After sitting through a mind-numbingly boring ladies match interrupted by rain delays, all of which ended around 7:30pm, I was ready to call it a night. Exhausted from the day, I had little energy to sit through any more. I then remembered, I'm on the west coast! If a couple of guys can walk onto a court to play their 2nd round US Open match at 10:30 after a long wait, I can certainly watch. Besides, it was Roddick and Gulbis. A contest of strength was about to commence and should be over very soon: Roddick with much more experience as the obvious victor (though not at all a personal favourite). Such a game has no appeal as the idea of thrashing a ball around the tennis court is impish at best, so I wouldn't even feel guilty falling asleep in front of it. Boy, was I in for a rude awakening.
As predicted, these boys came to hit. But it was not as tiresome as I had expected. Gulbis got off to a famous start, breaking Andy in the second game and went up quickly to 3-0. The young Latvian, who apparently has learned to take fewer risks, was routinely throwing in second services aces and generating a 120-miles per hour pace off his groundstrokes. I'd love to see a match where he leaves all inhibitions behind; his opponent would never see the ball pass him by. He held the rest of the set to win it 6-3 in just 29 minutes.
Ernests continued this grand display and broke Roddick to go up 4-3 in the second set with a beautiful forehand fired cross-court. Roddick was clearly irritated as he had yet to find his game. Immediately after being broken, Andy let his own forehand sail wide and promptly punished his racquet, breaking its frame on the concrete.
While the flashy moments were not over for Gulbis, he could not prevent the starving American from turning his frustration into gold. Roddick finally broke Gulbis in the 10th game of the second set and went on to break him again to win 7-5. Andy was then on a roll, throwing in his own slew of second service aces and finding lines and corners for winners. He gained early and late breaks to win the third set 6-2. Gulbis, who had very effectively used drop shots and volleys all night, pulled out these weapons even more aggressively, but alas it was not enough and finally lost his serve to lose the fourth, and final, set 5-7.
What made this night bittersweet though was that both men shared a birthday. August 30th. When the clock struck midnight, both grew one year older (Roddick 26 and Gulbis 20) and they were within the exact middle of their match. This is the stupidity of the Open - it is completely dictated by the broadcasting networks. They try to cover it up by saying that a different energy is brought when playing under the lights, but they really just care about higher viewer numbers. No respect is shown for the players as well as, arguably, unfair advantages given to those who go out earlier in the day and so have a longer time to rest and recoup for the next match. Regardless, Andy Roddick was pleased that when they went into the next day he started "playing like a 26-year-old." Next, Andy will face Italian Andreas Seppi during a normal day-match on Sunday. Hopefully he won't be blinded by the sight of natural sunlight.
30 August 2008
28 August 2008
Ryler full of grace
An American lefty who has a Sampras-like touch at the net, a Federer-like backhand and an energy that feeds Arthur Ashe Stadium is a dream hard to fathom amidst the sea of power players we have today, but 24-year-old Ryler DeHeart is just that. This kid may have been taken down by the Spanish lefty, Nadal, but he showed a promise that gives hope for the future of tennis. DeHeart walked onto the biggest court he had ever seen and set up camp right behind the net. He did not choose to strike the rubber out of the tennis ball but instead, Ryler resuscitated a lovely finesse that died long ago when Edberg, McEnroe, Borg, Lendl and Sampras ended their careers. Federer was starting to bring back the soft, intelligent game and DeHeart is following suit.
Even when he was down a set, the recent college grad pushed forward and displayed moments of brilliance, bending down for beautiful half-volleys that would cross the net angled and spinning away from Rafa. He uses a smooth, one-handed backhand, accelerating his stroke just as he makes contact with the ball -- in one word: perfection.
DeHeart brings a refreshing air to the game without succumbing to the pressures to kill the ball or hover behind the baseline. For years, the court has been deprived of players running within its bounds. Finally, we're taking a few steps in.
Even when he was down a set, the recent college grad pushed forward and displayed moments of brilliance, bending down for beautiful half-volleys that would cross the net angled and spinning away from Rafa. He uses a smooth, one-handed backhand, accelerating his stroke just as he makes contact with the ball -- in one word: perfection.
DeHeart brings a refreshing air to the game without succumbing to the pressures to kill the ball or hover behind the baseline. For years, the court has been deprived of players running within its bounds. Finally, we're taking a few steps in.
26 August 2008
And so it begins
While on vacation from his top ranking, Roger Federer began a quest to defend the US Open title as if it were a simple routine. Playing 118th-ranked Maximo Gonzalez, Federer quickly got things done with a 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 victory lasting merely 82 minutes. Maximo is a 25-year-old Argentine and prior to this match had a hard court record of 0-0. What a blow it must have been to see that his first, ever, hard court match would be against the man who can call Arthur Ashe Stadium a second home (his first being Centre Court, of course).
