Djokovic, Federer The Favorites As Week Two At Wimbledon Begins; Sweet 16 Picks And Pans

by Sean Randall | July 1st, 2012, 5:17 pm
  • 245 Comments

After an absolutely crazy first week, what will Wimbledon do for an encore? Will it be more of the same exhilarating upsets or will things settle back down to form? At the mid-way point of the third Slam of the calendar it’s really hard to gauge.

One thing is for sure if the rains that have plagued Wimbledon the last 4-5 days stay away, it should be another manic Monday. Of course Wimbledon plays all 16 fourth rounders on one day – men and women – giving us fans one of the best days of tennis of the year.

Returning to the business end of Wimbledon are some familiar names like Roger Federer, defending champion Novak Djokovic, Richard Gasquet, Mardy Fish, David Ferrer, JW Tsonga and Juan Martin Del Potro.


Wimbledon often is home to the upset and that’s something Cinderella Brian Baker is hoping for more of. Denis Istomin? Xavier Malisse? Viktor Troicki? As we have seen on the lush lawns anything is possible, just ask Rafael Nadal who’ll be watching the action same way just about everyone else will, on television.

Part two of Wimbledon begins…

Here are my picks for the fourth round tomorrow:

Roger Federer vs. Xavier Malisse
Federer pulled a bit of a Houdini act outlasting Julien Benneteau Friday night. He shouldn’t need to conjure up any similar magic against Xavier Malisse. Federer’s beaten the Belgian nine straight times going on ten. Malisse has the game and talent to keep it close for a couple of sets but after a sloppy match against the Frenchman last week I think Roger gets back to right.
The pick: Federer in three

Novak Djokovic vs. Viktor Troicki
With his big serve Troicki should be a tough foe for anyone grass including top ranked Djokovic. But Novak has won 11 straight over his buddy and that haplessness is too hard to ignore. Of the top players, Djokovic has been the most comfortable on the court thus far. Novak may not have been playing that well leading up to Wimbledon as he did a year ago however the first week at Wimbledon I thought he looked quite sharp.
The pick: Djokovic in three

Andy Murray vs. Marin Cilic
We saw Murray struggle Saturday with the external pressure and the game of Marcos Baghdatis. Now in week two and with Rafael Nadal sent off, the expectations, the weight only mount. Fortunately for Murray on Monday he plays a guy coming off a 5-hour, 31-minute marathon. Cilic is as fit as they come and he got a day off Sunday, however I just don’t think it’s enough for the 23-year-old to be at full strength against the home favorite. Murray won’t make it easy by any means in beating Cilic, who stunned him for his only win in five tries against the Scot at the US Open in 2009, but he’ll get the job done.
The pick: Murray in four

David Ferrer vs. Juan Martin Del Potro
In the toughest, most even match of the day, it’s two guys who perhaps play their worst tennis on the grass. Ferrer is best suited to the clay, Del Potro the hardcourt. But here they are in the second week of Wimbledon. Ferrer just beat 3-time finalist Andy Roddick and he won a grass tune-up last week, so the Spaniard isn’t allergic by any means to the surface. Plus he’s beaten the Argentine four of six times including their lone clash on grass at 2008 Netherlands. Del Potro played well at the French beating Berdych before a knee injury crushed his chances against Federer. Is the knee better? It seems to be. But as much as iIlike and root for Delpo I just don’t think grass is his surface. The power is there but he’s too tall, too fragile and too inflexible. So I’ll go with experience.
The pick: Ferrer in five

JW Tsonga vs. Mardy Fish
Tsonga’s injured finger seems to be fine and that’s bad news for the opposition, especially with Nadal out. Fish, who’s playing his first event since April because of a heart condition, has enjoyed about as good of a draw as you can get. Well, that ends Monday against JW. Tsonga has taken care of business while I think Fish, having been through so much, is just happy to have reached the second week. Tsonga beat Mardy both times last year including a tough five set win at the US Open. I think he does it again tomorrow.
The pick: Tsonga in four

Richard Gasquet vs. Florian Mayer
Hardly anyone is paying attention to Gasquet. The Frenchman is the only player who hasn’t surrendered a set in the 16s and in the past grass has produced some of his finest moments – he made the SFs years ago beating Roddick, and he’s had a few close calls with Murray. Mayer’s a tricky player who also plays well on grass. Still, Gasquet’s got the game, the talent and right now he’s been better thus far.
The pick: Gasquet in three

Mikhail Youzhny vs. Denis Istomin
In a mild upset I’m picking Istomin here. The Uzbek has a big serve and a big enough game to upend Youzhny. And he’s been battle tested. Mikhail certainly has the grass experience and he’s done well in Slams – semifinals twice at the US Open. But just on gut I think Istomin gets through to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
The pick: Istomin in five

Phil Kohlschreiber vs. Brian Baker
The comeback story this summer has been Brian Baker, and rightly so. A year ago Baker, a coach at a college in Tennessee, didn’t even have a single point on the ATP computer. Now, the 27-year-old is in the second week of Wimbledon with a ranking closing in on the Top 75! He won eight of ten matches this year on the main tour and countless others in the lower levels. But Monday he’s in for a big, big step up in terms of class against Kohlschreiber who on the lawn has won a title, beaten Nadal and taken a set off Federer. That said, Phil has never been to a Slam quarterfinal and with Baker’s momentum, I think the American marches on over a nervy German.
The pick: Baker in four

Overall, I still think Djokovic beats Federer in the semifinals. Murray should pull through to face Tsonga and in the finale I got Djokovic beating JW.

As for the women, former champions Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams both dodged early bullets while Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka have been in strong form.

I think for me Kvitova is my pick to repeat. Sharapova has been the undisputed No. 1 this year and Serena is Serena, but Kvitova has looked the best at Wimbledon so far and she’s already proven she knows how to win on the grass.

ESPN and ESPN2 have coverage tomorrow starting at 7am ET.

MONDAY WIMBLEDON SCHEDULE

Centre Court 1:00 PM Start Time
Roger Federer (SUI)[3] v. Xavier Malisse (BEL)
Ana Ivanovic (SRB)[14] v. Victoria Azarenka (BLR)[2]
Novak Djokovic (SRB)[1] v. Viktor Troicki (SRB)

No. 1 Court 1:00 PM Start Time
Maria Sharapova (RUS)[1] v. Sabine Lisicki (GER)[15]
Marin Cilic (CRO)[16] v. Andy Murray (GBR)[4]
David Ferrer (ESP)[7] v. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)[9]

No. 2 Court 11:30 AM Start Time
Serena Williams (USA)[6] v. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)
Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)[3] v. Camila Giorgi (ITA)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)[5] v. Mardy Fish (USA)[10]


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245 Comments for Djokovic, Federer The Favorites As Week Two At Wimbledon Begins; Sweet 16 Picks And Pans

Eric Says:

Agree with your picks, except Kohls over Baker in 3.


jane Says:

Interesting picks: Istomin and Baker – and even Ferrer in a way – would be considered upsets I guess. Hope the weather holds!


Nina Says:

A Djokovic-Tsonga final would be interesting. A rematch of their AO08 final!


Brando Says:

COMPLETELY AGREE- it’s novak’s to lose. Fed, mainly due to his pedigree on grass, is his main challenger and he doesn’t look he’ll stop novak based on the round 3 performance. He’ll probably beat fed in 4, although straights is possible. Should he face Murray or tsonga he’ll win in 4. It shall be his most COMPREHENSIVE GS win after AO 11′! You heard it here first.


skeezer Says:

Brando,

Agree with u, but am still cheeng for Fed and a majical upset!


Wog boy Says:

Brando,

Federer is favorite, keep it that way please.

Nina,

If I can chose, and I cannot, I would prefer Nolay final.


Brando Says:

@skeezer:

it’s the right thing to do. I picked fed from that half to reach the final, so i believe in his ability for sure. NO ONE thought rafa would lose in rnd 2- so of course anything is possible also. Fed is certainly capable of the win.

BUT after the first 3 rounds and considering their recent meetings, present status (one is 25, in his prime- the other is going 31 and defying what is inevitable), i see novak as the CLEAR FAVOURITE.

I think IF we all be very honest for a moment with both ourselves and others then we’ll find that sean is right and novak is most certainly the favourite.

It’s nothing personal, neither are my fav- it’s just pointing out the obvious.

Wish them both well, and of course, may the best man win the title!


Brando Says:

@Wog Boy:

LOL, i can understand why you would want it that way. BUT your guy is the heavy fav- he’s earnt it and enjoy it. Who knows how long his reign will last?

So enjoy it, relax and feel confident about your fav as most observers are.


Krishna Says:

@jamie: Who does the astrologer predict will win Wimbledon?


trufan Says:

Hard to predict anything right now. This wimbledon is wide open – nobody is playing really great.

That said, Djoke-Fed semi seems likely. Fed has to play better to win that one – which he can. Surely, the motivation cannot be higher (17 slams, 7 Wimbledons, No 1 ranking record? too much on the line).

I don’t see anyone in the other half winning wimbledon. Looks like Murray will complete the third leg of the “Murray slam” – which is losing at least one final in all 4 slams, without winning any – I don’t think anyone has ever accomplished that.

SO I am rooting for Fed Murray final, with Fed winning and Murray completing his Murray slam.


trufan Says:

Brando – I agree, Djokovic is the favorite. He is 25, Fed is almost 31. Fed needs some luck to win.

That said, this is grass….

As for Nadal – next year he will be 27. Seems like his non clay slam days are pretty much over. He might get another one on clay – but after 26, ALL players fall of a cliff in terms of winning titles. For Nadal, it would be steeper (the cliff).


harry Says:

Brando —

I agree with your assessment that Nole is the favorite (as do skeezer, Sean and others). But I would not be that dogmatic (if i may say so), especially given that it is grass and given that conditions seem to change depending on weather, roof etc.

Let us wait, watch and have fun :) Whoever wins we are likely to see some impressive tennis.


Dan Martin Says:

http://tennisabides.com/2012/07/01/wimbledon-gentlemens-round-of-16-predictions/ I’ve got both my men’s and women’s or gentlemen’s and ladies’ picks up on my blog

Sean always goes a great service here at tennis-x


jamie Says:

@Krishna

Hasn’t given the winner yet BUT hinted the following before giving the winner tomorrow(?)

Nole has a lousy astrological chart for this Wimbledon(like Nadal did).

Murray’s chart is excellent, really good.

Federer’s chart is VERY good.


jamie Says:

BTW, Nadal’s chart for this Wimbledon was terrible.

But his chart for the USO is amazing. Like the one he had when he won his 2 Wimbledons, AO, USO and Olympics.


jamie Says:

^and it’s the same chart he had when he won RG 2010 as well.
————-

IMO the Wimbledon winner will be Federer or Murray.


harry Says:

Murray hasnt reached French finals though…


Possum Says:

Excuse me but what type of English grammar is this:

Malisse has the game and talent to keep it close for a couple of sets but after a sloppy match against the Frenchman last week I think Roger gets back to right.

