Murray Embroiled in Dubai ‘Practice-Gate’, Djokovic Avoids Getting Bagged

If what Djokovic has been doing isn’t “trying things out,” then I’m worried…

What Murray did isn’t “wrong,” but he shouldn’t have said anything, that’s for sure. Not the biggest deal, though. Just another learning experience.

February 26th, 2010 at 1:21 pm

Andy is becoming a bigger joke every tournament he plays…sounds like he’s trying to make excuses for losing.

February 26th, 2010 at 1:26 pm

First off, I read about this yesterday in the Independent or the Guardian or something, but I didn’t post anything here because I did not want to instigate any negative comments towards Murray. Secondly, I really would bet reams of cash that Novak was goaded into that statement. The press probably said something like “do you treat these smaller events as practice sessions”? And he probably replied as such. I hardly think Djoko would get in a “dig” at Murray as the two are mates. I think comments in the press – in this case, both Murray’s and Djoko’s – are overblown and taken out of context so much that it creates unneeded hype.

I think Murray knew where he was at pre-Dubai, I think, judging by his fight against Tipsy (it’s not like he rolled over; they played 3 long sets!) that he tried his best, and I think his comments were just honest, i.e., that he’s working on his game, being more aggressive, but it cost him here. Transitional periods hurt. I don’t think he was treating it like an exo or anything. Perhaps the only unfortunate comment was when he said he would’ve played differently were it a “slam or something.”

Many times we’ve talked about Fed “trying things out” at the smaller events, and saving his best for the slams etc. So what? Isn’t that actually kind of what the players want to do?

I think Djoko is digging in so hard here for a couple of reasons (a) he may make Dubai a new training ground and home base and so maybe wants to do well here and more importantly (b) he wants to defend a title.

I agree with Ben – it’s simply a “live and learn” thing for these guys. They all make mistakes, say things they maybe shouldn’t have. But they’re both honorable and responsible chaps, whom I for one fully support!!

February 26th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

This goes back to the other post about smaller tournaments being supported by the bigger players. If guarantees were banned (like they used to be) a player would not only forfeit points for bagging it in a match, but any chance at earning a good paycheck. If Murray had to earn his money in Dubai the old fashioned way, he would never had bagged it like he indicated he did.

February 26th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

The direct question and answer from Djokovic – please note that a text search on “Murray” on the entire interview transcript turned up no hits.

Q. You’re one of the guys at the very top of the game. Obviously, you view the slams as the one to win and then the Masters Series. Do you view tournaments like this as maybe a tournament to experiment and try a few things? Kind of not a public practice session, but just an experimental sort of thing?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, I wouldn’t agree with that. I think that every tournament is important tournament. So that’s the way I accepted every tournament in my professional career. Who knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, so I play every match — try to play 100%, and try to win every match I play.
I cannot calculate and I cannot experiment. Of course sometimes maybe you should prioritize some bigger events. But, look, you know, we are professionals, and we are here to perform as best as we can.
There is not just a lot of expectations from ourselves and our people that are surrounding us. It’s just the tournament and people who come to watch you. You carry certain responsibility when you are Top 5, Top 10 in the world. You cannot just go out there and practice, you know. So that’s my opinion.

February 26th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

BTW – I disagree with the idea that Murray has made a mistake here – why the pretense. Any half-way educated fan has to know the fact that players don’t take this tournament as seriously as the 1000’s or the slams, so why pretend they do.

Murray has a right to treat this tournament as a medium for experimentation, and he shouldn’t have to pretend that it means more to him than it does. Personally, I could care less about this tournament, even as a fan. I would go watch the matches if I were in Dubai, but I wouldn’t enter with the illusion that this is an equally important title to everyone involved.

The soonner we get rid of the pretense with the value of these tournaments, the sooner we get to solutions to the underlying problem that the schedule has too many tournaments that nobody cares about, and the tour should either reduce the schedule and/or eliminate guarantees and force players to earn their living based on performance and not name recognition. Not that the two are unrelated, but the connection would be stronger if guarantees were banned.

February 26th, 2010 at 1:47 pm

There’s no question about the way Murray feels about smaller events. There’s no question about how Federer and Nadal feel about the events. But there’s no need to admit it. It hurts the already hurt events. There’s no need for that.

February 26th, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Thanks for posting that MMT! It basically supports what I said in that there is no direct reference to Murray in the question; it’s just a general question that Djoko answered in his own way.

It’s also important to note this part of his reply:

“maybe you should prioritize some bigger events. But, look, you know, we are professionals, and we are here to perform as best as we can.”

He is admitting that players put a higher priority on the bigger events – and why not!? But that’s not to say they deliberately treat lower tiered tournaments as “practice sessions”. There can be a healthy balance here, between trying your best but also putting a higher premium on the slams and masters.

February 26th, 2010 at 2:17 pm

Andy actually said, “I am not using it as a practise session-I said at the beginning that when I am getting ready for big events you need to try something out.” and “If it had been a slam my tactics and game style would have been different.” So: 1) Andy is being criticised for being honest, gr8, next time he lies? 2) I didn’t see the match but jane said he fought to the end and was clearly furious for losing. Madmax said it was a really good match. Doesn’t sound as if Andy wasn’t giving his all. 3) What about those players who give up without any fight? Are they giving tournaments “value for money”? 4) players are being put on the spot all the time, often they give goofy answers they probably regret. We should cut them some slack.

February 26th, 2010 at 2:21 pm

Which, I should clarify, is what Murray did. He played hard against Tipsy but maybe the few changes he was trying to implement cost him the win. There’s nothing wrong with that, nor with playing more safely, if needed, in the bigger events.

February 26th, 2010 at 2:22 pm

um, I think because dubai is run by a royal family, (the richest after the sultan of brunei), they expect respect from their players – however, I dont think that murray was “practising” anyhow. I couldnt see anything different in his game, AT ALL. The only thing I would say is that he simply wasnt prepared for Tipsy doing so well. Murray plays great against other top ten players, and didnt “respect” tipsy’s game enough. He lost to a better player on the day, he’ll move on from it and come back fighting fit, I am sure.

And it wouldnt have been such a problem to “practise” a few shots at 250 or 500 point tournaments, I just think the Royal family who sponsor the event and treat all players as if they are royalty themselves, just are probably a bit “miffed” at Murray’s honest disclosure.

It shouldnt really be that big a deal.

February 26th, 2010 at 2:32 pm

Margot, Andy did play well, I really enjoyed the match.(He wasnt brilliant in the first set), but the second and third were great! – and he clearly cared about the match as he smashed his racquet at the end of it – (I wouldnt hold that against Andy either).

I would believe him (that he was practising a few shots prior to IW and Miami), but the problem was, I DIDNT see any difference in murray’s game at all, like I said, he just lost to Tipsy who he underestimated and did not prepare for.

I think Murray was just not quite “there”, for the match.

You do have to be careful with what you say to the Arabs who demand respect for such a “special event”. They really do treat the players with the utmost respect, and no reason why they shouldnt expect some recognition (in their view), for laying out the red carpet for everyone. They would have been “hurt” at murray’s alleged comments, but once again, the media do blow things out of proportion.

February 26th, 2010 at 2:38 pm

Sean, no Fed as maybe not come out and stated the exact same thing as Murray, but recently he said something like “I had fun” when he lost a match, to either Davydenko or Soderling. And he also said, after he got a lead on G-Lo at Wimbledon, that he was able to “experiment” and try new things. Now, I suppose no one would’ve minded if Murray had said what he said and won, right? Or would they still be miffed?

