Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
Henin and Kuznetsova rejoin the tour in Toronto, where Ivanovic hopes to retain her title. Anna C and Patty Schnyder return from a week off. The Rogers has a larger draw than most other US Open warmups, but it also has a lot of absent names. No Venus and Serena. No Sharapova.
As far as the draw goes, I'd bet that Shahar Peer (faces Krajicek in first round) and Bartoli (could face Kirilenko again, this time in the second round) are cursing their luck. Ivanovic's path is not easy, especially if she has to fight hard in the LA final. She's on Henin's side of the draw. Anna C and Jelena are in each other's quarter.
In Federer and Safin's favorite stop on the ATP Tour , Ohio, a lot of the same players from Montreal will contend. Isner has a wild card. But he also has a bad draw that puts him near Stepanek and defending champ Roddick. Federer could exact some sweet same-time-next-year revenge on Andy Murray -- if Murray even makes it past Baghdatis in the first round.
This time at least, Djokovic is on Federer's half of the draw. Nadal's quarter is stuffed with players -- Blake, Youzhny, Gonzalez -- who have owned him on hard courts. But all of them are either underperforming or have already peaked. He's either going to reverse head-to-head trends or he's going to serve as a confidence builder.
Group: Members
Posts: 901
Joined: 18-September 04
From: Yuma, AZ
Member No.: 2,552
We have 2 gay (almost out....) women in the doubles final, on opposite teams. I can't believe they are playing tennis in this city. It's such an ugly, crime-ridden place. (I was born there....long before it was trashed). Sad state of affairs....the stums of the US.
Group: Members
Posts: 59
Joined: 3-July 07
Member No.: 100,563
I posted this over on the Montreal/LA board as a part of my response to the Fed/Djokovic final, but it seems more appropriate over here:
I've always hated that these two Masters events are literally back to back. I think that's a lot of strain (because of the caliber of opponent in each match) to have consecutive, good events. I wouldn't be surprised to see Roddick beat Nadal and reach the finals. I suspect we'll see Fed-Novak II in the semis of the other half. With the temperatures expected to be brutal in Cincy, I think the player who can get off the court quickly will be there at the end as the winner.
I'm anxious to see John Isner again to see if he can live up to his results in Washington. Not that I'm expecting him to go too far, but I'd hate to see him become a one-and-done guy because he needs these results (I think) to qualify for the Open.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
QUOTE(tjmack24 @ Aug 12 2007, 08:58 PM)
I posted this over on the Montreal/LA board as a part of my response to the Fed/Djokovic final, but it seems more appropriate over here:
I've always hated that these two Masters events are literally back to back. I think that's a lot of strain (because of the caliber of opponent in each match) to have consecutive, good events. I wouldn't be surprised to see Roddick beat Nadal and reach the finals. I suspect we'll see Fed-Novak II in the semis of the other half. With the temperatures expected to be brutal in Cincy, I think the player who can get off the court quickly will be there at the end as the winner.
I'm anxious to see John Isner again to see if he can live up to his results in Washington. Not that I'm expecting him to go too far, but I'd hate to see him become a one-and-done guy because he needs these results (I think) to qualify for the Open.
Yeah Yeah Yeah...more importantly...whose ass is that in the boxer briefs in your avatar?
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
Group: Members
Posts: 59
Joined: 3-July 07
Member No.: 100,563
QUOTE(mdterp01 @ Aug 12 2007, 08:38 PM)
Yeah Yeah Yeah...more importantly...whose ass is that in the boxer briefs in your avatar?
That'd be me And no, I didn't take the pic of myself (you can thank a night of hot tubbing and a friend with her camera for that), but it's nice, right? Haha...
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
QUOTE(tjmack24 @ Aug 13 2007, 01:40 AM)
That'd be me And no, I didn't take the pic of myself (you can thank a night of hot tubbing and a friend with her camera for that), but it's nice, right? Haha...
As an ass man, two thumbs up...very bootylicious.
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
Group: Members
Posts: 1,646
Joined: 27-September 01
Member No.: 69
Ginepri finally won a match today. That's nice. He'd only had 3 wins since the Australian Open - Robert Kendrick at Miami and Richard Bloomfield and Florent Serra at Queens Club. Yikes! Next up is Davydenko, whom he beat a couple of years ago indoors at Madrid.
Blake, who's abdominal injury seems better, also won today. He gets Kiefer next, against whom I think he matches up relatively well. Should be an interesting one.
