Federer Reaches Basel QFs, Djokovic Plays Thursday; Murray Alive in Valencia

For Novak fans:
http://www.blic.rs/sports.php?id=5436

November 4th, 2009 at 10:34 pm

Jane I am really hoping that Nestor wins the Paris tourny as this is the only one he doesn’t have.

November 4th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

“In a rarity, two players born on the same day (May 15, 1987), Murray and Argentine Leonardo Mayer will meet for the very first time.”

So this is a first…so freaky.
One match at a time, and good luck to Murray tomorrow.

November 4th, 2009 at 10:57 pm

“Both Davydenko and Verdasco are trying to solidify their London bids with strong performances this week.”

Not looking good for Verdasco. 0-2 H2H against Tipsy..will be tough. Last time they play is 08 Miami though and Verdasco is a better player this year, should be able to get his first win from Tipsy..C’mon verdi

November 4th, 2009 at 11:03 pm

sar – yes that would be fabulous for Nestor; he rocks. : )

November 4th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

i sense biggo good things cooking for murray next year as he decides to shed off the cursed fred perry line of outfits and signs with his own version of Adidas’ Competition line, an impressive 15-million-pound deal. a bit of superstition on my part but could very turn out to be true.

November 5th, 2009 at 12:05 am

i am it, “fred perry a curse” why ? I love Fred Perry line, especially the stuff they did for Murray at Wimbledon, i though was very good. I don’t know how Murray will look if adiddas decide to do bright colours for him ala Djoko. Hopefully they stay away from those colour, might not suit him.

On a side note: I also read that Murray will replace Djokovic as a leading player for Adiddas. Apparently Djokovic is looking to join K-Swiss instead. not sure if this is true.

November 5th, 2009 at 12:23 am

Sharapova is rumored to be dating Sasha Vujacic, Lakers star and the son of Serbian basketball coach. the two were seen necking and horsing around at a recent U2 concert. anyone heard of this?

November 5th, 2009 at 12:24 am

Kimmi, i said “curse” in the sense Murray could not win a Slam wearing that outfit. his giving up on the perry is a good luck sign for the reason that he will be no longer carrying the historical perry burden. don’t laugh i take this to be a symbolic gesture of feeling unburdened, free, and i believe a free spirit can help him achieve big.

November 5th, 2009 at 12:31 am

I am it, I get it. lets hope you are right. He needs a slam soon. He is too good not win one.

At the moment I wish him a quick recovery on that wrist. and hope that historical moment with his opponent tomorrow will be a start of something good to end this year.

November 5th, 2009 at 12:42 am

Good point i am it – while I like the revamped Fred Perry line, I can appreciate the historical link connected to it, and that without it, Murray can be his own player/man. I think he’ll win a slam next year. I hope he and Djoko each win one in 2010, and maybe Roddick too, depending on how he comes back next year. But it’ll be tough for these guys to break the Fed-Nadal strangle-hold on slams, not to mention the competition from Delpo! Lots of potential winners next year – should be exciting!

November 5th, 2009 at 12:55 am

Djokovic should not leave Adidas. He has had some of the coolest outfits in the last few years. They’re only second to Safin, who has had the most awesome outfits.

November 5th, 2009 at 10:48 am

sensationalsafin – I agree – I have always liked Djok’s adidas clothes: great colors. Loved the blue shoes especially.

November 5th, 2009 at 11:39 am

sar – Woot! No problems for Novak today; he was really feeling it at the net, and that lob to win the first set was great. Hernych maybe helped him, but Djoko looked fine today. I must say, I felt sad for Hernych getting a double bagel, though. I would’ve liked to see a slightly more competitive match anyhow. Oh well, Djoko continues his quarter final streak; I read at tennis.com that Djoko has made it to at least the quarters in every event he’s entered this year, except Roland Garros and Brisbane. Not too shabby. :)

November 5th, 2009 at 12:29 pm

6:0 6:0. Oh boy… World, prepare for future number one! Sensational, the minute Marat retires I expect you to become devastatingdjokovic! Jane, what to say… Gimme one smile of yours!
Sar, congrats and cheers!
Djo-ko-vic No1-vak, clap-clap clap clap-clap!

November 5th, 2009 at 12:35 pm

Kimmi
I heard he is in negotiations with Head and KSwiss as well as a Chinese company. With Marat retiring Adidas should have more to offer. I also heard that Beckham played a part in the negotiations for Murray with Adidas.

I am it
I read that too about Sharapova and Vujacic. Not too many tall guys for a 6’2 girl.

Regarding bagels, I don’t really like them. McEnroe considered them bad luck. Brad Gilbert said on TV that Murray especially love it when he could bagel someone.

Duro, Wawa or Niemenen next. Who is better for Nole?

November 5th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

Sar, you’re disappointing me… do you really think it matters now with Novak playing like this? Don’t worry, it’s all the same, but Jarko owes us something…

November 5th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

sar – Djoko is 6-2 vs. Wawrinka but only 2-1 vs. Nieminen, and all three of those matches were tight. I think Djoko has a better feel for Wawa’s game. But if he can play like he did today, I’d think he has a very good shot at the semis. Troicki and Cilic are deadlocked in their first set right now – 6all, 5 all in the tiebreak. Make that 6-5, set point for Troicki on Cilic’s serve.

November 5th, 2009 at 12:56 pm

Verdasco has taken the first set from Tipsy at Valencia; looks like Fernando wants a shot at the YEC.

November 5th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

Hi duro!!!! It’s maxi! how have you been?I havent posted on tennistalk for a while,not enjoying the discussions over there right now and there dont seem to be many federer fans around over there either. so i read them, but wont post until the slams probably (may be talk to you then in January?).I guess taking a break from the smaller tournys and get back for the big ones-the slams-.novak is doing well.great news for you. i did post about a week ago and had a great conversation with ollyk.i saw a bit of a fallout with you and von.well i hope you managed to sort it out,you are both fine posters, it would be a pity otherwise.Things seem a bit tamer over here too, but again, though a fedthread, seems to be more a murray/novak fest! take care duro,all the best.it would be wonderful to have a fed/novak final with fed winning my friend! cheers duro!

November 5th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

jane,i havent posted in a while,been taking a break, though read your comments a lot. I think you like federer though i know you like murray too?who do you want to go through to finals in both basel and valencia?

November 5th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

For any federer fans on this fedthread! here is something for you,i have missed federer playing so much.so i am going to indulge.i dont know what the time zones are between us.i am from uk.Are you all American?(i know duro from noleland!).
Federer has a clear path to the finals.

Roger Federer and Evgeny Korolev have only met one time but the result is from this year. They met in the second round of the Australian Open and Federer demolished the Russian in straight sets 6-1, 6-3, 6-1. There is no reason to believe that something different will happen when the two meet in the ATP Basel quarterfinals.

At this point in his career, despite almost having a top 50 ranking, Korolev is still tossing in losses to some weak competition. He lost last week to Sergiy Stakhovsky (ranked 93rd; all rankings at time of match) in St. Petersburg although the Ukrainian has been playing much better lately. But a couple weeks ago Korolev also gave up a match to Illya Marchenko in Moscow (ranked 190th).

The best player that Korolev has beaten this year is Jurgen Melzer (ranked 32nd) and that was back in February at Zagreb.

Federer should cruise through this match as he is on form in his home town’s tournament.Yes. Go Federer!

November 5th, 2009 at 2:06 pm

Hi madmax,

My two current top favorites are Djoko and Murray but I like tons of players – mainly I just love tennis and have been watching it for over 25 years. I have to be honest, though; I didn’t used to like Fed, in part because he kept beating up on my favorites. But clearly he’s one of the greatest of all time. There is no disputing his sublime tennis!

