Del Potro has the look. He is focused and ready to win this tournament. I like it.
5th set for Dolgo and Bernie. This is Dolgopolov's 3rd straight maximum match. This is what separates a Grand Slam from all the other events!
Tomic has such a flat and unusual forehand, but since he hits through it so well, his direction is amazing. He also seems to be able to pick up any shot off the baseline with a little stab. The slice backhand rallies from earlier in the match are still cropping up, though Dolgopolov seems less and less interested in them. What a strange match of pace and paceless shots, you just can't tell what ball will come over the net next. The home country hero marches on the play Federer next though. That should be an entertaining match. I expect Fed will have an epic day for shot-making against this guy. Hopefully it turn into a competitive battle of one-upsmanship for the hearts of the crowd.
(Fed is so popular that 55% of a Tennis Channel poll picks him to win the tournament. Djoker 30%, Nadal 12%.)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Mesmerizing Tennis (late night 5)
Those of us who caught this exchange during the Tomic match had a good laugh. If not, I'm sure I can't describe the look on a certain blond woman's face.
Chris Fowler called it perfectly though...
Fowler: Mesmerized by the tennis.
Killer Cahill: The lady in the dark hair is actually the girlfriend of Alex Dolgopolov. I'm not sure who (laughing) the lady behind was.
Fowler: Does she need a doctor over there? Is she okay?
Chris Fowler called it perfectly though...
Fowler: Mesmerized by the tennis.
Killer Cahill: The lady in the dark hair is actually the girlfriend of Alex Dolgopolov. I'm not sure who (laughing) the lady behind was.
Fowler: Does she need a doctor over there? Is she okay?
U.S.M.I.A. (Day 5)
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.
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.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Dream a little dream (Day 4)
Here we are on serve in the 5th set of Ryan Sweeting versus (5)David Ferrer...
A match to look out for in the Mixed Doubles, Serena & Roddick vs (1)Mike Bryan & Kveta Peschke...
Stars shining bright above you,
Night breezes seem to whisper, I love you,
Birds singing in the sycamore tree,
Dream a little dream of me.
As sung by Little 5'5" Taiwanese-American Vania King. More known for her doubles prowess, winning both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2010, and now known for her singing, but she did win her second round match in 3 sets.
Eddie Vedder's ukulele version.
Well, David Ferrer took care of business in the 5th set, like we knew he would. The other top men also rolled easily on. Now it is time for the big match of former #1s: Hewitt against Roddick! Raonic did actually get broken twice in his match today and awaits the winner here...
The Women's draw is still in flux but Serena and Sharapova are making hay.
The Men's draw is really shaping up for some high quality matches in round 3 and beyond. Fed will have his hands full with the huge serves of Karlovic, the extra rest won't be of much use.
top competitions tomorrow (this is getting good):
Tomic v Dolgopolov
Almagro v Wawrinka
Isner v Lopez
A match to look out for in the Mixed Doubles, Serena & Roddick vs (1)Mike Bryan & Kveta Peschke...
Stars shining bright above you,
Night breezes seem to whisper, I love you,
Birds singing in the sycamore tree,
Dream a little dream of me.
As sung by Little 5'5" Taiwanese-American Vania King. More known for her doubles prowess, winning both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2010, and now known for her singing, but she did win her second round match in 3 sets.
Eddie Vedder's ukulele version.
Well, David Ferrer took care of business in the 5th set, like we knew he would. The other top men also rolled easily on. Now it is time for the big match of former #1s: Hewitt against Roddick! Raonic did actually get broken twice in his match today and awaits the winner here...
The Women's draw is still in flux but Serena and Sharapova are making hay.
The Men's draw is really shaping up for some high quality matches in round 3 and beyond. Fed will have his hands full with the huge serves of Karlovic, the extra rest won't be of much use.
top competitions tomorrow (this is getting good):
Tomic v Dolgopolov
Almagro v Wawrinka
Isner v Lopez
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Big John Isner (Day 3)
Mahut what! Big John strikes again with 10-8 in the 5th set. What Nalbandian's plan lacked in logic it achieved in audacity; he was dropping Isner in order to lob (!) the 6'10" player. Incredible that this strategy was very effective (until set point in the 4th). There was also an awful call by the chair at break point 8-8 in the 5th. And he disallowed Nalbandian's challenge. WTF! "Can you be that stupid to do that in that moment? What the umpires need? Press? Name? Be on the picture tomorrow? Incredible."
How could BJI have enough left in the tank for the next round against "Deliciano" Lopez? I don't see it happening, but apparently it will just be serve-on-serve; more tie-breaks.
The internet may be blacked out today to demonstrate protest of piracy laws, but I'm still here for ya.