One other American win - a nice one by Shaunessy over Santangelo. She could have a decent chance against Safarova if Lucie's struggles continue.
Tonight, Andy Roddick takes on Verdasco. These guys keep meeting! This will be their 10th match, and all have been in big tournaments - twice at majors, once in Davis Cup, and their first 6 times all in Masters Series events. Assuming form holds true, Roddick will win, but Verdasco could easily take a set, possibly in a tiebreak. Usually though, Andy prevails when Verdasco's blistering forehands stop dropping in.
Group: Members
Posts: 1,937
Joined: 27-September 01
From: Durham, North Carolina
Member No.: 57
Andy and Fernando played a nice opening set, but then Fernando fell off a little. Such a shame -- Fernando has all the components to be one of the top players on tour. I just think his mental game is not strong enough. He definitely has more variety and prettier shots than many of the other top players. He just can't put it together. Which is what really counts.
Roger, Rafa, and Novak open tomorrow. It is a shame these Masters events are back-to-back, but it is the only 2 weeks some of these players will be on court from Wimbledon to the US Open. And most of them will take next week off to rest before New York.
I do have to say Andy and Fernando were fun to watch for their attractiveness as well. I have always been drawn to Verdasco and Andy is pretty darned attractive as well. Sexy legs on both those men.
Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
Some dramatic results so far today, almost all of them going against my faves
Meghan Shaughnessy took out Lucie, like Jake predicted, 7-5 in the third. To Meghann's credit, she steps it up in North America -- she upset Clijsters in Miami last year. Lucie needs to find a return game quick. Her return numbers are truly dismal.
Schiavone continues to rise again, beating Dementieva in three sets. Pulling for Lena D is an exercise in frustration.
On the men's side, Monaco just took the first set in a tie-break from Nadal, who continues to start badly in matches. He fought back from 2-5 down, all for naught. Something tells me that even if this turns out to be a two-set win for Monaco, it's going to be a loooooooong one.
Youzhny-Querrey, Ancic-Melzer, and Kohlschreiber-del Potro are all locked in close three-setters.
On the positive side, Juanqui is defending his Cincinnati points so far, and Almagro is getting his first back to back wins in a while.
Gasquet retired from a losing match against Hewitt. It was a battle between Nadal's recent doubles partners, as Gasquet is playing doubles with Rafa this week.
And now Monaco is up two breaks against Nadal in the second. It's just about official that Rafa once again isn't a top 3 or 4 US Open contender. I'm starting to think that he's even more allergic to the US in the summer than Borg was in his prime.
Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
Monaco wins. Nadal retires down 4-1 in the second. Looks like the same (starting to be old) story from Rafa -- playing more than any other player in the first half grinds him down well before the year is over.
I'd guess it's an injury, but I don't subscribe to the age-old theory that he's going to be worn down early from his style of play -- Murray, Gasquet, and even Djokovic have been just as prone, if not more, to retirements and stretches off tour from injury, though I think Djokovic is working to counter it.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
Well so much for Rafa tightening the gap in points to Roger. Wrist injury forces him to say NO MAS!! I'm surprised with all that spin on his shots he hasn't had wrist issues before. Unfortunately, like I said before...I see this being a recurring issue with Nadal throughout his career. Perhaps not substantial injuries but nagging injuries. As PMAC said...as young as he is...he's had a bit of these nagging injuries so far. So whether its playing style or simply being injury prone...the point is..HE'S HAD THEM! Its too early now to say for sure if his playing style will be his ultimate downfall but he has to work too hard for points. But, so long as he's willing to be a baseline grinder, thats what he'll have to deal with.
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
Group: Members
Posts: 4,316
Joined: 2-October 01
From: New York City
Member No.: 199
QUOTE(mdterp01 @ Aug 15 2007, 07:02 PM)
But, so long as he's willing to be a baseline grinder, thats what he'll have to deal with.
I don't think Nadal is content to be just a baseline grinder. In all his interviews, he talks about his efforts to improve within his own game much more than he talks about rivalries with Federer or anyone else. And even this year in Paris, he won playing a more aggressive game than he has in the past. He's improved his serve and is taking more opportunities to come to the net when he can. He's never going to be an all-court player like Federer or Djokovic, but I think he understands where he can improve and how to develop his game further.
