Federer or Davydenko, Who’s the Pick?

by Sean Randall | January 26th, 2010, 9:10 pm
  • 320 Comments

First, let’s hope today we actually have some matches that are not marred by injury. Yesterday, every match had some sort of injury issue. Hopefully we’ll have a clean day of tennis. ADHEREL

On to the matches of the day.

Andy Murray and Marin Cilic have already advanced into Thursday’s semifinal round – note that they will enjoy two days off before the Sunday final compared today’s winners who’ll play their semifinal Friday night. Fortunately with the roof there are no rain issues!


So today we get Roger Federer v. Nikolay Davydenko and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga v. Novak Djokovic. The two “dream” top half quarterfinals most of us were hoping at the start. Three of the four have been to the finals here before with two – Federer and Novak – walking away with the title.

Roger Federer v. Nikolay Dayvdenko
Davydenko was the hot man coming in. A favorite by many to take home this title after his consecutive tournament wins in London and in Doha where he beat both Federer and Rafael Nadal at both events. But as I’ve said all along, those are not Grand Slam events. They are not among the four biggest tournaments of the year like the Australian Open is. So the stakes here much far higher than they are in Doha and in London – though London is an important stop.

Head-to-head, we are all familiar with Federer’s domination over the Russian. He had won 12 straight before Davy got him in London and Doha, and now Roger has to be out for revenge, and no place better to do it than at a Slam.

I think Davydenko matches up well with Federer. He takes the ball early, hits with precision and angles and gets a lot of balls back. But what Davydenko lacks is Federer’s strength, and that is being mentally tough in the Majors. Federer has proven he can win these type of matches – the guy’s reached 22 straight Slam semifinals – while Davydenko hasn’t. Nikolay reached four semifinals in his day but was never able to get to a final. Why? Nerves? Poor play? Bad luck? The opponent? Or some sort of combination?

For me, it really comes down to his nerves. This match in some ways in on Nikolay’s racquet. He’s beaten Fed twice in recent meetings, he’s playing the best tennis of his life and up until the Fernando Verdasco match, he was dominant all week. But in that Verdasco match the cracks and the pressure began to show. And in a best-of-five, not best-of-three, I think Federer prevails here. Federer in four.

Novak Djokovic v. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
This rematch of the 2008 Australian final is the toughest of the four quarterfinals for me to call. I like Tsonga, I want Tsonga to win and the JW’s had his share of success against Novak. In six meetings JW’s beating Novak four times.

But Tsonga is an incredibly streaky player who when he gets on a run can be as good as anybody, and then of course as bad as anybody when things go wrong. And this week we’ve seen some of that. Tsonga looked great in patches and ok at other times. Tsonga, who had some wrist issues coming in, beat Haas in the fourth round in four sets and then Almagro in a very tough five-setter leading me to wonder if there may be some physical issues for the fragile Frenchman.

No such issues should exist for Novak who’s cruised through a draw devoid of any real competition. So he should be fresh and fit though somewhat untested.

Overall, Djokovic’s a better player is better than JW in just about every department. Novak’s has all the shots and if he plays his game he’ll be able to ride out JW’s wild swings and emotion. No doubt, JW will be whipping the crowd in a frenzy. Like their first meeting in the Melbourne, this is best-of-five sets, under the lights and it’s not suppose to be hot, so I think that familiarity/similarity favors Novak. The pick is Novak in four.

As for the women, Venus is stuck in a third set with Li Na. I like Venus to get by and I’ll take Serena in straight sets.


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320 Comments for Federer or Davydenko, Who’s the Pick?

fed is afraid Says:

at least roger doesn’t have to play rafa and lose again. but he will lose to davy tonite.


sar Says:

Sean I hope you didn’t jinx Novak. I think Fed will win.


jane Says:

Sean – I hope you’re right, I am very nervous for Djoko’s match! Please, please don’t have jinxed him : (

Like sar, I think Fed will likely win based on how Davy looked versus Verdasco – vulnerable at times. He may bring a better game versus Fed, but unless he gets it done in straights, I can’t see it happening.


Kimmi Says:

Sean, did you pick Nadal and Roddick yesterday? Bad bad vibe.


arishuza Says:

well venus is out…whoppee! go azarenka!!

this way the title will be handed to justine…allez indeed!


blah Says:

there is no such thing as a jinx. Tsonga v.s. Djoko should be a great match to watch though. Fed is going to straight set Davy.


Kimo Says:

I think for the first time in this tournament, the top half just got a little more interesting than the bottom half now that both Delpo and Rafa are out.

I like both Tsonga and Djoko, so I’m not rooting for either in their match, but I would like to see Tsonga reach the first slam semifinal in two years.

As for Fed vs. Davy, GO ROGEEEEEEERRRRRR!!!!! Fed in four, but he could to it in straights if he wants to send a message to Davy.


Kimmi Says:

These women are taking forever…C’mon serena/azarenka make a quick work here, I want to watch the men at least before midnight.


Sean Randall Says:

Serena should win quick! She can’t be happy that Venus just loss.


Ben Pronin Says:

Kimmi, me too!

I don’t care who wins as long as it’s under 30 minutes.


jane Says:

Kimmi, “Sean, did you pick Nadal and Roddick yesterday? Bad bad vibe.” LOL! Oh-oh, should we pencil in Tsonga and Davy?


blah Says:

azarenka breaks, awhoooooo….


Kimo Says:

Sean, Azarenka is no push-over, and to be honest, I’m tired of Serena winning everything.


jane Says:

blah, azarenka/serena – awhoooooo / egh / awhoooooo / egh / awhooooo /egh.

LOLz


Kimo Says:

Because the Li-Williams match took so long I won’t be able to watch any of the men’s matches :((((


Sean Randall Says:

Kimo, Azarenka winning wouldn’t shock me. She almost beat Serena last year in Australia, but the heat got to her.


blah Says:

jane-azarenka has two types of grunts apparently. an offensive and a defensive grunt. what variety.


Ben Pronin Says:

I hate women’s tennis so very much.


Kimmi Says:

ben, this match is better. venus-Li Na was soooo boring..I was sleeping. 20 breaks of serve..must be a record.


Kimo Says:

Oh come on Ben, I know that women’s tennis more often than not is just an annoying distraction, but Serena and Azarenka play solid attacking tennis. Actually, the only other match that I would want to watch is Henin vs. Serena (given their history).


Carmaz Says:

Do people forget that Federer has made 17 out of the last 18 grand slam finals (only final he missed out was 2008 Aus Open where he lost in semi final to Djokovic). How many finals has Davydenko been in? How could anyone possibly think that Davydenko will beat the greatest player of all time today?


Kimmi Says:

Azarenka is taking it to Serena. C’mon Azarenka win your 1st GS. :)


Ben Pronin Says:

Nope. This match is just a lot of grunting mixed with errors. Now these I would call unforced errors.


tennisfan#1 Says:

fed is afraid,

when is your boy ever going to win a big match? the answer is he’s not.


Andrew Miller Says:

Two players from China are in the semifinals! (Zheng/Li) That has to be a first?

Picking Azarenka over Serena. Though Serena’s the best player in the tournament, Azarenka’s playing the best tennis. Women’s tennis need a future – the future looks a lot like China, Wozniaki and Azarenka. Henin over Zheng. Azarenka over Henin for the championship. We have our best hope for a new female champion, who takes over the number one spot in mid 2011.