Is this some form of jock-speak? What mood, tense is it called?

I notice this style of writing is commonplace on this site….just curious.


Possum Says:

I think he does it again tomorrow.

Shouldn’t it be written: I think he’ll do it again tomorrow.


Zoki Says:

Djokovic will defend the title, bravo!


jatt Says:

The front page picture of djokovic with a cricket bat..I did not knew Djoker plays cricket also. Not sure if serbia has their own cricket team


Wog boy Says:

jatt,

Funny you mentioned that, I was ready to put my house on the line that Serbia doesn’t have cricket team then I remembered one very much loved Englishman, poet, writter, director that moved in Serbia in 70s and still lives in Belgrade who loved cricket and wanted to bring it in Serbia and I think he managed to form cricket club.
His name is Timothy John Byford great man, he use to work for BBC, I will check Mr. Google if he formed cricket club, I am pretty sure he did. That is more like him.


skeezer Says:

Possum,

I think he( meaning the person ) does it again ( the action ) tomorrow ( when ). “He will” is not necessary but is “ok” also…

It’s proper. English language has different ways of explaining the same thing…and..yes there is lots of slang of phrases( and words) used. And “jock speak” as you call it….well.. plenty of that. I know it’s tough. Ever studied Hawaiian “Pidgeon”? Now there is an English that is out there. Good luck with understanding that!

“Da Kine”


Kimmi Says:

too many matches tomorrow to concentrate on any..i don’t think this super Monday works very well for TV coverage.


Wog boy Says:

jatt,

Yes, there is Serbian cricket federation formed in 2009 and there is four teams so far and yes, TJB was behind push to introduce Cricket in Serbia.


Gannu Says:

Good good Sean..pls keep picking up Djoker…My feddy bear has an excellent chance to win wimby going by ur unenviable track record!!!!


Michael Says:

I would say considering the current form, if Roger and Novak meet in the semis my take would be 45:55. I give a slight edge to Novak because he has been able to consistently beat Roger of late. But this is Grass and here Roger is a different animal altogether. I expect a very tough match and probably even a victory for Roger. But for that to happen, Roger should produce his ‘A’ game, not the one he produced against Julien but the one he beat Novak at the French OPen.


spaniel Says:

Well, Nole is favourite for semi but it is not so clear. Roger beat Nole as the last before his 43 straight wins and then he was the first one to beat him to finish it. And it was on clay where Nole has the biggest edge on Roger. Then we had the US semi which was very close. This means It is 50/50 when Roger has a good day. Based on last results it is maybe little bit on Nole ´s side but it is GS and grass so it is pretty open.


Dave Says:

No. 38 Xavier Malisse is another of Federer’s buddies, so Roger wants to win in three comfotable sets without crushing his buddy too badly (as long as buddy doesn’t pull a Benneteau). Grass is Malisse’s best surface. And he played 8 singles (quarterfinal, semifinal) and 5 doubles matches on the grass courts of London Queen’s Club and Hertogenbosch, so he is very dialled in on grass courts. That has helped him beat Gilles Simon and fernando Verdasco in the second and third round. So the potential for this match spilling into a fourth set is there.

I said in the ‘Nadal, Murray, Serena Advance Tuesday at Wimbledon’ blog that, after his masterclass against Fognini, “Federer is probably pleased with his game, and he may shift down a gear and work on a few things in his next match, probably against Benneteau (I hope).” That’s typical with Federer — after a brilliant match or two, he goes into his next match with less intensity because he expects to win even with his B Game. Besides, Benneteau is a friend whom he would not inflict a beatdown on and he needed a nice Friday workout before having two days off over the weekend. After all, Benneteau had just returned from injury and surely his game would have limitations, right? Trouble is, when Roger started flat and casual, Benneteau was given the opportunities and confidence to start playing the match of his life in the first two sets and even managed to play even better in the fourth set against a Federer who had woken up. It really wasn’t a Houdini act since Federer was never really at the brink, despite being two points away several times in the fourth set: What Federer will remember from this match is that, after giving Benneteau the momentum in the first two sets with his B- and then B Game, he calmly problem solved the situation and raised his game to B+ (at times to A-) to win it in three straight sets. After the match Fed gave Benneteau a signed t-shit from the match which Benneteau said he will frame up. Ultimately, it was better for Federer to play Benneteau, a taller player with a better all-round grass court game (than Michael Russell) — the five setter before two days off should benefit Federer in the second week. I hope Federer has followed up by practising all weekend instead of wasting time with GOAT Jack Nicklaus the way he wasted time with cricket co-GOAT Sachin Tendulkar last Wimbledon. Wait, Federer did waste time with Jack Nicklaus, giving interviews, photo ops, and the dreaded time wasting business of the ATP Player Council that has been responsible for distracting him from focusing on tennis! Ugh.

Malisse straight-setted Troicki in the first round of Hertogenbosch grass, so grass isn’t Troicki’s best surface (hard courts are). None of Troicki’s first three opponents are competent grass court players. But Monday’s matches are likely to be played with the roof closed and Troicki plays his best tennis on indoor hardcourts, so maybe the conditions might help him. As for Djokovic, so far Ferrero, Harrison and Stepanek have been relatively mediocre opponents, and I expect Troicki to be another. Even if he drops a set, Novak probably expects to win this match. After all, Troicki won’t be able to walk the streets of Belgrade if he actually beats Djokovic in a grand slam match (despite diligently paying his taxes to Serbia, unlike some tax evaders). Djokovic’s first minimum test will come against probably the grass-competent Gasquet in the quarterfinal.

– Novak Djokovic in three over Viktor Troicki

– Richard Gasquet in four over Florian Mayer

– Roger Federer in three over Xavier Malisse

– Mikhail Youzhny in five over Denis Istomin

– Juan Martin del Potro in four over David Ferrer

– Andy Murray in five over Marin Cilic

– Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in three over Mardy Fish

– Philipp Kohlschreiber in four over Brian Baker

Overall, Federer beats Djokovic in the semifinals. del Potro beats Tsonga and in the semifinal. In the final Federer beats del Potro.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michale : But this is Grass and here Roger is a different animal altogether.

Not sure what justifies the statement. Roger lost in the quarters last two times. Probably it should read as “Roger WAS a different animal altogether” right?

The way Novak playing, I don’t see what Roger has which is going to hurt him in grass. Roger used to be a great Volleyer, which is worst skill today. He became a slightly lesser player in Grass from the time he started suppressing his volleying skills (i believe it’s because to protect his back) from 2008.


harry Says:

Dave — Interesting calls, but i am not sure I agree with them :) How do you think the courts are playing this year vis-a-vis the last couple of years? Especially with the closed roof situation…


Philippe Says:

@Jamie: Tsonga is missing in the astrologer prediction. He seems to have a good chart too


Dave Says:

harry, forecast is for lots of rain this week. Here’s the BBC forecast for SW 19 (Wimbledon) — it’s interactive when you put the cursor over the icons.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/sw19

On the outside courts, the rains will affect the outcome of matches. In center court I think both Federer and Djokovic have learned to adapt to the closed roof conditions, so their opponents start with a disadvantage unless they love indoors. Federer’s 3.5 hours under the roof last Friday should help him in future closed roof matches this week.

So, what are your calls?


Dave Says:

Del Potro looks menacing once more, blowing Nishikori away with powerful display. After two short players in Go Soeda and Kei Nishikori, Delpo should be primed for David Ferrer.
http://tinyurl.com/6vjzmty


C.O.Z.industries Says:

Haha, people are saying Fed needs luck to win. Nope, he needs his A-game. His A-game is well above Novak’s A-game on grass, so SHOULD we have a Novak/Fed semi, Fed won’t need Novak to play poor or be injured to win it. He just needs to play well. Something neither, especially Federer did in the Roland Garros semi.

But that’s assuming they get there, and who’d assume THIS week?!


Sienna Says:

C.O.Z.industries

Absolutely agree.

In fact Feds B game will keep toe to toe with Djoker. Only when he is even of his B game like in the first set against Bennetau he will probably loose if Djoker plays his A game.

But Fed will be dialed in when they meet and I would give Fed 70/30 in their match up.


Mark Says:

Cilic for the title. Come on Cilic!!!


Wog boy Says:

Five or six top French players officially are Swiss residents. Question is , why would they use Swiss ahead of Monaco if Swiss is not more or less same tax heaven as Monaco. Can we and do we have the right to question their patriotism because they don’t pay tax to France. That also means that Federer is quite OK with tax in his country even he has second official residence in Dubai, for what purpose? If Troicki is stupid enough to pay tax twice, in the country where he plays and to Serbia where he actually is not making that money that is his problem. Serbia has to pay Novak for improving the image of Serbia, and didn’t invest one cent in Novak. How much Serbian government is paying to certain American companies for lobbing, Novak is doing same thing twice as good for free. Novak is giving lot of money to charities and even put in his contract with Uniqlo that every cent for one particular T-shirt that is selling all around the world has to go to Novak’s foundation for under privileged kids in Serbia. That is far better than to give money (ttax money) to corrupted government.
At the the end, what all of this has to do with Wimbledon and why certain poster has to bring this in to conversation about who is going to win , Novak or Troicki? That is up to him to explain, I can only ask that poster, how low can you go?
For all the other resonable Fed and Nole fans, I really hope they are going to make it to SF and in that case we are going to have festival of best possible tennis and may the better player win.


Margot Says:

Andy for the title! Come on Andy!


Wog boy Says:

Andy for the final! Come on Andy:)


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Last two years, Roger made just the quarters at Wimbledon. Yes you are right. This might appear as an excuse. But in 2010, he was suffering from a severe back pain when he lost to Berdych which hampered his overall game. Again in 2011, he was leading by two sets to love against Tsonga when the latter unleashed his special Tennis to outgun him. Therefore, it is not that he has lost his touch in Grass. He has only been unlucky the last two years. But this year, things are different. Roger is in excellent physical condition and although he is not playing his “A” game, yet we can hope that he will reach his peak form once he reaches the quarters. Therefore, it is not that you give up all hope on Roger. You will be doing so only at your own risk. Roger is Roger and this time he will be more determined to win here considering that it has eluded him for the past two years. I am sure Novak is in for a very real fight when he faces Roger at the semis. I cannot say for sure that Roger will win that match, but I can definitely say it will be hard fought and not a easy victory for either of them.


Lisa Says:

Federer ‘First Serve’ was his SAVIOUR on Friday, without it….he would have Lost without a doubt….

To be fair….Djokovic is the ‘better player’ of the two thus far as results have shown throughout the tournament….

Federer would need alot more then FS to go further….Hope he finds the missing elements soon….

However, having said all this….keep in mind….