This week, I’d love to see a Fed-Djoko final and a Murray-Simon final, but Djok has Cilic on his side so if Marin gets through, that could be tough. Also Murray has Verdasco, but I think Murray can handle him.

November 5th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

Maxi, maxi, I did miss you and wondered where you were… To wait until January? No way, mate! See you in the finals, Sunday. 7:5, 6:7, 6:4 Novak, of course! Alleeez alez allez alleeeez…
Visit TT, we, the Nole fans, created a Novak number 1 fiesta bandwagon, but we’ll have to wait for about a year, so you can enjoy it too, since your Fed is still the King! Cheers, Maxi! See you around.

November 5th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

Jane, hi! I see you’re expanding your favs base… Ok then…

November 5th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

Duro, no expansion. Djoko is still my number 1 fave as he’s the first one to crash the top two’s party at the slams. And Murray is a very close (inches, we’re taking) second. When they play each other I am in heaven! : D

I hope both of them win slams in 2010~!!!

November 5th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

J. Cilic almost lost, faced 3 MPs in the 3rd. He should have won that match a lot earlier, but Troicki kept coming back. Troicki had a shot but faltered at the end.
And I am glad Gasquet got through Isner. Was sad to see Chardy losing to Korolev.
Hernych was most miserable to lose in double bagels. Good for Dj.
I am watching Murray right now. He looks sharp. I think your wish will be granted: Fed-Dj and Murray-Simon finals.

November 5th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

duro..duro!!! my lovely friend on the ‘wrong’ side of the court!!! teehee!!!
jane,i love reading your comments.even though i dont post here so often these days,i have posted a lot on tennistalk but i am reading both more so than posting.i was posting so much,it takes up alot of time.but i am liking the posts more here than the other forums.you sound experienced jane. I am not so experienced but i will learn, i think from you, duro and everyone else who posts on this forum.i love reading articles/posting from different websites, primarily about federer because i do love his style of unique,beautiful tennis. he gets a lot of flack jane on tennistalk,i dont like that,which is why i dont post there so often.i think that site is becoming a rafa fest site.i have enjoyed watching novak play more and more this year.and of course, i enjoyed the USO semi final the most.because novak, i think used to get such a lot of bad press jane,but now, i think he is a man.he is someone who i think stands out in terms of his smile.he always congratulates other players and i think he is more likeable than he used to be.
i am sorry jane, but i do not like murray.i have always been like this.followed murray for a long time,but i dont like his ways jane. i see him as an arrogant man.i know i have to work on this and i try to see his skills, but i dont like him. i prefer always, roger federer. a man of many skills,and novak for me is the new generation.he shows great gymnastics on the court for a man, it is like watching someone doing the floor exercises when he almost does the splits when hitting the ball. i notice that JJ, (Jelena Jankovic), does that too! Is it a serbian style jane? duro?
but my heart will always be with federer. I love his style and grace and his expertise, uniqueness in the tennisworld.
an open question to all of you? do you all come from the UK? or USA?
duro,it is great seeing your name again.tell ollyk,i will post soon, but i am trying to chill in the smaller tournaments. the slams are where it’s at in terms of me giving tennis the full monte!
I am surprised about chardy losing though,everyone. That was a shocker!
thanks for replying jane.

November 5th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

you are it, how are you and your Potro Loco? Don’t alow the “slam syndrom” to catch on him! Cheers, mate.

November 5th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

Maxi, you sound like you told your wife to post for you! What’s going on? My wife often sneaks up on me and tries to catch me in the “adultery” here, ha ha ha! Don’t tell me you have the same problem!

November 5th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

duro? i dont understand my friend? I am female. but i use madmax because i like mel gibson! the actor! ha ha ha! yes, this is timeconsuming duro! you are my tennis husband!

November 5th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

duro,
i have some work to do now,but i am up early in the morning, so i will try and log on in my lunchtime.take care you! cheers and enjoy your novak!

November 5th, 2009 at 3:48 pm

mel gibson in his ‘younger days!’

November 5th, 2009 at 3:49 pm

Ok, Maxi… You still sound strange, but never mind. Cheers to you too.

November 5th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

i am it, thanks for the update; I missed the end of the matches on my way to work. I am happy for Gasquet too! I am a little sad for Troicki since when I left he was losing 3-1 in the third and Cilic was up 30-love, so I assumed Cilic would be through easily, but it’s often sad to hear someone lost when the put in such an effort to come back! All that said, I am nonetheless please to see Marin continue his excellent form.

madmax, I hope you can come around w.r.t. to Murray; largely I see his seriousness as misunderstood for arrogance. But we get these impressions of players that stick, don’t we?

I respect others’ views and you’re entitled to yours. I hope only that Murray will grow on you!

I like the word you used to descide Novak’s “gymnastics” LOL – he is pretty fast and flexible isn’t he?

Cheers all.

November 5th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

j. i am a little worried about Murray after the 2nd set, which he played really bad. he started strong but struggled a bit since the middle of the 1st set, which he barely closed. i think his wrist may still be bothering him.

November 5th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

murray managed to get through, but he appeared shaky most of the time, except at the beginning and end, which was enough to dispatch Mayer, but he may have a tougher time in the next rounds, against Verdasco and Simon or Davydenko.

November 5th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

i am it, you owe me an answer…

November 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Aaaarg Murray, what happened..it must be he lost concentration again. I manage to catch the last three point of the game. He is very happy to get thru that one. With his injury, he must be a little unsettled to go for it. Anyways, congrats to him. One match at a time Murray and so far soooo good.

Wow..are those two bagels for Novak ? Was he too good or was the other guy too bad ? I am glad Verdasco beat Tipsy, was worried for him due to their H2H. Great win Verdi..getting closer to London. You can do it.

Will Cilic have the energy left to continue at this tourney, that was the longest match of the week. And Poor Chardy, he misses a chance to play the Federer, better try next time.

November 5th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Duro, remind me the question.

November 5th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

i am it, not a big deal… My post 3:31 here.

November 5th, 2009 at 6:03 pm

Visit TT, we, the Nole fans, created a Novak number 1 fiesta bandwagon
————————————
Duro, what is TT, I want to join.

November 5th, 2009 at 6:16 pm

Duro, i overlooked your question because you addressed me “you’re it” that’s not my name. i am “i am it.”
now you are an Aussie or what, using “mate”?
i have no clue about my loco friend. he has not called me in a while. i suppose he’s healing and getting ready for Paris, London, and Australian Open. hoping for him to win a 2nd Slam in ’10. the rest is just details.
——–
about Djoko’s win today:
he has “reached his 18th tour-level quarter-final of the season [out of 20 events he entered]
“It was the fifth double bagel of the 2009 ATP World Tour season, the most since 2006, and the first in Basel since 1977” (ATP).

November 5th, 2009 at 6:17 pm

arrrgh poor Viktor. I would like him to win something, anything, soon.

November 5th, 2009 at 6:18 pm

“he has “reached his 18th tour-level quarter-final of the season [out of 20 events he entered]”

i am it, thats why he has played the most matches in the season. Is it 83 matches or something close ? He has gone deeper in almost all tourneys he entered. Good for him he will be in the history book in basel.

November 5th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

Must be very embarrassing being on the receiving end of double bagel…OUCH !

