Newspaper claims suspect transformed into a goat.

Now if that’s really true, all my problems are solved. All I have to do now is to just identify who I like and convert them into a goat – and enjoy best of both worlds.

Click here for more.

Federer takes another step towards the promised land eliminating Safin in straights.

Federer appears to be steadying his ship with every step now. The biggest stat in this match was Federer not offering even a single break point opportunity to Safin, while converting three of four he was offered.

Even in the light of Safin not being what he once was, it’s still a telling stat being a Grand Slam and that Federer has already posted two losses and couple of questionable wins this season.

Federer must be surely feeling great with his results here. While it may not have sent any strong message to the rest of the guys, it has certainly not added to the enthusiasm the two losses to Murray generated. That status quo would have certainly received a huge jolt with the boost in confidence and conviction these three matches have undoubtedly provided for Federer and his camp.

But the good part for the fans and the bad part for Federer is that the rest of the three clowns are in step with him, unless Djokovic dropping a set is worth anything at this stage.

Berdych has taken Wawrinka out of his misery, or did Wawrinka did that to himself? Berdych has won just one match against Federer in eight meetings – back in 2004. They met exactly at the same place at last year’s Australian Open with Federer winning but not before dropping a tie-break set to Berdych.

Certainly Federer would have preferred Wawrinka for obvious and many reasons, but Berdych based on his recent showing appears to have little in him to bother Federer, unless Federer himself goes back to his inconsistent ways. But it’s hard to imagine Berdych winning three sets from Federer at a Grand Slam.

Other than the first serve percentage (59) and the unforced errors (86), Federer’s average stats after three matches are within his usual range so far. He can still live with those type of numbers for one more match and squeak out a win. But Del Potro and beyond, he will need some serious turn around at both those fronts to produce a W.

What to you is a bigger deal?

Problem with Ana Ivanovic that will surely place her next to Kournikova.

When she came on the scene, her only claim to fame was tennis. With womens’ tennis in complete shambles and in transition at the time, she was able to capitalize on it and win some titles including a Grand Slam.

Now, her claim to fame is her beauty which has far surpassed her tennis prowess. That kind of shift is so powerful that it needs a strong personality bordering at being downright mean to keep the focus on the initial ‘claim to fame’ food.

Most recent example is Sharapova. You think her focused shifted? You bet!!! But her own strong personality coupled with her father’s mean demeanor has kept the lid on the second fiddle – so far.

To some extent, even Safin suffered from this affliction.

Some of course work backwards like Serena, but the ailment is still the same.

As I have mentioned earlier, Ivanovic lacks the killer instinct to win on big stage. That lone Grand Slam was won under extenuating circumstances and still being under the first ‘fame to claim’ banner. Now that the new banner has overtaken the personality and the tour has firmed up relatively speaking, that window has closed for Ana – forever.

The recent spate of rumors associating her from Verdasco to Nadal to Federer to Mike are just another side of that coin.

It’s not too far from Roddick getting engaged at what 25, smack in the middle of his peak years.

Add to all that the absence of a coach and you have a perfect storm. Unless she gets some strong personality to manage her, she is not going anywhere in a hurry.

Kournikova has to be smiling watching the drama unfold. You think she ever felt saddened that her modelling career overshadowed her tennis? Are you freaking kidding me!!! She is still as relevant if not more, than today’s bomb Sharapova. Tennis alone would have never delivered that.

Ivanovic going after Federer?

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Ana Ivanovic has no problem asking the experts for advice. Cue – Roger Federer.

 

The 21-year-old Serbian, who advanced to the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, said she draws on her friend Federer’s experience about pressure on and off the court.

“He always gives me … nice advice,” she said. “It’s great, because he achieved so much.

“I think there is so many things I can learn from him, from his experience. He’s been … in all positions you can imagine on a court, dealing with so much pressure, being in the position of No. 1.”

Second-seeded Federer, 27, is trying to equal Pete Sampras’ record 14 Grand Slam singles titles. Ivanovic won her first major at the French Open last year, after losing the Australian Open final.

So, what was Federer’s best advice?

“He said that you just basically have to enjoy and try to don’t think too much,” Ivanovic said.

She said she used to stress about the time wasted in travel and traffic until Federer told her, “You can’t change that. You just have to basically accept it.”

It was advice she’d heard before, she said. “But when you it hear from someone like him, it gets stuck much more.”

Ivanovic advanced over Alberta Brianti of Italy 6-3, 6-2.

