I swear I was just about to start a thread here when I discovered that another tennis site to which I belong had actually just started one of their own. Go figure!
There are still several questions about Olympic Tennis 2004 that need addressed:
- surface - clay or hardcourt?
- will the Legg Mason commitments prohibit certain players from participating?
- do you have to play Davis Cup to be eligible for a spot on the Olympic roster? I know that you have to play Fed Cup, or have made yourself available to play Fed Cup, in order to be considered for a spot on the Olympic roster on the women's side...
- do the men really get to take four singles players and the women only three? What's that about?
An interesting note is that in 2000, the men's Olympic tennis team (singles players) consisted of:
Michael Chang
Todd Martin
Jeff Tarango
Vince Spadea (then ranked 119 in the world)
That year, Sampras, Agassi, Gambill, and even Chris Woodruff all said NO. Agassi had already won an Olympic gold model, mind you, in 1996. Gambill? Wudever...
There would be 48 direct entries, plus 16 wild cards (unless the Olympics decides to have qualifying rounds). The rankings right now look like this (sans Agassi, who will not play)*:
1. Federer, Roger (SUI )
2. Roddick, Andy (USA )
3. Coria, Guillermo (ARG )
4. Ferrero, Juan Carlos (ESP )
5. Schuettler, Rainer (GER )
6. Nalbandian, David (ARG )
7. Moya, Carlos (ESP )
8. Henman, Tim (GBR )
9. Grosjean, Sebastien (FRA )
10. Massu, Nicolas (CHI )
11. Srichaphan, Paradorn (THA )
12. Philippoussis, Mark (AUS )
13. Gonzalez, Fernando (CHI )
14. Novak, Jiri (CZE )
15. Schalken, Sjeng (NED )
16. Hewitt, Lleyton (AUS )
17. Verkerk, Martin (NED )
18. Robredo, Tommy (ESP )
19. Fish, Mardy (USA )
20. Safin, Marat (RUS )
21. Pavel, Andrei (ROM )
22. Calleri, Agustin (ARG )
23. Chela, Juan Ignacio (ARG )
24. Lopez, Feliciano (ESP )
25. Kuerten, Gustavo (BRA )
26. Bjorkman, Jonas (SWE )
27. Zabaleta, Mariano (ARG )
28. Spadea, Vincent (USA )
29. Mirnyi, Max (BLR )
30. Clement, Arnaud (FRA )
31. Kiefer, Nicolas (GER )
32. Gaudio, Gaston (ARG )
33. Hrbaty, Dominik (SVK )
34. Dent, Taylor (USA )
35. El Aynaoui, Younes (MAR )
36. Arazi, Hicham (MAR )
37. Ljubicic, Ivan (CRO )
38. Ginepri, Robby (USA )
39. Nieminen, Jarkko (FIN )
40. Youzhny, Mikhail (RUS )
41. Horna, Luis (PER )
42. Sargsian, Sargis (ARM )
43. Davydenko, Nikolay (RUS )
44. Soderling, Robin (SWE )
45. Labadze, Irakli (GEO )
46. Johansson, Joachim (SWE )
47. Wayne Ferreira (RSA)
48. Fabrice Santoro (FRA)
Possible team line ups
USA
Roddick
Fish
Spadea
Ginepri
(note: Dent is ranked higher than Ginepri BUT he has turned down McEnroe's offers to play Davis Cup for the US)
ARGENTINA
Coria
Nalbandian
Calleri
Chela
(note: on the bubble are Zabaleta, who is already poised to overtake Calleri in the rankings, and Gaudio)
FRANCE
Grosjean
Clement
Santoro
Carraz
(note: Santoro had his ass thrown OFF the Davis Cup squad, but can he be barred from playing the Olympics?!?!? What an interesting controversy that would be! If so, Dupuis, veteran Escude, and Saulnier are all close to each other in the rankings, making a Santoro replacement difficult to chose...)
GERMANY
Schuettler
Kiefer
Popp (outside of the top 50)
Burgsmuller (outside of the top 50)
(note: remains to be seen if Tommy Haas can make a run to qualify!; Haas is, afterall, a Olympic silver medalist)
RUSSIA
Safin
Youzhny
Davydenko
Tursunov (just outside the Top 50)
(note: next in line would be Igor Andreev; he and Tursunov have played as well, if not better, than Youzhny this year, and I would love to see both of them given the chance to compete)
SPAIN
Ferrero
Moya
Robredo
Lopez
(note: Verdasco is sitting just outside the top 50, if he has a strong campaign at Roland Garros, he could bump Lopez off the squad...; Nadal was apparently slated to play doubles with Costa until his ankle injury put his entire summer in jeopardy)
* Certainly, countries like Italy and Croatia will be represented. Players like Dent/Ginepri are pretty much just overlooked, and if Schalken doesn't play, as expected, the next highest player from a different country that doesn't already have four players entered will gain direct entry. I think. I'm actually NOT sure about this aspect.
Full Version: Olympic Tennis
B Man ...
TMK, the surface will be clay. The women's draw is on clay, so I would expect the same thing for the men's event.
I know that, for the women's draw, the US required potential Olympians to make themselves available to play Fed Cup, but I'm not sure if that was a universal policy. Therefore, I'm not sure how the Davis Cup situation will be played out.
I'm surprised that there will be 48 players in the main draw, with 4 players per country, because that will really diminish the number of countries that will be represented. I don't think there are any qualifying rounds and of the 16 wildcards, I think that there can only be 1 player per country, from countries who don't normally have a player in the main draw.
Add to that ... the fact that points are being rewarded for players who compete at this event. Granted, those players who do not qualify for the Olympics will have other events to participate in ... but the whole situation is rather shady. They should have kept things in the same manner as they did in 2000 ... compete in the Olympics and represent your country, but do not gain points ... or compete on the tour, gain points and bypass the opportunity to be an Olympian.
Nick
TMK, the surface will be clay. The women's draw is on clay, so I would expect the same thing for the men's event.
I know that, for the women's draw, the US required potential Olympians to make themselves available to play Fed Cup, but I'm not sure if that was a universal policy. Therefore, I'm not sure how the Davis Cup situation will be played out.
I'm surprised that there will be 48 players in the main draw, with 4 players per country, because that will really diminish the number of countries that will be represented. I don't think there are any qualifying rounds and of the 16 wildcards, I think that there can only be 1 player per country, from countries who don't normally have a player in the main draw.
Add to that ... the fact that points are being rewarded for players who compete at this event. Granted, those players who do not qualify for the Olympics will have other events to participate in ... but the whole situation is rather shady. They should have kept things in the same manner as they did in 2000 ... compete in the Olympics and represent your country, but do not gain points ... or compete on the tour, gain points and bypass the opportunity to be an Olympian.
