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Tennis Planet 
M said
Johnny Isner and Nicholas Mahut win ESPYs for Best Record-Breaking Performance
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/07/Other/ESPY-Awards-Isner-Mahut-Win.aspx
M said
Claire said
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38243379/ns/sports-tennis/#storyContinued
Stella said
Serena’s carnival houseparty
Jenny said
I’m missing the man already.
Chicago Fan said
Hi All,
Is anyone planning to go to Cincinnati in August?
D.S.G. said
That would be sooooooooooooo nice, but no, I’m not going. Anywhere below the 48th parallel in the northern hemisphere in August is too HOT.
Jenny said
The man from Toledo/Madrid.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2010/07/ATP-Uncovered-S2-E27-Feliciano-Lopez.aspx
extranjera said
I wonder how many tennis players have the skills to do this?
Chicago Fan said
There is an interview with Rafa on si.com.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/jon_wertheim/07/16/nadal.interview/index.html
Stella said
Andy Murray beginning his US Open preparation at the Atlantis resort in Nassau, with Kim Sears
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1296064/Murray-girl-swap-SW19-tropical-paradise-spends-time-gym.html
Blake said
“I See Your True Colours Shining Through….”
from Tennis.com’s Ticker:
Soderling disappointed, angry after Bastad loss
Local favorite and defending champion Robin Soderling exited Bastad upset and angry after losing the final on Sunday. The Swedish No. 1 refused to acknowledge the umpire after the match or congratulate his victorious opponent Nicolas Almagro in his post-match speech, and he left the court before the trophy ceremony was over.
Swedish press reported that Soderling appeared to be close to tears. “I was so incredibly disappointed,” he said.
Soderling received a warning for smashing his racquet after losing the first set and got a point penalty for the same offense in the last game of the match.
“I bounced the racquet and caught it twice,” Soderling said. “If you’re supposed to give warnings and point penalties for such things, it would be 10 warnings in every match.”
———————————————————————-
And you wonder why Rafa fans (on the majority) hate Robin Soderling? Here’s a clue: It’s not just because of what happened at the 2009 French Open.
Jenny said
Soderling was bad tempered all week, he acted like a spoiled brat and a sore loser, sorry to say. It wasn’t as if any of his opponents, Seppi, Ferrer or Almagro did anything to provoke him. Infact they were very businesslike and professional throughout. I saw all three matches. Robin’s grumpiness started when he was being outplayed by all three and as I said previously, I thought he was lucky to reach the final. I could be wrong, but I think a touch of underestimation was going on there. Seppi is a dangerous player and a fit Ferrer is top tier clay, did he honestly believe he could blast those two off a clay court in straights? Almagro and Ferrer both have more clay court titles, 5 and 6 respectively, Robin at almost 26 has one [Bastad]. He should also know that racquet smnashing can incur a warning, if it happens after, a player gets a point penalty which is exactly what happened to Robin in the final set, the umpire was quite right to do so, he wasn’t treated differently to anyone else in similar circumstances. I didn’t see what happened at the end of the match with Almagro, or the reported snub to the umpire and Nico, but he certainly looked very upset sitting on his chair before the ceremony, I think he was close to tears. I did hear a little of the awards speeches and he seemed fine and had recovered his composure and he did acknowlege Almagro. Hopefully he apologised to the umpire who was only doing his job.
ASH said
Things are getting heated on whether or not Ana Ivanovic should have been given a wild card into the upcoming Rogers Cup in Montreal…
Here’s the original article written on the subject from a Montreal newspaper:
http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Being+cute+enough/3298792/story.html
I’ve also written a post about it on my new blog (I’ve been a reader of Tennis Planet for years–used to post as Frances, which is actually my middle name!)
http://itaketheetennis.blogspot.com/2010/07/ivanovic-doesnt-deserve-wild-card-for.html
And another good take on the subject can be found here:
http://www.mindtheracket.com/2010/07/were-not-gonna-take-it/
Stella said
I’m one who thinks they were correct not to give her a wild card. Her drop in rankings is not due to illness or injury. sure she is cute but should players get in because of their looks?
Her game went to bits after she won at RG, got to No 1 and became the hunted rather than the hunter. Maybe it was the stress she couldn’t handle or all the other stuff that comes with fame and beauty but perhaps a few tournaments where she has to play to win ( in the quallies) might get her mind straight.