Andy who? Says Nole. From Jef and Sarah. Thanks.

Last year everyone was talking about you as sort of the third man after Rafa and Roger. Now it’s Andy as the third man. Do you get that sense?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Why Andy?

Q. Because he’s the one being talked about as the third challenger.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: What’s his ranking and my ranking?

Q. I’m not going on the ranking system.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The thing is that you cannot put somebody, I mean, all the respect to Andy, I like him as a person and as a player. He’s done a lot in the last couple months, and he’s a very talented player and we can expect him to win some Grand Slams in the future.

But you cannot put him as the favorites next to Roger and Rafa and myself here at Australian Open.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2009-01-21/200901211232518154375.html

Here’s another free livestream. From Jenny. Thanks.

JENNY

Here’s another free livestream folks. I’ve never used it, so I don’t know how good it is. Let me know.

http://channelhopper.co.uk/this-weekends-sports-streams/live-tennis/

Is Santoro about to leave us – forever?

First, that was a great effort to outlast a young and hot Kohlscreiber in five sets. Given his unorthodox style of play, the younger generation may be more at odds against Santoro than the veterans who have tasted the sour pill at least once.

Kohl also must have grossly underestimated the magician in light of the recent demolition from Nadal at Doha. Still that was a seeded player Santoro eliminated.

At 37 years of age, that’s no mean achievement today.

But with Roddick next, after this gruelling five setter, should we have the paramedics on stand by? Remember last time he met Roddick, Santoro almost got killed twice on Roddick’s ace. With a lighter, more fiery Roddick at hand this may be the last of Santoro.

But at least he would leave doing what he likes most, or is there another potion up his sleeve to frustrate Roddick and exact revenge for last time?

Road to Australian Open title.

Nadal: Karanusic> Haas> Gasquet> Simon> Murray> Federer.

Federer: Safin>Wawrinka> Del Potro> Djokovic> Murray.

Djokovic: Delic> Baghdatis> Roddick> Federer> Murray.

Murray: Granola Bar> Melzer> Verdasco> Gulbis> Nadal> Federer.

Federer takes care of business to face Safin next.

Despite the ‘go for broke’ game from the get go from his tomato can opponent, Federer was still able to prevail without any damage. It was a game he needed after the last two sets against Seppi in the first round to move on with confidence.

Safin, who is a big name, is however not too far from where Seppi is currently, if that. Granted he is capable of pulling off an upset like he did at last year’s Wimbledon against Djokovic, it’s still a stretch to even expect a close match if Federer is anywhere remotely close to his usual self.

Unexpectedly Safin has done quite well so far even though he has hit on tomato cans. Lately they have been at least taking a set off of him if not extending him to a deciding set. So historically Safin is coming in with some confidence and with the two of Federer’s losses this season as a backdrop, he might not be feeling too shabby about the match up.

Clearly he has very little to lose considering he was even contemplating retiring few weeks ago. Given all that, shouldn’t Safin cut down on his antics and racket abuse if things don’t go his way as is expected? Why? You were never close to winning anyways and those errors are not totally unexpected in this current scenario. Just take the hit and move freaking on.

Federer has Wawrinka and Del Potro next before jumping in the ring with the big boys. Safin is not a bad ramp up door mat for the battles ahead. Wawrinka cannot be expected to even attempt a win considering what’s at stake for Federer and Switzerland, so Del Potro should be the first real test for Federer.

Have you noticed the rise of No. 6’6″ already? Three clowns have moved on, two of them very convincingly with one falling off the wagon. Watch for the two to clash royally in the next round.

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Questions that irritate these players the most.

Nadal:

-Can your style of play force you to retire early due to injuries?

-Can you ever win a hard court Slam?

-Why did you change from that pirate look?

Federer:

-How come your opponent won a point on your serve in this 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 win?

-How does it feel being called World No. 2?

-Is Murray the real favorite at AO?

-How long do you want to play on the tour?

Djokovic:

-Was this the right time to switch rackets?

-Has moving up to No. 2 become a mental block?

Ten things we’re still buying.

Click here.

Djokovic proves the value of the first set in win over Chardonnay.

Did you see how close the first set was. Duh!!! 7-5. It appeared that Chardonnay was going toe to toe with World’s No. 3. A four setter if not a five was quite a reasonable possibility.

But once Djokovic got that hard fought first set, the strokes starting flowing more freely and naturally, converting a great playing opponent into a mere spectator. It also proves how profoundly those two losses he has had this year are still impacting his game. The prospect of getting eliminated in the early rounds to tomato cans is a very real one to him now.