Nick
It's not that every country gets to have 4 players...that's what I meant when I said countries like Italy and Croatia will definitely be represented. Hugely successful countries like the US, Spain, and Argentina will be limited to four singles players.
In 2000, the following countries did enter four players into the singles:
- US - Chang (seeded 16), Martin, Spadea, Tarango
- Argentina - Squillari (10), Chela, Gaudio, Zabaleta
- Australia - Hewitt (4), Philippoussis (11), Rafter (13), and Ilie
- France - Clement, Di Pasquale (semifinalist and bronze medalist over Roger Federer!!!), Escude, and Santoro
- Germany - Haas (silver medalist), Kiefer, Prinosil, and Schuettler
- Spain - Corretja (6), Ferrero (8), Costa (15), and Vincente
- Sweden - Norman (3), Johansson (Thomas), Tillstrom, and Vinciguerra
Brittain had three (Henman, seeded 7th, Rusedki, and...Barry Cowan?!?), as did the Czech Republic (Dosedel, Novak, Vanek). Russia had only two players: Safin (1) and Kafelnikov (5), who won the event beating Haas in the final.
Some rules finally became available on-line:
Singles draw
A maximum of six (6) players - including singles and doubles and in both the men's and women's fields - may be nominated from each country.
The men's singles competition will be a 64 draw with not more than four (4) players from any one (1) country comprising 48 direct entries, 14 ITF Places* and 2 Invitations.**
The women's singles competition will be a 64 draw with not more than four (4) players from any one (1) country comprising 48 direct entries, 14 ITF Places* and 2 Invitations.**
Where practical, no two players from the same country will be placed in the same quarter of the draw.
* Based on International Computer Ranking and geographical location.
** selected by a Tripartite Commission of ITF/IOC/NOCs.
Doubles draw
The men's and women's doubles events will each have 32 teams with not more than one (1) team from any one(1) country. There will be 24 direct entries and eight ITF Places.
[ May 11, 2004, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
In 2000, the following countries did enter four players into the singles:
- US - Chang (seeded 16), Martin, Spadea, Tarango
- Argentina - Squillari (10), Chela, Gaudio, Zabaleta
- Australia - Hewitt (4), Philippoussis (11), Rafter (13), and Ilie
- France - Clement, Di Pasquale (semifinalist and bronze medalist over Roger Federer!!!), Escude, and Santoro
- Germany - Haas (silver medalist), Kiefer, Prinosil, and Schuettler
- Spain - Corretja (6), Ferrero (8), Costa (15), and Vincente
- Sweden - Norman (3), Johansson (Thomas), Tillstrom, and Vinciguerra
Brittain had three (Henman, seeded 7th, Rusedki, and...Barry Cowan?!?), as did the Czech Republic (Dosedel, Novak, Vanek). Russia had only two players: Safin (1) and Kafelnikov (5), who won the event beating Haas in the final.
Some rules finally became available on-line:
Singles draw
A maximum of six (6) players - including singles and doubles and in both the men's and women's fields - may be nominated from each country.
The men's singles competition will be a 64 draw with not more than four (4) players from any one (1) country comprising 48 direct entries, 14 ITF Places* and 2 Invitations.**
The women's singles competition will be a 64 draw with not more than four (4) players from any one (1) country comprising 48 direct entries, 14 ITF Places* and 2 Invitations.**
Where practical, no two players from the same country will be placed in the same quarter of the draw.
* Based on International Computer Ranking and geographical location.
** selected by a Tripartite Commission of ITF/IOC/NOCs.
Doubles draw
The men's and women's doubles events will each have 32 teams with not more than one (1) team from any one(1) country. There will be 24 direct entries and eight ITF Places.
[ May 11, 2004, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
B Man ... I guess I didn't make my post clear enough.
In my post, I attempted to imply that there would be a MAXIMUM of 4 players and I believe that, in the direct entry system, we will see AT MOST 20 countries represented because the USA, Spain, Russia, Argentina, etc. have higher ranked 3rd and 4th players than most countries in the world. The wildcards will include players from Sudan, Djbouti, Haiti, et al who would NEVER be able to compete in a tournament like this. TMK, the wildcards are ONLY awarded to countries that have no direct entries into the competition so Player A from Italy (who's ranked in the Top 150) won't get to compete while Player B from Somalia (unranked) will get to compete and be subsequently thrashed by Roddick 0 and 0.
While I'm open to participation, certain players will be forced to play events like the Legg Mason where, even with a win, they wouldn't be able to receive the same points that a player making the semifinals would get by competing in the Olympics.
Nick
In my post, I attempted to imply that there would be a MAXIMUM of 4 players and I believe that, in the direct entry system, we will see AT MOST 20 countries represented because the USA, Spain, Russia, Argentina, etc. have higher ranked 3rd and 4th players than most countries in the world. The wildcards will include players from Sudan, Djbouti, Haiti, et al who would NEVER be able to compete in a tournament like this. TMK, the wildcards are ONLY awarded to countries that have no direct entries into the competition so Player A from Italy (who's ranked in the Top 150) won't get to compete while Player B from Somalia (unranked) will get to compete and be subsequently thrashed by Roddick 0 and 0.
While I'm open to participation, certain players will be forced to play events like the Legg Mason where, even with a win, they wouldn't be able to receive the same points that a player making the semifinals would get by competing in the Olympics.
Nick
Looking at the 2000 singles draw, I see the following solo artists:
Alami, Morocco
Camacho, Bolivia
Federer, Switzerland
Ferreira, South Africa
Kuerten, Brazil
Lee (Hyung-Taik), Korea
Marin, Costa Rica
Paes, India
Pavel, Romania
Pless, Denmark
Pognon, Benin
Pozzi, Italy
Ruud, Norway
Sargsian, Armenia
Savolt, Hungary
Srichaphan, Thailand
There were 8 wild cards granted in the singles draw. They went to Camacho, Lareau, Marin, Paes, Pless, Pognon, Savolt, and Srichaphan.
So, I think there is hope that we will see a balance of young talent from "smaller" tennis countries (e.g., Volandri from Italy or Niemeyer from Canada) and players from who-the-heck-knew-that-was-a-country?!? This kinda does and does not address Hammer's concern about a player from Azerbaijan or Herzegovina getting into the draw - over someone like Volandri, perhaps - only to get crushed by the likes of Roddick or Henin-Hardenne. We shouldn't forget that in 2000, Federer was pretty much still developing. Look at what he did with his Olympic opportunity...
According to the ITF page (here: http://www2.itftennis.com/olympics/), 69 countries have indicated they would nominate players for the Men's events and 58 indicated they would enter the Women's events, so maybe we won't see the big tennis nations chomp up too many of the direct entry spaces (on the men's side, at least).
Can we start geeking about the women's field now, too?!????!???