Jenny said
I agree with Stella. Okay Ana is a slam winner and deserves some consideration, as far as I’m aware, her slump hasn’t been down to actual injury or illness which could merit a wildcard, she hasn’t even reached veteran status with titles, which could also be considered. She needs to work her way back up the hard way if that’s what she wants in her career. If she plays great tennis with guts and determination, she’ll swim, if not she’ll sink.
jett09 said
Rafa enjoying a well deserved break 😉
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1296465/Rafael-Nadal-shows-skills-beautiful-game.html
RafaFan said
TP’s Golden Ball Movie Film Festival!
Now that the GOATS are on vacation we have time to read good books and watch interesting movies, no?
After TP’s Food Inc I proudly present another amazing film:
The Way Things Go (from Fischli & Weiss 1987, two Swiss performer artists).
Enjoy!
M said
More shots of Rafa in “beautiful game” action en vacances. From Diario Femenino. 🙂
http://www.diariofemenino.com/hombres/son-noticia/galerias/vacaciones-rafa-nadal-formentera/
jett09 said
Thanks M, Beautiful photos! Can’t stop staring at them 😳
UM17 said
Happy 1st Bday to the Federer girls, Charlene Riva and Myla Rose! From Daddy’s facebook page:
“We are celebrating Charlene Riva and Myla Rose’s first birthday today!
We are currently staying in Switzerland and are having a great time
together. We will be enjoying a birthday party later today which will
certainly be a treat for our two little ones.”
And a little pic.
jett09 said
For those of you who haven’t these photos…here. The girls have grown! They are gorgeous!
http://img541.imageshack.us/i/38143138370331118511900.jpg/
claire said
The 20 highest-earning International athletes
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By Jonah Freedman, Special to SI.com
All hail King Roger. The average earnings of the top 20 non-American sportsmen have broken the $30 million barrier for the first time, led by a new No. 1. With the all-time record for majors and unprecedented millions in winnings, endorsement dollars and lucrative exhibition fees, Roger Federer has dethroned David Beckham as the top-earning foreign athlete with a near $62 million haul.
Beckham, in fact, has fallen to No. 3. The Los Angeles Galaxy star is now also behind Argentine demigod and reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, who has ridden a mythic year to the No. 2 spot.
In all, this year’s list features seven soccer players, five motor-sports racers, three tennis players, two NBA stars, two baseball players and one boxer. As always, our list includes salary, bonuses, endorsement income and appearance fees. For the Fortunate 50 list of the top-earning American athletes, click here.
1
Roger Federer
Tennis
Switzerland
Last Year’s Rank: 9
$61,768,110
2
Lionel Messi
FC Barcelona (soccer)
Argentina
Last Year’s Rank: 4
$44,000,000
3
David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
Great Britain
Last Year’s Rank: 1
$40,500,000
4
Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid (soccer)
Portugal
Last Year’s Rank: 12
$40,000,000
5
Manny Pacquiao
Boxing
Philippines
Last Year’s Rank: 3
$38,000,000
6
Ichiro Suzuki
Seattle Mariners (MLB)
Japan
Last Year’s Rank: 15
$37,000,000
7
Valentino Rossi
Motor Sports
Italy
Last Year’s Rank: 5 (tie)
$35,000,000
8
Yao Ming
Houston Rockets (NBA)
China
Last Year’s Rank: 7
$34,378,325
9
Rafael Nadal
Tennis
Spain
Last Year’s Rank: NR
$27,466,515
10
Lewis Hamilton
Auto Racing
Great Britain
Last Year’s Rank: 8
$26,700,000
11
Kaká
Real Madrid (soccer)
Brazil
Last Year’s Rank: 18 (tie)
$25,100,000
12
Thierry Henry
New York Red Bulls (MLS)
France
Last Year’s Rank: 14
$24,000,000
13
Dirk Nowitzki
Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
Germany
Last Year’s Rank: 16
$23,795,714
14
Kimi Räikkönen
Auto Racing
Finland
Last Year’s Rank: 2
$23,600,000
15
Jenson Button
Auto Racing
Great Britain
Last Year’s Rank: 18 (tie)
$23,100,000
16
Ronaldinho
AC Milan (soccer)
Brazil
Last Year’s Rank: 11
$23,000,000
17
Fernando Alonso
Auto Racing
Spain
Last Year’s Rank: 5 (tie)
$22,600,000
18
Carlos Tévez
Manchester City (soccer)
Argentina
Last Year’s Rank: NR
$20,500,000
19
Miguel Cabrera
Detroit Tigers (MLB)
Venezuela
Last Year’s Rank: 18 (tie)
$20,250,000
20
Maria Sharapova
Tennis
Russia
Last Year’s Rank: 17
$19,923,619
Sources: Salaries, winnings and bonus figures from players’ associations, tour records, agents and news reports. Endorsement estimates from Burns Entertainment & Sports Marketing, other sports-marketing executives and analysts, and agents. Salaries based on current or most recently completed seasons (exception: 2010 for NFL). For winnings-based sports (golf, auto racing, tennis), 2009 calendar year amounts used. Boxing purses are from July ’09 to June 2010.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/fortunate50-2010/index.20.html#ixzz0unbPVeuj
claire said
From Federer’s website:
OFF COURT – ROGER TO DO TEST WITH PAUL ANNACONE
Dear Fans
I’ve been looking to add someone to my team and I’ve decided to spend some days with Paul Annacone. As Paul winds down his responsibilities working for the Lawn Tennis Association, we will explore our relationship through this test period. Paul will work alongside my existing team and I am excited to learn from his experiences.