February 26th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

It is not that big of a deal and why are others trying to make it a big deal. Andy Murray could careless what any of us write on these forums. He will do what he wants and how he wants, and that’s just the way it is folks. Dubai is not a big tournament and there is no reason for the players to lie about it. Andy Murray is a little like Federer in that he will look you in the eyeball and tell you exactly wat he thinks whether you like it or not. Ofcourse he has a long way to go to get to where Federer is. When you are the GOAT than you can say what you want and not have to worry about it. Murray should maybe pigeon whole his comments a little more. And I have to disagree with some on that opinion that the Masters 1000 events are important to Federer. Sorry folks this is not the truth. Roger could careless about anything except the number one ranking and slams. Nothing else matters to him. That is just the truth. A Masters 1000 event only becomes important to Federer if his number one ranking is on the line, and, or it falls the week before a slam and he wants some confidence. Cheers.

February 26th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

tennisfan#1, I believe you may be right about Fed’s priorities NOW; however, he did used to value Dubai a great deal, didn’t he? He’s won it at least twice I think. Moreover, he also used to put a high premium on Masters, but perhaps now that he’s in a later stage of his career, say, the last third, then now he has shifted his priorities again. Which makes sense for him.

February 26th, 2010 at 3:33 pm

Jane,

Roger won the Dubai title four times. He won it in (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007). Roger’s priorities have shifted and that is why he paces himself like he does. I disagree that he is in the final stages of his career, but he is at the halfway point. He will probably be winning slams until he is thirty yeas old. 18-20 slams for Roger is where I would put my money. Cheers.

February 26th, 2010 at 3:46 pm

I saw what Murray said in Sean’s article, gotta say first of all Murray is still very young, and just like Djoke did a few years back is still learning how to talk to the media. He’ll get better at that I am sure. Djoke sure did.

Another point is I remember Rog in an interview that he wishes he had more time to tinker with his game, and sometimes he has to do that in a match, because there isn’t that much time to practice. So it does kinda make sense that Murray to me is tryin things in a match, and I am sure he is not the only one. That said, he IS being paid to play and should perform accordingly. Bottom line, he shouldn’t have said it, IMO, but he is not the only player who does it. Tennis has one of the longest season in PRO sports, they do not have time to practice like other sports, so when? As always, I respect you alls point of view…..

February 26th, 2010 at 4:12 pm

jane, off topic: I see it is raining in your neck of the woods while here in balmy Britain blizzards have almost cut off Scotland! Can’t be easy for the competitors though. Will miss final cos in London this weekend seeing “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” but will keep everything crossed for Djko!

February 26th, 2010 at 4:16 pm

skeezer, the problem is Murray DID NOT try anything new. Did you watch the match? I did and NOTHING was different in his game.

February 26th, 2010 at 4:17 pm

Madmax,

No I didn’t. I was just responding to the article. Interesting….

February 26th, 2010 at 4:26 pm

OLYMPIC ALERT!
Skeezerweezer reporting update from Vancouver……..

KIM YU NA TAKES THE GOLD IN STUNNING FASHION!

Kim Yu Na in a stunning display of emotion and daring original moves exploded ahead of the field to capture Gold. Commentators were confused as the new creative moves they could not describe…… but were thrilled nonetheless.

Kim Yu Na first propelled into a original new spinning jump, the “Yu Na Fu u!” move. She nailed it. Amazing the Judges, the crowd, and the gazillions watching, she then glided into a new dance move called the “Yu Na Sha Na Na”. Continuing to thrill the crowd with originality she then went on to do the final original quintuple jump, know as the “Yu Na Yu Na Yu”, landed perfectly on the “Yu”, which then in turn sealed the climatic moment for the great skater.

Skeezerweezer reporting for WTF? Network…….

February 26th, 2010 at 4:27 pm

tennisfan#1: ” I disagree that he is in the final stages of his career, but he is at the halfway point. He will probably be winning slams until he is thirty yeas old.”

He’s been winning slams since he was, what, 21 years old? And he is now 28, I think? So if you think he will win slams until he is 30, wouldn’t that put him in the last 3rd of his career now? If you say he is only half way, wouldn’t that imply he’ll be winning and playing until he is 35 years old? Maybe that’s what you meant, but I am just wondering since you seemed to use 30 years as a kind of end point.

Sean,

I already agreed that maybe Murray shouldn’t have said the bit about playing differently if Dubai was a “slam or something.” But I am merely pointing out that they all say things that are attacked. For example, the “I had fun” comment is innocuous, but it could be misconstrued as him not trying his hardest or something. Do you see what I mean? When a player loses and says “I had fun” or “I was experimenting” it can sound like the match wasn’t deemed important. But if the player won and said the same thing, then it would be fine!! It’s just perspective.

February 26th, 2010 at 4:31 pm

margot – sorry to hear about the blizzard; yes we have rain, but on the mountains that pretty much always translates into snow. How great, b.t.w.: I love “Cat on a hot tin roof” – who is playing Maggie?

February 26th, 2010 at 4:34 pm

Jane,

Fed already said he wants to play for the next 10 years! Go fed! keep winning slams until you’re 35! that would be sooooooo cool!

Jane, you must be pleased about novak today? did you watch the match?

February 26th, 2010 at 4:45 pm

madmax,

If Fed plays that long, then maybe he is at the half way point, as tennisfan#1 says.

Yeah, I watched Novak; I have mixed feelings. Mainly I am happy he got through, but he started slowly again and his serve was still patchy, so it’ll be a tough slog to beat Youz, unless he comes out hotter tomorrow. And I don’t mean temperature-wise. : )

February 26th, 2010 at 4:56 pm

Maxi, thanks a lot for congratulating me on the Tennistalk. Since my Noleland changed internet domain from “cg.yu” to “.me” I cannot log in anymore there, unless I change my e-mail address and phone line. I would like you very much to say hello to my dear friends there in my name and explain that I cannot log in anymore. Can you tell me if you can do it and when, so I could mention the posters which I’d like to greet?

February 26th, 2010 at 5:01 pm

Credit to Djoko for these knowing comments about today’s match; I hope he can do what he needs to do to turn this issue around!

““But still my serve wasn’t on the level that I wanted it to be. A lot of double faults, a lot of break points saved [Djokovic saved 13 of 16 overall] or lost. So that is something that I really don’t want to have anymore.

“When you have a good serve, it gives you a little more advantage, free points, and mental confidence. I didn’t have that in today’s match. So I had to work it out with my legs and fighting spirit.””

And credit, indeed, to his “legs and fighting spirit”. Djoko guts out a lot of wins over the course of a season, and he is not given enough credit for that. Look at his efforts to win Basel, for example. That took a lot of effort and guts. And same with Paris. In both cases he beat the home town player and had to be super mentally focused to overcome that.

Sure, he has issues with his game, and sometimes he has mental glitches; physically he has improved (very few MTOs or trainer calls, and no retirements for over a year), and though he may not have the strongest immune system (which can be due to asthma, if he has it), he is RARELY injured.

February 26th, 2010 at 5:26 pm

I do think that maybe Murray should have maybe said it in a different way. I mean, players that accept the “fee” tournaments have to be careful and give off the impression that they are trying their best. I remember when Roger was younger and he entered in Dubai (accepting their fee’ that they gave him) – he went out and lost. It wasn’t the fact that he lost in the first round (or 2nd or early)…it was the fact that he appeared to not have given his best and the Dubai organizers made him pay the fee back – which he did. He learned his lesson from that.

February 26th, 2010 at 5:59 pm

“Look at his efforts to win Basel, for example. That took a lot of effort and guts.”

Didn’t he have a trainer/MTO in the Basel final?

“.. (very few MTOs or trainer calls, and no retirements for over a year), and though he may not have the strongest immune system (which can be due to asthma, if he has it), he is RARELY injured.”

I’m glad to hear you finally admitting an *if* with the asthma. IF he does have asthma, it only seems to raise its head and cited as an excuse,when he’s losing by some of his fans.

February 26th, 2010 at 6:16 pm

“Jane,

Fed already said he wants to play for the next 10 years! Go fed! keep winning slams until you’re 35! that would be sooooooo cool!”

IMO FED’s longetivity won’t be in his strokes, but in his legs ( stay healthy of course ). The only time we really saw Fed vulnerable was in the year or so he said he had mono or back problems. IMO I don’t like giving excuses for him or any player for a losing after the fact, if they want to step out on the court and play, then play your best with what you got, get off, and rest and take your lickin like a man. And give credit to the opposition.