Davydenko takes out Federer – in four or five (again, Federer the best, but Davydenko playing the best tennis). Djokovic over Tsonga. In the Murray matchip, Djokovic handles him, makes his 2nd AO final. Davydenko takes out Djokovic in four close sets, makes a lot of $$$ and thanks Australia for the cash.

Making predictions is fun. I have no skin in the game, so I can bet the house!


Andrew Miller Says:

(sorry, even if China has 50 percent of the semifinal pairings, I’m thinking Azarenka and Henin come through there)


Kimo Says:

Ben said:

“Nope. This match is just a lot of grunting mixed with errors. Now these I would call unforced errors.”

Sure, but the rallies are fine and tbh it’s a little bit exciting to see who’s gonna err more.

And I don’t mind the grunting. After a few games you barely notice it.


Andrew Miller Says:

Unfortunate result for Roddick. His decision to not play Davis Cup is looking better and better. Roddick needs rehab!


jane Says:

Andrew, one thing before you bet the house: ” In the Murray matchip, Djokovic handles him, makes his 2nd AO final.”

Murray cannot play Djoko UNLESS it’s in the final. : )


blah Says:

andrew, didn’t you pick hewitt over fed? did you see davy’s last match? if that’s his best tennis then…


Kimo Says:

AM, I agree with your women’s analysis, and it would be nice if Azarenka wins the whole thing. But in women’s tennis they always play best of three, so if you have an edge over your opponent in smaller tournaments, you’re probably gonna have it in slams (except if your opponent is a Williams). For men, best of five is a marathon, not a sprint, and there is a world of difference between the two, so I don’t see Davy beating Fed. I honestly am not the least bit worried about Davy winning today. It’s not gonna happen. In best of three, one shift in momentum and you can win a match. In best of five the momentum swings many times, something Davy is not good at dealing with.


Kimmi Says:

Azarenka..take it to her


Kimmi Says:

Apparently serena was never broken serve till this match…azarenka gets 2 breaks…Go go Azzy


Andrew Miller Says:

Blah is right…my picks are worthless. Jane also sees my picks dont match the brackets! Sorry about that.

That said, Azarenka is doing damage to Serena’s service games. Her serving is woeful. I think she’ll beat Serena. Serena’s a better player, but Azarenka might get better as this match goes on.


jane Says:

Kimmi, I thought you were a Serena fan?


Andrew Miller Says:

Gosh, there are too many unforced errors. Mr. Randall and Mr. Pronin are right. It’s ugly!


Kimmi Says:

jane: Since US Open I have divorced her


jane Says:

Oh okay Kimmi; I just remembered you cheering her in on the past. Divorce is entirely legal and most definitely necessary in abusive situations. : )


Andrew Miller Says:

I’ve seen so many huge Serena comebacks. But this first set looks like it’s Azarenka’s.


Ben Pronin Says:

Nadal will continue to drop down the rankings and he will be the one to snap Federer’s 23 slam semis in a row by upending the defending champ in the quarterfinals at this year’s French Open. You heard it here first.


Kimmi Says:

jane to add, i have fallen in love with the two comeback belgians and yanina.

Go justine!


Andrew Miller Says:

all right – I reviewed the draw and am all set.

Murray beats Cilic. Davydenko beats Federer and Djokovic.

Davydenko beats Murray.

Ratings are awful but Davydenko goes home with the cash!


jane Says:

Victoria is uber fast tonight.


Andrew Miller Says:

Azarenka! Man. What are you doing out there!

Yes, I picked Hewitt. Awful pick, he got mastered.


Kimmi Says:

Andrew Miller LOLz


Andrew Miller Says:

I now see why Davydenko and Federer and others are amazing. They would have gotten to that last ball that Azarenka messed and done something with it. Got to admit: the court coverage these days on the ATP is something else.


Kimmi Says:

Ben: Fed to switch to two handed BH. Nadal to be very scared. You heard it here first


Kimo Says:

Ben, regarding your RG prediction, you’re on :)


Andrew Miller Says:

This game could be the match!


Kimmi Says:

Its almost midnight and they are still in the 1st set :((


Ben Pronin Says:

Does it sound far fetched?

Federer can’t hit a two-hander.


Andrew Miller Says:

Azarenka man, choking. Sure this isnt a paint job for Jana Novotna?


tenisbebe Says:

Well, thought this would be a dogfight (bitchfight?) as Victoria had Serena on the ropes last year in Oz before retiring (?) and then beat her in Miami, although Serena has played lights out this tourney and Victoria has been out of the limelight lately playing-wise. Must be a matchup thing between these 2 but I don’t analyze WTA well. Lots of errors on both sides – Jez! I wonder if Serena watched Venus’ match in the players lounge and had that on her mind at the start. It’s possible but she’s been so purposeful this tournament it’s hard to fathom.


jane Says:

Come on Victoria, serve it out.


tenisbebe Says:

Victoria’s got the first!


Kimmi Says:

YES, she did it. Now win this set and bring on the guys!


jane Says:

Good job! One more set.


Andrew Miller Says:

Will be tough for Azarenka to pull it out, my opinion: (1) History – Serena likes coming back. She almost sets up these scenarios. (2) Azarenka’s got a hitch on that forehand side! If I were Serena, I would really pick on it. (3) Serena’s a smart tennis player. She has that Federer sense to either play better or play differently and give the opponent a different look.

Azarenka should win. But she’s got to do it this set.


jane Says:

Andrew, are we watching the same match? I didn’t see any choking from Azarenka.


Kimmi Says:

She is taking it to serena..C’moon


jane Says:

Azarenka’s dominating in some of the rallies, and running Serena all over. Good for her. She’s really staying calm overall too, which, as we know, she sometimes doesn’t.


Andrew Miller Says:

I thought Azarenka was shanking a lot in the first set (the 5-3 game was a little shaky in my opinion) and that Serena gave her tons of opportunities. If this were a Federer match, Federer would have closed that set out at 6-2 or so. To her credit Azarenka closed out the first set and has certainly stepped it up in the last couple games. Serena doesnt have any answers at the moment.


Kimmi Says:

OOOOH AZARENKA WOOT!


Andrew Miller Says:

Sorry for the play by play, but some really impressive returning by Azarenka. That down the T is one of Serena’s favorites, the other being out wide, and Azarenka returned it pretty darn hard. She’s playing exceptionally.


Ben Pronin Says:

10 straight points until that miss.


rafa Says:

Looks like Davydenko and Tsonga will win today (Only because Sean din’t pick them).


jane Says:

Demolition Vika!


Andrew Miller Says:

Doesnt look like Azarenka will take her foot off the pedal.


Andrew Miller Says:

At 40-40 in the last game, was Azarenka’s gesture to get a towl to slow down Serena or calm herself down? A little gamesmanship? Seems like a competetive character.


Andrew Miller Says:

Wow.


blank Says:

So sluggish…hard to watch!


Kimmi Says:

WOOT WOOT Do we have a bagel here? Ok I am ahead of myself


jane Says:

The other thing is that Vika has had only 13 errors! That’s pretty good. I hope Azarenka can hold off a Serena comeback. As Andrew said, Serena does like to come back from nowhere. She has that history.


sar Says:

I hope Viktoria wins the whole thing.


Andrew Miller Says:

Azarenka’s returning the Serena serve down the T perfectly. That’s the best I’ve seen anyone return that serve.


Ben Pronin Says:

Azarenka is going Agassi on Serena’s ass.