Federer and Djokovic has ‘never ever’ in both their careers played against each other in Wimbledon, ever!

Whether that may be a factor and to who it may favor….it remains to be seen….


Kimmi Says:

OMG!!10 break points went begging for petra. she wont win like this.


Ray Says:

but did those french players also retire twice during davis cup matches for their country?

and regularly pass up on the tennis events in their countries?


Ray Says:

I guess serbia is too powerless a country with mediocre achievements in sports/other fields that they dont mind getting a kick up their behind from one person. this regularly happens in countries with not much history/achievements.

other nations like france/uk/usa/austrailia/russia/china/germany have a very rich history and they are not at the whims of once sportsman!


Kimmi Says:

federer try to lose his back…not looking good. he is been struggling in his games so far


Ray Says:

If we went by who won wimbledon the year before, nadal shouldn’t have lost last year and federer shouldn’t have lost in 2010 and 2008.

federer is definitely in a much better position than nadal to win this title. atleast he is not cooling his feet off after getting kicked out by rosol! [kicked out by rosol – exact words used by kohlshcreibber to describe rafa’s loss]

i guess raf@tards have a new person to hate now! LOL!


Ray Says:

If we went by who won wimbledon the year before, nadal shouldn’t have lost last year and federer shouldn’t have lost in 2010 and 2008.

federer is definitely in a much better position than nadal to win this title. atleast he is not cooling his feet off after getting kicked out by rosol! [kicked out by rosol – exact words used by kohlshcreibber to describe rafa’s loss


Kimmi Says:

federer call the trainer/doctor! ooops.


Kimmi Says:

medical time out for federer..


gannu Says:

Wats happened God..I am shit scared for my feddy bear…he is so off color and he has taken a medical time out..shit scared now


gannu Says:

wtf is wid feddy bear.I am really getting worried :-(((((


Kimmi Says:

yes gannu. it looks like the back. not good at all.


Maso Says:

Oh no… that’s terrible…


Lisa Says:

Federer seems to be struggling with pain. This is not looking good


Maso Says:

Let’s hope the pain killers kick in soon!


mat4 Says:

@Ray:

Serbia, as a part of the former Yugoslavia, and as a standalone country after that, has Olympic gold medals in basketball, volleyball, handball, water-polo, and a great tradition in collective sports.

Anyway, it seems that I was right the other day when I wrote that something was wrong with Roger.


mat4 Says:

And now, McEnroe remarked the same thing I did two days ago: he has problems running to his forehand.


Mark Says:

Curfeud! – Cignarelli’s Blog
Posted By Staff On July 1, 2012 @ 11:10 am In Center Court,Craig Cignarelli’s Court,Top Story | No Comments

Push-back on this – especially from the Brits – is going to turn me into Sonny Corleone at the tool booth, but I think Wimbledon screwed up.

The scene: After a few short hard-fought hours, Andy Murray sits on the cusp of victory.  Marcos Baghdatis is battling the crowd, fatigue, and some very poor play.

Thirty minutes ago, the stiff-collared traditionalists posted an announcement to players, crowd and nearby Londoners – not to mention the entire Twitterverse – that Wimbledon would cease play at 11:00 p.m.  The curfew was implemented as part of an agreement with the tournament’s neighbors – who wants to have a bunch of rowdy, drunk, strawberry-and-cream-covered tennis fans passing through your streets at 1:00 a.m.?  We all know what a raucous band Lacoste-wearing hooligans can be.

For thirty minutes, Baghdatis has folded like a WSOP rookie and the energized crowd has swing-pushed Murray to the brink of triumph.  11:00 p.m. arrives.  Murray is one game from victory and, as Wimbledon’s officials stand by, he pleads with the umpire to allow one more game so he can couch plant on Sunday to watch EURO 2012 – England went out early and Scotland’s loss to Liechtenstein suggests Gaelic accents and Caber tossing are less than appropriate preparation for international futbol events.

In fairness I had to look up the term ethnic nepotism (def) in group favoritism for people of the same ethnicity within a multi-ethnic society.  The point here is Wimbledon made a crass judgment that should piss off the rest of the world’s players.  Oh sure, I can imagine those Brits huddling in their green and purple offices shaking like Parkinson’s victims at the thought of calling the match at 5-1 in the 4th set, with Murray serving and four points from victory.  I can picture them on the cliff’s edge of “What do we do?” when faced with tradition vs. riot, the fingers on cell phone buttons to Buckingham palace wondering if the Queen will deign a five-minute reprieve so the sacred son can throw down a few aces in the quest for national salvation.  But ultimately, someone unzipped and found a pair of Wimbledon balls and let the match continue.

But what if Murray had been broken? What if Baghdatis had decided to leave his Greek tragedy to become a modern day Leonidas – go see the movie The 300 and you’ll appreciate the obscure reference.  What then?  Would Wimbledon’s officials have shut down the Cypriot’s momentum immediately and told the players to stop? Would the neighbors have begun launching pints onto the stadium roof or thrown on their long white pants and taken up arms in the form of Slazenger torches to village-march upon the illuminated monstrosity?

I’ll admit, I’m not a big “rules” guy, but there is no place for favoritism in professional sports.  Sure, I’m aware of the Romanian Davis Cup escapade, circa 1972, and the deference home teams receive when it comes to lunch buffets and clean locker rooms.  But as pro players can attest, momentum plays a role in our sport.  A point here or a point there can break a player or ignite a surge.  Wimbledon chose to let Murray benefit from that momentum, and in turn, prevented the Cypriot from finding it.  I’m calling a fault.

Having said all this, I’m glad I got to see the end of that match.

EURO 2012–FORZA ITALIA!

Craig’s blog can be found at http://bewareofdogmadotnet.wordpress.com/ [1]

Article printed from 10sBalls :: Tennis can’t be Tennis without Balls: http://www.10sballs.com

URL to article: http://www.10sballs.com/2012/07/01/curfeud-cignarellis-blog/

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Maso Says:

Not good at all, no. Can’t believe this is happening now… poor Rog…


Wog boy Says:

Ray,

Where did you get from that “…they dont mind getting the kick up their behind from one person.”…..” they are not at the whims of once sportsman.” just because he is resident of Monaco? How many players from other countries (western countries) are doing the same thing to avoid paying tax in their countries? How much do you know about achievments in the other sports and other fields of Serbian people so you can be so judgemental? Actually I think Serbia is very successful sport nation considering the size and how much money (very little) was invested in sport, look at basketball, handball, volleyball, waterpolo, tennis and more. All these people came out of country that have €450 a month to live on and the cost of life is same as in W. Europe!
I think that is for respect, don’t you think so?

What is wrong with Federer???


racquet Says:

This looks really bad for Federer. He’s not moving well and serving in 2nd gear.


Gannu Says:

commentators saying lower back issue… i am very very frustrated and disaapointed…never expected this …really devastated to c federer like this


Wog boy Says:

mat4,

I didn’t see your post.


mat4 Says:

They just said it now: problems with the lower back. If it is something like mines, it is very painful and hindering.


Maso Says:

Holy crap, he breaks back. Hope he can pull a good tie break.


racquet Says:

He must be praying for the rain to start so he can get 40 mins to warm up and let the drugs kick in.


mat4 Says:

WB:

I wrote two about it, and was immediately attacked for giving excuses to Fed… I am tired of arguing.


Brando Says:

POOR FED- unlucky with the back injury. He’ll soldier on, hope the painkillers kick in asap since the tourny NEEDS him in last 8!


Kimmi Says:

maria struggling, serena struggling, kvitova about to go out.


Brando Says:

Yep, BBC CONFIRM it was lower back. :-(


Kimmi Says:

how did fed win that set? great tie break. now they close the roof , somebody work on him please!!


the DA Says:

hehe..the x-man gets severe brain cramp and it begins to drizzle. The tennis gods look down on Fed once again.


Gannu Says:

federer just got gifted by malisse, his old frien,that set…. really fcked up and disguted…madmax here are u… i have aready prssed the panic button and all other keyboard buttons now…god please save fedex somehow… prayers and prayers and best wishes


El Flaco Says:

The back is a bad injury. You can’t wrap it like a muscle pull. If he somehow pulls out this match it will be even worse the next time he plays. Fed has no chance of winning Wimbledon now.


El Flaco Says:

I don’t think the rain delay is a good thing for Fed. If you have an injury that has already been treated and you are feeling a bit better you don’t want to stop and cool off.


Gannu Says:

el flaco..ur words certainly are not encoraging at all..just dont know how fed will pull this match…for me the first thing is this match…i just cant think ahead at all…


Skorocel Says:

Classic Wimbledon = playless Sunday, rainful Monday…

Btw, why the hell did they build that retractable roof when it takes like million hours to close/open?


Nirmal Kumar Says:

This is what I said at the end of Roger’s match against Bennet. I suspected he was not well with his lower back. Basically I mentioned he was not bending.

##########

Nirmal Kumar Says:
I’m not sure why people think Roger is lucky. He started playing well, and did not look like he would lose inspite of the scoreline. You could see the confidence in him, though he was indecisive in some key moments.

Roger was a better player from 3rd set. Even in 2nd set, he had his chances. Just that Bennet played some crazy tennis and hit the lines on BP. I don’t think Bennet would have had chance in 5th, once Roger got better on returns and gs. The only worrying factor on the match was the poor net play by Roger. He could not bend for any volleys. He stood upright. Not sure what’s going wrong with his physique?

June 29th, 2012 at 9:33 pm

Nirmal Kumar Says:
I have been one of the most vocal critic of Roger, though being his fan. But listen, the guy is in some physical trouble. This is not an excuse for his bad play, but just my concern. Even if he gets through this match, I see very little chance for him unless it’s a sprain or something he picked up in the morning.

He is not bending on any volleys. He is just standing and trying to retrieve the ball. This is the worst net play I have seen Roger play.

June 29th, 2012 at 3:57 pm

#################

Looks like it was true that he was not well in his last match too.


Sienna Says:

Lucky basterd who ever is gonna win this thing now.

Wow Nirmal you copied youre own posts and the added a few corrections just to look like you already picked up on the lower back problem.

He had it all Garros probably form the blue clay.
Still he will become atp #2 and if defends his points he will have another shot at Djoker US Open.

#1 is still very much possible and it is bigger then 5% Nadal has 5%


Sienna Says:

Btw if it is a spasm he will be okidoki within 2 days.

So a lott of painkillers taken at MTO and they can now kick in. Roof and of we go reaching quarters to keep the streak going and he will see how he fairs in the quarters.


Gannu Says:

sienna…no 1 is now not imp i feel…its all that gslam wins that matter..ofcourse it may or may not follow with no 1 ranking…but really with age and competition and with this injusry ….feddy bear’s chances are diminishing…i am so tensed and on the verge of a breakdown…never wud want fed to go down because of an injury…it really feels so v bad now ;-((((((


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Sienna..no issues. you don’t have to bother about them. This is the blog in which I posted those comments. I don’t think you can back-edit the comments posted in the blogs.

