Roddick Hurts Haase, Federer Returns to Form; Will Youth be Served Saturday at the Australian Open?

Jurgen Tuna Melt-zer is berry gude

January 21st, 2011 at 9:09 am

plenty of players better looking than sharapova.

chakvetadze,lisicki,benesova,pennetta,ivanovic,rezai,schnyder,tipsy…

January 21st, 2011 at 9:09 am

With all that money the ATP made last year you’d think they would financially lend a hand to install “hawkeye” on every single court @ every single Grand Slam. How ridiculously unfair is that to players who never will play on the “center” courts.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:12 am

“Australian 18-year-old Bernard Tomic takes his Miloslav Mecir-esqe game against World No. 1 Rafael Nadal”. When I first watched Andy Murray a few years ago, when nobody except some Brits had heard of him, I thought his game was very reminiscent of Mecir’s. Since then, he has developed into his own man. Be interesting to see what, if anything, Tomic develops into.

They showed a really weird picture from the court Sharapova and Georges played on, which graphically explained the delay. A ball was dropped and it sunk into the surface as if it was a bog. What was amazing was how quickly the surface was “repaired”. Something to do with the injection of air, I take it?

January 21st, 2011 at 10:53 am

I wrote this on the other thread then saw this new one, so sorry for the repost

Jane, Margot, Kimmi, Skeez, Dari, Contador—-uggh, goes to show you. Andres Uruutia is my huisbands friend who he goes diving with who knows very little about atp tennis and doesn’t really follow tht close although he did play college but somewhere in mexico. He is in first place.

He is latin american so he picks all of the spanish speaking guys and robredo and almagro paid off big for him. This is totally embarassing. GO figure.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:26 am

Lol, Kimberly – don’t be embarrassed. Surely some guess work is involved. But good on your friend. Just makes me feel better about never betting because it’s such a crapshoot!

January 21st, 2011 at 12:20 pm

Novak Djokovic had such an easy match Friday that afterward he met with Dancing With the Stars girl Kym Johnson for some impromptu dance lessons on Court 16.

LOL, Nole, I expect to see him in a season of DWTS after he retires. I’m sure he’d do better than Monica seles.

January 21st, 2011 at 12:54 pm

I have seen Novak in this type of fun mood in Us 07 and Aus 08, and whenever he is in this type of mood, it has reflected well on his tennis. Though Berdych looks very strong, their match in quarters (hopefully they reach there) could be the match of the Quarters, maybe even better than Murray vs Sod (if it happens though).

January 21st, 2011 at 1:08 pm

Gah, TBird is the one I’m scared of too, for Nole. But I believe Nole is playing much, much better than he was at Wimby last year and TBird is at about the same level….

January 21st, 2011 at 1:43 pm

kimberly, that’s just wonderful! I think the bracket’s gr8 fun and thanx again 4 setting it up!
jane, ouch, ouch….that was a nasty kick to get me off my precarious heights…;) waving at you from base camp now…
sar, don’t suppose you’ll read this but thanx too. Jamie needs a new doubles partner but Maliisse ????
grendel, yes, that saying does make the average Brit determined to have an awful day, doesn’t it? Must be in our DNA!
And no, apart from having to rise to earn a crust now and again, I can’t stay up for night matches, am an early bird/riser.Don’t even think I’ll be able to stay up 4 darling Andy so he’ll have to manage without me…jane, kimmi Nina he’s relying on you…..;)
Rafa v. this Tomic is tomorrow morning so that’s good, am looking forward to seeing this young “phenomena.”
I see Beefy boy’s ploy of leaving his family to spend more time with his job, has worked! Saw highlights, honestly Monfils, what’s he on?

January 21st, 2011 at 1:46 pm

Kimberly….had to go check out the bracket challenge winner’s bracket and leave a message for andes urrutia, your husband’s diving partner. yeah, did some great picking off the top but he has birdman in the final!! wonder why he chose that final? not wanting too much challenge for rafa? very cute – has to be a rafa fan.

kimmi and jane still top of the bracket too and thark on the rise. go soda!

January 21st, 2011 at 1:59 pm

Haha, Belinda White’s ‘car crash couture’. How true is that! Spare me the thought of the WS turning up at RG wearing a bikini on court… aaarrrggghhh!

January 21st, 2011 at 1:59 pm

oops wrote that post above without checking….they just updated tourneytopia bracket again….thark and kimmi still up there but sorry margot, jane and Kimberly….and skeezer is down at the bottom with me.

but i think by bracket will come up some today…don’t know which one tho.

what matters is picking those quarters, semis, finalists and the winner right. not too sure about you mandy / nole final hopefuls. good luck with that!

maybe wawa will make it….he’s looking super strong, fit and tan…even peter lundgren was looking good…..lol…

January 21st, 2011 at 2:12 pm

margot will watch and cheer Murray for us. I am sure Kimmi will too. Btw, elsewhere you commented on Delpo’s beefing up, and i can see what you mean. Could this be a bad decision injury wise. Tsonga, who is stockier, seems to have been perpetually injured. Then again it may have nothing to do with size/weight and more to do with technical elements.

January 21st, 2011 at 2:17 pm

contador, yes, i notice i dropped after they updated the Monfils match. really tumbled all the way down to 14, lowest so far this bracket. Oh well. I am still hoping for Nolandy. Bracket buster or no.

January 21st, 2011 at 2:20 pm

didn’t appear delpo had “beefed” up to me. no paunch protruding like nalbandian and malisse anyway. and i doubt he’d do anything like that intentionally. i saw more of general lack of confidence in his wrist…called the trainer and he was playing a slimmed down, in form bagdhatis!

wawa and baghdatis both playing great, btw.

January 21st, 2011 at 2:24 pm

Contador, i meant “beefed up” in terms of muscle.. People noticed it pre Sydney here:

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2011-01-08/5975.php

January 21st, 2011 at 3:10 pm

it’s hard to tell from that video. he has always been fast for his height…and that wasn’t the problem against bagdatis. delpo did at one point lose his grip on the racket after a serve….the racket fell out of his hand. then he called the trainer. but maybe he would have had more confidence in the wrist had he been winning.

baghdatis on a roll is tough to beat. oh yeah, juan was really letting the cypriot chorus get to him too.

anyway, he made it one round further than i thought he would.

all the best to delpo…hoping the wrist injury won’t end his career.

January 21st, 2011 at 3:27 pm

jane, conty, Delboy used to be skinny, he’s quite a different shape now and no, I don’t think it’s a good thing at all, he’s a heck of a big fella and didn’t look fit against Baggy, might just be lack of match practise of course, only time will tell.
jane, I expect it’s a combination of technique plus weight, look at Scharapova for example, but extra weight doesn’t help fitness generally Nalby, Fish, Roddick and so on. Andy looks slimmer to me and I can only think it’ll improve his speed and stamina.( We all talked a bit about this b4 re Haasee and Simon just recently, so sorry for repeating)
Come on Andy!! Gosh jane and kimmi, I can hear you cheering from here ;)

January 21st, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Contador says : its hard to tell from that video. he has always been fast for his height…and that wasn’t the problem against bagdatis.”
It’s gonna take a bit of bulk for a body that long to appear bigger in a short video. But I used to think he was exceptionally thin, so I can notice he is bigger.
I might disagree with you as far as it not being a problem in the baggy match. His speed, or at least recovery speed, was poor. He hit some big forehands, and if baggy got them back just slightly out of delpo’s reach, the point was over. There is certainly a match toughness aspect to this, as its hard to simulate in practice- wait, I remember a drill from my teens!
At any rate the speed was lacking there, so whether it is a drill-able component, a matter of fitness/slight weight loss, or just getting used to the retrieving capabilities of tour players, he will need to work on it. Especially if he cannot crack unbelievable winners consistently just yet.
Can’t say how much I wish the best for JMdP!

