Boy Taylor Dent is one scary man to look at. He looks like an angry pirahna (sp?) Anyway...he is one of the few remaining dinosaurs in men's tennis who serves and volleys. He has a decent game but can never win consistently. Today he was 20/49 at net in his loss to Kiefer and thats piss poor for a serve and volleyer. I also feel as though if he lost 20 or 30 pounds and got in better physical conditioning it would really improve his game. He had a great run at the RCA and wilted in the heat. If he had put in the time working out he wouldn't have had that heat exhaustion issue.

Geez. Another American, in this case Dent, down and out. What is up with the Americans? Is it the conditions so different as what Patrick McEnroe is saying? Or poor playing? Both? What up??

Kiefer is no slouch. He's been as high as 4 in the world, and is capable of beating anyone, unless of course it is in a slam, where he can't seem to get out of his own way.

I do think Taylor's lack of fitness combined with a demanding style of play are reasons he can't maintain consistency and is injury prone. Quite honestly, though, outside of Roddick the current generation of Americans simply aren't top ten talent. They are a generation of journeymen.

Also true that there is no shame in losing to Kiefer. He is, after all, the only man who was able to take a set off of Federer at Wimbledon.

Kiefer was a semi-finalist in the tournament last year (in Toronto).

Thanks for the answers on my question about 1st serves earlier. You tennis guys are great.

I tell you what...American tennis is in trouble. In the next 5 years I'm trying to think of who I can see in the top 10 on the women's side from the USA. I don't know if Venus and Serena will still be playing. Davenport, Capriati will be retired. On the men's side I think Donald Young has a good chance of becoming a great player. I've seen him play myself and when he grows into his body more and gets taller he's going to improve by leaps and bounds. Johnny Mac turned me on to him and I've seen him play a few times. The instincts are there but he's still such a youngin. With Federer around I'm not sure Andy will ever dominate the game. I'm not even sure when the boy is gonna win another slam. Again...Andy's game is as good as his serve but if you look objectively at his game, take away his serve and he's not really superior. His baseline game needs some work. His serve keeps him in the top . But, thats his weapon and I'm not gonna fault him for that. Its just that when you rely on your serve so much, the days that it goes off and you don't have something else to really compensate, you suffer. There's a reason he is so poor on clay. Power is taken away and you need crafty shots which I'm sorry he just doesn't really have. Meanwhile, Agassi is ROLLING!! Go Andre.

Indeed, Agassi is playing very high quality tennis today. Go Agassi!!

Well...hiccup for Agassi. He was DOMINATING Bjorkman and sort of went down a level in that second set. They'll play a set for the next round. C'mon Andre. NO Federer, NO Roddick, NO Safin, NO Hewitt. Its sort of Agassi's tournament to lose. Even though Nadal is the top seed the kid doesn't have hard court tactics yet. He's playing clay court tennis on a hard court.

He picked it up in the 3rd set and moves on. Good job Andre.

Nice regroup from Andre. It was lookin shaky in the third set for a minute but Andre quickly took control. I still say its his tournament to lose with many big names out. VIVA ANDRE!! His section of the draw looks really good. Can't wait for Nadal's match tonight.

It's raining this evening, risk of thunderstorm.

Play could be delayed or disrupted tonight.

Well unfortunately play is currently suspended by the rain and Nadal's match is scheduled to begin in about 20 minutes on ESPN2. So...we are probably going to get stuck with either Agassi's snoozefest from earlier or Roddick's snoozefest from last night. Neither match was entertaining. Rain Rain go away so I can see my Mallorcan papi kick some butt. Viva Nadal!!

I hate ESPN. There is live tennis being played as I see on the live Rogers scoreboard yet we are still watching Agassi's snoozefest from earlier. WTF?!!!!

On centre court it's Grosjean Gasquet. They hadn't finished their game. I don't know if Nadal scheduled for the evening game will play after that match or it will be reschedule for tomorrow.

Well Nadal is kickin Mello's butt right now 5-0. I hope they will show highlights of this during tomorrow's coverage. Uhhh I'm so mad. I was lookin forward to Nadal's match tonight. Damn weather! :mad:

Lets hope the weather is better today. Anyone heard anything so far, I know its early.

Weather looks fine.

Nadal played after the Frenchmen duel yesterday. He started at 9:45pm eastern and played for 1 hour 7 minutes. RDS televised the game but TSN went to other things. Nadal was dominant. I'm no expert but Mello didn't play badly or made a lot of mistakes, it's Nadal who was everywhere on the court and made good shots.

From today's schedule, Agassi and Kiefer are playing the evening game for TV.

