains this good I can’t see Rafa beating him

The “Rafa is in Fed’s head” phenomenon will only come into play if Fed start spraying too many forehands and gets many break points which he can’t convert(first set Roland Garros ’07)

September 10th, 2009 at 8:24 pm

Darn, they’re going off court…

September 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm

Rafa can have the abdominal looked at….

September 10th, 2009 at 8:27 pm

If they knew its going to rain tonight, why didn’t they play them early ? cannot understand these schedules sometimes.

Hope they finish today, with Rafa abdominal problem..he wants to finish this match today. To ply three consecutive days is brutal to anybody…

September 10th, 2009 at 8:28 pm

it’s pouring. they gonna suspend the match. rafa is unlucky to go through this two years in a row.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:28 pm

they’re replaying the Fed-Sod match…yay

September 10th, 2009 at 8:29 pm

margot @ 2:30 – thanks for the support as usual.

been there, done that @ 2:27 – well, I know all those mens’ back stories (twins, injury comeback, wimby success in particular) but I’ve not seen the featurettes you describe for the men. Maybe I’ve just been missing them. But the women’s ones have been extremely melodramatic! LOL.

Oh well, must leave this office so can get home and catch some of Rafa on the tube.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:30 pm

dePo owns rafa on hard court. period.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Kimo, remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUaZ0gn4kNs&feature=rec-HM-fresh+div

September 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm

OH NO! I hope Rafa/Gonza are not delayed too long by the rain. The same happened to Rafa last year here. It’s like slam weather gods never favor the guy. I agree with Kimmi – resechule, use more courts, whatever … in order to plan for weather issues like this. AND/OR GET A ROOF~!

September 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm

hope the play resumes. some people with umbrella and under shelter are still in the stadium.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:34 pm

Jane, planning is that a roof will be installed in twenty-fourteen…

Rain looks to get heavier…wonder if they can finish play tonight :(

September 10th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Jane, they say its a passing rain, so lets hope they come back out soon.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Veno, the tourney manager ? was been interviewed and he said he was told the rain should pass quickly..so fingers crossed.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

Rain delay? Bah. Install a roof, kthx.

Nadal seems to have the curse of always playing last. Del Potro is at an advantage here.

How do they decide who plays day matches and who gets night matches? Has Nadal had a day match so far?

How often do Fed’s matches get suspended before a final?

September 10th, 2009 at 8:39 pm

i think rafa will retire after fed gives him a canary:-).
but that’s not gonna happen. dePo is too good to let go the opportunity of reaching the final.

b.t.w. they are drying the court.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

How often do Fed’s matches get suspended before a final?

I’m sure Fed has conjured up some devious plan to make sure he never has to deal with bad weather and suspensions and makes sure Nadal gets as much as possible

September 10th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

Veno do you like that one better than this one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVmExGpiUCY

I saw this one on live tv and my jaw dropped to the floor.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

yeah roger is the luckiest player ever,
even the weather cooperates with him,
while rafa always gets stuck with the
rain.

September 10th, 2009 at 8:46 pm

AO this year Nadal was playing much better and Fed’s serve wasn’t there. Even so it was 5 sets. If they were to meet this year, Fed has a full advantage this time, unless he really has a mental thing with Nadal. The pressure will definitly be on him and losing US open to Nadal, post injury and with abdominal pain will not look good…

September 10th, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Agree Shaky, that was jaw-dropping, saw it live on tv too of course…..but how about this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hp-EArV6s8

September 10th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

Of course Daniel, you never know, could happen.

But it will be a great match for sure and they both will have to earn it. But going from the timeline of the past 3 months I guess it’s really Rogers to lose. It would be a huge upset for sure….but hold on a minute,

It could be a Novak-Juan Martin final…..

September 10th, 2009 at 8:56 pm

Shaky and Kimo, how about his reaction speed…,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hp-EArV6s8

September 10th, 2009 at 8:58 pm

How about some accuracy…..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdPg_x3x-ac&feature=related

September 10th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

I wish there was a youtube video of what Fed did in his match during Soderling. It was one of the sickest things I’ve ever seen him do. I think it was in the 4th set. He missed some forehand that Soderling returned and Federer caught it with his racquet in the blink of an eye. It was insane. Soderling’s shots aren’t exactly moon balls, but Federer just caught it with his racquet. I was speechless. It was awesome.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:13 pm

looks ominous!