Federer was initially stalled as the Argentine showed that he was deserving of the regal stage - coming up with beautiful passing shots and aiming to paint lines. However, Gonzalez could not ride his best game to fortune and handed Federer a break to 3-5 in the first set with a dreaded double fault. From then onward Federer kicked it into the gear we are all used to seeing and dominated his opponent, winning 9 straight games. The next 26 minutes flew by and the champ was up two sets to love.
Federer then went up an early break in the third, but this served as a clear wake-up call to Max. He suddenly broke back (a feat in its own right against the master) and held his service twice. He found the skill he had exhibited in the opening of the match, but sadly it was not enough to challenge Federer, who won the match when Gonzalez sent a forehand long. After displaying brilliance, Federer is, without question, ready to hoist his trophy again.
Nadal also passed his first round test yesterday, but he did not experience the ease that Federer enjoyed. Even though he finished off qualifier Bjorn Phau in straight sets, Nadal ran about the court for three hours and was pushed to two tiebreaks. Phau proved that the fear of Nadal is not so pressing as that of Federer might be, which is a decidingly clear advantage to the Swiss, over Rafa, on their separate tracks to the final; and perhaps to one another.
Federer was initially stalled as the Argentine showed that he was deserving of the regal stage - coming up with beautiful passing shots and aiming to paint lines. However, Gonzalez could not ride his best game to fortune and handed Federer a break to 3-5 in the first set with a dreaded double fault. From then onward Federer kicked it into the gear we are all used to seeing and dominated his opponent, winning 9 straight games. The next 26 minutes flew by and the champ was up two sets to love.
Federer then went up an early break in the third, but this served as a clear wake-up call to Max. He suddenly broke back (a feat in its own right against the master) and held his service twice. He found the skill he had exhibited in the opening of the match, but sadly it was not enough to challenge Federer, who won the match when Gonzalez sent a forehand long. After displaying brilliance, Federer is, without question, ready to hoist his trophy again.
Nadal also passed his first round test yesterday, but he did not experience the ease that Federer enjoyed. Even though he finished off qualifier Bjorn Phau in straight sets, Nadal ran about the court for three hours and was pushed to two tiebreaks. Phau proved that the fear of Nadal is not so pressing as that of Federer might be, which is a decidingly clear advantage to the Swiss, over Rafa, on their separate tracks to the final; and perhaps to one another.
22 August 2008
Up for Grabs
With the US Open lurking just a day away, tennis fans cannot help but wonder about the final already: Will it again be a Federer-Nadal classic in the making? Will Djokovic have another, much needed, break through Slam? Can Murray make a name for himself and strike on land that is not covered with the green grass? Who knows, but this year's Open is proving to be the most unpredictable and exciting we've seen in years.
For the first time in his youthful yet illustrious career, Nadal enters a Grand Slam as the #1 seed. He has the disadvantage of never having shone at the Open, at best coming to the quarters. But he must be considered among the favourties to win. Arthur Ashe Stadium is far from Rafa's golden court, but after clinching top points of the Olympus US Open Series, a $2.6 million payout will have the 22-year-old striving for the title.
Andy Murray has all the support in the world... in the UK... during Wimbledon. However, he has had some great success on hard courts this season in the US, most notably when he defeated Nole in Cincinnati to win his first Masters Series title. The young Scot even tied for the most points of the Open Series, but was granted second place as a tiebreak record put Nadal ahead. Murray is young, powerful and hungry -- he's certainly one to watch.
The two most well-versed hard court players by far, though, are Novak Djokovic and defending champion Roger Federer. While the Serb has not been able to live up to his Australian Open performance, no player wants to see Novak on his side of the draw. Federer as well has not had his normal pristine season but is always a strong favourite to win any tournament he decides to enter, and this US Open is far from exception. Federer can still play as beautifully as ever and, probably more than any player out there, wants (and needs) this crown. It will be a shock if he does not make it to the final, after thrashing Djokovic in a semifinal rematch of last year's final. Just remember that Federer will be at the bottom of the draw so don't think he's been defeated when his is not the first name you see!
What about the Americans?! This is the US Open after all: will there be any excitement produced from the grand slew of fellows contesting on home soil? There are Andy and Blake leading the way (seeded 8 and 9, respectively) along with young sensations Isner, Kendrick, Querrey and Young, to name a few. It's hard, though, to think that any of them has even the potential to make a significant dent in the draw. Blake has been playing well and Andy did win this back in '03, but can they really pose a serious threat to the top 3 (& Murray)? Doubtful.
For the first time in his youthful yet illustrious career, Nadal enters a Grand Slam as the #1 seed. He has the disadvantage of never having shone at the Open, at best coming to the quarters. But he must be considered among the favourties to win. Arthur Ashe Stadium is far from Rafa's golden court, but after clinching top points of the Olympus US Open Series, a $2.6 million payout will have the 22-year-old striving for the title.