What I do know as a fan of his during that stretch though was his movement just wasn’t there. If he moves well, serves well, he is very, very dangerous, especially on offense. His movement ( AKA footwork ) in the AO 2010 stretch was impeccable.

So to me I guess unless his anticipation for the ball gets better to compensate for lack of movement, ala Agassi lasting till 35, how long will he last?

The rate he is going, barring health, I’d say he has a solid 5 years left( for GS titles that is )

Shammoon!

February 26th, 2010 at 6:41 pm

Von, I don’t recall a MTO/trainer in the Basel final. As for the asthma, I can’t ever say for sure that he *does* have it, because although that has been said on some other tennis-related sites by the writers, Djoko and his team have never said it explicitly that I know of. Therefore, I can never claim it 100% unless it comes straight from the his or his team’s mouth. Otherwise, it’s just something I’ve heard from commentators or read on websites.

February 26th, 2010 at 6:43 pm

Congrats to Nole and his fans up here, Good luck in the final, Hey he is currently ranked #2 right?

Vamos N O L E !!

PS: Serve well and you’ll win easy in the final dude, c’mon!!!

February 26th, 2010 at 6:43 pm

I agree with Mr. Pronin…they should definitely practice new things at events that are not Slams, but keep their mouths zipped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

February 26th, 2010 at 6:47 pm

skeezerweezer, yep he’s a lucky number 2 now, so we’ll see how long he can hold onto it. Hey when is your next Olympic news flash coming? They’re curling now you know, if that is enticing. LOL.

February 26th, 2010 at 7:01 pm

jane: I thought there was an MTO in Base, and it seemed to have irked Fed, which caused him to lose his concentration. I could be wrong, but I’m sure it was Basel. Anyway, you can google it and see if I’m wrong. If yes, then mea culpa.

February 26th, 2010 at 7:03 pm

The thing is, Murray isn’t really being attacked by the media here, he’s being attacked by the event itself. He upset the event and that’s always bad. Always.

Tennisfan, are you friends with Federer? Do you talk to him on a regular basis? Do you have mind reading abilities? Federer said he wants to win a lot of titles. He’s one of the greatest players of all time, why wouldn’t he want to rack up the titles? To say he doesn’t care about the Masters is preposterous. The slams are the most important for everyone, that’s a given, but to maintain a number 1 ranking, you have to perform well every, especially the Masters.

February 26th, 2010 at 7:04 pm

“Jane,

Hey when is your next Olympic news flash coming? They’re curling now you know”

I posted one at 4:27pm :)

Curling? OMG Has anyone noticed that is the only sport that has lasted through the entire Olympics? Ugh!

On another note, looks like one hellava drinking game at someones back yard. Can anyone say “Bocce ball”?

February 26th, 2010 at 7:08 pm

Ivo up on Blake 5-0 in the third, server and volley lives! :)….but wait. I like Blake, I am confused….

February 26th, 2010 at 7:10 pm

Ben,

I think we will have to wait and see. I don’t know if I am on your side about him wanting to rack up the titles so much now and keep the #1 ranking, I am sure that is up to him. Who knows what he is “not publicly” saying vs “publicly”. And maybe right now he feels good enough to keep playing in everything. There is also the messed up ATP rules you have to play or lose your ranking in so many tourneys. Also, I understand if you drop in the rankings you’re going to get a tougher draw ( ex; no bye the first round…playing higher seeds early ). This doesn’t seem to bother Serena though, think about that, Ha!

What is factual is he is getting older, has his GOAT records, GS records, etc. I have kept pounding and will stay true that in the end the record of GS titles will be held up the highest, so it would be foolish not to prepare his game in the final run of your life to tailor it to go after those. Whatever it takes to get more of those, is really what matters IMO

I’m out…

February 26th, 2010 at 7:25 pm

I’m just going by what Federer said. He started the year saying he wants to rack up on titles. Who are we to say otherwise?

February 26th, 2010 at 7:32 pm

Von, nah I don’t need to google it. I’ll go with my memory that there wasn’t one. If I am wrong, then “meh.”

skeezerweezer – lol @ Bocce Ball – there are lots of older Italian men in my neighborhood and they play it all day everyday in the summer at the local park. Quite the hang out.

February 26th, 2010 at 7:32 pm

It’s Dubai’s fault: you give a selfish, 22-year old 6 figures to show up, and that’s all he did. You got what you paid for.
If they’d been smart, they would have paid him in a way that would have increased his bonus for each match he advanced.
The Sheiks signed a lousy deal and got burned. One less gold-plated mercedes for 1 spoiled sheik. I’m not shedding any tears. Murray and the Sheiks deserve each other.

February 26th, 2010 at 7:46 pm

Ben,

Agreed :)

Jane,

I have actually played Bocce ball, absolutely hammered, and won! Best party I ever went too. Maybe if the curling people were drinking beers in between there “pushes” like bowlers do ( wait…bowlers actually THRRRROOOW the ball, lol )it would be more fun to watch, ha!

February 26th, 2010 at 7:47 pm

skeezerweezer, here’s the thing: don’t bother curling. Just watch it. Then you can drink beer the whole way through – all those ends and hammers can get you, well, hammered. LOL.

February 26th, 2010 at 7:55 pm

Jane,

That was classssiccc! LOL! Thanks for the wit you made me laugh….off to dinner (laughing) catch you folks later….:)

February 26th, 2010 at 7:59 pm

Skeezer: LOL at your “news flash”..couldn’t stop laughing. One thing for sure, there was a lot of moves from Yu-Na!

Congrats to the djoker and his fans. couple of great wins from behind now..talking about fighting for title defence – kudos to him. could this be the one? Great win for Youzhny too, love his smooooooth style – Good luck to both tomorrow!

And what about JCF? Impressive or what! 3rd final in three weeks..can he win here, I say yeah baby..go for it.

February 26th, 2010 at 8:29 pm

jane: we missed it :( but silver is not bad too!

February 26th, 2010 at 9:04 pm

contador: very impressive for Gulbis. Semi final back to back, can he go one more step here?

February 26th, 2010 at 9:08 pm

Yeah too bad Kimmi, but we’ll take silver!! : ) Good swipe by the swedish ladies at the end there. What can ya do?

February 26th, 2010 at 9:14 pm

Ben,

You are wrong. Sorry bro. Roger cares about slams and his #1 ranking. He uses the 500 events and also uses the 1000 events for practise and court time. Yes, he loves to win titles and 1000 events are good ones to win, but they mean zilch to him when it comes to the slams and #1 ranking. If he needs some good results at the 1000 events to maintain the #1 ranking than the tournament all the sudden becomes more important. Got my point! These two events in IW and Miami will not be massive events for Federer and that is the truth. His number one ranking is secure through the French Open. Cheers.

February 26th, 2010 at 10:57 pm

Kimmi!!! Did you see that short track relay? Canadian men skated a brilliant race to GOLD. That’s 3 medals in skating tonight and, for now, it puts us in the lead with most gold medals @10. Woooooot! : D

February 26th, 2010 at 11:13 pm

What you say doesn’t make any sense. Federer’s top priorities have always been the slams and the number 1 ranking, but the other events still matter to him. Especially when you’ve had good results in an event before, you’ll always enjoy it (for Fed, that’s like 90% of all the events). 4000 points would put Federer at 7th place in the rankings. That’s 6 spots from where he wants to be. Therefore, the Masters and 500s matter to him. He’s not going to cry if he wins them but they’re still important.

February 26th, 2010 at 11:15 pm

jane, I have not seen this, I am watching men’s hockey (they did show us something very quickly though, hope they will show us in full later) Three medals WOOT!..let me check the medal standing…OMG we are leading in Gold medals. What a day!

Danger danger Slovakia have scored – twice. GO CANADA!

February 26th, 2010 at 11:28 pm

OMG jane only 1:30 minutes to go.

