Is Nadal getting carried away with this Davis Cup hype?

Considering he is in the same boat as Federer (injury) who has dumped DC this year and since calendar Slam is a real possibility requiring elimination of every non-essential tournament not earning points for the No. 1 spot, it’s hard to imagine that he is so adamant about DC.

Granted you are excited about your country and everything, but don’t you think that cause will be better served with a calendar Slam even if it comes at the expense of DC participation?

Your return from injury should not be predicated on when the next important event is for whatever reason(s). It should be solely dependent on whether the wound has healed completely or not.

With a track record of three years already of you fading in the second half of the season, aren’t you shooting yourself with an avoidable activity. This is the time you will be forgiven even if you skipped events to protect your No. 1 rank in view of a bigger prize ahead.

Instead you are adding another wrench to the mix to further complicate matters. Going down with an injury so early in the season to a knee that has never troubled you in the past should have you retreating not adding new stuff this year.

If you fail to win the US Open after having won the other three majors this year due to fatigue or injury, wouldn’t DC participation come into question?

Which great has ever been mentioned glowingly for having won DC for his country? Nobody even keeps count. All that’s remembered is if you broke the two golden records of the sport: Majors and No. 1 rank. That’s freaking it.

Or is this the candy you are negotiating with Uncle Tony for having obeyed all his orders so far? That momentary joy may prove to be very costly.

Have you noticed, already?

Djokovic has completely stopped forcibly hugging players at the net now. Even Ferrer in the finals went begging.

Has he been reading the nonsensical crap on this site? Or has it now moved in doors?

If this is the wing span you can get from super fit players, shouldn’t Bartoli be able to fly and Roseanne actually become a passenger plane?

Being ashamed of his baby crying, part of the reason for Federer’s absence?

It may not be a big piece, but it must have surely been one of the important ones to justify this hiatus in Federer’s mind.

Remember Federer was barely able to make eye contact at the press conference after the AO loss, attempting to hide under the bill of his cap?

While in the act, sobbing so uncontrollably may have appeared natural, but as the whole episode started to sink in gradually, Federer must have realised what a clown he made of himself in front of the whole world.

Being a much anticipated Nadal-Federer match, the audience was much larger than it would have been for any other final thereby attracting even non-tennis / sports fans.

Add to it the fact that unlike the last time he cried here, no one really was crying with him, most of all Mirka, to make the spectacle even more pathetic and humiliating.

You think this will make him and other players around him in the locker room and elsewhere quite uncomfortable for sometime? You bet!!!!

This leave is equivalent to Charles Barkely being taken off  TNT after his DUI arrest to allow things to cool down.

I often wonder how Federer will be able to cope with the real game called life after tennis, if he is so vulnerable and fragile when things don’t go his way. Will Mirka and the break up do it? Remember Borg?

Djokovic wins Dubai title to let out a huge exhale.

This event, after everyone withdrew, became like a thankless job for Djokovic. The type of activity where you gain no mileage with a win but lose massive points if you don’t.

Will it prove to be the ‘getting over the hump’ title for Djokovic considering how poorly he has performed over the last ten months, or is this just a blip on the curve destined southwards?

Last two matches here should provide the much needed mental reinforcement for Djokovic to move up couple of notches to last year’s bar. Although there was no Nadal, Federer or Murray, both Simon and Ferrer matches were no walk in the park either.

Any title at this point would have worked for Djokovic even if it comes with the big cat absence.

But the back and forth breaking of each other in this final points to inconsistency from Djokovic not likely to stand the test of the big dogs. To get so many chances to break back after being down in the final of an event of this calibre is not going to happen routinely.

From a fan’s perspective, you can only hope this title rejuvenates Djokovic to where he can be a legitimate fourth leg of the stool to provide some color and spark to this season.

Certainly the big three watching Djokovic stumble through the tournament by dropping two sets - one to some Hernia and the other to Simon – will not be too impressed or alarmed, particularly Federer since his No. 2 rank now appears to be the next one on the chopping block. 