January 21st, 2011 at 4:04 pm

PS jane: alas, alas, kimmi, the Mystic Meg of Tennisx Bracket has picked a Fedal final :(
BTW got my Ryans mixed up in my bracket, knew one of ’em was really promising…unfortunately picked the wrong one :)………

January 21st, 2011 at 4:05 pm

I did the same with the “Mayers” margot – picked Leo one round when i meant to pick Florian. Doh!

January 21st, 2011 at 4:09 pm

and abt that video….agree with gregoire gentil…not good for delpo’s wrist to be cranking the ropes, trimming the sail. i used to do that when in a sailing club in oregon. hard work…but it didn’t look too windy.

delpo lift up that shirt and show us the washboard abs! i missed that “christmas pud” comment by grendel.

delpo was never bone thin like cilic. went and looked at some other pictures of delpo recently. he didn’t play in a year…he showed enough in his first round win to give me hope. i don’t find anyone on any other boards…certainly not the AO match report noting delpo as pudged.

have to disagree. i don’t see the difference from us open 09 in his size. certainly his fitness needs improving but i still say he was moving well the first round match and at times vs baghdatis…he won a set.

January 21st, 2011 at 4:19 pm

when delpo starts sporting the manboobs then i’ll have to agree. ;/

January 21st, 2011 at 4:38 pm

Delpo AO 2011:

http://gototennis.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Juan-Martin-Del-Potro-2011-Australian-Open-outfit_1.jpg

January 21st, 2011 at 4:59 pm

USO 2009 Delpo:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MEvj79wiUOg/Sq8KWF-WqrI/AAAAAAAAE-I/E0LtP4lo9w4/s1600-h/1d7d9884b6b10f0c1b02bb9a6669bb0a-getty-ten-us_open-federer-del_potro.jpg

January 21st, 2011 at 5:03 pm

he looks good jane…that one of the photos i blew up and examined for pudge and manboobs…lol….

January 21st, 2011 at 5:06 pm

okay, i was curious and home nursing my pneumonia so have time to kill…

…out of the 25 tennisx brackets i was surprised to find only 6 picked the “fedal.”

i thought there would be more.

very interesting that kimberly / kaiser both pick fedal with different outcomes, of course. would really be fun to hear the cheering in their household…lol….

and mandy / nole finals? didn’t count them but not many.

more roger / murray finals. really? ppl really think muzz will beat rafa this time around?

true though…if mandy gets to the final with nole, i think he’ll have the edge. i don’t know why.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:08 pm

2009 Delpo USO

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3928228210_27863c7a4e.jpg

To me he looks at bit slimmer or lankier in 09 – nothing too drastic. And maybe it is the AO outfit which is baggier. But he just looks more filled out is all. To me he still looks very fit though, not paunchy at all!

January 21st, 2011 at 5:11 pm

Get well conty! :( Lots of soup and peppermint tea, and sleeeeep.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:13 pm

meant it will be tough to beat rafa in the semi and even tougher in the final…

if mandy manages beating rafa, i think he’s got his first slam…unless roger is in the final….oh bad juju…but i’m not convinced rog gets there.

let’s have a brand new AO winner…that’s my hope. but i doubt it.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:15 pm

thanks jane. i’m over the worst…and now this is kinda perfect having time to watch tennis 24/7…with no one bugging me….hhahaha…. not much sleep….napping is more like it.

next week i get a bit sad….not as many matches.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:19 pm

@Contador

Get well soon !

January 21st, 2011 at 5:20 pm

thanks skeezer….i shoulda stayed in warm rancho mirage until indian wells, right? IW is so close to a house my friend from oregon says i can use almost any time….when it’s not rented out. and it happens to be rented out the first two weeks of march…hmm, tennis fans? maybe i could bunk with? hahhahha…..”borrow their tickets?”

January 21st, 2011 at 5:26 pm

Contador—you got it Andres is a huge Rafa fan but does not follow tennis very closely.

THe tennis pro at our club, Scott always picks Fedal finals (he is a fed fan) because he figures at least he will get the points from one of them in the final. He always picks Fed to win on hard and grass and rafa on clay. He tried to be cute and picked Ferrer to beat Fed on clay in Madrid and ended up in dead last place.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:32 pm

kimberly – sometimes if one thinks too much when picking on bracket challenge, they tend to lose big time. Andreas is doing ok coz he didnt have to think too much. give my congrats to him.

I hope his brackets burst up soon though, i dont like his pick, berdy all the way to the final..eeeek!

margot – i had muzz to the final but i changed it after thinking too much. hope he proves me wrong. so happy he plays early today…excited i will get to watch him..

Go Muzz

January 21st, 2011 at 5:32 pm

after that its all Fedals.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:32 pm

to make it worses he teaches my five year old and kaiser coached my five year old taunt him and trash talk him about finishing last in front of all of the other kids and parents. Only fedals from then on.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:34 pm

if it is a Fedal the match is watched in separate rooms with slight communication only.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:36 pm

hahhahaha……Kimberly!

January 21st, 2011 at 5:43 pm

i’m a federer fan, but the ao is nadals tournament 2win or lose. theres absolutely nobody that can win him in 5 sets. thus far he certainly hasnt been challenged by any of the 2 opponents hes faced and bernard tomic may very well be a future top 10 player, but ranked @ 199(i think) hes not much of a threat 2 nadal. soderling, berdych, djokovic, and i think verdasco, all have the game 2beat nadal, but mentally they cant seem to hang in their w/him in a best of 5. federer, lets face it, is 5 or 6 yrs older than these players & it must be getting hard 4him. so nadal will win an unofficial grand slam which is a gr8 feat, although i would much rather c federer win his 17th slam.

January 21st, 2011 at 5:58 pm

What is an “unofficial grand slam” and can i sign up to play? :)

January 21st, 2011 at 6:25 pm

soda opponent is 32 yrs old. first time to reach 3rd round of the grand slam for his 19 tries.

So, lets see what he can do. if soda wins today, will it be his best showing at the AO? i thnk so. his record is not very good here.

January 21st, 2011 at 7:07 pm

milos vs youz on court.

go milos. good luck!

the commentator says, milos serve has a potential to be faster than roddick. hmmm! lets go kid!

January 21st, 2011 at 7:18 pm

it’s this peculiar business that the term “grand slam” has two distinct meanings – 1)Wimbie or USO etc and 2)all 4. You’d have thought that this tiresome ambiguity could have been resolved by now. Of course, “unofficial” as opposed to calendar slam.
So if Nadal wins AO, he has the Rafa slam or, as sheila puts it the “unofficial grandslam”. In some of my worst nightmares, I envisage the following scenario. Rafa wins the AO, 4 in a row. Naturally he wins the French, so that’s 5. Wimbledon is now more or less his – 6. There’s some doubt about the USO, but because people have objected that the Rafaslam (being “unofficial”) doesn’t really count, the pressure is high on Nadal to win it. And how does he respond to pressure? You’ve got it. 7 in a row. Back now to the AO. Everyone is saying that Nadal must by now be sated, he can’t possibly want to win any more – and besides, it’s impossible. What was that? Impossible? 8 in a row. French again – obviously that’s 9, and Wimbledon (nothing’s changed, Rafa’s king of grass now) makes 10.
What about USO this time? Well, Laver got 2 entire Grand Slams, Nadal’s never managed that, and soon he’ll be too old. Rafa gets to hear the talk. 11 in a row. And now it’s to start all over again. Might as well just get the AO and take it from there. 12. French again – 13. Wimbie – 14. To truly put the Laver menace to bed, really need to have 3 entire Grand Slams. Oh, very well. 15. Back to AO. Now the argument is that although one shouldn’t be too greedy, since the French and Wimbledon are obviously in the bag (not much poor old Nadal can do about that), pity to break the sequence by not landing another AO. Sigh. Oh, very well. 16, 17, 18 in a row.