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2012-06-28/10098.php

Ofcourse you are a dumb asshole here. Anyway you don’t understand tennis. Nothing much to bother about youl


Jatt Says:

Thanks wogboy.. Glad to know that cricket is being followed in Serbia. I used to follow cricket years ago, and there used to be few countries that were playing this game. At that time Australians were the world champions and south Africa was a very strong team. I still remember Jonty Rhodes, the best fielder in the world, wow it brought back all memories.


Kimmi Says:

Petra!!! good to see her fight and win. Go Go Go !!


skeezer Says:

Fed looking a littlebetter here. Bad news to here about the back though :(


Kimmi Says:

feddy bear some great tennis at the moment. Lets go fed!


Gannu Says:

good to see the ever supporting fed fans kimmi and skeez…feels better…hope our man closes this out quickly….god pls be with him….pryaers!!!


skeezer Says:

Fed still not right, but navigating through very well so far..


Skorocel Says:

Looks like Malisse is showing some sympathy for Roger & his injury ;-) Had it been Djoker here…


Brando Says:

credit to fed for his play here. tough under the circumstances.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger realises that Mallisse is not keeping the ball in play. Roger ensures he puts the ball back in play.


Philippe Says:

I think Fed will not play the next stage because of his injury


Brando Says:

‘I think Fed will not play the next stage because of his injury’

DOUBT IT- i think he’ll play.


Philippe Says:

Does anybody see the match live? Does he have any handicap?


Kimmi Says:

sharapova out


Nirmal Kumar Says:

He may not play if he loses anyway. As the match goes long, it’s going to be difficult for him to sustain. It was poor play from Malisse helped him to take second set. If Malisse can pick up his level, then it would be toast for Roger.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

He may not play if he loses anyway. As the match goes long, it’s going to be difficult for him to sustain. It was poor play from Malisse helped him to take second set. If Malisse can pick up his level, then it would be toast for Roger.


Brando Says:

who knows how this set will end, BUT malisse had the chance to win set 1, and here he’s up a break.

IF fed struggles with malisse- a match we all thought he’d win in straight sets, comfortably- it does make the road ahead look mighty tough.

i think its DUE TO HIS BACK- and if it causes great pain to him whilst playing, then his team need to step up and advise him that it’s probably best to withdraw.

no point aggravating his back further.


the mind reels Says:

@Brando: he’s struggling only because he’s moving at about 60%, letting a fair number of balls go, and serving barely at ~110 mph. Even then, he rolled through the second.

He’s clearly hampered, but if Malisse gets tight serving this out and Federer can get off court in the next 45 mins, he can get some much-needed treatment.

Certainly doesn’t look good for Federer at this point, but we’ll have to see how this match unfolds. If he can pull it out, he’ll surely speak to the issue in his presser.


Sienna Says:

Fed is in so much pain. He is hardly going for the corners when Malisse hits one there.He tries to come through this match and hope it is a spasm which would be fine within 2 days. No problem.They know about his back and take no chances.


Brando Says:

@TMR:

I AGREE re his condition affecting his performance- it’s quite obvious on court.

BUT as to what he should do post match, i think it would be best that he withdraws IF he feels the back is not allowing him to play as he wants.

no point going on to face novak and then be beaten, most likely badly, when we know his back played a part in fed’s performance.

Long story short, i don’t won’t to see the guy exiting the tourny on the back of a performance that is determined by his injury.

Wish him the best going forward here.


Kimmi Says:

hmmm, federer, what is happening.


El Flaco Says:

Malisse will have to choke to lose this match. Fed has no juice on his serve and can’t play any defense.


Maso Says:

This will be a very tough match to finish for Federer, considering how much the back is impairing his game. Hope he can work through it to win one more set, but it’s not looking good, there’s no power in any of his shots.


Gannu Says:

its all over…i would have had some hope if roger was well….but this is just shocking….i am devastated….and he just doesnt show any emotion…just dont know what he is undergoing


Brando Says:

I feel so sad watching this- way more then when rafa lost.

feel sorry for fed here :-(


Nirmal Kumar Says:

The concern is not about Roger losing this match. I thought it was obvious based on last match performance that his tournament is anyway over.

But the trouble is, how much this is going to affect the rest of his season till USO. Will this take him out of Olympics and US HC including USO. That would be a tragedy.

But this was sort of expected when Roger over played post his USO 11.


Gannu Says:

brando..i sympathise with you


Wog boy Says:

Federer is going to win this one!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger has too much respect for his opponents. I don’t think he want’s to walkout from this match. He would go on to lose. He may want to protect his record of not withdrawing from the match once he has started. That’s the right way to apprach.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

WB, if Roger does win this match, it would be a heroic effort. But at what cost we may not know.


Kimmi Says:

woooo! good by clijster.

what a beat down by kerber


Sienna Says:

We are witnessing the hard of a champion on center court.


the mind reels Says:

Federer breaks back and holds. He’s up 3-2, and I think he may actually squeak this set out. The first serve he hit in this game was just out, but he reached back for it and dropped it in at 119 mph, which I think is the fastest he’s hit in a while. Perhaps he’s loosening up a bit.

I agree with a few others here who think that he may withdraw (if he can get out of this match). He’s got the Olympics in a couple weeks to shoot for, and he’s mostly protected his points from last year. Obviously, depends on what exactly is going on with his back, but it would be virtually impossible to compete with a healthy Djokovic in this condition.


the mind reels Says:

Unbelievable. He breaks again.


Mark Says:

Yes Sienna. “hard” of a champion”!


skeezer Says:

C’mon Fed, finish this and get a Mirka Massage.


Maso Says:

Holy crap, and Roger comes back once again. One more hold and he’s through to the QF again!


Sienna Says:

the heart of course


Sienna Says:

Mark Says:
Yes Sienna. “hard” of a champion”!

LOL its a different language Marky Mark


green900 Says:

i think sienna meant ‘heart’ of a champion


Colin Says:

I wish people would stop complaining about how long it takes to close the roof on Centre Court. It doen’t take “a million hours”. It closes in minutes, but then they have to allow the atmospheric conditions inside to settle down. That’s what takes a long time. Don’t forget, even with the old fashioned court covers, when they’re removed it’s still necessary to let the turf “breathe” for a while. This isn’t clay or hard court. It’s a living thing. That is also why there is no play on the middle Sunday – to allow the ground staff to prepare the grass for the second week.
Oh, by the way, Sharapova is out.


the mind reels Says:

That’s a real impressive effort from Federer today. He upped his serve and fought through the match. A real competitor.


skeezer Says:

33rd consecutive GS qtr final…..no one will ever touch that achievement!! Did it with a painful back….

He has no chance against Novak with his back like this though :(


steve-o Says:

Whew! Federer through in four sets despite a gimpy back. This is his 33rd consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal.


Kimmi Says:

yay fed! worried about him though


Brando Says:

congrats to fed for coming through! and of course the streak- WOW!

BUT have to agree with skeez, ZERO CHANCE against novak now!

105 mph 1st serve in the last game- novak is going to eat that up!

I’m sorry, but i genuinely don’t think it shall be pretty if those 2 meet :-(


Philippe Says:

Federer just said he will be fine in two days!!!


Brando Says:

@Philippe:

YES, i heard that also. He’s a fighter, so not surprised by that really.

BUT, im not too sure about that.

He served a 105 mph 1st serve in the last game- no where near his average 1st serve speed. He’s got 3 days prior a SF with novak in which to get his back sorted out.

Not enough time imo. ESPECIALLY when you have a mtach in between.

Then ADD to that his performance against benneteau and now malisse- im sorry it’s not looking good at all!

PRIOR to this match i said novak in 4, possibly 3- now im certain its in 3.


dari Says:

I can’t believe roger is still in the tournament. Yes, he put up a hell of a fight, hope it is a one-round problem.
Get well, Rog. Way to fight!


skeezer Says:

Does anyone know if he came into the match with a hurt back or injured it during the match?


autoFilter Says:

If I recall correctly, Federer was dealing with back spasms throughout the fortnight when he won his very first Wimbledon title; his tournament is not over until he’s no longer in the draw.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Brando : He’s got 3 days prior a SF with novak in which to get his back sorted out.

I’m not sure if Roger has a walkout to semis. Or you assumed he is going to win his QF.


Philippe Says:

@autoFilter

So it is a good sign ;-)


the mind reels Says:

@Brando: Novak still has to win his 4th round match — don’t forget!


Philippe Says:

Djoker is not in the SF yet. I’m not sure if he will arrive there ;-)


jamie Says:

Tennis country’s predictions that Nadal and Sharapova not winning Wimbledon was spot on.

Hopefully the all 2HBH final will be spot on as well.


jamie Says:

All 2HBH final

Nole vs Tsonga

Nole vs Murray

Nole vs Delpo

Cool finals.


Gannu Says:

i really thank god for this…but there is so much to worry and somehow federer says that he will be OK and its a temp issue….he keeps underplaying that issue and again it surfaces…just wondering how is he going to pull that through…djoker wud have thrhsed federer if that had happened…as of today i feel its just a miracle that can help feddy bear win this wimby….we can only hope and pray….skeez, kimmi, daniel, madmax, huh and other fed fans …hope our man gets well soon…


racquet Says:

Yes! After a cagey start Muzza takes the 1st set 7-5. Maybe he’ll start playing more loosely. Cilic is dangerous, if unpredictable.


Brando Says:

@NK: i mentioned the match in the QF in my post to philippe.

@TMR: of course- but does anyone doubt he will?


Brando Says:

good serving by andy so far


jamie Says:

Federer has the ruler of the MC(CM) in the degree of loss(whatever the feck that means). That must mean he will lose eventually.


dari Says:

auto-filter. It took application my strength not to kention that fact, didnt want to jinx, but now that yu have brought it up…

A lot of unlikely, magical things have to happen for roger to win this tournament. First, he has to get to 100% health. I wish him the best in that effort, stephane vivier should get a generous Christmas bonus if Roger wins this.

It’s almost unsettling how calm he was talking about it after the match. “Freak thing that happened in the first set”!!!!
“I will be fine in two days” ?!!??!!

You’re nuts roger, and I hope you’re right!


jamie Says:

A Nolandy final could be the most likely.


Kimberly Says:

Nole-Fish?


dari Says:

Whoa mardy!


dari Says:

Kimberly, I wanted to ask you about Maria’s racquet, I do play with a lot of head racquets and last year fell in love with kvitova’s last wilson racquet. You really recommend Maria’s. Probably just need to take a demo


Kimmi Says:

murray mixing up very well. great play so far


racquet Says:

Whoa! Fish takes the 1st set off Tsonga??


autoFilter Says:

Philippe,

Time will tell, but at least there is precedent.

dari,

I don’t believe in jinxes, so I’ll take the fall for you if it comes to it. And, yeah, that interview was definitely nutty and weirdly optimistic (or something).