Alami, Morocco
Camacho, Bolivia
Federer, Switzerland
Ferreira, South Africa
Kuerten, Brazil
Lee (Hyung-Taik), Korea
Marin, Costa Rica
Paes, India
Pavel, Romania
Pless, Denmark
Pognon, Benin
Pozzi, Italy
Ruud, Norway
Sargsian, Armenia
Savolt, Hungary
Srichaphan, Thailand
There were 8 wild cards granted in the singles draw. They went to Camacho, Lareau, Marin, Paes, Pless, Pognon, Savolt, and Srichaphan.
So, I think there is hope that we will see a balance of young talent from "smaller" tennis countries (e.g., Volandri from Italy or Niemeyer from Canada) and players from who-the-heck-knew-that-was-a-country?!? This kinda does and does not address Hammer's concern about a player from Azerbaijan or Herzegovina getting into the draw - over someone like Volandri, perhaps - only to get crushed by the likes of Roddick or Henin-Hardenne. We shouldn't forget that in 2000, Federer was pretty much still developing. Look at what he did with his Olympic opportunity...
According to the ITF page (here: http://www2.itftennis.com/olympics/), 69 countries have indicated they would nominate players for the Men's events and 58 indicated they would enter the Women's events, so maybe we won't see the big tennis nations chomp up too many of the direct entry spaces (on the men's side, at least).
Can we start geeking about the women's field now, too?!????!???
The US teams have been announced.
Women
singles - Capriati, Rubin, Williams, S. and Williams, V.
doubles - Navratilova/Raymond and Williams/Williams
Men
singles - Dent, Fish, Roddick, Spadea
doubles - Bryan/Bryan and Fish/Roddick
Questions? Hell yeah!
1) Where is Ginepri?!? Was he not avail. or not interested?
2) How the heck does Dent make the squad without every playing for the US in Davis Cup???
3) Where is Davenport? What she not avail. or did she want to save her body for the US Open?
Women
singles - Capriati, Rubin, Williams, S. and Williams, V.
doubles - Navratilova/Raymond and Williams/Williams
Men
singles - Dent, Fish, Roddick, Spadea
doubles - Bryan/Bryan and Fish/Roddick
Questions? Hell yeah!
1) Where is Ginepri?!? Was he not avail. or not interested?
2) How the heck does Dent make the squad without every playing for the US in Davis Cup???
3) Where is Davenport? What she not avail. or did she want to save her body for the US Open?
The seeding should be announced today. Woo hoo!
Some crazy updates to catch up on (just the highlights, really):
OUT ---> IN
- Jennifer Capriati, replaced by Lisa Raymond
* Serena Williams, replaced in the draw by Samantha Stosur
- Williams/Williams doubles, replaced by V. Williams/Chanda Rubin (confirmation pending)
* Martin Verkerk, replaced in the draw by Wayne Arthurs
- Guillermo Coria and Gaston Gaudio, replaced by Mariano Zabaleta and Augstin Calleri
* Coria/Nalbandian, replaced by Calleri/Nalbandian
Some crazy updates to catch up on (just the highlights, really):
OUT ---> IN
- Jennifer Capriati, replaced by Lisa Raymond
* Serena Williams, replaced in the draw by Samantha Stosur
- Williams/Williams doubles, replaced by V. Williams/Chanda Rubin (confirmation pending)
* Martin Verkerk, replaced in the draw by Wayne Arthurs
- Guillermo Coria and Gaston Gaudio, replaced by Mariano Zabaleta and Augstin Calleri
* Coria/Nalbandian, replaced by Calleri/Nalbandian
The seeds have been annouced!
WOMEN'S SINGLES
1. Justine Henin-Hardenne (BEL)
2. Amelie Mauresmo (FRA)
3. Anastasia Myskina (RUS)
4. Elena Dementieva (RUS)
5. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)
6. Venus Williams (USA)
7. Paola Suarez (ARG)
8. Ai Sugiyama (JPN)
9. Nadia Petrova (RUS)
10. Patty Schnyder (SUI)
11. Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
12. Karolina Sprem (CRO)
13. Anna Smashnova-Pistolesi (ISR)
14. Silvia Farina Elia (ITA)
15. Magdalena Maleeva (BUL)
16. Chanda Rubin (USA)
MEN'S SINGLES
1. Roger Federer (SUI)
2. Andy Roddick (USA)
3. Carlos Moya (ESP)
4. Tim Henman (GBR)
5. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)
6. David Nalbandian (ARG)
7. Rainer Schuettler (GER)
8. Sebastien Grosjean (FRA)
9. Marat Safin (RUS)
10. Nicolas Massu (CHI)
11. Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG)
12. Paradorn Srichaphan (THA)
13. Andrei Pavel (ROM)
14. Nicolas Kiefer (GER)
15. Tommy Robredo (ESP)
16. Fernando Gonzalez (CHI)
WOMEN'S DOUBLES
1. Svetlana Kuznetsova/Elena Likhovtseva (RUS)
2. Conchita Martinez/Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP)
3. Martina Navratilova/Lisa Raymond (USA)
4. Alicia Molik/Rennae Stubbs (AUS)
5. Shinobu Asagoe/Ai Sugiyama (JPN)
6. Myriam Casanova/Patty Schnyder (SUI)
7. Paola Suarez/Patricia Tarabini (ARG)
8. Ting Li/Tian Tian Sun (CHN)
MEN'S DOUBLES
1. Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA)
2. Wayne Arthurs/Todd Woodbridge (AUS)
3. Michael Llodra/Fabrice Santoro (FRA)
4. Wayne Black/Kevin Ullyett (ZIM)
5. Mahesh Bhupathi/Leander Paes (IND)
6. Gaston Etlis/Martin Rodriguez (ARG)
7. Martin Damm/Cyril Suk (CZE)
8. Jonathan Erlich/Andy Ram (ISR)
Also: it is confirmed that Venus and Chanda WILL play doubles...