February 26th, 2010 at 11:34 pm

PHEW!! So close. Great win for CANADA. Slovakia really turn up the power at the end there, a little late unfortunately..bad loss for them!

February 26th, 2010 at 11:38 pm

SKOROCEL!!! Your Slovakian team are awesome!! But I am glad they lost that game! I hope & pray they get the bronze though; your guys TOTALLY deserve it. They should medal for sure. Cheers and PHEW!

Kimmi – PHEW!!!! AND PHEW again!

February 26th, 2010 at 11:42 pm

hmm murray atleast was being honest about trying new stuff.. but he shouldnt call it practice. that just plain out pisses off the tourney peeps and rightfully so.

My tip to murray, just tell the press he had a bad tennis day in circumstances like that. not say practice or whatever. and tip 2. if put away the short ballz – be agressive with those, add the s/v more often – be sneaky-er, and just flat out serve good percentages and he’ll do better against rog and other top 5 in the slams.

February 27th, 2010 at 12:19 am

jane: all black cast and answer is I don’t know, just has had fabulous reviews. Only one I’ve seen is film of Burton, Taylor.
If Curling is an Olympic sport, they really should introduce “watching paint dry” asap, more exciting for spectators I feel…

February 27th, 2010 at 1:47 am

jane: Ha ha, thanks for being so sincere about my team ;-) But seriously, I understand you’re happy for Canada – and frankly, who wouldn’t? Your team has been under tremendous pressure from the media & fans during these 2 weeks, so each win (in a way) serves as a “redemption” for them… Well, may the best win in the finals!

Re: the match, well, to tell you the truth, I stopped watching it (and went to bed :-)) once we cashed in that 3rd goal from Getzlaf, as I thought it would be impossible for us to level the score with such passive play… and voila! Too bad it had to end the way it ended, but hell, at least we didn’t left the rink so ashamed as did the Russian primadonas, LOL ;-) Clearly the most successful (and worthiest!) tournament our team has played since we split from the Czechs!

February 27th, 2010 at 2:29 am

DURO, yes, I will do that.Of course – for you.

Sar and Duro, will know whether Novak has asthma. I have read that he does have asthma and has suffered from this (and overcome it with some breathing exercises) since he was a child – carries an inhaler.

Ben/Tennis fan. This is what fed said about winning masters/slams/smaller tournaments:

Q: Another challenge. If you stay world No. 1 after RG, you’ll beat Sampras’ all-time record of 286 weeks.

RF: This is an important record to me. When I beat Connors’ record (consecutive weeks as world No. 1) I already thought it was really great.

Staying in the front that long when you know who is behind you, it’s not easy. By the way, my main goal this year is to finish the year No. 1 in the world. It has been so hard to get that ranking back.

Q: So you want to stay No. 1. What else?

RF: To win more tournaments. Last year, I won 4 of them. They were big ones, but I have to be able to do better. I lacked titles in smaller tournaments. True, I had to withdraw several times, because of an injury or because I needed some rest (Dubai, Halle, Tokyo).

So I focused entirely on big tournaments, and I don’t really like it. Before I withdraw from Tokyo last year, I had told Seve (Luthi): ‘I’m going there to serve-and-volley on 1st and 2nd serves’. Because I thought it could help me later.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:43 am

madmax: thanks for those comments from Federer. The last para is further proof that he does “experiment” in smaller tournamenets.

“Before I withdraw from Tokyo last year, I had told Seve (Luthi): ‘I’m going there to serve-and-volley on 1st and 2nd serves’. Because I thought it could help me later.”

February 27th, 2010 at 7:25 am

yep kimmi. I’m with you there. Cheers.

February 27th, 2010 at 7:37 am

anyone watching the dubai good-by? the final is on and i am listening to it.

looks like a tight one.

February 27th, 2010 at 10:32 am

take that back. youzhney has a break point

AJDE NOLE!

February 27th, 2010 at 10:33 am

sh$t!!

youz breaks in the 1st..and nole is gonna have to bring it, the A game on, ajde, ajde

wake up skeezerweezer, you have the luxury of tennischannel, don’t you? and lets have a ” WTF? Network ” update.

February 27th, 2010 at 10:36 am

that’s more like it. djoko breaks back

brit comentater. “this is as good as it gets.”

must be the tennis, that, right-o?

February 27th, 2010 at 10:43 am

contador, you don’t have a tream..why?

February 27th, 2010 at 10:47 am

meant “stream”

February 27th, 2010 at 10:48 am

long story, kimmi…has to do with being where i am in idaho, lol, truth, near yellowstone, no deluxe cable packages here. i am lucky to have a wifi signal and sound….

but i love these enthusiasm of announcers. got a dicey signal for sound tho.

February 27th, 2010 at 11:08 am

hahahaaaa, i have no stream and no tream or team.

ajde nole, break him, take the first set. no tiebreaker please, please..

February 27th, 2010 at 11:10 am

i can hear how nervous nole gets by how many times he is bouncing the ball, when on serve.

but break point

yes!!!! novak djokovic gets the opener…and i know, kimmi, i am missing so much.

February 27th, 2010 at 11:13 am

Nole bags the first set with some gutsy play. I have not seen his matches in previous days but he is playing very well today.

February 27th, 2010 at 11:13 am

Its started to rain..bummer! but looks like not too much so they continue play

February 27th, 2010 at 11:15 am

‘sounds’ like this could be over in two, kimmi.

or rain delayed….

February 27th, 2010 at 11:17 am

rain rain rain..play suspended!
Well contador, so far so good for Nole, if he carries on playing like this he should be able to revenge his loss in Rottadam in straight set.

Youzhny can go and talk to his coach..time to change the tactics.

February 27th, 2010 at 11:19 am

i never know, kimmi.

last night i had a stream, everything, for david ferrer’s drubbing of gonzo, could say he left his ‘forehando’ character elsewhere.

February 27th, 2010 at 11:23 am

“forehando” hehehe!

Go JCF Go! Third title in a row..would that be somethin’

February 27th, 2010 at 11:31 am

My fav verdasco..got hot and cold with Monaco..hmmm! poor me thinking he has now concur his demons after that great win against Roddick, maybe NOT!

February 27th, 2010 at 11:35 am

Allez alleeez, allez alleeeez…

I’m sorry, Youzhny, but not this time.

Contador, I have answered you. Are we Ok or what? Hellooooooo! Zoeeeeeey! Where are you, in-love girl?

February 27th, 2010 at 11:42 am

Duro..i agree. Djoko is on fire today hope he can continue where he left it off before the rain.

February 27th, 2010 at 11:47 am

yeah, monaco can be a beast. though, in match v JC he only managed one set before retiring injured.

i pick JC to win. the way gonzo played last night made ferrer look superurb.

i can be very wrong. JC must be tired, ferrer could win, who knows. all i know is that for acapulco matches, i have a stream. when ernie plays….nothing.

verdasco? yeah, i dunno. i think we saw his best at the AO 09.

February 27th, 2010 at 11:53 am

LOL!! Duro we are cool. why so fragile, Duro? teheeeee

February 27th, 2010 at 11:54 am

okay duro, i am madly in love with youzhney’s ‘salute’ and it’s good i don’t have a stream from dubai, cuz i might give way to my girlie feelings.

ahh, to be young and so easily given to suggestion, this way or that. ha-ha

February 27th, 2010 at 11:57 am

Rain and more rain in the desert dubai? Well well well!

February 27th, 2010 at 11:59 am

Duro… Duro, you can’t possibly be cranky today or tonight, i suppose in noleland-montenegro.

this rain delay is BS, c’mon!

February 27th, 2010 at 12:08 pm

Contador sounds Spanish. Is it a name, or it has a certain meaning? Can you believe me that only when Maxi suggested for you four girls to meet somewhere I realized you were a girl! You’re frightening people here. Madmax and contador, and suddenly two subtle, fragile girls with girlish properties. One like a seagull, devoted to one, and other that didn’t find the love of her life… Guess who’s who.