My personal opinion is that he’s been dealing with some degree of back issues nearly half the time for the past few years, so I don’t think he’s any stranger to managing this situation at all. The problem is that sometimes managing it is effective and sometimes it isn’t. As anyone who has dealt with a chronic tendency towards intermittent lower back spasms knows, they can come and go like the wind.


jamie Says:

2012 Wimbledon: Does anyone believe Andy Murray can win the whole thing?

Published: Monday, July 02, 2012, 4:00 AM
By Douglas Perry, The Oregonian

To reach his first final at Wimbledon, Andy Murray won’t have to beat Rafael Nadal, who’s bested him in the semifinals the last two years. He’ll probably have to top Juan Martin del Potro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, which will be difficult but doable.
The biggest test, of course, would come in the final. He’s surely hoping that if he gets there he’ll face the aging Roger Federer, drained after a long, demanding semi. Or better yet, maybe Xavier Malisse can make it through.
More likely, Murray would have to take on defending champion and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
Can he beat Djokovic? Of course he can. The Scot has done it before, most recently in Indian Wells in March.
Needless to say, doing it in the Wimbledon final, with a whole nation wringing its collective hands after each unforced error, is a whole different thing. British fans are desperate to have their sporting heroes win, but they never, ever believe in them. Here’s a typical statement from The Guardian’s live blog near the end of England’s Euro 2012 quarterfinal last month that fairly accurately sums up the British fan’s mindset:
“Half time in extra time: England 0-0 Italy. I hope you’re all prepared for the defeat on penalties.”
That’s the spirit!
England fans will point out that the Guardian blogger ended up being right: their boys choked on the penalty kicks, just as they do at every international tournament. And so perhaps the entire kingdom can be forgiven for expecting Murray to choke if he reaches the last Sunday. After all, a Briton hasn’t won Wimbledon since the reign of Queen Anne or thereabouts. Why should the numbing run of disappointment end now?
The thing is, in many ways Murray is a better player than Djokovic. He can crack groundstrokes with the world number one, and he can match him in jaw-dropping service returns. Plus he can offer up a variety of different spins and lines of attack that the more straightforward Serb can’t. Like Federer early in his career, he has suffered from having too many options. Remember when Murray couldn’t go a full game without hitting a drop shot?
The problem with his match-up with Djokovic is that he’s not a better player in the crucial ways. Tennis is a mental battle, and as long as Murray is the “best player never to win a major,” he always will struggle against top opponents deep in majors. The Scot had his foot on Djokovic’s neck in the fifth set of their marathon semifinal at the Australian Open in January, but when he tried to stomp down he slipped.
Still, this was progress. In his three major finals he failed to win a set. He now knows he can beat Djokovic at a major — he just has to do it. He needs to be brave and go big. That’s how it’s done at Wimbledon.
— Douglas Perry


Brando Says:

@autofiller:

i think your post is spot on. Fed has dealt with this issue for a long while now.

I’m sure he knows how to deal with it.


racquet Says:

Damn rain. Hope it doesn’t kill the momentum.


Brando Says:

on a another note, murray playing much better than the baggy match.

keep it up andy!


Kimberly Says:

Love it. Lots of power and decent control. I was playing with the Wilson Juice, Aza’s racket and I feel I got more power and accuracy with the Head Instinct.


Sienna Says:

Federer proved today that he is indeed from a different generation/

He is there for a romantic reason. He plays to make the game of tennis better and he plays with the knowledge that other greats are watching the game.
He will not give in or give up a tennis match.

This is his heart and this is the mark that sets him apart from his contemporairy eliote group of Djoker, Nadal and to a lesser extend Murray.


trufan Says:

I hope Fed has an easy match against Youzhny. Needs some luck to get through here. Unless he is fully fit, he won’t beat Djokovic.

In the other half, Murray looks in good shape to complete the third leg of the Murray slam (losing each of the slam finals at least once, without every winning one – nobody’s ever done that!).


Dave Says:

skeezer: in his immediate post-match interview, Roger didn’t clarify whether the injury happened early in the match or was an existing injury he brought on court. But, after Fed’s interview, Darren Cahill commented that he thought Federer hurt his back in the first or second game of the match.

autoFilter would be right about Federer’s back spasms during Wimbledon 2003. Here is an excerpt:

“Never before had the youngster revealed so much as when he let out a gush of emotion after Philippoussis missed a return on match point. Federer dropped to his knees and later burst into tears.

He lost it again during his on-court interview with BBC presenter Sue Barker, almost yelping, and his honest emotions were as endearing as his classic style of shot-making.

“They come from Switzerland,” he said, smiling, of the tears. “No, I don’t know. I’ve cried a few times on big occasions. Somehow, in the first moment, I don’t think I will [cry] but then I just can’t keep, keep it [in] like this.”

His tears even moved a legend. Martina Navratilova, who later won the mixed doubles title, said she started crying when she saw how overwhelmed he was with emotion. She said she spotted Kim Clijsters crying too, and told her she had to pull it together for the upcoming women’s doubles final.

All this came after Federer’s Wimbledon hopes were running game-to-game, not just match-to-match, a week ago. He nearly retired because of an injured back against Feliciano Lopez of Spain in the fourth round last Monday.

“Did you see the match or not?” Federer asked.

Told no, the new Wimbledon champion had a friendly suggestion. “I’m telling you, go and get a tape,” he said. “I was really in big pain. I was struggling to serve. I was struggling to return. I couldn’t even sit down because I was hurting so much. Then I called the trainer after two games and he gave me painkillers, he gave me a massage on my back with warm cream.

“As I told myself, ‘If this continues for a few more games, and I realized that this guy was just kicking my … , it’s not worth playing.’ Somehow I stayed in the match and it got a little better.”

That’s putting it mildly. He won in straight sets [7-6(5), 6-4, 6-4] and went on to beat an injured Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands, then out-served Andy Roddick in the semifinals and Philippoussis in the final. Federer had 21 aces to 14 for Philippoussis, one of the game’s biggest servers.”
http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jul/07/sports/sp-nuwimble7

During his interview today, as usual, Federer downplayed the back issue as if it was no big deal, he was okay, he’ll be around for half day today and full tomorrow (presumably to fulfill his non-tennis commitments). Sheesh. He needs to do everything necessary to get his back fully healthy and focus on his tennis. Forget the public relations stuff, interviews, photo-ops with Jack Nicklaus and Player Council activities.

Federer should fire his physio and spend a fraction of his $250 million wealth to put together the world’s best team to take care of his back, body, longevity and health. If his physio was better Federer’s back should have been better than this.


the mind reels Says:

@jamie: I think articles like that only hurt Murray. Not at all suggesting you shouldn’t share them — more that people shouldn’t write them with such speculation.

“The thing is, in many ways Murray is a better player than Djokovic.”

I mean, eh. His backhand is comparable, his forehand is worse, his serve is worse, he has great touch, his returns are comparable, and mentally he’s inferior. Does he have the game to beat Djokovic? Sure, but that’s not the right question. As we saw with Rosol, there are many players in the top 50 or even top 100 who have the game to beat anyone — it’s a matter of rising to the occasion and playing well over 5 sets. Murray has not shown that he can do that yet, and until he’s into the finals, it seems silly to talk about. Just more pressure for the guy.


Sienna Says:

Nirmal Kumar Says:
Roger has too much respect for his opponents. I don’t think he want’s to walkout from this match. He would go on to lose. He may want to protect his record of not withdrawing from the match once he has started. That’s the right way to apprach.

You clearly have not got a clue of what drives the greatest of all time.


Sienna Says:

is it drives or thrives?

doesnt matter you know nothing of what goes on in his heart nd therefor you are lost in stupid and retarted comments which any fool can look up with wikipedia.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Sienna..Roger deserves this luck of playing Malisse. Any other player in the world should have got him. But that’s fine. Roger knew Malisse is losing himself rather than Roger beat him. It helped Roger to continue.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

I’m not sure how the weather is going to spoil the schedule. If it can postpone the matches, and Roger gets a extra day of break, it would be good for him.


dari Says:

Roger Federer on his back injury. 16:59 “Yeah, I mean, I felt the back going the beginning of the first set, and then I played on it maybe three, four games. I asked for the trainer, the doctor to come out to just talk about it. So I decided to have treatment inside…. [H]onestlyI’m not too worried. I’ve had bad backs over the years. I’ve been around. They go as quick as they came.”

From the Wimbledon live blog

http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/log/2012-07-02/201207021341218436898.html


Dave Says:

Since that first Wimbledon victory nine years ago, Federer has played with his bad back in many matches and tournaments, typically without showing any outward signs of injury until the following weeks when he withdraws from committed tournaments to rest and recuperate.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/incoming/federers-back-needs-a-break/article1345547/

Roger has learned to play with pain and without making a big deal of it, using the power of his mind over his body. Despite his back problems he rarely calls for a medical time out in over a 1,000 matches. He is old school.

It isn’t luck that Federer ends up winning most of those matches even when he is injured and doesn’t have his best stuff. Federer is arguably the greatest winning machine in tennis history: it’s naive to presume that any other player in the world should have got him today — some might have, but most wouldn’t because Federer has the unique ability to remain calm, problem solve through the situation and has the variety, creativity and resourcefulness to try different things to break down his opponent. People who understand tennis and have watched Federer for a long time see this unique quality in him that most players simply do not have. It’s too simple, easy and naive to write it off as pure luck. Roger makes his own luck. Darren Cahill commentating understood this and talked about it. Why is this so difficult to understand? Federer may not show it but he is arguably the greatest competitor with the greatest fighting spirit of recent generation — a match against him is not over until it’s over.


dari Says:

Vika loves it when the roof is closed, huh? I remember a great performance from her inside here against paszek last year


Kimberly Says:

wow, vika put a real beater on ivanovic. Ivanovic seemed pretty down and out. The lower section of the draw is stacked though, Azarenka, Kvitova, and Williams. Paczek playing great but you just cant see her getting out of this section. Williams playing soso and you can totally see her winning.


skeezer Says:

Dave, dari…thanks!


skeezer Says:

“They go as quick as they came.”

Uh…one day they will not. Take it from a lifer when it comes to the back injuries…..Take care Fed!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Pretty much terrifying tennis from Novak, as he moves on to take the 1st set.


skeezer Says:

pretty efficient play from Novak so far….


Nirmal Kumar Says:

There seems to be such a huge gap in the quality of Novak’s GS compared to others left in his side of the draw. Novak needs to rally step down quite a bit from this quality to make any further matches meaningful.


jane Says:

They should move another match onto Center Court if there are no more matches scheduled after Nole/Troicki and if there is enough time to finish or start one.