Sol said
Thanks Claire!
Great news!
Not only cause some new input is always a good thing but also cause it shows Fed is not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. I hope this works out and Fed comes back to kick some major butts!
Best news I’ve heard in months.
Anonymous said
Annacone is a serve and volley guy. Just hiring him shows that Federer’s mind-set may be changing about his tactics. You may see a genuinely “new and improved” Federer who starts attacking the net more. Will be magnificent to watch.
claire said
Paul Annacone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul Annacone (left)
Paul Annacone (born March 20, 1963 in Southampton, New York) was a touring professional tennis player and later well-known tennis coach.
Contents [hide]
1 As a college player
2 As a touring pro
3 As a coach
4 Personal
5 Doubles titles (14)
5.1 Runner-ups (16)
5.2 Doubles performance timeline
6 References
7 External links
[edit]As a college player
The 6’1, 175 lbs. Annacone played three years of college tennis at the University of Tennessee, 1982–84, in the Southeastern Conference. He was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association player of the year in 1984, going 51–3 in singles while winning the ITA indoor singles championship that year. He was named all-SEC and all-American all three years of his college career with the ‘Vols’, amassing a 115–22 career singles record.
[edit]As a touring pro
The right-handed Annacone achieved his career best singles ranking in 1985 of World No. 12 and U.S. No. 6. A serve-and-volleyer who would often chip-and-charge when returning serve, Annacone played on the ATP tour until 1992, amassing a career singles win-lose record of 157–131. He won 3 singles titles during his career and was a Wimbledon quarterfinalist in 1984.
Annacone won more as a pro playing doubles, capturing 14 tournaments and achieving a high ranking in 1987 of World No. 3. With long-time partner Christo van Rensburg, Annacone won the 1985 Australian Open doubles title. Teamed with David Wheaton, Annacone was a 1990 U.S. Open finalist as well.
[edit]As a coach
Annacone has made more of a name for himself to the casual tennis fan as having been tennis champion Pete Sampras’s long-time coach. The two worked together full-time from 1995 to 2001 and again on a part-time basis in July 2002. From December 2001 to January 2003 Annacone was also Managing Director of the United States Tennis Association High Performance Program. He coached Tim Henman part-time, beginning in the autumn of 2004.
Annacone became the Lawn Tennis Association’s Head Coach in November 2006[1]. He also became Great Britain Davis Cup team coach in April, 2008, following the resignation of Peter Lundgren[2], while staying on with the LTA. In May 2010, Annacone announced his official departure from the LTA and the British Davis Cup team from November 2010 onwards.[3]
[edit]Personal
Paul and his ex-wife Tracy’s son Nicholas, now 21, attends his father’s alma mater. Their daughter Olivia is 15.
According to the ATP website, Annacone resides or has resided in Topanga, California.
[edit]Doubles titles (14)
sceral said
Hey TP! Look here – your girl Chakvetadze seems to be finding form again.
Chakvetadze claims Slovenia Open title
July 26, 2010
Former world No.6 Anna Chakvetadze, who has slumped to 103 in the world, clinched her first title for two years on Sunday with victory in the Slovenia Open.
The 23-year-old Russian eased past Sweden’s Johanna Larsson 6-1 6-2 in the final to claim her eighth career title, but first since winning the Paris Indoor tournament in 2008.