Now by this time, since there were 9 previous slams, Rafa has 27 altogether. 30 has a much rounder, neater, more complete as it were, ring to it. Alright, add in the USO and AO, 20 in a row. As usual, the formalities of the French and Wimbledon are completed, that’s 22 in a row, 31 altogether. Rafa turns to Uncle Toni:”D’you think that’s enough?” Uncle Toni scratches his head. “30 in a row, now” he remarks pensively, “sounds more complete, no?”

January 21st, 2011 at 7:31 pm

milos with the first set 6-4. wow! hope he keeps it up

January 21st, 2011 at 7:48 pm

“You’d have thought that this tiresome ambiguity could have been resolved by now. Of course, “unofficial” as opposed to calendar slam.” Well, excu-u–u-use me! I am sorry to be tiresome, but my question was sincere. I didn’t know what sheila meant, and given that I haven’t done any reading – or discussing for that matter – about “Rafa slams” or “calendar slams” or whatever other definitions of slams there are (as I have been busy cheering for my guys with ONE slam and waiting for his FIRST! :)) I thought sheila was making a dig at /joke about Rafa’s lack of competition so far. Hence the smiley post I put after my question. Anyhow, thank you muchly for clarifying grendel, though I apologize that it was tiresome for you. : /

Raonic with set one. Sheesh he is some hot shot young Canuck hey Kimmi?

January 21st, 2011 at 7:51 pm

Grendel, the “slam” ambiguity is a result of something I am prone to rant about at great length – the fact that once words or terms are picked up by the great dumb masses, they quickly become fuzzy and lose their meaning. An excellent example is “B-Movie”, which is now applied to any film that is low-budget and maybe inept. It originally meant a film made specifically to fill the bottom half of a double bill.
When I’m king of the world (about next Thursday if there’s any justice) all this nonsense will be stopped, do you hear me, STOPPED!!

January 21st, 2011 at 7:54 pm

yes jane BUT concentration went down a little. just got broken early on in the second. c’mon milos.

January 21st, 2011 at 7:56 pm

colin – hahaha good one. good luck with that “king”

January 21st, 2011 at 7:57 pm

Colin, “picked up by the great dumb masses” – you talking to me? :)

Kimmi, yes true, but Youz is not one to surrender easily, given his general credentials.

grendel, hope you understood the tone of the above post was humourous – just read it and I sound angry at first, but I am not. Meant to be a reference to the old Steve Martin bit “Well, excuse me!”.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:00 pm

i find soderling matches a little boring. unless he plays the top guys. today’s match w/ this 241 ranked guy is as slow as they can get…

great perfomance for this guy though. to be ranked 241 and reach 3rd round..how many can say that?

January 21st, 2011 at 8:02 pm

Kimmi, Milos broke back.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:13 pm

milos breaks back jane..back on serve. lets go milos!

January 21st, 2011 at 8:13 pm

ah i am excited. and what a shot it was, great backhand crosscort. go milos

January 21st, 2011 at 8:15 pm

oh noo, he is nervous..youznhy with a break back point.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:18 pm

youz break back..

January 21st, 2011 at 8:19 pm

And he gets it, Youz, that is.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:20 pm

sooo CRAZY, he breaks back. i hope he hold now..cmoon

January 21st, 2011 at 8:24 pm

I did actually think you were angry, jane. In fact, the “tiresome” aspect was not a reference to you at all – it is a genuine ambiguity which has always irritated me, and Colin too apparently.

Colin, I remember the old B movies. Not only did you get 2 movies for the price of one – always a good wheeze – the “B” movie was often kind of comforting, for a child anyway. In those days, you could sit through the whole shebang twice if you wanted to, and I remember doing that sometimes. Since, sadly, B movies no longer exist as such, I think you might make out a case for the term evolving to refer to low budget movies. Language is never static, after all.

But the “grand slam” ambiguity is just annoying without any justification.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:26 pm

ok, back on business again. milos hold. crunch time now. if he wins this set….wow!

January 21st, 2011 at 8:28 pm

the only enjoyment i am getting out of watching this zvonereva match is looking at hot tomas berdych

January 21st, 2011 at 8:34 pm

jane 2 set point for milos. goooo

January 21st, 2011 at 8:36 pm

second set in the bag. gooo milos. can he win this..its starting to look real.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:37 pm

What is wrong with Hisense? All these dead spots. Just make the court properly.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:37 pm

Not by a computer but checked my cell phone for scores. In looking at the Vera/safarova, I wondered if tomas was watching his dear lucie. Kimberly, thanks for the answer
How cute, hope lucie takes a set, better yet, the match!
For tomas’ sake of course!

January 21st, 2011 at 8:40 pm

A lot of people here assuming Berdych will beat Verdasco and pass to QF. But for some reason I’m more scared of Verdasco than Berdy. Maybe because he’s in best form right now, that forehand is on fire and he’s always been very tough and uncomfortable for Nole.

Berdych is also playing very well but Nole beat him pretty easily in London and in DC. Verdasco is another story and he’s a bad match up for Nole. Mjau!

Gonna root for Andy tonight! Be calm Margot, Jane, Kimmi… i think he’s gonna cruise.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:40 pm

Kimmi can you believe it? This will be huge for tennis in Canada if he can make the QFs or something.

Okay grendel, apologies about the tone thing; I realized when I re-read it that it sounded harsher than I felt typing it. My ignorance about the “unofficial slam” ambiguity was sincere, and I’d like to think I am not a “dumb mass” but, well, language is slippery, as you note. I haven’t been following the “Rafa slam” discussion at all, like I suppose Fed and Nadal fans have, nor has much been written on it here, come to think of it, and thus it is probably that much more of an annoying ambiguity to the likes of you and others.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:41 pm

Nina, very true about the Hotsauce; maybe I am fearing the wrong reaper?!

January 21st, 2011 at 8:42 pm

Nina – i think berdych is more dangerous than verdasco. if the berdy serve is on, big flad shots..its hard to beat. but verdasco has always be soo unpredictable, the serve is not as formidable. I dont see the clay season form yet. good result against nishikori but….

berdy is the more dangerous me think.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:46 pm

I hear you. Berdy or Verdasco will be a nightmare for Nole. Things are starting to get serious. :o

January 21st, 2011 at 8:49 pm

Raonic is fearless. Just as in the second set, he broke back immediately after dropping his serve.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:52 pm

Lucie breaks Vera to force a second set tiebreak. Can she force a third set? I thought Dolgo was beginning to figure out Tsonga, but nope. JoWill held.

January 21st, 2011 at 8:55 pm

thanks steve-o, i hope he takes it here in the third!

January 21st, 2011 at 8:58 pm

^ me too. And I like Youz, but I would love to hear a little more buzz for tennis here.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:03 pm

Milos looking a little tired maybe? That serve out wide is great but it feels like the momentum might turn a here, and experience may come into play. Milos missing more, hasn’t had to play many long matches has he? Any? Seems to me he’s been winning in straights.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:10 pm

Can’t believe Zvonareva/Safarova tiebreak still going on ~ 10-9 for Lucie ~ will she do it this time ….?