I feel badly for all the players rained out.

Nole is looking great today, all the shots are looking sharp – returns, serves, forehands, backhands, lobs – he has 21 winners to 4 errors whereas his opponent is 9 to 9. In the last part of the second set Victor made far too many errors though.


Kimberly Says:

Novak looking scary good or is troicki just so far below him in abilities that he makes him look good? Can’t tell and doesn’t really matter.


Kimberly Says:

if they move a match they are saying it should be gasquet/mayer to balance the draw, but for the fans they should put Murray/Cilic obv.


skeezer Says:

I didn’t see Baker in the schedule today…whats up with that?


jane Says:

I think Nole looks very strong. As J-Mac says “Troicki is trying different things, moving his serve around, serving and volleying, hitting angles, etc, but nothing’s been working”. That said, Troicki hits too many errors and he doesn’t have the movement, mental strength, or returns of Nole. He’s had 3 break points in this game so he is trying.

Like in any match, it takes two.


skeezer Says:

jane,

What do u think of Noles new duds. Yuck. I thought he looked sharp in Addidas….


racquet Says:

Jane, no more play after this match. Everyone has been sent home. Play will resume at noon tomorrow.


jane Says:

I like Uniqlo skeeze – it’s simple and classic.

racquet – really? That’s just illogical in some ways. But then again, it might be seen as favouritism? I mean whom do you pick to put on court? It gets dicey I suppose. J-Mac thinks it’s a HUGE mistake not to put another match on CC.

What a shame about the weather delays – feel totally bummed for all of the players affected. This happened in 2007 and the bottom half of the draw was drastically impacted, having to play day after day.


racquet Says:

Yes, it’s true. The scheduling committee are sometimes maddeningly illogical. They could get at least 90 mins of play in tonight.

The have got it mostly right this tournament but todays cc matches were all duds. They couldn’t foresee that though.


racquet Says:

oops, the scheduling committee is


jane Says:

They have probably 3 hours racquet, not just 90 minutes. Probably Murray could have finished and they could have still got in a set or two of another match. Sigh.


alison Says:

Im sorry to say,although Nole looked really good,i found this match quite boring,i was just begging for Triocki to do something to at least make it competitive,from a neutral point of view dismally one sided,still well done Nole,as a Brit i would love for Murray to take the title,but i think it will be a tough ask,Nole looks in ominous form,and looks unbeatable IMO.


jane Says:

This is what the Telegraph said about Troicki’s effort: “When he served, Troicki liked to select between half a dozen balls. But you got the feeling whichever one he chose, it would come back at his ankles at 90mph.” AND, “He was brave, he was ambitious, he ventured to the net in an attempt to intercept the ballistic battery raining down on him from the other side. But when he did so, Djokovic merely bobbed the ball over his head to the back of the court.”


El Flaco Says:

skeezer Says:
I didn’t see Baker in the schedule today…whats up with that?
————————————-

That’s what I said at first. After scrolling down the page for a while I stopped when I kept reading girls juniors and mixed doubles matches. Maybe a walkover? Then I did search of the page and found they pushed them all the way out to Court 12 which was at the bottom of the schedule page.


the mind reels Says:

A quick look at the forecast suggests that there’ll be plenty of rain through Wednesday in London. I’d think that they would prioritize completing the fourth round over starting the quarters, which would mean bumping more matches to center court so that they can get completed. Depending on what’s going on with Federer’s back, this could be better or worse for him: better since it could potentially mean an extra day of recovery, but worse if it means possibly playing back-to-back matches.


Nina Says:

I know the match was too onesided to say, but Nole is looking in ruthless form. He’s playing as well or better than this time last year. He’s moving perfectly on grass, his forehand is clicking nicely, his serve is solid and his groundstrokes look clean. He plays calm, controlled and happy. I don’t see who’s going to stop him.


Ben Pronin Says:

Nina, couldn’t agree more. He’s doing everything extremely well, even his net play looks greatly improved. Troicki may have been exhausted after his first few rounds but I’m not sure it would’ve mattered. The biggest thing is his movement. Especially after watching Federer struggle so much and move in line with his age, Djokovic looks like the Flash out there. At this point it looks like Murray might be the only one with the game to even trouble Djokovic, but I highly doubt he’ll hold up with the pressure.


Brando Says:

yep, pretty much agree with the consensus here: novak’s virtually got this whole thing in the bag!

cannot see anyone stopping him from reaching the finals.

Actually hold on- can anyone see him dropping a set from now until the finals? since i cannot.

Ben’s right, andy has the game to challenge him, make life difficult for him, and even beat him.

BUT, and i feel awful as i write this, i just CANNOT see andy holding up in the pressure of a home GS final.

Mentally it shall be too much for him. And it’s really sad that it shall be like this, most probably anyhow.

I think novak will win wimby, fed will be hurt but knows his back is hindering him big time, whilst andy will be distraught at the end- most likely heartbroken. :-(

Sad, but we all know deep down that this most likely will be the case.


Ben Pronin Says:

Brando, Nadal beating Rosol was a most likely case so I don’t think we should be counting Novak’s chickens before they hatch. There’s still a lot of tennis to be played, the week only just started after all.

Federer said his back was feeling a lot better as the match went on and in 2 days he could very well be back to 100%. Maybe Murray will finally overcome his mental demons. Maybe Brian Baker will surprise us. Florian Mayer was winning against Gasquet before play was suspended. If he plays Djokovic, who knows, maybe he’ll go Rosol on him and serve him out of the tournament. Plus Del Potro is still in it and he’s, at least, won a slam so he knows what it takes and if he finds the right form, he could very well pull through.

Most likely, yes. And I really like the way Djokovic is playing. But crazier things have happened.


Nina Says:

I’m a Novak fan first and foremost, but I wouldn’t be disappointed to see Murray win Wimbledon, it could be epic.


Brando Says:

@Ben:

like i said, most likely. Of course as a a rafa fan, i know that a shock could happen- so need to convert the converted in that regard. LOL!

I would LOVE IT if andy can overcome his mental demons. it would be the best thing for the game right now IF he were to win wimby.

Rafa’s 25, novak and andy are 25. Should andy win then we could have a scenario where there are 3 all court players, GS winners, with similar games, ALL AT THEIR PEAK.

that would be awesome.

The game is NEEDS andy to make that step up, since in all honesty, as good as fed is doing, he’s still going to be 31 and is nearer to the end of his career as opposed to enjoying his prime.

Andy is in his prime, and the game will be the winner IF he were to win his maiden slam here.


Brando Says:

@Nina:

that’s a good attitude to have.

the thing i like about nole fans here is that SHOULD andy win over nole in the final, then they won’t begrudge andy at all. they would be pleased for him.

that’s REALLY NICE to see. makes a change compared to the other crap we see around here at times.

may the best man win.


Nina Says:

Agree Brando, may the best man win.


marrisv Says:

It is too early but i think it Murray will make the final and meet djokovic


Brando Says:

@marrisv: hope your right.


Eric Says:

Trying to gauge Novak’s form from a match against Troicki is futile. Troicki basically plays like Djokovic, but with about half the talent and none of the heart.


Dave Says:

Djokovic’s old coach Niki Pilic admitted last year that grass is Novak’s worst surface (hard courts are his best). So far Djokovic has able to take advantage of opponents who do not currently have good results on grass courts: Ferrero, Harrison, 33-year old Stepanek and Troicki. Together these four players won as many pre-Wimbledon grass court matches (6) as Xavier Malisse won by himself at London Queens Club (quarterfinal) and Hertogenbosch (semifinal). Malisse has won more career grass court matches than any of Djokovic’s opponents, so it is not surprising that Malisse beat two top 20 players Gilles Simon and Verdasco to reach the fourth round.


dari Says:

Like Eric said, its hard to judge from Troicki match, but regardless of who is on the other side of the net, you cannot deny the way novak is MOVING. so fast and so effortless, so comfortable. Maybe the view was shaded compared to old man fed in the other match, but besides that he was connecting and hitting so cleanly. Nothing new that everyone has already said, but things look excellent for him.
I love Andy and picked him in my bracket, but stakes got higher with roger coming back from the injury. I really want him to make the magic.
Andy winning #1 at wimbledon would also be monumentally spectacular so my biggest wishes are for both of them to get to the final and I can be happy no matter what from there.
Go Fed Go Andy


jane Says:

We can look at opponents, Dave, certainly, but obviously Murray’s draw is the toughest. I’d say Nole’s hasn’t turned out too difficult, as Berdych was taken out, but he could still face Gasquet next round, a former semifinalist here. It looks like Fed could get to the semis without facing anyone in the top 30, and with Youzhny being the most accomplished of the lot in terms of overall success. But Youz has never beaten Fed in 13 tries.

Fed:

ramos – #43 (high #38)
fognini – #78 (high #32)
benny – #32 (high #26)
malisse – #75 (high #19)
youz – #33 (former top 10)

Nole:

ferrero – #38 (high #1, 2 time former wimby QFs)
Harrison – #48 (but young and hungry)
Steps – #33 (high #8, former wimby QFs)
troicki – #34 (high #12)
gasquet – 19 (high #7, former wimby SFs) – havent checked Mayer’s stats but i know he can be a tricky opponent.

He has faced no one below 48, three former top tens and 2 former wimbledon quarter finalists, and possibly a former semifinalist if gasquet wins. Nole too could get to semis without facing an opponent in the top 30s. But if you are going to make light of his opponents, one can do the same for Fed’s.


skeezer Says:

The draw is really twofold. When it is first “drawn”, then we all make determinations on who has the roughest/easiest route. Then there is the ever evolving draw as it gets played out. Obviously Fed would have had a tougher road ( on paper ) if Isner was in form ( monster serve, #11 )Simon, Nalby, Tipsy, all who have had wins ver the Maestro. Yes seeding is mostly true but there are very dangerous players on grass who are not. Novak only needed Birdsh!t to bombed out an the draw suddenly turns into an automatic till Fed…
Bottom line the draw was easier for Nole, but the draw for both opened up for them better than when they started.
When Rafa crashed his whole half now looks like WTF? And Fed probably said, “now why wasn’t he in my half of the draw for once?”


Dave Says:

jane: Certainly Murray’s draw is the toughest, and all of the dangers have reached the fourth round.

Incidentally Youzhny has a 4-2 winning record over Gasquet.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=Y061&oId=G628

For Federer, it’s a case of been there, done that — whether Federer gets Gasquet, Youzhny, Fish, Ferrer, Delpo, etc on grass mostly does not really matter… mostly likely he will beat them based on his stellar track record of being arguably the greatest grass court player of the modern era. So logic dictates that Federer would be the overwhelming favorite against almost anyone he faces most of the time.