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/map/interactive/USNY0998?from=36hr_maps&zoom=5&interactiveMapLayer=ussat

September 10th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

true sensationalsafin, saw it too, he just hit it long and Soderling ripped at Fed and he stonedead glued it to his racket while looking across the net to where he just hit the ball long….Insane

September 10th, 2009 at 9:19 pm

jimbojones Says:
Without Goran and Mario off starting a Law firm we need Marin.

Why exactly do WE need Croations? Are you one?

September 10th, 2009 at 9:20 pm

there have been made numerous miraculous points by the myriad of pros, but the shere amount of ridiculous points Fed has made is mind staggering

September 10th, 2009 at 9:21 pm

Do you guys remember this one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwJq5KAoBUk

September 10th, 2009 at 9:25 pm

I do blank, nice control by Rafa, but as a tennis player knows….the vertical drop is easy to glue.
Still a nice one by Rafa for sure!

September 10th, 2009 at 9:28 pm

Anyone remember the French final when the rain waited until he was off the court to start comin down?

September 10th, 2009 at 9:30 pm

yep, rog gets all the breaks.
he needs them.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

Rafa has mad skills in making foot tricks with the tennisball.

Murray got some good skills foot volleying the tennisball too…

watch this….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebDht_OtnEw

September 10th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

Blank that’s exactly what federer did yesterday against soderling, except it was a rocket towards him. I have no idea physics-wise which catch is more impressive, both are quite neat.

I’m amused by silly tricks. I love the Tiger Woods commercial where he just dribbles the ball on his driver for about a minute. Golf sure has downtime to learn that kind of stuff.

Are they still delayed?

September 10th, 2009 at 9:32 pm

The dexterity which Rafa and Roger show is simply amazing.

Btw, looks like Rafa (or Gonzo) will have to play 3 matches in 3 days if they are to go all the way. This is the rain policy at USO.

“If Evening Session match play in Arthur Ashe has not begun by 9:45 pm, that particular session will be considered cancelled”

September 10th, 2009 at 9:32 pm

The match will resume shortly.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:34 pm

Shaky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdMwac3T-30

September 10th, 2009 at 9:35 pm

Polo: „OK, fine. Roger will “choke” against Rafa. I would expect Rafa to beat Roger all the time being that he is five years younger and at 23 should be at the peak of his form. It would be a big shame if Rafa could not beat somebody considered old in this game.“

Sounds like someone’s already building up excuses for Fed’s (possible) loss. Make no mistake, it’ll be a LOOOT of fun on Sunday ;-)

September 10th, 2009 at 9:36 pm

I was just enjoying the links you guys posted.

Thanks :)

September 10th, 2009 at 9:37 pm

Fun stuff Veno.

Hey I don’t know if you guys are getting bombarded with the same espn commercials but mgd64… how the heck are they making beer that tastes like beer with only 64 calories? The only light beer I can stand is amstel.

Ok seriously, they’re playing now.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Why are you guys so convinced that Rafa will breeze by JMDP and get to the final?

And even if he does, there’s no way he can beat Roger. Never been more confident.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Veno: „Ouch, this makes Andy Murray’s loss even more painful. He really had a bad day at the office. Again a player gets a big scalp only to lose the next round…..So disappointing“

LOL! What match were you watching? He literally executed Murray on that day! Yeah, it was a bit strange that the Scot didn’t put up a better fight, that’s true. He played without any desire, as if he wanted to leave the court ASAP, but that’s not Cilic’s fault. You usually play only as good as the opponent allows you, and Cilic didn’t allow him anything. And disappointing? LOL! Give the guy a break! Even if he went away in the 2nd half of the match, he still gave JMDP a fight, so leave him alone, pleeeaaase. He doesn’t give a damn about what you, me, or anyone else think is disappointing…

September 10th, 2009 at 9:41 pm

here we go again!