Too bad about his wrist injury. Hopefully it heals in time for him to be at full strength for the US Open. And I'd still put a healthy Nadal among the favorites for the US Open, albeit behind Federer and Djokovic and probably even Roddick, given that he's a past champion and last year's runner-up who has an affinity for hard courts. Although Nadal probably has more of a chance to lose to someone who isn't a title contender than the other three do, I still think he is one of a handful of players with enough ability and mental toughness to win the whole thing.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
Making tactical changes I agree that he's doing. However, making tactical changes doesn't change what essential game playing style you have. It simply adds a little variety. While the serve has improved and he's come to net more, he's still overall a baseline grinder. If he suddenly starts being a serve and volley player then that will change the basic type of kind of player he is. For the most part, he's grinding it from the baseline with more variety now.
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
Group: Members
Posts: 4,316
Joined: 2-October 01
From: New York City
Member No.: 199
QUOTE(mdterp01 @ Aug 15 2007, 07:19 PM)
Making tactical changes I agree that he's doing. However, making tactical changes doesn't change what essential game playing style you have. It simply adds a little variety. While the serve has improved and he's come to net more, he's still overall a baseline grinder. If he suddenly starts being a serve and volley player then that will change the basic type of kind of player he is. For the most part, he's grinding it from the baseline with more variety now.
I hear ya. I think we pretty much agree then. It was just the choice of the word "willing" that I didn't 100% agree with, only because I do think Nadal makes every effort to continually improve.
Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
Too early to talk about his ultimate downfall? That's a laugh -- that's all a lot of (not all) people who prefer Federer do!
I tend not to savor or forecast the prospect of players' injuries or retirement from them. Anyway, as I said, Murray and Gasquet and even Djokovic have also had issues. Of these new school players (though Gasquet is old guard in a way) I think Djokovic has the most momentum and longevity aside from his asthma.
If you like Nadal or root for him, you know losses go with the territory. For a player of his ranking he's very mortal. I will say I'm surprised by the Monaco loss simply because he's beaten Monaco without trouble in the past.
I hope his wrist injury isn't serious. I'm having surgery next week from a tennis wrist injury, and there's no doubt they suck -- obviously some tennis god decided I must be forced to play with a one-handed backhand! to better understand Federer's woes in a situation like this past Sunday. As much as for Nadal, I wonder and kind of worry about Murray right now, whose results since returning are dismal. Like Nadal but in a very different nuanced way, his game is very very wrist-y.
On another board someone who was watching practice sessions in Montreal said Nadal was complaining and looking unhappy and practicing poorly back then, before the tournament even started. So something more be up than what anyone even knows.
As for grinding, yes he grinds, but he also plays serve and volley just as much if not more than Federer or Djokovic at the moment.
And now Djokovic is a set and a break down against Moya. A topsy-turvy day for sure. Maybe this will be Federer's year in Cincinnati.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
Its not too early to talk about anything when you are speculating. I never said I was Ms. Cleo. But, speculation is a part of sports. Am I breaking new ground with that kind of commentary? No. All analysts and observers do it. I'm stating an opinion based on the injuries I've seen from Nadal so far. Could I be dead wrong and Nadal play into his 30s? Of course. And I'm not "savoring" a Nadal injury or a career that could possibly be cut short by injury because the game of tennis needs his style and flair and the fact that he is not intimidated by Federer. Every time I make a statement about Nadal's injuries its viewed as me hoping or wanting him to be have a premature career. Not the case at all. I'm just stating something as I see as the obvious to speculate on. If I wanted Nadal to be sidelined by injury I'd say so. I do believe I said I UNFORTUNATELY I see this being something that could be a pattern with him in terms of these nagging injuries. Others I speak to about Nadal have said the same thing.
Anyway....boy do I miss seeing Kiefer's plump booty.
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
So be it. It's just interesting that the nagging injuries of a lot of other players, many his peers, go without comment for whatever reason.
Injuries amongst the younger players might be saying something about changes in the game of tennis itself. They say as much about the way a new generation has been taught/trained to play and transform the game as they say about any one particular player having them.
With injuries chronic at this time of year, especially in the WTA, it's probably a more worthwhile thing to discuss than Nadal's longevity, which is a matter of speculation. Though maybe because he's the fighter amongst the younger men and women, he looks like the ultimate test case.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
QUOTE(Two-hander @ Aug 15 2007, 04:05 PM)
So be it. It's just interesting that the nagging injuries of a lot of other players, many his peers, go without comment for whatever reason.