Djokovic may be the defending Wimbledon champion but his record on grass is not yet anywhere as stellar as Federer’s. Therefore Novak does not yet get a free pass regarding a weaker draw, until he proves himself with a few Wimbledon championships :)


Dave Says:

British newspaper: “Even half fit, half firing and playing in conditions more akin to midwinter, Federer is still a sight to behold. The whip he applies to returns, the spin he puts in those chopped backhands, the easy mastery of the serves: he could play with one hand tied behind his back and still provide a succession of shots that make the admission to Centre Court seem the best value in the sporting universe. His issue, though, came not when the ball was available to hit. It was when he was obliged to move or turn. Anything that required a stretch and the characteristic mastery was not available. Malisse, perhaps sensing this was the biggest chance of his career to make a grand-slam mark, tried to move his opponent around court as much as he could. He played the ball long from the baseline, seeking to find the corners, to make Federer move more than he wished. It took him a while to find his range. The stuttering Federer had already ticked off two sets before Malisse finally managed to force him backwards. Three times he broke the great man’s serve, to take the third set 6-4 and send a flurry of excitement through the crowd. Suddenly, it seemed worth dressing up as if for a winter march across Dartmoor if they were about to witness a real shock. That it did not happen is testament to Federer’s extraordinary fighting spirit. He is not only the most graceful, elegant, refined player ever to pick up a racquet. He is also blessed with unfathomable reservoirs of resolve. This is a man who refuses to yield. And in the fourth set he recovered his radar to ease away from his opponent, the swoop and swipe of his shots proving too much for the bearded Belgian. His serve in what proved to be the final game was typical of his skill. The swerve was so extreme an albatross would be unlikely to have the reach to make it. Malisse could only look to the heavens as the ball smacked into the backboards, wondering how a chance which had appeared so clear an hour earlier, had disappeared before his eyes.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/9370715/Wimbledon-2012-Roger-Federer-recovers-from-first-set-injury-scare-to-reach-quarter-finals.html

British newspaper: “”Roger Federer, the oldest man left in the tournament yet seemingly ageless, is creaking into the quarter-finals of Wimbledon with a suspect back, as much survivor as predator… However, in keeping with Federer’s sunny disposition and sometimes overpowering self-confidence, after a spot of treatment he not only played on without complaint towards victory in two hours and 11 minutes but promised to emerge “100%” fit for his match against the 30-year-old Russian, Mikhail Youhzny… “Honestly I’m not too worried,” said Federer after winning 7-6, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. “I’ve had bad backs over the years. They go as quick as they come. But of course I have to keep an eye on it. Two good nights’ sleeps and I’ll be 100% on Wednesday. I’m pretty convinced —; otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to pull out the match the way I did today.” The man is blessed. Not only did whoever put him together give him the trip-wired reflexes of a panther and the tennis equivalent of Einstein’s brain; he has physical resilience that is the envy of the locker room. Nobody in tennis defies the demands of the sport with such elegance and ease. Only a fool would bet against him reaching the semi-finals. After that?…When he went off for treatment, the tournament held its breath. Losing Rafa Nadal was unfortunate. Losing Federer would have been, well, jolly rotten.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/02/roger-federer-xavier-malisse-wimbledon


jane Says:

Dave, unless Youz beats Fed and Gasquet beats Nole, that h2h is incidental indeed. It means nothing. Gasquet has a better h2h against Fed than Youz and better grass form, having reached the semis here in 2007, beating Roddick. It really is about match ups in this case. If I am not mistaken Nole might have a better h2h with Gasquet than Youz. So, kismet?


Nina Says:

@Dave… I don’t think Nole needs to prove himself at all (maybe to you only). And if we’re looking onto past achievements then game over as Fed has won Wimbledon 6 times. But this is not what this is about, right?


Brando Says:

as far the road to SF, NO DOUBT IMO, fed is the easier route out of the remaining top 4 players.

just ask yourself a simple question: out of the 3 who’s route would you want for fav to the SF?

hands down it would be fed first, then novak, and fianlly andy.

BOTH fed and novak’s really is a draw that is comfortable- very comfortable.

Fed’s was always pretty much like that from the start, while novak’s has panned out like that. Through no fault of his own of course.

THANKFULLY, it has also eased for andy also, to a degree.

there is NO POINT really though in comparing draws, since it’s not the players fault whether they have a easier or tougher route. Not like they have a choice in the matter is it?

I mean what does andy murray really care about novak or fed’s in comparison to his own? he doesn’t care one bit, since it doesn’t change his route at all.


Brando Says:

As far as who looks the sharpest, IMO hands down its novak.

BAR one game, he’s looked solid in all departments in his matches.

I wouldn’t say he’s plyaed ‘out of the world’ type tennis- just efficient tennis that has seen him outclass clearly inferior players to him.

Fed, meanwhile, has also played inferior opposition, BUT has struggled in worrying manner.

IMO, had Benneteau held his nerve he could have, arguably of course, beat fed. He certainly had his chances.

Same with Malisse really. NO ONE can deny that he won a set, was serving for another (set 1), was a break up in the 4th where had he held his nerve he COULD have served it out.

Fed’s dropped 3 sets so far, and arguably could have lost another 3 sets that he played HAD his opponent held their nerve.

Novak, as we all know after the last 18 months, WILL NOT have a problem with his nerve should he meet federer.

that’s way, IMO, its kind of silly to argue that fed is on the same level with novak IN THIS TOURNY, when clearly the man from serbia is playing more assured, controlled tennis.

Everything is on novak’s racquet in his matches- what the opponent does or doesn’t do has not come into it at all.

For federer, the same CANNOT be said.


jane Says:

Agree Brando,. I think Nole’s draw has been ideal in some ways, not too hard but not too soft. He raised his game when facing Ferrero round one, knowing his history. Then Harrison took it to Nole with huge serves and forehands, whereas Steps did the same via the net, or S & V. Troicki tried both forms of aggression (staying back and coming forward). I only made the comparison in repsonse to some other posts about Nole’s opponents.

skeezer is right too – we can look at initial draws on paper, but how they play out, or evolve, is what matters. And all the players can do is play their best against whomever is across the net.


jane Says:

My “agree Brando” was in response to you 7:43 post about the draws etc.


Brando Says:

@Jane:

What do you think of andy’s performances so far? and can you see him pulling it off?

My take has been that he’s generally played some good tennis, very good tennis in the last 2 and half sets that he has played.

BUT on court he has at times seemed subdued, passive, tense, anxious etc. Gone through various sets of emotions, that to me say: IF he gets to the final (i hope he does) he may collapse under the pressure of it.

I don’t doubt in mjy mind at all that he’s playing tennis good enough to win this thing. IMO, ONLY novak has played better tennis, BUT andy has faced sterner opposition and CAN play tennis good enough to beat novak, federer or whoever else.

it’s JUST, as always, the mental side seems shaky and vulnerable. :-(


jane Says:

Brando, yes, I agree with your take that his play has run the gamut but I think overall he looks very very good. I say this because he has had a brutal draw, but he came to play – he raised his game and blew Davy off the court, then he faced the serves of Dr. Ivo (former QFs here), then he faced an aggressive Baggy (Baggy is toughest at two slams: AO & Wimbledon – they are the two he loves best it seems), and now Cilic, the Queens champion and another big server. Against Baggy Murray did look too passive at times, overusing the slice, etc. But he righted that ship. He could still face Ferrer/Delpo and then Tsonga/Fish. I actually think the quarterfinal could be tougher. But he can win all of these matches. I agree – if he is focused and if he serves well, he can do it. But the pressure at this slam in particular is high, no doubt about it. I think Andy can use the support to his advantage though. J-Mac said today that Andy would be the hardest finals opponent because of the crowd support. He just has to think in increments. One point, one game, one set, one match at a time. No more.

Here’s a funny video when a fan yelled advice to Troicki:

http://larrybrownsports.com/tennis/viktor-troicki-listen-fan-wimbledon-video/144635


skeezer Says:

“Dave, unless Youz beats Fed and Gasquet beats Nole,

Jane…too funny, and then who wll be left?

ANDY!

Shhhhh, margot is in holy prayer right now :-)


Brando Says:

@Jane:

LOL, that was funny- especially loved troicki expression when pointing towards the fan- classic!

:-)

i agree with your post- BUT disagree with where you say the QTR maybe tougher than the SF. i think IF he gets ferrer or fish- then andy will have a very good nights sleep before that match as he’ll be in heaven knowing he faces a very beatable opponent. Delpo in QTR though would be EASIER than tsonga in the SF. Andy is really good at playing the tall guys, and facing cilic in the round before is the almost ideal preparation for delpo.

Tsonga would come at andy with power and variety- a far more tricky opponent to face. He’s beaten fed here, and gave novak a GENUINE match last year, so i think jo will be the tougher one.

Mind you, delpo is more mentally tough and consistent than jo, so he could- in theory- bring his A game to the match.

Either way, hoping for ferrer then fish :-)


El Flaco Says:

Djokovic has finally got the handle on how to play on grass these last few years. I think it is more his footwork than anything else. He used to slip and slide a lot more because he was trying to move the same way he did on a hard court.

Did anyone notice that Nadal lost his balance and fell down 3 times in the 1st set and a half against Rosol?


jane Says:

Brando, Interestingly, Fish has a good record versus Andy. 4-4 I think. And Ferrer too. I think Andy has better records versus Tsonga and Delpo than Ferrer and Fish. Go figure hey?


Fedalovic Says:

Off topic a little, but did anyone see the Azarenka/Ivanovic match? What the umpire said in the first set was the very definition of ironic:

“Ladies and gentlemen, as a courtesy to the players, please remain quiet during the point.”

No wonder the entire stadium laughed.

On topic, it would be great to see Andy or Fed win, but I think Novak will take it. Hang on, that’s what I said to myself about Rafa… Going to be an interesting week – compulsive viewing


Brando Says:

@Jane:

did not know that. Speaking of fish fish, and this isn’t funny, checkout what happene here to the line judge after a fish serve:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18683315


tennisfansince76 Says:

There is a lot of talk about how Novak is a shoo-in for the finals. well maybe and maybe not. it all hinges on Fed’s back. if his back is well enough so he can move at 100% then the SF’s will be a match. if Fed is hampered in his movement then you might as well write Nole’s name in the finals bracket. it was painful to watch Fed’s movement out there today and if his opponent had been a top player he would have been shown the exit as he was against Birdy in 2010.


Wog boy Says:

Nice gesture by Nole to give those kids some presents from his bag:)


Kimberly Says:

Lisicki annoys me. I hope kerber hands her her ass. I think on the women’s it almost certain the winner will come from the bottom half of the draw.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Novak looked supreme in ideal conditions for him. The indoor conditions seems to favor ball strikers with flat strokes and ball seems to bounce higher. IMO. Nole is a fantastic indoor player with WTF title.

It would be good for Novak to have next couple of matches in outdoor conditions. That will also help to assess his game when the conditions are windy and some natural elements come into picture.


