You remember him: The guy who used to take the Gilles Mullers of the world and toy with them like... Well, like someone who toys with something else. Cat and small mouse, perhaps. Anyway.
Federer just took the first set of his quarterfinal with Muller in a tiebreak, 7-5, on the seventh set point of the set. The old R-Fed might have let this set go to a tiebreak, just to get in a good workout, perhaps, but would put the hammer down eventually. We'll see if he can do that.
I liken the old Federer to Fezzik, Andre the Giant's character in "The Princess Bride." When Fezzik is fighting Cary Elwes' Westley character, he tells the much smaller man, "I want you to feel you are doing well."
Maybe we'll see the old Federer before the week is out.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Roddick, Blake named to Davis Cup team
Blake stunk it up here, losing in the third round, but captain Patrick McEnroe decided that the only two Americans in the top 10 should play in the semifinal against Spain in Madrid in two weeks.
Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey had nice results here, but McEnroe noted Blake has done well on clay this season and that Fish and Querrey weren't even among the top 40 until recently, at least in Fish's case.
"For this tie, it was a pretty easy decision," P-Mac noted.
Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey had nice results here, but McEnroe noted Blake has done well on clay this season and that Fish and Querrey weren't even among the top 40 until recently, at least in Fish's case.
"For this tie, it was a pretty easy decision," P-Mac noted.
Federer's on the court. And it's hot outside.
The thermometer reads 28 degrees celsius, which is like... a lot of degrees Fahrenheit. OK, I think it's 90. Or so.
Anyway, we're about to get started with the serious tennis today. Qualifier Gilles Muller of Luxembourg is set to face Roger Federer, the four-time defending champion.
In other news, Leander Paes and Cara Black won the mixed doubles crown, defeating Liezel Huber and Jamie Murray (big brother of men's semifinalist Andy Murray) 7-6, 6-4. Paes, 35, has now won the mixed Grand Slam for his career, and he and men's doubles partner Lukas Dlouhy are in tomorrow's final against Americans Mike and Bob Bryan.
Black, 29, is the top seed with Huber in the women's doubles, and they are into the semis. This is her first U.S. Open mixed title, to go with a French Open and Wimbledon title as well.
Oh, and if you think doubles is bush league, here are a couple numbers for you.
The first is 795,907. The second is 350,635. Those are Black's and Paes' prize earnings for 2007. They each get $75,000 for winning here.
So, that ain't bad.
Anyway, we're about to get started with the serious tennis today. Qualifier Gilles Muller of Luxembourg is set to face Roger Federer, the four-time defending champion.
In other news, Leander Paes and Cara Black won the mixed doubles crown, defeating Liezel Huber and Jamie Murray (big brother of men's semifinalist Andy Murray) 7-6, 6-4. Paes, 35, has now won the mixed Grand Slam for his career, and he and men's doubles partner Lukas Dlouhy are in tomorrow's final against Americans Mike and Bob Bryan.
Black, 29, is the top seed with Huber in the women's doubles, and they are into the semis. This is her first U.S. Open mixed title, to go with a French Open and Wimbledon title as well.
Oh, and if you think doubles is bush league, here are a couple numbers for you.
The first is 795,907. The second is 350,635. Those are Black's and Paes' prize earnings for 2007. They each get $75,000 for winning here.
So, that ain't bad.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wow. Just wow.
Venus lets eight set points slip away in the second set and Serena wins, 7-6, 7-6, with a 9-7 win in the second set. The point at 4-2 Venus in the second tiebreak, when Serena chased down four seemingly ungettable balls but still lost the point.
Serena now leads the head-to-head series 9-8, but this one may stand out as the most entertaining. It took 2 hours, 25 minutes, and Serena is on to face Dinara Safina in the semis on Friday.
Serena now leads the head-to-head series 9-8, but this one may stand out as the most entertaining. It took 2 hours, 25 minutes, and Serena is on to face Dinara Safina in the semis on Friday.
Nice rally by Serena to win the first set
Serena takes the tiebreak, 8-6, winning the last four points. She was absolutely smoking the ball. We'll see what goes down in the second set.
Serena and Venus look like they're trying to win
Isn't that a nice treat for the night crowd? Venus is serving at 5-6 in the first, with Serena having broken Venus at 5-4 to pull even. It's pretty easy to recall the days when they would play in a semi or a final of a Slam and it was fair to wonder if their pop, Richard, had told one or the other to tank it.
Think we're in for a good one.
Think we're in for a good one.
Murray wins it, and they appear to be friends again
Murray pulls it out, 7-5 in the fourth, to advance to the semis against the Nadal-Fish winner. At the net after this four-hour slog, the two frenemies seemed to resolve their differences with a nice chat. I think.
So, in a mere hour or so, Venus vs. Serena will commence.
So, in a mere hour or so, Venus vs. Serena will commence.
Murray has it, loses it
Murray went up two sets, both in tiebreaks, even though by he and del Potro played lots of loose points. Del Potro's left knee looked a bit loose, too, and it seemed he might retire at 3-4 in the third after a lengthy visit with the trainer.
So, naturally, del Potro reeled off the next three games and took the third set, and now looks pretty darn healthy. They've been on the court for 3 hours. I think Rafael Nadal and Mardy Fish will take the court around sun-up in Barcelona.
So, naturally, del Potro reeled off the next three games and took the third set, and now looks pretty darn healthy. They've been on the court for 3 hours. I think Rafael Nadal and Mardy Fish will take the court around sun-up in Barcelona.
Tomorrow's sked -- a bit thin
With just the two men's quarterfinal matches among the singles events.
Qualifier Gilles Muller takes on Roger Federer on Ashe sometime after 2 p.m. That's Luxembourg vs. Switzerland, for those interested in world geography. I think I had that matchup in Risk once as a kid. Switzerland totally rocked.
Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic go in the night session tomorrow, preceded by a men's "seniors" match between Michael Chang and Todd Martin. Considering those two guys accounted for a few late-night forays at the Open, I hope they keep it to one set, with tiebreak.
Qualifier Gilles Muller takes on Roger Federer on Ashe sometime after 2 p.m. That's Luxembourg vs. Switzerland, for those interested in world geography. I think I had that matchup in Risk once as a kid. Switzerland totally rocked.
Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic go in the night session tomorrow, preceded by a men's "seniors" match between Michael Chang and Todd Martin. Considering those two guys accounted for a few late-night forays at the Open, I hope they keep it to one set, with tiebreak.
Murray off to a fast start
The blood feud between Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro just got underway on Ashe. The last time they played, in Rome in May, del Potro did the unthinkable: He cracked wise on Murray's mother, Judy, who was in the stands for their first-round match on the clay. Then, del Potro retired at 0-1 in the third, left the court in tears and the two have not spoken since.
Said Murray of the meeting: "It is another tennis match for me. When I get on court I have got to put emotions aside. Whether I like Del Potro or not doesn't make any difference.
"I have known him since we were really young. I wasn't great friends with him before."
OK, then. We're on our way to a first set tiebreak here.Newsday's Rob Kahn weighs in from the Open...
Tuesday evening, Gov. David A. Paterson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined former mayor Ed Koch and police commissioner Ray Kelly at a ceremony naming the East Gate entryway here for David Dinkins. Dinkins is something of a deity around these parts for his efforts as mayor to keep the U.S. Open in New York.
Chief among the former mayor’s initiatives was a deal with the Federal Aviation Administration to reroute noisy landings and takeoffs from LaGuardia during matches, weather permitting -- something the FAA had refused to do even for the 1986 World Series games at Shea.
As Paterson was relating the accomplishments of his predecessor, a jet flew overhead, banking ever so slightly as if to say hello, and eventually drowning out the governor’s accolades.
When the flight had passed, Paterson looked up, then quipped: "And speaking of flying, I want to thank the FAA for sending that plane over just now."
***
Paterson also managed to spotlight his own athletic prowess, relating a story about the time his dad tried to help him overcome difficulties with his tennis game.
"My father said, ‘Throw the ball and hit it and we’ll see what the problem is.’ So I threw the ball up and hit it and he said, ‘Well, that’s almost a natural serve. Let me see you do it again.’"
"I did the serve two more times and he finally told one of my brothers to go over to the other side of the net and hit one back. So I served, my brother hit it back and I didn’t move."
"My father said, ‘That’s the problem.’"
- ROBERT KAHN
Chief among the former mayor’s initiatives was a deal with the Federal Aviation Administration to reroute noisy landings and takeoffs from LaGuardia during matches, weather permitting -- something the FAA had refused to do even for the 1986 World Series games at Shea.
As Paterson was relating the accomplishments of his predecessor, a jet flew overhead, banking ever so slightly as if to say hello, and eventually drowning out the governor’s accolades.
When the flight had passed, Paterson looked up, then quipped: "And speaking of flying, I want to thank the FAA for sending that plane over just now."
***
Paterson also managed to spotlight his own athletic prowess, relating a story about the time his dad tried to help him overcome difficulties with his tennis game.
"My father said, ‘Throw the ball and hit it and we’ll see what the problem is.’ So I threw the ball up and hit it and he said, ‘Well, that’s almost a natural serve. Let me see you do it again.’"
"I did the serve two more times and he finally told one of my brothers to go over to the other side of the net and hit one back. So I served, my brother hit it back and I didn’t move."
"My father said, ‘That’s the problem.’"
- ROBERT KAHN
Safina makes semis; only one spot left for women
Dinara Safina is now just two wins away from matching her brother with a U.S. Open title of her own.
Eight years after Marat Safin won the U.S. Open championship, his little sister has advanced to the semifinal round of this tournament for the first time in her career.
Safina, who is seeded sixth, cruised in her quarterfinal match this afternoon, defeating No. 16 Flavia Pennetta, 6-2, 6-3, at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Safina will play the winner of the Serena and Venus Williams match, which takes place this evening. In the other bracket, fifth-seeded Elena Dementieva will face No. 2 Jelena Jankovic in the semifinals.
Safina’s brother, Marat, lost last week in the second round.
Eight years after Marat Safin won the U.S. Open championship, his little sister has advanced to the semifinal round of this tournament for the first time in her career.
Safina, who is seeded sixth, cruised in her quarterfinal match this afternoon, defeating No. 16 Flavia Pennetta, 6-2, 6-3, at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Safina will play the winner of the Serena and Venus Williams match, which takes place this evening. In the other bracket, fifth-seeded Elena Dementieva will face No. 2 Jelena Jankovic in the semifinals.
Safina’s brother, Marat, lost last week in the second round.
Safina is cruising to the semis
Barring anything unforeseen, this is going to be easy for Darina Safina. She's up 6-2, 1-0.
BTW, about the weather...
We're going to go right ahead and jinx the U.S. Open and say it:
What great weather we've had!
But the question is: how long will it last?
Early reports for this weekend call for rain on Saturday, a result of Hurricane Hannah, and this scenario presents the worst nightmare for tournament directors. The final Saturday is historically the best day of the tournament; it's the day the women's final is played, as well the men's semifinals.
A rainout on Saturday would push the tournament back a day, forcing the men's final to take place on Monday. Oh well.
What great weather we've had!
But the question is: how long will it last?
Early reports for this weekend call for rain on Saturday, a result of Hurricane Hannah, and this scenario presents the worst nightmare for tournament directors. The final Saturday is historically the best day of the tournament; it's the day the women's final is played, as well the men's semifinals.
A rainout on Saturday would push the tournament back a day, forcing the men's final to take place on Monday. Oh well.
Finally, we have a quarterfinal underway
The doubles match went into a third set tiebreaker, thus delaying the afternoon schedule a great deal. But, alas, we've finally moved on, and the quarterfinal match between sixth-seeded Dinara Safina and No. 16 Flavia Pennetta is underway. More later.
Live, from New York, it's Wednesday morning!
And we're at the U.S. Open, but unfortunately not too many of the top tennis players are. The afternoon session matches are, hmmmm, not too much of a draw, to say the least.
Right now at Arthur Ashe Stadium the doubles tandem of Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears (United States) are facing fifth-seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual for a spot in the quarterfinals. Try saying those four names fast.
Among the singles matches taking place during the day, the sixth seeds are in action. Dinara Safina (sister of Marat Safin) faces No. 16 Flavia Pennetta, and on the men's side Andy Murray takes on Juan Martin Del Potro.
We'll bring you updates throughout the day, along with other fun stuff we see and hear. Stick with us, please.
Right now at Arthur Ashe Stadium the doubles tandem of Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears (United States) are facing fifth-seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual for a spot in the quarterfinals. Try saying those four names fast.
Among the singles matches taking place during the day, the sixth seeds are in action. Dinara Safina (sister of Marat Safin) faces No. 16 Flavia Pennetta, and on the men's side Andy Murray takes on Juan Martin Del Potro.
We'll bring you updates throughout the day, along with other fun stuff we see and hear. Stick with us, please.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Federer goes five but survives
Federer marathon finally over. He beats Igor Andreev, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
Call him Mr. Upset
Some guy named Gilles Muller just upset fifth-seed Nikolay Davydenko, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7.
It is not Muller's first big upset in Queens.
Three years ago, he stole Andy Roddick's "mojo" with a first-round upset.
It is not Muller's first big upset in Queens.
Three years ago, he stole Andy Roddick's "mojo" with a first-round upset.
Still Djoking around
Oops. While pondering injectables, I forgot to mention that it took Novak Djokovic five sets to get past No. 15 Tommy Robredo.
Just wondering, if they can have a Juverderm booth at the U.S. Open, why isn't there a Rogaine cart at Giants Stadium?
Just wondering, if they can have a Juverderm booth at the U.S. Open, why isn't there a Rogaine cart at Giants Stadium?
Free Botox at the Open?
There are two distinct types of women in the world. Those who get nervous when they hear the word "injectables." And those who don't.
Apparently, the U.S. Open has more of the latter than the former as the Juvederm booth outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium has been packed.
For those who are not completely syringe savvy, a spokeswoman at the booth explained that Juvederm is not Botox, though it is made my the same company. Juvederm is a gel that is injected into the the area around the mouth to treat facial wrinkles and folds, such as "parentheses" or what my grandma used to call smile lines.
If this is something you think you'd be into, it is worth the price of a grounds pass just to check out the Juvederm tent, because they are giving away coupons good for two free syringes to those who qualify for treatment. In the New York area, that could be worth up to $1,200.
From 12:30-1:30 p.m. And from 5:30-6:30 p.m. each day there will be doctors onsite to give a free facial consultation. I was invited back to try one....
Apparently, the U.S. Open has more of the latter than the former as the Juvederm booth outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium has been packed.