But the way things stand today, just being able to breath may be all you need to win titles this season.

Photos.

Today, the four highest-paid female athletes in the world are from the tennis circuit?

Click here for more.

Have you come across these annoying clowns? Sure you have!!!

The jokers who think they have produced a masterpiece by being creative about the greeting they leave on the answering machine.

“We are not in. Please leave a message and one of us will get back to you”. Really? Thanks for clearing that up. I was confused about what I would do if BOTH of you called back.

Have you had that moron who records a ‘Hello’ and then pauses to make you believe it’s a live person? And then says “Gotcha”? Moron, this was being done when Washington was President. You are not making anyone laugh. It’s downright annoying. Geeezzz!!!!

How about husband and wife leaving the greeting together? What a freaking novel idea. Now I feel so much better leaving the message.

And this one: “Leave your message after the tone. Wait for the tone”. If you still have contacts who need to be reminded about the tone BS, maybe you are due for some sunshine not reaching that rock you are under.

And don’t EVEN drag me to the lunatics with a whole story with a ‘living happily ever after’ crap!!!

Morons, save your creative BS  for your dead end job and spare us, puulllese!!! Try “Leave a message” or the standard greeting that comes with your cheap phone. Geeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!

Djokovic vs Ferrer: Shot making vs retrieving ability.

Whoever is able to execute his strength  more consistently and for a longer period of time will emerge victorious.

Ferrer wins most of his matches by sending back EVERY freaking ball. He may not match the juice Nadal manages, but it still carries a lethal sting with potential to frustrate anyone, particularly Djokovic with a spotty track record when pushed after an exhaustive match.

But Djokovic’s arsenal is more advanced and with far more fire power than Gasquet or any of the other clowns Ferrer has had a win over specially on this surface.

Although the H2H is 3-3, Ferrer has won just one match on hard courts, the other two were on clay. Even on clay Djokovic extended the match to a three setter while on the other hand dishing a bagel last time they met on hard courts at AO last year.

But the momentum here is clearly with Ferrer. Just having more fuel in the tank by dispatching Gasquet in 75 minutes compared to two hours and 44 minutes for Djokovic, should give him a huge mental and physical advantage going in.

But Djokovic has his back against the wall and will be putting everything on the line to snatch his first title of the year to stop the bleeding. While the Simon match was long, there are many positives that Djokovic can carry over to keep him motivated to win here.

Battle royal or will it be a lopsided affair to remind us of the ‘big cat’ absence?

Who is the most successful person in the world?

One with most money, toys, good looks, good health, property…? Have a clue? No, you don’t!!!

It’s the one to whom the Creator gave the ability and courage to NEVER deviate from the sacred principles governed by that little voice in all of us called the conscience. Why?

Because that person is the most content and happiest clown in the world. No matter what happens to him the strength and resiliency that invaluable gift provides has the potential to guide him to the top everyfreakingtime.

You see when you leave yourself no option in any given situation, you learn to live with the outcome with power and satisfaction. Don’t even give yourself another route when faced with your next ’compromising’ situation.

Stand your ground and do not waiver from the right path, even if it entails a setback to you. It will bring truck loads of contentment and happiness which that trivial gain can never compete with.

As you get stronger with it by repeating it, you’ll notice how the petty annoyances of life will lose their sting raising you high above the cloud of serenity, love and true happiness.

Then you too will become one of the most successful people in the world. Oh, what did you say? There are no such people anymore? You’ve heard that famous saying, haven’t you? “World has always been run and will always be run mainly by good people”.

I know I am barking up the wrong tree with all you cheap, lazy freaking freaks but I had to unload this BS on someone. Attempt with the goats didn’t go too well. I don’t know what makes me think it will do any better with you cheap freaks.

Djokovic dodges a bullet to book final berth at Dubai.

Simon is very close to Cilic in that he is extremely talented and has dramatically improved his game over the past 12 months, BUT he cannot hang with the big dogs consistently with that weak frame. This is exactly where Murray was couple of years ago before he beefed up just enough to align with his game and talents.