Wog boy Says:

NK,

Agree about matches in outdoor conditions, he might need them.

Kimberly,

What do you think about Tamira?


skeezer Says:

tennisfansince76,

Totally agree. Everyone is saying how awesome Nole is during this Wimby, and I don’t disagree, but Fed has had an awesome run on the fast stuff since after USO ’11, a heckava start that has gotten him the #2 Ranking over the Beast, and has had 6 Wimby titles( he knows how to play on the stuff ).

IMO it is NOT on Nole’s racquet to win, but Feds back. Hopeful ;) and we’ll see.

BTW, so nice not to deal with the Beast fans in a Gentlemen’s game like Wimby. Please, pour me a glass of “Nyetimber” and some Strawberries and Creme….ahhh..yessss! Bliss…:)


Nirmal Kumar Says:

skeeer, if that is true, the Roger should have won his USO match against Nole and Australia SF against Nadal. Let’s be clear that Roger’s success has been on 3-setters, not 5-setters. He has been found short continuously on 5-setters. Had wimbledon played on 3-setters, we could compare his last years results.

But this back issues has come in as a blessing in disguise for Roger. Now all have a reason for Roger’s loss against Novak if it happens. Everyone is going to talk about Roger’s great success on grass and how he would have beaten Novak if he was healthy.


skeezer Says:

NJK,

“Let’s be clear that Roger’s success has been on 3-setters, not 5-setters. ”

You’re fake Fed fan BS is nauseating. Getting tired of your “Fake Punt”.
Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Federer
and get back to me….

Plus, I never mentioned Fed “should have won” anything. Nole and Rafa have “earned there wins”, they hold the trophy, same as Feds all-time record 16 Slams.

Furthermore, you need to go meditate on

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Roger_Federer

And get back to me.

I notice you constantly minimize Fed, and frankly, it sucks.

Now if you want to talk about the Fed today, then fine. Being “of age” and playing back to back to back 5 setters is gonna have an impact, no doubt at Feds age. But its not like he hasn’t had success at 5 setters at slams , nor still can. He just can’t have a bunch in a row. Obviously he is 30 pushing 31, and the sunset is right around the corner. What IS outstanding, is he still has a chance at #1, has taking back control of # 2, AND is still in the greatest of all GS, Wimby. Uh… who isn’t? If Fed loses to Novak, he loses, no excuse. Why would a fan of his want to give an excuse to someone who has already the all time record holder of so many accomplishments. His back is hurting, hope it gets better….thats it. Novak is playing very well. Excuses? You won’t find it here, after all, a true Fed fan knows this stuff going on now is a aaaalllll gravy!!!! The top bar has need set.


skeezer Says:

NK,

My post is” awaiting moderation” but to add

“Let’s be clear that Roger’s success has been on 3-setters, not 5-setters. He has been found short continuously on 5-setters.”

Before the 2007 Wimbledon final, Federer’s record in 5 sets was 9-10.

Since the 2007 Wimbledon final, his record in 5 sets was 11-6.

So uh? No “success”?


Michael Says:

In all probability, it will be Novak who will win his consecutive Wimbledon if all goes well. His only stumbling block was the Semis where he was ranged against Roger. Now that Roger is suffering from a back problem, his chances of beating Novak seem very bleak unless he produces his miraculous Tennis which he is always capable of. I do not think Murray is going to bother whosoever he is ranged against him in the finals. He will find it very easy if it is Murray on the other end, but may have to fight it out if there is a Tsonga or Potro.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

skeezer, that’s because before 2007 he had few off days and his 5-setters were against the Top players. Top players needed 5-sets to beat Roger. But now, Roger is getting involved in 5-setters with lower ranked players. That’s why his record is slightly better. Top players are beating him in less than 5-sets. His last two losses in GS has been 4 sets and 3 sets loss. None of them went to 5-sets.

Also pre-2007 how many GS finals was Roger into. Now how many GS finals he is making? You will get the answer. For last 2 years, the guy has reached only one GS final.

So, which record do we think is more important. Having better 5-set record with no finals or more GS finals with no so good record in 5-setters.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Now that Roger is suffering from a back problem, his chances of beating Novak seem very bleak

Here we go. So Roger would have chances to beat Novak without back pain. LOL.


tennisfansince76 Says:

Nirmal i don’t know why you don’t think roger can [play a good match against Nole on grass. the last time they played on a reasonably fast court ( USO 11) it went 5 and Nole had to save 2 match pts. if roger is healthy he can serve well and play first strike strike tennis. i give him a good chance. of course if he were to be in the kind of condition he was in today for a Nole semifinal then its gonna be a straight set rollover. i was actaully looking forward to seeing Roger and Nole in a grass court match as they have never played on grass.


Margot Says:

skeeze @8.19, too funny lol. Am an atheist, but if I wasn’t am sure my knees would be verrry sore at the moment…..could try burning effigies in the garden I suppose.
Unfortunately have to agree with Brando, and everyone else I guess, Andy’s tennis hardly matters, well of course it does if he is to progress, but his mind matters far more and that, until proved otherwise, seems most fragile when it matters most.
Am so fed up with Wimbledon. The least they could’ve done is to start Crashquet’s match. Nole’s match is done and dusted and he is advantaged.
At least on Andy’s side they are all in the same boat, a good metaphor in the circumstances…;)


jane Says:

margot, yeah they should have continued a match on CC today; they had a 2.5 – 3 hour window until 11:00 pm so it seems silly to have left the court empty.


harry Says:

Dave — going back to our discussion on the picks, obviously with Fed’s injury, things have changed in the top half. Here is my take…

I pick Nole all the way to the finals; but of course Fed did manage 2003 with back spasms.

In the bottom half — in contrast to you — i favor Tsonga or Muzza over del Potro (i think both are better grass court players).

If Murray somehow survives Cilic, delP and Tsonga and then faces Djoker, I give the edge to Andy over Nole. If Djoker faces delP or Tsonga, then it is Djoker for me. If Fed survives Nole, I pick Fed to win it.


Mark Says:

@squeeeeeeeeezer. Can’t wait for the “Beast” to return and whip the controversial “gentlemen’ s” @SSES especially the Choc Boy.


Nims Says:

tennisfansince76

But Roger was playing better tennis in USO 11 and Nole was not playing the quality of tennis he is playing at Wimbledon this year.

Roger’s success at grass was built on his all court skill. Though he did not S & V like he did in 2003, he had consistently played all court game to close down the rallies and dominate his opponents. He does not have the skill anymore. Roger was never a pure baseline player. He cannot stand toe to toe with supreme movers like Novak on any surface. It’s there for all to see. Just that people still remember Roger’s glorious tennis which was a past rather than his current standard of tennis. I see today’s standard and comment not the standard he had set few years back.


harry Says:

Lets see if we equal a record from 1982:

http://tinyurl.com/72ynmof


Nina Says:

Ok, I believe Novak is currently playing better than anyone else. BUT, I never give a victory before it’s been played. Florian Mayer beat Gasquet and he looks in very good form, he could also give trouble to Novak if he’s hot on the day. Despite Federer’s back, i don’t trust that he will be done. We always can expect a great performance from him and he might not feel the pain by then. Also Murray is in a good position to win Wimbledon, as is Tsonga. But their part of the draw is very tricky with Ferrer who just demolished Del Potro. It’s gonna be interesting for sure.


trufan Says:

The QF matches tomorrow will reveal a lot. Can ferrer keep up and derail Murray? Can Tsonga keep it together and get to the semi? Will Djokovic be troubled by Mayer? Will Fed steam roll Youzhny or will his back act up again?

My answers to these questions?

Ferrer derails Murray.
Tsonga reaches semi.
Djokovic reaches semi but in 4 sets.
Fed beats youzhny in 3.

After that its impossible to predict. Djokovic and Fed have never played on grass. Fed still has a chance if the courts play fast – and Fed has tons more grass court experience than Djokovic. If his back is OK, I think he beats Djokovic to then beat Tsonga.


trufan Says:

BTW, Mayer is 6 foot 3, had 60 winner to 13 errors against Gasquet, won 41% of receiving points, and gave away only 18 points on his serve, just a single break point. ITs not going to be a calk (cake walk) for DJoke.


Dave Says:

alison: No, I didn’t think your post was directed at me at all. I know why you wrote your post and actually agree with your reasons for doing so. I just wanted to reiterate what I had said about what I felt would happen, as I’m quite happy to let my scenarios play out without making too many match by match adjustments (though don’t hold me to this if I do so in future, haha). Yeah, it’s completely ridiculous to presume that anyone, even Federer or Laver in their heydays, already has their hands on the trophy. The ball is round. I never expected Rosol to make it out of the first round, and having reviewed that decison post-Nadal, still wouldn’t have changed that decision had I not known his latter results.

Dang. After I posted I realized that I forgot to state that I am a man of deep conviction and courage who stands by his decisions, so I thank you for mentioning that :) And the admiration is mutual.

——

Well Ferrer knocked out my pick for the finals (Del Potro) but I’m very happy Daveed did it. He played so well. He is one of my favorite players, even if his game isn’t as spectacular as the top four players. It’s going to be difficult for him to reach the final with Murray and most likely Tsonga ahead of him.

Florian Mayer’s stats look sensational. Did anyone see that match? I had picked Gasquet to remain hot and win in four over Mayer, but Flo has a good grass game and a somewhat unorthodox style that can disrupt a player’s rhythm. He should rise to around No. 20 in the rankings next week and winning the qiartfinals would be a fantastic bonus, though it’s been a long time since he was last in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. I wouldn’t put it past Flo to trouble Novak in the outdoor Court 1 (Flo plays his best tennis outdoors, on grass and clay), having played outdoors in all his matches and against a few good grass court players. Provided Flo tries to do a Rosol on Novak, and not play into Novak’s hands.


Dave Says:

Part of the reason Federer beast Youzhny easily at Halle was because the Russian had played back-to-back three setters against Dolgopolov and Stepanek and also beat Robin Haase in the first round.

Youzhny did play a long five setter against Istomin (335 points over four plus hours is no joke). However, Youzhny has absolutely nothing to lose (his ranking will improve to the mid-20s next week) so it’s likely he will try to do a ‘Rosol’ and throw everything at Federer from the first game of the match to try to win the first two sets. Youzhny knows winning the quarterfinal is an unexpected bonus that sends him into the top 20 again.

Federer has to take it to Youzhny from the start and finish this match in three focused, dominant sets without any lapses in concentration or level. Roger cannot afford the kind of sloppy and casual performances he had early in the first set against Benneteau and Malisse (probably because both are Fed’s friends). Players who are Fed’s friends or generation have realized that he is not as ruthless with them, and they are exploiting this weakness. Roger needs to send a strong message to Djokovic that Wimbledon is his house.


Michael Says:

Dave, I agree with your view. Roger should not take his match lightly with Youzhny.

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