For those who are not completely syringe savvy, a spokeswoman at the booth explained that Juvederm is not Botox, though it is made my the same company. Juvederm is a gel that is injected into the the area around the mouth to treat facial wrinkles and folds, such as "parentheses" or what my grandma used to call smile lines.
If this is something you think you'd be into, it is worth the price of a grounds pass just to check out the Juvederm tent, because they are giving away coupons good for two free syringes to those who qualify for treatment. In the New York area, that could be worth up to $1,200.
From 12:30-1:30 p.m. And from 5:30-6:30 p.m. each day there will be doctors onsite to give a free facial consultation. I was invited back to try one....
No Djok
Upset alert: No. 3 Novak Djokovic just dropped first set to No. 15 Tommy Robredo of Spain.
Tattoo update: Schnyder says tattoo is Chinese symbol for dragon.
Tattoo update: Schnyder says tattoo is Chinese symbol for dragon.
Dementieva advances
Oops. Rumor wrong. Schnyder loses second set, 6-3. Maybe it meant, "Show me the way to the Grand Central."
Pat's tat
First burning question of the morning session?
Does anyone know what the tattoo on Patty Schnyder's right shoulder means?
Schnyder, who lost the first set to Elana Dementieva is hanging tough in the the second. Rumor around Arthur Ashe Stadium is that it stands for tiebreaker. Have yet to confirm.
Does anyone know what the tattoo on Patty Schnyder's right shoulder means?
Schnyder, who lost the first set to Elana Dementieva is hanging tough in the the second. Rumor around Arthur Ashe Stadium is that it stands for tiebreaker. Have yet to confirm.
Monday, September 1, 2008
One sister in....
Venus Williams easily dispatched Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-1, 6-3. In a few hours, we will find out whether she will be playing sister Venus in the quarterfinals. This one would be the bumper match as the two have an 8-8 head-to-head record and are 1-1 in the U.S. Open.
Something Fishy
Mardy Fish just beat Gael Monfils, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the quarterfinals. His reward? He gets to play the winner of the next match on deck here today at Arthur Ashe Stadium -- top seeded Rafael Nadal versus Sam Querrey.
Fish has made it clear who he will be cheering for." Said Fish: "Hopefully, we can pull Sam through."
Fish has made it clear who he will be cheering for." Said Fish: "Hopefully, we can pull Sam through."
Cheers
My mom once told me that here are two kinds of drinkers. Those who start before 5 p.m. And those who don't. She never said anything, however, about those who start before noon -- of which there were plenty sitting on the stools at the Red Star Cafe outside Arthur Ashe Stadium this morning.
Considering that the most popular drink -- the signature Grey Goose Cocktail -- is $13 a pop, these are no ordinary sports fan/drinkers. The fans here, whether they be drinkers or not, are just one of the things that makes the U.S. Open one of the more unique sporting events around. Suffice it to say, you don't see many ticket holders at Jets games pounding $13 cocktails while wearing diamond tennis bracelets and carrying Marc Jacobs bags.
It's a unique sporting scene, one that Yvette Birch and Mary Lamusga love so much that they came all the way from Tucson, Ariz, just to work as bartenders at the event. Apparently there is a whole subculture of people who love to work at big-time sporting events, love it so much that they plan their vacations around it.
Yvette and Mary, who became a team in the 1990s when they were working at aT.G.I. Friday's, have also recently worked at bartenders at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines (that's golf) and the Chrysler Classic of Tucson (that's also golf). Despite it's steep price -- or maybe because of it -Mary says the most popular drink is the Grey Goose, with Heineken at $7.50 being a close second.
So what do you get for $13. Thanks to Tucson Mary, here is the recipe:
One part Grey Goose Vodka
One part Chambord, which is a raspberry liqueur
One part lemonade
And some classy-looking melon balls
You also get a sort of classy-looking plastic cup, if the words classy and plastic aren't an oxymoron.
How does it taste. Since I'm working on Labor Day and promised not to have too much fun while my husband was home with the kids, I can't tell you.
What I can do is promise that this is my last recipe post of the day. Stay tuned for some tennis.
Considering that the most popular drink -- the signature Grey Goose Cocktail -- is $13 a pop, these are no ordinary sports fan/drinkers. The fans here, whether they be drinkers or not, are just one of the things that makes the U.S. Open one of the more unique sporting events around. Suffice it to say, you don't see many ticket holders at Jets games pounding $13 cocktails while wearing diamond tennis bracelets and carrying Marc Jacobs bags.
It's a unique sporting scene, one that Yvette Birch and Mary Lamusga love so much that they came all the way from Tucson, Ariz, just to work as bartenders at the event. Apparently there is a whole subculture of people who love to work at big-time sporting events, love it so much that they plan their vacations around it.
Yvette and Mary, who became a team in the 1990s when they were working at aT.G.I. Friday's, have also recently worked at bartenders at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines (that's golf) and the Chrysler Classic of Tucson (that's also golf). Despite it's steep price -- or maybe because of it -Mary says the most popular drink is the Grey Goose, with Heineken at $7.50 being a close second.
So what do you get for $13. Thanks to Tucson Mary, here is the recipe:
One part Grey Goose Vodka
One part Chambord, which is a raspberry liqueur
One part lemonade
And some classy-looking melon balls
You also get a sort of classy-looking plastic cup, if the words classy and plastic aren't an oxymoron.
How does it taste. Since I'm working on Labor Day and promised not to have too much fun while my husband was home with the kids, I can't tell you.
What I can do is promise that this is my last recipe post of the day. Stay tuned for some tennis.
Not that easy for Djokovic
By Marcus Henry
In the end, it looked easy for third-seeded Novak Djokovic at the US Open on Sunday. But it really wasn’t.
After going toe-to-toe with 30th-seeded Marin Cilic for almost four grueling sets, Djokovic needed a tie-breaker to advance.
Although the tie-breaker was a breeze for Djokovic as he shut out Cilic, 7-0, the final score was a bit closer as the Serbian native prevailed, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (0) in a match that took three hours and 52 minutes.
After the match, Djokovic lauded his opponent for keeping him on his toes. “I was just trying to stay with him,” Djokovic said. “I know he had a great serve percentage.”
Djokovic advances to the fourth round where he will take on 15th-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, a 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-3 straight-set winner over France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Djokovic’s run to the third round of the US Open was predictably a breeze. He had little problems dispatching France’s Arnaud Clement and America’s Robert Kendrick in the first two rounds.
But yesterday’s match against the 19-year-old Cilic presented a big challenge for Djokovic, who captured the Australian Open title earlier this year.
Cilic totaled 39 aces through his first two matches, including 28 in his first-round win over France’s Julien Benneteau. And the hard hitting Croatian native figured to give Djokovic all he could handle with his big serve.
Cilic’s serve and his ability to return serve kept the match competitive, but in the end his own mistakes caught up with him.
There were several critical moments for both players, but the biggest came in the fourth set with score tied at 3. Ahead 40-30, Cilic, was on the verge of taking a 4-3 lead. But Cilic double faulted, allowing Djokovic to pounce for a 4-3 lead.
Djokovic appeared to be in command after taking a 5-3 lead in the fourth set, but Cilic made things interesting, winning the next three games to take a 6-5 lead.
Visibly exhausted, Djokovic was thankful the match was finally over. “You’re asking me how I’m doing after a four-hour match, not fresh for sure,” he joked.
Although Djokovic avoided a fifth set, the match was a lot tougher than the final score indicated. Cilic fired 19 aces on the night, keeping Djokovic on his toes most of the night. But Cilic’s serve couldn’t overcome the 65 unforced errors or 11 double faults.
In the end, it looked easy for third-seeded Novak Djokovic at the US Open on Sunday. But it really wasn’t.
After going toe-to-toe with 30th-seeded Marin Cilic for almost four grueling sets, Djokovic needed a tie-breaker to advance.
Although the tie-breaker was a breeze for Djokovic as he shut out Cilic, 7-0, the final score was a bit closer as the Serbian native prevailed, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (0) in a match that took three hours and 52 minutes.
After the match, Djokovic lauded his opponent for keeping him on his toes. “I was just trying to stay with him,” Djokovic said. “I know he had a great serve percentage.”
Djokovic advances to the fourth round where he will take on 15th-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, a 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-3 straight-set winner over France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Djokovic’s run to the third round of the US Open was predictably a breeze. He had little problems dispatching France’s Arnaud Clement and America’s Robert Kendrick in the first two rounds.
But yesterday’s match against the 19-year-old Cilic presented a big challenge for Djokovic, who captured the Australian Open title earlier this year.
Cilic totaled 39 aces through his first two matches, including 28 in his first-round win over France’s Julien Benneteau. And the hard hitting Croatian native figured to give Djokovic all he could handle with his big serve.
Cilic’s serve and his ability to return serve kept the match competitive, but in the end his own mistakes caught up with him.
There were several critical moments for both players, but the biggest came in the fourth set with score tied at 3. Ahead 40-30, Cilic, was on the verge of taking a 4-3 lead. But Cilic double faulted, allowing Djokovic to pounce for a 4-3 lead.
Djokovic appeared to be in command after taking a 5-3 lead in the fourth set, but Cilic made things interesting, winning the next three games to take a 6-5 lead.
Visibly exhausted, Djokovic was thankful the match was finally over. “You’re asking me how I’m doing after a four-hour match, not fresh for sure,” he joked.
Although Djokovic avoided a fifth set, the match was a lot tougher than the final score indicated. Cilic fired 19 aces on the night, keeping Djokovic on his toes most of the night. But Cilic’s serve couldn’t overcome the 65 unforced errors or 11 double faults.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Roddick moves on in straight sets
Andy Roddick defeated Andreas Seppi, 6-2, 7-5, 7-6 and will move on.
His serve was tremendous. He only was broken by Seppi once all match.
I think this is Andy's year. He's more positive and he's fresh, having not played in either the French Open or at the Olympics in Beijing.
Onto the round of 16.
His serve was tremendous. He only was broken by Seppi once all match.
I think this is Andy's year. He's more positive and he's fresh, having not played in either the French Open or at the Olympics in Beijing.
Onto the round of 16.
Roddick takes first set
A-Rod won the first set agaainst Andreas Seppi, and has already broken Seppi once in the second. Seppi is obviously overmatched.
Andy, meanwhile, looks strong and seems destined for a straight sets victory barring a dramatic turnaround.
Andy, meanwhile, looks strong and seems destined for a straight sets victory barring a dramatic turnaround.
Muller takes out Amalgo
Qualifier Gilles Muller of Luxemborg is moving on to the round of 16.
The qualifiers are playing brilliantly here this year. In fact, Muller is second among the men in aces with 86.
Andy Roddick has taken the court here at Arthur Ashe against Andres Seppi, who is playing for the first time on the biggest stage in tennis.
The qualifiers are playing brilliantly here this year. In fact, Muller is second among the men in aces with 86.
Andy Roddick has taken the court here at Arthur Ashe against Andres Seppi, who is playing for the first time on the biggest stage in tennis.
Jelena recovers
Jelena Jankovic has moved onto the quarterfinals here, but not without considerable drama.
She dropped the second set to Caroline Wozniacki, 2-6. Then she cruised in the third, defeating her opponent 6-1 -- it took a total of 2 hours and 20 minutes.
She'll play the winner of Sybille Bammer and Marion Bartoli, now in progress.
She dropped the second set to Caroline Wozniacki, 2-6. Then she cruised in the third, defeating her opponent 6-1 -- it took a total of 2 hours and 20 minutes.
She'll play the winner of Sybille Bammer and Marion Bartoli, now in progress.
Five-setter brewing on Grandstand
Nicolas Almagro and Gilles Muller are going to five sets on the Grandstand. Amalgro won the first two sets but Muller has come back, just forcing a fifth.
We'll keep you posted.
We'll keep you posted.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Nishikori does it
Kei Nishikori lay on his back at the service line, got up to pump his fist. It was an appropriate reaction to his forehand winner which ended one of the most complete upsets at this year's Open.
He slayed David Ferrer, the talented Spaniard, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5. He made 63 percent of his first serves as opposed to Ferrer's 57 to go along with 46 winners.
At 18, he's got nerves of steel and an almost soothing calm.
Ferrer and Nishikori will be in the press room soon.
He slayed David Ferrer, the talented Spaniard, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5. He made 63 percent of his first serves as opposed to Ferrer's 57 to go along with 46 winners.
At 18, he's got nerves of steel and an almost soothing calm.
Ferrer and Nishikori will be in the press room soon.
Safina holds on
She won the final set, 6-2. She was the aggressor throughout the whole set. We'll hear her comments on the close call that her match was soon.
Sunday's order of play
Tomorrow's day session at Arthur Ashe and Armstrong is as follows:
1. Jelena Jankovic vs. Caroline Wozniacki
2. Roger Federer vs. Radek Stepanek
3. Andy Roddick vs. Andreas Seppi
Armstrong:
1. Nikolay Davydenko vs. Dmitry Tursunov
2. Sybille Bammer vs. Marion Bartoli
3. Tommy Robredo vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
4. Jarkko Nieminen vs. Fernando Gonzalez
The night session is abbreviated. It features the third round matches of Elena Dementieva and Novak Djokovic.
1. Jelena Jankovic vs. Caroline Wozniacki
2. Roger Federer vs. Radek Stepanek
3. Andy Roddick vs. Andreas Seppi
Armstrong:
1. Nikolay Davydenko vs. Dmitry Tursunov
2. Sybille Bammer vs. Marion Bartoli
3. Tommy Robredo vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
4. Jarkko Nieminen vs. Fernando Gonzalez
The night session is abbreviated. It features the third round matches of Elena Dementieva and Novak Djokovic.
Under the lights, Safina struggles
Unranked Timea Bacsinszky is giving sixth-ranked Dinara Safina just about all she can handle on Arthur Ashe right now.
But Safina has won the second set, 7-5, after dropping the first, 3-6.
We're going to a full three out there.
You could her Safina cry "Come on!" from the promenade outside the stadium, we're sure. This is among the matches we're keeping our eyes on. Americans James Blake and Mardy Fish will take the court after they're done. Blake and Fish are both good buddies and know each other's games well. Should be a good match.
But Safina has won the second set, 7-5, after dropping the first, 3-6.
We're going to a full three out there.
You could her Safina cry "Come on!" from the promenade outside the stadium, we're sure. This is among the matches we're keeping our eyes on. Americans James Blake and Mardy Fish will take the court after they're done. Blake and Fish are both good buddies and know each other's games well. Should be a good match.
Dropping first two, Ferrer wins third
David Ferrer somehow has gotten his game together to win the third set after dropping the first two to Japan's Kei Nishikori -- both at 4-6.
Nishikori, the 18-year-old phenom, was giving Ferrer all sorts of trouble but won a spirited third set in full grunt and seemingly a bit more pep in his footwork, which is some of the best in the game.