January 21st, 2011 at 9:11 pm

what a thriller of zvonareva and safarova..wow!

safarova deserves this set too i guess

January 21st, 2011 at 9:12 pm

what a defensive lob zvonareva..too bad lucie. she is showing some promise

January 21st, 2011 at 9:13 pm

Oh the score just switched – weird. Zvonareva wins, as does Soderling. Berankis on now vs. Ferrer. Can Milos break back again? Nope Youz holds. Looks kind of hot, but I think it’s more muggy than anything.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:15 pm

milos plays well when down for some reason..i agree with u jane. he needs to win here..in this set i mean. if it goes to the 4th, it could be very tough for him.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:15 pm

Some of Milos’ serves are similar to a young Roddick’s – utterly unreturnable.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:17 pm

Now vie gotten myself worked up about rafa v tomic. Read all these articles where tomic saying he is going to beat rafa. And I have to wait till three thirty am.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:17 pm

Just saw isnernon the practice court. I wish I had picked cilic. Isner looks kind of slow and out of shape.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:18 pm

milos has also played three quali matches, all together 6 matches. so i can understand that he is getting tired. its tough!

youz serving for the set.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:19 pm

I picked Cilic and don’t worry Kimberly, Rafa will win. Of course Tomic wants to talk up his chances, and kudos to a young guy for doing that. But I still think Rafa will win but it may be more of a test for him.

Kimmi, yes, good point – and now he’s going to have to dig deep to win this. I think his chances went down after losing that set, which is too bad. But even as deep as he’s gone is an announcement of his potential I think. Will follow him all year.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:23 pm

Oh just check – Doglo broke back. I got the sense that he was “coming around” in that first set versus Tsonga, but then he got broken early in the 2nd so I second guessed. I don’t think he’ll win but he could maybe get a set?

January 21st, 2011 at 9:24 pm

milos hit 74 winners so far in this match. 44 UE

youz with 20 winner 20 errors. amazing.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:25 pm

And now Doglo broke again! He’s up 5-3 in the second.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:27 pm

Come on Milos, don’t stop at a mere 74 winners. ;)

January 21st, 2011 at 9:28 pm

Young gun club is doing well – Berankis just broke back and is back on serve versus Ferrer. Doglo has a set! Raonic hanging in with Youz, up 2 sets to 1. Exciting stuff, just to see new names breaking through in the later stages of a slam. You’d think one of these guys might make the final 16 at this point? (Oops Berankis broken right back :/)

January 21st, 2011 at 9:31 pm

I am thinking Tomic could win 6 games. Maybe 7.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:33 pm

OMG and now Murray is on. I can’t keep track (am also trying to watch a hockey game out of my other eye, but at least there are breaks between periods). Maybe I should do some online shopping and some work, too, and then we can just call me ADD, for short (attention span). : /

January 21st, 2011 at 9:34 pm

The time difference is killing me. Trying to stay awake to watch a match that actually matters to me. Should be in bed counting sheep right now.

January 21st, 2011 at 9:36 pm

milos has tighten the screws on serve in this set. crunch time now.

muzz cruising..

January 21st, 2011 at 9:56 pm

Hi folks!

Been very busy into the night this week so haven’t had time to post.

Jane, how is you nephew (I think it was a nephew or young cousin that was drafted) doing this year in hockey?

My bracket took a beating in the first couple rounds and I was a bottom feeder for a while. I am proud to say that I have moved up a few notches.

Go Murray!

January 21st, 2011 at 9:58 pm

OMG 0-30..MILOS..can he take this

January 21st, 2011 at 9:58 pm

2 MATCH POINT. Jaaaaane!

January 21st, 2011 at 9:59 pm

nooo..bad BH that was. another match point

January 21st, 2011 at 10:00 pm

WOOOOOOO! game set match Milo! skip, jump skip skip..Congrats!

January 21st, 2011 at 10:01 pm

You bracket challenge guys..who picked milos to R16….could be a “go gulbis” bracket?

January 21st, 2011 at 10:03 pm

Kimmi, WOOO WHOOOO MILLLLOS!!! :)

And Murray in cruise control too. Woot!!

Hey puckbandit, he is doing great. Top point maker in WHL again. But because he is small (5′ 9′ or 10″), his chances of actually getting NHL action some day are less certain. But he’s a play maker anyhow. Nice to see you in the bracket challenge.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:05 pm

I had Youzhny, so my bracket continues to go to pot.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:09 pm

Is it just me, or has Murry’s serve improved from last year?

January 21st, 2011 at 10:11 pm

now let me concentrate on muzza. CRUISING! No problems at all. baggy or melzer will be tough.

I think this dolgo/tsonga match will go to five set.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:11 pm

garcia-lopez cannot deal with muzz style at all…muzza just finish him pls.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:14 pm

margot, Murray thrashing G-Lo, who’s becoming more and more frustrated. Andy seems very focused and is getting everything back. I’ve had only half an eye on the match though as wanted to see Milos win.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:15 pm

muzza starting to get bored. starts to make some errors

January 21st, 2011 at 10:16 pm

Kimmi, I’d say so! Tsonga in danger of being bageled by Dolgopolov in this 4th set; he is up 5 love!

January 21st, 2011 at 10:18 pm

tsonga looks to be bageled in the 4th set…he is definetly letting this set go..

ferrer giving young benrankis the beat down.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:19 pm

G-Lo fends off a bagel; probably another breadstick.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:21 pm

garcia- lopez did NOT want the bagel..haha. he is very happy to get that bread stick

January 21st, 2011 at 10:21 pm

Go gulbis will get a ton of points from raonic. Looks like raonic will play ferrer next.

Murray quite impressive. What a blowout. Margot must be quite pleased.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:23 pm

You’re right Kimmi. Murray seems just a little bit slacker the last few points, a few more errors. Not quite as many first serves. But his forehand is looking good I figure.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:24 pm

tsonga decided to take the bread stick too.

ah, more bread sticks. muzza with 2-0 sets. enough of bread sticks muzza? what about the third one?

January 21st, 2011 at 10:25 pm

G-Lo playing a little better now too. But am still not worried. Murray should win in straights. May have to get a stream of 5th set with Dolgo and Tsonga? Could be interesting.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:28 pm

Dolgo “breaks” to start 5th – double fault from Tsonga. This would be quite a big upset, Tsonga’s been in the finals here and was in the semis last year.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:31 pm

Tsonga in trouble. dolgo w/ early break

January 21st, 2011 at 10:33 pm

MILOS!!! wooooooot!

but i have mixed feelings abt tigger winning…..love dolgo pogo but my brackets need tsonga to pull this out in the 5th! it looks hot out on that court…

thark, go soda!!

been napping but now awake …..plan to be up all night Kimberly, to watch tomic play rafa…wanna see if the kid can take a set.

and baghdatis -melzer should be good.

muzz playing great!

January 21st, 2011 at 10:33 pm

Oh my, Tsonga is hitting his leg, angry with himself. But he looks a little heavy and slow compared to Dolgo, who is strangely pretty and looking light on his feet. Can he close this out. You’d think nerves would creep in at some point, but maybe not. I wonder why Tsonga doesn’t come in more?

January 21st, 2011 at 10:33 pm

The ump says “Dolgopolov” with such ease, almost like 2 syllables.

contador, feel the same. My bracket is dying, with Raonic winning and now maybe Dolgo, but I don’t care. Especially for Milos. Plus it’s just fun to see one of two of these young guys making it into the last 16.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:38 pm

murray looks terrific
THE RUNNING FOREHAND!
and calm and in control… lovely to watch, really.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:40 pm

Wow Dolgo! He’s playing confidently. But Tsonga is missing a lot and looking flat also. G-Lo sticking out tongue in frustration, lol.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:40 pm

“strangely pretty” jane? i agree. but with dolgo the set isn’t over till it’s over….i have seen him drop a lead like this in minutes. he can choke big closing out a match. this win would be HUGE for him. and the crowd is perfectly wild for tsonga…louder than the baghdatis fans i say.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:43 pm

dari, Love Murray’s running shots, esp. forehand. He’s so fast but very balanced and accurate at the same time. He has seemed very zoned when I have been watching. But have been kind of flitting from one match to another, or having parallel screens, as wanted to watch as much as I could. 5-1 for Dolgo. Tsonga is almost out… happy for Dolgo, but sad for Tsong too. He looks like he could shed some pounds, to move a bit better.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:44 pm

wow….dolgo might pull this win out. did anyone pick him to beat tsonga??