September 10th, 2009 at 9:42 pm

As long as they finish this match tonight… call me crazy but I’m pretty sure this rain delay favored Nadal for treatment reasons. I don’t know anything about tendonitis, but it’s really rough having a muscle pull or strain particularly in cold weather. His abs I’m sure appreciated the 20 mins.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:42 pm

Kimo: Don’t worry. That confidence will quickly drop as soon as he sees Nadal on the other side of the court…

September 10th, 2009 at 9:44 pm

Rafa serving at his normal speed again…had some little time to treat the abdominal…good for him

Gonzo will have to start playing a little more percentage tennis in these conditions. The wind won’t affect Rafa’s shots as much as his

September 10th, 2009 at 9:45 pm

Nadal’s knees are fine, he said they’re in perfect shape and they don’t hurt. Also evident by his movement. He’s moving like before the injury layoff.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:46 pm

Oh good – back on. Hope they finish up tonight.

Woz/Wick and Williams/Clijsters should be interesting matches; unfortunately I am not sure how competitive the final will be, esp. if Serena makes it past Kim – could be another rout final grand slam for ladies. Serena just overpowers the others but maybe Kim can win….?

Anyway, back to Rafa/Gonza.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:47 pm

Umm… I saw the match stats and the first set took almost an hour?

Neither guy had ANY break points until the 12th game, and I only remember about 4 deuce points on Gonzalez’s serve? What’d they play, like 75 points in the set?

Were the rallies really that long?

September 10th, 2009 at 9:47 pm

hardly any long rallies.

Nadal playing his normal game. Punishes anything short and is consistent as usual.

Gonzo trying to keep the points short but lots of UE.

The aces and occasional FH hammer saving him.

Nadal plays solid, Gonzo is below par uptil now.
He’ll have to up his game or it will be straights for Rafa

September 10th, 2009 at 9:53 pm

Skorocel said:

“That confidence will quickly drop as soon as he sees Nadal on the other side of the court…”

Didn’t see that in Madrid last time they played. Nadal has to be at his best to beat Fed, and I’m sure you’ll agree to that. And hey, Fed has to be at HIS best to beat Rafa. But the way they’ve played this year at the Open, Fed has been the better guys and playing on these fast hard courts suits his game more than it does Rafa’s.

September 10th, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Rafa trying to make a move here…

September 10th, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Lol, Gonzo is so impatient hahaha, gotta love his South American fire!!!

September 10th, 2009 at 9:57 pm

kimo, don’t bother my friend…no sense in trying to discuss these Fed-Rafa issues with either extreme Rafa or extreme Fed fans…It leads nowhere…

September 10th, 2009 at 9:58 pm

Hey All, just got in to see the match. Nadal looks strong considering his strain. How did the first set go? did either guy show any weakness?

September 10th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

I dunno Veno, I think if they keep playing like this it’s going to tiebreaks again and again.

Rafa’s only even gotten 3 points into Gonzo’s serve what, 3 times I think (all in the first set)? Neither is really taking any control.

Anything can happen in a tiebreak! Nadal didn’t exactly play well in the first one either!

September 10th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

rafa is physically fine. he can hit his shots. they are going in. His power, anticipation, and range are all there.

Coordination between them seems to be fractionally slower on occasions. a better player like fed and dePo could exploit it.

his serve is easily exploitable.
as much as i like him and want him to be in the final rafa may not survive dePo’s consistent blistering forehand, huge serve, and defensibility.
also keep in mind dePo is hungry. and he has beaten rafa on hard court last two times they played.
i give dePo 55-45 edge.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:00 pm

Gonzo misses a sitter overhead. Rafa retrieving unbelievably well as we like to see him!

September 10th, 2009 at 10:01 pm

shaky, Gonzo is not the mentally strongest player and Nadal makes you feel that and makes you pay if you slip up even a tad!