February 27th, 2010 at 12:25 pm

Kimmiiii, you’re significantly behind now… 17 titles overall, 5 MS titles, 1 MC title, 1 GS title, 1 GS final, bronze Olympic medal, number 2 in the world with playing crappy, and he’s still 22! What’s gonna be when he gets his old game back! Oh my… Alleeez allez allez alleeez, No1-leeee, No1-leeee!

February 27th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

“number 2 in the world with playing crappy” hehehe! You can celebrate today Duro. Nole is amazing..the way he slug it out to win all those matches is a sign of a champ.

Now lets not get too excited. Lets wait and see when he plays the big boys..I am including Murray there if you didn’t notice!

February 27th, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Indeed, Kimmi, indeed… He’s a big boy, all right, 190 cm big! Just kidding, relax. He got the sheiks mad. Not a smart move… Watch out, Kimmi; if Novak wins their next encounter, he’ll have the edge there… It would be like a testimony or something, that Novak stands better (mildly said), not only ranking wise.

February 27th, 2010 at 1:02 pm

The sheik needs to calm down and take a deep breath..I guess he would have preferred if Murray lied..Nah, that’s not the Murray way, straight truth all the way.

Re your second point the big question if “IF”. right now Murray has the edge, nole will need more than a better performance to get back that edge. We are now practicing, getting ready for IW and Miami. Watch out!

February 27th, 2010 at 1:10 pm

Why is dubai always playing finals on saturday, does anyone know?

February 27th, 2010 at 1:17 pm

Roger has stated that more titles does nothing ofr his career at this stage in his career and only slams will count. He has said that often.
He has said that he experiments at tourneys.
Murray was meaning that he changes his game to suit and to try to play a different style the only chance they get is at these type of tourneys.
They are just stirring the pot……Murray gets number one etc Dubai will be all over him.

February 27th, 2010 at 1:19 pm

I’m very pleased to say hello to Jane, Sar and Maxi from i am it. He’ll join us soon. His wish for Novak to defend his title is almost fulfilled.

Sar, where are you these days. Still mad at Nole? I was too, but he deserved to be forgiven now, what you think? He’s fighting like a beast. And they were saying he’s not having enough heart… I’m just waiting for his serve to start clicking… He’ll wipe them all. Ajde Nole, so help you God! Join us, infidels. In Novak we trust!

Do you know, people, what’s a devotion? A woman came from Nigeria, slept on the Dubai beaches (which is forgiven, by the way) for couple of days just to watch his idol playing in the finals. Respect and hats down. And you people, are changing favorites every day. Oh boy…

Passion, passion, passion! That’s all that matters.

February 27th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

hello duro! jane! Margot! Contador!,

duro, yes, “the girls” are hoping to go to miami that would be so nice, but we do need a nice, strong man to carry our luggage. Are you available?

I heard the rain will stop in an hour. Novak looks ready to lift the trophy duro and I am very happy for you and for jane.

passion is all that matters. definitely.

Where is I am it, and how do you know he will be back? He has been missed! “MR STAT MAN!”.

February 27th, 2010 at 1:29 pm

What, did I hear correctly? The match has been suspended till 2pm tomorrow..hmmm! How will tomorrow pan out, Novak was in control today..I guess he just need to hold his serve.

February 27th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

kimmi,

i didnt hear that. been waiting for the match to restart. Oh well. will have to wait and see.

February 27th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

Maxi, a little bird told me. I got an E-mail from him a month and a half late. That’s how busy he is. I hope he’ll come back with 3 PhD diplomas in the end. What a guy…

Am I available to carry your bags? Yes!!! What the guys are for but that! But in the end you might end carrying me! Gee… Four girls – 21 begs!

February 27th, 2010 at 1:39 pm

madmax, I was watching on tennistv.com, after that rain delay they were showing yesterday matches again..maybe I heard them talking about something else… they said “”this is the end today, we will be back tomorrow at 2pm.””

I could be wrong, but did anyone else hear that?

February 27th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Yap! It is, ATP site just confirmed!

February 27th, 2010 at 1:47 pm

Maxi, can you say hello to these guys from me, shortly explaining that I cannot log in but reading regularly and miss them: OllyK, posmatrac, Gordana, stu, mriiiidula, arailic, zare, sathisht79.

February 27th, 2010 at 1:57 pm

sure , i got it. Duro on litter, carried by 4 girls. then we all fan with palm fronds and serve you fufu umbrella drinks….imagining all of this in miami, florida….

Duro sometimes you size posters up fairly well. but you must be joking. you thought zoey/contador a guy? no, not true.

okay, do cycle or watch tour de france? the past few years? you would know who alberto contador is, if you did. i forgive you. lance armstrong was king of the pellaton (sp) for many years, but came out of retirement and contador kicked his arse on the hill climbs. contador can accelerate up a hill like it’s nothing at all, his feet barely touch the pdeals. gotta watch him, duro. yes he is from spain. someday i go to europe and see a leg of the tour de france.

pretty sure madmax is a swan, not seagull.

duro, i think your anecdote about the nigerian woman was meant seriously but when you add, “( which is forgiven, by the way)” i kinda *snort* then *laughter.* wouldn’t have wanted to be drinking my coffee just then :-)) *smile*

btw, hello madmax!

so what is the news. the match resumes tomorrow?

dont anyone answer. i’ll go find out somewhere. and del ray semi must be getting close to starting.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Back at 2pm? That’s a crap time for me.

Duro, I’m here and if Nole wins this I will forgive him. That means, he defended a title and last year won back-to-back titles.

Madmax, the only thing I know about Novak is that he has something going on in his diaphragm area. McEnroe mentioned the word “diaphragm” too. That could mean many things. He was really sucking wind today and I don’t think he’s “unfit.” I guess it was the high humidity again due to rain. When I saw him in Cincy, his trainer was moving him around like a pretzel trying to open the chest/lung area with different maneuvers. I don’t know if it would be wise for him to announce any diagnosis to the public. I wouldn’t. Why give anyone an advantage? As long as the authorities know about medications etc. maybe it’s better this way.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:14 pm

sorry about all the typos and incomplete sentences.

gulbis match started and i am focusing, repeating to self, “NO, no expectations…..no, not one, not even thinking he gets a set”

GO GULBIS! c’mon.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:15 pm

Hi, duro!! Really long time no see. Maxi explained to us that you had some problems with logging in to TT..it’s a pity cause we really miss you. “In Nole we trust” was needed many times in last few days.. :) I told Maxi that I’d come here to say hello and congratulate you personally when Nole lifts the trophy…but, unfortunately I have to leave latter one for tomorrow…Btw, was Noles forehand divine today or what?! :) I’m simply in love with that shot!!
And..I haven’t seen posmatrac for a long time on TT, too..I don’t know what is going on with him..

February 27th, 2010 at 2:19 pm

contador; me watching gulbis too. Got the breaaaaak! yeah!

February 27th, 2010 at 2:20 pm

i am staring a, a stupid live score, is all. and remaining very cool, kimmi.

he held the break. but the finn can could win, probably will. ernis said in a post match that his knee was still bothering him.

but…hey, a win here might get gulbis off to bigger things….like playing dr ivo tomorrow, lol!

February 27th, 2010 at 2:31 pm

ssssttt-utering now. c-c-c-c’mon Ernie

kimii, does it appear like the knee is bothering him?

February 27th, 2010 at 2:35 pm

contador, so far so good. he is swinging OK, serve big..just like the Dr. odered.

I read at something he said about not breaking raquests anymore :-) you must have seen it, thought it was funny….he is a good kid.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:37 pm

I think he is doing OK contador – he will have the pressure of serving for the set.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:40 pm

he’s very funny. and i like his game. he’s fast, naturally moves well, not only a big serve.

that is why i’m hoping the knee is okay. his return game can be quite brilliant….if all is well

yes the interview, i read, he said he visited where head makes the racquets and got an appreciation for their efforts. ahh ernie. lol

February 27th, 2010 at 2:42 pm

Contador! That Contador? Sure I know him, but there was a guy even better than him when climbing the hill. Pattani. Do you remember him? He’s not alive anymore.