You see when you start rising and win a Grand Slam for the first time in any sport or field, your confidence begins to cloud your judgement. When it reaches a point where you start losing in the opening rounds to clowns you consider below you in every respect, you just shrug it off by calling it an off day.

But when this pattern starts to repeat itself over and over again, reality hits you hard enough to get you off that lazy boy ‘taking for granted’ couch. It’s the kick in the pants most great players get hit with sooner or later to awaken them of both the possibilities and the pitfalls ahead.

Djokovic clearly played the first set still entertaining the likelihood of getting eliminated early. But once that ghost left after the first set, you could see the real Djokovic in action. It’s not that Chardonnay started playing atrociously out of the blue, it was Djokovic seizing the initiative that made all the difference.

The second set was over in half the time it took to close the first set. But once he had the momentum going the ‘taking for granted’ bug came back when he began serving for the match. What he was saying to himself was this: “I have done the work I needed to do and now I can just relax and win this last game”. Not so fast.

The fact that he was broken in that game not only says a lot about Djokovic but also credit goes to Chardonnay for not giving up right till the very end.

If you had any doubts how powerful mental aspect of any sport is, this is one instance to wipe that slate.

10 Foods That May Improve Your Appearance.

Click here.

Of all the BS people shout from the stands, which one(s) did you find most amusing?

For me it was “Baa-ram-ewe. Baa-ram-ewe.”

Anyone know what that is? No, you don’t!!!!!

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Is this the most watched Australian Open ever or freaking what?

I think as technology improves, irrespective of how far up the curve the popularity of the sport moves, more fan friendly and accessible avenues to watch tennis are likely to spring up.

Considering the variety and number of live streams available today compared to just a year ago, this has been a huge leap. Maybe TV WILL be phased out like the newspapers to give way to live AND better coverage on the computers. Fact that now you can switch between what six matches at a time proves how much antiquated TV sounds.

With quality getting better by the minute, maybe cell phones will replace the computers one day to extend tennis to many more fans.

Add to it the fact that tennis has so far come out unscathed from the blow of the recent recession worldwide, and the sport could be in for a long and rosy future as long as new exciting players from different nations keep popping up. While the big cat nations of tennis like the US, UK and Australia have receded maybe for good, other countries have more than picked up the slack to compensate for any dent in the shield.

As it’s been proven lately, the quality of players and the consequent rivalry between them transcends to some degree the need to have top players from a certain country to generate real interest in the sport. With that trend virtually guaranteed for at least the next decade and the uptick in coverage of matches through the computer live streams, it’s reasonable to predict a fairly decent future for tennis, don’t you think?

World watches US.

To me, more than the race deal, it’s the huge surge in optimism this inauguration has evoked that appears a bigger deal. Whether it all gets delivered is uncertain, but you cannot be unhappy with the direction the whole nation seems to be headed mentally, in stark contrast to the joker who just left the White House.

The world in general feels a renewed sense of assurance feeling somehow that the ship is finally in the hands of someone most capable of turning the tide. Just that positive attitude and the willingness of people both within and outside the US to come together to help this guy attain his goals is remarkable.

More than anything it goes to show how your confidence in yourself, alongwith good looks, excellent command of English language and sharp wit can sway people to your way of thinking – in total absence of any concrete achievement or long tenure at a high office.

For lay people like us you, what it means is this: Use discretion in selecting the words you speak, have complete command of the subject and refrain from gaining points by trashing your competitors / opponents. Of course, all this is relative, since if I had run against Obama, he would have had to deal with a much deeper level of opposition than nitwits like Hillary and McCain – at least in those areas.

This is proof that substance and your resume takes a back seat to what you can make people perceive about you – genuinely. For without that sincerity, you will come crashing down within your first few steps. You see, people can tell whether you are really enjoying what you are doing or you are just going through the motions – no matter how busy you look or how much you produce.

Activity does not equal progress. Real progress in the long run can only be accomplished if what you do is your obsession. When it reaches that fever pitch, it unmistakeably oozes out of you for even a cucumber to see, thereby making people more receptive to what you have to say.

Obama has in effect won this election on his rhetoric and many intangibles far outstripping more qualified, decorated and experienced adversaries.

I think even the enemies of the US are rethinking their strategies and plots in hopes of a more understanding and diplomatic head of state in the White House.

If we all are truly the children of Adam, maybe there’s a way that all of us can live in harmony and peace despite all these man made borders and laws.