Kimmi Says:

I hope she hold her next game..C’MON


tenisbebe Says:

As I mentioned before, given these 2’s (brief) history, maybe Victoria is a bad matchup for Serena. Thoughts? I am just not that knowledgeable re: the WTA players. Holy s**t, Serena’s won only 5 points this 2nd set.


jane Says:

See, Serena is suddenly playing well. Hmmm… whadupwidthat?


Kimmi Says:

NO..serena will start to ACE ACE..C’MON Azarenka 2 more games


jane Says:

tenisbebe, their H2H is 3-1 for Serena, and 2 of those matches were here in 08 and 09.


Ben Pronin Says:

Serena is pulling the whole “I’m injured, no I’m not, I mean yes I am, not anymore, here it is again, gone again!” bs.


MMT Says:

It’s amazing – wrapped up like a mummy, hobbling around the court and down 2 breaks, and I still wouldn’t bet on her losing.


jane Says:

Ben, do you mean “rope-a-dope”?


Andrew Miller Says:

The famous Serena psyche out.

Azarenka’s level is still high.


Ben Pronin Says:

Jane, what I really mean is, I hate women’s tennis.

I was dying today. I was in so much pain because I was so tired. But I have to at least catch a few games of Davydenko and Federer. Please, Azarenka, I beg you, finish this. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaasssseeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – I know what their H2H is as I looked it up on the website before I asked the question LOL. Did you see their AO 09 match? (Williams) or the one in Miami? (Azeranka) Victoria looked solid and was not daunted vs Serena in either & she’s just 20 yrs old. That’s why I asked the question.

Serena coming back (perhaps) in the 2nd.


Andrew Miller Says:

Maybe we’ll get a tiebreak.

Maybe.


blank Says:

I’d especially be mad if she loses this 7-6. Then it’d be a waste if 45 mins…


Andrew Miller Says:

tie break. tie break. tie break.


Kimmi Says:

Azarenka is looking VERY shaky..I hope tie breaker but…


Ben Pronin Says:

I don’t know if there’s anything that could make me more pissed at this point. Either way I’m probably not going to see Fed and Davy play.


Kimmi Says:

Ben: have hope, it is tie breaker..root for azarenka


Ben Pronin Says:

I’ve been rooting for Azarenka since she won the first game of the match.


Andrew Miller Says:

Azarenka’s net game kind of doesnt exist.


Ben Pronin Says:

She also kind of comes in off of nothing.

It was as if though she thought “Well I’m already kinda close to the net, might as well go all the way in.”

Idiot.


Andrew Miller Says:

Serena, mental toughness wise, is the Federer of the WTA.


Andrew Miller Says:

Agreed…there’s no net game there.


huh Says:

Mrs Jane:

I have responded to you on the previous thread where you addressed me, the ‘knee troubles’ thread I mean.


Kimmi Says:

WOW! we have third set. This was the only chance for Azzy. Justine please finish her!


Gannu Says:

Just stunning wat serena does… i have never ever seen a player who has a greater determination and fighting power than her… Well done serena.. thats the heart of a champion


Andrew Miller Says:

sorry Ben. You can blame Azarenka.


Andrew Miller Says:

7 unforced errors from Azarenka and loses the set. UNREAL.


jane Says:

tenisbebe, actually I saw both. In Miami Azarenka dominated just like in the first set tonight. Then in AO last year, again it looked like she could pull out a win, but she got faint on the court and had to get off or she’d pass out. Too bad. ANyhow, given that there’s 3 matches with a similar pattern we could surmise it’s a match up thing. Or maybe just because she can hang with Serena. Partly it’s because Azarenka returns Serena’s serve quite well. Victoria is a pretty solid hitter off both sides, too, and she is a decent server. So she can hold her own.


Ben Pronin Says:

All I can say is fml.

That’s cool. Just leave the court. Nice little time waster there. No big deal. I just won’t sleep anymore.

Why couldn’t Serena just win in the beginning? Why couldn’t Azarenka just finish it? Why do they play the women first? Why, God, why?


jane Says:

huh, thanks for that reply. I am glad we’re a-okay.


blank Says:

Now I can only hope that this set is over before I fall asleep. During the day…I had grand plans of even watching Djoko-Tsonga match.

Jane, are you staying up to watch Djoko match?


Andrew Miller Says:

I agree Jane – except Azarenka has no net game :( No volley to speak of – it’s hurt her this match.


Andrew Miller Says:

Serena must have some awesome shoulder turns and racquet grips. She gets these angles that seem unreadable from an opponents perspective.


Ra Says:

Kimmi and Ben,

I thought Fed was going to develop a two-hander like 4 years ago and was disappointed that it didn’t happen. He’s always maintained that he can’t hit one, but during the ’09 USO J-Mac said that he watched Federer practicing and looking relaxed as can be and even hitting some two-handed backhands. I think he mentioned that he was also playing lefty for a bit. So who knows? Stranger things have happened.


jane Says:

Oh crap, two 3 set ladies matches, then Fed and Davy. Djok and Tsonga will be playing until 4 in the morning!~

The announcers I’m listening to keep implying that this is anyone’s match. I think Serena has decided to play her best now, has worked her way into the match. So not likely. Meanwhile, Azarenka must be deflated. But Serena’s limping so who knows? She moves well in the rallies, but then she limps at the service lines.


Andrew Miller Says:

Azarenka’s coach must have said, “drop shot her and make her tired.”


Ben Pronin Says:

Ra, Federer hitting 2 handers in practice is like Murray hitting one handers. It’s fun for them but their technique will be awkward but that doesn’t mean they can do it in matches.


jane Says:

Hi blank, haven’t seen you around for a while. I doubt it to be honest. It’ll be 1:00 am before it even starts at this rate, and I work at 9:30 tomorrow. I am a wimp and need sleep. Actually, I love sleeping.


O-Kerr Says:

Federer 3 sets to love. Davy revenged sweetly.
Serena finally wins.
Go No. 1s !!!!


Andrew Miller Says:

Oh well. Like my Hewitt pick, this one is doomed.

Serena looks well on her way to the semifinals.

Maybe a Serena-Henin showdown?


Andrew Miller Says:

I’m sticking with my pick of Davydenko over Fed.


O-Kerr Says:

2 more games to go for Serena. 10 min. max.
Congrats to the fighter.


blank Says:

Hi Jane…work was keeping me busy. Good to see you all. Yeah..I doubt even if I can last till the start of Federer match…unless Serena finishes off quickly.


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – yeah, I think so to ie: tough match up for Serena as Victoria returns well & deep and hits well off the BH side (FH a little weaker). Serena seems to have figured it out here and is hitting the ball much earlier which is taking away V’s timing. On to the semi’s.


Andrew Miller Says:

Azarenka needs some other skills to seize the throne.

She’s got the fight.

But no volley, short game.


Andrew Miller Says:

I agree with tenisbebe. I think the Azarenka FH has some issues.


tenisbebe Says:

Ben “Why couldn’t Serena just win in the beginning? Why couldn’t Azarenka just finish it? Why do they play the women first? Why, God, why?” Ya know, you complain that woman’s tennis is not compelling & then we have 2 very competitive quarterfinals & you complain they are going 3 sets. C’mon!

Personally I thought they should have scheduled today’s matches wm/men/wm/men but don’t these women SF’s have one day rest before the final? Maybe that’s why.


jane Says:

Andrew, yes, Azarenka could add some net game (many in the WTA could) and it’s true her forehand can break down. But she hitting it nicely for a set and a half – deep, angled, etc. Her serve has some spin but it could have more power so she could get more aces. Anyhow, still a work in progress I guess. Serena, on the other hand, is a piece of work! : )

She’ll be in the final now. I can’t see Zheng stopping her. And it’s even doubtful Henin could if she gets there.


been there Says:

Congratulations to SERENA WILLIAMS for a victorious win over Victoria Azarenka.

