Baghdatis Bounces Federer; Nadal v. Isner Today at Indian Wells

by Sean Randall | March 17th, 2010, 10:01 am
  • 251 Comments

For Roger Federer the warning signs have been there. Initially, there were questions of his participation at the Indian Wells tennis event. Then, he looked downright shoddy in the Hit for Haiti spectacle last Friday. On Sunday, he dropped his first set in a win over Victor Hanescu. And last night, it was Marcos Baghdatis’ turn to take a shot at the World No. 1 and the Cypriot delivered the fatal blow. ADHEREL

Baghdatis fended off three matchpoints to stun Federer 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(4) in a third round thriller at the BNP Parisbas Open in Indian Wells on Tuesday. And with that, welcome to March Madness, tennis style.

“Best win of my career,” said Baghdatis. “I think that says everything. I cannot say I’m not happy. I’m very happy. A lot of emotions are going through right now. It’s the best win of my career. I lost a lot of matches against those top guys, and it’s a relief to win a match like that after being out for two years, having some tough moments. It’s a great moment for me. I’ll try to enjoy it.”


Federer appeared to have the match well in hand about an hour in, although I thought Marcos was striking the ball exceptionally well and really moving around the court with fleet ease. Not soon after the match was all but over as Fed held two matchpoints with Bags serving 4-5 in the second. But credit to Marcos who played solid tennis to save the game, break Federer and serve out for the set.

And in a split second it seemed, we suddenly had a match on our hands.

Federer, though, quickly raced ahead in the third 4-1 and again the match looked secured for the Swiss. But Baghdatis was having none of it. He got the break back and saved a third match point later while serving 5-6.

In the deciding breaker Federer continued to pile up errors – 46 all told – as Marcos really stepped his level up and took the match.

“You cannot be aggressive the whole match,” added Baghdatis. “You have to choose the points that you have to be aggressive. You have to be smart. You have to change the game. I think that’s what I did well today. Roger was, I can say, a bit too aggressive. He was missing a lot of balls, and I was more calm than him today.”

Said Federer, “It was a decent match, but maybe wrong choices at the wrong time for me. Maybe going for too much, maybe playing too passively. That’s not something you can really work on. That comes through playing matches, and that’s what I need. I hope to get more of it in Miami, but I will definitely play a lot of practice sets, that’s for sure, until then.”

Credit to Marcos for seizing on the moment to notch his best career win, and his first over Federer in seven tries. Bags has a lot of talent and hopefully this win will inspire and motivate him further to get back to the Top 10. If he can stay healthy there’s no reason that cannot happen.

For Federer, big picture is this loss came at a Tennis Masters, so I don’t think Roger will be losing much sleep. Again, the guy had been shelved for 40 days with the last 20 or so due to a lung infection, so it was a tall ask for him to come into the desert and light up a very strong field.

“It’s something that always is tough, coming from a long layover and all of a sudden playing matches. But, the season is long. There’s no need to panic here,” Fed said after losing his first match in which he had matchpoints since Rome 2006 to Nadal.

In other matches yesterday, Nicolas Almagro posted an impressive 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over James Blake. Robin Soderling ousted Feliciano Lopez and Andy Murray turned away Michael Russell.

Andy Roddick, who was seeded to meet Federer in the quarterfinals, was a winner over Thiemo De Bakker, and he now meets Juergen Melzer. JW Tsonga dropped the first set but came back to beat Albert Montanes and Tommy Robredo hammered Dudi Sela to set up a meet with Baghdatis.

So today we have a jammed-packed schedule with all eight men’s fourth round matches contested led by Rafael Nadal v. John Isner. We also have Soderling v. Tsonga; Melzer v. Roddick; Murray v. Almagro; Garcia-Lopez v. Monaco; Ivan Ljubicic v. Novak Djokovic; Viktor Troicki v. Tomas Berdych; and, Baghdatis v. Robredo.

Among the lot, Isner and Nadal is the one I’m most interested in. Isner’s been the hot man this season with his towering serve and improved groundstrokes. But Nadal is the defending champ and I just think with his heavy spinner forehand to John’s weaker backhand is going to give the American too many problems. But if Isner can force a couple of tiebreaks things could very well end his way. But he’ll need the breakers because I don’t think he can break Rafa twice.

Melzer gets his 10th crack today to beat Roddick. The Austrian played Andy tough at Wimbledon last year taking him to four, and I think this one goes the distance. Melzer seems to be getting closer and closer to beating Andy, but it’s hard to pick against Roddick here.

And I’ve talk a lot about Djokovic teetering on the brink. I think today he either wins in straights or gets dusted in straights. With Fed now out I think he recognizes the opportunity and gathers his game for the win.


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251 Comments for Baghdatis Bounces Federer; Nadal v. Isner Today at Indian Wells

sar Says:

How come they gave world number two the lesser stadium 2?


Voicemale1 Says:

This loss means nothing regarding Federer. In fact, the suspicious nature in me wonders if this wasn’t a calculus on his part – coming to IW and not care much about his actual result here. Federer knows he can coast all the way through Madrid – his results from IW until then are marginal. His closest pursuers for his #1 spot have a LOT of points to defend between now & The French. Once Madrid hits, Federer’s the one who’s got a lot of defending to do. He’s been around long enough to know winning IW or Miami these days means little. He’ll have to put in a lot of work to keep his French Open Title, and there’s no point in expending energy now he’ll absolutely need later.

If anything, he might be miffed at going out in the 32’s as opposed to the 16’s or the Quarters, but that’s about it. He had no real designs to win here. He did a lot of practicing in the match last night – working the Serve & Volley; Chip & Charge on the 2nd Serve..that kind of stuff. He’s just cruising now because of all the hard work he’s going to have to put up once Madrid rolls around. He has to defend Madrid, The French, Halle, Wimbledon & Cincinnati – and a Final at the US Open. No need at all to empty the tank now, especially when your #1 Ranking is in no danger.


Stefani Germanotta Says:

This Federer loss reminds me of the loss to Tsonga when he was up 5-1. Of course we know what happened subsequently at the Australian Open.

My guess is that Federer is focused on peaking for Paris and doesn’t really care about the rest of the hard court season. Short term goals are to get some match play in, keep fit, don’t get hurt and stay healthy all in preparation for the clay court season.


Martus Says:

Voicemail, i am a huge federer fan, but just because he loses a match does not mean he tanked. He’s not a superhero. Sometimes, the guy on the other side of the net just plays better. bags, when healthy, is an top player and fed has to be in top from to beat him. Cheers!


NELTA Says:

sar Says:
How come they gave world number two the lesser stadium 2?

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Most likely because Nadal is playing an American at a tournament in the U.S. If Nole was playing Isner then they would have put that match on Stadium 1 in my opinion.


floyd hill Says:

Marcos played the Odlum Brown VanOpen last year winnig the $100,000 USTA challenger.
This helped him rebound and we are all very happy to see him play so well!!!!!!!

Chairman

Floyd Hill


jane Says:

sar – I think NELTA is right; I am sure IW wants to keep the American’s on the marquee court for local supporters. I think Novak should just buckle down and focus anyhow. The less crowd the better, in some ways.

————————————————-
VM1 – I said something similar about Fed not having to worry much about his ranking last night, vis-à-vis Murray, Nadal and Djoko all having a lot to defend over the next few events and Fed still having a large cushion of points over all of them. It’s not like Fed did badly: e.g., semis in Miami and Rome. But until Madrid, of the three mentioned, he’s got the least to defend. As you point out, however, thereafter Djoko and Nadal in particular stand to gain at the FO and Wimbledon whereas Fed has loads of points to back up.

One correction to your post above: Fed didn’t play Halle last year; Haas won it over Djok in the final.


NELTA Says:

Any time you have match points and end up losing it is a bitter pill to swallow. However, in the grand(slam) scheme of things it is not that significant. Fed should bounce back like he has from all his other tough losses.

Bagy played excellent and in particular I was surprised how effective his serve was. He served 59% on his 1st serve, but his previous match was only 39%. Fed made some incredible shots, but as the match progressed his unforced errors really mounted.


sar Says:

Yeah I know Nadal is playing Isner but Novak is the number one seed now and he should be on center court. Murray is number four and on court one playing Almagro for pete’s sake.


Polo Says:

Federer deserved to lose that match to Baghdatis. He played very well and fearlessly. It was a pleasure to watch him continue to try to do his best in spite of being down so many times towards the end of each set. It would not seem fair if somebody who played as poorly as Federer won. The match was poetic justice.


Polo Says:

If Nadal’s knees are fine, he will win this tournament. There is nobody else left there who is better.


contador Says:

Federer loves playing tennis. the facts are what they are.

He lost. of course i didn’t watch…wasn’t planning to watch another federer match unless he reached the final, which i never thought he would.

but calculating losing to baghdatis? purely imaginary. not a chance. roger and rafa aren’t andre agassi. the score looks like roger intended and thought he’s win; looks like he fought hard in that last set…clear until the bitter end.

not a bitter end for marcos baghdatis though. woot! that guy is celebrating and haha-happy! maybe not dies and gone to heaven like benneteau but close.

now, can baghdatis go on to win Indian Wells? or at least get to the final, beat murray? wowzzzzaa. i am a baghdatis fan.

I think he gets by robby the raido but not roddick. we’ll see.

lotsa great tennis left. roger, go practice with EG, okay. cilic has goran.

ajde nole!


jane Says:

sar, that’s true about Murray/Almagro. Maybe it’s time of day? Is Novak playnig in the evening? I haven’t checked the schedule, but if he is, it could be better for him. And in that case, if he’d been playing simultaneously with Nadal/Isner, then I guess they’d have no choice. If Murray/Almagro were simultaneous, then probably Novak should get center court, but they probably also rotate it to a degree too. Anyhow, I hear you, but on the other hand, it may (?) not be a bad thing. Good luck to him today!!!


KillerC Says:

yall been raggin baghdatis win as “ooo fed didnt care thing..” guys, did you see baghdatis’s previous tourney?? he made it to the semis, hes on FIRE!!! he’s won a tourney already this year (medibank) the dood’s serve has improved very well/ definitely no push over. You could say fed’s in stage 3 of his career, only bringing it for the slams?? makes ya wonder. he was also sick for awhile, he’ll have a better showing at miami.