For now just bask in this feeling of optimism until proven otherwise.

Who has the most differential between his forehand and backhand?

I mean forehand so strong and backhand so weak or vice versa. Geeeeezzzzzz. I am stuck with toddlers.

Nadal hammers a 30-year old 5’5″ clown.

Shouldn’t someone call child protective services for this blatant child abuse? Given the opponent’s credentials, the scoreline although impressive, has to stay within the context without getting too heady or complacent. Besides, didn’t Nadal have a similar start at Doha against Santoro only to crash out in the third round – in straight sets?

But we finally found out what Nadal needs to increase his ace count. He had 10. Will 5’4″ improve the count proportionally? Given this theory and with No. 6’6″ rising on the horizon, it’s more likely to go negative in a hurry.

Other than Murray none of the top three appear comfortable and ready to sustain their play for two weeks. But stranger things have happened. With Nalbandian, Del Potro and Cilic with titles already, is it time for someone else to steal the limelight? Maybe.

Top players tend to gauge their performance, irrespective of how good or bad it is against their main rivals. If you are not at par with your game it also provides the ‘misery loves company’ boat to lean on. But with so much play yet to come, no one really is taking anything seriously, even Federer’s three tight sets.

Unless someone starts dropping sets routinely AND gets extended to a five setter before the semis, nothing is going to throw anyone into panic mode.

With seeds holding their own so far, except what Lopez, things will tighten up sooner than later. So far Hewitt vs Gonzalez match came as close as you can come to a thriller at this stage.

Another free live stream for Australian Open. From Barbara. Thanks.

BARBARA

I am also using http://atdhe.net/. They provide streams for 6 different AO courts.

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Cute vid. From Deep South Girl. Thanks.

Oops! I forgot to leave the link for this lovely video.

http://vimeo.com/2113477

Isn’t this shot a guaranteed winner?

If not outright, it more often than not, evokes a poor return for a sitting duck at the next point.

Here it is:

When the ball is traveling cross-court to your forehand, what most players do 95 percent of the time is to send it back to where it came from – to the opponents right hand. Conversely if the ball is traveling cross-court to your backhand the tendency is again send it back to where it came from. Are you getting this so far?

Of course, it’s a high percentage safe shot. Federer is the one who probably has paid more dearly for this routine shot. Why? Because when you have Nadal across the net in that scenario you are trading your backhand with Nadal’s deadly forehand. Add the high rpm spin and the bounce and you have a perfect storm.

How hard is it practice mixing it up at least 50 percent of the time to keep the opponent guessing by sending the ball to the other side? Whenever it happens the player is always caught by surprise throwing up a prayer asking to be snuffed.

Who has the most powerful forehand today?

The only thing that moves me in tennis, specially at Grand Slams.

Unadulterated sportsmanship.

When every point is contested as if it’s the last one, emotion run high and winning at all cost is the basic ingredient, seeing players taking a step back in those circumstances and grant a point to their opponent when there was nothing that could have changed the outcome otherwise – that’s humanity at it’s very best.

Some of you gave some examples of the same trait (here and here) at other sports a while ago. If you have ever witnessed the genuine sportsmanship at any field, sports or otherwise, and you did not at least well up – you need to drown yourself in the kitchen sink.

Want to add another layer to it? How about getting that reaction from fiercest of competitors like Hewitt, Nadal and Safin. Will that do it for you?

Contenders: Australian Open 2009.

Joker	Aces	Ist serve pct.	Sets lost/ Bagels dished	Unforced. Errors - Total	Bk pt conv %	Time on court.	Matches played
Nadal	38	69	2 / 1	103	49	14:35	6
Federer	74	63	2 / 2	150	54	12:35	6
Djokovic	29	66	2 / 0	120	52	10:03	4 OUT
Murray	14	61	0 / 1	52	54	4:15	3 OUT

I think selfish freaks like you are coming around.

Am I just dreaming to see all you cheap selfish lazy freaks doing stuff with nothing guaranteed in return?

It’s nice to see clowns coming out from under the rock to provide useful and ‘that work’ links to free stream for the tour. Or is there something that you are getting not known to me? Has to be. Why would you forfeit your natural tendencies?

Doesn’t it feel good to receive just ONE thank you from one lunatic whose life you ignited with joy because of your ‘selfless’ act? And the rest of you clowns who take the link and run with it, have the freaking decency to at least drop a thank you for the joker who took the time to post that valuable link. Geeeeezzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!

Why can’t we have separate order of play for men?