Chakvetadze, talented but notoriously frail, battled through the tournament the hard way, saving two match points before beating sixth seeded compatriot Vera Dushevina in the quarter-finals.
Jenny said
Murray splits with his coach.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/7913492/Andy-Murray-in-amicable-split-with-coach-Miles-Maclagan-after-Alex-Corretja-concerns.html
Jenny said
ATP Tour Uncovered – Juan Manaco, known as Pico.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2010/07/ATP-Uncovered-S2-E29-Juan-Monaco.aspx
Anonymous said
Interesting article from NYT 2009!
claire said
sceral said
Serena Williams Complains on Twitter Against Farmers Classic
Serena Williams’ foot injury has temporarily sidelined the 13-time Grand Slam champion, keeping her from playing in three tournaments in the U.S. Open Series, but it did not prevent her from making headlines on Saturday via her Twitter account.
Williams, the top-ranked female player on tour, went on Twitter to complain about the Farmers Classic tournament in Los Angeles. She claimed they would not give her free tickets to see Saturday’s semifinal men’s matchups.
Serena was miffed because she made an appearance earlier in the week at the tournament to take pictures with James Blake.
Greg Couch: Dunce Partners: Serena and Farmers Classic Officials
In a flurry of Twitter updates on Saturday, Serena posted:
Share “@farmersclassic = use @serenajwilliams than over charge her to see tennis! Lol. I would have paid been happy to $1000 If I did not plug them”
“@farmersclassic = use @serenajwilliams than over charge her to see tennis! Lol. Anywho don’t go if u r in LA”
“Omg! The @farmersclassic tennis tournament in LA is charging me $100 a ticket… After I plugged them!!! Lol ill send a bill for my plug!”
Serena then posted, “What to do? Maybe x games?? Who’s going?? Maybe ill see u??”
The X Games it was for the top-ranked Wimbledon champion. She later posted pictures of herself at the X Games on her Twitter account.
overcaffeinated said
Lendl’s back!! Former world number one Ivan Lendl will end a 16-year exile from tennis by joining the ATP Champions Tour, organisers of the tournaments for former tennis professionals confirmed on Monday.
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news/article/-/7690554/lendl-rekindles-mcenroe-rivalry
wuiches said
A spanish newspaper says that Nadal is going to skip toronto to give a rest to his knees
however this is only for printed edition, on the website they have nothing about it
so if there is any latin people(or you know some spanish) this is the link: http://www.tenisweb.com/images/toronto-marca.jpg
Jenny said
Gilles Simon’s three toughest opponents.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2010/08/Washington-2010-Simon-Toughest-Opponents.aspx
wuiches said
This is an interview of Nadal by the TV channel from Mallorca at the airport
http://dailychuckle.typepad.com/tennistoday/2010/08/rafael-nadal-is-on-his-way-to-toronto.html
He is speaking his native language, catalan, kind of close to spanish (my language, I’m mexican) but I understand only few words, however subtitles are in Spanish so “I’m going to try my best” for some sort of translation.
He says that he couldn’t work for 3 weeks so he started to train gradually, feels very hopeful about competing at the USO but he is not obsessed with it, he wants to do it better every time he goes there and wants to create opportunities and feel that he’s playing better on the court.
Asked about Roger, he says that it’s pretty normal what Roger is going through, that after all those years on top to keep the level of concentration is very hard but Roger will be back again, he takes his example, 4 months ago everybody was saying that he was done (Nadal) and now again all the people is saying that he is the best, so it’s normal to have up’s and down’s; also he says that no one ever will match Roger’s records.
Also he says that he is playing doubles with Djokovic, that they talked about it a long time ago, that he has an excellent relationship with him, and that’s all folks!!
I feel very lazy about to check the spelling right now(also I’m at work) so I’m sorry if I wrote something wrong
See ya
Claire said
http://espn.go.com/sports/tennis/blog/_/name/bodo_peter/id/5422641/will-annacone-revive-federer-career
Chicago Fan said
The Chris Evert/Greg Norman saga takes another ugly turn.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1295878/Greg-Norman-Chris-Everts-marriage-doomed-start-claims-big-sister.html
Blake said
Rafa & Djokovic playing doubles together in Toronto!!!!!!!