Rafa/isner should be on the main court, its a american event — rafa has won multiple grandslams and is one of the poster boys of the atp. If he didnt skip wimby he’d probably be pushing number 1 rank, of course they’d have him over novak being on the main court. In many ways novak probably prefers it, can concentrate more on the match/less people; also could use it as motivation, as feeling he was delegated to the back of the bus in effect. Im looking forward to the matches!


BagFan Says:

Hooray for Marcos!!


Huh Says:

In spite of beingn a huge Fed fan, I am mighty happy for Baghdatis. I love Baggy, to be honest, I always have! CONGRATS BAGGY! :D


Ben Pronin Says:

The logic of not caring about the current events and worrying about the later events is stupid. What if Federer fails to win Madrid, the French, Halle, Wimbledon? Federer is a pro player, he knows there are no guarantees. He’d be better off picking up points where he can so that if something happens, he still has a chance to retain his top spot.


I like tennis bullies Says:

lol sore loser feddy with the whinging and excuses again.
eat it big boy.


Stefani Germanotta Says:

Just to clarify — all credit to Bags for the win. He deserved to win and Fed blew multiple match points.

My point, however, was that in the overall scheme of the next few months, IW and Miami are places where Fed just needs to get in some match play, not get hurt, and stay healthy for the clay court season. If he wins Paris, then the calendar Grand Slam comes within reach.


contador Says:

what i noticed about rafa is that he coming back into form , but not being greedy about getting to every shot and defending every single point. last year he was doing the above in all matches, all tourneys, from the first round on. sure, he was giving out more bagels and braedsticks. it’s a positive sign for him to pace himself, play more conservative in early rounds and not “go for every shot.” maybe he won’t be able to contain himself, the way he loves to play, or maybe he’s learned something.

that was my point above: what roger has been doing and rafa is learning may seem “calculated” but neither lose, as in, throw a match intentionally like andre admits to doing in his “tell-all” rag.

Roger has a different gear for the slams. he’s not winning all the tournaments he did in 2004-2006. he’s not going to intentionally lose any match but it’s not as easy anymore winning any match for him. he had struggles and won ugly if necessary, to get to all finals and win 2 slams. i am getting used to it. he still hits shots so well, moves gracefully and makes tennis look easy. but that was an ugly win at wimbles last year, i thought roddick played better. federer simply refused to lose.

nole, is refusing to lose. such a great sign, that match with PK. i hope he can keep it up….he needs all the points, can win this and by summer be number 1!

again, murray fans, i agree with fed. Muzza’s slam winning day will come, maybe wimbledon, which would be huge for him, or the next us open. but i didn’t see enough confidence and refusal to lose at the AO final or in his other GS performances last year. it’s not murray’s want of talent.

rafa of course has the toughness, nole has shown the toughness to win a GS but seemed to “give in” in that semi-final at the us open last year. delPo was respectful but not so much as to seize the slightest opportunity and take it from federer.

it’s too bad JMDP is injured. we need him back in the mix.

to me: nolee has an edge and he’s about to put it all together. his fitness, talent, fight, belief, the personality, no bad injuries at 22; time to be a great no.1= AJDE! c’mon djokovic..on any surface, doesn’t matter.


Huh Says:

To the DEAREST Feddies on this site like Maxi, LLTK, Mr. Twocents, conty, skeezer etc……

DON’T WORRY GUYS, FED’S STILL THE NO.1! :D

————————————————-

And by the way Hello Mrs.Jane, hope it’s either Nole/Muzza at IW.

Hello Dear Mrs.Margot, I really miss u too, but have to concentrate on my studies, my career is at stake after all!

By the way, wherever u r Dear Mrs.Von, hello n respects to u.


sar Says:

also could use it as motivation, as feeling he was delegated to the back of the bus in effect.

Killer C
I hope you are right. MOTIVATE. I know that at Bercy Murray’s people complained that he had to play court 2 and implied that’s why he lost so Bercy said from now on he won’t have to. I guess the squeaky wheel gets oiled.


stu Says:

sar, you know i’m a fan, but Nole does his share of squeaking. in this case it might depend on whether its a Serbian squeak or an English squeak.


Ben Pronin Says:

What if he doesn’t win in Paris?


jane Says:

Hi huh – hope you’re well. Best of luck with your studies. : ) I miss margot too; I haven’t ‘seen’ her in a couple of weeks.

contador – I said to you on the other thread that you have good premonition (or you know Fed really well); you had a feeling he might lose to Baggy or Roddick. Anyhow, glad to hear you’re not too down about it. Hope you’re right about Novak!


sar Says:

TC isn’t showing any tennis. Is there any live streaming? These should have started.

STADIUM 1 start 12:00 noon
[5] A Radwanska (POL) vs [4] E Dementieva (RUS) – WTA
[15] J Isner (USA) vs [3] R Nadal (ESP) – ATP
[9] J Tsonga (FRA) vs [6] R Soderling (SWE) – ATP
Not Before 7:30 PM
[22] J Melzer (AUT) vs [7] A Roddick (USA) – ATP
[4] A Murray (GBR) vs N Almagro (ESP) – ATP

STADIUM 2 start 11:00 am
G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) vs [21] J Monaco (ARG) – ATP
[20] I Ljubicic (CRO) vs [2] N Djokovic (SRB) – ATP
[29] V Troicki (SRB) vs [19] T Berdych (CZE) – ATP
[27] M Baghdatis (CYP) vs [18] T Robredo (ESP) – ATP
Not Before 7:30 PM
[18] J Zheng (CHN) vs [2] C Wozniacki (DEN) – WTA


jane Says:

sar, thanks for posting the schedule; I wish Novak was playing at night, although I am not sure how much difference it really makes. I have been watching a lot of this event on streaming at atdhe.net so maybe you will find the matches there. Go Djoko! Fingers crossed he can win and win faster and easier today.


Voicemale1 Says:

Ben Pronin Says:

“The logic of not caring about the current events and worrying about the later events is stupid.”

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Let’s take your premise that Federer intends to play all out in every event he enters. Then last night ought to tell you his skills aren’t always enough anymore; he’ll be limited on what he can do even when he enters intending to win. He had 3 Match Points last night, and on each one of them coughed up an Unforced Error: Forehand wide, Backhand long, and Backhand into the net. If you think he’s 100% now and in to win, then I’d have to say that’s wrong.

Federer basically had no practice coming into the event, and the reason we all know that is because he spent time publicizing that very fact. If he’s going to make sure the world knows he hasn’t had any practice entering a 1000 Series Event, he’s the one laying the groundwork for being short & lowering expectations. He basically cannot pass the event; it’s required. So he shows up knowing he can’t win because he’s not fit. So he has one of two choices: go pedal to the metal here knowing you’re not prepared, or use the tournament here, and the ones upcoming, to get back into fighting shape for the prizes that mean the most to you: The French and Wimbledon.

Like it or not Ben, Federer is 28 years old now. Even though when he plays his best he’s still the best, there are times when he’s not at his best he can’t pull out matches like he used to at 23 or 24, and last night was an example of that. Each year at The French Open his matches get longer and longer. Last year in his 7 matches, 4 of them went beyond three sets, (two of them went the distance of 5 Sets). Federer is appropriately laying groundwork for the battles to come. He has no real fear of Murray, or Djokovic, especially at a Major’s Best of 5 format. But he knows there are now 2 guys out there who can take him out at a Major: Del Potro & Nadal. And in a perverse circumstance, should Nadal not be able to improve his current ranking before the summer, Federer could conceivably have to play BOTH of them BEFORE a Final.

In my humble opinion, Federer would rather succeed in a Major than worry about going deep or winning at IW or Miami. Especially when he knows he’s not 100% now, and he has serious opponents to beat down the road when it matters most.


stu Says:

well, the doubles match has started, so i guess its only a matter of a few minutes…


madmax Says:

I like tennis bullies Says:
lol sore loser feddy with the whinging and excuses again.
eat it big boy.

March 17th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

I like tennis bullies,

it’s so great to read your interesting, informative posts yet again! I’ve really missed you!

Huh! Good luck in your studies. I always think of you when I post here and wish you tonnes of success and send you masses of love. Our dear Duro has gone? I dont know where? He seems sad to me (his last post). I hope he reads this and comes back soon. Normally when Novak plays, he is here like a shot! *thinking of you Duro*.

Ben, you are becoming really negative! I posted something else to you on other federer thread, so will go find it and post it here, in case you are only on this one for the evening. Chill ben. have a beer :)


Ben Pronin Says:

Voicemale1, I agree entirely with your post. However, I’m just saying that the thinking that Federer should only concern himself about the 4 events he won last year is just bad judgement. There’s no guarantee he’ll win them again and because of that he should try to do better at the events where he can still gain points.

Just thought I’d share this with you guys, from Steve Tignor’s blog:

“Every match is about the winner, but not every match involves Federer as the loser. Last night he was starkly honest rather than gracious in defeat. More important to me, though, was that he was mad. There’s been talk about whether Federer “cares” about the Masters events at this stage of his career. Anyone who saw his ashen face after last night’s loss knows the answer. He cares.”


madmax Says:

Ben Pronin Says:
I’m not angry, but I’m not going to say it doesn’t matter just because it’s “gravy”. For any player, blowing match points sucks. Especially when you’re number 1. But all in all, I didn’t expect Federer to win this event and I’m glad Baghdatis got the big win he’s been waiting for for so long.
March 17th, 2010 at 1:27 pm

BEN!
Of course, I am angry that Federer lost! I hate it that he loses!, but that is NOT the way to be, I teach myself patience and understanding, Federer CANNOT win ‘em all. that is asking too much, so who hurts themselves here? Me! and what’s the point Ben? It’s completely counter productive. It ruins my day to be honest, I was a zombie today, unsmiling and wanted to be on my own, but then I changed myself towards the end of the day and thought of all the fantastic times Roger has given me as a fan, I feel blessed to be one of the millions of fans out there who have been lucky enough to live in THIS ERA. There is no one else for me, but I enjoy watching other players – so I hope to see Federer improve, I know he will, I know he will work hard at his game and see this as a positive too. He can rest, he can re-evaluate and come back stronger. That is the way I see it anyhow. :)
Cheers Ben!
March 17th, 2010 at 2:00 pm


sar Says:

Jane
85 degrees now and heading to the nineties by the time Novak plays.


sar Says:

Jane, IF Novak can get past Ljubicic and the heat today on court 2, who is he better against, Garcia-Lopez or Monaco?


margot Says:

jane: mea maxima culpa, have been really busy and haven’t seen much tennis, will amend that right away! Have been thinking about you though, with all those close, close matches Djko seems to be going in for at the mo.
jane, kimmi: read an interview with Andy where he said how difficult it was after AO loss and how hard it is to get the enthusiasm up for “lesser” tournaments. He’s trying to get a bit more of a life outside the circuit in order to stay fresher mentally, explains the Ferrari I suppose.
sar: although I’ve not seen any matches, I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts from IW- thankyou!
Huh: good luck with those exams, hon.
von: nice to see you too, re your comments, am now looking v. closely at Djko’s serve. That mighty forehand looks to me quite a strange action as well, almost wild. Certainly very effective however.