September 10th, 2009 at 10:03 pm

The wind is picking up again, which favors Rafa. C’mon honey! That rain delay helped – the gods heard my prayers. Let’s get this done.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:03 pm

way to go Gonzo…Don’t count him off yet guys :)

September 10th, 2009 at 10:06 pm

Gonzo fighting hard to stay in the match….
Nadal not doing much but relies on his solidity and waits for a short Gonzo ball or the UE….

Gonzo holds!

September 10th, 2009 at 10:06 pm

Wow right when I posted too: first deuce game since the first set.

This match is pretty funny, if just to watch the way the wind is acting all haywire.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:06 pm

Kimo says “Didn’t see that in Madrid last time they played. Nadal has to be at his best to beat Fed, and I’m sure you’ll agree to that.”

Well after that killer 5 setter against Djoko and then not having even 24 hours to recover, I still give my hat off to Rafa (& Rager too for breaking the jinx.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:07 pm

crazy game summary:
first double break/ set point for rafa.
gonzu saves the 1st with 132 mph and another big serve gives him deuce. but misses backhand slice long. 3rd break point for rafa. weird let point play. gonzu digs out of that. back to deuce. great forehand. called out. gonzu challenges. it’s in. game point for gonzu. nice drive in the corner. 5-5.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:07 pm

hey bebe!

September 10th, 2009 at 10:07 pm

“Well after that killer 5 setter”

it was only three sets.

And FYI…they don’t get 24 hours to recover after a US Open Semi. :)

September 10th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

Sure a draining semi in Madrid, but if they were both normal speed players it would have lasted 3 hours.

We’ll never know how much less than 100% Rafa was in the Madrid final. Saw the whole match and the first set he was fine. Could be he ran out of steam of course but remains speculation. Same at Ozzie Open, he still beat Fed in the final, extra day rest or not

September 10th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

Hey Veno – I have this match taping on my DVR so I can skip the commercials. That paper blowing incident was most unfortunate for Rafa. – would have been the break. Dammit.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:12 pm

Any if you guys remember the Agassi-Fed quarterfinal in 2004?

That was the windiest match I ever saw. Even both of them are the best ballstrikers ever, neither was able to get his the ball in the middle of his racquet.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:13 pm

And on the topic of the rest…..

Anyone of you ever watch cycling? Tour de France, Vuelta de España or the Giro d’Italia? Top trained athletes recover fine within 12-16 hours.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:14 pm

Wow, after 2 impatient flyers off Gonzo’s Fh he’s finally showing some patience!!!

September 10th, 2009 at 10:15 pm

rain again?

September 10th, 2009 at 10:16 pm

bebe, Rafa will get through this one.

The uglier, messier, mentally challenging things get, the better Rafa fares!

September 10th, 2009 at 10:17 pm

where’s the damn roof?????

September 10th, 2009 at 10:18 pm

fed is afraid Says:

where’s the damn roof?????

It will be there in 2014

September 10th, 2009 at 10:19 pm

Kimo – oops 3 sets yes, but still you must admit that was a brutally physical match.

“And FYI…they don’t get 24 hours to recover after a US Open Semi. :)”

Yes but they play EVERY OTHER DAY up until then at GS (best 3 of 5 vs 2 of 3). Who can say which is more grueling on the men’s side.

On the women’s side, I would definitely think that playing every day for a week is more difficult than every other day for 2 weeks. Call me crazy but why has it been difficult for Serena to get deep in these other week long tournaments? She is 26 after all.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:20 pm

arghhhhhh, looks like play will be suspended until tomorrow. Unlucky for Rafa and Gonzo

September 10th, 2009 at 10:20 pm

they throw everything they can at rafa, and he still wins. a great champion.

they should have built this stadium with a roof.
dopes.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:20 pm

Veno – I have heard nothing of a definite plan to put a roof on because the damn is TOO BIG. I have heard that the technology is not yet available but that was 6 months ago or so.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:22 pm

Oops – should be “the damn thing is TOO BIG”.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:22 pm

bebe, Serena about to turn 28 later this month :)

And let’s be honest, the women have it EASY during the slams on the best of 3 format!!! Equal pay at the slams? What a joke…The rest of the tournaments equal pay? I have no problems with that.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:23 pm

Guys – they are saying this will be a short rain delay as the weather is moving out fast.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:23 pm

True bebe,

Latest info I read is that they’re looking into the possibilities to techically build a roof over such a big stadium and they’re giving a timeframe in which they state they expect to have a roof over Ashe in twenty-fourteen.