November 5th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

I just saw this news on another blog, don’t know if true..but shocking..anyone heard anything..
_________________________________________________

I have shocking news for everyone who has been following recent WTA tennis and has seen the new rising star from Belgium, Yanina (Whoopie)Wickmayer. This news is not yet on the BBC, but as I’m Belgian, I’ve just read it on the Belgian sports site.

From now off she has been banned from the tour for an entire year by the Flemish anti-doping commission(also forced to quit the Bali Championships). Why? Because she hasn’t filled in a few whereabouts as a result of login problems. She though has made all controls and never been caught on doping use.

I fear this ban will ruin her career, especially because it finds place just at the time she is breaking through.
_________________________________________________

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A59303180

November 5th, 2009 at 6:39 pm

i am it, it was suppose to be a joke. Of course I know you are “i am it”! I am not from Australia, i am it. I’m from Noleland!

Sar, TT is Tennistalk! Here’s a link for you:
http://www.tennistalk.com/en/match_report/Davidoff_Swiss_Indoors_Basel/2009/Andreas_Beck_-_Novak_Djokovic

November 5th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Kimmi, you are close. As of today, Djoko has played 87 matches, the most in the tour. He has an ATP World Tour-best 69-18 mark for 2009 (if you minus Davis Cup, it is 69-16).

November 5th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

correction: Djoko’s played 86 matches and has tour best 68-18 (minus DC, 68-16).

November 5th, 2009 at 6:55 pm

David Ferrer’s withdrawal should help Murray a bit in the quarter. Al Montanes should not be a challenge for Murray.

November 5th, 2009 at 7:03 pm

What was that year were Fed did 90 something matches. Great job for Djocko, he will soo get to 90 but its too many matches IMO. You can do it when you are young like Djoko now but in a long run you will be asking for injuries and/or illness. I think he will probably do a little less next season.

November 5th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

I am it, looks like Murray right now is susceptible to lose to anyone. Montanes might give him a hard time too. I did not see his 1st round match but I read that in the 1st set he was leading like 5-0 or 5-1 and then lost concentration and went on to lose 3 straight games. And probably the same thing happened today, but the main thing is he got a W.

You are right Montanes is not Ferrer but its one match at a time for Murray….

November 5th, 2009 at 7:14 pm

Kimmi, in 2006, Fed played 102 matches (97-5). In ’05, he played 89 matches (85-4). In ’07, he played 78 matches (70-8).

November 5th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

OK i am it, so fed has done it and also was close to 90 few times..i still think anything over or close to 90 is a lot.

November 5th, 2009 at 7:34 pm

Glad Murray got through i am it, but disappointed that he is/was struggling. I saw a clip of his post-match interview at youtube and he said he “lost concentration” in the second set. So he didn’t mention the wrist; then again, he might not want to do so.

Kimmi – imo, the Djoko match was a combination of Hernych playing below par (lots of errors, I think 40? and poor serving overall) and Djoko playing well – plenty of variety in his shots (lobs, net play, consistent ground strokes), good serving and seeing and moving to the ball well.

To me, pretty much every single match is affected by how both players are playing – physical and mental components – throughout the match, right? There are rarely one-sided matches of magic or crap; it takes two to play. That’s how I see it anyhow.

November 5th, 2009 at 8:46 pm

just watched murray v mayer match on espn360 replay. seemed murray was starting to lose concentration at the end of the first set. also, mayer began playing well. and came out strong in the 2nd set tho, yeah, murray came to life when he was down a double break in the second set. it almost looked like leonardo could lose the second set, after getting the big lead and playing great tennis to earn it. but.. the third set was a good tennis match. mayer played well, right to the last game but murray was found his form and was too good.

couldn’t see any signs of a physical problem with murray. his footwork, speed, movement, clean ball striking, lovely backhand variety. maybe a little rusty on the first serves but yeah…he may have been caught off guard a little by how good the world # 64 was playing! i was surprised. and impressed with mayer’s attacking style, big serve, forehand, and great one-handed back hand. great to see another talented argentine…with the same exact bithday as murray too, btw.

didn’t seem like the mental picnic murray went on in the us open match with capdeville. it wasn’t that extreme. seemed more like he let his guard down, got too casual in the second set and his opponent began believing he might actually win.

tomorrow we see if an improved korolev can challenge federer.

espn did not offer the chardy v korolev or cilic v troiki, two matches i most hoped to watch. i dunno, the way chardy played blake i expected him to have an easy win over korolev.

anyone see cilic or chardy matches today? watching gasquet v isner.. mighty fine backhands and returns of serve, brave play by richard! nicely done, gasquet!

November 5th, 2009 at 9:48 pm

“Brad Gilbert said on TV that Murray especially love it when he could bagel someone.”

sar..lol..I am sure Djoko was happy today to do a double bagel.

November 5th, 2009 at 9:49 pm

Contador thanks again for the match summary. Sound like Murray was not as bad as I was imagining. I really lost all hope on him today…good to know even though he lost conc. he was able to come back a little in the second. But seriously he needs to sort out his concentration problems; he does not want to lose in the 2nd round to a lesser player.

I agree with you that I think he is rusty, and to come back from injury is always tricky. just watched the highlights on Tennistv and both players made some sublime shots but I can never tell how the game was by watching highlights. Good thing is.. he sound happy in his post match and he thinks if he plays well he should win against Montanes,. Way to go murray. Love Murray, he is my second fave after the fed and hope he brings the Valencia trophy home.

Contador , can u imagine Chardy missed a chance to play the Fed ! Now Fed gets Korolev who he demolishes in AO this year. Let’s hope he bring his AO form tomorrow.

November 5th, 2009 at 10:19 pm

“watching gasquet v isner.. mighty fine backhands and returns of serve, brave play by richard! nicely done, gasquet!”

love gasquet, always great to watch. The highlights had few shots where Isner going to Gasquet backhand..CROSSCOURT…aaaaarg, didn’t he do his homework ! gasquet down the line backhands were sublime.

November 5th, 2009 at 10:29 pm

Kimmi
I don’t really like bagels but these players must like serving them.

November 5th, 2009 at 10:45 pm

seriously kimmi: murray had to be surprised at the level of tennis leo mayer brought to that match. this was my first time watching him, though i;ve known his name. leo mayer at 64th did not register as someone able to take a set off murray but…apparently mayer, at 22 is on the rise, sorta like Zeballos. two more argentines to watch in 2010!

the good news for murray, i’d say is that he recovered mentally in time to win , a second round loss would not have been good for him after davis cup and us open.

whipping through the replays….davydenko had to call not just a trainer but a doctor….could not quite tell what was bothering him….a leg, i guess, he was asking for “the warm cream”

i mean he still defeated monaco but his tennis level dropped.

who knows with half these mto’s! wawrinka was able to fight back and win his match. ??? thought he had a bad shoulder.

i don’t underestimate korolev. he is young, and a different player from ao09. has had a fairly good indoor hard court season and geez. he beat one of my new fav’s, chardy. wonder how that happened? yeah instead of chardy we get evgeny…he might want to avenge his australian loss. nothing to lose for him, right? i dunno how my federer action doll takes all the pressure.. teehee.

November 5th, 2009 at 10:47 pm

oh…gasquet played magnificently! not only down the line backhands but backhand cross-court winners and after the miserable first set, he seemed to figure out how to return the isner serve….great block returns too. had isner throwing his racket down in frustration. but isner had plenty of reason to be frustrated, he had match points in 2nd set but could not get the win.

not that i don’t like big john, i just prefer gasquet’s tennis.

November 5th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

You know, my highlights do not have Korolev/chardy either..what ? no one seem to care about this match. so don’t know how this guy played. The AO match with the fed is very fuzzy…and you think he has improved ?