From Tennis.com’s Daily Spin:
The world’s No. 1 and No. 2 players, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, plan to play doubles together in Toronto, according to the event’s Facebook page. On Toronto sports radio station Fan 590, tournament director Karl Hale, who confirmed the matchup, said that Djokovic arrived in Toronto yesterday and Nadal arrived today. It’s the first U.S. Open warm-up for both players, so it makes sense that they might want to get double the matches by adding doubles. Plus, the two of them share the same manager in Benito Perez-Barbadillo. Now if only Roger Federer and Andy Murray would team up.
Ash said
I am so so excited about this! I wish more of the top players played doubles together. I totally understand why they don’t, but it would make doubles a lot more exciting.
Stella said
I know this site is almost always about men’s tennis.
But some of us watch the ladies too.
so can you add a link to the WTA tourneys
On the “what’s on” and my thanks will go to you.
M said
Stella, you are awesome. Thanks for this. 🙂
Sol said
TP, is that you?
overcaffeinated said
TP, this one ought to make your little peepers weep some… and then when you’re done, they will weep some more.
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news/article/-/7725265/run-37-years-atp-10
“No American player will be listed in the ATP Tour rankings top 10 next week for the first time since the system began 37 years ago, tour officials said on Friday. US second seed Andy Roddick lost 6-3 6-3 to Frenchman Gilles Simon in the third round of the ATP Washington Classic, ensuring the ninth-ranked American will tumble from the top 10 next week.”
I suppose you now have to turn your energy to your new favourite sporting hero, in Tyson Gay, as he seems to be the only person from the US doing anything significant on a global sport stage at the moment.
Claire said
First time we’ve heard from Federer since Wimbledon?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/one-on-one-with-the-maestro/article1665349/
wuiches said
TP,
There is a question that is killing my soul since some time ago, many people say that now the USO’s courts are faster than Wimbledon’s courts, but I watch again and again some matches on youtube and it seems to me that the ball runs faster at wimby than at USO.
I’ve found an article that supports my point of view, dates back to 2007 but I think it’s still valid, however I’m open to other opinions, this is the link:
http://www.sportingo.com/tennis/a4653_us-opens-hard-courts
This is important to me because it happens that in the past everybody used to say that grass was the best surface for Roger, but when Nadal defeated him at OZ and Wimby now everybody say that Roger’s best surfaces are “fast hard courts” like those of the USO.
I hope that the wise men (and women) of the free tennis planet world have an answer to my question
Adrian said
I was surprised to learn yesterday that Nalbandian’s Legg Mason title was only his 11th. When you put it in perspective, Vera Zvonareva — to me, a much younger and more “mercurial” player, as Peter Bodo has called Nalby — has 10 titles! Nalby has long been touted as “the next Grand Slam champion” and has simply not delivered… but 11 titles only?? For that much talent??
Anyway, I did a bit of research and here is a ranking of active men’s tennis players by number of titles, which I found interesting:
1. Roger Federer 62
2. Rafael Nadal 41
3. Andy Roddick 29
4. Lleyton Hewitt 27
5. N. Davydenko 20
5. Carlos Moyá
6. N. Djokovic 17
7. Andy Murray 14
7. J.C. Ferrero 14
9. Tommy Haas 12
10. Ivan Ljubicic 10
Adrian said
Oops!! I wasn’t done with the previous one…
Number of titles in the men’s circuit
I was surprised to learn yesterday that Nalbandian’s Legg Mason title was only his 11th. When you put it in perspective, Vera Zvonareva — to me, a much younger and more “mercurial” player, as Peter Bodo has called Nalby — has 10 titles! Nalby has long been touted as “the next Grand Slam champion” and has simply not delivered… but 11 titles only?? For that much talent??
Anyway, I did a bit of research and here is a ranking of active men’s tennis players by number of titles, which I found interesting:
1. Roger Federer 62
2. Rafael Nadal 41
3. Andy Roddick 29
4. Lleyton Hewitt 27
5. N. Davydenko 20
5. Carlos Moyá 20
7. N. Djokovic 17
8. Andy Murray 14
9. J.C. Ferrero 14
10. Tommy Haas 12
11. D. Nalbandián 11
11. Fernando Gonzalez 11
13. Ivan Ljubicic 10
14. J.M. del Potro 7
15. J.W. Tsonga 6
16. Soderling 5
16. Berdych 5
16. Fernando Verdasco 5
Others like Radek Stepanek and Rainer Schuettler have only 4, and David Ferrer apparently has only 2!!