We'll keep our eyes on this story as it develops.
Nishikori, the 18-year-old phenom, was giving Ferrer all sorts of trouble but won a spirited third set in full grunt and seemingly a bit more pep in his footwork, which is some of the best in the game.
We'll keep our eyes on this story as it develops.
Murray wants Hawk-Eye
Andy Murray has said that he believes the U.S. Open should have the Hawk-Eye technology on every court here at the National Tennis Center. He said he could have used it today, after beating Jurgen Melzer, 6-7, 4-6, 7-6, 6-1, 6-3.
The game's version of instant replay, the ball-tracking technology which is able to show if close calls are actually in or out, has allowed players a bit more autonomy out on the court. Murray was asked if he understood why the technology wasn't on the third largest court in the richest tennis tournament in the world.
"Well, I don't think there's Hawk-Eye on the third court at Wimbledon. I don't think there's Hawk-Eye in the third court at the Australian Open. I said in my previous press conference, I woud like to see Hawk-Eye used on every single court. It's so expensive. I think it would have helped both of us today. I think now it's also tough for the umpires. I think they're getting used to having Hawk-Eye as well, so they don't want to step in as much as they used to, which can be a good thing sometimes, but I would rather see it on every single court."
The game's version of instant replay, the ball-tracking technology which is able to show if close calls are actually in or out, has allowed players a bit more autonomy out on the court. Murray was asked if he understood why the technology wasn't on the third largest court in the richest tennis tournament in the world.
"Well, I don't think there's Hawk-Eye on the third court at Wimbledon. I don't think there's Hawk-Eye in the third court at the Australian Open. I said in my previous press conference, I woud like to see Hawk-Eye used on every single court. It's so expensive. I think it would have helped both of us today. I think now it's also tough for the umpires. I think they're getting used to having Hawk-Eye as well, so they don't want to step in as much as they used to, which can be a good thing sometimes, but I would rather see it on every single court."
He got game
Gael Monfils, NBA superstar?
These were his statements after being asked why he gave up on becoming an NBA or European star basketball player.
"Maybe after my career I will think to be in the NBA. I love the NBA. I love the show they give the [players]. I mean, maybe in tennis sometimes it's too stiff, like some guys want to keep [their] emotion [inside]. Me, I'm not like this, you know. Like, my culture is to be very fun and enjoy the life. So on the court I'm like this."
So I guess that explains the Salsa dance.
But can he shoot the outside J?
I'm sure the Knicks could use some help. Surely, he's got to be better than his fellow countryman, Frederic Weis.
These were his statements after being asked why he gave up on becoming an NBA or European star basketball player.
"Maybe after my career I will think to be in the NBA. I love the NBA. I love the show they give the [players]. I mean, maybe in tennis sometimes it's too stiff, like some guys want to keep [their] emotion [inside]. Me, I'm not like this, you know. Like, my culture is to be very fun and enjoy the life. So on the court I'm like this."
So I guess that explains the Salsa dance.
But can he shoot the outside J?
I'm sure the Knicks could use some help. Surely, he's got to be better than his fellow countryman, Frederic Weis.
Serena on Venus
After dispatching Ai Sugiyama, 6-2, 6-1 in straight sets, Serena Williams said that she felt she was not playing her best tennis, was disappointed that a possible match up with her sister, Venus, would some so early (the quarterfinals) and that she would be busy with other ventures after the U.S. Open was over.
But much of her press conference had to with the subject of Venus. One reporter suggested that CBS is "praying" that one of them is in the final. Serena replied: "Well that's really nice to hear. I'm praying that I'll be there myself. So say some prayers for me."
It was poor Sugiyama that didn't have a prayer at Arthur Ashe today. Serena was her dominant self, focused and seemingly bent on playing the short matches that she has said she loves. One more win for both Serena and Venus and we've got probably the best quarterfinal match in U.S. Open history.
And isn't that the shame of it all?
But much of her press conference had to with the subject of Venus. One reporter suggested that CBS is "praying" that one of them is in the final. Serena replied: "Well that's really nice to hear. I'm praying that I'll be there myself. So say some prayers for me."
It was poor Sugiyama that didn't have a prayer at Arthur Ashe today. Serena was her dominant self, focused and seemingly bent on playing the short matches that she has said she loves. One more win for both Serena and Venus and we've got probably the best quarterfinal match in U.S. Open history.
And isn't that the shame of it all?
Monfils impressive
Gael Monfils pulled off a straight sets upset of David Nalbandian, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. The Frenchman looked superb, and will play the winner of tonight's match between fellow Americans James Blake and Mardy Fish.
As for the little Salsa dance he did after he won match point -- playing to the crowd before he greeted Nalbandian at the net -- it could have probably waited. Most activity before players reach their opponent is unsportsmanlike and has no place in the game.
Then again, this is the Open.
As for the little Salsa dance he did after he won match point -- playing to the crowd before he greeted Nalbandian at the net -- it could have probably waited. Most activity before players reach their opponent is unsportsmanlike and has no place in the game.
Then again, this is the Open.
And the marathon is over....
3 hours and 52 minutes, and the set between Jurgen Melzer and Andy Murray (6), the most exciting of the day so far, has finally ended. After falling behind 7-6, 6-4, Murray rallied to take the next three sets 7-6, 6-1, 6-3. Melzer had an astounding 71 unforced errors, to Murray's 29. Murray will face Stanislas Wawrinka (10) Monday.
Inching closer
The Williams sisters domination continued today, as Serena ran through her opponent almost as quickly as Venus ( 1 hour, six minutes). S-Will beat 30th-ranked Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama 6-2, 6-1. Gotta wonder how much Sugiyama's legs/endurance factored into her loss, as she also entered in mixed doubles and women's doubles this tournament. Serena's win inches the two closer to a US Open matchup. If both win during their fourth round opponents, they'll meet in the quarterfinals. Shame they have to meet so early.
Sadly....
France's Julie Coin's Cinderella story came to an end today, as she was defeated by countrywoman (countryman? I don't know) Amelie Mauresmo 6-4, 6-4. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Now everyone will just have to hinge sleeper hopes on Sam Querrey, who is emerging as one of the dark horses of the tournament. He faces Nadal on Monday though, so his upset hopes may be dashed almost as quickly as Coin's. Here's to hoping!
So much for that spoiler
Well I guess that settles it. Looks like Troiki left about everything he had out there in the first two sets, as he was easily defeated, 6-0 in the third by Nadal. Couldn't even eke out one game on pride alone....unfortunate, since he gave a really great effort early on. Nadal did a good job of extending volleys and letting Troiki beat himself as the match wore on. Troiki finished the day with double the amount of unforced errors (38) of Nadal(19).
Nadal in for an upset?
Not quite yet, but Viktor Troiki is testing him and playing very aggressive. After trailing 15-40 in his own service game, Troiki dug in to hold. Next game, and Nadal showed a chink in his armor as he struggled to hold serve in his own service game. Two unforced errors for Troiki however prove costly as Nadal capitalizes to take the first set 6-4.
After the set, Nadal received some treatment from a trainer.
Troiki may not pull this one out, but he has made some unbelievable, and acrobatic shots. Tremendous hustle.
Troiki breaks Nadal for a 2-1 lead in the second set with some terrific shots that make Nadal cover a lot of ground, and then holds serve to go up 3-1.
I know this has been mentioned ad nauseum, but what a year for Serbian tennis!
After a great volley, Nadal sneaks a great shot into the backcourt to break back, tying things up at 3 games apiece.
Nadal seems to be chipping away at Troiki's confidence after breaking him and holding serve. Up 5-3 in the second set, Nadal gives Troiki two easy points but he can't capitalize, as his frustration seems to be getting the best of him now.
6-4, 6-3 heading into the third set. We'll see if Troki has anything left in the tank....
After the set, Nadal received some treatment from a trainer.
Troiki may not pull this one out, but he has made some unbelievable, and acrobatic shots. Tremendous hustle.
Troiki breaks Nadal for a 2-1 lead in the second set with some terrific shots that make Nadal cover a lot of ground, and then holds serve to go up 3-1.
I know this has been mentioned ad nauseum, but what a year for Serbian tennis!
After a great volley, Nadal sneaks a great shot into the backcourt to break back, tying things up at 3 games apiece.
Nadal seems to be chipping away at Troiki's confidence after breaking him and holding serve. Up 5-3 in the second set, Nadal gives Troiki two easy points but he can't capitalize, as his frustration seems to be getting the best of him now.
6-4, 6-3 heading into the third set. We'll see if Troki has anything left in the tank....
Querrey wins
Sam Querrey beats his second seeded player of the tournament, as he beats No. 14 Karlovic in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6, 6-2 to advance to the fourth round, presumably to face Nadal. After besting Karlovic in the first two tiebreakers, Querrey clearly had the upper hand and all the momentum, as Karlovic looked deflated throughout the third set. The crowd was loving it, and Querrey is making a name for himself as the breakout player in the men's division. I'm guessing he's gonna be pulling for Troiki to pull out an upset.
Querrey-Karlovic, set 2
Querrey and Karlovic settle the second set in another tiebreaker, and once again, Querrey prevails. Apropos of the match so far, which has been quite the service display (35 aces), the 20 year-old SoCal native takes a two-set lead with a perfectly-placed 127-mph ace. 7-6, 7-6 as we head into the third set....
Bondarenko crushed
Venus Williams really just dismantled Ukrainian 27th seed Alona Bondarenko as she cruised through to the fourth round. V. Williams has breezed through her first three matches. First she defeated Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-3, then dominated Rossanna De Los Rios 6-0, 6-3. Outclassed and overpowered, Bondarenko couldn't put up much of a fight either. Consistent with her earlier matches, in which she was broken 13 times, Bondarenko seriously struggled to hold serve. Williams takes only 57 minutes to beat Bondarenko 6-2, 6-1. On Monday, Williams will face Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat her a couple years ago. After the match, Venus said she's looking to even the score.
Best stat? Number of winners
Venus Williams-32
Alona Bondarenko-4
Best stat? Number of winners
Venus Williams-32
Alona Bondarenko-4
Querrey v. Karlovic
In the battle of the big men, (ok maybe the battle between the two lanky dudes is more appropriate), Querrey wins the opening-set tiebreaker. Both traded some impressive serves, but at 4-3, Querrey, gained a little momentum after flicking one over Karlovic's head for a 5-3 lead. Set point, and Karlovic's shot goes long to give Querrey the early edge.
Boom goes the dynamite...
In honor of Sam Querrey's 11:00 am match against Croatia's Ivo Karlovic (14), I just wanted to give him a nod for using the legendary "Boom goes the dynamite" phrase in his post-match press conference Thursday. Here's him talking about a crucial point against Nicolas Devilder:
"I can't remember if I made a first serve or not, and then I ripped a forehand and then ripped an approach shot that I thought was going long, but it clipped and he just rifled a backhand across the court and hit the tape. I wasn't going to go for it, and then I just last minute, boom goes the dynamite."
Awesome.
In Boom Goes The Dynamite news, the poor kid, Brian Collins who uttered that phrase amidst an on-air breakdown and became an instant youtube legend, actually got a job recently with WXXV-TV in Waco, TX.
Collins bouncing back from that should really be an inspiration to us all. Go get 'em Brian!
"I can't remember if I made a first serve or not, and then I ripped a forehand and then ripped an approach shot that I thought was going long, but it clipped and he just rifled a backhand across the court and hit the tape. I wasn't going to go for it, and then I just last minute, boom goes the dynamite."
Awesome.
In Boom Goes The Dynamite news, the poor kid, Brian Collins who uttered that phrase amidst an on-air breakdown and became an instant youtube legend, actually got a job recently with WXXV-TV in Waco, TX.
Collins bouncing back from that should really be an inspiration to us all. Go get 'em Brian!
Today's wrap
Lindsay Davenport fell to Marion Bartoli, 6-1, 7-6. Davenport only made 55 percent of her first serves and made 33 unforced errors. It was perhaps as ugly as it sounds, and surely not a good memory for Lindsay, should this be her last appearance at this tournament. She couldn't put enough good points together.
Stay tuned to Newsday.com for a story about Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's win over Spanish vet Carlos Moya. We'll link to that when it goes live on our website.
As Friday turned to Saturday, Andy Roddick defeated Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 7-5. It happened in two hours and 52 minutes, one of the longest four set matches you'll see.
A-Rod made a face to some of his supporters as if to say, "I can't believe this took that long."
Neither can we. Good night everybody.
Stay tuned to Newsday.com for a story about Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's win over Spanish vet Carlos Moya. We'll link to that when it goes live on our website.
As Friday turned to Saturday, Andy Roddick defeated Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 7-5. It happened in two hours and 52 minutes, one of the longest four set matches you'll see.
A-Rod made a face to some of his supporters as if to say, "I can't believe this took that long."
Neither can we. Good night everybody.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Davenport struggling
Lindsay Davenport dropped the first set to Marion Bartoli, 6-1.
Bartoli broke Davenport's serve to start the second set. Already down a break, Lindsay can't afford any more sloppy play, but she's not exactly showing any signs of life.
Bartoli broke Davenport's serve to start the second set. Already down a break, Lindsay can't afford any more sloppy play, but she's not exactly showing any signs of life.
Did we say play was going to resume?
We meant that it was not going to resume.
Sigh.
There's still a steady rain coming down here at the National Tennis Center. It means that the players can't play. Writers can't write. The grounds folks are the ones earning their money right now, playing hide and go seek with the rain. They already took to several of the courts here and dried them off -- only to see the rain come down again.
Anyone have the Weather Channel?
Sigh.
There's still a steady rain coming down here at the National Tennis Center. It means that the players can't play. Writers can't write. The grounds folks are the ones earning their money right now, playing hide and go seek with the rain. They already took to several of the courts here and dried them off -- only to see the rain come down again.
Anyone have the Weather Channel?
Play suspended
Officials announced at about 7:35 or so that play would be suspended in order for showers to pass through. Jo-Wilfried Tsongas and Carlos Moya were in the middle of an entertaining first set on the Grandstand. Lindsay Davenport was on Arthur Ashe, and several of the matches on other courts were suspended -- many players simply taking to their chairs, trying to stay warm.
Looks like on most courts we're right back. We'll keep you posted.
Looks like on most courts we're right back. We'll keep you posted.
Kendrick takes loss in stride
Robert Kendrick, an American qualifier at the Open this year, lost to No. 3 Novak Djokovic this evening. The Serbian Australian Open winner won, 7-6 (10-8), 6-4, 6-4.
Kendrick has been struggling with knee tendinitis, which he brought up in his post-match interview. It's a nagging injury that he can't do much about. He thought he missed an opportunity to change the outcome of the match during a tight first set, but overall, he was pleased with his play. He had to win three times in the qualifying round just to break into the main draw, where he defeated Nicolas Mahut, 7-6, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5. A 4-1 record ain't all bad.