January 21st, 2011 at 10:44 pm

contador, yeah, there is something about Dolgo’s looks; he played great what I saw of the match! Quite the win. And he seemed in control the entire last set. Like Milos, he looks happy to be signing autographs. :)

Speaking of being in control, Murray on cruise…mad when he loses one point. That’s a good sign.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:47 pm

was tsonga injured or what..he looked like he doesnt care..

congrats to dolgo

January 21st, 2011 at 10:49 pm

OK muzza not a breadstick in the 3rd set but 2 will do. yap, good to get out early..go relax coz its getting tougher.

poor berankis, only manage to get 5 games..well, he is learning. ferrer is very tough.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:52 pm

Yay Murray!!!!!! (besides us, crowd firmly behind him margot…:))

Kimmi, don’t think he was injured but was watching Raonic and then Murray until the 5th – but yeah he was strangely flat in that 5th set. A few flashes of brilliance here or there, but a sense of sluggishness from his end. Even though the fans were, as conty said, cheering him on wildly.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:54 pm

pam shriver insulting dolgo’s ponytail…..grrrrrr she has nothin’ on alex in the looks dept…he can wear his hair any way he wants when he plays like that!! dolgo tennis is fun to watch.

GGL is no match for muzz.

oh…cilic- isner coming on next! cljisters and stosur matches to come too : )

murray wins easily.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:54 pm

WOW. That was totally embarrassing for GGL. He probably played one of his worst matches ever. And of course Andy was just unbeatable. Easy one.

January 21st, 2011 at 10:57 pm

way to go andy, im impressed!
courier making it weird in the on-court interview again, but its nice to see a little extra from andyM.
He will be my guy when fed is gone :)

January 21st, 2011 at 11:00 pm

Agree conty – don’t care about the pony tail if he plays like that! Pam can be uncouth. I kind of like Dolgo’s different looks; non-traditional is good. He will have Mr. Dimples next round. Hmmm.

margot, Courier made Murray introduce and give tidbits on all people in his box. : o Murray was a very good sport about it.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:00 pm

jim courier giving muzza a strange on court interview.

“introduce your entourage for us..in details” what??

well murray agent does the cooking too..good on her.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:01 pm

Isner cilic coming om.

Clijsters going to blow out cornet. My prediction. Bagel set one, breadstick set two.

Contador, I think we all picked joe Willie. I cant think of anyone who picked dolgo. But you my friend will get 35 pts for raonic!

January 21st, 2011 at 11:01 pm

Unfortunatey I think dolgo going to get blown out by mr. Soda pop.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:02 pm

Kimberly you’re probably right, but it’s good for guys like Dolgo and Milos to make the last sixteen and “get in the conversation” I guess – I mean, at a slam.

Did anyone pick Isner??

January 21st, 2011 at 11:04 pm

Have not been a big fan of Courier’s on court interviews. They seem awkward. Whereas Woodbridge seems so much more entertaining and comfortable, even when called out by Kim.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:04 pm

Garcia-Lopez didn’t even try. He was just happy he reached the third round. Andy looked good, but I wouldn’t read too much into it. GGL didn’t want to win.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:06 pm

Pam now complaining about Murray’s facial hair. Give it up Pam, good grooming doesn’t get you extra points.

Also, Pam had the worst hair cut ever when she was playing.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:06 pm

I picked Isner and sort of regretting it.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:10 pm

Hey, I also complain about Murray’s facial hair! lol.

I completely LOVE Courier’s interviews, he at least makes things interesting and funny if a little bit awkward. But akward is good in my book. I don’t like boring traditional questions to keep the player in his comfort zone. Courier always delivers, i love the guy.

Surprised Andy said Corretja was his best friend. I thought he was his unofficial coach but i didn’t know they were best friends. Now I understand why he has stuck with him. By the way I always had a crush on Corretja and he lives very close to my home, lol.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:13 pm

re Grendel your apocalyptic vision of the future is going to leave me sleepless tonight!

January 21st, 2011 at 11:20 pm

Whew, and cilic holds

January 21st, 2011 at 11:23 pm

go cilic

January 21st, 2011 at 11:24 pm

Mins, he said Dani and called him coach if that means anything to anyone

January 21st, 2011 at 11:25 pm

Mins is supposed to say NINA!

January 21st, 2011 at 11:30 pm

Kimberly, Isner’s up early in this match. Interesting. This will send me to the bottom wrung, if Isner wins. : / But whatever. Maybe Nole and Murray will make up for that later. Well…it IS possible.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:37 pm

GREAT talk with this milos kid. Handled what I imagine is his biggest interview very well. Killer cahill believes in him!

January 21st, 2011 at 11:41 pm

Yay, Isner up a break! I’m proud of him, returning better than usual. Isner looks a lot like one of my first loves, so have a soft spot for him, plus he seems like a nice guy. BG says he thinks Isner has a better chance against Rafa than Cilic would, but Cilic has the better h2h.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:43 pm

Dunno who BG is, but Isner has no shot against Rafa, Cilic can at least go toe-to-toe with him before losing.

January 21st, 2011 at 11:45 pm

Eric- BG Is ESPN commentator brad Gilbert. Former coach of Andre agassi, Andy Murray, and now working with neo nishikori!
You will have to ask others about his credibility, he can be a bit out there at times!

January 21st, 2011 at 11:48 pm

Ah yes… Well, I guess with a resume like that his opinion has some backing, eh? :)

I’m watching Ekaterina Makarova kicking Petrova’s behind – first set 6-2, although Petrova is up 2-0 in the second now. Makarova seems like a real talent, just a bit weak on serve…

January 21st, 2011 at 11:53 pm

BG definitely has credibility, his credentials show it, but he definitely likes to stray from the pack with his commentary. I personally love his whacko comments and even though i was of the opinion that cilic would have a better chance against nadal, if BG says it, i tend to give it some consideration…
cornet taking kimmie to a tie break?
ive only seen cornet in fed cup, but she usually doesn’t keep it together!

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:01 am

haha mary jo confirming my thoughts about cornet
cilic break!

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:01 am

Eric, sorry for the shorthand. I’m on an iPhone and not a prolific texter. I don’t think either Cilic or Isner would be likely to beat Rafa in his current form. Which of course is fine with me! I’d just like to see Isner perform well, not upset my main man!

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:06 am

I miss Serena right now. Kim is being inconsistent at the moment — hope it doesn’t continue. Stosur has been looking good, so maybe she can bring it home for the Aussies.

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:11 am

well,cilic hangs in for the hold.
saw a bit of frustration from isner. kinda made me feel for him, i do hope that longest match in history is not his biggest accomplishment in his career. oh well, for now, i cheer cilic!

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:19 am

Ok, so much for being proud of Isner!

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:23 am

Yeah, Dari, I usually like Cilic too. He has more game than Isner, and also has that hangdog look that makes me feel lot him. Oh, awesome Rafa commercial on right now. Haven’t seen this before.

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:27 am

Sorry, supposed to be feel “for” him!

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 am

Good very early again morning, folks. Woke at 5am and thought “Go back to sleep woman!” But couldn’t, had to go and check the scores and here I am!
Thanx for all your brilliant comments, jane, dari, kimmi, Nina and hooray for Puckbabdit!!
jane at 10.15 :) :) Fortunately the beeb will show this match ad infinitum, so at least I can sit back and enjoy :) :) :)
Wow some shocks, bracket shot but I don’t care! At last some newbies!
Agree kimmi, too much thinking ;)
conty: hope u feel better soon, but not all bad eh ;)

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:30 am

Petrova really abusing the timing system here…

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:31 am

Margot and Jane, congrats on your guy’s beatdown of GLo! Andy M is looking scary good.

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:37 am

Thanx Lulu :) Let’s hope this form continues, to me he looks calmer and happier than I’ve seen since I don’t how long.