Nadal is in the afternoon but no time specific. At 1pm eastern it's Rusedski playing, Nadal is after that.

Interesting match here with Ancic, and Rusedski. Both own one set apiece going into the third set. My God, Ancic is a beautiful man. I don't think I have seen him play before. He is from Croatia I guess? Looks like he has a fur pelt on the inside of his shirt. Mmmm. I know Rusedski does. Ancic is gorgeous. wink

Ancic is not bad looking. He is very tall. He could use a few meals though; a little lanky for my taste and he doesn't seem to have much of an ass. Looks like nassital back there. He could get it though. I wouldn't kick him out of bed. I just wish these guys would hurry up so I can see my Mallorcan papi Rafael Nadal and all his ASSets!!

I hate to type this, because it's sure to spell doom, but I loathe Rusedski and think Mario's a cutie. C'mon Super Mario!!

Gaga ^5...I'm with you there man. I loathe Rusedski too. He's such a prick. I really thought Ancic was gonna win that match but Greg has had a good summer.

Meanwhile...Nadal has just won the first set from Grosjean 6-4. Grosjean had his chances to break but Nadal has the best defense I have ever seen in men's tennis. Its simply amazing the balls he gets back. Vamos Rafael!! It would be a great thing for men's tennis if Nadal proved himself to be a threat on hard courts because its clear Roddick is not capable of being a rival to Federer. As a lefty tennis player myself I have so much pride in my Mallorcan papi Rafael. I give people HELL with my lefty play because they're not used to it. So difficult to gauge if we will hit the the cross court forehand or hook it up the line. I love it!! That good ole lefty serve is great too. Viva Rafael!

[ August 11, 2005, 01:13 PM: Message edited by: ltskinmdterp ]

You're kidding? Ancic lost?I haven't checked out the scores. Barf. Rusedski is such a whiner.

Speaking of whining: I am seriously considering never openly rooting for anyone again.

I too think Ancic is attractive. He is sexy and very masculine. I really like to see him when he has a five'o'clock shadow.

I think that Nadal could be a serious threat to Federer's number one ranking in the very near future. Apparently his lefty game, the topspin on hits shots, and his defensive game makes him very difficult to beat for most players, including Federer.

I would have liked to see all of the matches that Nadal has lost this year just so that I can see what his opponents did to beat him. I would also like to see those matches that he won, but lost a set. I watched the set that Nadal lost to Moya in his first match this week and Moya basically just had to downright overpower and out hit Nadal. It seems as if you have to take his time away by not letting him get to or hit anything back in the court.

I can't wait for someone to figure out how to beat Nadal.

Dedric

I too think Ancic is attractive. He is sexy and very masculine. I really like to see him when he has a five'o'clock shadow.

I think that Nadal could be a serious threat to Federer's number one ranking in the very near future. Apparently his lefty game, the topspin on hits shots, and his defensive game makes him very difficult to beat for most players, including Federer.

I would have liked to see all of the matches that Nadal has lost this year just so that I can see what his opponents did to beat him. I would also like to see those matches that he won, but lost a set. I watched the set that Nadal lost to Moya in his first match this week and Moya basically just had to downright overpower and out hit Nadal. It seems as if you have to take his time away by not letting him get to or hit anything back in the court.

I can't wait for someone to figure out how to beat Nadal.

Dedric

6-4, 6-4...routine from Nadal. Grosjean had his chances to break in each set but the incredible defense of Nadal, and his ability to play his best during the important points helped to make that a straight set victory. All Nadal needed was a break in each set and the rest is history. Nadal has yet to be broken in this tournament. I'd like to see him face Puerta next. That would be a nice eye candy quarterfinal round. I hope Agassi's match tonight is not a snoozefest like his last one was.

Well after a tough, tight first set, the wheels seem to have come off Kieffer. He was really playing smart the first set, but then he just couldn't maintain anything. I agree with Gilbert here, Kieffer, as cute as he is, is totally quirky. He has spit, slammed his racket, threw his racket, and huffed and puffed.

Agassi was business-like tonight. He looked great out there, smacking winners left and right. I really hope he can continue this type of play. He won so many of his service games, so easily, another good sign.

On a side note...was Brad Gilbert's annoying little rant about how many chains Kieffer was wearing really necessary? Seriously, Gilbert, find something useful to talk about, instead of comparing Keiffer to Mr. T.