The statistical breakdown revealed Djokovic had 13 unforced errors in three sets, which is pretty unbelieveable. Kendrick, himself, didn't believe it when I mentioned it. Perhaps the statkeepers were playing nice. Of all the other top men who prevailed in three sets today, Fernando Gonzalez had the next lowest amount of errors -- with 25. Federer finished wtih 46.
That about does it for me on Day 5. Enjoy the weekend's slate.
Kendrick has been struggling with knee tendinitis, which he brought up in his post-match interview. It's a nagging injury that he can't do much about. He thought he missed an opportunity to change the outcome of the match during a tight first set, but overall, he was pleased with his play. He had to win three times in the qualifying round just to break into the main draw, where he defeated Nicolas Mahut, 7-6, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5. A 4-1 record ain't all bad.
The statistical breakdown revealed Djokovic had 13 unforced errors in three sets, which is pretty unbelieveable. Kendrick, himself, didn't believe it when I mentioned it. Perhaps the statkeepers were playing nice. Of all the other top men who prevailed in three sets today, Fernando Gonzalez had the next lowest amount of errors -- with 25. Federer finished wtih 46.
That about does it for me on Day 5. Enjoy the weekend's slate.
Women's No. 3 Kuznetsova out
Katarina Srebotnik, seeded 28th, just defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova: 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 to advance to the fourth round.
That means the No. 1 and No. 3 seeds are now knocked out of the women's draw. It could have been 1-2-3, but No. 2 Jelena Jankovic survived a tough test from Jie Jheng earlier today and moved on.
That means the No. 1 and No. 3 seeds are now knocked out of the women's draw. It could have been 1-2-3, but No. 2 Jelena Jankovic survived a tough test from Jie Jheng earlier today and moved on.
His name was Thiago: On playing Roger Federer
For most of his first-time opponents, playing Roger Federer is a lesson in precision timing, nerve, and it is also a way to go absolutely nuts. It was Thiago Alves turn today; yes the top-spinning, fleet-footed Brazilian had the Federer Experience having played the U.S. Open only once before.
A grunting Alves displayed some mettle here, blasting a backhand runner down the line at one point in the first set, to which he let out a huge roar. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium responded gleefully, and though it knew his fate, the crowd indulged him, as New Yorkers are wont to do.
We went to the media room to see what had become of Federer. He looked to have barely broken a sweat. He zipped up his Nike-issued jacket, carressed his hair three or four times for the cameras. This match was a meager blip on his legendary radar. Reporters seemed to know this, too, posing high-minded philosophical questions. Just one question -- the second one -- ever referred to Alves. And even then the reporter did not mention him by name.
Alves defeated Paul Capdeville in the first round after dropping the first sets, and ultimately winning 4-6, 1-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-4.
And though Federer barely noticed it, the biggest match of Alves' career came and went.
A grunting Alves displayed some mettle here, blasting a backhand runner down the line at one point in the first set, to which he let out a huge roar. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium responded gleefully, and though it knew his fate, the crowd indulged him, as New Yorkers are wont to do.
We went to the media room to see what had become of Federer. He looked to have barely broken a sweat. He zipped up his Nike-issued jacket, carressed his hair three or four times for the cameras. This match was a meager blip on his legendary radar. Reporters seemed to know this, too, posing high-minded philosophical questions. Just one question -- the second one -- ever referred to Alves. And even then the reporter did not mention him by name.
Alves defeated Paul Capdeville in the first round after dropping the first sets, and ultimately winning 4-6, 1-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-4.
And though Federer barely noticed it, the biggest match of Alves' career came and went.
I wish I was a little bit taller
If you're wandering around the outside courts at the U.S. Open, it doesn't get much better than the alley between Courts 6 and 7, which always offer plenty of good action. It's unfortunate, however, that I'm not 6-3.
I just watched the conclusion of a doubles match on Court 6 featuring Andy Murray and Ross Hutchins, both of Great Britain, and the No. 1 doubles team: Daniel Nestor (Canada) and Nenad Zimonjic (Serbia).
The top-seeded duo prevailed: 7-5, 3-6 and 7-6 (7-2). Murray was not pleased. After losing a point during the deciding tiebreaker, he launched a ball toward Laguardia.
Like I alluded to earlier, wandering between Courts 6 and 7 is fun because it gives you an up-close view of some star players. When a player of Andy Murray's caliber shows up, the alley becomes quite crowded, so it doesn't hurt to be a few inches taller if you're standing a few rows back.
Around the grounds: The Kuznetsova-Srebotnik match is now in the third set, Djokovic took a hard-fought first set from American Robert Kendrick and the crowd is buzzing with anticipation for this Moya-Tsonga match on the Grandstand a little bit later.
I just watched the conclusion of a doubles match on Court 6 featuring Andy Murray and Ross Hutchins, both of Great Britain, and the No. 1 doubles team: Daniel Nestor (Canada) and Nenad Zimonjic (Serbia).
The top-seeded duo prevailed: 7-5, 3-6 and 7-6 (7-2). Murray was not pleased. After losing a point during the deciding tiebreaker, he launched a ball toward Laguardia.
Like I alluded to earlier, wandering between Courts 6 and 7 is fun because it gives you an up-close view of some star players. When a player of Andy Murray's caliber shows up, the alley becomes quite crowded, so it doesn't hurt to be a few inches taller if you're standing a few rows back.
Around the grounds: The Kuznetsova-Srebotnik match is now in the third set, Djokovic took a hard-fought first set from American Robert Kendrick and the crowd is buzzing with anticipation for this Moya-Tsonga match on the Grandstand a little bit later.
Ginepri out, Federer into 3rd round
Robby Ginepri just fell in four sets to No. 30 Marin Cilic. It looked as though he would force a fifth set while serving for the fourth set, up 5-3. He fell down love-40 before forcing deuce, but Cilic won the game to get back on serve. He then held, broke Ginepri again and held for the win: 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5.
No. 28 Srebotnik took the first set against No. 3 Kuznetsova, 6-3, and the two were on serve in the second set moments ago.
Federer took the third and final set, 6-4, to advance to the third round:6-3, 7-5, 6-4. He won 80 percent of his points on first serves and recorded 19 aces to Alves' two. He was tested in the one-hour and 13-minute second set, but broke twice in the third to move on.
No. 28 Srebotnik took the first set against No. 3 Kuznetsova, 6-3, and the two were on serve in the second set moments ago.
Federer took the third and final set, 6-4, to advance to the third round:6-3, 7-5, 6-4. He won 80 percent of his points on first serves and recorded 19 aces to Alves' two. He was tested in the one-hour and 13-minute second set, but broke twice in the third to move on.
Ginepri in trouble
Robby Ginepri lost the third set against Marin Cilic, 6-2, to allow the 30th-seeded Croatian to take a 2-1 set lead.
After Ginepri stormed through the second set, 6-2, Cilic broke him in the opening game of the third set and added a late break to cruise to the win. The men remained on the baseline for the most part because when they decided to approach the net, the results weren't pretty. Ginepri was 2-for-14 at the net and Cilic was 0-for-17. Ginepri's major downfall was his 0-for-5 effort on break chances.
We'll see if he can turn things around ...
Federer, who holds a 2-0 set lead, is trying to finish off Thiago Alves over on Ashe. Dementieva made quick work of her opponent next door at Armstrong and will join Jankovic in the fourth round.
Later on at Armstrong, No. 15 Tommy Robredo will face Marat Safin in what could shape up to be an excellent match.
After Ginepri stormed through the second set, 6-2, Cilic broke him in the opening game of the third set and added a late break to cruise to the win. The men remained on the baseline for the most part because when they decided to approach the net, the results weren't pretty. Ginepri was 2-for-14 at the net and Cilic was 0-for-17. Ginepri's major downfall was his 0-for-5 effort on break chances.
We'll see if he can turn things around ...
Federer, who holds a 2-0 set lead, is trying to finish off Thiago Alves over on Ashe. Dementieva made quick work of her opponent next door at Armstrong and will join Jankovic in the fourth round.
Later on at Armstrong, No. 15 Tommy Robredo will face Marat Safin in what could shape up to be an excellent match.
Haas falls in 5
Tommy Haas, playing on court 11, just fell to Gilles Muller of Luxembourg in the fifth set. Muller won: 2-6, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3.
With Muller serving at 30-all in the final set, he aced Haas, who felt as though the ball was well out. He stood and stared at the chair umpire for what seemed like a full minute before dejectedly walking back to the baseline. Muller won the match on the next point and Haas exited the court in a hurry without shaking hands with the ump. (He flung his wristband into the crowd and it landed at my foot, but some 40-year-old woman did a back dive off the bleachers to snag it.)
There is no Hawk-Eye replay on the outer courts, which Haas would have loved to have in that final game. Still, Haas can't blame one (possibly) blown call after losing a match in which he held a 2-0 set lead. Tough break for Haas, who seems to be a crowd favorite.
I'm off the Grandstand to check out Ginepri for a second time as he faces Marin Cilic. That match is already underway as Cilic serves for the set, up 5-4.
Elsewhere, Federer and Dementieva both won their first sets.
With Muller serving at 30-all in the final set, he aced Haas, who felt as though the ball was well out. He stood and stared at the chair umpire for what seemed like a full minute before dejectedly walking back to the baseline. Muller won the match on the next point and Haas exited the court in a hurry without shaking hands with the ump. (He flung his wristband into the crowd and it landed at my foot, but some 40-year-old woman did a back dive off the bleachers to snag it.)
There is no Hawk-Eye replay on the outer courts, which Haas would have loved to have in that final game. Still, Haas can't blame one (possibly) blown call after losing a match in which he held a 2-0 set lead. Tough break for Haas, who seems to be a crowd favorite.
I'm off the Grandstand to check out Ginepri for a second time as he faces Marin Cilic. That match is already underway as Cilic serves for the set, up 5-4.
Elsewhere, Federer and Dementieva both won their first sets.
Breaking away; Jankovic moves on
Well, THAT took a while.
No. 2 Jelena Jankovic just finished her match with China's Jie Zheng and prevailed, 7-5, 7-5 in a match that took an unorthodox two hours and nine minutes to complete. The last game alone featured 11 deuces and five match points for Jankovic before she sealed the deal.
Nobody could hold serve in this one, which featured 14 breaks out of 24 games. Zheng showed why she can hang with the best of them, showing a tremendous amount of power for her 5-5 frame.
In the first set, Jankovic maintained a break until Zheng evened it up at 4-4. The two produced some exciting rallies for the Arthur Ashe crowd, which filled up as the match progressed. Jankovic won, 7-5, in a statistically even set.
Zheng went up 2-0 in the second set, but that would be the biggest lead for either player the rest of the way. The final game may have been the longest I've ever watched (11 deuces).
In other news, Fernando Gonzalez dismissed American Bobby Reynolds in their second-round match in three sets.
No. 5 Nikolay Davydenko won the first two sets and was taken to a third-set tiebreaker against Agustin Calleri, which he won to advance to the third round.
On one of the outside courts, Tommy Haas has his hands full with Gilles Muller, who is leading 4-1 in the fourth after Hass won the first two sets and Muller took the third in a tiebreak.
No. 2 Jelena Jankovic just finished her match with China's Jie Zheng and prevailed, 7-5, 7-5 in a match that took an unorthodox two hours and nine minutes to complete. The last game alone featured 11 deuces and five match points for Jankovic before she sealed the deal.
Nobody could hold serve in this one, which featured 14 breaks out of 24 games. Zheng showed why she can hang with the best of them, showing a tremendous amount of power for her 5-5 frame.
In the first set, Jankovic maintained a break until Zheng evened it up at 4-4. The two produced some exciting rallies for the Arthur Ashe crowd, which filled up as the match progressed. Jankovic won, 7-5, in a statistically even set.
Zheng went up 2-0 in the second set, but that would be the biggest lead for either player the rest of the way. The final game may have been the longest I've ever watched (11 deuces).
In other news, Fernando Gonzalez dismissed American Bobby Reynolds in their second-round match in three sets.
No. 5 Nikolay Davydenko won the first two sets and was taken to a third-set tiebreaker against Agustin Calleri, which he won to advance to the third round.
On one of the outside courts, Tommy Haas has his hands full with Gilles Muller, who is leading 4-1 in the fourth after Hass won the first two sets and Muller took the third in a tiebreak.
Top of the mornin'
We're back for Day 5 at the Open, which features plenty of power players who can make a run at the title.
It's tempting to park myself at Arthur Ashe for the afternoon with a lineup that includes Jankovic, Federer and Djokovic for the first three matches. While it's tough to imagine Federer or Djokovic going down, the same cannot be said for Jankovic.
She faces China's Jie Zheng, who made a surprising run to the semifinals at Wimbledon earlier this summer. This could be quite a match given the fact that she made Serena Williams work for her berth in the finals at the All England Club.
Ashe is not completely where it's at today. The Grandstand offers some fun with Davydenko vs. Calleri followed by Ginepri vs. Cilic, who needed five sets to advance out of the first round the other day.
Elena Dementieva, Kuznetsova (vs. Srebotnik) and Safin will play on Louis Armstrong. Should be a fun day. Be back later.
It's tempting to park myself at Arthur Ashe for the afternoon with a lineup that includes Jankovic, Federer and Djokovic for the first three matches. While it's tough to imagine Federer or Djokovic going down, the same cannot be said for Jankovic.
She faces China's Jie Zheng, who made a surprising run to the semifinals at Wimbledon earlier this summer. This could be quite a match given the fact that she made Serena Williams work for her berth in the finals at the All England Club.
Ashe is not completely where it's at today. The Grandstand offers some fun with Davydenko vs. Calleri followed by Ginepri vs. Cilic, who needed five sets to advance out of the first round the other day.
Elena Dementieva, Kuznetsova (vs. Srebotnik) and Safin will play on Louis Armstrong. Should be a fun day. Be back later.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Women's top seed Ana Ivanovic ousted
Major upset news here at Flushing Meadows.
Top-seeded Ana Ivanovic just lost to France's Julie Coin (pronounced "Kwan"), 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
I caught most of the last two sets. Ivanovic definitely was not herself -- she seemed tentative at times, and when she did go for her shots, she swatted many of them long.
Coin, who is ranked 188th in the world and had to qualify to get into the tournament, hit the ball deeper and harder with more consistency, pushing Ivanovic onto her heels. In the end, she held off some shaky nerves to close out the match.
On her first match point, Coin slapped a serve well beyond the service box, an embarrassing miscue, then buried her second serve into the net. She lost another match point before Ivanovic cracked a forehand wide to end the match.