The spirit of a champion :))))….dig deep, fight hard while winning or losing & change things up when things original strategy isn’t working. Go go!! Absolutely B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T!!!!

Li Na vs Serena semi- may the best woman win.

——————————————————-
Quite a Pity Venus lost, but truth be told, imo, Venus aura in the present day is mostly down to her past record. She is now an ordinary player, though still a force to be reckoned with. Quite a pity ‘coz I’d hoped she’d finally win AO :(. FO is out for her, so maybe Wimby….but that’s for another day.


tenisbebe Says:

Andrew – I don’t think I remember even seeing her (Victoria) go to the net this match. Ha ha.

Good win for Serena! Congrats – she fought back from 0-4 in the 2nd. Outstanding!


tenisbebe Says:

been here – sadly for Venus, without her serve firing, she becomes more an ordinary player (except on the grass of course).


Andrew Miller Says:

Hi Jane, I agree. I think I’m seeing that Serena’s forehand is basically near-perfect, and Azarenka’s requires a lot more preparation and is a little less orthodox.


Andrew Miller Says:

(or we could say that Serena is just better).


Andrew Miller Says:

Serena’s serving was incredible. What a display. That was Sampras out there!


Andrew Miller Says:

Roddick needs to rehab that shoulder. He needs more time off unfortunately.


jane Says:

TSN is presently showing “World’s Strong Man – qualification round” which apparently involves (roided) grown men standing inside smaller-to-mid-sized cars that have had their bottom or chassis removed, and then the men stand and carry these cars around in a show of freakish strength, kind of like Fred Flinstone running the stone cars with his feet. WTF?

Forget GRAND SLAM TENNIS! No, I guess I’d have to buy a special cable package to have TSN2 to get tennis.

Good god, what is this world coming to!?


Sean Randall Says:

Finally after 6 hours of Williams sisters… Federer v. Davydenko


tenisbebe Says:

Andrew – have you heard/read anything recent regarding Andy’s shoulder injury? He said in his presser that the physios told him it was his F6 but he didn’t understand. I think they were referring to his neck and telling him it was a problem with his C-6 possibly. I damaged by C-3 a few years ago and had the exact same problem – numbness in my thumb and some fingers. It’s a very weird, uncomfortable and painful feeling. He needs a good chiropractor – hopefully someone in his entourage has some training in treating it.


tenisbebe Says:

Sean – another cynic.

Jane – are you sure?? ESPN2 is showing both matches in my time zone all night. Too bad, maybe you can stream on ESPN360.


Ra Says:

Ben, I’m sure you are right, but it won’t kill me to hold on to a little sliver of hope that I’ll one day see him just unexpectedly crank a two-hander from a high bounce to his weaker wing…


tenisbebe Says:

Wow! A “C’mon” from Roger at 30-40 in the 1st game. Hmmm.


Ra Says:

tenisbebe, in the presser I watched Roddick said T-1. A chiropractor may or may not be helpful depending on what is causing the compression (if it is in fact nerve compression at the vertebral level).


blank Says:

Jane, I am watching the match on TSN2


blank Says:

Oh..sorry, just read your last sentence


jane Says:

tenisbebe, (a) yes, I am sure. I have to buy TSN2 to get more coverage; as it is, TSN shows matches only here and there and (b) in Canada we don’t get ESPN360 – can’t access the offerings at their website. So (c) I have to rely on crappy streaming sites. At least they’re free. Sigh. Maybe I’ll have to break down, but it makes me very mad that what are essentially the “stanley cup(s)” of tennis don’t get better, wider coverage. Grrr…


Kimmi Says:

Federer not sharp here..C’MON


Ra Says:

jane, I feel for you. Also: Mmmmm… Stanley Cup of Tennis… delicious.


Kimmi Says:

Fed is been rushed..This match is difficult C’mon


tenisbebe Says:

Ra – sorry, I guess he said T-1 (instead of T-6) but still, don’t think there is a T-1 (must be C) in the neck.

Jane – what a drag. btw, are you in BC? If so, are you going to attend any of the Olympic events? (I realize it is a huge province but…closer than me :-))

Oh my, Davy breaks….


blank Says:

Fed is dropping it too short at the moment…


Ty Says:

Early break.


Ty Says:

Davy looks so different from the last time I was able to see him play (US Open 2009). What has changed? I don’t get it?


Ty Says:

He seems to be hitting the ball a LOT harder than the last time I saw him.


arishuza Says:

see the match free at: http://www.atdhe.net


Kimmi Says:

2 breaks-this is like WTF,,6-2 davydenko


jane Says:

tenisbebe, yes I am in BC. And, no I likely won’t attend any events. I did, however, attend some events in Calgary in ’88. But the ticket prices for the events in Whistler and Vancouver are outrageous. I mean, compare these, and I realize we can factor in inflation but this is nuts:

Calgary ’88 Opening Ceremony – $40 per ticket
Vancouver ‘2010 Opening Ceremony – $1100 per ticket

Crazy!

Speaking of crazy – dangerous davy mcgrew on the court.


Ty Says:

Whoa… davy is in Federer’s head big time.


Ty Says:

jane: I love that nickname.


Ra Says:

No worries, tenisbebe. T-1 is right where the neck meets the back. It can be affected by multiple muscle groups. Also, it’s not enough to go by just T-1, because the nerves emanate from between the vertebrae (meaning that if a layperson were to say the nerves at T-1, it is unclear whether they mean the nerve between C-7 and T-1 or the nerve between T-1 and T-2). Compression could be caused by something as simple as a muscle strain or local inflammation, and it is plausible that rest will be sufficient treatment to completely resolve the issue. On the other hand, it could be something far more severe, but one would think that if his doctor(s) felt he would not do more damage by playing then it’s probably nothing extreme.


O-Kerr Says:

I am worried about the way Federer started, slow and nervous. Already the match is being played in Davydenko’s terms. Double break down, not looking good for the Champion. Hope he turns it around quickly before he starts feeling the pressure.
Go Federer !


Ty Says:

Federer is playing like a little pussy.


huh Says:

What a heck of a champion this Serna Williams is!! Simply outstanding!

But sadly, my fave dearest Venus lost again. :( But at least I can take solace in the fact that the loss didn’t occur against Serena, instead my countrywomen beat her, this somehow lessens my pain. Glad for Li Na! And hey, Zheng Jie too made me glad! :P
But I again kinda hope Venus does what she’s been doing best all these years, i.e. win the WIM this year again! GO VENUS AND TAKE THE WIMBLEDON 2010!!!

By the way, a FANTASTIC POST once again from BEEN THERE!


Ty Says:

Holy crap Davy is outhitting him badly.


huh Says:

Thanks again for your response Mrs.Jane!


jane Says:

Davy’s not getting in 100% first serves like in Doha, only 70% tonight. But he’s winning most of the rallies. A.T.M., Fed’s error prone.


Ty Says:

dare I say… Fed looks a little disinterested and worried.


Kimmi Says:

he went to the bathroom..what ? Strategy?


Ty Says:

I will say this: If davydenko upsets Federer, what a break for the Tsonga-Djokovic winner.