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:40 am

Kim is not playing well today.

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:43 am

Thanks Lulu. Morning margot. I am much like you; if I open my eyes and look around I am usually up, no matter how hard I try to get back to sleep. Took a break and missed Kim’s match entirely. It looks like it was a lot tighter than I thought it’d be. Also, I see Cilic has found some rhythm, or has Isner lost his?

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:50 am

Ah Murray giving a great interview with P-Mac and Cahill. Love listening to Andy. I like how he said “Everyone’s doing them but not me” re: tweeners. lol. Talking about fantasy Basketball, playing it after a massage. Yay Andy! Looking forward to next round.

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:53 am

As well as giving us some high quality tennis, AndyM with a good performance at the ESPN desk! He just makes me smile, enjoy seeing his interviews!

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:04 am

:0 :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:08 am

Unfortunately have to go to bed soon, cannot stay up for Rafa. Please tell me this Tomic kid is nothing to worry about!

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:21 am

Lulu, just saw your comment about cilic the “hangdog”. Not familiar with that term. Rafa commercial fantastic!
Margot, hope those smiles are.for mandy he deserves it with this tennis and with this good attitude!
Imagine he wins this, gets his first major without a coach!

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:22 am

dAri: they certainly were and here’s some more :) :) :) but one match at a time….
watching Cilic and Isner, now I’m up! Cilic’s ground strokes and net play are c**p, such a shame he’s lost his form, he’s my favourite “giant.”

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:35 am

Yes, was hoping for Cilic here, and he had a lead in most of that tiebreak and blew it. P-Mac says he “gets tight” too much.

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:38 am

dAri, a “hangdog” look is like sad, puppy dog eyes,like a basset hound. It can also mean looking guilty, sheepish, but that’s not how I meant it.

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:40 am

Lulu, you can sleep soundly Rafa is gonna be just fine

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:41 am

Sorry margot, yes one at a time. I’m gonna turn in, too. I’ll likely wake for a set of the nadal tomic match, hope cilic can turn this around!

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:42 am

Another tiebreak: I fear it favours Isner, as he was stronger mentally in the first tiebreak. Come on Cilic – if you win this you may win the match! No implosions.

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:20 am

Cilic takes the 4th! Isner does seem tired. His fitness maybe needs work? I don’t know if that’s the case, given his marathon at Wimbledon! Maybe it’s the heat here. But his serve and forehand are tough to beat! Also both Cilic and Isner have been able to return some incredible serves. They are quite evenly matched at the moment. Hard to say what will happen in the 5th. If Isner is as tired as he looks, the one would think Cilic will win. But it’s not clear.

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:28 am

Still up, was trying to hang in for Isner-Cilic. Now that it’s a fifth set I think you Cilic fans are gonna be happy. John is out of gas. Now going to bed, night all.

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:31 am

jane: I think Cilic is playing better now, groundies have improved and he’s got a glint in his eyes :)
If Isner’s serve goes down the tubes, curtains for him. Either way, no worries for Rafa.

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:32 am

Lulu! margot! There are other tennis souls out there. I was beginning to think I am alone in the night, with two giants, hammers of the gods.

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:34 am

jane :) It’s a very civilized 7.40 here! What time with you? R u off to bed soon, or staying up for Rafa?

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:41 am

Almost midnight margot … the witching hour. Trying to stay up just until end of this match. Rafa will be on at 2-3 a.m. so I won’t be awake. I would be interested to see some Tomic, though I don’t think he has a hope. Speaking of, hope Cilic can weather the storm of Isner’s serves and keep his own firing. 2 straight double faults. Eeek. Not good Marin.

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:46 am

Now a missed volley and break point for Isner.

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:48 am

jane: what HAS happened to Marin? His game has gone to pot! As for me, thank goodness for Aussie night matches, else I’d see nothing :) Yes, am looking forward to seeing Tomic for the first time. Haven’t seen your Milos either. Saw Dolgopolov and Tsonga at Wimbles where Tsonga won, hence my bracket! However, this youngster is steadily improving. He looks a bit like a wraith on court, fragile and airy, obviously not :)

January 22nd, 2011 at 2:55 am

Marin can’t make a dent in Isner’s serve, even though he is hitting basically double the winners in this set. And his own game has been inconsistent. At times, it’s cooking (like the last service game), and at other times it’s been flat.

From what I saw of Raonic (besides the bits here & there last year), he has an outrageously good serve, and a well rounded arsenal of shots too. He has had to work on staying positive on calm on the court but you’d never of guessed it today. Whenever Youz broke, it was like Milos would just break right back. He was impressive. Saw only the 5th set of Dolgo but yes he is one of those deceptively airy looking players, like Simon.

Might have to turn in soon – no tiebreak. Hard to say who will win and don’t want to see Cilic not win. : /

January 22nd, 2011 at 3:09 am

“positive and calm”, “never have guessed it” – need to proof but too tired.

January 22nd, 2011 at 3:11 am

Am going to sleep – good night, good day, good morning. :)

January 22nd, 2011 at 3:13 am

Good night, sweet dreams. C u later :)

January 22nd, 2011 at 3:13 am

Anyone watching Kvitova-Stosur? Really good match.

January 22nd, 2011 at 3:57 am

kimo: I am or rather was! My word isn’t Kvitova good?! Can’t think why she doesn’t wear a sports bra though…not as is she’s playing mixed doubles ;)

January 22nd, 2011 at 4:50 am

LOL, yeah I can see what you mean margot, but hey, I’m a guy so I really can’t complain :P

But yeah, can she play or what!!! Her timing off both wings is exquisite. And she’s mentally tough too.

January 22nd, 2011 at 4:57 am

kimo :) Brilliant winning attitude too. R u not in USA? How come u r watching, must be wee small hours.
Now it’s Rafa. Lloyd has just said Tomic plays like Andy but is not so fast…hmm good luck with Rafa then ;)

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:16 am

I like this Tomic guy.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:17 am

No margot, not in the US, and even if I were, I would stay up and watch. You only get 7 weeks of grandslam tennis a year.

Besides, it’s Saturday :)

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:18 am

I meant 8 weeks.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:20 am

Tomic may not move like Murray, but he sure has a better forehand.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:22 am

Well, three games in and tomic broken. If you’re a tomic fan, the good news is that he had break point chance on Rafa, too. Rafa trying to figure tomic out, and in doing so committed a couple more errors than we are used to sewing from him.
It’s nice to see that Rafa is actually getting to PLAY for prob the first time in the tourney.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:28 am

nahhh, nothing wrong with Andy’s forehand. Tomic is good, hits the ball very cleanly and, being young, has no fear, but he isn’t gr8 movement wise. Don’t know if u can learn that?

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:29 am

Nothing wrong with Andy’s forehand? I know you’re a Murray fan, but come on :)

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:31 am

The kid is playing great. He’s hitting a lot of winners by pulling Rafa wide on his backhand then hitting scorching winners on Rafa’s forehand side. Rafa is not dominating from the baseline as one would expect.

This is the first time I see someone changing shirts after 5 games!!!

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:39 am

no surprises so far… the first time nadal s gonna be forced is in the semis !!! so i prefer the classic ski downhill in austria right now ..

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:42 am

I really like this kid’s game. Hope he keeps this up, Rafa is so tough mentally.
kimo: you’ve obviously never seen Andy’s running forehand, quite often from outside the side tramlines? Do look ’em up on youtube, you’re in for a treat ;)

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:44 am

van orten, no one is expecting Rafa to have trouble before the quarters, but at least we wanna see someone play him, not just hand him the match.

I’d say this is Rafa’s first real match. He won’t be tested, but at least he’s gonna have to play.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:45 am

I know about Andy’s running forehand. It’s one of the best. His not-running forehand, his rally forehand, not so great.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:46 am

Boy, this Tomic guy has game. Give him a year or two and he’ll be a force.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:48 am

LOL, leave tweeners to Roger, Rafa. It’s not your thing.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:50 am

Another shirt change? How much sweat can one man produce?!