"My first time playing on a big court like this," Coin said, smiling. "I was hoping to play on another one -- smaller."
She will face countrywoman and No. 32 seed Amelie Mauresmo in the third round. Stay tuned -- Coin could turn into one of the big stories of tournament.
As for me, I'm off to the train. Mark Dwyer will be with you tomorrow for more updates. Enjoy the night matches!
Top-seeded Ana Ivanovic just lost to France's Julie Coin (pronounced "Kwan"), 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
I caught most of the last two sets. Ivanovic definitely was not herself -- she seemed tentative at times, and when she did go for her shots, she swatted many of them long.
Coin, who is ranked 188th in the world and had to qualify to get into the tournament, hit the ball deeper and harder with more consistency, pushing Ivanovic onto her heels. In the end, she held off some shaky nerves to close out the match.
On her first match point, Coin slapped a serve well beyond the service box, an embarrassing miscue, then buried her second serve into the net. She lost another match point before Ivanovic cracked a forehand wide to end the match.
"My first time playing on a big court like this," Coin said, smiling. "I was hoping to play on another one -- smaller."
She will face countrywoman and No. 32 seed Amelie Mauresmo in the third round. Stay tuned -- Coin could turn into one of the big stories of tournament.
As for me, I'm off to the train. Mark Dwyer will be with you tomorrow for more updates. Enjoy the night matches!
James Blake: Harvard man, Mets fan
So I learned two more things to like about James Blake.
First, that he went to Harvard. I had heard some of his interviews before and knew he was a bright guy. But listening to him in person for the first time today, I was definitely impressed by his honesty and intelligence.
Then my Newsday colleague, John Jeansonne, asked James whether he would be watching the Democratic National Convention tonight, on a big night for Barack Obama, another Harvard man. And now it all makes sense. They don't let dummies into Harvard (hence, I didn't bother applying)
The second thing I learned is that Blake is a Mets fan. He walked into Interview Room 1 sporting a gray cap with a white, Mets-style interlocking NY. One of the last questions he fielded concerned whether he felt extra pressure playing in a huge tournament in his home town, so close to Shea Stadium, home of his favorite ballclub.
"I see pressure as opportunity," Blake said, adding that feeling pressure means you're doing something people care about. Getting up from the podium a few moments later, he smiled when a reporter asked him what he thought about last night's come-from-behind 6-3 Mets win.
"Nice to see someone else's bullpen blow it for a change," Blake said.
I knew there was a lot to like about this guy.
First, that he went to Harvard. I had heard some of his interviews before and knew he was a bright guy. But listening to him in person for the first time today, I was definitely impressed by his honesty and intelligence.
Then my Newsday colleague, John Jeansonne, asked James whether he would be watching the Democratic National Convention tonight, on a big night for Barack Obama, another Harvard man. And now it all makes sense. They don't let dummies into Harvard (hence, I didn't bother applying)
The second thing I learned is that Blake is a Mets fan. He walked into Interview Room 1 sporting a gray cap with a white, Mets-style interlocking NY. One of the last questions he fielded concerned whether he felt extra pressure playing in a huge tournament in his home town, so close to Shea Stadium, home of his favorite ballclub.
"I see pressure as opportunity," Blake said, adding that feeling pressure means you're doing something people care about. Getting up from the podium a few moments later, he smiled when a reporter asked him what he thought about last night's come-from-behind 6-3 Mets win.
"Nice to see someone else's bullpen blow it for a change," Blake said.
I knew there was a lot to like about this guy.
Darcis retires with back injury
Listened in a few minutes ago on Steve Darcis' press conference, during which he explained he retired from his match against James Blake because of a lower back injury he suffered a week and a half ago at a tour event in New Haven.
Darcis said his back stiffened up after he won his first-round match, and he wasn't able to run and keep up with Blake once the American found his stride in the second set. After losing the second set and going down a break in the first game of the third set, Darcis decided to retire rather than risk aggravating the injury.
I'll be sitting in on Blake's interview in about 15 minutes, so I'll let you know what he has to say about his absolutely awful first set of tennis, during which he committed 17 unforced errors.
Darcis, who is from Belgium, suggested that American players may feel extra pressure to perform well on a big stage, which may explain why so many struggle to put away inferior players here.
But this ain't exactly Blake's first rodeo, as the saying goes, so I don't really buy that excuse. Hopefully Blake has a better explanation than that.
Darcis said his back stiffened up after he won his first-round match, and he wasn't able to run and keep up with Blake once the American found his stride in the second set. After losing the second set and going down a break in the first game of the third set, Darcis decided to retire rather than risk aggravating the injury.
I'll be sitting in on Blake's interview in about 15 minutes, so I'll let you know what he has to say about his absolutely awful first set of tennis, during which he committed 17 unforced errors.
Darcis, who is from Belgium, suggested that American players may feel extra pressure to perform well on a big stage, which may explain why so many struggle to put away inferior players here.
But this ain't exactly Blake's first rodeo, as the saying goes, so I don't really buy that excuse. Hopefully Blake has a better explanation than that.
It's Blake in a walk
So much for that. I was just on my way back to Ashe, but first I checked Newsday.com's scores page for an update on the Blake match.
Turns out, Darcis retired. I didn't hear or see what happened, but that's the disadvantage of not having wireless internet here.
It's too bad for Darcis, but good for the tournament, which benefits from a fan-favorite like Blake advancing and staying fresh for the third round. He faces a potential second-round match with fellow American Mardy Fish.
I'll update you on Darcis as soon as I find out more about what happened.
Turns out, Darcis retired. I didn't hear or see what happened, but that's the disadvantage of not having wireless internet here.
It's too bad for Darcis, but good for the tournament, which benefits from a fan-favorite like Blake advancing and staying fresh for the third round. He faces a potential second-round match with fellow American Mardy Fish.
I'll update you on Darcis as soon as I find out more about what happened.
Blake not familiar with "the easy way"
Apparently James Blake isn't familiar that it is possible to win a tennis match in three sets.
The No. 9 seed appeared on Arthur Ashe court this afternoon for his second-round match against the world's 62nd-ranked player, Steve Darcis. But apparently he left his tennis skills back in the locker room.
Blake sprayed unforced errors -- backhands, forehands, volleys, you name it -- all over the court in dropping the first set, 6-4.
He rebounded to win the second set 6-3, but what is it about Blake that it always seems he ends up playing epic matches at the U.S. Open? Remember that classic against Andre Agassi in 2005? He also lost a five-setter to top-ranked Lleyton Hewitt in the third round in 2003, and a five-setter to Tommy Haas in a fifth-set tiebreaker last year. And then there was the five-setter he squeaked out against the young American Donald Young on Monday.
Maybe it's because Blake is from New York (he and I share the hometown of Yonkers, NY), but my guess his popularity at this tournament has as much to do with his penchant for drama as his place of birth. Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer get the headlines, but I would argue there is no more popular player at the Open than Blake.
Time to get back to Ashe court to watch the rest of the match. If history is any indication, I might not be back any time soon.
The No. 9 seed appeared on Arthur Ashe court this afternoon for his second-round match against the world's 62nd-ranked player, Steve Darcis. But apparently he left his tennis skills back in the locker room.
Blake sprayed unforced errors -- backhands, forehands, volleys, you name it -- all over the court in dropping the first set, 6-4.
He rebounded to win the second set 6-3, but what is it about Blake that it always seems he ends up playing epic matches at the U.S. Open? Remember that classic against Andre Agassi in 2005? He also lost a five-setter to top-ranked Lleyton Hewitt in the third round in 2003, and a five-setter to Tommy Haas in a fifth-set tiebreaker last year. And then there was the five-setter he squeaked out against the young American Donald Young on Monday.
Maybe it's because Blake is from New York (he and I share the hometown of Yonkers, NY), but my guess his popularity at this tournament has as much to do with his penchant for drama as his place of birth. Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer get the headlines, but I would argue there is no more popular player at the Open than Blake.
Time to get back to Ashe court to watch the rest of the match. If history is any indication, I might not be back any time soon.
Big matches coming up
Greetings everyone, Mike Casey back for Day 4 at the Open.
I confess. I did not look at the schedule of play before I left my house this morning. When I got to the Tennis Center just a few minutes ago, I glanced up at the big scoreboard outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium and was very disappointed to see the following matches on the show courts:
Dinara Safina vs. Roberta Vinci on Arthur Ashe
Stanislav Wawrinka vs. Wayne Odesink on Louis Armstrong
Bethanie Mattek vs. Alize Cornet at the Grandstand
At first, I was angry. Who are these people? These are the names the USTA wants to showcase??
Then I collected me thoughts on stormed off to the media center. There I found some good news.
Two good matches with high-profile American players on Arthur Ashe court this afternoon:
Venus Williams vs. Rossana De Los Rios
James Blake vs. Steve Darcis
Unlike yesterday, when I barely set foot inside Arthur Ashe, I think it's safe to say I'll be planting myself in Ashe for a few hours this afternoon. Hopefully I'll provide a little different perspective than I did yesterday, when I did some Ashe Stadium-bashing.
Catch up with you later.
I confess. I did not look at the schedule of play before I left my house this morning. When I got to the Tennis Center just a few minutes ago, I glanced up at the big scoreboard outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium and was very disappointed to see the following matches on the show courts:
Dinara Safina vs. Roberta Vinci on Arthur Ashe
Stanislav Wawrinka vs. Wayne Odesink on Louis Armstrong
Bethanie Mattek vs. Alize Cornet at the Grandstand
At first, I was angry. Who are these people? These are the names the USTA wants to showcase??
Then I collected me thoughts on stormed off to the media center. There I found some good news.
Two good matches with high-profile American players on Arthur Ashe court this afternoon:
Venus Williams vs. Rossana De Los Rios
James Blake vs. Steve Darcis
Unlike yesterday, when I barely set foot inside Arthur Ashe, I think it's safe to say I'll be planting myself in Ashe for a few hours this afternoon. Hopefully I'll provide a little different perspective than I did yesterday, when I did some Ashe Stadium-bashing.
Catch up with you later.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Deuces wild for Andy
Roddick wrapped up his opening-round match with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 win over Fabrice Santoro to finish off the night session on Day 3 in Flushing.
The match ended awkwardly as Santoro basically gave Roddick his final ace as he walked toward the net to shake hands. With Santoro, you would expect it to be a kind, joking gesture given his usual light-hearted demeanor on the court. But, he didn't seem too happy leaving the court. On the penultimate point, Roddick blasted an ace from which Santoro has to duck and stumble out of the way. Perhaps he was a bit salty from that, or perhaps he was just disappointed with his performance during such a high-profile match and wanted to get out of there ASAP.
Roddick's serve was the answer tonight. He said in his post-match interview that it was the best he's felt in months. If his first serve continues to dominate, it could take him deep into this tournament.
I won't return to blogosphere until Friday, but we'll be back tomorrow with more updates from the Open. Enjoy.
The match ended awkwardly as Santoro basically gave Roddick his final ace as he walked toward the net to shake hands. With Santoro, you would expect it to be a kind, joking gesture given his usual light-hearted demeanor on the court. But, he didn't seem too happy leaving the court. On the penultimate point, Roddick blasted an ace from which Santoro has to duck and stumble out of the way. Perhaps he was a bit salty from that, or perhaps he was just disappointed with his performance during such a high-profile match and wanted to get out of there ASAP.
Roddick's serve was the answer tonight. He said in his post-match interview that it was the best he's felt in months. If his first serve continues to dominate, it could take him deep into this tournament.
I won't return to blogosphere until Friday, but we'll be back tomorrow with more updates from the Open. Enjoy.
Roddick on his game
Andy's not messing around with The Magician.
He breezed to a 6-2 win in the first set and SHOULD keep it rolling into the second round. Santoro hasn't really had a chance to show off his tricks, especially against Roddick's serve.
He breezed to a 6-2 win in the first set and SHOULD keep it rolling into the second round. Santoro hasn't really had a chance to show off his tricks, especially against Roddick's serve.
Mom moves on
Lindsay Davenport just took care of Alisa Kleybanova in two sets, 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the third round. She'll face No. 12 seed Marion Bartoli.
Not a ton of upsets in Davenport's quarter of the draw, save for No. 8 Vera Zvonareva going down in the second round. Bartoli would be the highest seed for Davenport to face until the quarterfinals, where No. 2 Jelena Jankovic could await.
Up next on Arthur Ashe is Roddick-Santoro. Roddick clearly has the advantage here, hoping to prove that his decision to stay at home rather than go to Beijing could prove beneficial for the Open, the site of his lone Grand Slam win. Roddick desperately needs another Slam win to bolster his career standing.
Santoro, though, is no pushover, as James Blake learned last year in the second round. Blake won his first career five-setter when he defeated Santoro in an epic night match a year ago at Ashe. Santoro, 35, though sometimes the oldest player in the draw, is creative and can tire players with his crafty slices and two-handed finesse shots. We'll see if Roddick can crack a few 150mph-ers to keep him at bay.
Not a ton of upsets in Davenport's quarter of the draw, save for No. 8 Vera Zvonareva going down in the second round. Bartoli would be the highest seed for Davenport to face until the quarterfinals, where No. 2 Jelena Jankovic could await.
Up next on Arthur Ashe is Roddick-Santoro. Roddick clearly has the advantage here, hoping to prove that his decision to stay at home rather than go to Beijing could prove beneficial for the Open, the site of his lone Grand Slam win. Roddick desperately needs another Slam win to bolster his career standing.
Santoro, though, is no pushover, as James Blake learned last year in the second round. Blake won his first career five-setter when he defeated Santoro in an epic night match a year ago at Ashe. Santoro, 35, though sometimes the oldest player in the draw, is creative and can tire players with his crafty slices and two-handed finesse shots. We'll see if Roddick can crack a few 150mph-ers to keep him at bay.
FREAKS!
No, they're not freaks. Freakishly tall, for tennis, maybe. But not freaks.
Sam Querry (6-6) and John Isner (6-9) just lost the first set of their doubles match against Chile's Fernando Gonzalez and Argentina's Agustin Calleri. Hoards of people came out to Court 7 for the match and were oooh-ing and ahhh-ing as the 13-plus feet tandem strolled in for warm-ups.
The place was standing room only. I don't know if that was a combination of the fact that it was a pair of Americans, it was a pair of very tall Americans, or people are still caught up in the backlash from James Blake's comments from Beijing, when he criticized Gonzalez of not fessing up to a ball that allegedly nicked his racket and sailed out of bounds during a crucial point in their semifinal match. I heard at least one fan remind her friends of the incident as Gonzalez entered the court.