Daniel Says:

Fed’s 17 unforced errors in 8 games, that is just too much. Davy is playng great but nothing out of this world, Fed is playing really crap. Nedde 2aces t win a game.


Ty Says:

I have never once seen federer do that. Maybe he had to take a poop, he did seem a bit irritable.


O-Kerr Says:

It’s been miserable to watch Fed making so many errors and not getting his 1st serve in. Come on, Federer, you can do better.


jane Says:

“A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute saloon; The kid that handles the music-box was hitting a rag-time tune; Back of the bar, in a solo game, sat Dangerous [Davy] McGrew, And watching his luck was his light-o’-love, the lady [Irina] that’s known as Lou. When out of the night, which was fifty below, and into the din and glare, There stumbled a miner fresh from the creeks, dog-dirty, and loaded for bear. He looked like a man with a foot in the grave and scarcely the strength of a louse, Yet he tilted a poke of dust on the bar, and he called for drinks for the house.”


Gannu Says:

Well well well.. Thanks fedex for adding to my misery.. you couldnt have played anything worse than that..

Just amazes me that u can be brilliant in one match and horrendous in other…


tenisbebe Says:

Ty says: “Federer is playing like a little pussy..” Jesus Ty! Ha, ha. Fed took a potty break, maybe that will help. Tomahawk hit from Davy!!


Sean Randall Says:

Well, if Fed’s going to lose at least he’s making it quick so I can get some sleep.


Gannu Says:

First serve gone, forehand gone, backhand gone… wonder wat is working!!!!!


Gannu Says:

Atleast bloody give a fight… damn boring to see a low quality match like this…


jane Says:

Ty, the excerpt from the poem was for you.

Well, the announcers I am listening to actually speculated as to whether Fed has “Diarrhea” – can you imagine? And it sounded so posh in that British accent.

Anyhow, Fed best get his game, er, flowing if he wants to get on track.


Kimmi Says:

Davydenko is too fast, he is pushing back federer, fed not set up to hit his shots


Gannu Says:

Davy is just cruising thru all his service games…Atleast fed should keep holding and then break at the opportune moment..Lets see wat he deoes


Gannu Says:

If fed loses, i am not gonna watch this australian open.. its gonna be damn boring without Fed Nadal and Roddick..


Ty Says:

The Federer fanatics are crazy on here. Fed this Fed that… what about the little Russian just killing the ball on EVERY SINGLE SHOT!! He is ZONING>


Kimmi Says:

gannu, he is losing. 0-40 wow


Ty Says:

He is ZONING folks… Anyone who has played tennis at a competitive level knows exactly what I’m talking about. Now think about a professional top 10 player doing that. All you can do is sit back and hope he comes back down to earth.


jane Says:

Wow – can we also say, while Fed’s not playing his best, Davy is playing dangerously well! Breaks Fed at love.


Kimmi Says:

Davydenko is really ON FIRE..he will take this one with easy. Straight set


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – great little diddly there re: Davy McGrew. I agree-those prices for Vancouver are out of this world – too, too bad. I was skiing in Banff/Lake Louise the year before the Calgary Olympics & wish I could have attended them the next year.

Wow, Davy is taking Fed to the woodshed here.


Daniel Says:

Terrible forehand in the net and now Davy makes an awesome first serve return winner. 0-40 Break! Worstmatch I have ever see Fed play only short pf RG08 so far.


Ty Says:

Daniel: Obviously Federer’s poor play has a bit to do with pressing faced with an opponent playing this well? Maybe?


Ty Says:

I bet you could prick Davy with a needle and he wouldn’t even notice right now.


Gannu Says:

Come on .. fed is playinf far far below his A game.. I would give a D Grade for such play.. and not that Davy is playing amazingly well.. he is just his usual and federer is way below his usual.. let me see whether he can show the mental strength that Serena showed…Unfortunately Davydenko is not Azarenka!!!


Sean Randall Says:

Federer not making any impression on Dayvdenko. This match is on Dayv’s racquet. Will he or won’t he sustain it.


tenisbebe Says:

Ty – Davy is FORCING Fed to rush and make a lot of errors. Whoa. Great pressure tennis from Davy. Now he is yo-yoing Fed.


Kimmi Says:

WOW davydenko Wow


Ty Says:

Wow… When is the last time Davy missed and hasn’t hit it as hard as he possibly can?


Daniel Says:

Davy is returning extremelly well.


Gannu Says:

Sean all ur reverse curse is working.. so dont pick a guy whom u want to see winning..


Ty Says:

Even that little stab there on the missed serve came back hard..lol.


Kimmi Says:

If davy breaks again here..thats the end of federer in 2010 AO


Ty Says:

First miss this set?


jane Says:

Yes, Davy is dictating. Even the announcers I am listening to have said more than once that there’s not much Fed can do. He could cut down on the errors of course. But other than that? We should give Davy credit; he is returning phenomenally. And he’s won their last two encounters so come on!!

Admittedly, I am surprised; Davy didn’t look great the other night versus Verdasco, but Federer did look good against Hewitt. So I thought Fed’d win in four, maybe? But now, it’s tough to say. If Davy can win this set then it’ll be tough to come back from. But it’s still early.


Gannu Says:

Its over guys.. the most crushing defeat of Federer after french open 2008 i think.. really wat a miserable day


Ty Says:

That was a monumental hold for Federer. Davy started that game playing absolutely phenomenal and that one miss could end up bringing Federer back into this match.


tenisbebe Says:

It’s not that Fed is playing sucky, it’s that he can’t deal with Davy’s speed and heavy fast ball. My oh my. DH says that Fed has to try to win this with his serve and FH, only, his only chance. Hmmmm


Ty Says:

Gannu: Have faith friend. Federer is a 15 time grand slam champion for a reason.


Daniel Says:

Federer survive waht could be a crutial game for him in the match. Right now he jus ahve to hang with Davy and wait to see if the russianis going to drop level at some point or fell the pressur when the end of second se approacs. Maybe Fed stil has a shot.


jane Says:

Who’s DH?


Gannu Says:

and wat is more irritating is the continous repetition of Federer’s semi final streak of 22 by the commentators…and saying its under great threat.. its like rubbing salt on wounds.. just stop that..


tennisfansince76 Says:

could it be? first Delpo at the USO and now Davydenko(?!) will break Fed’s 22 grand slam semi’s in a row streak. I am feeling the end of the Federer era. and what has got into Davydenko? he was never this good. same game just amped up.


Gannu Says:

Federer has not even reached a deuce on Davy’s serve..!!!


Ty Says:

Uh oh.. that 2-2 game…


O-Kerr Says:

It never crossed my worst nightmare that I have to see this day, Federer losing to Davydenko in straight sets?
I am heart-broken.


Ty Says:

O-Kerr is now on suicide watch.


Ty Says:

OMG I am a fucking genious.


jane Says:

Feels like a momentum shift. Fed’s first break point and … he got it.

Davy’s only converted 3/11 break point chances; that stat may haunt him.


Gannu Says:

and thats it!!!!!!!!!!!1 he breaks.. COME ON COME ON!!!


Ty Says:

Misspelling genius of course was on purpose.


Ty Says:

Wow, I absolutely love tennis. I love feeling the ebb and flow and how quickly, sometimes within one swing of the racket, can change the entire flow of a match.


madmax Says:

calm down everyone. Fed is nervous. of course. but he has been here before, no doubt will be here again, give the guy some credit.

Federer do you want to win this match? then play! the spirit of a champion.

Toilet breaks mean nerves. I’ve just had 3 this morning. Federer is entitled to his!