Nothing definite indeed

September 10th, 2009 at 10:24 pm

and bebe, I think it’s not so much the problem of the 5 day in a row best out of 3 style being so gruelling, but the full and long season schedule and sometimes the lack of rest between the Masters Series events and so little time between French and Wimby…

What do you think?

September 10th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

I thought Venus was 28 and Serena was 26? Oh well, anyway harder to recover the older you get. Veno – I am not getting into the equal pay debate as I have already stated my position about it time and time again (pre-your time on this blog). My point is the difficulty of back-to-back days for a week versus every other day for 2 weeks.

OK – time for a break for me too.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

They have day and night sessions unlike pre-1988 Oz and Wimbledon and FO today so normally the rain is a non-issue unless it hits at the very end. CBS may want the men’s final Monday anyway so they can broadcast 2 NFL games on Sunday.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

In the Open era only 9 sessions in total have been cancelled through weather impediment.

Now, spending about 200 million dollar(will cost that amount) on a roof at a tennis center stadium where it wouldn’t have multipurpose seems something they really have to think about seriously

September 10th, 2009 at 10:36 pm

I’m not disagreeing with your point bebe. The question is which in fact would be the more gruelling. Interesting question imo not to be solved doing just the math…

September 10th, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Looks like it will be curtains for the day. Time for bed.

Everybody have a great evening!

September 10th, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Play suspended in a TB. That’s just nuts. Gonzo is facing enormous pressure to level the match right now. He’s not going to sleep well. At least he’s not down a mini break.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

They did play 1 WNBA game there… so it is multipurpose to a minimal degree. Cincinnati puts sand on the Grand Stand court and has a beach volleyball stop which just is wrong at every level. If Cincy put in a Royal/Real/Court tennis facility that would be cool.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Veno Says:

“How often do Fed’s matches get suspended before a final?

I’m sure Fed has conjured up some devious plan to make sure he never has to deal with bad weather and suspensions and makes sure Nadal gets as much as possible”

Not Fed — God. He/they seem to love him.

Off the top of my head I do recall one instance of this, which was a QF against Agassi which was canceled due to fading light. Kinda weird since I’m sure they had floodlights.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:51 pm

Veno says: “Interesting question imo not to be solved doing just the math…”

LOL you are such an analytical guy. Yes, strictly by the math, it’s essentially the same. however dealing strictly with the women’s events (premier, mandatory, whatever they are called now), if you have to play EVERY SINGLE DAY (or night) for a week best 2 of 3, I think that takes more out of a player than EVERY OTHER DAY for 2 weeks, even given that semi’s and final are back to back. Hence one of the BIG reasons why Serena does not do well at the other non-GS tour events. Just my opinion.

September 10th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

Dan martin says: “Cincinnati puts sand on the Grand Stand court and has a beach volleyball stop which just is wrong at every level.” What is wrong with that? Angel stadium in CA (where my sister works) fills the baseball stadium with dirt and holds a huge motorcross event every year and it’s fantastic. They are attempting to have a continuous revenue stream.

As for Cincy having building a new stellar, roofed stadium, don’t think it’s in the cards yet. The sponsor hasn’t put up the bucks at this time.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:01 pm

Hi-ya tennisbebe, totally agree with you @ 10:55

Giner – the gods, the gods!!! What’s up? Why is it that this happens so much. Sigh.

Has play been officially called off for the night? Haven’t heard…

September 10th, 2009 at 11:03 pm

it has stopped raining. so play will resume soon?
stadium boxes are empty though.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:04 pm

Tennisbebe I think volleyball athletically and skill wise is so far from tennis that it is a shame to share the facility. This probably makes me a jerk, but it is more an issue with volleyball.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:07 pm

Hi Jane – yes isn’t it weird that these sorts of “weather” delays never happen during Fed’s matches LOL. He must have an “in” with the weather gods.