Hope I didn’t miss anyone!!
Jenny said
LOL Adrian, David Ferrer has 8 titles! Tommy Robredo has 9.
Jenny said
Nicolas Almagro has 7.
Adrian said
ah jajaj! I knew it!!
Sorry… for some of them I was lazy and I just checked Wikipedia!! For others I did check the ATP website!!
Thanks, Jenny!!
Jenny said
You’re welcome, Adrian! For a minute there, I thought I was in the twilight zone with Ferru! Crazy situation regarding Nalby. Infact Barry Cowan or Peter Fleming thought he should have had around 35 titles including some slams.
jett09 said
Well thanks for clarifying that Jenny, I was just about to ask you? Who knows better than you 😆
Adrian said
Of course you would know about David Ferrer!! I should’ve checked his stats better given that I’d be facing the Jenny-police!! jajaja
I did check Feña and Nalby thoroughly, though!! Just for you, Jenny! jajaj
Jenny said
He..he.. Actually David has a grass title, 2 hardcourt, clay. Interesting, all of Fena’s titles are on clay [that’s from the top of my head].
Jenny said
5 clay.
Adrian said
Nooo, Jenny! Feña has 2 HC (Beijing and Auckland) and 1 indoor/carpet (Basel)! Shame on you!! jaja
Jenny said
Slap my own wrists! 😳 Actually I didn’t check, I did think it was odd, thanks Adrian! I remember his Olympic medals though and those wins came on a hard court. Another one who should have won a slam, imo.
Adrian said
Will Nadal surpass Federer?
People have been asking that question a lot lately. To me, it is possible but unlikely. I think most people would agree that Nadal found his peak earlier than most players, including Federer. The fact that he’s been winning titles like crazy for the last 4-5 years doesn’t mean he will keep his level of play and keep winning titles at the same pace. Given the age differential between Fed and Nadal, Rafa will have to win an average of at least 4-5 titles per year for the next 5 years in order to equal the number of titles Federer had on his 29th birthday.
Federer’s and Nadal’s titles by year:
Year: Fed Nadal
2001: 1 –
2002: 3 –
2003: 7 –
2004: 11 1
2005: 11 11
2006: 12 5
2007: 8 6
2008: 4 8
2009: 4 5
2010: 1 5
Average: 6.2 5.8
Adrian said
For this, I did check the ATP website!! LOL!!
M said
😆
M said
You know, it’s so intriguing to me how many in our little world continue to focus on that question.
To me, they both already have such *different* achievements. If no one in the world including Rafa ever surpasses Roger’s Slam record — which imo he’s far from through creating — Rafa has already surpassed both Roger and Andre with his Masters record.
It’s just more satisfying to me to celebrate each of them for what they’ve achieved, as opposed to comparing their accomplishments.
Adrian said
M, if this were Facebook, I would have “liked” your comment!!! :))
D.S.G. said
What Adrian said.
🙂
Jenny said
M, 🙂 I feel that way too. Btw Adrian, thanks for your posts 🙂
M said
Hee. Thank you, Jenny and D.S.G. You all are lovely.
And I’m with Jenny, Adrian — thank you for your comments and thoughtful analysis.
😀
jett09 said
“It’s just more satisfying to me to celebrate each of them for what they’ve achieved, as opposed to comparing their accomplishments.
I so totally agree with you M. I’m just so happy to be witnessing R&R’s greatness and may they continue for more years 😉 It will be a sad day for me when they both retire.
claire said
Ignore above – old article. I thought article date was 7/20 but then there’s talk about Nadal playing Hamburg. Sorry!
claire said
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Federer-keen-to-test-Annacone-coaching-partnership/articleshow/6285011.cms
Adrian said
Federer sets new Masters 1000 record
Roger Federer became the all-time match wins leader in ATP World Tour Masters 1000 action after defeating Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela 7-6(7), 6-3 on Tuesday night at the Rogers Cup in Toronto.
The World No. 3, who notched his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 win in 2000 at Miami, improved to a 210-65 lifetime record at the ATP’s premier level of tournaments. American Andre Agassi, the previous record holder, compiled a 209-73 mark from 1990-2006.
Federer returned to competition for the first time in more than a month, and was made to work hard in his second-round opener. Chela double faulted to give Federer a break in the sixth game, but prevented the Swiss from serving out the set as he converted on a triple break point opportunity to get back on serve at 5-4. Federer finally sealed the set after putting away his fifth set point of the tie-break.