But, seriously, first serve fed! C’mon!


Kimmi Says:

TY..this match swing is not changed yet..if fed breaks!


Kimmi Says:

ROGER ROGER ROGER ROGER they are chanting


Ty Says:

Kimmi: Regardless of the score.. the body language has changed dramatically. Federer is back in control.


jane Says:

These are some serious ebbs and flows.


Ty Says:

As a former player; sometimes you just gotta weather the storm when you’re the stronger player. Federer has this in the bag people.


Kimmi Says:

The match has really swing…serve it out Rogi


Gannu Says:

He breaks.. 5-3 come on!!!!!!!!!!


Ty Says:

One shot…


Kimmi Says:

UNBELIVABLE! WOW fed 6-3


O-Kerr Says:

1-1 set all.
Fed is back. Believe in the champion. He should ride on this momentum shift. Once he starts swinging freely, Davy will resign.


Gannu Says:

Thank God.. i can relax now.. my parents thought i have gone mad when i screamed as soon as fed broke the serve ;-))

Just cant believe i go thru all those emotions…


Daniel Says:

Wow, told ya that Fed holding when serving 1-3, 15-40 was the moment for him in the match. He won 5 straight games after and Davy start doubting himself making errors and weak serves. 9 saight points for Fed now!


Ty Says:

Down a set and down a break and 2 break points with Davydenko playing absoltely outstanding, Davy comes up to hit a sitter backhand and misses it squarely into the net. I turned to my GF and told her, that miss is going to let Fed back into this match. She disagreed, lol. She is buying dinner tomorrow night long story short.


tennisfansince76 Says:

woooooow! what a collapse by ND! now he will have to go at least 4 to win. there will be some grinding.


jane Says:

Gannu, from the depths of despair, you are lifted. : )

On that note, I will say good-night to all. May the best man win in both matches. (I believe Dangerous Dan Mcgrew dies in the end, I don’t know about Dangerous Davy).

I wish I could stay up to watch Djoko/Tsonga, but I cannot, must work in the a.m.

Enjoy the drama folks!


Ty Says:

Don’t see you saying antying except “panic panic panic” Daniel.


Gannu Says:

Good nite Jane.. wish u cud be there watching this match..

Come on fed break


Sean Randall Says:

Davydenko working through a complete collapse in his head. Ouch.

He needs a rain delay, fireworks delay, something, anything.


Ty Says:

Sean: I’ve been there.. haha. Sometimes there is just nothing you can do. The mind is a powerful thing.


tenisbebe Says:

G’nite Jane. I’m headed for bed too. Nite all.


Daniel Says:

17 straight points for Fed!!

Davy must be in those mental blcks when you just can’t believe what is happening in a match he had full control. Now they are almost even in UE, wixh in one time was 23 Fed, 8 Davy.


Kimmi Says:

Fireworks delay sean LOLz


Daniel Says:

19 straight points for Fed!!!


Kimmi Says:

davydenko! what happened? he is not won a game since 3-1 second set


Vinod Says:

Wow Fed 3-0 c’mmmmoooo hold now …….


Daniel Says:

Ty, Look at my 2:12 post and you will see it!!


Ty Says:

Look before that one up 3 posts :)


tennisfansince76 Says:

w/ nightfall the temp drops and the wind goes away. I was hoping Fed would last long enough for the conditions to favor him and it worked out. if Davy had won the 2nd set 6-2 he might have been able to close out before night.


Ty Says:

This match really makes me just appreciate Federer’s genius much more. Weather the storm.


Long Live The King Says:

Q) Who’s the PUSSY now?

Ans : The moron who couldn’t keep his mouth shut.


Daniel Says:

See, we were in syntony!


Sean Randall Says:

Ha. 10 straight games for RF. What a monumental collapse.

I like Davy to still make it close in the fourth, maybe even push it five.


Gannu Says:

Good feddy bear.. now pls pls dont lose focus and finish this off in the 4th set comfortably.. dont want to go through now any ride of emotions..


Kimmi Says:

Sean, he can make it close but I hope that machine is completely broken, kaputti


tennisfansince76 Says:

i am almost feeling sorry for ND now. it is ugly out there.


steve Says:

I almost had a heart attack, but once Davydenko failed to make the double break in the second set, I knew the momentum would turn.

And boy, has it turned. Bagel in the third set. The fourth set will be more competitive, though.


Gordo Says:

Sean – go to bed. It’s over. Congrats on your prediction… Fed in 4.


Kimmi Says:

Federer made sure he does not let him get comfortable..another break. can fed run away with it from here ?


huh Says:

There are more than a handful of darth ones like O-Kerr(the wanna be judge giving flawed and one-sided judgements on people) and the so-called fans like Gannu who’re so quick to write Fed off. No matter what happens here, but wow, Fed’s straight set loss predictions already before the match was even mid-way! Sheesh!


huh Says:

“O-Kerr Says:
It never crossed my worst nightmare that I have to see this day, Federer losing to Davydenko in straight sets?
I am heart-broken.”

Plain dumb!


huh Says:

Now again come back preaching!


Gannu Says:

huh.. well i was just so pissed off and thats why i said that.. deep inside my heart i always wanted fed to come back..its just perhaps like “sean’s reverse curse”.. When i say he is gonna lose.. he comes back and wins ;-) and thats why i say it


Kimmi Says:

Huh, calm down, enjoy the match. These are all federer fans


Kimmi Says:

davy won a game..


Ty Says:

Haha, I love all these Federer fans who didn’t dare show their face here while Davy was pounding the ball for 50 minutes while they were hugging their Mirka pillows.

I’m a tennis fan who happens to really appreciate Federer’s genius.


Ty Says:

Alright!! I think davy at least deserves a 4th set tiebreak here.


Kimmi Says:

davy is back


Ty Says:

I know a lot of people don’t, But I really enjoy Chris Fowler. He just seems like a really down to earth guy calling a tennis match.


Kimmi Says:

Davy is looking to win this set..C’mon Rogi First serves here


Kimmi Says:

Hmmm, so bizarre!


Gannu Says:

I am going to die of an heart attack any moment i think


Gannu Says:

Just cant take this any longer..


Ra Says:

This match has been just nuts.


Kimmi Says:

Federer look for first serves..davydenko will be ready to crush the ball


Ty Says:

Just enjoy the match guys.


Kimmi Says:

3 match point


Kimmi Says:

OMG…CRAZY Match..


Gannu Says:

AMAZING FEDEX that was brilliant


Ra Says:

Well,that was fun. Federer in 4 just as expected. Like clockwork, in fact, ha.


Daniel Says:

As my mother says: Federer wins but he makes us suffer nowadays! :)

Great hold Federer really is the an to beat i Slams, always!


Daniel Says:

N°1 secure, semi-final streak secure, now heading for the title.


huh Says:

ALLEZ FEDERER!!!

CONGRATS TO MR.FEDERER FOR HIS 23RD CONSECUTIVE SEMIFINALS!!!

WHAT A CHAMPION!

ALLEZ FEDERER!!!

ALLEZ FEDERER!!!


tennisfansince76 Says:

that match was totally insane. Davy was like an escaped mental patient. good davy/bad davy. good davy started out in control and took it to 6-2 3-1. then bad davy took the reins and lost 13 straight games. then gd came back for a game. then bd took over for a game. in the 4th set gd/bd seemed to alternate for games sometimes even pts. just way out stuff.


Vinod Says:

Wow FED way to go !!!