It’s true, but only for contador. I didn’t mean zoey was a guy, but contador – yes. How come I do not call myself Steffi or Catarina, or Lindsey? Madmax and contador…. Testosterone all over. Change it, quickly! I’ll call you countess now.

Maxi is a swan, I accept it, but I don’t know if swans are monogamous. I’ll stick to a seagull (female one) until someone informs me on swans.

About anecdote, it’s a true story but I said “forgiven” instead of “forbidden”! But it turned to be almost the same! She is forgiven even if it’s forbidden.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:44 pm

yes, he can handle pressure with panche, a born star,loves a big stage, our gulbis.

or not. sheesh….deuce.

i was able to watch most of his matches when in memphis.

his knee was bothering him; and a blister on his pinky

February 27th, 2010 at 2:46 pm

Gulbis got the set..one more needed and he is in the first final on his carrier..can he do it?

February 27th, 2010 at 2:49 pm

“panache” i meant and he did it!

not thinking he’ll win. one more set or two is an eternity, sometimes for the attention span.

but GO GULBIS!! don’t let the finn win!

nothing against FInns, they are wonderful, nice steaming spas

February 27th, 2010 at 2:49 pm

how is jarkko doing , kimmi?

February 27th, 2010 at 2:50 pm

contador, I am watching an online stream right now, from justine TV I think. R u still listening on the radio?

February 27th, 2010 at 2:51 pm

no duro i was not certain about swans, either. any bird experts out there? but i think swans, some of them, are monogamous. tiger woods is not a swan or seagull.

you are making me laugh duro. totally distracting when watching paint dry or a livescore.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:54 pm

Nieminen tried his best on that first set, gulbis was just too good. Serving well on both first and second serve.

Gulbis is having a good game here on nieminen serve but making some UE on importants points. Hello..Gulbis showing some finess here..drop shot anyone..he now has a breakpoint. What a return and he break. Yes!

February 27th, 2010 at 2:58 pm

nope no sound. and i have been interrupted by a friend stopping by who has absolutely no idea why i can’t go do something else right now!

she’ll get her way if ernie starts losing but at the moment…no possible way! Ernie just broke jarkko in the 2nd!

kimmi is jarkko playing crappy or ernie playing well? please, if you have a minute…do tell.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:58 pm

thanks, kimmi!

see, you watch him (ernie) his tennis is addicting, i say.

February 27th, 2010 at 2:59 pm

Ollyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! I am so happy to see you! You can’t imagine how frustrated I became continuously trying to log in unsuccessfully! We changed internet domain, you know, so I am suppose to change my e-mail address or a phone line to reach you guys. How are you Olly? Are you still hanging on there, fighting for our champ? I know you are. I missed you, guys, very much. Drop in some times, OllyK. You definitely made my day now. About Novak, I accept your congrats even today. He’s a new-old champ of Dubai! Just one goal to achieve in front of him! For that and for tomorrow’s rest of the match: In Novak we trust! So help us God. Cheers OllyK and come to visit us as often as you can. Pretty respectable Novak fan base we got here. Amazing guys.

February 27th, 2010 at 3:00 pm

contador, read my post at 2:58pm. Your buddy gulbis is on a roll..I think the ifrst final is coming!

February 27th, 2010 at 3:01 pm

just no expectations ever. appreciate the smallest successes.

i got my hopes up two years ago and poof!

February 27th, 2010 at 3:01 pm

i read your post after posting mine

a little too excited here at the prospect of gulbis getting to play dr. ivo in the final……yikes!

still time to lose here.

GO GULBIS! YES YOU CAN!

February 27th, 2010 at 3:03 pm

contador – how about Ernie? Can he win this title? Whoa! Best not to expect it, and just enjoy it if it happens. Good for him!

Kimmi – what a shame Novak’s momentum was stopped until tomorrow. He’d better come out tomorrow and grab the match by the horns. Title defense on the line…

sar – interesting comments. I have a mild case of asthma and when it’s very cold, or hot + hazy + humid (i.e., pollution, heat and mugginess), my lungs are irritated. But I guess there are different triggers for different people. Thankfully, I don’t have to use an inhaler most of the time; only if triggered by a cold or the weather.

madmax- can’t make it to Miami, unfortunately. : ( But I will see about 2012 Olympics! London would be fun. I hope Novak can finish the win tomorrow versus Youzhny.

Duro – wow! Thanks. Glad to hear that “i am it” is alive and well! I am happy to hear and and a big HI back to him.

February 27th, 2010 at 3:07 pm

exactly jane, jarkko just broke back.

i was getting ahead of myself. a big mistake

February 27th, 2010 at 3:08 pm

Skorocel, yes, definitely a tournament to be proud of for your men’s hockey team. Their tactics have been great, playing patiently and upsetting some fantastically, offensively gifted teams, waiting for their chances. They staged an all-out onslaught in the last few minutes last night. As I say – all the best to them in the bronze medal game; I truly think they deserve a medal here.

February 27th, 2010 at 3:10 pm

2 bad errors for gulbis here 15-30
He thought he hit an ace but called out..oh noo..second serve, another BH error to the net . Now his mind is about that close first serve, still complains to the umpire.

Gulbis Double faults to give the break back! Noooo!

February 27th, 2010 at 3:10 pm

okay, “i’m out” as skeezerweezer says.

my hopes were to far up. easier said that done, having no expectaions or high hopes.

gotta go. thanks, people

yes, will be great to have “i am it” return.

February 27th, 2010 at 3:13 pm

Jane, I’m glad, too. I was pretty concerned about him, you know. He answered my mail after almost a month; that busy he is with his work. Did you see what OllyK said about Novak’s forehand? She’s great. I hope she’ll come more often. If Nole regains his serve back and adjust a forehand to be a little bit flatter as it used to be, he’ll be irresistible to watch.

February 27th, 2010 at 3:18 pm

duro! Dont worry! I did what you told me to!
Have told OllyK and Zare, and I see Ollyk is here – it’s love!

Swans are monogamous duro – only one love for life. When one of them dies, the other usually dies very soon thereafter (due to grief). It is very sad.
but there is also the “black swan”

Taleb regards almost all major scientific discoveries, historical events, and artistic accomplishments as “black swans”. but there is also an actual black swan which is rare! so if you have two black swans (double rarity) and if you are a white swan with a mate – then you love for life.

Well. i am going to watch a re-run now of the AO with federer and then some masters series as I miss watching him play so much.

Great that OllyK is here too –

February 27th, 2010 at 3:18 pm

Countess, switch to Novak and then pull out your hair regularly, but fight for number 1 spot in return!

February 27th, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Murray turned up for a photoshoot last week at Dubai’s new racecourse wearing a distinctive Hugo Boss-branded polo shirt. Jim Latham, head of adidas tennis, will be making clear his disappointment to the Murray camp.”

MARSEILLES, DUBAI,He’s not winning any popularity contests lately, eh?

February 27th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

oh yeah, uh Duro, i think i heard of him, and italian who went off a cliff? bad accident? maybe not.

i like the belgian brothers too. name escapes me at the moment.

as i have held off being tugged on sleeve to go away.

Ernie vould be serving for match. but if he gags here, i can’t endure a tie breaker …..oh drat.

another rain suspension. *huge sigh*

oh well, it will be a surprise. now i’m really out!

February 27th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

Gulbis breaks again, now serving for the match.

Contador, how could you doubt Gulbis, don’t leave him, he is fighting his demons very well. He breaks back and ready to serve for IT!

Can you believe it..Gulbis about to serve for his first ever final and RAIN RAIN RAIN..play suspended. After all that effort and momentum he generate, i hope he can serve this match out when they are back with no problems..bummer!

February 27th, 2010 at 3:23 pm

Maxi, I owe you a big big gratitude for doing me that favor. You are lovely and sweet. Seagulls are monogamous, too, but swan suits you best.