Injuries amongst the younger players might be saying something about changes in the game of tennis itself. They say as much about the way a new generation has been taught/trained to play and transform the game as they say about any one particular player having them.
With injuries chronic at this time of year, especially in the WTA, it's probably a more worthwhile thing to discuss than Nadal's longevity, which is a matter of speculation. Though maybe because he's the fighter amongst the younger men and women, he looks like the ultimate test case.
They go without comment because they aren't as highly ranked nor nearly as talented as Nadal. Thats why I comment on Nadal. Because he is the only one (now hopefully Djokovic, although he's clearly come down to earth for the moment after his Roddick, Nadal, Federer slaying) who can pose some kind of threat to Federer. So the other one's don't get a mention because their impact to me wouldn't be felt the way Nadal's would be should he be out a month or two here and there because of injury. Federer is my favorite no doubt but I wouldn't mind men's tennis to be shaken up a bit at the top. Djokovic and Nadal right now are the only ones up to it. That doesn't mean I don't want to break Pete's record of total grand slams, but I'd like to see some different looking finals at the big tournaments.
Further commentary on Djokovic...I know Moya isn't exactly a cupcake but I'm going to attest this to a simple letdown. Djokovic is the first person to have beaten Nadal and Federer in the same tournament with their 2 and 1 rankings, respectively. But still..the fact that its at a Master's Series Event sucks!! Thats not the time to have a letdown.
Nice match from Blake over Kiefer. It was just very solid and James kept it together in the tough spots. Kiefer is just returning to the tour though after about a year absence so not exactly the litmus test for James. Ferrero will pose much more of a challenge though. Its a match James should win, but if he starts that bitchy pouting thing the way he did at Wimbledon against Juanqui, he'll go down. James should do better on hard courts than grass but Juanqui has also proven he can play on the hard stuff...a la US Open Champion. Granted, the glory days for Juanqui are gone but he can still turn it on. James has a new girlfriend in soccer star Heather Mitts I see. James...you can do better but...whatever!
Robby...will you please start playing better so you can get some decent clothes to wear?
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
QUOTE(mdterp01 @ Aug 15 2007, 08:13 PM)
They go without comment because they aren't as highly ranked nor nearly as talented as Nadal. Thats why I comment on Nadal.
I see your point Terp, though it's common parlance for many to regularly say Nadal isn't as talented as Gasquet or Murray, or now especially Djokovic.
I get what you're saying. But in bringing up others' injuries, and also the large number of players injured or simply not playing this time of year, I'm not trying to draw attention away from Nadal's issues, which aren't even fully clear right now. I just think it's also worth looking at the schedule and the newer styles of play overall. This is just as true, if not more so, for the women, where a lot of players are AWOL, out with injury, or simply choosing not to play. Last year at this time in Montreal might have been the real final nail in Clijsters' career.
Federer's relative lack of injury in comparison to Nadal, Gasquet, and Murray has something to do with the fact that he has a classic, more traditional way of playing. Are the new breed going to be fighting with injuries throughout their careers? Considering the past few years, while all of them are young, it certainly looks that way. Nadal and Murray have missed slams. Gasquet goes off tour for months, and loses momentum immediately after a rise.
This has been a year of more upheaval than expected on the men's side. Even a Federer who is relatively injury-free looks neither as committed nor as in shape to me as the past two years. But he's keeping #1, so this year at least he knows something the upstarts don't.
Some of this, especially the Djokovic loss, might go back to TJMack's remarks about back-to-back Masters at the start of this thread. I also can't help but wonder if some of these guys aren't feeling Cincinnati and would rather gear up for NY. Certainly true of Federer and Safin in years past.
To illustrate my point about injury: Chakvetadze was 3-0 up on Razzano the last I'd checked. Now I've looked again and she lost the first set 7-6, was down a break in the second -- and retired. Is she injured now too?
Group: Members
Posts: 2,334
Joined: 22-October 01
From: san francisco, california
Member No.: 314
At twenty years old, Nadal's injuries and physical annoyances are only indicative of his long year full of many tough matches...to suggest otherwise is just a shot in the dark. He's played alot of tennis and he just came off a tough loss. His #2 position is threatened and I'll bet those knees are tired...
I'm not surprised at all that Djokovic crashed out...he just gave us one of the best single tournament performances of the last decade at least...Go home Novak and get some rest! If you need a massage partner, let me know...