So Simon has the blue print and this miserable fade in the third set despite being up a break should be enough motivation to move in the right direction.

For Djokovic, it was bitter sweet. Under current circumstances, these are matches Djokovic needs to close with authority and decisiveness. This could very well have been a Nadal or a Federer under normal conditions and this level of play would have placed him under another premature retirement cloud.

It’s sweet because he dug himself out of a hole twice – losing the first set and then going down a break in the third. But given the landscape it’s not too big of a consolation.

After all, of the four events he has played so far, he has not only not reached a final at any one of them, he has already lost in the opening round this year to Gulbis at Brisbane. So this event, with all the absenteeism, the final berth is still far short of what’s expected of him now. Nothing short of winning a title will suffice.

BTW, did you watch his interview after the Simon match? He could barely breathe.

Additionally, winning a title with another scarper against a clearly ‘not in the same league’ Ferrer will only work to take some more shine off the trophy on Sunday, if he wins that is.

The only way to vindicate and learn from the Simon scrapper is to produce a dominating performance in the final, more for himself but for the rest of the field too. It’s required to clear the notion, although meekly, that he would have never won if the big cats were around.

He may still not be able to convince everybody, but if he loses in the final or does another Simon encore, he will be hurting both from within and outside.

Ferrer should feel emboldened with what he did to Gasquet and what he saw from Djokovic against Simon. It’s all about belief. You think Nadal would have won the AO final if he had lost the first set? Not likely.

Ferrer has the belief now. Only an utterly crushing first set from Djokovic in the final can now shake that. Ferrer has a very good shot at the title given Djokovic’s record at and after long gruelling matches.

Djokovic IMO needs to move up and leave his ‘teething’ coach behind now. He should seek a true professional more so after what’s happened in the last ten months or so. He can still retain the old buddy, but more as an assistant coach.

Djokovic has outgrown his coach’s abilities. That lovey dovey association has to be replaced by a no nonsense straight talking SOB to force Djokovic to move to the next level irrevocably. If he stays within his current comfort zone, he is in for some serious and ever lasting hurt.

Djokovic teased John McEnroe earlier for a coaching job without any result. He cannot stop kissing the toads because of that. It’s survival of the fittest with no room for emotions and old friendships if they are in the way.

Djokovic now has enough material on his plate pointing to new direction in practically all facets of his tennis career. Time to strike or he will get passed in a hurry never to return again. There are many precedents who can testify to that.

It’s vital for tennis that he stay and run with the other three clowns to make the season and sport interesting and intriguing. Otherwise, as we have seen here, the plot seems boring and dull. All four jokers have to be up there neck to neck to draw the most blood this year.

Photos.

Who will win Dubai title?

Safin to retire at Paris this year.

What will he be remembered for most? Smashing rackets, beating Federer at the AO five-set thriller, beating Sampras in straight sets to win the US Open title, movie star looks and chicks? Two majors (won after beating two greatest players in the sport) and the No. 1 rank too.

He has always been hugely popular with fans worldwide even without his immensely skillful game. Many times fans have preferred to watch a Safin match on the outer courts over big name matches at the main stadium.

It would be interesting to follow his post tennis moves. They should be packed with as much drama and action.

What will be do after retiring?

-Modeling.

-Movies.

-Porn?

One thing he shouldn’t opt for: Marriage. It’s likely to evoke the ire those foot faults did.

Shouldn’t these ball marks on the court be enough to eliminate Hawk-Eye? Just clean the court at each changeover and it’s done.

Murray’s exit at Dubai – good or bad for Djokovic?

Djokovic may have just played the best match since faltering after a great start last year. Against Cilic there’s a lot more at stake. Their respective countries may not be at war, but there’s that tension forcing the best from Djokovic.

Saving all six break points against a potential top five player adds another twist to the drama. Cilic is clearly talented but appears to suffer from the same ailment Djokovic is hurting with: Fitness and endurance.

He needs to find a way to strengthen his physic without bulking up like Nalbandian. His 6’6″ frame is another tool he should build his game around instead of other way.