Kimmi Says:

davydenko..he can play…but he is weird guy..if he played like in the beginning this match was his for the taking!! I don’t know how he can go away for so many games..


huh Says:

Ty:

I did not come because I was taking my lunch and had not seen the match till the time when I posted, but well. Why does that matter to a pussy like you?


steve Says:

Great, crazy match.

Both men played incredibly poorly for long patches, but both managed to play their best tennis in the final set. Federer redeemed himself by coming back from a set and break down and Davydenko redeemed himself by making the last set super-competitive.

Whew.


Cindy_Brady Says:

What the Hell kind of match did I just watch??

Jekly and Hyde Daveydenko!!

Have to hand it to Fed, for weathering the storm during the first set and a half. Daveydenko played lights out and then BRAIN FARTS.

Anyways, Federer showed the true champion he really is. Not so sure Djokovic would let Fed off the hook so easily. Stay tuned folks:)


huh Says:

Ty:

Fed is a braveheart, it doesn’t mattewr if he wins or loses, he fights as much as he can. But cowards like you’d never get it and go on calling him pussy, heck!


alex Says:

if fed repeats those first and a half sets, djokovic or tsonga will not let him back in the match


Gordo Says:

Federer is not only 23 straight semi-finals in a row at Grand Slams, but 17 of 18 finals.

The one he missed? Losing the ’08 AO semi to Djokovic.

Will the Djoker get another crack at Fed? Or will Tsonga see if he can beat the still #1?

We are about to find out.


huh Says:

Anyway,

GANNU:

Check your heart beat right now, please. I think it’s ok now as usual, back to normal seeing Fed’s win, right? ;)
Congrats on Fed’s victory and enjoy your day. :) Take care and bye.

KIMMI,

enjoy the day and gear up for Murray. ;)


huh Says:

Best of luck to Tsonga and Nole too. Hope the match would be a classic one, but not too long i terms of elapsed time. Hoping to see some firing serve and volley and backhands and forehands from both guys, hope they finish the points quick and not get too tired and remain injuryless.


Seth Says:

Davydenko proved himself once again to be the spare that he always has been. I said it before the tournament began, and I repeat it now: Davydenko will NEVER be a grand slam champion. Ever. Nor will he ever beat any of the big boys in a GS when it matters. End of story.


madmax Says:

Wow! Gannu! you make me smile – you give up so easily when fed has his bad moments! You mustnt! It is so difficult sometimes, I know. All federer fans know. But these are different times for our great champion. And he does have the spirit of a champion, doesnt he? He is dangerous when he is wounded. The real fed then comes out to play.

Am so pleased he is through though. What a fighter! I wonder sometimes when he has “those moments”, what it is that keeps him afloat, keeps him gripped in the moment, makes him go on to fight and then to win – it has to be PURE MOTIVATION and DETERMINATION, his LOVE OF THE GAME. The guy is an incredible tennis player. The best.

Federer brought it home today. The spirit of a true champion. Amazing guy.

Now that my heartbeat is a little more normal, I can get on with the day! Crazy moments in that tennis match. Bizarre at times, flashes of mediocrity, flashes of brilliance.

Huh,

Great to see you as always.

Cindy, you must feel gutted that fed won after all your bad wishes. Show a bit of sportsmanship (for a change).


Gannu Says:

madmax, huh

I wont be surprised if i repeat the same set of lines and emotions again in Semis and then Finals if he gets to that stage ;-)

I have been doing this for the past 3 years!!! Dont ask me why not before that coz i was never a fed fan.. its just amazes me that in 2005 semi against Safin i prayed for Federer to lose.. I just badly wanted Safin to win and i was pissed off with federer winning anything and everything in sight…

Just cant believe when i actually became such a carzy fan of him!!!


Ty Says:

Not sure where the personal attacks come from but it’s all good I suppose.

Does anyone else get the feeling that all of the other announcers just cringe when Dick gets to speak?


Ty Says:

Huh: saying he is playing like a pussy isn’t really calling him a pussy per say… at the particular time I posted that comment he wasn’t playing with any fire, with any moxie, with any heart. Maybe the potty break helped him, but I digress, my comment was only a subtle attempt to get Federer to somehow play better and apparently it had a small insignificant affect.


Ty Says:

God.. “Roger I know this game is taking a while and it’s pretty cold here” are tennis players the biggest babies on the planet or is it just me?


Ra Says:

These guys are a lot of fun to watch with such a strong mix of explosiveness and touch.


Eelco Says:

Tsonga wins the first set (and has already done better than 2 years ago!).


Ty Says:

Good match going on right now.

P.S. alright davy.. dropping the S bomb on live ESPN TV.


Ra Says:

Wow, Davydenko is hilarious. Did anyone see that presser snippet? It was good stuff.


Ty Says:

Damn, nice match so far.


Ra Says:

And it’s a brand new match! I’m glad Djokovic leveled it. I don’t even know for whom I’m rooting; I like both of these guys a bunch.


huh Says:

Ok Ty:

Let’s move on. My sincere apologies for saying a few bad things to you in the heat of the moment. But you don’t know what I have endured since yesterday from the self-styled infallible ones and that’s made me lost a bit of cool. I couldn’t help it. May be if you were in my place, then you’d be hurt too for so many people coming down so heavily at your opinion, it’s an opinion after all and I’m entitled to it, but no, the supposedly good ones went on a rampage decrying my view and pretending as if, in spite of being human, a wrong they themselves’ve not commited in their lives! And the only reason I addressed you straight is because unfortunately, thou may be inadvertently, you followed the similar pattern of vague reference by way of the words ‘some Federer fans’ (while they kept saying ‘some people’). I might have probably misunderstood you then, no problem even if I understood you well, but I feel I coulda avoided using such harsh words against you. Thus, again sorry, for it was my fault coz of my human nature. Post to you later. This site is as much yours as mine, so keep posting whatever your opinion may be, I’ve no right to interfere with that. I would try henceforth to only give mine in a decent manner that befits my mostly calm, peaceful and friendly temper, habit and mannerisms. Bye, this much for now.


huh Says:

Ty, Gannu, Madmax and co. :

Enjoy yourselves as the match going on now is great and refreshing indeed. So completely different is the manner of the rallies in a Nole-Tsonga match-up than the other ones!


Ben Pronin Says:

Well, Duro, now you gotta hope Murray doesn’t win the title if you want Djoker to be number 2.

I am so devastated right now, words can’t describe the mix of emotions I have towards Djokovic right now.


Kimmi Says:

A five set match and Tsonga is ahead 5-1 in the 5th, too bad for Nole. This one is a big one to come back. match Point to Tsonga..Wow
Congratulation Tsonga


Kimmi Says:

They say Djoko was sick? they shaw the clip were he wanted to throw up..oh no! does anybody know what happened?


Ben Pronin Says:

When I turned it on they were saying Djokovic left the court to throw up after the third set.


Kimmi Says:

s/b they showed a clip were he wanted ….


Kimmi Says:

Ben, then those last two sets must be something to do with him not feeling well maybe? strange, i really thought he had a chance in this match..Anyways big congrats to Tsonga .


Ben Pronin Says:

I bet Tsonga did that thing where he points his thumbs at himself and smiles. I hate his showboating.

It looked like something was bothering Djokovic. He seemed to be fine in terms of stamina but in between points he looked uneasy.

But that 5th set was terrible. So many UEs. What’s better, retiring or losing 1-6 in the 5th? Either way I bet Murray is going to win the whole thing and Djokovic still won’t be 2 because the tennis Gods just don’t want him there.