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:55 am

45 minute 6-2 set-tomic is not getting blown away in Rafa’s serving games and putting up a fight when Rafa gets into his. I can see how this kid could really be something on the tour- excellent variety, nice flat forehand when he’s not making errors and even called up on some great serving here a.d there.
Rafa of course, another class.

January 22nd, 2011 at 5:58 am

Nadal’s average time between points: 31 seconds.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:00 am

dAri, Tomic is forcing his forehand too much, which of course Rafa makes you do! Big learning curve, our commentators are saying of course this is the first time Rafa has played Tomic blah, blah, but of course converse is also true. He’ll learn so much from this.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:02 am

Tomic breaks!!!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:03 am

Great bh to get a bp, then great going behind Rafa on the forehand to break.
And another great backhand!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:04 am

Tomic has managed to cut down on his errors and look where it got him. 3-0 in the 2nd set.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:05 am

Uh oh, danger time for rafa. Rafa needs to step it up!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:06 am

where are your first serves rafa??? frustrating

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:08 am

margot, even though the kid’s height will always make his movement below par, it does give him an advantage when dealing with high bouncing Rafa balls.

Rafa is tight.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:09 am

Where is rafa, playing terrible.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:11 am

Holy $hit. Rafa is not hacing a say in the points anymore. It’s all on Bernard’s racket.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:11 am

4-0 Tomic!!!!!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:11 am

0-4? What a nightmare.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:12 am

Kimberly, he’s not playing terrible. Tomic is toying with him!!!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:12 am

Margot- yes Rafa forcing Bernard’s backhand, but this set he’s coming through on it! Up dbl break!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:12 am

Ahhh, the scoreline got to Tomic’s head. Still, pretty impressive.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:13 am

rafa didnt serve this bad even with a broken abdominal at uso 09…strange

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:15 am

Rafa gets one break back. He’s camped behind the baseline 84% of the time coz Bernard is putting a lot of juice on his groundies.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:15 am

nadal will not lose this set…i bet..he will not lose the second set

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:16 am

Oh man. The scoreline got to Tomic. He couldn’t believe how easy things were going.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:26 am

and Nadal break back and things are back on serve wow

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:27 am

bernie is not going to wim….that was a good run in the second but just like that, nadal wipes away the breaks. tomic assisted.

change ypur shirt please rafa!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:28 am

hahahahha i told u guys …the master in breaking after being down couple of gamepoints is back !!!!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:29 am

watching nadal must be worse than tooth ache for the haters hahahah but he is clearly the mental beast of the circuit…incredible he will not lose this set…tomic blew it all alone being 40:15 up to go 5:2…

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:31 am

He’s acing Rafa left and right.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:34 am

Good resilience for tomic to come back and serve ghe game like that. New balls don’t hurt either ;)
Let’s go Bernie!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:35 am

what needs to be done to knock rafa out ??? he would have won the set even if he was down 0:5 and 15:40 …simple as that!!! what a choker …

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:41 am

rafa wearing the wet look in that bikram yoga shirt. is it meant to make him sweat more?

at least tomic is made a good match of this 2nd set for a little bit.

while i “napped” stosur won, yay! baghdatis retired, boo. and sorry to have missed cilic – isner….but isner does put me to sleep.

great marin won!! though no hope of coming off the bottom of the bracket challenge now.

tomis and dimitrove need more time, but both have so much potential! lotsa time for them.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:42 am

I love the pace changes Tomic does. It’s even more nuanced than Murray.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:44 am

van orten, the kid is only 19. I think calling him a choker is a bit drastic, don’t you think?

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:45 am

yeah i really like how he beat feli….and this is much more fun than a feli v rafa match…

and a great experience for tomic to play #1 rafa.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:47 am

no because he actually choked didnt he? but of course its ok he choked because he is still that young..so i didnt expect him to not choke;-)

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:47 am

Oh man. That was a great set.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:49 am

hahaha yes it was!!!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:50 am

Rafa should complain to Nike. That shirt is either the wet look, or making him sweat much more. Glad he pulled out the set, even playing god awful.

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:50 am

Kimo – agree with the tomic pace changes.

let’s see if bernie will just cave in after losing that huge lead second set or he comes back fighting.

must feel pretty demoralizing to lose that lead, even if it was to rafa. he probably couldn;t believe he was up 2 breaks!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:52 am

full credit should be given to Rafa! Recovering from 0-4 to win the set is surely no easy feat :)

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:52 am

it would have been awesome if he had lost the set!!!imagine the crowd!!! youngster tomic winning a set vs the number one!!!

but nadal clearly wants to go to bed early ;-)

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:53 am

What comfort nadal fans must have, knowing that 0-4 means nothing to their player! Sure tomic is quite inexperienced, didn’t move as well as needed, and overhit but Rafa was just a buzz killer the last 7 games.
let’s see if bernie has something left to put up a fight!
Conty- the wet look. Seriously. That must not have been a fever in doha, just a slick shirt.
From the nike video I saw on his shirt design I thought it was supposed to be very breathable. What happened, Nike?
Go Bernie

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:54 am

full credit to rafa because he hung in there ok..but he always does that …he plays every poínt 100% !!!its up to the opponent to raise his level to finish him off.
because nadal will not hesitate will not falter he will strike back if opportunity knocks

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:57 am

rise his level of course

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:57 am

A gr8 set and a gr8 new young player emerges into the limelight! Justifies the hype. Just needs more experience is all. Top 5 here we come!

January 22nd, 2011 at 6:58 am

Kimberly – good morning!

not worried abt your man here at all. but it’s been an interesting 2nd set. got a glimpse of the future in tomic .

re: rafa shirt. that material has a sheen to it, making it appear wet but combined with how rafa sweats….it’s maybe one of the worst choices from nike for rafa imo. and i wonder if it makes him sweat more…at least he doesn’t have to pull it up to show us his abs. no paunch on rafa!

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:00 am

Nadal: great player, bad shirt

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:03 am

hahha dari …

but with my pneumonia, i have a new appreciation for how miserable a fever is…been wearing the wet look a bunch myself.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:06 am

Not too impressed with Tomic. Two breaks up and still managed to lose the set. There was a kid two years ago, Grigor Dimitrov, who actually won a set from Nadal but still has not managed to make a good showing since then in any majors. Those young players who eventually reach the top usually has an upward trajectory from the time you first see them. Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, del Potro are examples. Roddick also.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:09 am

wow…..dtl hot shot bernie!

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:10 am

I don’t think that’s a wet look shirt. It is just wet.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:14 am

Rafa notnhaving a very good serving day. Watching thismmatch is not very pleasant! And my bracket has totally tanked in addition. Darn John isner!

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:19 am

Is this shirt no.6 for Rafa?!

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:25 am

tomic has some talent ..but he is under the radar for most of the season ..has some style his play..so i hope we hear more from him in the fut.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:28 am

Polo, from the first time I saw Murray in 2006 to 2008, he pretty much did nothing special.

From 1998 to 2001, Roger did nothing special.
From 2003 to 2005, Rafa did nothing special.

No one comes out of the gates all barrels blazing.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:28 am

Kimo, del potro kind of did.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:30 am

did you see delpos shirt??? was the same…all wet.. fed does not seem to sweat on the other hand

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:32 am

yeah, isner… beating up on my dead brackets…lol..

Kimbely i do know how u feel. nadal is still up a break tho and he ain’t losing! i bet nadal is enjoying a better match than the previous 2.

off topic – wawa has a very good chance to beat roddick.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:33 am

fed finally had a few beads of perspiration in the 5th vs simon.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:35 am

hahaha yeah and it was cool to see him actually scream and punch his fist when he broke simon..