Long Live The King Says:

Hi huh,

thanks for the support :) we Fed fans have been spoilt over the years with too many goodies. I guess it is OK to lose a match to someone who is as talented as baggy, playing out of his skin.


jane Says:

sar, G-Lo and Monaco are a toss up, but I’d probably pick G-Lo, in that Monaco can grind right along with Djok; Monaco might have a dip. If it’s that hot, who knows if Djok will make it past today.

margot!!!! Cheerio. I read a great article that Kimmi posted on Murray, at the ESPN site, I believe. You should check it out if you haven’t : )


skeezerweezer Says:

[15] J Isner (USA) vs [3] R Nadal (ESP) – ATP

Coming up soon..

Great test for both players, interesting match up to see if Isner has enough to keep it competitive. Needs his serve to be clickin, and Rafa, well, he is, a tickin’


Tennis Vagabond Says:

The idea that Fed would throw a match to save energy for defending his points later is silly on a lot of levels, not least of which is that, having won 2 masters and 2 Slams over the summer months to defend, Fed would be a fool not to gain points over last year now, where he did poorly last year.
And Fed never said he got no practice coming in. In fact, he came in earlier than usual to get extra practice on site.
Does that mean he kills himself to win the match? No. He kills himself to win the Slam matches. He gives a notch less at other events, but he’s always trying to win. He just cant always win at that notch-below level like he used to.

That aside, I’m thrilled for Baghdatis. When he made his AO finals, I thought he was the real deal, a new star rising on the scene. Since then his career has been a real disappointment. I really hope he’s got his act together because he has always had the tools to be a champion, and great charisma to boot.


Fot Says:

I, as a Federer fan, didn’t have any expectations on how he would do in this tournament. I was just happy he was healthy enough to play (as it was reported on other forums that he would NOT play). The fact is that he was not able to ‘practice’ for 2 weeks due to illness. BUT, after he got clearance, he started practicing and he said he was 100% ready to go for this tournament.

Last night, – yes, it was a bitter pill to swallow because he had all those match points, but we Federer fans should be use to this. There have been many other times Roger has held match points only to lose the matches…the one I still remember vividly is that AO SF against Safin!

BUT…the thing I like about it is that Roger didn’t quit and battled through the end. Baggy is even saying this is the best win of his career. That’s a common theme with a lot of people who beat Roger – it’s their ‘biggest win’! Did you see Baggy get down and kiss the court last night after the win? He was so thrilled to win against Roger. And I’m proud that Roger made him work for it. It wasn’t like Baggy won 6-1 6-1. They went tie-break in the 3rd! There were battling down to the wire! It was an exciting match.

I think this win did more for Baggy than it hurt Roger. But Baggy will have to come down from his cloud 9 status and focus on the next match.

As a Federer fan, I’m not going to say it didn’t matter if he won or lost because I want Roger to win ALL of his matches! lol! But I will say that I can handle his losses much better now than I did in the past because of what Roger has accomplished. I was happy because Roger was on court. I know I’ll be sad when he decided to hang the racket up and I will truly miss him when he does so I’m just going to enjoy everything now while he’s still playing.

On the upcoming matches – I agree with the others who said the reason Nadal/Isner is on the main court is that an American is playing and maybe they think this match will be more interesting than Novak/Luby!


sar Says:

I agree with the others who said the reason Nadal/Isner is on the main court is that an American is playing and maybe they think this match will be more interesting than Novak/Luby
————————–
FOT I agree with this decision also since Isner is American, however I questioned the world number 2, number 1 seed being put on court 2 when he could have played on center court in place of Tsonga/Soderling or Murray/Almagro who likes to be scheduled during the daytime so people in Britain can see him. But, there is nothing one can do. I smell a rat.


skeezerweezer Says:

This is true re: Isner/Nadal….tourney is in US soil though. Ya think if it was in Europe they would showcase Nole over Nadal? Interesting….


skeezerweezer Says:

I posted this in the other thread, should have been here since you folks are discussing it…..

“When you think about it, being a Fed fan, wouldn’t it lower his credibility if he didn’t try to go out and honestly win every match he enters? On the other hand, I can see as a tennis player getting more “Psyched” up for a match or tournament over others……so would like to hear some comebacks on that one….

That said, with all the great players entered, there is no way Fed did not want to win this tourney or not to win against Baggy. BUT, to my eyes he did not seem prepared. “Too aggressive” as Baggy pointed out, like, maybe, “let’s hurry up and get this match over with?” Fed had his chances to close and seemed to have “some senior moments” with closing and then some uncharacteristic errors. He did say he could have used some more practice time….it showed. All credit to Baggy too he was the steadier player in the end..”


NELTA Says:

Nice post Fot.

Of course it matters to Fed and impacts the rankings, but as I stated before a poor result at a single M1k event is not that significant. Now if he loses early in Miami and loses early in the 1st clay court tournament then there is serious cause for concern as a pattern is developing. Fed did win an M1k before the French and also one before the U.S Open last year so I think that is important to build confidence. As Ben stated I don’t think Fed(and his fans) can rely on him holding serve ranking points wise at the 3 remaining majors.


fed is afraid Says:

beating roger in a 3 set match isn’t
really much to crow about. roger
only cares about the majors.


stu Says:

great, Nole. 2 DFs in the first game? didn’t expect any less from you!


jane Says:

I think it may be lucky I will be teaching through most of Novak’s match; IF the first couple servise games are any indication (i.e., 1 ace for Luby to 2 double faults for Novak), it doesn’t bode well (i.e., in terms of ease). But if Novak can find his mojo/serve, and/or if Lube’s serve isn’t firing, then I feel Novak has a very good shot of coming through; he does know Lube’s game well. In short, it depends on both of their forms. But NOVAK – are you listening? NO “mental breakdowns” or walkabouts allowed!

———————————————–
sar, I wouldn’t worry too much about the court thing. Like someone opined earlier, it may help Novak buckle down and focus, may motivate him to finish and move back to center court. I see Monaco is through, and he may (?) be the tougher of him and G-Lo for Djoko, but we’ll see. Monaco seems to be playing quite well of late. Anyhow, first Djok has to get by his chum, Ivan. Oh! I notice he got a break – nowadays, that doesn’t mean a lot though. LOL. He’ll need at least 2 breaks before I feel the least relieved, given his serve lately. SIGH. : /

———————————————

Fot – I agree with NELTA; yours is a very nice post w.r.t. Fed’s loss and Baggy’s win.


sar Says:

Novak may be wilting


stu Says:

he lost the first set this time. i guess that’s a bad sign?

never know with him.


Ben Pronin Says:

Djokovic is becoming Roddick… in a bad way. It’s becoming painfully obvious. He took my “be more like Roddick” advice way too far. Just like against Kohls, he’s run into a scorching Ljubicic. But Ljubicic didn’t start scorching, Djokovic lets these players find a groove. It’s ridiculous.


OllyK Says:

stu, that’s not a bad sign, he lost 1st set from Ljubicic in Dubai and then won! :)


stu Says:

It isn’t even a good match. I’d be okay with it if he lost a thriller – like Fed vs Baggy. I’m almost too bored to watch this!


madmax Says:

Hi Ollyk!

dont worry. novak will find his mojo. stay strong!


sar Says:

Come on NOLE!


skeezerweezer Says:

Isner makin it competitive…….:)


stu Says:

that’s nice of you Maxi. but i think we all want it more than Nole does :)


OllyK Says:

OMG, 3 break points for Ljubo…if Nole manages to save this, it is going to be wake up call…


stu Says:

i did like the point Nole won to go up 30-40. very risky, but nice!


OllyK Says:

maxi, I still have some faith left….


stu Says:

hahah 60mph second serve


OllyK Says:

Oh no… :( I can’t believe this…


stu Says:

OllyK Says:
maxi, I still have some faith left….

I don’t.


OllyK Says:

stuuu, wait a minute…maybe noww…


OllyK Says:

or not… :/


stu Says:

game @ 2-5, isn’t that the way he is supposed to have been playing all along? 2 aces, 1 second serve winner..


stu Says:

what’s with his returning to the center of the court? its driving me CRAZY. you’re supposed to KILL him with your paint-the-lines shots!


stu Says:

excellent clutch serving by ljube…


OllyK Says:

now, my faith reservoirs are empty…Good-bye IW! It wasn’t so nice seeing you. Miami…here we come!


stu Says:

oh well, it was only a matter of time really…


skeezerweezer Says:

Wow, sorry Nole fans…..bummer :(

Looks like the draw is opening up. If Rafa doesn’t get through……Isner took the second…good stuff……then Murray? Roddick? Very…Interesting….


skeezerweezer Says:

stu,

Didn’t get to see the Nole match……his serving? I know he was struggling with it the last few matches,,,,


OllyK Says:

I knew it deep down. Told you stu, you were brave!
But, Nole really needs rest. So, this doesn’t hurt me that much.


OllyK Says:

And, VON, if you are reading this, pls, change your keyboard for Miami! :D


sar Says:

Nole needs rest. He can’t win with Todd in house. He only wins when Vajda is there.


stu Says:

the serving was alright skeezerweezer. even good at times. ljube was pouncing on his flimsy 2nd serves, but there weren’t all that many. he was just not mentally in it is all i can say. and ljube didn’t lose his nerve like kohl and fish before him. and he served 13 aces!


stu Says:

on a happier note, Rafa’s the MAN!