But we just have to wait and hope the fed turns up tomorrow. Guys with nothing to lose are dangerous but the fed can be even more dangerous..game on.

November 5th, 2009 at 11:11 pm

it’s true. hardly a mention anywhere on the korolev/ chardy match.

yes, he has improved according to the espn360 commentators previewing tomorrow’s matches. and i have been following results enough to agree; he’s no doubt better than at ao but enough to cause an upset? doubt it. if fed had a ‘daddy night’ with no sleep and has a bad day? maybe korolev could get a set like mayer did against murray. fed will be fine.

i have not watched nole’s match replay. a double bagel match really does not interest me, even if fed was serving the bagels.
it’s like ..i’ve already read enough on that match by looking at the score and stats. i may click on the replay just to see how nole looked but i feel bad for hernych already…how embarrassing!

November 6th, 2009 at 12:02 am

I guess it was really cold for Murray’s match; he did mention it in his post-match presser, but here’s another link:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/2716913/Muzza-is-too-much-for-Mayer.html

November 6th, 2009 at 2:04 am

kimmi: just 2 say how gr8 it is to have another such enthusiatic Murray supporter around. Unusual for a Fed fan to be a Murray one too. Though I too think Fed, at his peak, was just a wonder to behold! Was laughing at “i am its” take on Andy ditching Perry…. never know when “its” teasing or not…., but, may have a point, perhaps Andy’ll ditch the weight of expectation too and just start to fly!
Haven’t seen any matches yet, but do know that Andy seems to get bored when not playing top 10 and I think that leads to these nerve wracking lapses in concentration. Also, on BBC said the wrist is not totally healed yet, so he may be a bit wary still.

November 6th, 2009 at 7:50 am

Murray had no problems today! Maybe they closed the doors. lol.

Simon’s out at Valencia, though – too bad. And Cilic is out at Basel. Also too bad.

At this point, it’s looking like Davydenko and Verdasco will be the final two to go to the YEC.

November 6th, 2009 at 11:36 am

Presently at the ATP site there is a great shot of the inside of the Valencia stadium – you’re right margot; it is very cool and refined looking!

November 6th, 2009 at 11:42 am

Wawa is playing well today; he’s serving well and his backhand so far is firing. He really does have a great one-hander doesn’t he? Djoko is hanging in, too, but haven’t seen anything fantastic from his end yet.

November 6th, 2009 at 11:54 am

margo, there are too many murray fans around here these days. some of them are as fiery, feisty, fume-ballistic as you and j. but they all fade before you. you are the go-to person on murray. you murray fans should never listen to what i say of him as i don’t qualify to be on the jury, except of course i may happen to “have a point.” but at the end, as the story goes, you never know if i am teasing or not when it comes to murray. where as on djoko, along with delPo, i am THE authority as i have been watching microscopically every one of their moves, dissecting subtle nuances and changes, and i instantly know where they are on a given day. so, be sensitive not to offend me when i say something about dj and dePo.
teasing? yes, of course.
——–
j., Stepanek removes Cilic threat; and Youzhny does the same to Simon. did not expect that to happen.
hope Dj plays great against homeboy Wawa. the match has just begun.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

So far Djoko is not playing great i am it! He’s facing break point as I write. But since you have the microscope, can you help me out and tell me what’s going on? Why so many errors today, arrrrggggh (as Kimmi would say, lol).

November 6th, 2009 at 12:07 pm

j., you are right about errors. they are too many. and dj loses the set. as for the reason, dj is a bit overexcited. too much energy. he needs to calm down a little bit and wait a little longer and find the perfect range. hopefully he does that in time.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

Thanks i am it. That sounds about right. Djoko is also not hitting in as many first serves in (59% presently) as the last two matches, which also could support your theory re: too much energy and overhitting. But he seems a little flat or out of sorts to me. Today may be Stan’s day. We’ll see. Stan can definitely hit his stride, like against Murray at Wimbledon, where he was definitely playing great. Today he seems on form and is very much bolstered by the hometown crowd support as well. He’s hit 8 aces already!

November 6th, 2009 at 12:31 pm

in the 2nd game of the 2nd set when Wawa was serving, dj should not have lost those two points due to UEs: he tried to change the direction on the 1st one; he misjudged the 2nd and wrong racket positioning. both due to wanting to finish the point too quickly, which comes from impatience.

if i were court-coaching, i would tell him to play longer rallies until he is comfortable to hit winners. and keep playing more volleys and going to the net, as it has been working.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

also, dj needs to observe the pattern of Wawa’s T-line serve, which you can figure out by the ball toss and racket direction in split second.
———–

like in the 4th again 40-30, when he had a chance to deuce, dj wanted to go for too much angle, and the focus was on the placement than on the ball and racket, resulting in a net chord UE.
play the rally, damn it, a little longer.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

dj had a chance to go double break point. missed that lob.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:42 pm

finally dj has a break point to go 4-2. let’s see how he does. he anticipated the serve but Wawa overpowered him. no fault.
he should have seen the T-line serve coming at the clutch time.
the next point Wawa played perfect.
so, not much to complain. just unlucky, i guess.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:46 pm

Yes, i am it, today Djoko is not taking his chances when he’s getting them. He has not been able to convert and Stan has saved all 5 of the break point chances against him; meanwhile Djoko has faced only 2 breakpoints but lost one of them. If you don’t take your chances, you don’t win. Very disappointing effort in general thus far. I don’t see him winning today. And that is not pessimism by the way, just gaging the way he’s playing is all.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:46 pm

this 7th game is really critical. dj has to be careful.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:47 pm

Wawa gets double break point by playing real sloppy. that is no good for dj. he saves the 1st one.
2nd serve. not looking good.
thanks that was gutsy and superb volley.
dj saves both break point. deuce.
now double fault? that sucks.
Wawa gets 3rd BP for free.
Dj handles the pressure well. Deuce.
again 2nd serve. what’s wrong with his serve?
shit, misses forehand long when he had everything under control.
4th BP for Wawa. 2nd serve. miserable.
Wawa finds a way to go for forehand winner. dj gets broken. the match is over.
feel sad.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

here is 0-30 coming, so there is still some hope.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

i am it, i am sad too. Djoko should have been able to get through this match. Not a good day. I guess we’ll always have Paris … : /

Well, at least I can still cheer on Murray at Valencia!

November 6th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

double break point gives real hope. Go Dj, break here. no excuse.

November 6th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

thanks Dj does it and he is alive.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:00 pm

what the heck did dj just do on those two backhand slices?
worried the hell out of me.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Dj holds here to lead 5-4. there is still a chance to level the match at 1 set all. show your best tennis in this 10th game, and you are there. HOPE.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

now dj falls and hurts his ankle. that’s unfortunate.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:09 pm

despite that, dj holds. that’s heroic. 5-5.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:10 pm

sorry, that was 6-5, dj leading.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:12 pm

Come on Novak – make a match of it!

November 6th, 2009 at 1:12 pm

Dj should not have missed that 2nd serve in the tiebreak to steal a mini break.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

long sigh on that point to take 3-2 lead in the tie.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

finally Dj steals one to go 4-3. now hold your serve.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

Why didn’t he challenge? the replay showed it was in. is dj gonna lose because of a bad call now?

November 6th, 2009 at 1:23 pm

he takes another mini and set point for Dj. he would have already won the set, had he challenged that point.
Dj does it. well done. we go into the 3rd set decider.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:25 pm

Ah well, a nice effort from Djoko to level the match at least. I like this fighting quality, which I’ve seen in him more lately. Even when he’s down, he doesn’t throw in the towel, so to speak, but he continues to fight, to show his inner desire, even when he’s not playing well.

