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.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
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.
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