Andy Murray has all the support in the world... in the UK... during Wimbledon. However, he has had some great success on hard courts this season in the US, most notably when he defeated Nole in Cincinnati to win his first Masters Series title. The young Scot even tied for the most points of the Open Series, but was granted second place as a tiebreak record put Nadal ahead. Murray is young, powerful and hungry -- he's certainly one to watch.
The two most well-versed hard court players by far, though, are Novak Djokovic and defending champion Roger Federer. While the Serb has not been able to live up to his Australian Open performance, no player wants to see Novak on his side of the draw. Federer as well has not had his normal pristine season but is always a strong favourite to win any tournament he decides to enter, and this US Open is far from exception. Federer can still play as beautifully as ever and, probably more than any player out there, wants (and needs) this crown. It will be a shock if he does not make it to the final, after thrashing Djokovic in a semifinal rematch of last year's final. Just remember that Federer will be at the bottom of the draw so don't think he's been defeated when his is not the first name you see!
What about the Americans?! This is the US Open after all: will there be any excitement produced from the grand slew of fellows contesting on home soil? There are Andy and Blake leading the way (seeded 8 and 9, respectively) along with young sensations Isner, Kendrick, Querrey and Young, to name a few. It's hard, though, to think that any of them has even the potential to make a significant dent in the draw. Blake has been playing well and Andy did win this back in '03, but can they really pose a serious threat to the top 3 (& Murray)? Doubtful.
19 August 2008
#2
Of course the day had to come, but it will forever be a shock to see a '2' next to Roger Federer's name. With his stranglehold on the #1 ranking for 237 consecutive weeks stripped, it is hard to notice any other drastic changes that came up below the #2 spot. However, a close look will show some shake-ups: Gonzo rose up 4 spots to #5 with his Olympic medal performance, Monfils sored up to #33 and Moya, as unpredictable as ever, fell to #41. Now, back to the juicy stuff.
Roger Federer came to the semis of the Australian Open (while suffering from mono), the finals of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, the quarterfinals of the Olympics and took home the gold with countryman Wawrinka in doubles. And it's been a bad year. Unfortunate for Federer, he has been unable to live up to the surreal standard he, himself, has set.
The Swiss master impressed upon the world a greatness that left his admirers and opponents in sheer awe for the last 4.5 years. He has the ability, like the great Pete Sampras, to ignore the fear of double faults while tossing up a second serve, to hit a backhand passing shot with his eyes closed and to paint any baseline with ease and intent. Federer, single-handedly, challenged the rest of the pack to raise its game -- an undertaking many players have attempted, but one only a sole lad has been able to achieve. Rafael Nadal has had an unbelievable year that has culminated to sitting on top of the game as of August 18h.
While Federer came to the finals in Paris, Nadal lifted the trophy for the fourth straight year. While Federer dropped his head on his favourite court, Nadal took over the Wimbledon crown. While Federer was on a flight back home, Nadal was adorned with gold. The young Spaniard's accomplishments are in themselves remarkable, but we are raising them to a new level because of who he is facing on the other side of the net: Roger.
Beating Federer on a chance meeting is something that any player, on his best day (with a bit of luck), can achieve. Instilling in the Swiss a fear that he usually cloaks his opponents with is downright chilling. Nadal has proved himself by beating, disputably, the greatest man to pick up a racquet along with everybody else and so is deserving of the current #1 ranking. However, don't discount Federer's ability, class or will to regain the titles he lost in 2008.
Certainly this is the end of an unprecedented streak, but let's hope it is not the end of an era.
The Swiss master impressed upon the world a greatness that left his admirers and opponents in sheer awe for the last 4.5 years. He has the ability, like the great Pete Sampras, to ignore the fear of double faults while tossing up a second serve, to hit a backhand passing shot with his eyes closed and to paint any baseline with ease and intent. Federer, single-handedly, challenged the rest of the pack to raise its game -- an undertaking many players have attempted, but one only a sole lad has been able to achieve. Rafael Nadal has had an unbelievable year that has culminated to sitting on top of the game as of August 18h.
While Federer came to the finals in Paris, Nadal lifted the trophy for the fourth straight year. While Federer dropped his head on his favourite court, Nadal took over the Wimbledon crown. While Federer was on a flight back home, Nadal was adorned with gold. The young Spaniard's accomplishments are in themselves remarkable, but we are raising them to a new level because of who he is facing on the other side of the net: Roger.
Beating Federer on a chance meeting is something that any player, on his best day (with a bit of luck), can achieve. Instilling in the Swiss a fear that he usually cloaks his opponents with is downright chilling. Nadal has proved himself by beating, disputably, the greatest man to pick up a racquet along with everybody else and so is deserving of the current #1 ranking. However, don't discount Federer's ability, class or will to regain the titles he lost in 2008.
Certainly this is the end of an unprecedented streak, but let's hope it is not the end of an era.
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