I still don’t know about his chances, since in many ways Stan is just the better player today, but win or lose, I am pleased with Novak’s effort there. Good for him!! : D

November 6th, 2009 at 1:26 pm

i still have hope. dj should carry the momentum and break Wawa early. so, j., i see our boy’s chances, though i admit Wawa is playing great tennis.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

Novak looks like he had knee probs a couple of times and then later he fell. Looks off today for sure. I am always wary of Wawa. Stepanek too.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:31 pm

what did i tell you, J.? Dj broke Wawa in the opening game of the 3rd. i saw it coming, predicted right.
now Dj gotta hold here. that will do.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

And Dj holds. I am sort of breathing freely. One more break, i will have my peace.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

All falling apart for Wawa….

November 6th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

I have to leave in 20 minutes so I hope it’s over by then. Hurry up guys LOL

November 6th, 2009 at 1:38 pm

It all started to go bad for Wawa when in the tie break they cheated Novak out of that point.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

sar the commentators I was listening to said the court is sticky, so when Djoko fell it might’ve been due to that. Same with one time, when he got up to a volley, he then couldn’t execute because he lost his footing.

Very good point about wariness sar – both Wawa and Stepanek, when they find their game and execute, can be dangerous players. We’ve seen this time and time again. I love Stan’s one-handed backhand, and Step’s volleys, so I admire both of them. I’d still love to see Djoko win but these are opponents who deserve our wariness – and admiration. No doubt!

i am it – lol – you nailed it my friend! After the first break, I began to relax and mark papers. I hope Novak carries on through. Tough battle from Stan today though! 2nd serve ace – GO Nole!

November 6th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

J., i have my peace of mind. double break earned: prophecy fulfilled.
with double break down, Wawa falls into a fathomless ditch.
our boy should win now without much difficulty, thanks to Wawa’s sudden self-destruction.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

Signing off now. Gotta go to an appointment. Watching on my way out the door….

November 6th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Nice point Djoko – using slice to lure Stan in and then passing him. Very Fed-like there, dare I say.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

yes, j, that wide angle slice was very much Fed-like. spectacular !
Sar, yes, Wawa completely fell apart in the 3rd set, errors barraged from every where.
but Dj held his nerve and played patiently the tie, which swung the momentum to him, causing a drastic adverse effect on Wawa.
i am super happy Dj won this match. Congrats to the kid.
good luck for your Murray, j., margo, and Kimmi.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

Congrats Djoko! Nice effort Stan. I am “super happy” too, i am it. I like when Novak digs out gritty wins like that; he shows his spirit. It’s a little tough on the nerves, but c’est la vie. That’s sport.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

i just checked murray beat Montanes easily (6-4, 6-2), without sweating much. he is now in the semi. good for him. hope he pulls that one out. one game at a time, as margo says.

November 6th, 2009 at 1:58 pm

they are showing murray-montanes match on espn360 right now. i will try to watch some now, and some replay later in the evening. will let you know how impressively murray played today.

November 6th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

Hi Jane.didnt manage to respond to your comment late last night. am still working out the time differences this end. I will try hard jane about liking murray, but i think that might be too much to ask.I am a fed fan through and through-duro will tell you that-we have had many conversations and so far, we havent fallen out! Am so pleased! my favourite player is federer-he is beyond measure! I like novak too,over the last 12 months more so.I also enjoy watching rafa’s game too, but more recently, I have been watching other players and cilic has impressed me.

duro- i dont know what you mean by strange?all i can say is perhaps i have been tired.went to france recently and when i came back,caught a virus. was out of it for ages-really bad-but feel better just not my ‘old’ self.but am still maxi.it’s great to see your name here.

November 6th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

The following article is mainly about Djoko’s form, but at the end it talks about Nestor, the Bryans and Wickmayer’s situation with missing tests. It sounds awful what happened to Nestor!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/match-tough/dwarfed-by-nadal-and-federer/article1353749/

November 6th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

jane,

thanks for the link. have just read it. i think it really brings home the fact that tennis players just HAVE to be available ANYtime ANYwhere. I completely understand Nestor having to get up and be with his 7mth old daughter, the point is i guess he was sleep deprived, but as he well knows, the ATP will NOT take this into account. Their expectations are high.In your opinion, do you think this is right? or ridiculous?

November 6th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

madmax, while I understand the ATP’s or ITF’s motivations, I think it’s all a bit “big brother-ish” and so I am not particularly fond of it. I think the situation with Nestor is just ridiculous, in that there is no reason the ITF guy couldn’t have got onto the elevator and gone up to knock on the door. Even the one case with the Bryan brother (forget which one), wherein he went out for breakfast; how can that count as a strike against him. It’s overkill. I understand that they want a clean sport, but need the players be under a “police state” to achieve it? Isn’t there a better way?

On a different topic, where the heck did Gasquet’s wonderful play go? Sad. : (

November 6th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

yes jane. i have to agree. i know that murray (and am sure you will remember this), last year came out with rafa to say it was just “too much”. I think murray said that he was about to have a pee, and the knock on the door came at 7am, and he was furious about it. i guess though,its the only way to really catch the cheats.we have this in UK all the time. So hot on catching athletes before any sport. i read it in papers all the time, (national events at crystal palace), you will have heard of many UK athletes having been under a cloud. Dwayne chambers, served a 2 year ban,Linford Christie (now a coach, denied ever taking drugs, but had a no show at some drug testing – there has always been a question mark over him ever since.

Gasquet, but you know Jane. I am just pleased to see him back playing. He needs the match practice and he is doing well so far, considering he had more than 2 months off NOT participating in tournaments.

November 6th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

just read somewhere Roddick may or may not play London. he has resumed practice this week, but has not confirmed with LTA that he will participate. hope he can and does.

November 6th, 2009 at 3:48 pm

jane: Djko does look “grittier” doesn’t he? A hard fought victory is gr8 isn’t it? Perhaps it’s new coach? In between lapses(!) Murray’s playing some beautiful tennis, think he’s still rusty though. Drop shot against Montanes was a thing of beauty!
i am it: re your microscope, now I will picture you as Sherlock Holmes character, complete with deerstalker (betcha have to google that one..)BTW Andy has a nasty cough, I think he’s a poorly boy….stop laughing…

November 6th, 2009 at 3:56 pm

i am it – I saw at ESPN that Roddick is out of Paris with a knee injury. : ( I hadn’t heard/read anything about London though.

margot – yes, somehow a hard-fought victory is better, in some ways anyhow, than a blitz. And yep, Andy M showed some twinkles of his best stuff – whoo-hoo!

madmax – so true, with the “but”, re: Gasquet. There’s too many buts where he’s concerned, given his talent. Oh well, they can’t all be destined for the top.

November 6th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

Here’s Bodo’s take on the ITF/ATP regulations:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4628574&name=bodo_peter

November 6th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Find the Paris draw here:

http://www.fft.fr/bnpparibasmasters/2009_en/?id=5523

I haven’t looked at it yet, am off to do so.

November 6th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

margo, actually this time i did not have to google. there was enough hint with Holmes’ character and his famous hat and magnifier. and i am a sort of hat collector.
murray had nasty cough? yes, he caught that because they would not shut the door and cold wind found a passage to this poorly boy’s nasal cavity. i am coughing now as i tried to laugh.

j., the anti-doping agency is on empire building mission. if it had its way, it would set up surveillance cameras in every possible corner of a player’s residence, including shower and bed. it would also like to set up a boot camp. reminds me of Foucault’s disciplinary punishment, particularly Panopticon design, which employs visible surveillance as a display of increased power (ref: Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison).