OllyK Says:

yep, stu, I want him or Baggy to win this! :)


skeezerweezer Says:

sar,

Nole needs Sampras! Why not go afta the best? Besides, what is Sampras doin now? Playin doubs against Agassi? C’mon Pete!

stu,

Thanks!


Von Says:

Commiserations to Fed fans on his loss. I thought he had the match in his back pocket, then out of nowhere, he let baggy in, and the rest is history.
_________________
Skeezer, Long Live, Skorocel and Ben, take heart, Fed’ll be back in Miami. I know how deeply a loss for such a high seed feels, so early in a tournament. So well I remember Isner taking out in roddick in R16 at the USO. Been there and done that so many times, and I remember it well. OUCH

___________________

Olly: Sorry about Djoko’s loss also. LOL about my keyboard. I’m hoping it will work tonight. But, I’m having the most difficulties with the sewing. The threads are becoming all discombobulated, knotted up and I can’t seem to find some of them.

I didn’t see any of the matches today so i can’t comment of how your guy played, but I knew from the way he’s been playing recedntly, that Ljub might take full advantage and from the posts here, I guess ol Ljuby did just that. sorry guys, i know it hurts, but remember the past victories and savour those memories.


Von Says:

HUH:, I’m so glad to see you around again. My comisserations to you too. Take my young friend and let’s see you posting again, yes?


Von Says:

Long Live:

I read a long post from you to me on another thread, but I think it’s been relegated to the archive. Thanks hon, I appreciate your kind words — you’re da best (my daughter at age 5 used to say *bestest*) so I’ll join her in saying you’re the *bestest*.


Von Says:

BTW, Long Live, I’m depending on you to give me some moral support with Roddick tonight. Please stick around. My hands become very cold and to make matters worse, it’s a bit chilly at nights here in Florida.
___________________
Skeezer: I think Fed was listening to you and didn’t want to crush the *petal*. And, as a result of that, he took his foot off the pedal from the metal. You know the words are pretty similar sounding when the stadium is full. Ya gotta speak up clearly, it’s *pedal* and metal, not *petal* and roses. LOOL.


skeezerweezer Says:

Von,

Lol, PEDAL? That is really howzit spelled? DANG, no wonder he lost…….he didn’t know what in the h@ll I was talking about……Fed…..FED? oohhhhhh
Feeeeedddd? Wait……ever heard of the word “Mulligan?”

My dark horse Isner is coming along. Good fight, nice win Rafa…. :)


Von Says:

Skeezer:

I think Fed thought you were talking about flowers/roses as in Valentine’s day. It’s all your fault. Now go bury your head in a pint.


Von Says:

Skeez: Isner is coming along? Or is it that he’s now an also ran?? You’re striking out big time!! LOL. BTW, I hope you’ll be watching tonight and sending good vibes Roddick’s way. Rememebr ‘pedal’.

Did Rafa win? I’m sorry for Isner but Rafa needs this win more. Go show Rafa, and congrats Rafa fans.


Von Says:

correction: Go show Rafa, s/b *good* show Rafa. Skeezer, now you got me talking funny.


Kimmi Says:

Novak lost..chin up novak fans! did not see the match but i can speculate the long matches might have caught up with him.

jane did you watch the match? or did you run away from it, I remember Fish match you stopped watching..Commiserations

Duro, I have to say..sorry my friend. But I urge you to send good vibes to Murray…I know you gave me a hard time in Dubai but I will stay low profile here coz Murray has not impressed so far, but if he reach the final you will hear from me…my fingers are crossed.

So, the top 2 seeds are out in this tournament, now Nadal and Murray are carrying the touch..or NOT! Oh boy, Baggy, you need to capitilize man..good luck!!


Kimmi Says:

The berdy is winning easily his matches. Is he on fire..he plays Nadal next….wooot berdy!!


jane Says:

Ah, just checked the scores after class; I see Novak’s out. Oh well, if he had to lose, I certainly like Ljub and am happy for his win.

Novak better get it together for clay though, and especially the next 2 slams; I’d like to see him do well in those. Sigh…

Congrats to Rafa and his fans – looks like Big tall John put up a good fight though.

I can’t decide who I’d like to see win out of Tsonga/Soderling, but I do know I want Baggy, Roddick and Murray to win. Go Andys!


jane Says:

Kimmi, that’s true about T-berd, but he tends to cruise through early rounds often, and people start muttering about how he’s playing so well, and rolling quietly, etc, etc, and expectations rise, and then he plays a top guy and promptly loses. I’d love to see him surprise me once and break through at a Masters, for example. He’s got so much talent.


Kimmi Says:

Soda popping Tsonga here. this is the new soderling! apart from that poor showing at the AO (he could have been injured there) he is been doing well, he is playing like he knows he is better than Tsonga!


MarkoPolo Says:

I am new on this board! I read your boards regulary but this is the first time I post. I regularly post on tennis.com and tennistalk.com (arailic and grailic). Hi Duro, Hi Ollyk, Hi Sar, hi Jane, hi Stu (where is Goca and Posmatrac? have not heard from them and did not see any of their posts???????)

I am a fan of Nole, Rafa and Roger in that order. I admire Federer’s achievements and play (there is nobody in the World better than him). I admire Rafa’s strenght and gladiator desire to always clinch a win. Of course I admire Nole, his personality, talent and desire to achieve his dreams… As a a Balkan boy this will not be easy for Nole…. There is a mentality clash, but I believe in him, he is somewhat different than the rest of the Balkan world! He will accomplish his goals.

As far as the tourney goes, this is the “upset tourney”! Would you all agree? As far as “Baggy finally defeating Roger”? Well not expected, but it is not a surprise! Roger had a lung infection and just won AO a few months ago, so going out early in IW means nothing to him. He will move on and recover physically and mentally for Miami, but I believe he has his eyes on the clay court season already.

Nadal – Happy to see him back on court playing. He just beat Isner, but Berdy will be a true test of his form. Hope he gains his confidence and killer instinct! We all missed that!!!! There is nobody else like Rafa, the “tennis gladiator of today”.

Somehow the draw nicely opened and I do favor, Solderling, Baggy, Berdy, Rodick…. I have a strong feeling the winner will be one of them!!!!! Murray is another upset waiting to happen…….. Murray fans will jump all over me, but he is still vulnerable from the AO Fed loss and in addition, his form was not tested so far….

Nole – I have a soft spot for Nole!!!!!! He impressed me so far, because knowing his mentality, (I know it very well….) he would have folded and gave up by now, but he did not!!!!!! I hate to say this, but I am somewhat happy Nole lost!!!!! Better loosing from Ivan than from somebody else… On the other hand he was due for a loss and overdue for some rest and reassessment of his game. He’s been walking a thin line for some time now and he is due for a complete body tune-up, not to mention his serve…. he needs to go to the emergency room ASAP to get a serve check up!!!!!! I have faith in Nole and believe that he will conquer the top spot, but he needs to take care of himself. Being Iron Man and Hudini helps but it only helps for so long!!!!!! We all know he cannot be the jack of all trades and he cannot win without loosing, because this is sport, tennis! Buy I know he will prevail, as all champions do. I question the coach combination? I question the serve instabitlity? I question his overloaded schedule, because we all know that his focus should be GS and the next one is coming RG????? I really don’t question his desire because he’s proven to be a fighter and anyway he has nothing to prove to anyone, but to himself. The ones questioning his desire and focus should be actually “questioning themselves”! I firmly believe and hope, that he will at least be able to get through the HC season with at least a semi-final in Miami and defend some points, and than go full force and speed to the clay courts to achieve his dreams……………I look forward to chating with you all in the future….


Von Says:

jane: Did you know that Berdych won Paris/Bercy a few years ago, in 2005 to be precise? Thus, he did break through at a masters and is the proud owner of an AMS shield….


Kimmi Says:

Sod pops Tsonga in easy straight set and he gets another day to fight.

Hi markopolo, nice to meet you.

What baggy no no no. you can not lose to Robredo..c’moon man!!


MarkoPolo Says:

Nice to meet you to Kimmi!!!!!


jane Says:

MarkoPolo – A traveler! Welcome to you to. I think this is a great forum overall, and we’re developing a little posse of Novak fans here these days. : D


jane Says:

Von – I didn’t know that about Berdych. Thanks for the information. It just seems like a long time since Tomas has won a big title, more than a 500, or even 250, level.

Wow – I see Baggy really turned it around in the second set!


sar Says:

Von, I did not know Berdych won anything like that. Yes, Djok was due for a loss. Surprised he lasted this long. Even Gimelstob remarked about the same thing.

Marko, glad to see you on board.

Jane and Duro, time for Novak to get some R&R and not lose any points.


Seth Says:

I’m a big Fed fan, and I’m not too concerned about this loss, but still . . . you’re up 4-1 in the final set. Might as well put the guy away.


Kimmi Says:

Robredo looked like he was out on that second set, he regrouped in the third..Goooo Marcos!!


jane Says:

sar, yes, R&R and fly in Vajda?

Kimmi, I can’t help but root for Marcos; I’d like to see him go at least another round after taking out the number 1. But you’re right; Robredo is suddenly hitting crisply again.


blah Says:

yeaah, I think berdych beat ljubicic in 5 after coming back from down 2 sets(not sure about last part) in paris. I want to see soderling win this, he looks like he has the game and an a fierce attitude to consistently challenge the top guys. Hopefully he consistently goes deep in fos and wimbledons and find a way to beat fed (he has shown he can beat just about every other guy ranked above him. And bagdhatis just got broken after it looked like robredo is close to retiring from the match.


Kimmi Says:

M-lopez(?)/nadal still going strong in doubles. Nadal has some great doubles results in his career. He is looking for a “double” here..singles and doubles championship anyone?

Yeah jane..Baggy has won my heart yesterday too but he is really making this match last too long..he had like 4 chances to break robredo..couldn’t do it..now his serve is in danger!

Robredo now two break points..

and he breaks..just like that!! wow!


blah Says:

bagdadtis is odd, he has made very few ues and is clean on his strokes off both wings but just got broken. looks like he need to go on the attack a bit more.


contador Says:

tommy seems to know how to read the federer killer.

this is a fun match-up.