WOMEN'S SINGLES
1. Justine Henin-Hardenne (BEL)
2. Amelie Mauresmo (FRA)
3. Anastasia Myskina (RUS)
4. Elena Dementieva (RUS)
5. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)
6. Venus Williams (USA)
7. Paola Suarez (ARG)
8. Ai Sugiyama (JPN)
9. Nadia Petrova (RUS)
10. Patty Schnyder (SUI)
11. Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
12. Karolina Sprem (CRO)
13. Anna Smashnova-Pistolesi (ISR)
14. Silvia Farina Elia (ITA)
15. Magdalena Maleeva (BUL)
16. Chanda Rubin (USA)
MEN'S SINGLES
1. Roger Federer (SUI)
2. Andy Roddick (USA)
3. Carlos Moya (ESP)
4. Tim Henman (GBR)
5. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)
6. David Nalbandian (ARG)
7. Rainer Schuettler (GER)
8. Sebastien Grosjean (FRA)
9. Marat Safin (RUS)
10. Nicolas Massu (CHI)
11. Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG)
12. Paradorn Srichaphan (THA)
13. Andrei Pavel (ROM)
14. Nicolas Kiefer (GER)
15. Tommy Robredo (ESP)
16. Fernando Gonzalez (CHI)
WOMEN'S DOUBLES
1. Svetlana Kuznetsova/Elena Likhovtseva (RUS)
2. Conchita Martinez/Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP)
3. Martina Navratilova/Lisa Raymond (USA)
4. Alicia Molik/Rennae Stubbs (AUS)
5. Shinobu Asagoe/Ai Sugiyama (JPN)
6. Myriam Casanova/Patty Schnyder (SUI)
7. Paola Suarez/Patricia Tarabini (ARG)
8. Ting Li/Tian Tian Sun (CHN)
MEN'S DOUBLES
1. Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA)
2. Wayne Arthurs/Todd Woodbridge (AUS)
3. Michael Llodra/Fabrice Santoro (FRA)
4. Wayne Black/Kevin Ullyett (ZIM)
5. Mahesh Bhupathi/Leander Paes (IND)
6. Gaston Etlis/Martin Rodriguez (ARG)
7. Martin Damm/Cyril Suk (CZE)
8. Jonathan Erlich/Andy Ram (ISR)
Also: it is confirmed that Venus and Chanda WILL play doubles...
Wow, it's almost like having another grand slam to watch but condensed into one week! The big question for the ladies has to be Justine and Venus's health and fitness levels. Amelie and Anastasia are probably the most confident right now. Andy and Roger will be ready to play, no doubt about that. I'm looking forward to next week....And, I'd say that Martina has a good chance for a medal.
I know that I am on an anti-Serena kick lately- but I think it sucks that she did not leave her position in time for Zina Garrison to substitute another player in her place.
It is a shame that subs could not have been named in lieu of possible leavings, especially knowing how fragile both Williams', Jennifer and Rubin have been in their careers recently.
I am betting that a few of the Americans who would have been in the automatic qualifying (top 56 players in the world, less than 4 singles per country) range would have been happy to try. Especially the elder stateswoman Amy Frazier who has been one of the top-playing Americans as of late.
It is a shame that subs could not have been named in lieu of possible leavings, especially knowing how fragile both Williams', Jennifer and Rubin have been in their careers recently.
I am betting that a few of the Americans who would have been in the automatic qualifying (top 56 players in the world, less than 4 singles per country) range would have been happy to try. Especially the elder stateswoman Amy Frazier who has been one of the top-playing Americans as of late.
No sense in a player trying to compete injured, though. And, actually, I think Serena would have had to withdraw days ago for Zina Garrison to have the chance to name another American player. Now, withdrawals are handled "on site" which I think means only players actually in Greece now can be substituted...
[ August 11, 2004, 06:51 PM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
[ August 11, 2004, 06:51 PM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
The men's draw (edited to add that the men apparently play on HARDCOURT):
Federer, Roger (1)
Davydenko, Nikolay
Berdych, Tomas
Mayer, Florian
Santoro, Fabrice
Volandri, Filippo
Ouahab, Lamine
Robredo, Tommy (15)
Srichaphan, Paradorn (12)
Johansson, Joachim
Sargsian, Sargis
Ljubicic, Ivan
Hrbaty, Dominik
El Aynaoui, Younes
Dent, Taylor
Nalbandian, David (6)
Moya, Carlos (3)
Enqvist, Thomas
Philippoussis, Mark
Rochus, Olivier
Clement, Arnaud
Lapentti, Nicolas
Karlovic, Ivo
Pavel, Andrei (13)
Massu, Nicolas (10)
Kuerten, Gustavo
Melzer, Jurgen
Spadea, Vincent
Calleri, Agustin
Beck, Karol
Andreev, Igor
Schuettler, Rainer (7)
Ferrero, Juan Carlos (5)
Arazi, Hicham
Fish, Mardy
Bjorkman, Jonas
Nieminen, Jarkko
Lu, Yen-Hsun
Mirnyi, Max
Chela, Juan Ignacio (11)
Kiefer, Nicolas (14)
Labadze, Irakli
Carraz, Gregory
Baghdatis, Marcos
Youzhny, Mikhail
Malisse, Xavier
Novak, Jiri
Henman, Tim (4)
Grosjean, Sebastien (8)
Kucera, Karol
Hanescu, Victor
Arthurs, Wayne
Soderling, Robin
Lopez, Feliciano
Horna, Luis
Safin, Marat (9)
Gonzalez, Fernando (16)
Economidis, Konstantinos
Zabaleta, Mariano
Lee, Hyung-Taik
Ancic, Mario
Haas, Tommy
Saretta, Flavio
Roddick, Andy (2)
I'm trying to find an easier version of the women's draw to post here...
[ August 12, 2004, 05:31 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
Federer, Roger (1)
Davydenko, Nikolay
Berdych, Tomas
Mayer, Florian
Santoro, Fabrice
Volandri, Filippo
Ouahab, Lamine
Robredo, Tommy (15)
Srichaphan, Paradorn (12)
Johansson, Joachim
Sargsian, Sargis
Ljubicic, Ivan
Hrbaty, Dominik
El Aynaoui, Younes
Dent, Taylor
Nalbandian, David (6)
Moya, Carlos (3)
Enqvist, Thomas
Philippoussis, Mark
Rochus, Olivier
Clement, Arnaud
Lapentti, Nicolas
Karlovic, Ivo
Pavel, Andrei (13)
Massu, Nicolas (10)
Kuerten, Gustavo
Melzer, Jurgen
Spadea, Vincent
Calleri, Agustin
Beck, Karol
Andreev, Igor
Schuettler, Rainer (7)
Ferrero, Juan Carlos (5)
Arazi, Hicham
Fish, Mardy
Bjorkman, Jonas
Nieminen, Jarkko
Lu, Yen-Hsun
Mirnyi, Max
Chela, Juan Ignacio (11)
Kiefer, Nicolas (14)
Labadze, Irakli
Carraz, Gregory
Baghdatis, Marcos
Youzhny, Mikhail
Malisse, Xavier
Novak, Jiri
Henman, Tim (4)
Grosjean, Sebastien (8)
Kucera, Karol
Hanescu, Victor
Arthurs, Wayne
Soderling, Robin
Lopez, Feliciano
Horna, Luis
Safin, Marat (9)
Gonzalez, Fernando (16)
Economidis, Konstantinos
Zabaleta, Mariano
Lee, Hyung-Taik
Ancic, Mario
Haas, Tommy
Saretta, Flavio
Roddick, Andy (2)
I'm trying to find an easier version of the women's draw to post here...