I really don't buy it. I don't know him, but Gonzalez genuinely comes off as a friendly guy. In the first set, he was smiling for most of it. Our guy Arthur Staple pointed out in his Web column last night that Gonzalez is no villain.
Ok, I'm going to check out that match a little more and then it's on to the big show for Roddick-Santoro later on at Arthur Ashe.
Sam Querry (6-6) and John Isner (6-9) just lost the first set of their doubles match against Chile's Fernando Gonzalez and Argentina's Agustin Calleri. Hoards of people came out to Court 7 for the match and were oooh-ing and ahhh-ing as the 13-plus feet tandem strolled in for warm-ups.
The place was standing room only. I don't know if that was a combination of the fact that it was a pair of Americans, it was a pair of very tall Americans, or people are still caught up in the backlash from James Blake's comments from Beijing, when he criticized Gonzalez of not fessing up to a ball that allegedly nicked his racket and sailed out of bounds during a crucial point in their semifinal match. I heard at least one fan remind her friends of the incident as Gonzalez entered the court.
I really don't buy it. I don't know him, but Gonzalez genuinely comes off as a friendly guy. In the first set, he was smiling for most of it. Our guy Arthur Staple pointed out in his Web column last night that Gonzalez is no villain.
Ok, I'm going to check out that match a little more and then it's on to the big show for Roddick-Santoro later on at Arthur Ashe.
Ginepri wins easily, Jankovic does not
Unseeded American Robby Ginepri, who has had some success here -- he made the semis in 2005 - breezed past another American, Amer Delic, in Louis Armstrong. Ginepri had a couple down years but has risen up to No. 61 currently. He also no longer dates Minnie Driver. We're not sure if that's a plus or not.
Jelena Jankovic, who looked strong in her opening-round win, looked the opposite today. The No. 2 seed squeaked by Sweden's Sofia Arvidsson, 6-3, 6-7, 7-5. That means the top two seeds have had scares in the opening days.
The Chinese women's contingent is shining again. Jie Zheng, who was a surprise semifinalist at Wimbledon, is into the third round and plays Jankovic next. I smell an upset.
And Na Li, who teamed with Zheng to win bronze in Olympic doubles in their home country, also moved into the third round today.
I'm turning the reins over to Baumbach for the evening. Enjoy.
Jelena Jankovic, who looked strong in her opening-round win, looked the opposite today. The No. 2 seed squeaked by Sweden's Sofia Arvidsson, 6-3, 6-7, 7-5. That means the top two seeds have had scares in the opening days.
The Chinese women's contingent is shining again. Jie Zheng, who was a surprise semifinalist at Wimbledon, is into the third round and plays Jankovic next. I smell an upset.
And Na Li, who teamed with Zheng to win bronze in Olympic doubles in their home country, also moved into the third round today.
I'm turning the reins over to Baumbach for the evening. Enjoy.
Remember the Mac cam?
I just got through watching the first set on Court 6, which featured some good doubles action from Reynolds/Ram and Lipsky/Martin. Reynolds' team took the first set in a tiebreak. Although he was the only player I had heard of, none of the four distinguished themselves as the best player on the court in the first set. Doubles action on an outside court is always a good watch.
On my way back to the press center, a crowd of people swarmed the outside of the practice courts, where Johnny Mac himself was practicing with a junior player. It reminded me of the Mac Cam, which was the first version of replay technology that swept across the tennis circuit a few years back. It has since been replaced with better technology, also know as Shot Spot.
My former roommate and I would argue over the merits and criticisms of the Mac Cam, which, unlike today's Shot Spot replay, showed the ACTUAL ball. I was a big fan of the Mac Cam because, I don't know, I think a replay that shows the ACTUAL ball seems to give more concrete evidence. That's just me. Of course, most of the time that aforementioned ball in slow motion still came across as a blurry yellow mess. It never actually gave us a definitive answer, but at least it was an actual ball, and not a compilation of science and lasers that nobody can ever question. Who dares question science? Not I.
Back out to the Court 7, which is moving along at a snail's pace. Giants Isner and Querry should be on tap in a little bit.
One more thing. I had my first sighting of 'older fella who regularly attends the U.S. Open wearing his tennis whites.' This guy even punctuated his whiteness with white socks and Tevas. Such a fantastic sight and I'm sure it won't be the last. Be back later with updates.
On my way back to the press center, a crowd of people swarmed the outside of the practice courts, where Johnny Mac himself was practicing with a junior player. It reminded me of the Mac Cam, which was the first version of replay technology that swept across the tennis circuit a few years back. It has since been replaced with better technology, also know as Shot Spot.
My former roommate and I would argue over the merits and criticisms of the Mac Cam, which, unlike today's Shot Spot replay, showed the ACTUAL ball. I was a big fan of the Mac Cam because, I don't know, I think a replay that shows the ACTUAL ball seems to give more concrete evidence. That's just me. Of course, most of the time that aforementioned ball in slow motion still came across as a blurry yellow mess. It never actually gave us a definitive answer, but at least it was an actual ball, and not a compilation of science and lasers that nobody can ever question. Who dares question science? Not I.
Back out to the Court 7, which is moving along at a snail's pace. Giants Isner and Querry should be on tap in a little bit.
One more thing. I had my first sighting of 'older fella who regularly attends the U.S. Open wearing his tennis whites.' This guy even punctuated his whiteness with white socks and Tevas. Such a fantastic sight and I'm sure it won't be the last. Be back later with updates.
Slow news day at the Open
Women's No. 8 seed Vera Zvonareva is out, a 6-3, 6-3 loser to Tatiana Perebiynis.
Otherwise, few surprises. The youngest player in the men's draw, 18-year-old Austin Krajicek out of Texas A&M, got routed by Agustin Calleri, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1. It was fun to stand in the players' lounge, where you hear a few different languages, and listen to a little Texas twang from Krajicek's coach.
Otherwise, few surprises. The youngest player in the men's draw, 18-year-old Austin Krajicek out of Texas A&M, got routed by Agustin Calleri, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1. It was fun to stand in the players' lounge, where you hear a few different languages, and listen to a little Texas twang from Krajicek's coach.
Up close and personal
Just got back from watching a few games of a men's doubles match between Rik De Voest-Ashley Fisher and Chris Haggard-Stephen Huss, none of whom I've ever heard in my life.
What's so interesting about the match, aside from the fact that both teams featured a South Aftican and an Australian?
The fact that it was on Court 5, one of the outer courts here that is so accessible you can literally lean over the four-foot high chain link fence and touch the hard, green court yourself.
Try doing that at Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden -- but don't blame me when a jacked-up security guard named Rocco cracks you in the jaw with a 25-pound walkie-talkie.
No such hostility here. And that's one of the things that make thing U.S. Open so great. Who cares if you don't know the players? It's still world-class tennis, better than anything you'll ever see at your local country club or public courts, and the players are standing no more than 20 feet away from you. I've covered a lot of different events, including U.S. Open golf, and nothing comes close to it for accessibility.
On a completely different point, what's up with singles opponents warming each other up before a match??? I know I've raised this question before, but every year I come out here and it amazes me.
Just think of the mental aspect that goes into it -- you crank a couple of extra-hard serves or groundstrokes, or drop down some sick volleys, and suddenly you've got your opponent thinking you're on top of your game.
To me it's almost like taking batting practice against the opposing pitcher or taking warmup shots on the other team's goalie in hockey. Maybe I'm just too much of a ruthless competitor for tennis. Or maybe I don't know what's I'm talking about.
You think about that one. Mark Dwyer is here to take you home. He'll be following some of the interesting night matches, including Lindsay Davenport's second-round match and Andy Roddick's first match of the tourney.
I'll see you tomorrow.
What's so interesting about the match, aside from the fact that both teams featured a South Aftican and an Australian?
The fact that it was on Court 5, one of the outer courts here that is so accessible you can literally lean over the four-foot high chain link fence and touch the hard, green court yourself.
Try doing that at Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden -- but don't blame me when a jacked-up security guard named Rocco cracks you in the jaw with a 25-pound walkie-talkie.
No such hostility here. And that's one of the things that make thing U.S. Open so great. Who cares if you don't know the players? It's still world-class tennis, better than anything you'll ever see at your local country club or public courts, and the players are standing no more than 20 feet away from you. I've covered a lot of different events, including U.S. Open golf, and nothing comes close to it for accessibility.
On a completely different point, what's up with singles opponents warming each other up before a match??? I know I've raised this question before, but every year I come out here and it amazes me.
Just think of the mental aspect that goes into it -- you crank a couple of extra-hard serves or groundstrokes, or drop down some sick volleys, and suddenly you've got your opponent thinking you're on top of your game.
To me it's almost like taking batting practice against the opposing pitcher or taking warmup shots on the other team's goalie in hockey. Maybe I'm just too much of a ruthless competitor for tennis. Or maybe I don't know what's I'm talking about.
You think about that one. Mark Dwyer is here to take you home. He'll be following some of the interesting night matches, including Lindsay Davenport's second-round match and Andy Roddick's first match of the tourney.
I'll see you tomorrow.
We got a first timer over here ...
Mark Dwyer checking in for the first time at this year's Open.
I arrived at about 3:30 p.m. and soon developed a game-plan for the afternoon/evening. All Americans, all the time. A lot has been said about the lack of a dominant American male in the current tennis landscape when compared to the glory days of the 90s with Sampras, Agassi, Courier, Chang and ... David Wheaton (the most American of them all, for those who remember his headband).
I figured out a way to hopefully take a look at eight Americans in a six-hour span.
I just finished watching the third set of of Robby Ginepri's three-set win over another American, Amer Delic -- a Bosnian-born player who now resides in Florida, like the rest of America's tennis contingent. He's 6-5 and from about 100 feet way, he looks a bit like Federer. He even wore his Swiss colors for his match.
The guy's got power too. He pumped out a 137mph serve during a crucial point in the third-set tiebreak, but Ginepri prevailed, 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). Delic showed some promised with a few wicked backhands he smoked down the line that got the crowd's approval in a tight third set, but a loose forehand and a bevy of unforced errors (44 to Ginepri's 19) did him in. The 26-year-old could be dangerous in future tournaments...we'll see.
With two Americans down, i'm hoping to catch up with four more on Court 6 with up-and-comers Rajeev Ram and Bobby Reynolds facing Scott Lipsky and David Martin in a first-round doubles match.
Then, I hope to see what 13 feet, 3 inches of a men's doubles team looks like when I see former NCAA champ John Isner (6-9) team up with Sam Querry (6-6).
I'll cap the night off with Andy Roddick's first-round match against crowd favorite Fabrice Santoro ... also known as THE MAGICIAN. Should be interesting.
Ok, i'm heading back out there. Be back later after I trade outfits with Bud Collins, who's standing right behind me.
I arrived at about 3:30 p.m. and soon developed a game-plan for the afternoon/evening. All Americans, all the time. A lot has been said about the lack of a dominant American male in the current tennis landscape when compared to the glory days of the 90s with Sampras, Agassi, Courier, Chang and ... David Wheaton (the most American of them all, for those who remember his headband).
I figured out a way to hopefully take a look at eight Americans in a six-hour span.
I just finished watching the third set of of Robby Ginepri's three-set win over another American, Amer Delic -- a Bosnian-born player who now resides in Florida, like the rest of America's tennis contingent. He's 6-5 and from about 100 feet way, he looks a bit like Federer. He even wore his Swiss colors for his match.
The guy's got power too. He pumped out a 137mph serve during a crucial point in the third-set tiebreak, but Ginepri prevailed, 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). Delic showed some promised with a few wicked backhands he smoked down the line that got the crowd's approval in a tight third set, but a loose forehand and a bevy of unforced errors (44 to Ginepri's 19) did him in. The 26-year-old could be dangerous in future tournaments...we'll see.
With two Americans down, i'm hoping to catch up with four more on Court 6 with up-and-comers Rajeev Ram and Bobby Reynolds facing Scott Lipsky and David Martin in a first-round doubles match.
Then, I hope to see what 13 feet, 3 inches of a men's doubles team looks like when I see former NCAA champ John Isner (6-9) team up with Sam Querry (6-6).
I'll cap the night off with Andy Roddick's first-round match against crowd favorite Fabrice Santoro ... also known as THE MAGICIAN. Should be interesting.
Ok, i'm heading back out there. Be back later after I trade outfits with Bud Collins, who's standing right behind me.
Grandstanding
First, let me get this out of the way: My favorite court here is the Grandstand. It's small, intimate, yet once upon a time it was the No. 2 court here. Which means that it was also once the best court fans could get into for free. Its reputation for wild matches between fan favorites with roaring, boisterous fans packed into its 2,000 seats has earned it the right to host some fun matches, despite its diminished ranking since the addition of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
So, when I changed my plans to catch the end of Svetlana Kuznetsova match on Arthur Ashe court (she went up a set and a break as I left the media center), I decided to head over to the far side of the Tennis Center for some grandstanding.
I watched 19th-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga outlast Santiago Ventura in four sets. Tsonga started off badly, falling behind two breaks at 4-1 in the first set before recovering to force a tiebreaker, which he ultimately lost. But his 137-mph serves were too much for Ventura, who struggled with his own serve, throwing in three consecutive double faults at one point.
Baking in sun and basking in the soundtrack of the U.S. Open -- the roar of the crowd from Armstrong Stadium, the subway trains in the distance, and the jets overhead -- it occurred to me that I should probably let you, the fans, know that to enjoy a day at the U.S. Open, you don't need to buy the pricier tickets to allow you access to Arthur Ashe.
Sure, you won't get to see all the marquee names like Federer, Nadal, Roddick, Serena or Venus. But this early on in the tournament, all those big stars are facing qualifiers and low-ranked players who they're likely to blow out anyway. And unless you're willing to shell out the big bucks for good seats, you're probably going to be sitting closer to the sky than you will the players.
Why not take in a more competitive match in a friendlier setting on the outer courts? If you're not a die-hard tennis fan (and my guess is that applies to the majority of New Yorkers), you'll have a more enjoyable experience that way. Plus, you'll save a little money, which you will definitely need if you plan to buy any of the Open's infamously overpriced concessions.
I'll be back later with some more thoughts, but for now I'm going to take my own advice and go for a stroll to the outer courts. Catch up with you later.
So, when I changed my plans to catch the end of Svetlana Kuznetsova match on Arthur Ashe court (she went up a set and a break as I left the media center), I decided to head over to the far side of the Tennis Center for some grandstanding.
I watched 19th-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga outlast Santiago Ventura in four sets. Tsonga started off badly, falling behind two breaks at 4-1 in the first set before recovering to force a tiebreaker, which he ultimately lost. But his 137-mph serves were too much for Ventura, who struggled with his own serve, throwing in three consecutive double faults at one point.