These back to back Masters is just the stupidest scheduling...as has been mentioned here repeatedly..
Group: Members
Posts: 589
Joined: 16-April 07
From: Tarzana, CA
Member No.: 100,403
Terp:
You claim you "speculate" about Nadal just like other analysts (you must mean like those half wits Drysdale, P Mac and Luke Jensen - ALL of whom emphatically said there was "No Way" Nadal would ever see the Wimbledon Final this year due to his "Brutal Draw"). But you don't fool anyone here - because ALL of your "speculation" about Nadal is negative. You were the one that said you didn't think he'd still be ranked number 2 by the end of this year; You are the one constantly calling into question his durability; and even your earlier comment posted here, "So much for Nadal closing the gap on Federer", is a definite slight to him. Two Hander is right - you're Anti-Nadal. No worries - its a mesage board here, we can opine as we like. But to give the impression that your clear subtext to your ongoing comments about Nadal aren't cemented in the fact you think he's an oer-rated World Number 2 stretches any crdeibility. Just admit you think he's overrated and be done with your cloaked "speculating" (Read: Politically Correct Chickenshitting <g>)
And a word about the "gap" you brought up. It's not closed by only by Nadal winning; Federer LOSING, like he did to Djokovic last week, ALSO reduces the points gap. Given that Federer has the bulk of his points to defend between now & November, his task of not having that gap shrink is definitely smaller since Novak proved he can beat him on a hard court.
Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
And in Toronto, defending champ Ivanovic, who on Sunday played the best women's tennis I've seen since Serena's Aussie final, maybe better, is now down a set to...........Zi Yan.
It's official. Today is backwards day.
...a little later...Zi Yan def. Ana Ivanovic, 6-3 6-1.
Are the players protesting these tournaments or what? I'm waiting for the plagues of locusts to hit Cincinnati and Toronto. At least until Federer works miracles or something.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,316
Joined: 2-October 01
From: New York City
Member No.: 199
QUOTE
Just admit you think he's overrated and be done with your cloaked "speculating" (Read: Politically Correct Chickenshitting)
I've been around this board for a long time and I've been a part of and witness to many disagreements. I try not to chime in unless I have something of value to add, however, I just have to say ... mdterp may be many things to many different people, but politically correct and/or chickenshit ain't one of them! ha ha ha.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
QUOTE(voicemale1 @ Aug 15 2007, 05:05 PM)
Terp:
You claim you "speculate" about Nadal just like other analysts (you must mean like those half wits Drysdale, P Mac and Luke Jensen - ALL of whom emphatically said there was "No Way" Nadal would ever see the Wimbledon Final this year due to his "Brutal Draw"). But you don't fool anyone here - because ALL of your "speculation" about Nadal is negative. You were the one that said you didn't think he'd still be ranked number 2 by the end of this year; You are the one constantly calling into question his durability; and even your earlier comment posted here, "So much for Nadal closing the gap on Federer", is a definite slight to him. Two Hander is right - you're Anti-Nadal. No worries - its a mesage board here, we can opine as we like. But to give the impression that your clear subtext to your ongoing comments about Nadal aren't cemented in the fact you think he's an oer-rated World Number 2 stretches any crdeibility. Just admit you think he's overrated and be done with your cloaked "speculating" (Read: Politically Correct Chickenshitting <g>)
And a word about the "gap" you brought up. It's not closed by only by Nadal winning; Federer LOSING, like he did to Djokovic last week, ALSO reduces the points gap. Given that Federer has the bulk of his points to defend between now & November, his task of not having that gap shrink is definitely smaller since Novak proved he can beat him on a hard court.
Hmm...another mind reader. Can you give me the powerball numbers for tonight too? Yes, I did question whether or not Nadal would have his #2 ranking by year's end. Yes, I constantly question Nadal's durability. Its not to slight him. Other than Federer, to me...its Rafael Nadal. Djokovic this past week proved something to me because although he had certainly picked up his game significantly this year, I still didn't think he'd beat Fed. But, at the time I had posted that topic on Nadal keeping his #2 ranking, he was at an iffy spot. Was it premature? Obviously. Other than the usual comments on matches, when it comes to the long term tennis storylines of significance, its pretty much Federer and Nadal to me because up until Djokovic's recent surge, why the hell else would I talk about anyone else? Nadal is the only one who is not only pretty consistent throughout the year but also is in Federer's head. Sure other guys get the occasional win over Federer, but NONE of them are consistent in their results. So why start a post saying "Will Nikolay Davydenko keep his #5 ranking" WHEN HE HASN'T WON SHYT and can't beat Federer!! I do believe I was one of the one's who gladly ate humble pie when Nadal made the final of Wimbledon again. I was one of the ones who didn't think he could repeat. So I gave the boy his props.