[ August 12, 2004, 05:31 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
Edited to add that the women, UNLIKE THE MEN, will be playing on CLAY - this is what the draws say. Wierd, huh? Having men play on hardcourt and women play on clay...
HENIN-HARDENNE Justine (BEL) 1
STRYCOVA Barbora (CZE)
VENTO-KABCHI Maria (VEN)
KREMER Anne (LUX)
PRATT Nicole (AUS)
CASANOVA Myriam (SUI)
GARBIN Tathiana (ITA)
SMASHNOVA-PISTOLESI Anna (ISR) 13
PETROVA Nadia (RUS) 9
SUCHA Martina (SVK)
MEDINA GARRIGUES Anabel (ESP)
PIERCE Mary (FRA)
MATEVZIC Maja (SLO)
OBATA Saori (JPN)
CZINK Melinda (HUN)
WILLIAMS Venus (USA) 6
MYSKINA Anastasia (RUS) 3
SERNA Magui (ESP)
BRANDI Kristina (PUR)
KOSTANIC Jelena (CRO)
KAPROS Aniko (HUN)
DANIILIDOU Eleni (GRE)
KOUKALOVA Klara (CZE)
MALEEVA Magdalena (BUL) 15
SCHIAVONE Francesca (ITA) 11
ASAGOE Shinobu (JPN)
KANEPI Kaia (EST)
CHO Yoon-Jeong (KOR)
JANKOVIC Jelena (SCG)
ZULUAGA Fabiola (COL)
DECHY Nathalie (FRA)
SUAREZ Paola (ARG) 7
SUGIYAMA Ai (JPN) 8
ZHENG Jie (CHN)
PEREBIYNIS Tatiana (UKR)
RANDRIANTEFY Dally (MAD)
TANASUGARN Tamarine (THA)
WIDJAJA Angelique (INA)
DULKO Gisela (ARG)
SPREM Karolina (CRO) 12
FARINA ELIA Silvia (ITA) 14
TESTUD Sandrine (FRA)
KURHAJCOVA Lubomira (SVK)
RAYMOND Lisa (USA)
SANCHEZ LORENZO Maria (ESP)
SREBOTNIK Katerina (SLO)
MOLIK Alicia (AUS)
DEMENTIEVA Elena (RUS) 4
KUZNETSOVA Svetlana (RUS) 5
DIAZ-OLIVA Mariana (ARG)
MORIGAMI Akiko (JPN)
BENESOVA Iveta (CZE)
HANTUCHOVA Daniela (SVK)
SCHAUL Claudine (LUX)
MANDULA Petra (HUN)
SCHNYDER Patty (SUI) 10
RUBIN Chanda (USA) 16
STOSUR Samantha (AUS)
BLACK Cara (ZIM)
PISNIK Tina (SLO)
JUGIC-SALKIC Mervana (BIH)
CAMERIN Maria-Elena (ITA)
MARTINEZ Conchita (ESP)
MAURESMO Amelie (FRA) 2
[ August 12, 2004, 05:32 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
HENIN-HARDENNE Justine (BEL) 1
STRYCOVA Barbora (CZE)
VENTO-KABCHI Maria (VEN)
KREMER Anne (LUX)
PRATT Nicole (AUS)
CASANOVA Myriam (SUI)
GARBIN Tathiana (ITA)
SMASHNOVA-PISTOLESI Anna (ISR) 13
PETROVA Nadia (RUS) 9
SUCHA Martina (SVK)
MEDINA GARRIGUES Anabel (ESP)
PIERCE Mary (FRA)
MATEVZIC Maja (SLO)
OBATA Saori (JPN)
CZINK Melinda (HUN)
WILLIAMS Venus (USA) 6
MYSKINA Anastasia (RUS) 3
SERNA Magui (ESP)
BRANDI Kristina (PUR)
KOSTANIC Jelena (CRO)
KAPROS Aniko (HUN)
DANIILIDOU Eleni (GRE)
KOUKALOVA Klara (CZE)
MALEEVA Magdalena (BUL) 15
SCHIAVONE Francesca (ITA) 11
ASAGOE Shinobu (JPN)
KANEPI Kaia (EST)
CHO Yoon-Jeong (KOR)
JANKOVIC Jelena (SCG)
ZULUAGA Fabiola (COL)
DECHY Nathalie (FRA)
SUAREZ Paola (ARG) 7
SUGIYAMA Ai (JPN) 8
ZHENG Jie (CHN)
PEREBIYNIS Tatiana (UKR)
RANDRIANTEFY Dally (MAD)
TANASUGARN Tamarine (THA)
WIDJAJA Angelique (INA)
DULKO Gisela (ARG)
SPREM Karolina (CRO) 12
FARINA ELIA Silvia (ITA) 14
TESTUD Sandrine (FRA)
KURHAJCOVA Lubomira (SVK)
RAYMOND Lisa (USA)
SANCHEZ LORENZO Maria (ESP)
SREBOTNIK Katerina (SLO)
MOLIK Alicia (AUS)
DEMENTIEVA Elena (RUS) 4
KUZNETSOVA Svetlana (RUS) 5
DIAZ-OLIVA Mariana (ARG)
MORIGAMI Akiko (JPN)
BENESOVA Iveta (CZE)
HANTUCHOVA Daniela (SVK)
SCHAUL Claudine (LUX)
MANDULA Petra (HUN)
SCHNYDER Patty (SUI) 10
RUBIN Chanda (USA) 16
STOSUR Samantha (AUS)
BLACK Cara (ZIM)
PISNIK Tina (SLO)
JUGIC-SALKIC Mervana (BIH)
CAMERIN Maria-Elena (ITA)
MARTINEZ Conchita (ESP)
MAURESMO Amelie (FRA) 2
[ August 12, 2004, 05:32 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
Why the different surfaces for men and women? And if you are going to have different surfaces, to me it would make for better tennis to slow down the men and speed up the women. I hope this is on tv lots, it will make for great watching.
Hmmm, there seems to be at least one error in the men's draw I posted. Get the official draws here:
http://www.itftennis.com/olympics/drawsheets/
The official ITF Olympic site says the surface is hardcourt (DecoTurf, to be exact), so I guess the info. on the women's draw is just an error and they ARE playing on hardcourt...
http://www.itftennis.com/olympics/drawsheets/
The official ITF Olympic site says the surface is hardcourt (DecoTurf, to be exact), so I guess the info. on the women's draw is just an error and they ARE playing on hardcourt...
It would seem odd if they played on different surfaces? Wouldn't it?
I think Serena was very short sighted in pulling out so late. She's had the knee flare up for weeks now. Someone missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Too bad.
The men's draw looks very tough while the women's looks more like a Tier 1 where things don't get too tough until the quarters...
I think Serena was very short sighted in pulling out so late. She's had the knee flare up for weeks now. Someone missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Too bad.
