No U.S. men have made the round of 16 for the first time since 1973, a dubious year since none entered. (Even though Arthur Ashe won the 1970 edition, on grass courts.) Some sort of boycott of the Aussies?
Big John Isner had a chance after the rare 6-0 changeover in the 4th set tie-break. But Feliciano was a little bit better in the 5th set, which he took 6-1.
Puzzle, if one side of the tennis court were so severely disadvantaged (sun, wind, etc) that no player could win a single point on it, which side would you choose after the racquet spin to win the first set? The good side or the bad side? Bonus: Who would win the match if it were played in the US Open? Bonus Bonus: What is the minimum number of points you would have to win on the bad side to change the outcome?
I think Nadal will kill his Davis Cup teammate (Lopez) in the next round when they meet. I like the way his draw is shaping up...
Federer broke down Dr Ivo Karlovic and his huge serve, once he escaped the first set tie-breaker. (Tie-breakers were a theme today.) Fed made his first break in his 12th return game. But it was more than enough, since Dr Ivo has only broken Roger once in 28 sets (!).
The other big matches turned out to basically be duds. (21)Wawrinka lost in straight sets to (10)Almagro. And (7)Berdych also moved quickly through 2 tight sets and 1 blowout. This leaves the stage wide open for our prime time entertainment Tomic and Dolgopolov. The winner to face Fed.
But first, what's this! U.S. men! Truly these are desperate times for America when the Bryan brothers are getting some air time in the doubles. The reality is that watching the Bryans is amazing, and deserving of much more air time beyond the Tennis Channel's Davis Cup coverage.
I predict that Raonic is quickly adopted as our North American brother.
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