It’s a very inspiring win for Djokovic. But with Murray withdrawing, the expectation to win a title here gets even bigger. With now just Simon and Gasquet in his way, it would be another devastating blow to his confidence if he fails.

Maybe this is what he needs. A field devoid of the top three clowns at an event like Dubai to win a title so he can restart the engines.

Federer & Mirka vs Hewitt & Molik.

Federer in a rare moment.

Photos.

Hewitt and his growing family.

B U T ful city of Dubai.

Federer is faking the injury?

Severin Luthi, the Swiss Davis Cup captain who is also serving as Federer’s coach these days, defended the absence of his top player. “People who think that Roger is faking an injury don’t know anything. He really wanted to show himself in Davis Cup this year,” Luthi said to Sportinformation.

In an interview with Blick,Federer’s physical trainer Pierre Paganini said the pullouts were a preventative measure: “I want to make this clear: Roger is not injured. What we are doing is purely precautionary. We will be training in Dubai for the next two weeks. Roger has flown in two sparring partners to work with him on court.”

What do they say? Where there’s smoke there’s fire. If even the cleanest guy in tennis is being maligned so ruthlessly what’s in store for clowns like Djokovic?

But what could be the reason for Federer to pretend and miss the only early event (Dubai) to gain vital points in his quest to reclaim the No. 1 rank?

Given Federer’s hypochondriac slant towards his health and injury, it has to be something he must think that can flare up sooner than later. This is not like the ankle injury he had at TMC what two years ago.

You can immobilise the ankle joint with a cast to heal the injury, but with a central joint like back lot more is needed and for a longer period of time to make the pain and discomfort go away for good.

I have a feeling that this back problem will linger for the rest of Federer’s career. Why? Because there’s no time to rest. Any lengthy absence from the tour now is not even an option, considering No. 28 approaching fast and No. 14 within a stone’s throw.

Is this another Agassi in the making – for the wrong reasons? More for his back problems than his resurgence late in his career?

But Federer will not be able to mask the problem from curious eyes for too long. First indication will be the drop in both the ace count and the first serve percentage. Playing Nadal and Murray too often won’t help either.

My ultimate weakness. Make it yours too.

Always repay the good done to you from even the tiniest ant – preferably anonymously.

What’s the one word for it? LOYALTY.

Betrayer is lower than even the dirt of the Universe.

Remember the Godfather scene when that Baker is pleading for his daughter’s boyfriend, Enzo to stay in the US? And remember when later that same Enzo comes back to help Michael at the hospital, even after being told that there’s ‘going to be trouble’?

His reply “If there’s going to be trouble, I’ll help you – for your father, for your father”.

That’s priceless.

Don’t ever leave this world without paying back all the good that ever came to you from known or unknown sources. Be always loyal to people who have always had your back. No reward is big enough to entice you to do anything otherwise. History from the Stoneage era is proof enough.

Photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who’s more likey to pull off an upset at Dubai?

Have you noticed the tsunami building amongst the top ten or so?

1. Nadal.

2. Federer.

3. Djokovic.

4. Murray.

5. Davydenko.

6. Roddick.

7. Del Potro.

8. Simon.

9. Verdasco.

10. Monfils.

11. Tsonga.

Only three senior citizens are left: Federer, Roddick and Davydenko. By the end of this year maybe just one of them may survive the onslaught. Davydenko may not even have to wait that long.

As with the height and the muscular bar that’s gone up recently, age amongst the top ten players will take an inverse hit with an average clown not more than 25. Days of post 26 jokers hanging around at the top are gone.

Blake, Gonzalez, Nalbandian, Robredo are last of their breed.

So what’s the new standard to be amongst the top ten?

-6′ 2″.

-Muscular and athletic. No Agassi-like creature will ever get there now.

-Under 25 years.

-Body type closer to Murray’s and Djokovic’s.

-Weird parents.

What makes a Nadal calendar Slam more of a reality than it ever was with Federer?

He has already won on all surfaces? Duh!!!