The men's draw looks very tough while the women's looks more like a Tier 1 where things don't get too tough until the quarters...
QUOTE
No sense in a player trying to compete injured, though. And, actually, I think Serena would have had to withdraw days ago for Zina Garrison to have the chance to name another American player. Now, withdrawals are handled \"on site\" which I think means only players actually in Greece now can be substituted..
Zina had until last Saturday to name the Olympic team. Serena pulled out Wednesday. I really think that if she did not feel that she should might be able to compete, that she should have withdrew so a subsitute could have been named to the team.Serena, Serena, Serena. Now noone can comment on her Olympic attire!!
It looks like Mauresmo has a sweet draw. The only real threat I see is Dementieva.
Weird if the men and women are playing different surfaces. Somehow that does not seem right.
Weird if the men and women are playing different surfaces. Somehow that does not seem right.
Why pick on just Serena? Jennifer withdrew late, too, afterall.
Both players have been injured for the past few weeks. You can't fairly talk trash about one in this regard without trashing them both.
As I understand the rules and according to the coach's account of what happened, both players knew the Aug. 7 deadline, which stipulated (as far as I understand it) that withdrawals will now only be filled by players on site, e.g. Lisa Raymond, who was already there to play dubs.
So, ostensibly, if Venus or C-Ru were to w/d, Martina Navratilova could step in.
My point: Amy Frazier wouldn't have made the team this year unless Jennifer or Serena made the Aug. 7 deadline. If you're going to be mad, be mad at BOTH of them.
Both players have been injured for the past few weeks. You can't fairly talk trash about one in this regard without trashing them both.
As I understand the rules and according to the coach's account of what happened, both players knew the Aug. 7 deadline, which stipulated (as far as I understand it) that withdrawals will now only be filled by players on site, e.g. Lisa Raymond, who was already there to play dubs.
So, ostensibly, if Venus or C-Ru were to w/d, Martina Navratilova could step in.
My point: Amy Frazier wouldn't have made the team this year unless Jennifer or Serena made the Aug. 7 deadline. If you're going to be mad, be mad at BOTH of them.
B Man-
Point taken- both of them officially suck for taking the opportunity from other athletes.
But- as I am unsure of when Jennifer withdrew (I know it was before Serena)- there is a difference in withdrawing only a couple of hours before the actual flight.
I think both should be fined for taking the spots away. I was just saying that if they had withdrawn before August 7th- some other players would have gotten to make their Olympic dream come true. Both Serena and Jen have competed in the Olympics and stole spots from people who could have played.
They officially both SUCK!
Point taken- both of them officially suck for taking the opportunity from other athletes.
But- as I am unsure of when Jennifer withdrew (I know it was before Serena)- there is a difference in withdrawing only a couple of hours before the actual flight.
I think both should be fined for taking the spots away. I was just saying that if they had withdrawn before August 7th- some other players would have gotten to make their Olympic dream come true. Both Serena and Jen have competed in the Olympics and stole spots from people who could have played.
They officially both SUCK!
Pretty stoked to see that Molik upset Dementieva in the first round. Alicia plays Srebotnik next, then the winner of Farina Elia vs. Raymond. GREAT draw for Molik!
Feliciano Lopez has a game that matches up verrrrry nicely against Marat Safin's, so don't be suprised if there is an "upset" on the men's side tomorrow, too.
Feliciano Lopez has a game that matches up verrrrry nicely against Marat Safin's, so don't be suprised if there is an "upset" on the men's side tomorrow, too.
Very interesting results today:
Henin won easily, 1 and 2 over Vento-Kabchi, but so did Venus, who must've been upset by her doubles loss, cuz she won over Matevzic 6-0, 6-0. Wow.
Even more interesting to me, though: Brandi took a set from Nastya, and, a real shocker, no offense, but Lisa Raymond upset Silvia Farina Elia, 6-1, 6-2.
Hmmmmm...
I wonder if Nastya's rib injury has flared, or if Brandi brought a good game. Lisa Lisa may have an outside shot at doing something here, but I have to admit that I prefer Molik to make some noise.
On the men's side, I sure wuz right re: Feliciano Lopez. He put Safin out of his misery in two sets. Dent advanced and, in a mild upset, Fish d. Federer in three sets. Neither Dent nor Fish have particularly great draws, but of the two players, Mardy does have the best shot at a medal now (he has Mirnyi, Kiefer, and Roddick lined up, whereas Dent has Ljubicic, Federer, Moya).
[ August 17, 2004, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
Henin won easily, 1 and 2 over Vento-Kabchi, but so did Venus, who must've been upset by her doubles loss, cuz she won over Matevzic 6-0, 6-0. Wow.
Even more interesting to me, though: Brandi took a set from Nastya, and, a real shocker, no offense, but Lisa Raymond upset Silvia Farina Elia, 6-1, 6-2.
Hmmmmm...
I wonder if Nastya's rib injury has flared, or if Brandi brought a good game. Lisa Lisa may have an outside shot at doing something here, but I have to admit that I prefer Molik to make some noise.
On the men's side, I sure wuz right re: Feliciano Lopez. He put Safin out of his misery in two sets. Dent advanced and, in a mild upset, Fish d. Federer in three sets. Neither Dent nor Fish have particularly great draws, but of the two players, Mardy does have the best shot at a medal now (he has Mirnyi, Kiefer, and Roddick lined up, whereas Dent has Ljubicic, Federer, Moya).
[ August 17, 2004, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
What a difference a half an hour makes... This just in (SPOILERS... BIG, FAT SPOILERS)
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Berdych d. Federer, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5
Roddick leads (barely) Haas, 6-4, 3-6, 3-2 (but was up 2-0 in the third)
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Berdych d. Federer, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5
Roddick leads (barely) Haas, 6-4, 3-6, 3-2 (but was up 2-0 in the third)
You've got to be kidding? Bye, bye Roger?! I'm totally shocked. He must be tired from this year's grueling schedule, at least mentally. I sure hope Andy gets through.
Lisa R. is capable of playing a terrific match on any given day as a singles player; it just seems that she rarely strings together a couple of good matches during one tournament. I'll bet playing with Martina though is great for her confidence and attitude on the court whether playing singles or doubles.
It looks like JHH is ready to play. Whether she's ready for a top ten player is yet to be seen. Venus has to be p*ssed that she lost in doubles in the first round. Although, not playing a competitive doubles match in over a year is hardly adequate preparation for the Olympics.
Lisa R. is capable of playing a terrific match on any given day as a singles player; it just seems that she rarely strings together a couple of good matches during one tournament. I'll bet playing with Martina though is great for her confidence and attitude on the court whether playing singles or doubles.
It looks like JHH is ready to play. Whether she's ready for a top ten player is yet to be seen. Venus has to be p*ssed that she lost in doubles in the first round. Although, not playing a competitive doubles match in over a year is hardly adequate preparation for the Olympics.