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:37 am

Oh did he Kimberly? Delpo turned pro in 2005 and we only heard of him in 2008.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:37 am

This was not an easy win for Rafa.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:41 am

Congrats to Rafa but well played Atomic, he’ll be back! Really liked his attitude on court too. Off court can be stroppy and difficult but on : calm, collected not over-celebrating but not down on himself either. Brilliant :)

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:44 am

good on ya bernie!

but nadal thru “comfortably” pmac says. thought i was comfortable. i can see how set 2 wasnt comfortable for nadal fans.

yeah milos tho!! my highlight of the day. i hope he can execute his plan and beat ferrer. won’t be easy.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:44 am

it was not enough to destroy him hahahahahhah rafa is funny !!!

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:45 am

I thought Nadal was rather uncomfortable for the majority of the match. Tomic was getting into his service games alot and played very well from the baseline.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:49 am

Happy nadal through but less than thrilled with some of ins play. Will be interesting to see what he has to say for himself. His high backhand won’t bother cilic either so maybe good that he got some practice with that.

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:51 am

nadal just said to spanish tv that he is getting tired more than usual and he is sweating too much, but he thought he played ok and that he was lucky to have won the second set

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:53 am

Juiz, I agree I don’t think rafa liked that match and I don’t think he will like cilic. I guess what’s important is winning ugly if need be. Thats what he did today. Hopefully he can again on Sunday night or I guess Monday if you are talking Aussie.
He had two horrendous matches at Wimbledon v. Haase and petschner.

Looking forward to berdych verdasco. That should be the match of tonight yes! And can sharapova make the quarters?

January 22nd, 2011 at 7:54 am

Kimo and Kimberly: Those guys, Federer, Nadal, del Potro showed steady upward improvements in their rankings from the time they turned professional. Although did not win a lot of tournaments in the beginnig, they often went deep into their draws. Occasionally, they beat players are are ranked much higher than they did. Tomic and many others show promise (hyped?) when they begin then they stagnate and remain at the same level. I take that as a sign that most likely, they will not make it to the top. Gasquet is another example.

January 22nd, 2011 at 8:11 am

I just looked at the bracket standings and the Meltzer, Cilic, Nadal points not in yet. I get points from two of the three.

January 22nd, 2011 at 8:22 am

I got to see most of the last set. I agree, Rafa did look uncomfortable. He was NOT dominating this kid, mostly winning with superior point construction and movement, but making too many errors. Rafa did seem a little tired/flat and wasn’t serving well. Cilic wasn’t awesome in his match, so I’m not too worried about the next round, but Rafa could lose to Ferrer playing like that! And he definitely better step it up if he wants to get past MAndy.

January 22nd, 2011 at 8:22 am

Nadal looked more uncomfortable in that shirt than over the game of Tomic.

January 22nd, 2011 at 8:31 am

the oz darling stosur out..shocking! wish i saw that match..

so..nadal looks uncomfortable? he won in three set, how uncomfortable can he get…federer is the one who looked uncomfortable agaist simon people!

January 22nd, 2011 at 9:06 am

kimmi–he looked sweaty and like he never really found his rythum. Missed a ton of first serves too. He was able to win ugly in 3 because hes a much better more experienced player. I was not really feeling his performance. Part of it I think is he needs to figure out how to win when the opponenet has no problem with the high shot to the backhand. He won’t beat Cilic with that shot either. But Kaiser said likely Marin Cilic beats Marin Cilic with unforced errors.

I am so hopeful for Sharapova. Do you think she can make the quarters. Maybe she can pick up steam. Start playing well. I know its a long shot but I am hoping she wins the tournament.

January 22nd, 2011 at 9:13 am

Yeah, obviously straight sets is great, but watching his expressions, he did not look like his usual bullish self. Also, his shots clearly were not bothering Tomic, but Rafa’s quickness and court sense were too good for him. With experience Tomic wil be dangerous for Rafa. Maybe I am just a Nervous Nellie, though!

January 22nd, 2011 at 9:25 am

thanks kimberly, did not see the match. kaiser could be right, hope cilic can bring a challenge though, at least get a set or two..rafa needs some challenge. after all he has a positive h2h against rafa…that could give him some confidence going in. watch tapes of thier last match. see what worked then..

hmm, i think its too early to think sharapova will go all the way. she is playing well but it will get tougher. top players like woz and kim will trouble her big time.

i think this year women side is very open. kim has not looked great. woz too. zvonareva too, stosur is out…so, definetly sharapova has a chace.

great win by makarova against petrova. she beat ivanovic in the first round too. next she plays kim. i am sure kim must be happy to see petrova go, last year was not so good here. lets see if makarova can give kim a challenge.

January 22nd, 2011 at 9:33 am

Polo – it’s more difficult for the youngsters to come thru than even 5-10 years ago. But obviously some will in the course of time or there’ll be nobody left to play except 30+ year olds.

I think Tomic looks the real goods – don’t forget, he’s still growing, it’ll be a couple of years before he comes into his own. A really exciting prospect, I love the way he strokes the ball. Dimitrov has been learning the trade last couple of years and he’s beginning to come good. In the first round he thrashed a top 30 or so player, did respectably against the difficult WaWa. Two years max I’d guess before he starts creating waves.

I think Sharapova, if she carries on the form of her last match has every chance of getting to the final. Once there, providing it’s not Serena Williams glaring across the net, she’s difficult to beat.

January 22nd, 2011 at 11:14 am

Congrats of you guy’s win Kimberly, LuLu, and any other Rafa fans. Sounds like Tomic is the real deal. So many new names/ break throughs here.

Not to be alarmist, but tired & sweating a lot = mono symptoms. And it has been going around the tour for a couple years or longer: Ancic, Fed, Isner, Roddick. I hope for Rafa’s sake it is just viral hangover, maybe the Oz heat, and nothing more serious. We have to assume his doctors would’ve checked him for that.

January 22nd, 2011 at 11:25 am

Should be congrats “for your” sheesh.

Grendel says ” Polo – it’s more difficult for the youngsters to come thru than even 5-10 years ago. ”

Nole was asked about the young players last presser and he said almost the exact same thing as you grendel – he mentioned the physical aspects and the technological ones have changed lots even in five years since he broke through, and it is making it tougher for the young.

But as this AO has shown us, they are coming.

Thanks for clarifiication on the other thread. Yes, water….

margot, stayed up to see Cilic win. Was soooooooo relieved as he’d made some misses in that game, e.g., on the first match point, that would’ve haunted him. And the announcers were increasingly hyping the Mahut marathon, and all i could think was Nooooooo! Cilic gave a great courtside interview, he is a very endearing player. At times last night he was awesome, but he needs to play more consistently. Mind you, Isner doesn’t give his opponents any chance to get into a rhythm. I think, if Rafa is still struggling, Cilic will get a set there. I wouldn’t be surprised anyhow.

January 22nd, 2011 at 11:35 am

Rafa finally had a match against someone who knows how to play Tennis. That was the reality of this match. The records will show despite “uncomfortable” he still took the guy out in 3., and i am sure Rafa will take that happily. He is plainly still the fav. Can’t believe he said he’s “tired”? From what? Is he still sick?

January 22nd, 2011 at 12:20 pm

I’m not going to give Tomic a hard time for not taking that 2nd set. He had played what, 8 matches on the atp TOTAL. I think its too easy/early to say that because he didn’t come thru there he won’t be a standout player. But well done to Rafa for getting thru that tough set and the match in straights, even though not his sharpest. I’m gonna try and read his presser, see how he feels. Bring on cilic. This is a big moment for.my bracket. As well as wawa roddick.wawa’s matches have been a little out of reach for me, but i saw a minute against Gael. He really looks Sharp.

January 22nd, 2011 at 1:17 pm