Jane – they interviewed Brian Earley (TD) during the 2nd rain delay and he said they will play this out tonight no matter the time.

i am it – the box holders are probably at the bar…

September 10th, 2009 at 11:07 pm

finally the crew is drying the court. this means play will resume in 10-15 min.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:10 pm

Dan Martin – Volleyball is athletically inferior to tennis?? Well, maybe but it’s not that far down the food chain, not like NASCAR is.

Sp you are not a beach volleyball fan, huh? LOL

September 10th, 2009 at 11:10 pm

s/b “So you are not…”

September 10th, 2009 at 11:11 pm

I’ve never seen anyone overhit so much and miss so many opportunities as Gonzalez today. Return of serve is so so poor and he’s only hammering (and missing some but enuf) to hold his game. There’s no way Gonzo is going to win this match unless he returns well.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:13 pm

No if I want to see women in swimsuits there are other ways to do this (although as the father of a daughter we ought not objectify women as I will be fending off teenage boys in 13 years right ?). NASCAR is like a video game where you can die not really a sport. So yeah volleyball is above NASCAR, golf, bowling and billiards. Jumping is more at a premium in volleyball than most sports. Hitting a baseball is really hard but on most counts I would put volleyball ahead of baseball. Still, not my thing. I am far from being objective either (there is a long and totally uninteresting story at the root of my distaste for volleyball for anyone other than maybe a family member or two of mine).

September 10th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

they finished drying the court. that was quick.
players have been informed. a few box people are returning.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

Kimo: „Didn’t see that in Madrid last time they played.“

Yep, but you could see it very clearly at AO 2009, Rome 2006, or Monte Carlo & Hamburg 2008 ;-)

„Nadal has to be at his best to beat Fed, and I’m sure you’ll agree to that. And hey, Fed has to be at HIS best to beat Rafa.“

Agree.

„But the way they’ve played this year at the Open, Fed has been the better guys and playing on these fast hard courts suits his game more than it does Rafa’s.“

The surface should certainly present Fed a better chance to beat him as, say, the clay in Paris. That’s true. But it won’t matter a bit how he played en route to the finals (provided he gets there, of course). Especially against Nadal it certainly won’t.

„Any if you guys remember the Agassi-Fed quarterfinal in 2004? That was the windiest match I ever saw.“

Ditto here.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:16 pm

Veno: „Sure a draining semi in Madrid, but if they were both normal speed players it would have lasted 3 hours.“

True.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:17 pm

It started raining again??

September 10th, 2009 at 11:21 pm

Doom…I sense doom. LOL. Darn rain. I hate when this happens. It skews the schedule, recovery time, all of it. And if the organizers knew rain might come, as Kimmi said above, postpone a juniors’ earlier round match and put Rafa/Gonza quarter final on another court earlier in the day … or something? I mean, plan for these things. Why leave it and risk it? I wonder what the players think in these situations.

tenisbebe, what do you think?

September 10th, 2009 at 11:25 pm

Jane – well they have skirted disaster with the rain for the entire tournament & once again – it’s all about money – They sold night session tickets so no way are they going to move Rafa’s match to daytime in Armstrong unless there is a hurricane on the radar (last year). They just won’t do it.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:31 pm

They need to do what Agassi suggested – have the finals of the various hard court events men’s and women’s both get network coverage from CBS, put the women’s semis on Friday, men’s semis on Saturday, women’s final where the men’s final is currently on Sunday and then a Monday prime time men’s final.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:34 pm

Dan MArtin – “So yeah volleyball is above NASCAR, golf, bowling and billiards.” And let’s not forget poker, which they have been airing on ESPN2. Sheesh.