Venus is such an odd, odd bird. Serena has at least played doubles with Alexandra Stevenson; I guess I just assumed Venus had played with Chanda or Alex at some smaller event.
Venus gets Mary Pierce next, which is a match up for her I like A LOT better than Nadia Petrova. Still, I'm kinda bummer that Nadia lost, and lost so poorly, against Mary. Does not bode well for Nadia's long term prospects.
On the men's side, Andy is in the hole. Haas is ahead on serve and Andy is constantly serving from behind to stay in. It's 8-7 in the third, Andy serving to stay in the match. I bet it's a great match to watch...
Aaaaah, Eurosport was sooo reporting the live score incorrectly. Anyway, SPOILER below:
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Roddick d. Haas, 4-6, 6-3, 9-7
(this score reported on ATP site)
[ August 17, 2004, 10:38 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
Venus gets Mary Pierce next, which is a match up for her I like A LOT better than Nadia Petrova. Still, I'm kinda bummer that Nadia lost, and lost so poorly, against Mary. Does not bode well for Nadia's long term prospects.
On the men's side, Andy is in the hole. Haas is ahead on serve and Andy is constantly serving from behind to stay in. It's 8-7 in the third, Andy serving to stay in the match. I bet it's a great match to watch...
Aaaaah, Eurosport was sooo reporting the live score incorrectly. Anyway, SPOILER below:
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Roddick d. Haas, 4-6, 6-3, 9-7
(this score reported on ATP site)
[ August 17, 2004, 10:38 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
V.Williams, Rubin, Raymond and Roddick, Fish, Dent -- 6 of the 7 Americans are into the 3rd round of singles! Please Lord, let Chanda win a major title before she retires!
Women's Head-to-Heads
RAYMOND
vs. Molik, never played!
vs. Sugiyama, 8-7
vs. Sprem, never played!
vs. Kuznetsova, 2-0
vs. Schnyder, 0-5
vs. Rubin, 3-2
vs. Mauresmo, 0-5
- Raymond plays Molik next, then would play Sugiyama or Sprem; Kuznetsova, Schnyder, Rubin, or Mauresmo would be semifinal opponents
RUBIN
vs. Mauresmo, 3-1
vs. Kuznetsova, never played!
vs. Schnyder, 1-0
vs. Raymond, 2-3
vs. Molik, 1-1
vs. Sugiyama, 3-0
vs. Sprem, never played!
- Rubin plays Mauresmo next, then she would play Kuznetsova or Schnyder; Raymond, Molik, Sugiyama, or Sprem would be semifinal opponents
WILLIAMS
vs. Pierce, 6-2
vs. Henin, 7-1
vs. Pratt, 1-0
vs. Myskina, 2-1
vs. Daniilidou, 1-0
vs. Maleeva, 3-3
vs. Schiavone, 4-0
vs. Zuluaga, 4-0
- Venus plays Pierce next, then Henin or Pratt; Myskina, the winner of Maleeva/Daniilidou, Schiavone, or Zuluaga would be semifinal opponents
[ August 17, 2004, 12:07 PM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
RAYMOND
vs. Molik, never played!
vs. Sugiyama, 8-7
vs. Sprem, never played!
vs. Kuznetsova, 2-0
vs. Schnyder, 0-5
vs. Rubin, 3-2
vs. Mauresmo, 0-5
- Raymond plays Molik next, then would play Sugiyama or Sprem; Kuznetsova, Schnyder, Rubin, or Mauresmo would be semifinal opponents
RUBIN
vs. Mauresmo, 3-1
vs. Kuznetsova, never played!
vs. Schnyder, 1-0
vs. Raymond, 2-3
vs. Molik, 1-1
vs. Sugiyama, 3-0
vs. Sprem, never played!
- Rubin plays Mauresmo next, then she would play Kuznetsova or Schnyder; Raymond, Molik, Sugiyama, or Sprem would be semifinal opponents
WILLIAMS
vs. Pierce, 6-2
vs. Henin, 7-1
vs. Pratt, 1-0
vs. Myskina, 2-1
vs. Daniilidou, 1-0
vs. Maleeva, 3-3
vs. Schiavone, 4-0
vs. Zuluaga, 4-0
- Venus plays Pierce next, then Henin or Pratt; Myskina, the winner of Maleeva/Daniilidou, Schiavone, or Zuluaga would be semifinal opponents
[ August 17, 2004, 12:07 PM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
DENT
Ljubicic (next round), 0-1
Robredo (quarters), 0-1
Berdych (quarters), never played
Moya (semi's), 1-0
Karlovic (semi's), never played
Massu (semi's), never played
Andreev (semi's), never played
FISH
Mirnyi (next round), never played
Kiefer (quarters), 0-1
Youzhny, 0-1
Grosjean (semi's), 1-0
Lopez, 0-1
Gonzalez, never played
Roddick, 1-3
RODDICK
Gonzalez (next round), 2-1
Grosjean (quarters), 4-1
Lopez, 2-0
Fish (semi's), 3-1
Mirnyi, 3-0
Kiefer, 4-0
Youzhny, 1-2
Ljubicic (next round), 0-1
Robredo (quarters), 0-1
Berdych (quarters), never played
Moya (semi's), 1-0
Karlovic (semi's), never played
Massu (semi's), never played
Andreev (semi's), never played
FISH
Mirnyi (next round), never played
Kiefer (quarters), 0-1
Youzhny, 0-1
Grosjean (semi's), 1-0
Lopez, 0-1
Gonzalez, never played
Roddick, 1-3
RODDICK
Gonzalez (next round), 2-1
Grosjean (quarters), 4-1
Lopez, 2-0
Fish (semi's), 3-1
Mirnyi, 3-0
Kiefer, 4-0
Youzhny, 1-2
I like Chanda, but GO MAURESMO!!
Ugh, the Americans are having a tough, tough day.
While Venus is leading Mary Pierce by a set (6-4) and Taylor Dent has an edge over Ivan Ljubicic (6-4, 2-0) the rest of the crew are struggling a bit:
Lisa Raymond, down 4-6, 1-1 to Molik (but I wanted Alicia to win)
Andy Roddick, down 4-6, 2-2 to Gonzalez
Chanda Rubin, down 3-6 to Mauresmo
My boy Nic Kiefer is having a tough time with Youzhny, too, losing the first set 2-6. Interestingly, Sugiyama is up a set on Karolina Sprem, winning the first set in a tie-break.
EDITED TO ADD: Eurosport SUCKS. For the second day in a row, they have mis-reported a score. Mary Pierce leads Venus Williams by a set, 6-4. I friggin hate Europsort now...