The second set proved more straightfoward for the third-seeeded Swiss. Federer broke Chela to go up 3-2 and closed out the match in one hour and 21 minutes with another break of serve.
Federer is looking to win his 17 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title, and his first since last August at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati. He won his two Rogers Cup titles in 2004 and ’06 in Toronto.
This is Federer’s first tournament appearance as the world’s No. 3 player since the 2003 Tennis Masters Cup in Houston, where he ended up winning the title with victory over Andre Agassi in the final.
The Swiss, who celebrated his 29th birthday Sunday, will next face the winner of the Nicolas Almagro-Michael Llodra match.
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Match Wins Leaders
1. Roger Federer 210-65
2. Andre Agassi 209-73
3. Pete Sampras 190-70
4. Rafael Nadal 180-35
5. Andy Roddick 141-57
Adrian said
Rafa and Djoker playing foot-nis!
UM17 said
Big test coming up, miss you all. Just ran into this, had to share:
O said
It’s nice to hear Roger’s aim of winning 20 slams, and he
consider it a realistic goal exactly like anyone else can perceive it from his results. With Nadal in top form, we should have a lot good tennis coming from these two all time best players.
Federer sets sights on 20 Grand Slams
54 minutes ago
LONDON (AP)—Roger Federer has set himself a target of reaching at least 20 Grand Slam titles before he retires.
The 29-year-old Swiss took his tally to 16 with a victory at the Australian Open earlier this year, but he failed to get beyond the quarterfinals at either the French Open or Wimbledon and has dropped to No. 3 in the world rankings, his lowest position since November 2003.
However, despite his recent form, Federer told the BBC that winning 20 majors is a realistic aim.
“I believe that having won three Grand Slams per season three times, and two per year a couple of times, it’s something doable for me,” he said. “I only play 16-20 tournaments per year, so I’m not overplaying, and that keeps the fire burning.”
AdChoices
Federer, who is regarded by many as the greatest ever player, overtook Pete Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon in 2009. By winning the French Open a month earlier, he became only the sixth man in history to win a career Grand Slam.
But his aura of invincibility has faded in recent months: he has not won a title of any kind since the Australian Open, and his quarterfinal loss to Tomas Berdych at Wimbledon marked the first time he failed to make the final at the All England Club since 2002.
Federer, who is married with 1-year-old twin daughters, denied his motivation had waned.
“I’m giving 100 percent for each and every tournament that I play because I don’t play a ton of tournaments,” he said. “Tournaments like Toronto this week and Cincinnati next week are important to me, too. The motivation is huge for the next few years and obviously if I can win Grand Slams that’s fantastic, but they are not the only motivation over the next few years.”
However, Federer did admit that his body requires more attention than it used to.
“Being a teenager is different to being 23, and being 23 is very different to say being 28. Today, I know my body better than ever,” Federer said. “Some things take a little bit longer to recover from with age but I can prevent more problems by doing a lot more stretching, physical work, practice, massages. I’m doing everything much more professionally today than I ever have before.
“But then of course there’s no denying that I’ve played almost a thousand matches in my life and that obviously has a big wear and tear on your body, too, so you have to be a little bit more careful.”
Federer is playing at the Rogers Cup in Toronto this week, his first tournament since beginning a trial spell with Sampras’ former coach Paul Annacone.
He will target his 17th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, which begins on Aug. 30.
Jenny said
The Lost Art of Tennis
A nice article about Roger Federer and Michael Llodra
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/LOST+TENNIS/3393367/story.html#ixzz0wTlOdDJ5
Bjornino said
Llodra the Visionary?
I just read this article by P. Bodo at tennis.com
Interesting read imo! Very funny that Llodra actually pulled it off vs Federer. Bodo has been on a crusade to promote the underhand serve for years, and I loved this line: “Imagine Andy Roddick throwing in a sliced underhand serve when his opponent at Wimbledon is lined up to receive serve somewhere in Brighton.” 😀
Cheers/B
http://tennisworld.typepad.com/tennisworld/2010/08/llodra-the-visionary.html
Llodra the Visionary?
by Pete Bodo
I about fell to my knees and flung my arms skyward, screaming “Thanks, Michael!” when I read the following words in the Associated Press report out of Toronto last night:
In the second set, Llodra tried to put off Federer with a rare underhand serve.