The "so much for Nadal closing the gap on Federer" meant just that. Just like last year, we hit the summer hard court season, and an injury hits Nadal. Now that was something I said right after the retirement so thats what was on my mind. I have no idea whats wrong with his wrist. Maybe he slept on it wrong and its just sore. I don't know. I just thought back to last fall when his results were a bit mediocre. But, you can think what you want about my "cloaked" comments. I guess it would matter to me if I cared. But, if I had disdain for Nadal I'd say as much. Just like I hope that something flies into Hewitt's mouth and chokes him to death when he yells one of his COME ONS!!
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
QUOTE(mdterp01 @ Aug 15 2007, 10:16 PM)
Hmm...another mind reader... I guess it would matter to me if I cared.
Grow up. Terp, I like your posts but what Voicemale is saying -- PC bit aside -- is the truth, not mind-reading. He's going by what he's read on this board. I could read between the lines, but I won't.
Also kinda disappointed that the bigger picture about injuries and scheduling is getting left behind. Today has been even more out of control than the wave of retirements and early round losses at this time last year. The new styles of tennis take their toll on the body, the scheduling is awry, and maybe some players are ducking out to recuperate. All of the above seem ripe for discussion.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
Well that I agree with too re: scheduling and the style of tennis being played. The game of tennis is a lot more physical than it was and its showing. Gone are the days of relatively easy first rounders and first weeks for virtually all the top players in big tournaments, particularly at the slams. Tennis has virtually no offseason and some of the tournaments scheduled are just ridiculous. I don't think that any tournaments should be gotten rid of (for the sake of the lower ranked players) but I think that people need to just schedule better.
As for defending myself on Nadal's comments and what some think of my intention behind them...believe what you want. Its unimportant and people will believe what they want. I said what I said what I said. Take it how you like.
But yeah wow...quite the day of upsets in the tennis world. Someone bothered the tennis gods today or something.
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
Group: Members
Posts: 1,447
Joined: 14-October 05
Member No.: 3,706
Yeah, and I'll be the first to admit that I can get feisty/obnoxious here when Federer loses. Sometimes I think it's a board thing. On my own or watching with friends, I like both players fine and it's more a matter of preference.
The stroke mechanics of the younger players could build muscle, but they also could take a toll. I sometimes think that in the search for dynamics, the tennis forces that be are helping to create a sport riddled with injury.
Group: Members
Posts: 4,281
Joined: 10-August 05
Member No.: 3,534
Ginepri...come on man!!! I was actually thinking he may have had a draw that could have worked to his favor being up against Davydenko. With the whole betting scandal going on I was thinking if Davykenko was lacking complete focus, that Ginepri could get through that match, and get some confidence going. Ashame though because I think Ginepri was up a break in that third set. Both Davy and Gineps are grinders, Davy the better one clearly, but still...Davydenko hasn't had the best of results as of late. He did make it to the quarters last week I believe and I thought Ginepri could've taken advantage. AT LEAST Ginepri is making changes in his camp to try and get his game going, unlike James who is content to just stick with what he's got. I mean for whatever reason James wants to stick with Barker is obviously clearly better known to him. I just can't figure out why he won't make a switch. Unfortunately for Ginepri, the only way he's gonna get his ranking up is if he somehow has that good tournament where he knocks out a big seed, or one is knocked out for him that opens up the draw. Its gonna be really tough for him. Perhaps he can play some lower tournaments. I wonder if he's listed for New Haven. He should be.
--------------------
When you let fear control you it takes root very quickly and feeds upon itself until all you are is afraid
WTA in Toronto, Cincinnati Masters: August 13-19
Aug 12 2007, 12:18 PM
, Ohio, a lot of the same players from Montreal will contend. Isner has a wild card. But he also has a bad draw that puts him near Stepanek and defending champ Roddick. Federer could exact some sweet same-time-next-year revenge on Andy Murray -- if Murray even makes it past Baghdatis in the first round. 
And no, I didn't take the pic of myself (you can thank a night of hot tubbing and a friend with her camera for that), but it's nice, right? Haha... 