February 27th, 2010 at 3:24 pm

contador @ 3:23pm just kidding ofcourse

February 27th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

What’s with the rain all over the globe today: from Dubai to Delray through to Vancouver, rain rain rain go away, come again another day.

February 27th, 2010 at 3:39 pm

“Kimmi – what a shame Novak’s momentum was stopped until tomorrow. He’d better come out tomorrow and grab the match by the horns. Title defense on the line…”

jane, he had all the momentum before the rain..what a bummer! He need a good start right off the bat as he is been starting a little slow in his other matches this week. Good luck him. I am hoping for Youzhny to comeback and give us a at least a nail biting match!

February 27th, 2010 at 3:45 pm

First of all, I don’t want to be rude so I’m going to say hello to everybody here and introduce myself since I’m planning to drop by more often. I’ve read some of your discussions here and I’m amazed. You are like a big happy family here, ppl!! Keep that, it is really rare thing to see in virtual world!
So, who am I..I’m a “girl” from Serbia (now situated in Dubai, but not there at the moment, unfortunately) and I am one of Novak’s obsessed fans. None else exists on court for me but him. You’ll see that in my future posts, I believe… :)
Duro, I am so happy that I found you here.. (Thank you, maxi! You are an angel! :) So, to answer your questions: I’m fine, fighting for Novak wherever and whenever I can. With this fighting spirit he displayed in Dubai, he deserved it even more…I’m waiting for Davis cup here in Belgrade, I won’t miss Nole twice in a row, and then – work is calling so I gotta get back to “rainy” Dubai… :) What about you? Are you coming to Belgrade for Davis cup maybe? It would be great! :) In Nole we trust!
And, yes, somebody, I think Kimmi, asked why Dubai is playing finals on Saturdays. That’s because they don’t work on Friday and Saturaday and Sunday is working day there..

February 27th, 2010 at 3:49 pm

* drop IN, sorry! :)

February 27th, 2010 at 3:56 pm

Ha ha ha, Olly. Don’t get carried away too much. I told Maxi the same when she first came here but she didn’t believe me. Here can be pretty nasty, I promise you! In any case, welcome and enjoy! We learned to be tolerant and respect each other opinions or favorites. To help you out for the start: Maxi is Fed fan (as you know), Jane is Novak’s and Murray’s (crazy, right? Ha, ha ha), Margot’s Murray’s fan, contador’s fan of Gulbis mostly, i am it of Novak and JMDP, Ben Pronin of Novak and Safin, Von of Roddick, Kimmi of Murray, huh is Federer’s fan and so on and so on…

I don’t know if I’m gonna go to watch the DC. If Roddick and Blake would play I’d come on foot all those 500 kilometers. To watch Novak beat them, of course :-).

February 27th, 2010 at 4:08 pm

i know you are kidding, kimmi. and i absolutely love you for taking an interest in the gulbis v jarkko match at all. i am out but took computer with so i can check back in now and then and see if the gulbis match gets going again.

wondering who a rain delay might benefit more, too. thinking it benefits jarkko. ernie may already be on to other interests, ya know ;)

February 27th, 2010 at 4:11 pm

OllyK, welcome. aha, a Nole fan..nice to see. They are quite a few Nole fans here…You will enjoy. Duro completly got it wrong so let me introduce myself.

I am a Federer fan for years and recently I have added Murray in my list. I like other players too like delpo, verdasco, Haas the list goes on but Federer and Murray are my top fav.

Just for you to know, I try to ignore Duro a lot coz he likes to take a swipe at Murray..he is worried about him I guess, but what can ya do:-)

Thanks for answering re; Dubai tennis schedules. It does make sense now. A little bit different but works for them I guess. Maybe you will get to see Novak and JJ, they have moved to Dubai now I hear.

February 27th, 2010 at 4:13 pm

so ollyk,i hope you will forgive me if i had offended you in any way, “over there”.

you’ve been reading the threads here, you know i am zoey.

you’ll love being on tx.

February 27th, 2010 at 4:18 pm

“wondering who a rain delay might benefit more, too. thinking it benefits jarkko. ernie may already be on to other interests, ya know ;)”

contador – NOWAY, it has to benefit Gulbis, he has a break and ready to serve it out..this will be his most trying time of his tennis career. rain delay, serving for the match, opportunity for first final ever..what can you say..he needs it.

February 27th, 2010 at 4:25 pm

ollyk,

so great to see you here. really. great to see you. bring zare along too. he will be in good company. great people here and you will fit in very quickly.

February 27th, 2010 at 4:27 pm

Thank you guys/girls for your warm welcome! You see ,Duro, that’s what I’m talking about.. :) Honestly, I think I will enjoy here very much..it is completely different atmosphere here than on Tennistalk, trust me! :)
Duro, if Blake changes his mind and comes to Belgrade and you decide to come here on foot, pls, let me know, to pick you up somewhere… :P
Kimmi…you are complicated! :) I’ll try to remember your list of fav players, I promise! But I don’t like Murray, too, so duro will have my full support on that one, sorry..So, I can expect you to avoid me..hmm. :)
contador/zoey, no worries! Even if you offended me “over there” I don’t remember, so it is ok!

February 27th, 2010 at 4:33 pm

Kimmi, to be honest, he’s (Murray) absolutely the only guy I’m concerned of! I am not afraid of Federer at all! Can you imagine it? Not to mention Nadal. Nadal is history for me. But Murray, Murray is a real threat… They two will be last men standing…

February 27th, 2010 at 4:37 pm

Duro: Love your honesty. Bring on IW and Miami.
OllyK, re avoiding you, it depends but I hope not. Duro is very happy this week and me not so much, I have my fingers crossed in IW and Miami.

February 27th, 2010 at 4:41 pm

Maxi, I’ll tell zare that he is welcome here, too. I hope he’ll like the idea! Thx, one more time!
And, Kimmi, I forgot – abt Novak (and JJ) moving to Dubai..I think I’m going to become serious stalker if it happens! :) I heard he was there around NY,practicing, and he was in hotel 100m from my apartment!! Can you believe it? Oh, I wish I knew that earlier. :))
And for all Fed fans, Fed’s apartment in Dubai is in building next to mine and I’m not kidding! :P

February 27th, 2010 at 4:48 pm

“And for all Fed fans, Fed’s apartment in Dubai is in building next to mine and I’m not kidding! :P”

really! R U like a millionair or what? Do rich people mix up with “not so rich” people over there?

February 27th, 2010 at 4:54 pm

Kimmi, I really wish to see more Nole – Muzza encounters…Those guys are future of tennis, that is a fact. So, IW and Miami, we are waiting for you! We want revenge for last year!! :)

February 27th, 2010 at 4:55 pm

Olly, those were the exact words Maxi said when first came here, but there will be days to prove you wrong. I told her here that people are the same everywhere. To help you out some more… I forgot about sar. She’s great, too. Novak’s fan (not because of that). You know her from TT. This is an American site, so most people chat when we sleep. I was awake till 3 am first couple of months, so don’t repeat my mistake! Secondly, in that American manner, most of your future friends here support more than one player, so get used to it quickly. I will never. Posters are here mostly very knowledgeable, analytical and often like tennis itself more than players. There are professors, psychologists, mathematicians, PhD titular. All in all, enjoy.

February 27th, 2010 at 4:56 pm

Ollyk: @ 4:54pm No effense ofcourse.

February 27th, 2010 at 4:56 pm

White ppl are all considered “high class” there, you don’t have to be very rich! So, I’m not a millionair, trust me! I am renting apartment in Dubai Marina, which is newest part of the city and my company is paying for that, not me.. :) and his building called “Le reve” (it means “dream” in French, right? )is building where you can’t rent apartment, you have to buy it..and, of course, you can’t even enter the building :) One floor is one apartment..I have pic of it, so if you like, I can send it to you! :P

February 27th, 2010 at 5:02 pm

Ollyk – i am also waiting for Muzza – nole forever. Too long already. Hope it happens soon.