Brad Gilbert is a waste of space. He's not coaching ANYONE?!! I wish James Blake would get a coach of Gilbert's calibur. Meanwhile...Nadal and Robredo pulled out of their doubles match with the Bryan twins. Anyone know why? Is it cause Robredo is hurt or salty that he lost today or is Nadal trying to save his energy for tomorrow's match with Puerta? Ooo...Puerta and Nadal...1pm. Glad I'm leaving work at noon tomorrow. Will be home in time to see that eye candy fest. Repeat of the French Open final.

Kiefer must be one of the most unpopular players around, the way everyone rags on him. I personally saw nothing out of the ordinary about his pace inbetween points. He's very deliberate, yes, but alot of players are. He's no Mary Pierce or anything. And wanting the ball back that you just won a point with isn't that odd either. Brad and Patrick kept building up Kiefer's quirks - and granted, the talking to the net and whatnot were a bit odd - but otherwise it seemed like a lot of piss and wind on the commentator's part to me.

Meanwhile, they said something about Agassi making a face early in the match and then later talked about Andre doing a good job of blocking all that out. Let me tell ya, I think Andre's insistence that the ballkids be in the exact spot he wants them at all times is far more intrusive, quirky, and egocentric than anything Kiefer did last night.

I suppose everybody has their own individual quirks. Kieffer still is such a hot guy. He did pretty well for awhile in the first until Andre really took it up a notch. I love seeing Andre with that big smile after he wins the match. I was watching his eyes when he is waiting for the serve. Looks like a cougar watching his prey. He is so focused and driven, and I admire him tremedously.

Kiefer's quirks didn't seem too bad to me either. Just about all player have their little routine to set up, it is just some have more than others. It is funny to see how angry Kiefer gets. Just smash that racquet if you want to, don't keep doing the pull back. He must not be really well liked, the stare down really is a bit juvenile. IIRC last year someone had the bright idea that Dick Vitale would be good sitting in the commentating booth and Kiefer, not surprisingly, asked to have him removed. Anyway, Agassi played great and Kiefer, still hot.

I kept hitting the "mute" button during last night's Agassi-Kiefer match. I just couldn't stand hearing Gilbert and P.Mac climb any further up Andre's ass. And as others mentioned, Gilbert kept ranting about Kiefer's quirks. He noted Nicolas always touches the doubles line with his racket before serving, which I never saw him do once and said that Nicolas will stare his opponents down. Yet on one point where they were both right at the net, Nicolas didn't even look at Andre. Please Brad, just call the match and stop with the verbal diarrhea.

man, i'm with ya hotlanta. they've been climbing up his ass for so long there's a permanent hwy there now. frustrating. agassi is indeed a legend, but give us a break. it's painful to listen to them, so, like you, i push the 'mute' button, but i miss the sound of ball on racket and the grunting. ces't la vie.

watching the puerta/nadal match right now. puerta is hot; game, body, personae et al. usually not into beefy players, but he's beautiful. playing some good tennis right now. that dropshot exchange early on was amazing. nadal is on his way to being one of the greatest.

what's a 'wheelhouse'? seriously. between 'buggy-whip' and 'wheelhouse'...i feel like i'm watching some other event.

[ August 12, 2005, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: tennisballs ]

I watched the first set on my lunch break. And, yes, Puerta is beautiful. Stunning in the way that Argentines so often are. So nice.

It appears as though we finally have a rival for Federer. Nadal is proving that he can play on this stuff. I at first gave that 5 set match against Federer a fluke because Federer was clearly having an off day but its the defense of Nadal and that crafty lefty play that gave Federer fits. It would be so good for men's tennis if someone really stepped it up for Federer. And who knows...Federer probably still has a gear he can take it up but right now he's playing as well as he needs to cuz the competition is just not there. Its like when Serena dominated the tour and it was Serena and everyone else. For the men its Federer and everyone else but Nadal is making his presence known.

Oh and yes...Puerta is beautiful. I love his beefy thick body. I like a bit of meat on my men. Thick but toned.

[ August 12, 2005, 11:13 AM: Message edited by: ltskinmdterp ]

Like I have said before, I think Nadal will soon be the new # 1 in the world, he has it all, and he is capable of beating the current # 1, Federer.

Nadal is amazing. He is simply amazing. It will be interesting to see Nadal and Federer's next hard court match. I honestly think that Federer may have underestimated Nadal in that Miami 5 setter earlier this year. Federer I'm sure will be ready the next time they play but Nadal is much improved since March. That was before his clay season dominance; before his grand slam win. The kid is booming with confidence and it is the best thing for men's tennis right now because Nadal has boyishly handsome good looks, the muscled arms, the great ass, that Spanish hotness, and the personality that Federer doesn't have.