Americans Fish (#8) and D.Young bowed out with poor performances. Maybe Sam Querry can pull out a good win versus Aussie Tomic. Or maybe the aTomic kittens are too much to withstand. {Ed. yes, the kittens march on.}
Great news for Nadal fans. He played well against veteran Tommy Haas, with his wrapped knee not seeming to bother.
It has come to my attention that Lendl sawdust comments may have been off the radar of some. Do click to the videotape.
Federer took the harrowing walkover in stride. His opponent knew he had no chance so why risk further injury. It's a wise decision to "take", as the Euros say. On to round 3 with Fed Fan left with nothing to Tivo.
Not much else to report other than US Open champion and Aussie Sam Stosur sent packing in the very first round.
How could BJI have enough left in the tank for the next round against "Deliciano" Lopez? I don't see it happening, but apparently it will just be serve-on-serve; more tie-breaks.
The internet may be blacked out today to demonstrate protest of piracy laws, but I'm still here for ya.
Americans Fish (#8) and D.Young bowed out with poor performances. Maybe Sam Querry can pull out a good win versus Aussie Tomic. Or maybe the aTomic kittens are too much to withstand. {Ed. yes, the kittens march on.}
Great news for Nadal fans. He played well against veteran Tommy Haas, with his wrapped knee not seeming to bother.
It has come to my attention that Lendl sawdust comments may have been off the radar of some. Do click to the videotape.
Federer took the harrowing walkover in stride. His opponent knew he had no chance so why risk further injury. It's a wise decision to "take", as the Euros say. On to round 3 with Fed Fan left with nothing to Tivo.
Not much else to report other than US Open champion and Aussie Sam Stosur sent packing in the very first round.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Major Major, myna myna (match days 1-2)
Here we are again Down Under! Oy oy oy!
Also underway in Kailua with a concurrent Challenger level ATP event this fortnight.
And for the 6th consecutive year I'm saying, I will be there in [M[E[L[B|O]U]R]N]E] live-blogging next year... but this time I have the frequent flier miles to prove it!
For those of you who want to know what I know...
Dark horses:
Juan Martin del Potro started last season ranked in the 200s but pushed all the way uphill to #11 by year end. This year he should be ready for results out of the gate. He's in Fed's quarter but would have to get by Fish first.
Milos Raonic of Canada (age:21) was heating up last year before some injuries. He was able to keep a nice ranking by year end of #31. He already has a title this year in Chennai with two top-10 Ws (Almagro, Tipsarevic). He reminds me of a young Sampras. Raonic / Roddick would actually be a fun match (round 3).
Only if Nadal isn't fully fit (banged up knees), Donald Young could be dangerous. Either way it will be interesting to see him play Nadal or Haas in round 3.
Some Favorites:
Roger (president) has a new white paint job on his Wilson stick. The serve looks strong. He actually had a pretty tough qualy opponent, the type of guy you might find in a Challenger tourney, all the way down to the mismatched socks.
Nadal (vice-president) is not looking so hot. And Australia is not the place to have fitness issues. Last year he was partly bounced due to a bum leg muscle. Hopefully the knee remains "the strangest" experience of his life and nothing more. He also has a potentially tricky draw ahead.
Djokovic, defending champion of everything. He dropped 2 games in his opening match. I hope he can get his game back on track going forward.
Coach Ivan Lendl to pupil Murray: more sawdust. Ryan Harrison (USA) took set #1 from Andy, but that was all. Maybe he flies straight out to Hawaii for some more ranking points?
Tomic v Querry is probably the best 2nd round match after Nadal / Haas.
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
FEDERER, the man: [the off season workout regimen] has definitely changed from maybe 8 years back. Whereas in the beginning you are trying to build up a base, doing much more... trying to get stronger, doing much more weights potentially because you gain more, then eventually they say "your a man", right?
Tour players (Nadal, Davydenko) are also calling him "the man" for other reasons. As president of the Players Council they are worried about how he is handling revenue sharing (what else) between players and tournaments. Could there be a tournament boycott this season? We can only hope this isn't a distraction in Melbourne. But definitely stay tuned just before Indian Wells...
Also underway in Kailua with a concurrent Challenger level ATP event this fortnight.
And for the 6th consecutive year I'm saying, I will be there in [M[E[L[B|O]U]R]N]E] live-blogging next year... but this time I have the frequent flier miles to prove it!
For those of you who want to know what I know...
Dark horses:
Juan Martin del Potro started last season ranked in the 200s but pushed all the way uphill to #11 by year end. This year he should be ready for results out of the gate. He's in Fed's quarter but would have to get by Fish first.
Milos Raonic of Canada (age:21) was heating up last year before some injuries. He was able to keep a nice ranking by year end of #31. He already has a title this year in Chennai with two top-10 Ws (Almagro, Tipsarevic). He reminds me of a young Sampras. Raonic / Roddick would actually be a fun match (round 3).
Only if Nadal isn't fully fit (banged up knees), Donald Young could be dangerous. Either way it will be interesting to see him play Nadal or Haas in round 3.