3 words about nole: i was wrong.

not sure, but tommy may be running outa gas. worn down. can’t hold that hard fought break. that’s the way it goes.


Andrew Miller Says:

Robredo is great, just not confidant in a lot of matches against similarly talented players. He strikes the ball remarkably well and it kind of, in my mind, a “poor man’s” Federer – does a lot of the same things, somewhat worse but nonetheless exceptionally well. I feel Baghdatis won last night’s match fair and square – much as Ben Pronin suggested. To beat Federer – in my mind, to have beaten him or even come close to beating him in any match since 2005 – a player has had to stick with Federer to the very end (see Roddick, 2009 Wimbledon; Roddick at the Miami tournament in 2008 or 2009, Guillermo Canas in 2007, Del Potro at the US Open in 2009, Rafa at Wimbledon in 2008).

Truly, Federer hates losing – whether he is sick or not he hates it. So for Baghdatis to beat the best player who’s ever touched a tennis ball, it’s worthwhile for Baghdatis to be pleased. That and he played a heck of a match! I had to stay up to watch it. I thought clearly Federer is a better player, but to his credit Baghdatis played brilliantly and stuck with Federer to the end of the match.

Agassi (the player, not the guy that cracks jokes in poor taste at the expense of the 2nd best player of all time, as well as a country that just got smashed by earthquakes) in his matches against Federer once said something like Federer tempts a player to go for too much. Here’s the quote from 2005. I think it’s as accurate today as then.

“You know, and then the next couple points, because he has — you know he’s going to step up, you have that little extra pressure to do a little bit more with the ball, to push it through the wind, and to get it deep because you don’t want to leave anything hanging against him on either wing. And, you know, you make a couple errors because you’re trying to play too good. And then just for good measure he did it at 6-1 in the tiebreaker. So anything that you’re trying to execute out there only lasts for a period of time till he makes the adjustment. Then you have to change it. All the while, everything you’re planning on doing, you have to do well and you have to do it start to finish. So that’s, you know — you can only say it so many ways. You know, that’s too good.”

There you have it…awful tough to beat Federer, even if he’s sick or out of practice. Still the man to beat.


contador Says:

robby held!


jane Says:

I think the Bagman may be done for. Somehow Robredo seems to have the upperhand even though he was hunching over and groaning. And how does one drop a set at love and then come back like that. I am still trying to figure out how Nole did it versus Fish and now here’s Robredo doing it. To bad Baggy couldn’t make more of his ‘big win’.


blah Says:

jane, I think robredo just threw the second set after the break. maybe his stomach settled, but still, no excuses for baghdadtis, he should have broke and got the win in the third set.


Andrew Miller Says:

My thought: the best place to beat Federer is either semifinals or finals. Beating Federer really takes so much out of players that they are spent for the next match!


Kimmi Says:

baggy saved two more match points here..hehehe!!


jane Says:

blah, makes sense. Baggy should’ve got that break where he had 5 or 6 chances. He’ll rue those.


contador Says:

but baghdatis still looks more the winner. very questionable if robredo can serve this out. we’ll see…..

just got in the the 3rd set. so i don’t know what happened in the 2nd…tommy got bagel-ed, eh.


jane Says:

Doh, Bagman just blew his EIGHTH break chance in this set.


Andrew Miller Says:

Robredo earned it.


Kimmi Says:

The giant killer is out.. Robredo moves on!!


jane Says:

Robredo wins. Have nothing against Tommy but would’ve preferred to see Baggy through.


jane Says:

Robredo wins. Have nothing against Tommy but would’ve preferred to see Baggy through.


blah Says:

guess that answers why baghdadtis is an underachiever. Look at the match sats, beats robredo in every category but 13 break points wasted, (robredo was 2/5)


contador Says:

4th natchpoint and robredo, all class!! that tommy rob! like soda pop and …wins!

yay! wonder if fed was watching this one. shaking his head.

and two great matches to come!


Andrew Miller Says:

Ha Baggy was 2/4 in break chances against Federer and Federer had more “baggy” stats yesterday re: break points. I guess that’s tennis :)


Kimmi Says:

Like what Andrew said, i think last night match took out some energy out of baggy..but all in all he is looking good to do well this season…wish him all the best.


jane Says:

Indeed Andrew, that’s tennis.

When are the Andys playin anyhow? I didn’t miss them did I??


contador Says:

the ar both up next….roddick then murray…i think

yep


jane Says:

contador are they on the same court then, one after the other, or one on court two?


Kimmi Says:

contador, Hi my tennis junkie friend..sniff sniff for our feddy bear!! Chin up..I have a feeling miami will be “very” good.


skeezerweezer Says:

Kimmi.,

Thanks for the update on the doubs. Rafa is still in? whoa! And I believe Isner/Querry are in too right?

Go doubs! ( I know I am a minority here, no prob )

On another note:

Can anyone say another Robin vs Rafa match? Now that…I would like to see….anyone?


Kimmi Says:

jane, murray follows Roddick match..same court!


blah Says:

btw- djokovic lost today. hope he gets his game together and doesnt wear him out in clay leading up to fo. a dream semis for fo for me would be something including djoker nadal fed soderling/delpo.


contador Says:

thanks kimmi. it’s okay though. i didn’t expect him to win here at all.

but i’m disappointed about nole.

miami? go ernie! ha-ha no mo’ picking winners.

yes indeed, skeezerweezer! love to have a soda pop v nadal! i’m IN!


skeezerweezer Says:

contador is back, so is Von and blah is posting as well with the rest of us. C’mon!

Jane/Kimmi:

I feel left out, hurt, damaged and traumatized that I can’t get in a word when you too are hot on the trail trading posts. Ok…I am jealous…lol :)

Von… Roddick match started,,,,,,,,he won the first game! It’s on….. :)


Kimmi Says:

Skeeezer!…Isner/querrey on the court as I type against karlovic/vemic(?)..must be a boom boom match!!


contador Says:

wait.

it’s t-bird v nadal. those guys are real chums. almost as good as nadal v soda!


Long Live The King Says:

Hiya Von :)

i will just say you are better than the bestest ;)

roddick on the board i see. i think he will win in 2 tight sets. so Von, hold my hands and keep sending the good vibes to a-rod :)


contador Says:

i am streaming Kimmi.

can’t watch the boom booms, damn.


skeezerweezer Says:

Contador,

Yep I was looking ahead. :)

Kimmi,

Isner/querry playing Dr. Frankenstein madman serving “Boris” Karlovic, Scaurrry! Boom Boom is right!!! :)

Nelta, didn’t you post Dr. “K” had a unbelievable winning serve percentage?


Kimmi Says:

Skeezer: hahahaha c’moon..it is survival of the fittest :)


jane Says:

blah, we know, we know : / What to do with Djoko and his sick serve? I hope he gets it together for clay too.

Thanks Kimmi for clarifying courts; I see it is already on.

Skeezerweezer – didn’t Rafa already avenge his loss to Soderling? Wasn’t it at Doha or something? Seems to me he did. But yeah, it’d be fun to see them play again. But that’s only possible in the final which means Soderling would have to eliminate Murray and Roddick and I think I’d rather see one Andy get through!

I can’t recall who’s on what side of the draw: both Andys, unfortunately, and Robredo, and Soderling on the top – hoping both Andys win tonight. Rafa, Berdych, Monaco and Ljub on the bottom. So I am guessing Rafa will get through from the bottom, though there have been a lot of upsets here. And who on the top?? Could be anyone of them, except Robredo.

Could it be a repeat of last year’s final? Murray versus Nadal? If so, who would win? Roddick played Rafa super close in last year’s semi.


contador Says:

skeezerweezer…..hello. my wish would be to watch tennis all day and night. but like stu says, “if wishes were horses…”


Von Says:

jane, Sar and blah;

Yes, Berdych won Paris when he was i think 19. I remember seeing his smiling face and blond locks (his hair was longer then) shining with that win.

Blah, yes, those were the days when the MS tourneys were 5 sets in the final and Berdych beat Ljub coming from 2 sets down. It was a contest of the two big servers going at it.


contador Says:

just so happens, i printed out the draw jane. so now i have it where i can SEE it.


Kimmi Says:

jane, nadal played Soda in Abu Dhabi..oh wait..it was an exho..it does not count I think!


Von Says:

skeezer: I’m so nervous to watch, and am only taking little peeks, and in very small doses.
______________________
Long Live: Thanks for stopping by to give me your support, and holding my hands. i must warn you that I normall am one whose hands are always cold. But you know what they say,: “cold hands, cold feet, warm heart’> LOL. That said, be prepared for the cold shocks.

As always you’re the bestest, but you have to share that award with skeezer too. Now, now, don’t be jealous, I’m only being fair and giving praise where it’s due. I mean how does one not like a guy who has rose *petals* on his mind, even shouting it out in the middle of Center Court at IW.? LOOOOL

Skeezer: You’ll never live that one down, not for a while anyway. As Long Live can confirm, I have the memory of an elephant …. *anyways* …. private joke. LOL


sar Says:

Yes, fly in Vajda to Miami!

Interesting show if you get CNN International. There is a special in depth interview with Djok tomorrow.

http://www.newsonnews.net/cnn/2237-cnn-international-serves-up-new-monthly-tennis-programme-open-court.html


skeezerweezer Says:

Kimmi/Jane

Ok who kept Mad max up past 4 am last might. Not me!
Not me! Not me! Not me! Not me! ….lol …ok I will take some responsibility…..

Jane…yeah I would have to look that up but I am lazy right now, hey, I am honest! LOL,,,, And I agree he has a monster task which I am sure the betting odds are against him getting through both Andy’s…..but that is the fun of it! :). And yes, looks like Rafa SHOULD be in the final…

One thing I have noticed about Rafa’s opponents, the taller it seems the tougher, can anyone pull a stat on that or comment? Taller guys like Murray, JDP, etc, can handle the high topspin to the BH better ( also better to have 2 handed backhand )against Rafa, am I wrong here?

Von,

“You’ll never live that one down, not for a while anyway.”