Yes, if you want to see women in swimsuits, you can pick up a copy of SI Swimsuit issue. I believe there are even some tennis players in there. So you have a personal adversity to volleyball as a “sport”? LOL I feel the same way toward NASCAR.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:35 pm

well if you and I get stuck together at a NASCAR event with volleyball being played in the infield we’ll know we’re in hell lol

Actually I like playing volleyball and am reasonably good at it – it is just a long family story as to why I don’t like volleyball.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:38 pm

Dan – yeah the “Super Saturday” format is a killer for the players. They need to ditch it and rethink the problem. I just don’t see them putting a roof on Ash with the current cost projections. Better to put one on Armstrong. Ash holds 23,000 – what is the capacity of Armstrong?

September 10th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

i thought drying was over. after half an hour the crew of ten comes back with court-drying machines.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

s/b “Ashe”

September 10th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

i am it – it probably is sprinkling continuously.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:40 pm

I am suddenly craving Oikos Greek yogurt and some fresh pita bread

September 10th, 2009 at 11:40 pm

Dan – yes that would be hell on earth for me. Ha ha.

“Actually I like playing volleyball and am reasonably good at it – it is just a long family story as to why I don’t like volleyball.” OK, now I am really confused.

They said 20 mns before play time.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:43 pm

Does Forrest Hills still have green clay and floodlights – move it over there. Connors could come out and erase marks it would be fun.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:43 pm

poor rafa and gonza playing in this weather conditions rainy, windy and cold..just fantastic

September 10th, 2009 at 11:43 pm

DM “I am suddenly craving Oikos Greek yogurt and some fresh pita bread” Are you pregnant?

September 10th, 2009 at 11:44 pm

I like playing volleyball but am not a fan of watching it and its hard core players irk me. This is a smaller story. I played in a league once and got a bad set but instead of just bumping/passing a free ball over I hit a spike like a backhand overhead rather than the normal motion. It won the point but they all gave me crap for it being unorthodox, showing poor fundamentals etc. The other story is too biographical for this forum so I should probably drop it.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:47 pm

i just saw rafa checking out the weather from the entrance.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:50 pm

it’s not drizzling at all.
now they are towel-drying the lines.

September 10th, 2009 at 11:51 pm

tenisbebe, thanks for the reply @ 11:31. To a mere spectator like me it seems so simple, but ticket sales, t.v. rights, etc, etc, all has to factor in, of course. It’s just too bad, is all.

LOL on the preggers question to Dan. I was thinking similar.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:00 am

ball kids are back, followed by marcos the umpire and his team.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:01 am

If I am pregnant, that would be something.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:01 am

Ack – they just called the match off – shame!!!!!!!

September 11th, 2009 at 12:03 am

to announce the match has been concluded for tonight.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:03 am

Sons of !!!!

September 11th, 2009 at 12:09 am

This doesn’t make sense to me. Building a roof is expensive and for the US open where rain is not that big of an issue, it may not be necessary. But why the heck don’t they invest in some rain covers? As opposed to having millions of ball kids, towels, blowers etc on the court for several precious minutes…beats me.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:14 am

Bummer…. but the right thing to do.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:14 am

Blank – If you have a cover, would have to dump the H2O somewhere when you remove it (carefully I might add or you end up with water on the court anyway. They have some sort of drainage system on the court but it’s not like a natural surface (grass or clay) that has an ability to absorb some of the water. They’ve tried the cover thing and found it’s just as fast & efficient to use the blowers & humans.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:21 am

tennisbebe – Good point. However, using proper methods I think having a cover will help start the match lot sooner than what’s happening now. I’ve spent quite some time in the hard court stands watching humans and machines trying to dry the court when the sky has long cleared up.

I am sure they have pretty good drainage system on the court. Water will not get on the court if proper cover is used and the court is properly covered. I am sure there are ways to remove the covers without watering the main playing area and around. If water spills over at the edges, that is lot easier to dry as opposed to trying to dry the whole court.

Btw, when did they try it before? I never knew that.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:57 am

I think the break is going to have to help Verdasco. Rafa is not 100% on his serve; in fact his first serve is coming across the net at girl speed. However, it is still effective against Gonzo. If he can come up with a way to combat it then he has a shot. If not, then it will be Nadal who will be fodder for Del Potro, as long as Delpo can get off to a fast start, unlike his normal play.