Kimmi Says:

Ben, Too bad for Djoko. I was rooting for Tsonga in this match, great job Tsonga. And I am also rooting for Murray this time..as much as I love the king fed..Murray needs one, juts one please… C’MON


O-Kerr Says:

Huh the psychiatric yard escapee,
STFU, go take some English lessons. Neither can you read nor comprehend nor write, not in English. You walk like fascist; you quack like a fascist. You must be a fascist of Mao Zedong, Ne Win, Saw Maung, Than Shwe, Stalin, worse than Mussolini. You must be a Burmese impersonating the fascists of your country.

Fascists don’t acknowledge that there are free countries, and in a free country, they have freedom of speech, not like fascist suppression of speech by harassment and torture. Fascists like you thrive on harassment and tortures, and that is what you are doing here, every day, practicing your fascism, by attacking other posters personally, in a chronic and obsessive manner. I guess you have to meet your fascist quota: Torture and harass a certain number of people. How many? Half a dozen a day? Did you meet your quota, you fascist rascal?

Every day, as a member of global fascist militia, you look for a couple of posters to attack, to fulfill your fascist religious duty.
If you see in the mirror, that’s what you do, practice fascism. Oh, in a fascist country, unfortunately, they don’t let you see your image in the mirror.

You rotten piece of s*it, you call me dumb?
You mother must be dumb, you are dumb, your whole family must be dumb, your country is dumb, or else you would not have so many fascist leaders in your country and fascist followers like yourself.

Go to your fascist website of your fascist country.

This is a free website of a free country. Here, we respect right to expression and different views. As a fascist, you would never know such things.
Sorry to see you had to be born and raised in a fascist country and become a fascist. What a pathetic misfortune !


jane Says:

Ben – ” words can’t describe the mix of emotions I have towards Djokovic right now.”

I hear you Ben but I’ll continue to support him.

” What’s better, retiring or losing 1-6 in the 5th? ”

IMO? Losing 1-6 in the 5th. I am happy he played to the end. It’s better. I didn’t watch because it was the middle of the night here, but I am glad to hear he played it out.For Tsonga’s sake and his own. If he had the flu or whatever, I still think it’s good he played on. Next time, who knows? He may play on and win. Of course it depends what it is – if it’s an injury that could be worsened then that’s different.

“I bet Murray is going to win the whole thing and Djokovic still won’t be 2 because the tennis Gods just don’t want him there.”

I think Murray has a great shot, and you know what, even though Djoko is my top fave, he lost. And I am not going to cheer against Murray because Djoko didn’t fulfill his end of the bargain in getting that ranking. So I am cheering on my next top fave Murray for the title.

Ben, it’s not tennis gods. It’s Nole himself. HE has to be the one to get to number 2. Not gods. Him. I hope this season he can do it. The one positive is he doesn’t lose points so he should remain third at the least.

Anyhow, moving on.


Sean Randall Says:

OMG, did that really happen.

“I went to vomit and I had diarrhea before the match. Just a terrible feeling.”

“I had a little problems with the stomach even before the match as I said. No, the big deal I started feeling after third set when I just ‑‑ I couldn’t hold on. After two games I had to go to the toilet. There was no way, otherwise I would throw up on the court. That’s when I had to do it.”


huh Says:

“O-Kerr Says:
Huh the psychiatric yard escapee,
STFU, go take some English lessons. Neither can you read nor comprehend nor write, not in English. You walk like fascist; you quack like a fascist. You must be a fascist of Mao Zedong, Ne Win, Saw Maung, Than Shwe, Stalin, worse than Mussolini. You must be a Burmese impersonating the fascists of your country.

Fascists don’t acknowledge that there are free countries, and in a free country, they have freedom of speech, not like fascist suppression of speech by harassment and torture. Fascists like you thrive on harassment and tortures, and that is what you are doing here, every day, practicing your fascism, by attacking other posters personally, in a chronic and obsessive manner. I guess you have to meet your fascist quota: Torture and harass a certain number of people. How many? Half a dozen a day? Did you meet your quota, you fascist rascal?

Every day, as a member of global fascist militia, you look for a couple of posters to attack, to fulfill your fascist religious duty.
If you see in the mirror, that’s what you do, practice fascism. Oh, in a fascist country, unfortunately, they don’t let you see your image in the mirror.

You rotten piece of s*it, you call me dumb?
You mother must be dumb, you are dumb, your whole family must be dumb, your country is dumb, or else you would not have so many fascist leaders in your country and fascist followers like yourself.

Go to your fascist website of your fascist country.

This is a free website of a free country. Here, we respect right to expression and different views. As a fascist, you would never know such things.
Sorry to see you had to be born and raised in a fascist country and become a fascist. What a pathetic misfortune !”

Fuggin you and your fuggin dumb@$$ moronic sh##ty
post, shows the fuggin family culture where you were fuggin raised. The more jerks like you express their fuggin meaningless opinions and give their fuggin idiotic judgements, the sooner you would be reduced to fuggin piles of sh##! Words fail to describe the lowliness of the fuggin environment where third class rascals like you’re raised, I hope this ain’t harbinger of the things to come for throughout the history, it has been obviuos that only a few fuggin unfit people like you can damage the reputation of a nation and the majority of the innocents have to pay for the fu@#in ugly deeds of fuggin moronic psychopaths like you.


Duro Says:

Well, devastateddjokovic, I won’t hope Murray doesn’t win the title. I just don’t wont it that way. If Novak doesn’t make it “properly” I don’t want it at all. Sometimes, where you are is less important than how you got there…

If I had a nick “devastatingdjokovic” I would have called myself vomitatingdjokovic right now. Djoko the Choko! I shall personally beat him when he comes home!


jane Says:

Duro, this is well said “If Novak doesn’t make it “properly” I don’t want it at all. Sometimes, where you are is less important than how you got there…”

I agree. I don’t want Djoko to get to number 2 because someone else loses. I want him to get there because HE WINS. That’s why, because I like Murray next after Nole, I will not root against Murray for the sake of Djoko getting some ranking position. Rather, I will root on Nole to get his SERVE WORKING again and then his game will hold him in good stead.

Nole hit 2 aces! TWO in 5 sets! And he hit NINE double faults. UGH! Tsonga, meanwhile, hit 19 aces and 2 doubles. I mean if Nole wants to win, he must, must, must get his serve fixed. Take it to the doctor, make Martin heal it. Forget about the vomiting. Honestly, if Novak’s serve was firing better, he’d’ve had a very good shot to win. Tsonga is not the best returner on the block.

Also Tsonga hit 54 winners to 55 UEs.
Djoko hit 41 winners to 55 UEs.

If you factor in that 19 of Tsonga’s winners were his aces, and only 2 of Djoko’s, the Djoko hit just as many winners as Tsonga.

And look at the points won: 155 Nole / 158 Jo. Very close.

Judging by this information, this was not a poor match by Novak but the difference seems to have been the serve (going by stats – still have to watch my tape).

He fixes that, and he’s in the semis. I tell ya. He’ll be back! : ]


Duro Says:

Jane, it was about time we swap the roles here. I got tired a little bit…

No excuses!!! I’m just not in the mood to look at the bright side of anything. He failed! Period!

I’ll tell him his when he comes home, all right.

See you, Jane and don’t let vultures mangle him in his misery. I know if I stay I’ll say something to regret later for, and admin would erase it anyway, so… I’ll leave him in your good hands. Cheers.

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