I Love it, keep it comin, I deserved that one…..lol! BTW Skeezer it’s PEDAL…..PEDAL….PEDAL……PETAL….Ok I got it.


skeezerweezer Says:

Von.

3-3 on serve, C’mon..give him some mojo….. :)


Von Says:

skeezer: if you start with petals, then you’ll have to start plucking the rose petals. “She loves me, she loves me not, she loves me, she loves me not ….. and on and on it goes. OUCH, the poor rose petals. see Fed was kinder than you are, he didn’t want to crush the petals..


sar Says:

Von remember
Andy Roddick vs. No. 22 Jurgen Melzer Roddick leads 9-0


Von Says:

skeezer: Why do you think I’m at my computer, i can’t watch. I’m getting ajita here. C’mon Andy, do your thing, puhleeze.


Von Says:

Sar: H2H means nothing. When this match is over, I’m going to write a trend about Roddick and Djoko that I’ve seen happening for three times already. I hope it doesn’t tonight …..


blah Says:

jane- lol, sorry, i meant to say that saw that he lost today, i wasnt assuming that very few people knew. Anyway I know that you are not too please with the result but I think clay is more important for him than hcs right now. He seems to have moved toward that direction in the past two years, so don’t be too down. I see him getting his second slam in fo anyway, just don’t know if it’s this year.

I think roddick should get to the semis safely, I don’t think either melzer or robredo can beat him.


skeezerweezer Says:

Von, You are giving me sideaches lol! Yes…How can you post while your watching the match? Because Skeezer is harassing you…lol! Have fun good luck to Roddick :) I will leave you alone…..ha!


jane Says:

Skeezer (do I have to type weezer every time?) – Kimmi answered. I guess Rafa got Soda at the exo earlier this year so it wasn’t official revenge. LOL. Official means both Andys have to go. I don’t think I can abide by that. Let Sod and Rafa meet on clay again; now that’d be fun.


skeezerweezer Says:

Doubs Flash…

Isner must had been P@ssed losing to Rafa today, as he is taking it out on Dr Frank-Karlovic as of now, won the 1rst, up a break in the 2nd….


Kimmi Says:

skeeezer..no way madmax could have slept thru that one…blame the maestro.

Contador, Yeah I remember the Rafa/berdy fued. is it still going on? I think it ended after Rafa gave berdy series of loses..let berdy start it again tomorrow I say!!

malzer getting into roddick service game here!!


jane Says:

blah – do you mean you were there?? I thought you were going down to watch some matches today, yes?


skeezerweezer Says:

Jane,

Skeezer is fine, just not Skeezy-doo, poo, etc,,,lol

Yes, and Clay is coming right up soon :)


Von Says:

blah; Are you positive that roddick will win this one? I sure hope so.

___________________
Skeezer: Don’t leav e me alone, I’m not watching ;I just peeked, and what did I see, roddick having difficulty with his famous 9th game serve problemsz. I’m about to strangle him.


Kimmi Says:

“”Skeezer is fine, just not Skeezy-doo, poo, etc,,,lol””

hehehehe!! funny!


skeezerweezer Says:

Roddick holds at 6-5. Let’s go …Breaktime! …PEDAl to the Metal!


skeezerweezer Says:

Kimmi,

You laughed you know what I am referring too….inside joke :)


Von Says:

Melzer has played only 2 sets for this tournament, one set per match, so he’s well-rested.

Gosh, I can’t stand this.


Long Live The King Says:

I guess skeezer weezer is a great dude to share the award with :)

Hold tight Von….. this is the business end of the set! come on a-rod, be nice and pull this out 7-5 or 7-6….

Go andy :)


Von Says:

blah: I need your positive answer or you’re not answering me on this one? Aren’t you talking to me anymore? LOL.


Von Says:

Long Live: You’re a ray of sunshine at this moment. The ray I need to warm up my freezing hands. I’m holding tight, cant you feel me squeezing your hands?


skeezerweezer Says:

Long Live The King,

Wow a student reader of posts also, kudos to you LLTK! :)LOL!

Von,

TB….THis is when the server counts……C’mon Andy!


Long Live The King Says:

come on A-rod!!! good on u for getting the mini-break back!


skeezerweezer Says:

Andy up a mini break in the TB!


sar Says:

Tormorrow schedule:

STADIUM 1 start 12:00 noon
[23] A Kleybanova (RUS) vs [6] J Jankovic (SRB) – WTA
Not Before 2:00 PM
[21] J Monaco (ARG) vs [20] I Ljubicic (CRO) – ATP
Not Before 4:00 PM
[28] M Martinez Sanchez (ESP) vs [8] S Stosur (AUS) – WTA
Not Before 7:30 PM
[19] T Berdych (CZE) vs [3] R Nadal (ESP) – ATP
[1] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) vs [5] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) – ATP-TBA


jane Says:

Roddick’s cruising in the tiebreak so far.


Long Live The King Says:

yes Von….. hold on tight…. almost there :) roddick in 2 tight sets, as I said :)


Long Live The King Says:

3 set points….


blah Says:

Von- yes. Roddick beats players he should beat. I don’t think he’s anywhere as inconsistent as Djokovic, especially not on hardcourts, he should have no problem until semis. plus his serve will win him almost all tie breaks and how could Melzer break him when he holds at 91%? Not to mention he’s great at going the distance. plus he just won first tiebreak as i am typing this haha.

Jane- no but I watched some of it. I might go tomorrow night if they put Soderling-Murray on at night, (assuming Murray gets through)otherwise it’s probably postponed to next year. oh well =|


skeezerweezer Says:

Von,

Andy Slam dunks one “In the Bank”, 1-0, 1 to go…..

Serving counts in a TB, and Andy has it!


Kimmi Says:

what a point by roddick to seal the set..niiiice!


Long Live The King Says:

there it is :) breathe easy von….. just 1 set away now :)


contador Says:

i doubt rafa giving birdie “a series of losses” has made them chums…i was joking. i think berdy will be out to win…”it’s a good thing” you know as martha stewart would say.

berdie won all 3 of their matches on hard court. but he has not won since 2006. the last were on clay and nadal won from 2007-2009.

t-bird is hungry, i hope. just want a good match. but birdie is was beaten by EG recently, which is telling of how inconsistent he is.

since my main faves are gone,

my evil twin says…” go-win- all UNDERDOGS! ”

more, more…upsets and surprises, yeah.


Kimmi Says:

Isner/Querrer sealed it…yeah baby!!


Long Live The King Says:

SW (skeezerweezer) :)

i did not get the student reader of posts, sorry, but what does that mean?

i will take the kudos though, even though, as of now, I dont know why I am getting them :D


Long Live The King Says:

contador :

dont let ur evil twin get near a-rod, am cheering for him :)

kimmi:

am glad for isner/querrey….. hopefully they will do what fish and roddick did last year :)


skeezerweezer Says:

Kimmi,

Isner/Querry…yes!

contador,

Very interesting stat on T-bird vs Rafa on Hard. You’re right that was awhile ago though….I was not interested in that match up but since you dug that up…mmmm


Von Says:

Long Live: I was holding on tight and squezing your hand as hard as I possibly could. WOW, he did it LL!! Now onto the second set.
______________

Skeezer: yes, the better server is the one that’s in control, most of the time in the tie-breaks and has the advantage, but sometimes with a good returner on the opposing side, it also is a tight one to pull out. anyway, he did it, thank God.!!.
________________
blah: you’re so right, but you know what, I know all of what you guys are saying, but I somehow forget it all when I watch Andy play. Don’t you remember that night when you, Veno and I were watching the AO in the match with Andy vs. Gonzo? WOW, I couldn’t sit still, and I needed every ounce of positive vibes i could get from you guys. You were both awesome sticking with me that night. Anyway, that’s one of the reasons why I need affirmations about Roddick — sometimes he’s unpredictable.


contador Says:

rafa will win tomorrow.

then what? my draw here says he plays monaco or lube? duh,oh.

so, rafa defends his title. how close is he then to nole in points, next question.

he’ll have murray, roddich or…soda pop in the final, most likely.

i love to pick…hahahahaaaa. NEVER do i get it right.

roddick to win here in 2.


Von Says:

I’m happy for Isner and Querrey also. i hope they do well and get to the finals since they are now both out of singles. Let the Americans win something and keep the stars ‘n stripes a flyin’.!!.


skeezerweezer Says:

LLTK,

SW is cool to. Thanks..

It had to do with another poster….awhile ago…all “passe’ “..:)

all is good…no worries :)

contador,

Who invented “Soda Pop” for RS? Too funny! Although “Lube” is just as good :)


blah Says:

Von- ha, I’ll try to keep providing the positive vibes throughout the season. Melzer is nowhere as talented as gonzo, and when gonzo catches fire he’s good enough to beat almost every player, but he flames out quickly. I think the only case when Roddick might have problems on hardcourts is when he plays a big server or an aggressive player with power. Melzer and Robredo? meh. I just remembered that I haven’t seen Roddick and Nadal go against each other in a while. That would be an interesting match.


skeezerweezer Says:

Von,

FYI Roddick up a break serving 3-2 in the second :) :)


skeezerweezer Says:

10 aces( or was that an ace second serve to make it 11?) and a hold at 4-2. And…Black is back baby…….:)


madmax Says:

skeezerweezer Says:
Kimmi/Jane

Ok who kept Mad max up past 4 am last might. Not me!
Not me! Not me! Not me! Not me! ….lol …ok I will take some responsibility…..

Skeezer!

you’ve done it again! I cannot sleep in the UK, have come downstairs and made myself some marmite on toast (I know!) and a cup of tea – makes the world seem right again!

So yes, I do blame you! :)

just wanted to check the scoreline. We have no “live tennis” at this time on either Eurosports OR skysports (our two main channels), so am just checking in to see how novak/roddick/rafa have fared.

Ollyk, are you around?
Duro?


Von Says:

blah: Thanks and I’ll hold you to that promise of providing the good vibes throughouit the season.

IW is not suited to roddick because it’s a slower court with an overlay of a lot of the gritty stuff, which slows down the big servers.

I agree that it would be interesting to watch nadal vs. Roddick again. The last time they played I think was at Miami on a very bad, windy day, and Rafa won.

I see roddick got the break. Thank you Lord. I hope he consolidates it and wins this in 2 sets.