US Open is more of a case of Nadal getting there a lot fresher than he has ever been in his career. If that requires pulling out of Cincinnati or Montreal or whatever, Nadal’s camp has to consider that possibility even if it leaves the No. 1 rank open to attack.

Although Federer is about 4000 points off the lead and is No. 2, the real challenge to the top spot by the time US Open arrives will most probably come from Murray.

But with Djokovic’s precedent of fading after a stellar start last season, Nadal camp will be kept guessing for sometime.

As things stand today, it appears Nadal is more likely to protect and extend his lead for the top spot over getting a calendar Slam. Calendar Slam don’t just happen. Unless a very focused and pointedly directed effort is underway, to the exclusion of every thing else, it’s not going to show up.

With Nadal’s current focus clearly blurred by the adrenaline of getting to No. 1 alongwith the existence of real threat(s), the needed determination required to win a calendar Slam may not be there.

Nevertheless, it’s as close it has ever been since Rod Laver achieved it in the dark ages.

The only motivation that may provide the real fodder for it will be Nadal’s realisation that this is another shot he has at trumping Federer. Like Agassi, even if Nadal doesn’t get to No. 14 or whatever, he will always have this to go one up on Federer (Agassi has the career Slam missing from Sampras’s resume).

With Roland Garros a virtual lock and three straight appearances at Wimbledon finals, one with a win, US Open seems the only leg needing work. That will bring Nadal to nine Slams at age 24, more than anyone in the open era, except Federer, Borg and Sampras.

With Federer likely to slip even further after turning 28 at Wimbledon, if the back doesn’t add to the momentum, and Djokovic already languishing, the next few years may see Nadal and Murray as the real contenders, health issues permitting.

Lot of good can come from Nadal bagging the calendar Slam to everything related to the sport. It will provide an awesome boost and put a new set of balls as the new face of the sport. With Nadal’s reputation, it can only mean well for everyone and everything involved.

Have you ever been this stupid? Sure you have!!!

You call your bank’s customer service and go ballistic on how they have messed up your deposit, withdrawal, check or whatfreakingever. Keep in mind you are unloading on a clown who works minimum wage and is not too bright or matured to take that abuse.

AND that clown has all your personal information right on the screen from your social security number to your phone number to your address to where you shop to where you work etc. etc.

Sure banks have safeguards but if you push that clown far enough, you think there’s a chance that you might, at least, get some crank calls at midnight if nothing more? Sure.

With identity theft on the rise, time for you to pipe down.

Translation: Use your mattress or never get mad. Be freaking smart.

Here’s another twist to Federer getting a coach.

Click here.

Here’s something if you drink and eat out a lot.

Stop eating out, for crying out loud. If you haven’t gotten the message yet, try this:

Did you know there are people who run around with a dropper to mess with your drink and food, just to see how big a fool you’ll make of yourself after whatever they’ve put in your drink takes affect?

Paramedics report treating a string of people after being ‘ruffied’ up and down a certain street, to confirm that it’s been perpetrated by a group of people in a selected area lined with restaurants.

Even bartenders have occasionally had fun with it. If it hasn’t happened to you yet, it’s because you may not have gone to the restroom with your food and drink open to attack. Or you have just not been targeted for fun yet.

Will that work for you?

Wanna try again? First correct answer = Wall Of Fame listing.

Who are the only four men to have won Grand Slam titles on grass, hard and clay courts?

Agassi now competing with a mike?

Too late!!!! Should’ve thought about it before getting in. And shrinking the lips is not likely to help. Save that for other places. Geeeeeezzzzzzz!!!

Who is most likely to be mistaken to be of the opposite sex?

Or who would get there with minimal make up, clothes and effort?

-Gasquet.

-Simon.

-Santoro.

-Serena.

-Jankovic and Stepanek: Sexless? Just to keep the human from deteriorating any further?

-Nalbandian AND pregnant?

-Djokovic.

-Justine Henin.

-Clisters.

-Mauresmo.

-Janet Reno. Still investigating who’s been sending those cards to her on father’s day.

Stubble looks best on whom?