Baking in sun and basking in the soundtrack of the U.S. Open -- the roar of the crowd from Armstrong Stadium, the subway trains in the distance, and the jets overhead -- it occurred to me that I should probably let you, the fans, know that to enjoy a day at the U.S. Open, you don't need to buy the pricier tickets to allow you access to Arthur Ashe.
Sure, you won't get to see all the marquee names like Federer, Nadal, Roddick, Serena or Venus. But this early on in the tournament, all those big stars are facing qualifiers and low-ranked players who they're likely to blow out anyway. And unless you're willing to shell out the big bucks for good seats, you're probably going to be sitting closer to the sky than you will the players.
Why not take in a more competitive match in a friendlier setting on the outer courts? If you're not a die-hard tennis fan (and my guess is that applies to the majority of New Yorkers), you'll have a more enjoyable experience that way. Plus, you'll save a little money, which you will definitely need if you plan to buy any of the Open's infamously overpriced concessions.
I'll be back later with some more thoughts, but for now I'm going to take my own advice and go for a stroll to the outer courts. Catch up with you later.
Another American through
Wild-card entry Sam Warburg, a four-time All-American at Stanford, moved on when Janko Tipsarevic, a guy who's had some success at Slams before -- he knocked Andy Roddick out of Wimbledon in the second round and took Roger Federer to a fifth set in the Australian Open before falling, 10-8 -- retired with an injury. Warburg won the first set, 6-2, and was up 1-0 in the second.
Warburg is 25 and just turned pro last year, which sounds odd in a sport where 25 is considered over-the-hill sometimes. But he's now made the second round of two Slams this year (also at the Australian), and you know what that means? Even if he goes out next round, he'll be up to $94,000 in prize money for a year in which his record is 3-5.
I thought only Carl Pavano made that much per win.
Warburg is 25 and just turned pro last year, which sounds odd in a sport where 25 is considered over-the-hill sometimes. But he's now made the second round of two Slams this year (also at the Australian), and you know what that means? Even if he goes out next round, he'll be up to $94,000 in prize money for a year in which his record is 3-5.
I thought only Carl Pavano made that much per win.
A place to find love
We've had lots of introductions on this blog, so I'll keep mine very short.
I'm Mike Casey from Newsday.com. This is my fifth year covering the U.S. Open, and every year I look forward to coming out here more and more. Today I'll be taking in some matches, spewing some random food for thought and generally trying not to get in the way of Arthur Staple's match updates.
Mark Dwyer, another dot-commer, will be along later to spell me.
I'm off to check out the atmosphere.
Ciao for now.
I'm Mike Casey from Newsday.com. This is my fifth year covering the U.S. Open, and every year I look forward to coming out here more and more. Today I'll be taking in some matches, spewing some random food for thought and generally trying not to get in the way of Arthur Staple's match updates.
Mark Dwyer, another dot-commer, will be along later to spell me.
I'm off to check out the atmosphere.
Ciao for now.
Federer wraps it up, so do we for the night
It was 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 for the four-time defending champ, and day 2 of the Open is a wrap. Back at you tomorrow, with me taking you through the day and Baumbach on in relief. Night, all.
Venus likes the Open, but her true love lies in the London suburbs
Venus has two U.S. Open titles, but nothing since 2002. She won her fifth Wimbledon crown a couple months ago.
"I can't even figure it out," she said after her breeze through the first round tonight. "Why is it that my first serve percentage is at least in the 60s at Wimbledon, and all this great stuff. But I don't know. Just maybe it's the love of my life. That's probably what it is."
Maximo Gonzalez just won a game in the third set off Federer. That's something. We'll be done here tonight in a short while.
"I can't even figure it out," she said after her breeze through the first round tonight. "Why is it that my first serve percentage is at least in the 60s at Wimbledon, and all this great stuff. But I don't know. Just maybe it's the love of my life. That's probably what it is."
Maximo Gonzalez just won a game in the third set off Federer. That's something. We'll be done here tonight in a short while.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Venus moves on
Like her sis, it was rather easy. Venus blew by Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-3.
Federer will be out shortly. And then Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez will be out, shortly.
Federer will be out shortly. And then Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez will be out, shortly.
Fish wins
Mardy Fish made it past Aussie qualifier Robert Smeets in four sets and into the second round, one of the few American men moving on so far.
Another unseeded American, Bobby Reynolds, is into a fifth set with Tomas Zib right now.
Basically, there are not many American men who have a decent chance to win here, even if there are a few into the second round.
Another unseeded American, Bobby Reynolds, is into a fifth set with Tomas Zib right now.
Basically, there are not many American men who have a decent chance to win here, even if there are a few into the second round.
Serena moves on, Venus up in a few
Easy win for Serena, 6-1, 6-4. Venus takes the court shortly, followed by Roger Federer. Doubt this night session goes past midnight the way Monday's did.
Marat Safin gives good quotes
As evidenced by his post-match comments a little while ago. He had a few choice words for the chair umpire in his five-set win over Vince Spadea and the moment when Safin was called for a foot fault to lose him the fourth set. "I think it was complete bull----," he said. So there's that.
As to the subject of his sister, which Baumbach wrote about earlier, Safin said this: "I think if she will do everything opposite of what I've been doing throughout the years, she will be No. 1 in the world for a long time. That's as simple as it is."
That's advice, people. All my brother ever told me was how to calculate 8% of a check.
As to the subject of his sister, which Baumbach wrote about earlier, Safin said this: "I think if she will do everything opposite of what I've been doing throughout the years, she will be No. 1 in the world for a long time. That's as simple as it is."
That's advice, people. All my brother ever told me was how to calculate 8% of a check.
Serena's cruising
On serve, 3-2, in the second set after a 6-1 first set over Kateryna Bondarenko, whose sister, Alona, is the No. 27 seed and just started her first-round match against Jamea Jackson on court 11.
Serena's sister, a nice young woman called Venus, plays tonight against Samantha Stosur. I do not know if Samantha has a sister, or whether she plays tennis.
Serena's sister, a nice young woman called Venus, plays tonight against Samantha Stosur. I do not know if Samantha has a sister, or whether she plays tennis.
Here's my web column on Dinara Safina
As promised, here it is.
I wrote about Dinara Safina being the lesser known sister of Marat Safin, but clearly the better player.
That's all from me today. Arthur is here for the evening activities.
I wrote about Dinara Safina being the lesser known sister of Marat Safin, but clearly the better player.
That's all from me today. Arthur is here for the evening activities.
We have an upset
Unseeded Tommy Haas defeated No. 12 Richard Gasquet of France, 6-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5, 6-2.
I'd tell you more about this match, but I was too busy following Safin's match.
So more later when Haas speaks.
I'd tell you more about this match, but I was too busy following Safin's match.
So more later when Haas speaks.
Safin survives grueling two-hour, 40-minute match
Two wins for the Safin/Safina siblings today.
Hours after sixth-seeded Dinara Safina advanced to the second, her brother did the same. Although Marat Safin's match was much, much, much more grueling.
Safin beat Vincent Spadea of Boca Raton, Fla., 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
Hours after sixth-seeded Dinara Safina advanced to the second, her brother did the same. Although Marat Safin's match was much, much, much more grueling.
Safin beat Vincent Spadea of Boca Raton, Fla., 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
Safin match is very entertaining, but not over
While we await the winner of the Marat Safin match - which included another of his notoriously typical outbursts at the official - we'll bring you Ana Ivanovic's comments from much earlier today.
Here's the most amusing comment she made. Asked to gauge her level of frustrating during a near-colossal first-round loss, the top-seeded women's player didn't blink an eye. "I'm very, very happy just to be here and to have the opportunity to play, because after the Olympics it was obviously very disappointing," she said.
Uh, how about the frustration, Ana? You are the top-seeded player, and thus expected to breeze through this match. And you did come dangerously close to losing...
The last game I had a couple of miss-hits, and I just tried to stay strong and to play actually for each point and to forget what happened," she said. "I'm so happy I managed to do that."
Probably relieved, too, even if she wouldn't admit it.
Here's the most amusing comment she made. Asked to gauge her level of frustrating during a near-colossal first-round loss, the top-seeded women's player didn't blink an eye. "I'm very, very happy just to be here and to have the opportunity to play, because after the Olympics it was obviously very disappointing," she said.
Uh, how about the frustration, Ana? You are the top-seeded player, and thus expected to breeze through this match. And you did come dangerously close to losing...
The last game I had a couple of miss-hits, and I just tried to stay strong and to play actually for each point and to forget what happened," she said. "I'm so happy I managed to do that."
Probably relieved, too, even if she wouldn't admit it.
While we're talking about Safin...
I probably should mention that his younger sister, sixth-seeded Dinara Safina, easily dispatched Kristie Ahn of Upper Saddle River, N.J., 6-3, 6-4.
As she met with reporters, her older brother was on the court. She joked about their childhood fights, saying she used to behave "like a baby" on the court during their matches. "He hated it," she said. "He always was like, come on. You have to grow up. You cannot behave like this."
Funny that Marat would give such advice, considering his behavior hasn't always been, let's say, classy. Regardless, Safina said she's thankful for receiving those words from her brother, and now she's the one to watch in this year's event.
I was going to write my Web column on Ana Ivanovic, who predictably took an upbeat approach to her first-round scare, saying she was never too worried. But the Safin stuff is too good to pass up. Web column coming soon...
As she met with reporters, her older brother was on the court. She joked about their childhood fights, saying she used to behave "like a baby" on the court during their matches. "He hated it," she said. "He always was like, come on. You have to grow up. You cannot behave like this."
Funny that Marat would give such advice, considering his behavior hasn't always been, let's say, classy. Regardless, Safina said she's thankful for receiving those words from her brother, and now she's the one to watch in this year's event.
I was going to write my Web column on Ana Ivanovic, who predictably took an upbeat approach to her first-round scare, saying she was never too worried. But the Safin stuff is too good to pass up. Web column coming soon...
George Costanza, ice cream and the U.S. Open
I just took a stroll through the food court here, saw an ice cream stand and immediately thought of George Costanza's trip the U.S. Open. You know what happened: he made a mess of himself and it was caught on television...
Unfortunately I can't the clip on YouTube or a screengrab on Google Images.
So maybe I'll have to just go out there and recreate the moment live.
Meanwhile, Safin lost the first set, 6-3.
Unfortunately I can't the clip on YouTube or a screengrab on Google Images.
So maybe I'll have to just go out there and recreate the moment live.
Meanwhile, Safin lost the first set, 6-3.
Remember Lleyton Hewitt?
On each work station here in the U.S. Open media center there is a television, offering reporters the convenience to switch from match to match on different channels.
I've been interested to see Marat Safin play today, if only because I remember the days when he was considered a top player. So you can imagine my surprise when I switched to one channel and saw Safin playing Lleyton Hewitt.
For a second I thought, what a cool first round match.
Then I realized it was a flashback to matches from yesteryear. And, after some asking around, the venerable Lloyd Carroll of Queens Chronicle informed me that Hewitt is out recovering from hip surgery. So that's that.
I'm still interested in seeing Safin play in a bit.
I've been interested to see Marat Safin play today, if only because I remember the days when he was considered a top player. So you can imagine my surprise when I switched to one channel and saw Safin playing Lleyton Hewitt.
For a second I thought, what a cool first round match.
Then I realized it was a flashback to matches from yesteryear. And, after some asking around, the venerable Lloyd Carroll of Queens Chronicle informed me that Hewitt is out recovering from hip surgery. So that's that.
I'm still interested in seeing Safin play in a bit.
Ana Ivanovic survives first-round scare
Phew.
You could almost hear that phrase come out of Ana Ivanovic's mouth after she barely defeated Vera Dushevina just a few minutes ago.
Ivanovic outlasted her Russian opponent, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
And it really was that close. They were tied at 3 in the final set, and several times it looked as if Ivanovic might just beat herself. Yes, this was your classic first-round upset type of match - Dushevina played over her head, but Ivanovic contributed bigtime with frustrating mistakes.
Over and over. And over.
We'll bring Ivanovic's quotes when she arrives in the interview room.
You could almost hear that phrase come out of Ana Ivanovic's mouth after she barely defeated Vera Dushevina just a few minutes ago.
Ivanovic outlasted her Russian opponent, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
And it really was that close. They were tied at 3 in the final set, and several times it looked as if Ivanovic might just beat herself. Yes, this was your classic first-round upset type of match - Dushevina played over her head, but Ivanovic contributed bigtime with frustrating mistakes.
Over and over. And over.
We'll bring Ivanovic's quotes when she arrives in the interview room.
Did I speak too soon about Ivanovic?
She's down 5-4 in the second set.
That would be a bad job if this goes to three sets.
I'm going out there to watch.
And, BTW, I'm really interested to see Marat Safin play. Back when I was watching tennis more regularly, he was a major player. Now, obviously that's not the case.
I smell a Web column there.
That would be a bad job if this goes to three sets.
I'm going out there to watch.
And, BTW, I'm really interested to see Marat Safin play. Back when I was watching tennis more regularly, he was a major player. Now, obviously that's not the case.
I smell a Web column there.
Ana Ivanovic is cruising
This is what we expect from a top seed.
She won her first set against Vera Dushevina, 6-1.
This one will be over soon.
She won her first set against Vera Dushevina, 6-1.
This one will be over soon.
Day 2: Top of the morning to you
Hello from the National Tennis Center for the morning session of the U.S. Open's second day.
I enjoyed my first day here; think I picked up everything I forgot about the game fairly quickly. But, that said, when the U.S. Open's web site just approached me to ask for my thoughts on camera about the matches so far, I was flattered but politely declined. Maybe later in the tournament, perhaps.
This morning/afternoon the biggest names playing first-round matches include: top-seeded Ana Ivanovic, Marat Safin and Serena Williams. We'll do our best to keep up to date with the happenings on, and off, the court.
I enjoyed my first day here; think I picked up everything I forgot about the game fairly quickly. But, that said, when the U.S. Open's web site just approached me to ask for my thoughts on camera about the matches so far, I was flattered but politely declined. Maybe later in the tournament, perhaps.
This morning/afternoon the biggest names playing first-round matches include: top-seeded Ana Ivanovic, Marat Safin and Serena Williams. We'll do our best to keep up to date with the happenings on, and off, the court.
Did I speak too soon about Ivanovic?
She's down 5-4 in the second set.
That would be a bad job if this goes to three sets.
I'm going out there to watch.
And, BTW, I'm really interested to see Marat Safin play. Back when I was watching tennis more regularly, he was a major player. Now, obviously that's not the case.
I smell a Web column there.
That would be a bad job if this goes to three sets.
I'm going out there to watch.
And, BTW, I'm really interested to see Marat Safin play. Back when I was watching tennis more regularly, he was a major player. Now, obviously that's not the case.