Long Live and skeezer, you guys are quiet, what’s happening ??


contador Says:

no worries, LLTK

i like to tease…but i’m harmless. roddick looks sharp.

up a break…relax time and a beverage.

and yeah, kimmi. cont here – looking up details, two computers going, watching some youtube matches: rafa v berd: there is no love between them. which makes watching more fun, maybe.


Kimmi Says:

Pulling for Roddick to finish here..c’moon Murray..its getting late


contador Says:

i dunno, skeezer….r.dimon called him “soda” on TT and i added the “pop” robin is a popper, a soda, he’s a cool soda pop…whether he is losing or winning. don’t you think? icey cool.

madmax! are you watching tennis?


skeezerweezer Says:

Madmax,

HAHA…ok I accept the blame no problem :), so educate me, was is marmite? :)I like the toast and tea thing, sounds cozy :)

RE: Matches… I am sure the other posters will get you up to speed, I am in a battle keeping up with Roddick now….he won the first, and is up a break in the second…looking to close out the match…I think! Cheers! :)


Long Live The King Says:

roddick has this in the bag :) and with bag-man out, roddick should safely make it to semis….. 5-3 in the 2nd set. get the double break and close it out a-rod :)


skeezerweezer Says:

Von,

Roddick is looking good late in the 2nd, fingers crossed :) 5-4, Roddick to Serve. Serve baby serve!


Kimmi Says:

Rafa v berdi on U tube hehehe..berdy c’mmoooon I cheer for you this time..but you will lose ofcourse. I am watching Wozniacki V zheng at the mo. little people fighting out..


contador Says:

hahaha skeezyweezer. i read the thread here that you no like the endearments? i can’t call you skeezy-poh-bear? *giggling*

lube the tube, like one of those “blue men” what are they called?


Long Live The King Says:

von,

last time rafa played a-rod was in the semis of last year’s IW. as you said, the slower IW surface favors rafa…. andy would be happier to play him on faster surfaces like cincinnati, new york and any of the fall indoors. i dont want him to face rafa here :D especially when it is windy :(


skeezerweezer Says:

contador,

The name to me “Soda Pop” for RS turned into a classic! Thanks! :)


contador Says:

alright skeezerweezer i won’t tease you by butchering your nick, it’s a fine one.

soda can POP or fizzle, depending.

duking it out at deuce, c’mon roddick


Long Live The King Says:

Done! nice, clean performance from andy :) he needs one more like this against robredo and then get ready for the big battles over the weekend :)

you must be very happy Von! Roddick was awesome today. very businessman like :) well done a-rod :)


skeezerweezer Says:

Roddick wins!!….congrats Von!!!….good night everyone…good luck Murray fans…. I’m out…gotta go..Kimmi, Jane, LLTK, Contador, huh, stu,sar, and MADmax…goo tooo sleeeep . HA!


jane Says:

Okay, one Andy is through with no troubles whatsoever, time for Andy M! Woot!


Michael Says:

The problem with players like Baghdatis is lack of consistency. He fends off the greatest Federer only to fall by wayside to Robredo. Ofcourse he put up a stiff fight but succumbed in the end. The reason he fell through was because his serve was not working well today as it was against Federer.


jane Says:

Night Skeezer!


Von Says:

WHAPPA, HE DID IT!!

THANKS GUYS, LONG lIVE, SKEEZER AND BLAH FOR SENDING A-ROD GUUUUUUDDDD VIBES!! I love it and appreciate it MUCHO.

____________

Long Live: Yes, it was at IW vs. Rafa and it was one heck of a windy day. I don’t want to see Andy vs. Rafa with wind, on a slow IW court because Rafa will pound him with his top spins and pick on his BH. OY VEY time for sure if that were to happen.


Michael Says:

Djokovic has lost and it is a big surprise to me as I fancied his chances to win the title. What should be demoralizing for him is the fact that he lost in straight sets and that too to a lowly ranked player like Ljubic. In the past, he managed to wriggle himself out often from dificult situation. But today it was not to be and he lost without putting a stiff resistance. Nadal has won against Isner and I was particularly impressed by the way he tamed him. Isner was not just comfortable handling Nadal’s heavy top spin and I was lucky to take a set off Nadal.


contador Says:

ahh, skeezerweezer. bye.

andy and almagro. first test maybe for muzz, maybe. almagro has been through karlovic and blake; he’s can be tough when healthy. love his backhand too, but-

muzza in 2. murray, play sharp, okay? no naps when you get ahead.


Von Says:

Goodnight skeezer, enjoy your night. And, Skeezer: remember she loves me, she loves me not, she loves me, she luvs me NOT, she SURE DOES LUV ME!! Goodnight!!.


Michael Says:

Everybody seems to forget the dark horse Soderling. Today he showed to everyone as to how dangerous he really is by pulverizing Tsonga. If Murray gets past Almagro he will be meeting Soderling in the quarter finals and what a match that will be. Considering how well Soderling is playing, I would rate Murray chances as rather slim unless he lifts his game to another level.


Kimmi Says:

Muzza gooo Muzzza


Von Says:

FYI, The Tennis cCannel ticker stated that Sharapova has withdrawn from Miami due to a bruised elbow bone. OUCH, that’s painful.


Long Live The King Says:

sorry djokovic fans that novak lost. i was happy because it makes me richer by 100 euros.

duro man, sorry for the loss…..


contador Says:

Michael-

Not me. i am not forgetting soda. murray and soda have not played since 2006. they are 2-1 favoring murray, both matches on hard court ( i think ) that’s a long time ago.

i hope for a good match but….a good win over almagro tonite is what murray needs. but soda beat tsonga 6-3, 6-4. didn’t get to see the match but that is no small feat.


madmax Says:

skeeze!

marmite is a black/brown thick, gooey consistency type of “syrupy” paste – very savoury and has a bite to it, similar to vegamite in Australia, or like a thicker version of “bovril”. so strange that our cultures are similar in lots of ways, but not in others. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT! It has a logo – you either “love it” or “hate it”.

yes contador, am up! wanted to see how novak did. watched the start of the match and then felt tired, bed. couldnt sleep. bla bla.

you see, going back to a comment Ben Pronin made ages ago, this is what frustrates me! FANTASTIC match between roger and marcos, and then marcos loses to a lower ranked player the next day! Arrrrrghghghghgh!!!! what can you say!

So who is going to win now? was hoping marcos could go all the way!

now bed for me!


jane Says:

Is Djoko’s serve sickness catching? Murray’s serve has looked a little sick so far.


madmax Says:

ollyk, duro, what to say about novak? :(

rest novak and come back stronger next time! :)


Kimmi Says:

Unless he plays VERY aggressive and SERVE well..he will lose this Murray!


jane Says:

break, break, breakity break break


jane Says:

Lots of errors from Nico helped Murray get back on track :D


Kimmi Says:

much better


Fot Says:

The problem with Baghdatis, Julian, and some others who won against Roger is how they think. They both said (after the victory over Roger) “This is my biggest, best win ever”. For them, that match was their championship. They both lost the next match. I had a feeling Baghdatis would lose this match. I hoped he could have pulled it off, but I’m sure he was still on that ‘high’ from winning against Roger.

I posted some of Roger’s interview last night, but here’s the entire thing from ASAP:

March 16, 2010

M. BAGHDATIS/R. Federer

7 5, 5 7, 7 6

An interview with:

ROGER FEDERER

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. That got away from you, the match.
ROGER FEDERER: Say again.

Q. What got away from you in the match?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, many things, I guess. You know, I used up too many chances. Comes backs and haunts you. But he hung in there, obviously, otherwise he wouldn’t be there. That was the result.
But, no, I mean, I think it wasn’t the worst match, you know. Conditions are quick, it’s tough to return, but I did many good things tonight but also many bad things. It’s just a question of not letting that happen too often.

Q. How tough is it, Roger, after coming off the back of the Australian Open and to be sick and regain that kind of edge straightaway? How demanding is that?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, I could be sitting here an hour earlier and saying how comfortably I won the match in straight sets not playing great, but moving forward. Always a very fine line. That’s not why I don’t like to now beat myself up too much after a loss like this.
It feels like something the Tsonga match last year in Cincinnati, you know, what happened after that. I played great. Or was it in Toronto and I won Cincinnati.
So it’s just like one of those matches that just happens, you know. You play good most of the time, and then you just don’t play so well when you really have to. The match almost looked like I wasn’t playing all that great, and then I could have still won the match.
That was one of those matches that happens, and it’s a pity because I wasn’t terrible, you know, so…

Q. You had three match points throughout the night. Can you take us through the two in the second set and then the other one you had in the third.
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I think that’s the tough part, you know. When you come back from a long break, sometimes it happens automatically that you’re back in it; and then sometimes I already felt against Hanescu I was doing many right things, but then the next thing you know I’m stuck in a third set and you never know what’s going to happen.
It was the same thing tonight, and I just couldn’t find the way to win. I was maybe one shot away. That’s how much it takes sometimes from winning or losing. That’s why you can’t say I played a bad match, and if I win I’m going to tell you it’s a good match.
It was a decent match, but maybe wrong choices at the wrong time for me. Maybe going for too much, maybe playing too passively. You can’t even that’s not something you can really work on. That comes through playing matches, and that’s what I need.
I hope to get more of it in Miami, but I will definitely play a lot of practice sets, that’s for sure, until then.

Q. Did you feel like you had your rhythm at all any time during the evening, or was it up and down, in and out?
ROGER FEDERER: No, it was not so bad. I had very good spells on my serve, you know, holding comfortably the whole time. But he was serving well, too, so you don’t really get a rhythm out there too much, you know, because there’s hardly any rallies.
So that was for both of us. Then the tighter it gets, the more rallies there are all of a sudden. So this is when you start thinking about it a bit too much, and take wrong decisions.

Q. What about his level? Is this the best Marcos has played compared to the other times you’ve played him, or what was your thought on his game tonight?
ROGER FEDERER: Close match, you know. It wasn’t the greatest match of all time I think from his side, either. I think the Australian Open final was much higher quality.
Just because he beat me doesn’t mean he’s played the match of his life. He’s a good player. He’s played many of the top guys. Tonight he just hung in there, and that was enough.