Roger has at least one gear to take it up. I think he actually has a couple in him. After all, he hasn't really been challenged in a sustained way since he realized his enormous talent. Having a player like Nadal should give Roger a means by which to measure himself, an opponent who can force him to do better than he had previously thought he could (or certainly needed to, as was pointed out). Nadal is now playing players who are intimidated by him. Federer should have an increasingly healthy dose of respect, but he will not be initimidated by Nadal. Not on hard courts at this time. Would be a great match to watch at the Open.

Looking very forward to the Agassi/Gaudio match at 4:00pm west coast time. C'mon Andre! It will be interesting to see if he can continue to keep uo the high quality of play he has had so far. Go Agassi!

Rain delay at the moment...... frown

Hmm...seems like Gaston Gaudio isn't too shabby in the ass department either. Those hugging black shorts are showing off those cheeks mighty well. Finally about to get this match started. Hopefully the rain holds off. I still want to see an Agassi/Nadal final.

Meanwhile...as they show us a repeat of Nadal/Puerta from earlier I think I've just added Argentina to my list of options of where I'm going to go for my 30th birthday in a few years. Mariano Puerta is a gorgeous man and I've dated a couple Argentine's. Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Greece are on the list. Now I'm going to have to add Argentina. Suggestions on which one I should pick anyone?

[ August 12, 2005, 05:35 PM: Message edited by: ltskinmdterp ]

Just an FYI for anyone who didn't know...ESPN2 will air the Gaudio/Agassi match at 11pm. Thank goodness because the ESPN2 schedule from 11-3am is karate? WTF?!! Karate??!!!

On a side note...Nadal is so cute when he tries to speak his broken English.

Damn it. This was shaping up to be one hotly contested match, and then the heavens open up in Montreal yet again. I feel for Agassi, who seemed to have found his groove, and was beginning to roll, but I am not counting Gaudio completely out yet. He sure was reduced to alot of self talking there late in the first set, though wasn't he? I look forward to the completion of this match today, I hope.

From the tournament website, this is the order of play for Saturday on central court.

Central start 12:00 NOON
D Hrbaty (SVK) vs G Rusedski (GBR)
Not before 1:00 PM
(6)G Gaudio (ARG) vs (4)A Agassi (USA)
Erlich/Ram vs (3)Knowles/Nestor

Not before 6:30 PM
(1)R Nadal (ESP) vs P Mathieu (FRA)
Not before 8:00 PM
(6)G Gaudio (ARG) or (4)A Agassi (USA) vs D Hrbaty (SVK) or G Rusedski (GBR)

Looks like Andre may take this match. Gaudio has been up and down, sharp, and then not so sharp. Note to Gaudio, please take a break and go blow your nose? I don't know how many times the camera has caught him blowing his nose on court. Kind of gross.

Agassi wins and moves on. Next up, Rusedski. Way to go Andre!

Watching the replay of last night's set between Agassi and Gaudio. Gaudio just put a finger on the side of his nose to close up one nostril and then blew real hard. Snot sprayed out on to the court. I've noticed that Agassi has done this for years. It's pretty gross, but I'm a little curious what it is about tennis that causes these guys to have this mucous (sp?) build-up. Maybe it's a perpetual case of the allergies - I can certainly relate to that - but I can take Sudafed and tennis players can't.

Well...we got our dream final. Agassi vs Nadal. The Master vs the It Boy. Wow....I wish I could just fast forward to tomorrow's match because I'm salivating over this. Hopefully it lives up to the hype. I see so many intangibles in this match that I think it could go either way. Agassi will serve much better than Mathieu did today and Agassi is good at moving the ball around the court and controlling the center of the court. Agassi is also the best returner in the game and will pounce on Nadal's serves. Interesting though will be to see how Agassi handles the spin of Nadal. Nadal doesn't have the best serve but its got so much spin on it that its hard to outright attack. Nadal moves better than anyone so the defense of Nadal will have Agassi running ALL OVER THE PLACE. I'd also expect to see Nadal try and drop shot the hell out of Agassi. Should be "scrumptious" as McEnroe said earlier.

I am so glad for the old man. Andre is playing some incredible tennis right now. I sincerely hope he isn't embarassed tomorrow, because Nadal is just playing out of his mind. I think Andre has a shot, but his serve will be key. Way to go Andre. It was worth noting the crowd was pro Agassi, even though Rusedski is a Montreal native.

Montreal turned their collective backs on Rusedski when he defected to the British Davis Cup team and started listing his national affiliation as Great Britian, so the fans rooting for Andre is not surprising.

I just hope Andre isn't burning himself out heading into the Open. I'd love to see another fairytale, Sampras-like finish for him in Flushing.