I smell a Web column there.
Blake survives
Really only because Donald Young is 19, and melted down in the final two games. Blake moves on, 6-4 in the fifth. So now he's 3-11 in 5-setters at Slams. We're not impressed here at Net Points. Baumbach and I will be back for more tomorrow.
Monday, August 25, 2008
2-11
That would be James Blake's career record in 5-set matches at the Slams. This is relevant because Donald Young just took the fourth set, 6-4, as the clock strikes midnight.
A nice, late night in Flushing Meadow...
James Blake is doing a fine job of letting 19-year-old Donald Young hang around, so we're all hanging around too. Blake, the No. 9 seed here, is serving at 2-3 in the fourth. He had Young talking to himself and looking beaten a couple games ago, but here we are, with Young on the verge of breaking for a 4-2 lead in the fourth.
Blake is a solid player, to be sure, and a fan favorite out here, but I have to ask the question: Is there a tennis player on tour who has done less with as much talent as he has? He's never been past the quarters of a Slam and he'll be 29 in December. Might as well be turning 49.
More to come.
Blake is a solid player, to be sure, and a fan favorite out here, but I have to ask the question: Is there a tennis player on tour who has done less with as much talent as he has? He's never been past the quarters of a Slam and he'll be 29 in December. Might as well be turning 49.
More to come.
"Tighty whities" making a comeback?
Rafael Nadal is known for his wicked forehand, unrelenting power, lightning quick speed -- and uhhh yeah, underwear malfunctions. Upon closer inspection (for the sake of journalism), it seems like Rafa’s preferred old school “tighty whity” is the problem. Fruit of the Loom, what are you waiting for? Develop some “wedgie proof” undies and smack the Nadal brand on them!
Nadal chases record tennis prize money
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal was presented with the 2008 Olympus US Open Series men’s trophy before his post game press conference. This gives Nadal the chance to compete for $2.5 million, the largest payout in tennis history at the 2008 US Open -- ($1.5 million for winning the US Open and a $1 million bonus for winning the US Open and the Olympus US Open Series).
The US Open Series is the six-week summer tennis "season" leading up to the US Open that links the ATP Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournaments together.
OK, Coco did not get it done
But to be fair, a first U.S. Open and it's Ashe Stadium, at night, after the parade of champions... 6-3, 6-1 ain't bad. She showed a lot of poise afterwards too.
Oh, and del Potro has rallied to take a two sets to one lead over Canas.
Oh, and del Potro has rallied to take a two sets to one lead over Canas.
Coco is holding her own; Martin Del Potro is not
Coco Vandeweghe, 16 and with a strong athletic pedigree -- her grandfather, Dr. Ernie Vandeweghe, went to Oceanside HS and played six seasons with the Knicks in the early 1950s, and her uncle, Kiki, is the Nets' GM -- just dropped the first set to No. 2 seed Jelena Jankovic, 6-3. Coco hits the ball hard, but unsurprisingly in her first Open, she's a little nerve-wracked.
Over in Armstrong, Juan Martin Del Potro, the men's 17th seed and winner of 19 straight matches (and four titles) coming in, is down a set and a break to journeyman Guillermo Canas. del Potro won twice on hard courts in the States (L.A. and D.C.), so it was thought he could make a run here. Time to pick it up if he wants to do that.
Over in Armstrong, Juan Martin Del Potro, the men's 17th seed and winner of 19 straight matches (and four titles) coming in, is down a set and a break to journeyman Guillermo Canas. del Potro won twice on hard courts in the States (L.A. and D.C.), so it was thought he could make a run here. Time to pick it up if he wants to do that.
A few more seeds hit the skids
Women's No. 22 Maria Kirilenko departs, courtesy of Austria's Tamira Paszek, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Men's No. 27 seed Feliciano Lopez is out after a five-set loss to Austria's Juergen Melzer. And, for those bemoaning the lack of young American men on the rise, we give you 24-year-old Ryler De Heart (yes, his real name) from Tampa, who qualified for the main draw and nipped veteran Olivier Rochus in five sets, 6-4 in the fifth.
For his efforts, De Heart gets Rafael Nadal on Wednesday. Nice knowing you, kid.
For his efforts, De Heart gets Rafael Nadal on Wednesday. Nice knowing you, kid.
The greats are arriving
Chris Evert, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Rod Laver, Mats Wilander, Virginia Wade, Guillermo Vilas, Maria Sharapova (not playing this year due to injury) and this woman to the left, Gabriela Sabatini, were all filing in a short time ago for the past champions ceremony tonight in Arthur Ashe Stadium.This photo, from 2006, does not really do Sabatini justice. She looks pretty great -- as do all the other past champs. Tennis seems to be a good sport if you want to stay fit and young-looking into your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
Lendl, who has five daughters as competitive in golf and show-jumping as he was on the tennis court, had a few amusing things to say, particularly on the subject of the Williams sisters.
"They have other things in life they enjoy doing, as they should," he said. "I remember I was criticized often for not having a life outside of tennis, and nothing could have been further from the truth. I had lots of things, I just chose not to share them with everyone. As long as they still love the game, it doesn't matter what else they do."
Lendl was on the board of directors of the Hartford Whalers before they moved to Carolina, and he's a lifelong hockey player and fan.
Chakvetadze out!
No. 10 seed Anna Chakvetadze just got bounced in three sets by Ekaterina Makarova, a 20-year-old lefty from Moscow. It's a never-ending parade of young Russian women who keep knocking each other off.
Nadal wins
But the top seed needs two tiebreaks to shake off qualifier Bjorn Phau (that's pronounced POW!) in a relatively sluggish match. To be fair, it feels awfully sluggish out there in the steamy heat. Thirty-seven unforced errors for Rafa. But hey, he's moving on.
Rafael Nadal looks a bit sloppy, to me
Spent some time in the grandstands watching top-seeded Rafael Nadal play. Much like a 1-16 game in the NCAA Tournament, you expect the top-ranked player in this tournament to cruise. Nadal, at least in the earlygoing, did not cruise.
For a few minutes I actually believed Bjorn Phau of Germany had a shot. But then I came back to my senses, and so did Nadal. After pulling out a tense 7-6 first set, he overpowered Phau in the second set and won 6-3. So he's on his way.
No major upsets yet. Too bad. I like upsets.
Arthur Staple will take you through the rest of the day, blogging and writing a Web column. I'm officially passing the baton. See ya tomorrow.
For a few minutes I actually believed Bjorn Phau of Germany had a shot. But then I came back to my senses, and so did Nadal. After pulling out a tense 7-6 first set, he overpowered Phau in the second set and won 6-3. So he's on his way.
No major upsets yet. Too bad. I like upsets.
Arthur Staple will take you through the rest of the day, blogging and writing a Web column. I'm officially passing the baton. See ya tomorrow.
Elena Dementieva has hard time focusing after gold
Elena Dementieva had some interesting things to say about trying to compete about a week after fulfilling a lifelong dream of winning a gold medal.
So I wrote a Web column about it.
Here's the link.
So I wrote a Web column about it.
Here's the link.
You might have noticed I've focused on women
That's because there have been no interesting developments on the men's bracket so far. But top seed Rafael Nadal is on the court right now, so we'll address that soon.
Also of note, No. 4 David Ferrer defeated Martin Vassallo Arguello, 7-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Ferrer said, "It's important we win easy the first round, no? More confidence in the next rounds. But I don't think about the Grand Slam. I think with the next match."
Also of note, No. 4 David Ferrer defeated Martin Vassallo Arguello, 7-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Ferrer said, "It's important we win easy the first round, no? More confidence in the next rounds. But I don't think about the Grand Slam. I think with the next match."
Is this the end for Lindsay Davenport?
Lindsay Davenport, speaking after her 6-4, 6-2 victory over Aleksandra Wozniak, said this very well could be the final tournament of her impressive career.
"We'll have to see how I feel, if there is any motivation," she said.
She reiterated that her main reason for unretiring was to play in the Beijing Olympics and then follow up with this U.S. Open.
She did compete in the Olympic doubles, but pulled out of the singles because of a balky right knee. She said she's been dealing with knee issues for a while, but was pleased with how it has felt since the start of the Olympics.
As for her career, she again said her main focus will be on her family, which includes 1-year-old son named Jagger.
Someone asked her if she might be interested in playing long enough to enjoy a major victory with her son, but she just shook her head, side-to-side. Then she laughed.
"Honestly," she said, "the kid has no idea if I won or lost."
And that's not going to change for a few years...
"We'll have to see how I feel, if there is any motivation," she said.
She reiterated that her main reason for unretiring was to play in the Beijing Olympics and then follow up with this U.S. Open.
She did compete in the Olympic doubles, but pulled out of the singles because of a balky right knee. She said she's been dealing with knee issues for a while, but was pleased with how it has felt since the start of the Olympics.
As for her career, she again said her main focus will be on her family, which includes 1-year-old son named Jagger.
Someone asked her if she might be interested in playing long enough to enjoy a major victory with her son, but she just shook her head, side-to-side. Then she laughed.
"Honestly," she said, "the kid has no idea if I won or lost."
And that's not going to change for a few years...
First American woman is eliminated
The first of 15 U.S. women in the U.S. Open was eliminated this morning.
Asia Muhammad lost to Aravane Rezai, 6-2, 6-4.
Even though Muhammad was gone from the tournament before most of her competitors even broke a sweat, she wasn't discouraged.
"As long as you learn from every match, I think it's a good match," she said. "I don't feel too bad. I'm staying positive."
Besides, it was already a good day. She was more than pleased that her last name was correctly spelled on the tournament brackets. Typically, it's misspelled with an ed at the end.
"It was spelled wrong on my birth certificate because the lady didn't ask my mom how to spell it," she said. "We're in the process of fixing that now."
Asia Muhammad lost to Aravane Rezai, 6-2, 6-4.
Even though Muhammad was gone from the tournament before most of her competitors even broke a sweat, she wasn't discouraged."As long as you learn from every match, I think it's a good match," she said. "I don't feel too bad. I'm staying positive."
Besides, it was already a good day. She was more than pleased that her last name was correctly spelled on the tournament brackets. Typically, it's misspelled with an ed at the end.
"It was spelled wrong on my birth certificate because the lady didn't ask my mom how to spell it," she said. "We're in the process of fixing that now."
Our first upset watch: Dementieva vs. Amanmuradova
We had our first upset watch of the tournament, although it was brief one...
Fifth-seeded Elena Dementieva of Russia had a hard time in the earlygoing with unseeded Akgui Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan before pulling through for a 6-4, 7-5 victory.
But it wasn't without some stress for Dementieva, even if it doesn't show in the final score.
They were tied at 4 in their first set before Dementieva's talent showed its face and she overpowered her opponent for a 6-4 win.
But then in the second set it got worse for the Russian. Amanmuradova actually led 5-3 and had a chance to close out Dementieva and force a third set, with all the momentum on her side. But Amanmuradova crumpled under the press of the moment, and Dementieva won four straight games to advance to the second round.
Crisis averted.
Fifth-seeded Elena Dementieva of Russia had a hard time in the earlygoing with unseeded Akgui Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan before pulling through for a 6-4, 7-5 victory.
But it wasn't without some stress for Dementieva, even if it doesn't show in the final score.They were tied at 4 in their first set before Dementieva's talent showed its face and she overpowered her opponent for a 6-4 win.
But then in the second set it got worse for the Russian. Amanmuradova actually led 5-3 and had a chance to close out Dementieva and force a third set, with all the momentum on her side. But Amanmuradova crumpled under the press of the moment, and Dementieva won four straight games to advance to the second round.
Crisis averted.
Why doesn't Long Island produce tennis players?
It's a valid question, I think. We live in a dense area that has its very rich areas. And, hey, let's not glaze over the facts. Tennis, like golf, tends to be a rich person's sport. So why don't we see more tennis players come from Long Island?
Maybe it's the climate. Most of the unseeded men's players are from Florida. As for the women, there's an unseeded player from Upper Saddle River (Kristie Ahn, who faces sixth-seeded Dinara Safina in the first round) and another from Brooklyn (Gail Brodsky, who faces No. 13 Agnes Szavay). Like the men, most of the other unseeded women are from Florida, as well.
Maybe it's the climate. Most of the unseeded men's players are from Florida. As for the women, there's an unseeded player from Upper Saddle River (Kristie Ahn, who faces sixth-seeded Dinara Safina in the first round) and another from Brooklyn (Gail Brodsky, who faces No. 13 Agnes Szavay). Like the men, most of the other unseeded women are from Florida, as well.
My first U.S. Open
So here I am in the media center, one hour and 14 minutes into the 2008 version of the U.S. Open. And let me preface everything I say over the next two weeks with this: I'm at the Open for the first time. So consider me a newbie.
I've been to the National Tennis Center before, but the last time may have been a decade ago for a New York state high school tennis championship.
My Newsday colleague, Jeff Williams, who is sitting to my left, just asked me if I'm an avid tennis follower. I explained that I was a lot of things until 2004, when I became the Yankees beat writer. Once I took that job, all other aspects of my sporting life was put on hold. For better, and for worse.
For the past year I've been reacclimating myself to the sports world outside of baseball, and now it's tennis' turn. So as long as the rain holds up, my plan for today is to walk around, take in the different courses, watch a few matches and learn everything I can about the current landscape of the tennis world.
Along those lines, what's the deal with Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi? I don't see either of them listed on the men's bracket.
I've been to the National Tennis Center before, but the last time may have been a decade ago for a New York state high school tennis championship.
My Newsday colleague, Jeff Williams, who is sitting to my left, just asked me if I'm an avid tennis follower. I explained that I was a lot of things until 2004, when I became the Yankees beat writer. Once I took that job, all other aspects of my sporting life was put on hold. For better, and for worse.
For the past year I've been reacclimating myself to the sports world outside of baseball, and now it's tennis' turn. So as long as the rain holds up, my plan for today is to walk around, take in the different courses, watch a few matches and learn everything I can about the current landscape of the tennis world.
Along those lines, what's the deal with Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi? I don't see either of them listed on the men's bracket.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Welcome to Net Points
Hello, everyone, and welcome to Net Points, Newsday's blog from the U.S. Open. We thought we'd whet everyone's appetite with a little U.S. Open preview action.
Make sure you check out the following stories, and don't miss our interactive U.S. Open Fan Guide, with a 360-degree tour of Arthur Ashe stadium, directions, map of the Tennis Center grounds, links to buy tickets, and a list of good eats in and around Flushing Meadows.
Here are some highlights from our U.S. Open preview section, which you can also pick up in Sunday morning's paper:
We'll be back Monday morning with plenty of updates once the tournament gets under way. Enjoy your weekend, and get ready for two exciting weeks of tennis!
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