Q. Can you talk about big shots in the breaker? He really held his own.
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, kind of, I guess. If you want to see it that way you can; you can also see it the other way. That’s the way I see it.

Q. At any stage, it’s keeping a real sense of perspective, isn’t it, and a level head and not getting too downhearted with one defeat when you’ve got a potentially well, you have one great tournament and potentially some more to come.
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah. Yeah, I mean yeah, it’s fine, you know. I tried. I came here, gave it a shot. It’s a pity. I wish I could prepare for my next match. I don’t know who I would have played tomorrow, but I would have had a great time playing another match here.
I think as the tournament would have gone forward I would have found my groove more and more, and who knows what would have happened? But I don’t need to worry about that anymore. It’s about resting, you know, because I do feel the first match in my body. It’s something that always is tough, you know, coming from a long layover and all of a sudden playing matches.
But, yeah, I mean, the season is long, like you say. There’s no need to panic here.

Q. Back to the tiebreaker, do you feel like you played a bad tiebreaker? Because he came up with some pretty big serves there on the end. Were there just a couple points where you felt like…
ROGER FEDERER: I should never be in a breaker, you know. So why analyze the breaker? That’s my the way I analyze tennis.

FastScripts by ASAP Sports


Fot Says:

P.s. Congrats to the Roddick fans on his win tonight; and to the Nadal fans; and to the Soderling fans; and to the Berdych (oh…does he have any fans here?) lol! Just kidding! Well, congrats to all the winners tonight.

My prediction is that Murray will join this list. I don’t think he’ll have too much trouble with Almagro tonight.


Michael Says:

Contador, H2H matters little. It boils down to the kind of form a player is in and how everything falls in place to suit the winner. Considering the clinical way, Soderling demolished Tsonga I feel that his self-confidence will be sky high and he will fancy his chances against Murray. I am still not able to write off Murray but he can be assured that he will in for a very tough time. It will be one helluva of a match and I am eagerly awaiting it.


Kimmi Says:

27 minutes we have the set..I did not see this one coming..Goooo Murray


Kimmi Says:

Contador..Gypsy in the house…shakira! hahaha


contador Says:

nah, Kimmi. al doesn’t have know how to beat murray, it appears. only way murray will lose is if he beats himself, loses focus and i don’t think he will. not much stands in his way from meeting rafa in the final.

with fed and nole out. muzz has to be psyched. even tho i’d like to think roddick and soda can give murray a hard time and have some good matches. tonight this is looking more to me like a 2009 final rematch.

look at nadal’s sweet draw, realistically. berdy is not going to upset nadal, then monaco or lube?

murray takes the first set easily.

if murray meets roddick in the semi, the h2h is 6-3 murray and 2 of roddick’s wins were on grass, a big one last summer when murray was pressured at wimby and the other recorded win for roddick was actually a w/o. so i’d say murray gets by soda and he’ll sail into the final….against rafa.

at that point, i can’t pick against nadal. a better performance from murray than last year, is what i hope.


Michael Says:

Kimmi, Murray seems to be on a roll at the moment. Hope he can maintain this level in his next match which will be quite different.


jane Says:

He will get a nice rest now. Andy M. through after playing only one set. And he’s had a pretty nice draw too. Soderling will be tougher – much! Be interesting to watch that one!


contador Says:

OH, i agree Michael. in general, of course h2h matters little. i only look up all of them because i’m curious. yeah, what matters most is the present. and yes, soda is playing well, surprisingly. proplem with soda is that i have watched him win one amazing match, then completely fizzle the next one.

murray and soda’s h2h matters like nothing. but murray is arguably the best returner of serve, which could undo soderling’s main weapon. but soda has that ice in the veins thing and a confidence boost at present. i am hoping for a great match but thinking if murray is on his game as he was tonight, he also moves better than soda….we’ll see.


Michael Says:

The toughest draw in the tournament is drawn for Soderling. He had to win against Lopez, Tsonga, Murray, Federer and Djokovic or Nadal to win the title. This seems to be a tall order and he is unlucky.


sar Says:

Soda with ice looked excellent against Tsonga today.


Michael Says:

Contador, I agree. We can never write off a player of the calibre of Murray. He will always have the capacity to lift his game when it all matters. But I thought Soderling is rather unlucky to have been conferred with such a tough draw.


Michael Says:

Almagro has retired and Murray is through to the quarters.


Kimmi Says:

Haha..I post on another thread for some reason..Murray moves on, even though by retirement it was a good first set. He now gets a rest day and then Soda..I wonder what is the H2H..2-1 murray but..(BIG BUT) they have not played since 2006..can’t tell now, too far back..soda is different now and Murray is too.

Michael, we will have to wait and see..Goo Murray!


Michael Says:

Kimmi, It will be one helluva of a match for sure. Difficult to bid a winner at the moment.


Kimmi Says:

OK..Good nite guys..tomorrow another day. Bye!


Von Says:

Reminder for those Tennis viewers in the US, Fox Sports will be broadcasting some Tennis matches from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and the Tennis Channel from 3:00 pm. to 12:30 am. Check your TV listings for added Fox sports coverage.


contador Says:

certainly, soda has come through lopez and tsonga. he passed the tests fairly easily. it’s that question: which is better, an eay draw or the confidence matches soderling just got through. both of them in 2 sets.

it’s been a long time and the h2h is only an artifact at this point. but how they have developed and the way each is playing is most interesting a why i want to watch.

andy just one a solid one set over almagro. muzz was moving reallly well, getting to every shot. both are motivated, in good shape, well coached, and each will be ready.

now i have to see if the order of play is posted yet!

g’nite all. always a pleasure.


margot Says:

Sorry it ended with a retirement..but..come on Andy. If he has his A game Soderling will not win, but am afraid Andy has looked “off” since AO final so, like kimmi, fingers crossed for a repeat final of last year.
jane: sorry for Djko, but all that tennis finally caught up with him, I guess.


contador Says:

Fot-

thanks for posting the entire federer post match interview.

here is my favorite federer saying:

“I should never be in a tiebreaker, you know? So why analyze the breaker? Thats my the way I analyze tennis.” Roger Federer.

love the swiss maestro’s mind……great point!


jane Says:

I think Andy M can beat Soderling margot; like contador said, he is the best (or one of the best) returner in the game, and if Sod’s bullets keep coming back, he’s prone to hitting errors. Tsonga is not the best returner imo. So Sod will have his hands full with Murray. I give Murray the edge to get to the semis and then it’ll depend how he approaches his match with Roddick. If he is too passive Roddick could take it to him (like at Wimbledon), but, as this is a slower hardcourt that could help Murray. Tough to say, but I do hope that semi comes to pass. On the other side, I have to like Rafa’s chances; he’s got to be in the final. I think there’s a VERY slight chance that Berdych could miraculously have a big win, but I strongly doubt it. Rafa vs. one of the Andys with a slight edge to Murray due to the H2H and because he seems to return serve so well.

margot: thanks, no worries re: Djoko. Saw that one coming a mile away. :)


OllyK Says:

MARKO, heeey, great to see you here! Duro will be very pleased too, cause he asked about you a couple of times! Positive tennis-x vibrations for our boy will be even stronger at Miami! I’m happy for that! :) Last paragraph of your post – very well said. I agree with every written word in it! Enjoy here and see you around in few days! :)

MAXI, it is ok, really…Í’m not mad at him, I’m not disappointed. If he was fresh and lost like this I would be, for sure, but since he was tired, I don’t have any right to say anything. In the last match service was better so I hope that he will manage to fix that big problem and come back to Miami stronger and hungry for wins! I wish the same to your maestro! Maybe they’ll have a hit with each other since they are both already in Miami, I think. :))))
Take care, maxi, have a good night sleep in next few days to regain strength for next event which is knocking on the door. I’m going back to Dubai tomorrow and starting to work next week, so it will be tough to fully enjoy in matches, but I’ll do my best… :)


OllyK Says:

VON – your keyboard worked for you last night….grrr, I’m angry at it. ;) Naughty, selfish keyboard!! :) Kidding, of course. Gratulationes!! :)


madmax Says:

Ollyk, you will have to have some “sneaky peaks” at tennis.x from work, as I am now! (naughty), this forum is just irresistible! and i did look out for you more over the last few days. I enjoy our conversations very much and i said to zare on TT to come over, as he has a few times, he writes better over here and doesnt have to get involved in some of the silly fighting that goes on over there, hopefully he will.

As for DURO, (caps so he can see!), well, I am worried. He has NEVER been so quiet – especially when Novak is playing, he is always on here and I wonder if he watched the match or if he is ill again :( i hope not.

Sar, thanks for the posting of Indian Wells, looks as if you had a great time!

FOT!

you are a *STAR MAN*, a *STAR BAR* (which is a ggrreat brand of chocolate in my neck of the woods! Fed’s interview was interesting. He sets such high standards for himself (hence the questioning of his own “where he should be”, and that is NEVER should it have gone to a tie breaker, and I agree. I am glad that he shows all the passion and relentless pushing forward to still be the best.

Skeezer,

I am knackered again this morning, due to you! Next week, will be in Germany, so at least there will be a break of a week ? from tennis and I can catch up! you owe me!!!! :)

contador, enjoying reading your soda pop posts!


OllyK Says:

maxi, read Duro’s post on this thread and you’ll see what is happening..You haven’t seen it, obviously, just scroll down (a lot):

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2010-03-14/3561.php

I enjoy talking to you very much, as I said many times before. I hope I’ll have time to be here next week..cause I became addicted to this site, that is true. :) And zare should be here more often! I’ll tell him to do that during Miami cause we’ll need him very much! :)


madmax Says:

ollyk, you do! (need to be here very much, along with zare – there is a lot of love for Novak here, and I can say that as a diehard fed fan, a much better calibre of people).

Thanks for duro’s post. I will check now.

catch you later.


Kimmi Says:

von: “FYI, The Tennis cCannel ticker stated that Sharapova has withdrawn from Miami due to a bruised elbow bone. OUCH, that’s painful.”

Thanks for the news, she had a problem during Zheng match..could not serve elbow was locking up she said. bad for masha she just came back from that serious shoulder injury!!


stu Says:

can we skip the rest of IW and move on to Miami already? :P

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