November 6th, 2009 at 4:28 pm

I was thinking of the panopticon i am it. So true.

November 6th, 2009 at 4:33 pm

thanks, j.
let me try to summarize the Paris draw.

1st Half
1st quarter: Fed meets Benneteau/Petzschner in the 1st Rd; Wawa or Monfils in the 2nd; Cilic, Verdasco, or Kohls in the quarter; possibly Murray in the semi.

2nd Quarter: Murray meets Blake/Santoro in the 1st; Step/PHM/Troicki in the 2nd; DelPo/Safin/Gonzu/Isner in the quarter

2nd Half
3rd Quarter: Djoko meets Chardy/Monaco in the 1st (a tough one); J-Lo/Haas in the 2nd; and Davydenko/Soderling in the quarter; possibly Rafa in the semi.

4th Quarter: Rafa meets Almagro/Qual. in the first; Berdych/Robredo in the 2nd; Tsonga/Simon/Ljub. in the quarter.

this is a pretty balanced draw, apart from a couple of weak/strong opponents in the early rounds.

November 6th, 2009 at 4:54 pm

he he ! I see sar, jane and i am it, you have been helping djoko to get out of that hole. Wow ! the match was close. Congrats Djoko fans, it must not be easy for Djoko to play the home boy..I am sure it felt like everybody was against him out there…

WooT ! Federer is cruising..to be honest his draw has opened up sooo much, he has not seen a seeded player so far and will not do so until the final, hope he will be sharp enough when he meets one.

Yay, Congrats Murray. Today looks much better. Verdasco will be gunning for London tomorrow, so murray better be prepared. I am so happy I will able to watch the matches at last.

And Youzhny what a run so far…he must be playing his best tennis at this moment. Great results, look like he found his mojo.

Surprising results for Chiudinelli, what a demolishing job of Gasquet , was gasquet tired after his big match against Isner..Cmoon. not good. !! More home boys doing well in Basel.

November 6th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

Hi Jane, Sar, i am it. Congrats for Nole’s victory to all who are pleased about it.
Maxi, I hope you didn’t catch that H1N1 virus! You came from France, my “native” country. I was born there…
About Fed, he’s the greatest player of all time. Period. But it doesn’t satisfy my character, to cheer for the best, it’s too easy and available for everyone. I like more to cheer for someone to become the best!
Anyway, I like seeing you here too. See you in the finals, Maxi!

About match with Stan today… Johny Mac said double bagel brings bad luck… I couldn’t get rid of that thought the whole day… I don’t want Novak to beat anyone 6:0 6:0 ever again! Damn Johny…
I think I’m still shivering…

November 6th, 2009 at 6:15 pm

jane, i am it :just an NB: Uk is country with highest surveillance in Europe, this has happened under blank blank Labour too!
i am it: a collector of hats? .my..my..am sure you look mighty fine in a deerstalker..
looking forward to weekend of tennis, here’s to Andy and Djko!

November 6th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Duro, FYI, you’ve been suspended from the club, effective immediately. You may be reinstated if you satisfy the probation by reporting here during every match Dj plays, from tomorrow through London. Take it or leave it.

November 6th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

Kimmi, as for Fed today, his serve was enough to dispatch the big-hitting Russian. he did not have to do much. yes, C-Nelly will surrender the match to Fed tomorrow. yes, your man will have just cruised to the final without facing any top players. good or bad, we will find out in the final.
as for Youzhny beating Simon, it was predetermined as Youzhny had 4-0 h2h against Simon going into the match. now he’s 5-0.

i was a bit disappointed too see Cilic lose to Step.

yep, Murray played fantastic today. he was flawless, not only in defense but also in offense, breaking in the opener. hope he withstands in-form Verdasco challenge tomorrow. if he passes that, he is fully back. good luck to you.

November 6th, 2009 at 6:55 pm

I didn’t see Roddick in the draw?

Jane, good article on Novak. I think Todd might be helping but no more double bagels please. I don’t like them.

November 6th, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Sar, you did not see Roddick in the draw because he withdrew from Bercy.

============================================
Djokovic Takes Leadership On Schedule
BASEL, Switzerland (AP)—Novak Djokovic has called for “crucial” meetings to address the heavy playing schedule faced by top tennis players.

The third-ranked Serb said Friday that more players were getting injured because of the demands of a long season.

Djokovic said players should have up to two months rest before preparing for the Australian Open in January.

He spoke at the Swiss Indoors tournament.

November 6th, 2009 at 7:06 pm

i am it, ha ha ha! The problem is I’m not holding my lap top on my lap (pleonasm) during Novak’s matches! I cannot be disrupted. I’m sucking up every moment watching and living through every point that Nole plays. Besides, I cannot be in two places simultaneously! I’m not posting only here, you know… Anyway, punishment accepted! I agree to “satisfy” probation as requested!
What’s FYI? I’m not familiar with that term, or phrase or abbreviation…

November 6th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

Murray is 6-1 versus Verdasco; true, Verdasco beat him this year at the AO, but that was over 5 sets. I think in 3 sets, Murray should win. Djoko is 4-1 over Stepanek; but Step is dangerous if he gets on a roll. Let’s hope Djoko comes out of the gates blasting for a spot in the finals. I think Murray has a much better shot at winning Valencia than Djoko does of Basel, for the obvious reason that Fed will be in the final of the latter and it’s his hometown event! But if both get to the finals I’ll be happy. Murray is 5-4 over Davydenko, his likely finals opponent, so that could go either way. Davy will be fighting for a spot in the YEC, like Verdasco. So Murray has to guys who are going to want to win badly.

Go Djoko and Murray!

November 6th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

to should be two in second last sentence @7:16

November 6th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

Duro, with the authority and rights vested in the president of the club, i can be lenient to adjust the probation to your miseries: all you will need to do is appear twice, 5 min. before and after the match. will this work for you?
FYI= for your information
FYKI= for your kind information

November 6th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

i am it, I solemnly declare to fulfill the Club’s request! But, who authorized you to be the President of the club? You are JMDP fan! Are we talking about Nole’s fans club here, or you consider the whole site as a club?

November 6th, 2009 at 7:42 pm

i am it, hurry up, i have to go to sleep (working tomorrow)! It’s 1 am in the Noleland, you know…

November 6th, 2009 at 8:07 pm

actually, j. is the real club president. i was only acting on her behalf. the club is the club of like-minded friends of this site. we had tele-meeting on your case earlier. that’s what the club members decided. the club is glad to know your solemn decision, and we thank you for your cooperation.
b.t.w., nole is one of my favs, too, probably more so than yours, in a more concrete and effective way.

November 6th, 2009 at 8:23 pm

Tomorrow’s semifinals order of play

Dj-Step match at 8:30 am (ET)
followed by Fed-Chiud, aprox. 10:30 am

Davy-Youz at 1:00 pm (ET)
followed by Murray-Verdasco, aprox. at 3:00 pm (ET)

November 6th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

Is that so, i am it? Ok, then… (“one of my favs…”)
As far as Jane is concerned, she deserves definitely to be the club president, or even more, the president of this site. No doubt about it…
(“Go Djoko and Murray”).

Have a good night.