February 27th, 2010 at 5:03 pm

And who’s guilt is that? Murray’s!

February 27th, 2010 at 5:08 pm

Duro, I’m professor too, so… :) well, not yet phD but I think I’ll handle pressure.. :D
I’m kidding, thank you for your advices, I’ll try to follow them!
I know sar, she was on tennistalk when Nole won Paris if I remember well..yes, she is great as far as I remember! :)

February 27th, 2010 at 5:09 pm

Jaaaaane, another gold medal for CANADA for speed skating mens team pursuit. Yeah baby! We are really finishing with a BANG

February 27th, 2010 at 5:10 pm

thanks for the info Ollyk, would like to see the picture. If the picture is in a link, I would like to see it. thanks.

February 27th, 2010 at 5:12 pm

Well, Kimmi, Muzza said he is saving himself for bigger events so I hope IW and Miami are big enough for him…

February 27th, 2010 at 5:13 pm

just to add..why would they consider all white people “high class” in dubai..strange! But good to know!

February 27th, 2010 at 5:15 pm

Kiiiiimmmmiii! 2 GOLDS in ten minutes – woot!!

Welcome OllyK – Djoko is my top fave, Murray close second, and a slough of others behind. Love tennis itself the most. Cheers!

February 27th, 2010 at 5:15 pm

“Well, Kimmi, Muzza said he is saving himself for bigger events so I hope IW and Miami are big enough for him…”

Ollyk, I don’t worry about what Murray said in Dubai. In general he was not match fit due to some reasons (AO loss could be part of it). But I hope he will be OK in IW and Miami. Lets wait and see.

February 27th, 2010 at 5:20 pm

janeeeee..WOOOOT! just saw the snow board! Amazing!

February 27th, 2010 at 5:21 pm

Olly, since I introduced sar to the people on TT, guess what… She received as worm welcome there as you did here, on the very same TT! I am very glad that you came and that people accepted you here. Interact and enjoy, but put my words somewhere in the corner of your brain, just in case. See you, Olly. Ajde Nole, in you we trust!

February 27th, 2010 at 5:24 pm

Kimmi, just google “Le reve”, I think there is a whole site about it and you’ll see why Federer decided to live in that building, which benefits it has. I bet he lives in apartment on the top of the building! :)

February 27th, 2010 at 5:25 pm

Thx, jane! :
Duro, sar was welcomed by Nole fans there, so that “warmth” wasn’t fake! I know, cause I was one of them. But, don’t worry, I’ll remember your words. You are very kind. See you, Duro, and 2morrow is our day!!!! Ajde, Noleee!

February 27th, 2010 at 5:32 pm

i knew as soon as i turned my back that gulbis match would be back on and…

Kimmi, Kimmi! *jumping up and down* he did it! erests gulbis into a final! yay and wooot!

next we see if he can pass a karlovic test.

did you see him serve out the match at all kimmi? was ernie looking ruff around the edges ? a struggle at deuce? he’ll need that knee and his legs, all that firepower for tomorrow.

and Jane. i am only celebrating ernests getiing to a final. tho it is my opinion he should be top 20 , yeah, that’s right, and he’s #72, i think this beats last year already, mm-yes.

GO GULBIS!

February 27th, 2010 at 6:38 pm

I watched the match !! In my opinion Andy was trying serve and volley more and apart from that i dont see much difference in his game.Besides he was fighting it till the end.In my opinion Janko was the better player in that match and Andy should just admit that it was not his day and compliment his opponent instead of trying to make excuses and letting everyone know why he thinks he lost the game.Rvrn |Roger ,when he lost to any oponent,he always give credit to his opponent.Lesson needs to be learned here by Murray.

February 27th, 2010 at 6:42 pm

oh yeah. karlovic has yet to actually beat fish.

GO ERNIE! you can do it! win this thing!

February 27th, 2010 at 6:51 pm

Contador – Congrats. he did it. Did not watch the end..I went away for a bit so don’t know. Wow! first final is great, even if he does not win it..he did one better than memphis and little steps for him, one step at a time.

He is definetly a top 20, even higher player..this looks to be a good year alread.

Congrats again to you.

February 27th, 2010 at 7:16 pm

Hey OllyK
Glad to see you on board.

Contador-Congrats

February 27th, 2010 at 9:43 pm

kimmi, a link to le reve

http://www.luxhabitat.ae/SelectedLocations/by-lifestyle/2/3?gclid=CLKYxNzglKACFdoB4wodYwrw9w

February 28th, 2010 at 4:47 am

thank maxi, i saw this yesterday. how beutiful. good luck to him for IW and Miami

February 28th, 2010 at 10:32 am

Zurich – Roger Federer’s recovery from a lung infection has progressed enough for the Swiss to start planning to travel next weekend to California with plans to return to tennis for the Indian Wells Masters.

An ATP official in close contact with the world number one said Sunday that the Swiss, while still taking medication for the infection he appears to have picked up several weeks ago during training at his base in Dubai, also says his condition is improving.

Federer, wife Mirka, the couple’s twin seven-month-old girls and Federer’s sister Diana, flew from Dubai to Zurich early Sunday on a flight delayed three hours until 5am by the storm which swept through the emirate on Saturday evening.
Continues Below ↓

The world number one has indicated that after a week at home near Zurich, he plans to fly to Palm Springs for the March 10 start of the Masters 1000 also featuring a women’s WTA field.

But the trip will be contingent on a clean bill of health from doctors monitoring his infection, which also affected his wife this week.

The Federers were escorted into the first class section of the Swiss International Airbus from an airport lounge in Dubai in the early morning hours and upon arrival in Zurich were taken away in a vehicle on the tarmac next to the jet which brought them home the Gulf.

February 28th, 2010 at 12:07 pm

maxi: thanks for the article. So Mirka got the infention too..hmmmm! Well I hope he recovers well enough to play in IW. Fingers crossed maxi

The tornaments needs federer, Nadal and Delpo, I hope they are all there.

February 28th, 2010 at 12:35 pm

kimmi,

me too. though read something about rafa being “worried about his knees”. dont know whether it’s been put out there for the scare factor? but i think everyone knows NEVER to underestimate rafa.

with him now being no.3, it will be interesting to see which side of the draw he falls, roger’s or novak’s.

February 28th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

kimmi,

i’ll try stay up for the livestream for gulbis, but cant promise. am sure you and contador will be in good company! (Karlovic is always a danger to any player out there).

February 28th, 2010 at 1:40 pm

“with him now being no.3, it will be interesting to see which side of the draw he falls, roger’s or novak’s.”

maxi – I know, and not a good match-up with Roger at all. Lets hope they play more and Roger gets the opportunity to reverse that H2H.

maxi, If Mirka got the infection, what about the twins..OMG they are so little and that infection seem to be serious even for udults, hope they take care of those little ones..if they get sick Roger will not be able to play or not able to give full concentartion to his matches. just saying!

February 28th, 2010 at 1:47 pm

For the past two years, top players have been attacking Fed’s weakness (backhand) in an attempt to win.Now that Fed has got enough backhand practice over the past two years, he has found a way to get around the consistent backhand attacks.
The window of opportunity is now gone. The only way to win over Fed now is to attack and attack better than Fed. Delpo was able to do it in US Open, however injured his wrist in the process.

It seems as if anyone who defeats or attempts to defeat Federer has to undergo intense physical trauma in order to do that, leading to mid term to long term injuries. It has happened with Nadal, DelPo (after US open), Roddick (After Wimby 09), Murray (After AO 2010). Not to mention that the others who dared to give Fed a fight have been battered badly (Hewitt & Safin).

I doubt Murray will be able to top Fed by changing his game. To defeat Fed by attacking, he needs to become a better attacker than Fed.
So here we are talking about Murray to tweak his game and become a better attacker than a 16 time GS champ and probably the best attacker of all times.

February 28th, 2010 at 4:46 pm