September 11th, 2009 at 2:13 am

Well Von – it took a few weeks but you finally caved in.

Back in July I posted a comment that I had been away from this site for a few weeks, yet when I came back Cindy and Von were still hurling insults at each other.

You tore a strip off of me, saying it was only Cindy who did the attacking and that you were above that. How over the top indignant and insulted you were!

Still care to claim that you don’t insult Cindy? (Scroll up the gunfire above between these 2) Not that she can’t take it and dish it out as well.

What I don’t get about the two of you is what exactly started this hillbilly-like battle.

You are both bright, can string good sentences together and are knowledgeable about tennis. So what’s with the constant battle royal? If you disagree about a point or two so what?

I mean it’s somewhat enjoyable for us boys to read – all guys love a catfight, but come on – can’t we all get along?

September 11th, 2009 at 2:21 am

Gordo says “I think the break is going to have to help Verdasco” – er, do you mean the break until next year’s USO? I think you have the wrong Fernando here?

September 11th, 2009 at 5:51 am

I certainly think Fed’s draw has been tougher the last few years and this USO is no different. He plays Soderling in the QTR’s, Djok in the SF and either DelPo or Nadal (I’m assuming Nadal will beat Gonzo) in the final. That’s a tough line up of matches to win a major.

I’m not convinced that Fed’s going to romp over Djokovic depsite Djok’s poor year. I think Djokovic has something to prove. His game matches up pretty well against Federer. He moves well, he can do damage from both wings and he has a potent serve. And he has some net skills. I like his ability to hit balls up the line. This gives him the ability to blow open a rally at any time.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:35 pm

As for the guy who “kissed” Nadal, it shouldn’t have happened. I don’t agree with the statement about there being too much paranoia. The fact is, little is done until something really terrible happens. In tennis, the really terrible thing already happened when Seles was stabbed. Once that happened, some very serious steps have to be taken to protect the players.

And you can’t rationalize insanity. You can’t assume that if the guy had really wanted to hurt Nadal that he would have done it from far away. People hurt each other at close range, they do it from far away. People do what people do for their own reasons.

We are talking about entertainers that are in the public eye. I am certain that they are faced with issues of stalking and death threats all the time. When a tennis player steps on a tennis court, they are pretty exposed. There’s a certain amount of risk they have to accept to do their job. I just don’t think they should have to incur anymore risk than is necessary.

September 11th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

tenisbebe says: “Ash holds 23,000 – what is the capacity of Armstrong?’

Armstrong’s capacity is 10,200

September 11th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

Thank Veno. Less than half, hmmm. But a better experience. Have you ever attended a match in Ashe? I was there for the final weekend in 2001 and took a hike up to the top section to check it out – ridiculous – it’s like an American football stadium around a tennis court.

September 11th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

Hey bebe, no, I haven’t had the privilige of watching a match in Ashe. Been in some great and enormous stadiums already(compared to which Ashe looks small) but they weren’t tennis stadiums of course. I saw some clips made from the top stands and put on Youtube and it looks gargantuoun.

Grandstand btw has a capacity of 6,000

September 11th, 2009 at 1:24 pm

“This could be Djokovic’s tactic against Federer. Serve well, and get everything back on Federer’s serve. To make Fed Allstop to goes for his serve. And get him into double faults. And chase on everything to frustrate Federina. If not to beat him, just to wear him down for the player would be in the final. lol”

Rick, smart :), liked it.

September 12th, 2009 at 10:23 pm

LOL at the crowd & family/friends (of players in their boxes) at the ad-Fed point at 6-5 40-40 with Djokovic serving. Fed’s camp think the point is lost, Djok’s camp think he’s going to win it, only for him to mis-hit….then the yays from camp-fed & noooo from camp-djok.

A rather flat match so far for me, even though the scorelines suggest it to be more competitive than the Nadal-Del.P match. Maybe it’s ‘coz I set myself for OTT expectation considering that these two, win or lose, usually have very entertaining matches whoever they play.

Never say die… but at the moment, Del.P must be mentally preparing to meet Fed.

September 13th, 2009 at 6:27 pm