Nadal’s win over Berdych a boost or a bust?

Nadal played like he was at a US Open final with career Slam on the line. To say that about Nadal who is typically laser-focused on every match is a massive reflection on Berdych despite the straight set scoreline.

It was a very very close match not reflected in the stats with Nadal having to produce some of his most scintillating tennis to edge past Berdych. Considering the current landscape of a mountain heap of upsets, it may not be that bad at all for Nadal but it did remind you of near-similar effort Nadal put out against Murray at the AO while losing in straights.

Put Berdych and Murray together and you get the picture.

While Nadal has to be pleased that he managed to snuff out some of the best offensive tennis from Berdych with his trademark defense, he has to wonder at how much of a disparity there is between the top dogs and Berdych to temper the celebrations.

But one thing appears certain: Nadal is motivated to reclaim his spot on the tour. Barring injury that stance can only make things interesting for the fans. Match against Ljubicic should provide ample opportunity for Nadal to recoup some of the points he may have lost against Berdych.

Translation: We know Nadal is still good enough for everyone other than the top five. Last season was proof. But for him to make good on that – again – he has to dispatch Berdychs and the like with a little more ease and with a lot less focus while slaying the bigger dragons simultaneously.

Roddick raises awareness.

Click here.

Murray-Soderling show down.

Click here.

ATP shot of the day for Thursday.

Click here.

Nadal after beating Berdych.

Click here.

Here’s my good Samaritan deed for the decade.

Note to Agassi:

Mr. Agassi, I have this neighbor who was conversing with me yesterday. Suddenly, out of the blue, he started impersonating your walk and the shirt scroll. I politely requested him to stop since this is not proper, but he not only refused but added your ‘blowing your nose on the court’ routine to the act.

He further added some derogatory words about the ‘sorry’ (his words) shape of your bald head, the lazy eye and what really got me was his mention of your ballooning (his words) weight.

His address is 67885, Goat lane, New York, CA – 98764. He usually takes a walk around 8:00 pm every night. His phone number is 989-678-5678. He also owns a great herd of goats some of them have gone missing lately and he suspects me.

For Sampras:

Mr. Sampras, this clerk at the grocery store was running my groceries through the scan when, like totally out of the blue, started talking about how much of a cheapster you are. He even reversed his pockets in his attempt to ridicule you.

As usual I reminded him of your great stature and that this was not nice. He not only ignored it but actually initiated a tirade on how your wife is SOLELY responsible for the end of your career. I told him not to get personal, but he just continued on and on.

He lives at 324, Balls street, Chicago, NY – 12334. He gets off work at 5:00 every day and has a big head. He also has a habit of commenting on my larger than usual purchase of Vaseline.

Stat I am most interested in today.

Foot faults before and after Serena shoved the ball down the throat.

As a side note, I may also look at the total number of foot faults that confused four-eyed lineslady has called over her career and how many have come after that episode.

And the total number of foot faults per season before and after the spectacle – prorated.

And when is she calling Serena’s match again? Which is the next ‘opening’ Serena is most likely to go for? And does that lady have those openings, first and second are they available?

Who is the biggest culprit in the history of the sport for foot faults – ATP and WTA?

And when will we have a separate Hawk-Eye / replay for foot faults – after someone is deceased or a more difficult opening is chosen – and executed?

And why was that foot-fault lady at yesterday’s match? Do you really fly these out of shape / down syndrome officials all over the freaking globe? Is it that hard to find locals for such a hard specialized job? Geeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photos.

All that pressure is only going to one place. Please check at your first convenience.