Why do we have to take the abuse of sifting through all the BS just to find mens’ schedule? Why don’t you add the Kangroos giving birth all over Australia too to it? Geeeezzzzzz!!!! Talk about having a fan friendly event.

Haven’t you heard of so many WNBA teams already going under? Know which side the bread is buttered and don’t sacrifice it for something just there for the skirts and the low neck lines.

Make it easy for the new fans to follow the sport instead of forcing your crap down their throat.

Did you like the 15lb lighter Roddick?

Sure you did!!! That has to be the new coach’s biggest achievement – so far. Had Roddick been at his ’2003 US Open winning year weight’ all along, well….. OK, he would have lost those Federer matches at least in a five setter – surely at Wimbledon. While then it would done that and more, NOW it’s just going to keep him in the top ten a little longer, that’s it. He’s not going anywhere at the Slams.

What would have been the landscape if Nalbandian had done that too few years ago? Well, if he’s still not doing it, it’s a moot point to even ponder. Serena is another who could have benefited immensely with the same strategy. Bartoli? Is Nadal getting there?

The new body type that’s emerging resembles more like Murray and Djokovic today. Even Sampras and Federer body types, forget about Agassi, Borg or McEnroe, are getting outdated in a hurry now.

So this is a step in the right direction for Roddick, but it’s too little too late. However, having the US flag flying a little longer at the top ten command post cannot hurt. Kudos to the what’s his name hankypanky to bring this about.

Federer wins first round with more questions than answers.

Although it was a straight set win, this is not anywhere close to the perfect start Federer had envisioned specially after butchering Wawrinka hours ago. Here are some stats that speak more than anyone can write about the match:

Unforced errors: 43.

Break points offered: 10.

Time on court: 2:21.

First serve %age: 57.

Double faults: 5.

With the qualifier taking out Moya to now face Federer in the next round, maybe lady luck is on Federer’s side. Or is it the qualifier’s time to claim his 15 minute time under the sun? As I have mentioned earlier, the most telling stat for me is how many break point opportunities did you offer to the opponent. In this case it was exactly the number you got. But considering all other obvious parameters pertaining to the match like the first round, need to ramp up to the bigger challenges ahead, two losses and inconsistent play etc. that’s not the number to gloat about.

In years past Federer has historically taken out the early rounders handily, more often than not dishing out bagels as far up as the third round. Granted Seppi has been playing better lately than what his ranking suggests, it still leaves that feeling of nervousness in Federer’s camp.

On the positive side, the critical first round jitters are now behind him, there was some good time spent on the court forcing him to find a way to win thereby sharpening the game, denying 10 break points in such a close match has it’s own built in booster and not facing Moya in the next round cannot be too bad.

For the early rounders, the motivation is purely monetary. They are not winning the title. Just moving to the next round at a Grand Slam and the huge windfall that entails, other than the bump in the ranking to avoid facing the big dog in the first round is all they have going for them. Of course beating the top dog also provides that international exposure good for the ego.

As players get stronger, more athletic and muscular, early rounders at future Grand Slams may not fit the typical tomato can mould for long. The days of dishing bagels the way both Federer and Borg did in their hey days may be gone for ever. Blanking someone may soon become an achievement worthy of more press coverage than today.

Besides when you are a Federer or a Nadal, it’s humiliating to be extended, even in a straight set win at the first round of ANY tournament. It’s like LeBron getting his shot blocked. That’s one of the most feared thought of any top sportsperson – not getting defeated but to get humiliated. Unfortunately despite many precedents when players had to retire because of getting manhandled by their younger opponents, there are very few instances where the top dog has retired while on top. Sampras and Lennox Lewis come to mind. Even Ali had to take the miserable step into the sunset.

The closest Federer got to it was at last year’s Wimbledon. Nadal’s will come at Roland Garros. You think?

But it’s also a tool to rededicate to the sport and gird up the lions to match the new quality of play. It’s also the time when the inevitable becomes a reality. It’s like being a teenage knowing you are indestructible to landing in the twenties looking for a job and being vulnerable. It’s also called finally being under the mountain to bring you back to reality.

Another free stream for Australian Open. From Serran. Thanks.

SERRAN

http://www.rojadirecta.com

Just select one of the NO_P2P options. The quality is awesome, and you can watch every court.

Also a lot of other sports too ^_^

Cheers,

Serran.

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Is Espn360.com the best free stream for the AO right now?

That channelsurfing.net appears to have lost it’s quality. Or do you have any better?