[ August 18, 2004, 08:15 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
While Venus is leading Mary Pierce by a set (6-4) and Taylor Dent has an edge over Ivan Ljubicic (6-4, 2-0) the rest of the crew are struggling a bit:
Lisa Raymond, down 4-6, 1-1 to Molik (but I wanted Alicia to win)
Andy Roddick, down 4-6, 2-2 to Gonzalez
Chanda Rubin, down 3-6 to Mauresmo
My boy Nic Kiefer is having a tough time with Youzhny, too, losing the first set 2-6. Interestingly, Sugiyama is up a set on Karolina Sprem, winning the first set in a tie-break.
EDITED TO ADD: Eurosport SUCKS. For the second day in a row, they have mis-reported a score. Mary Pierce leads Venus Williams by a set, 6-4. I friggin hate Europsort now...
[ August 18, 2004, 08:15 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
SPOILER
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Gonzalez d. Roddick, 6-4, 6-4.
Sigh.
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Gonzalez d. Roddick, 6-4, 6-4.
Sigh.
As long as Eurosport has the Mauresmo score right ... sorry B-Man, but Allez Momo!!
Amelie did rush out to a 5-0 score in the second set, but Chanda apparently broke serve and is serving at 1-5. Thing is, Eurosport seems to put certain matches on hold; all of the suddent, Dent vs. Ljubicic was finished with no updates!
So, for all we know, Amelie and Chanda finished 10 minutes ago...
Hating Eurosport...
So, for all we know, Amelie and Chanda finished 10 minutes ago...
Hating Eurosport...
SPOILER ....
Mauresmo d. Rubin 6-3, 6-1.
Hey, BMan, what site do you use for the scoring? The Olympics site itself has live scoring and it seems to be correct, but maybe it's just when I tuned in. Just in case, here's the link:
Hey, didya know that Gaby Sabatini was the 1988 Silver Medalist? It's true!
Mauresmo d. Rubin 6-3, 6-1.
Hey, BMan, what site do you use for the scoring? The Olympics site itself has live scoring and it seems to be correct, but maybe it's just when I tuned in. Just in case, here's the link:
Hey, didya know that Gaby Sabatini was the 1988 Silver Medalist? It's true!
The Olympic site is slllllooooooooooooooow, and it doesn't feature all of the matches.
I have them BOTH up and running, actually...
I have them BOTH up and running, actually...
Ugh, Ugh, UUUUUGGGGGGH!
Mary Pierce is serving for the match vs. Venus.
How?!?
Why?!?
Mary Pierce is serving for the match vs. Venus.
How?!?
Why?!?
Taylor Dent is in the semifinals! I'd love to see Dent win the gold here. He's been due for a big win. I've liked him ever since I saw him play Pickle with those kids on the tennis channel. Good for him.
Fish leads Youzny 4-2 in the first set. Maybe it will be America vs. Chile in the men's semis.
Meanwhile, the women have World No. 1 Justine Henin vs. French champ Anastasia Myskina & World No. 2 Amelie Mauresmo vs. up & coming, will be top 20 after this week, and the hottest player on the tour after Davenport - Alicia Molik.
Fish leads Youzny 4-2 in the first set. Maybe it will be America vs. Chile in the men's semis.
Meanwhile, the women have World No. 1 Justine Henin vs. French champ Anastasia Myskina & World No. 2 Amelie Mauresmo vs. up & coming, will be top 20 after this week, and the hottest player on the tour after Davenport - Alicia Molik.
Yeah, the Olympics singles do have a Davis Cup feel about them...
Dent (US) vs. Massu (Chile)
Fish (US) vs. Gonzalez (Chile)
My $$$ is on a Chile/Chile final and a battle of US players for Bronze.
If a US player does make it to the final, it'll be Fish. Massu is to consistent and solid all around for Taylor Dent. Fernando Gonzalez had been tagged by other players, though, as being kinda streaky. If Mardy Fish can play Gonzo closely, stay with him like he did with Juan Carlos Ferrero, then Fish might, just might, be able to pull out the win...
In fact, to me Fish vs. Gonzalez is the key from here on out. If Gonzo wins that semi, he's got the event in his back pocket. If Fish wins, Massu takes gold.
On the women's side, it's still Myskina's event (sorry Gaga). If memory serves me correctly, Nastya beat Justine and Amelie at an event last fall.
More than that (Gaga, turn your eyes), Molik and Mauresmo are 1-1, both matches played this year, with Alicia winning their most recent encounter in two sets.
[ August 19, 2004, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
Dent (US) vs. Massu (Chile)
Fish (US) vs. Gonzalez (Chile)
My $$$ is on a Chile/Chile final and a battle of US players for Bronze.
If a US player does make it to the final, it'll be Fish. Massu is to consistent and solid all around for Taylor Dent. Fernando Gonzalez had been tagged by other players, though, as being kinda streaky. If Mardy Fish can play Gonzo closely, stay with him like he did with Juan Carlos Ferrero, then Fish might, just might, be able to pull out the win...
In fact, to me Fish vs. Gonzalez is the key from here on out. If Gonzo wins that semi, he's got the event in his back pocket. If Fish wins, Massu takes gold.
On the women's side, it's still Myskina's event (sorry Gaga). If memory serves me correctly, Nastya beat Justine and Amelie at an event last fall.
More than that (Gaga, turn your eyes), Molik and Mauresmo are 1-1, both matches played this year, with Alicia winning their most recent encounter in two sets.
[ August 19, 2004, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]
Amelie lost to Myskina at the Kremlin Cup when Anastasia was pumped to win her home title, but Amelie also plays her best tennis when representing France ... she beat Myskina, in fact, on the way to leading France to the Fed Cup title last year. And I'm pretty sure she has a winning record against Myskina.
Molik is playing great ball and her two matches with Amelie have been close, but that match Amelie lost was a three-setter and it was her very first match since Wimbledon. I think Mauresmo is in much better form now.
I say it's gonna be Mauresmo with gold, Myskina with silver, Henin-Hardenne with bronze, and Molik with the satisfaction of a job well done.
Molik is playing great ball and her two matches with Amelie have been close, but that match Amelie lost was a three-setter and it was her very first match since Wimbledon. I think Mauresmo is in much better form now.
I say it's gonna be Mauresmo with gold, Myskina with silver, Henin-Hardenne with bronze, and Molik with the satisfaction of a job well done.
SPOILERS AHEAD -
I am astounded and amazed by B Man's accuracy in predicting how the men's semi's would pan out ...
Massu d. Dent 7-6, 6-1
Fish d. Gonzalez 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
But hopefully the law of percentages will work in my favor and you'll be all wrong about Mauresmo, B!
I am astounded and amazed by B Man's accuracy in predicting how the men's semi's would pan out ...
Massu d. Dent 7-6, 6-1
Fish d. Gonzalez 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
But hopefully the law of percentages will work in my favor and you'll be all wrong about Mauresmo, B!
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