Some Favorites:
Roger (president) has a new white paint job on his Wilson stick. The serve looks strong. He actually had a pretty tough qualy opponent, the type of guy you might find in a Challenger tourney, all the way down to the mismatched socks.
Nadal (vice-president) is not looking so hot. And Australia is not the place to have fitness issues. Last year he was partly bounced due to a bum leg muscle. Hopefully the knee remains "the strangest" experience of his life and nothing more. He also has a potentially tricky draw ahead.
Djokovic, defending champion of everything. He dropped 2 games in his opening match. I hope he can get his game back on track going forward.
Coach Ivan Lendl to pupil Murray: more sawdust. Ryan Harrison (USA) took set #1 from Andy, but that was all. Maybe he flies straight out to Hawaii for some more ranking points?
Tomic v Querry is probably the best 2nd round match after Nadal / Haas.
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
FEDERER, the man: [the off season workout regimen] has definitely changed from maybe 8 years back. Whereas in the beginning you are trying to build up a base, doing much more... trying to get stronger, doing much more weights potentially because you gain more, then eventually they say "your a man", right?
Tour players (Nadal, Davydenko) are also calling him "the man" for other reasons. As president of the Players Council they are worried about how he is handling revenue sharing (what else) between players and tournaments. Could there be a tournament boycott this season? We can only hope this isn't a distraction in Melbourne. But definitely stay tuned just before Indian Wells...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
French Edition: La Terre Battue
::: Moment of Silence for the UVa tennis team's 3rd straight NCAA defeat from USC :::
I cannot imagine a more dramatic comeback and heartbreak as #3 Singh was broken to finish off my Cavaliers 6-4 in the 3rd set of the final match... USC = NCAA Champions!
Maybe UVa can bounce back and win the Lacrosse championship this weekend...
Professionals:
The first round is complete in Paris. Plenty of good round one action, including Nadal losing two tie-breaks to Big John Isner. Djokovic rolled past De Bakker easily (18-6 in games), and still looks unbeatable. Fed is primed to challenge if Novak stumbles; his forehand destroyed a challenging opponent for rd-1 (F. Lopez). There have been some relevant upsets (Berdych, a semi-finalist in 2010, and Almagro, who just won a clay tournament last week in Nice).
It is an open question as to who will have the toughest path...
Djoker: Del Potro then Gasquet then Youzhny then Federer/Ferrer
Nadal: Davydenko then Verdasco then Soderling then Murray
Easiest path to Semis must be for Murray.
3rd round match I'm excited for...
Djokovic / Del Potro (also interested in Fish / Simon)
4th round...
Ferrer / Monfils and Federer / Tsonga
When Nadal was down 2 sets to 1 to Isner, he finally got his break, 2-1 in the 4th. He said that was the turning point because there is no tie-breaker in the deciding 5th set... That's how difficult it can be to get ahead on Isner's serve. (Btw. I don't buy the side story about the new faster flying Babolat tennis balls.)
The TV coverage has been great so far. We have Brad Gilbert on ESPN2 and Johnny Mac on Tennis Channel. Just getting warmed up...
Obama is trying hard to win my vote next time around. The Ping Pong Prez...
I cannot imagine a more dramatic comeback and heartbreak as #3 Singh was broken to finish off my Cavaliers 6-4 in the 3rd set of the final match... USC = NCAA Champions!
Maybe UVa can bounce back and win the Lacrosse championship this weekend...
Professionals:
The first round is complete in Paris. Plenty of good round one action, including Nadal losing two tie-breaks to Big John Isner. Djokovic rolled past De Bakker easily (18-6 in games), and still looks unbeatable. Fed is primed to challenge if Novak stumbles; his forehand destroyed a challenging opponent for rd-1 (F. Lopez). There have been some relevant upsets (Berdych, a semi-finalist in 2010, and Almagro, who just won a clay tournament last week in Nice).
It is an open question as to who will have the toughest path...
Djoker: Del Potro then Gasquet then Youzhny then Federer/Ferrer
Nadal: Davydenko then Verdasco then Soderling then Murray
Easiest path to Semis must be for Murray.
3rd round match I'm excited for...
Djokovic / Del Potro (also interested in Fish / Simon)
4th round...
Ferrer / Monfils and Federer / Tsonga
When Nadal was down 2 sets to 1 to Isner, he finally got his break, 2-1 in the 4th. He said that was the turning point because there is no tie-breaker in the deciding 5th set... That's how difficult it can be to get ahead on Isner's serve. (Btw. I don't buy the side story about the new faster flying Babolat tennis balls.)
The TV coverage has been great so far. We have Brad Gilbert on ESPN2 and Johnny Mac on Tennis Channel. Just getting warmed up...
Obama is trying hard to win my vote next time around. The Ping Pong Prez...
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