November 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

“Kimmi, as for Fed today, his serve was enough to dispatch the big-hitting Russian. he did not have to do much. yes, C-Nelly will surrender the match to Fed tomorrow. yes, your man will have just cruised to the final without facing any top players. good or bad, we will find out in the final.
as for Youzhny beating Simon, it was predetermined as Youzhny had 4-0 h2h against Simon going into the match. now he’s 5-0. ”

huh ? i did not know Youzhny had 4-0 H2H over simon. that must be a match up thing..Youzhny must have been laughing when he saw the draw….but then it will not be easy with davy.

i am it, why would “C-nelly” surrender the match to the Fed tomorrow ? If C-nelly loses.. is because the Fed has done his magic again.
I agree with you though that we have to wait and see how he turns up when he plays a top player.

Margot: I started to like Murray last year at the US Open, I was very impressed especially when I saw him play nadal. Since then i have been following him very closely. And boy, he has improved so much in the last couple of years..just wonderful. I enjoy the way he plays, very clever on the court imo. Unfortunately the only time I have problem with murray is when he plays the Fed. This year wimbledon i was rooting for him to win it all (the Fed already had 14) but it was not meant to be. I believe he will soon win a GS, he is too good not to win one..he needs to learn to control his concentration..its very important.

November 6th, 2009 at 11:34 pm

Kimmi asks, “why would “C-nelly” surrender the match to the Fed tomorrow ? If C-nelly loses.. is because the Fed has done his magic again.”

i was being facetious there. of course, C-Nelly will fight and try to win as many games and possibly a set, and if lucky, the match. as a player, i can tell you this no player surrenders a match. he might walk in thinking he may not have a chance but he still hopes to win against all odds. he played great against Gasquet, but i am not sure i want to see him in the final.
i want to see two best players of the tournament playing at their best, even though i will be rooting for one.
do you want to see a best tennis or your man winning in easy straight sets? I prefer the former.

November 7th, 2009 at 12:03 am

I opine:
Nice article by Bodo. Nestor didn’t want to be bothered, he shut his phone off, he was not bothered, problem is? Do you really expect an official to wonder apartment halls? What probably happened was the official could not get access to the apartment. In most buildings,one needs to be buzzed in and the phone was turned off.
You get three shots, quit complaining. Nestor needs to tell his infant to stop complaining and sleep through the night.
The players choose the times– yes, Murray– so choose a later time in the day.
Why don’t they complain about the people that dope that cause the problems? The players know, so start complaining about them, not the officials. I solved that problem.

The focus on Serena needs to stop. I don’t agree with what she threatened. The officals are using this to ignore the larger problem of the inconsistent calls. It could be argued that inconsistent calls went a long way in deciding this years USO finalists and winners. Another problem solved.

It’s nice that during a worldwide recession, and when it was announced the unemployment rate in the US topped 10%, a multi-millionaire is complaining aboout having to play about 18 weeks a year– and it’s only 18 weeks if the person makes it to the finals in all of the tournaments. How does Kobe Bryant play, in an actual physical sport, night in and night out from November to June every year?
When the top players take pay cuts due to less tournaments and sponsors pay less due will Novak be happy? I’m three for three in problem solving.

C-Nelly? Good Lord that’s funny. I think he is nice looking, so stop it! It’s nice to see him go far in matches this year. Great semi matchups tomorrow.
How dare you evil wenches not give Step a chance! I know all that sexy on the tv and computer screens is hard to to handle.

Swerve into another lane: Duro: you have not learned the art of balancing one thing on tv–while streaming a live match and posting on your laptop? I’m too impatient, so I usually have a screen open to the live scores. I don’t like the two-minute tv delay.

November 7th, 2009 at 2:30 am

“and it’s only 18 weeks if the person makes it to the finals in all of the tournaments. How does Kobe Bryant play, in an actual physical sport”

Tennis isn’t physical? The anger that is raging through my veins right now is about to make me punch a hole in my wall.

November 7th, 2009 at 3:00 am

i am it: you’re making me laugh again, how splendid! Yes, jane must be the president of our virtual club, she is so eloquent, so cool under fire…I would never be suitable, not rational enough, you can all hear my dreadful tantrums when Andy’s personality, not his game, is attacked.
However, i am it, you can be her gofer, how’s that for an offer?
kimmi:thanx 4 your response. I agree re Andy and when Fed’s on song love watching him too.

November 7th, 2009 at 3:38 am

Mary,
you’re making me laugh here with your problem solving! Are you the site’s psychologist sorting out the players woes about testing! :. I hope I am not going to be marginalised here for not liking murray? I can only detect Kimmi as being a true federer fan? (apologies to others if thats not the case).

I am it – thanks for analysing the paris draw – very interesting – no doubt fed will want to continue with his winning streak against murray – presuming both make it to the semis – Go federer!

Duro, i did wait up for you to see if you were posting last night, but too tired to stay up any longer – just dog tired I think!

congrats on novak win. i bet you cant speak right now!

I think it was your word initially, i am it! I had to look up the word Panopticon – what a brilliant analogy you used there! (I shall keep that one up my sleeve!).

A great weekend for tennis everyone! Cheers!

November 7th, 2009 at 4:38 am

jane,

this is for you, when you asked about what was going on with gasquet (I know you were referring to his game, but the following is a bit worrying, in terms of the stress he still faces).

Gasquet faces cocaine-kiss hearing

Richard Gasquet will go before the highest court in sports Tuesday for what he says was a cocaine-tainted kiss in a nightclub. The World Anti-Doping Agency and International Tennis Federation have asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland to ban him for one to two years.

November 7th, 2009 at 4:44 am

Maxi, I’m banned here from the Mighty club! I can’t speak, you are right. Only 5 minutes before and after match… The President of the club didn’t even answer my congrats on Nole’s victory… Hard days for me here… Somebody is questioning my loyalty to Nole. I’m really hurt. Thank you for your congratulations! See you, Maxi (in the finals, of course!).

Mary, I just cannot learn that art! Too nervous during the match. Maybe if it’s easy one for Nole then I can relax and post something during the match, but if it was like yesterdays with Wawa, oh my… My stomach was tied up in a knot. That double bagel from the day before pissed my so much, and the J. Mac’s thought that it brings bad luck. I couldn’t post while shivering, believe me. Lucky you, guys, that have multiple favorites like the President of the club and her acting on behalf spokesman. Cheers, people.

November 7th, 2009 at 8:28 am

Duro! i think the people over here like you! You should stay! They are funny!

Your are a fabulous nole fan duro and i wish your player the best for today. I see he plays before roger, so i will have to wait a little longer. But duro, it is so great to see federer playing again and articles about him, 6 weeks is too long to wait for roger federer! Adored tennis player! I am it kindly posted the draw for paris. These are good times again! and not long to wait for the AO, January. Wheeeee eeeeee!!!!!

November 7th, 2009 at 8:43 am

Maxi, dear… I’m a seagull. One partner for life… I admire your devotion to Fed very much. He is the greatest player of all time! Period. But be prepared, the lows of nature are doing their job… Not so much time for your joy left. Look at sensationlsafin. Boy, he must be in pain all the time…
I know it from my personal experience. I once had a favorite (not a tennis player) and I know what it’s like when someone you adore ends his career…
This is exactly how’s gonna be in my case with Nole when the time comes…
Lucky all of you that can switch to others and move on, or have couple of favs. It’s just not me. I respect every player, hate no one, admire few (Fed, Rafa, Murray and making room for JMDP), but love, love is only for the one! Djokovic Novak, with all my heart! In Novak we trust!
Alleeeez allez allez alleeeez, No1-leeee, No1-leeee…
Maxi, prepare for the finals! I will temporary freeze our friendship, until it’s over (the final). The odds are 53-47 in your favor. Enjoy! Cheers.

November 7th, 2009 at 9:11 am

i am it: “do you want to see a best tennis or your man winning in easy straight sets? I prefer the former.”

i love, close matches and great tennis, but when my fave is in…it’s a little bit nerve racking. There are some matches where i was able to relax and enjoy the tennis a la Fed/delPo US Open 09 final.. maybe because I start to like delpo a little and was hoping he wins too but Fed/delPo RG was too nerve racking for me, could not watch half of the match live..too nervous, wanted fed to win RG too much. Fed/Nadal matches , any match..drives me nuts..Fed loses often but when he wins one its always very satisfying. I always relax on Federer/murray matches too..the list goes on and on. Fed/Sod us open 09 for example was too close for my liking. But all in all I prefer great tennis..you can tell LOL..just about !

November 7th, 2009 at 9:30 am

duro! our friendship, i hope continues. not to be frozen if our favourite players win. this is tennis. novak has the most winning matches this year, but because he has played more tournaments -(am not saying, he did not deserve to win those matches, my friend)- but he has played many tournaments this year. he is getting a lot of practice in and he has a massive following – i think you and ollyk are at the front! but federer. a class of his own. i watched him train in basel. I can see a change in his physique duro. His calf muscles are bulging! did you notice! he has been putting in a lot of training as well as resting and i like the fact that he is choosing his tournaments carefully. He has a long way to go, will play well into his 30’s. I dont see him retiring until at least 36 may be 37, though he has said in articles, he wants to play until he is 40, like Jimmy Connors! I enjoy watching all players duro, but – like you – there is no one who comes close to Roger. No one. He is the don of the court. You say seagull? I say swan!

November 7th, 2009 at 9:44 am

Maxi, no no no! Novak has the most winning matches this year because of his consistency! He has reached 14th semifinals out of 20 tournaments! 18 quaterfinals out of 20! This is where he collected his wins! Not because of your reason!

I said for our friendship to be frozen during the final match, not rest of the time! Even then we are friends, of course! I’ll answer the rest later.

November 7th, 2009 at 10:03 am

yes duro. his consistency in all the matches he has played, but he has played more than anyone else. He is the top of the ATP in terms of matches played.

November 7th, 2009 at 11:20 am

Duro, you foo, who’s banned you? we only wanted your more participation and we desired your frequent attendance during Nole’s match. stop misinterpreting the Club’s intention. we only intend good for our members.

====================================
Margo, i accept the offer. Gofer or go-for sounds right for my kind. j. will be happy to have me on her side all the time running her errands and doing her dishes and what not.

November 7th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

i am it. Duro does think he is banned, i think he’s making a joke, i am used to duro on a rival tennis forum! he is a passionate novak fan and i think, liked your invitation 5 minutes before and 5 minutes after a match! he would be here full time, but he is dividing his time in between different forums supporting OllyK and the bandwagon of his friends. Novak’s support is growing on both forums. He is a force (novak), no doubt about that.

duro my friend, wow! what a nutcruncher of a match! those moments, i have to catch my breath and leave the room, or hide behind a cushion. what do you do to keep control? I saw that stu had a bad moment too? Give regards to OllyK and say will see her soon. she should come over here, its friendlier and have already learnt a new word from i am it! Its brilliant! Panopticon!

Fed first set tiebreaker! oh my God! both novak and FED! come on the fed! go roger go!

November 7th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

i am it, sorry. I meant to say ‘doesnt!’

November 7th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

yes,YES,YEEEESSSS,Duro! our guys play tomorrow! Am so pleased. will check in later, but look forward to seeing you tomorrow! seagull v swan!

November 7th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

Oh lol, I just read this thread; you guys are too funny. i am it, will you really do my dishes? :)

November 7th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Duro, Madmax and I am it doin a great job here and so is Mrs.Jane as always(by posting frequently as she always does)!:) I’m so happy about Youzhny flogging Simon yet again, hehehe! :) ;) :)

November 7th, 2009 at 4:01 pm

I was kidding, people! Do we have to use LOLs all the time or winks ;-) to understand each other? Como on! We are friends, no hard feelings among us!

Maxi, the odds are changing rapidly… 78:22 in your favor!

If Nole was alone tonight (Jelena Ristić) his odds would be much higher, but since it’s not the case, I’m not expecting much for tomorrow. Nole was pretty clear when asked what’s best in the world and to compare tennis with that “God given activity”…

November 7th, 2009 at 4:53 pm

j., sure, with pleasure. you can add laundry and whatever to that list. i will leave vacuuming and cleaning to you, which you need when Dj is playing:-)

November 7th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

yes duro. i read nole’s article. he said sex is better than tennis? he such a flirt duro, dont you think?!!!!! I think it was sar who said earlier that he wants a good/great match tomorrow. two great players duro, but fed got to get that first serve on fire and on target, hes in basel, at home, there is now a more healthy respect between both players – game on! am sure luthri will have watched nole play to check out any chinks in his armour, we shall see.

Huh! yes. I am a great federer fan.There dont seem to be many over here, but i hope to earn my place in the prison fraternity, if i am it and jane allow me to?!!!! I could perhaps clean the prison floors?!

duro, i read your comments on tennistalk about God giving you strength and taking 3 more years off your life! sometimes tennis is tough for the fan, let alone the player!!! I understand! and you are already grey? awwwwwwwww. see you tomorrow.

c’mon! federer!

November 7th, 2009 at 5:51 pm

madmax, welcome to the club. suggestions: stay positive; appreciate the positive of each player; critique plausibly and inoffensively; respect fellow poster’s views, whether you agree or disagree; and share your thoughts. you already do all these, so it should not be hard for you to continue doing what you do best.
there are plenty of fed fans here, including Kimmi, Huh, and me. you won’t be lonely.

November 7th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

I’m a Fed fan.

November 7th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Maxi, you say: “duro my friend, wow! what a nutcruncher of a match! those moments, i have to catch my breath and leave the room, or hide behind a cushion. what do you do to keep control?”

Well, Maxi, I must tell you I keep swearing at Novak! No other cure for me! He’s shortening my life up, so I’m giving him back what he obliged me with.

My comment on TT was: “God, have mercy on us, Nole’s fans…” After such matches like today’s with Step, if no mercy from Him, we shall die eventually one by one from a heart attacks.

About swan against seagull… I’ll be seagull Jonathan Livingstone… Trying, trying, but… Not this time.

About grays, I have few, but I see clearly what’s going to be like with supporting Novak and his Gemini nature.

Huh, thanks for your kind words. I hope we will get to know each other some more from now on.

November 7th, 2009 at 10:03 pm

i am it, i did not know you are also a fed fan, you come across as delPo and djoko but its good to see the Fed has a place in you…BTW I like the “club” rules..thats the way it should be.

November 7th, 2009 at 11:26 pm

i am it! thank you, thank you for your warm welcome.

I have posted here for some time, but not always on a regular basis. I love reading all of your posts. I am learning so much from all of you already. I posted more so on TT, thats how duro and I became friends, though we are on opposite sides, he has never been rude to me, or vice versa. TT (though not posted for a while, I still read over there), has become a rafa fan site. Few Federer fans around, it also becomes nasty from time to time which I dont like and i dont get involved in – ever. I have not seen any of that here, which makes me like this forum much more. More federer fans here, I like! I like! Its good to know that.

Yes. I will follow the rules. No other way in my view! Fed takes up all of my heart. But I respect other players.

Federer is a star! Gooooo fed!!!!

November 8th, 2009 at 3:26 am