“It’s the first time I got an underarm serve,” Federer said with a laugh. “The third time somebody asked me for the shirt [Llodra asked The Mighty Fed for his shirt after the match, a souvenir to give to his kids].”
Llodra put spin on it, causing the ball to go sideways when it hit the court. Federer seemed ready to swat a forehand winner but instead barely got his racket on the ball, sending it well wide.
“I just wanted to make something special,” Llodra said.
It’s funny, but my to-do (I should say “to-write”) list contains an item about rekindling my long, lonely crusade on behalf of the underhand serve. Those of you who have read this blog regularly over the years know I’ve posted on this subject before. The underhand serve is the great, unexploited stroke in tennis. The pros eschew it only out of allegiance to convention, which somehow dictates that serving underhand is unsporting unless you have no other option.
I always thought that an odd, suspiciously Victorian prejudice. If the underhand serve is unsporting, so is the drop shot. They’re one and the same thing, and both can or could make the game richer. Imagine Andy Roddick throwing in a sliced underhand serve when his opponent at Wimbledon is lined up to receive serve somewhere in Brighton.
Imagine Roger Federer hitting an exquisite, feathery, underhand serve while set point down against Rafael Nadal. Given that the serve is the only stroke over which the ball striker has complete control (that is, he’s not having to react and/or adjust to anything his opponent has done), any pro could develop a deadly underhand serve to compliment his standard delivery with a modest amount of practice.
Part of the prejudice against the underhand serve is that it’s perceived as “unmanly.” It’s a shot for weenies. Well, you know progressive, enlightened me. Not only do I think that’s a bunch of hooey, it also represents an opportunity to make the game richer.
And here’s another thing. How much longer must we wait before we got a few top players who hit only forehands? Let’s face it, there’s no shot quite as devastating as the forehand, not even the (highly overrated) Richard Gasquet or David Nalbandian backhand. Monica Seles and former world No. 4 Gene Mayer (that’s him in the photo below, alongside Mansour Bahrami) each hit with two hands off both wings. But using two hands cuts down reach, makes retrieving short and/or low balls more awkward, and requires more effort and movement of the torso. Just visualize Nadal, easily slipping the racket from one hand to the other to hit forehands.
There have been a few players who used two forehands through the years but none recently (can any of you old-schoolers help me out with the names?). There may well be some neurological or bio-mechanical explanation for who there haven’t been more double-forehands at the international level, perhaps even psychological reasons. But I’m unaware of them. At the very least, any ambidextrous youngster should be able to develop two forehands.
One impediment to this development might be the age at which players are taught the game. Most of the tour level players begin playing when a lack of strength mandates using two hands on the racket (hence, Seles and Mayer, among others). As I understand it, the extra hand comes off on the forehand side as the player gains strength, even if it remains on the weak (backhand) side.
I do think that if we get a player with two forehands, it might add a new tradition and dimension to the game. Remember, while Chris Evert, Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg were not the first players to use the two-handed backhand, their influence helped make it the dominant backhand (by far) in the new century. And that was indeed a change.
Well, that’s it for me for today. Please keep your comments here on topic, and use the previous post for Cincinnati and Toronto match-calling. Plus, Jackie-Oh! will be back soon with a Deuce Club post, live from Toronto. I’ll be on vacation next week, and out of touch over the first few days, but I should be back by Thursday. Bobby Chintapalli, who’s been working on some stuff for TENNIS magazine in Cincinnati, is also going to return with some further thoughts. So there will be plenty to talk about.
Stick around.
Somebody Else said
Roddick’s had mono:
http://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news?slug=ap-roddick
O said
Federer is waking up
He used to beat less players in straight sets. With better opponents, he often wore them down, and finished them off with a lopsided final set.
But after having won practically everything, an RG after several tries, a record 16 slams, he has lost some interest, and some killer instinct, losing matches after healthy leads. Part of the problem is fatigue, bruises and injury.
With a new coach and new attitude, he promptly beat Berdych and Djokovic, back to number 2 in the world, showing that he still has the game all along. At this point, he did allow people to push him to the brink, literally.
All could change with small adjustments, in tactics, strategies and so on. He basically needs to raise his game and try to win the tourney now, and then, you know relax a little the next tourney. Start enjoy the trophy and get back to practice if lose early.
Paul could be a great fit for Federer. The reason is that Sampras whom he coached, with a more limited arsenal, have enjoyed a better winning percentage in finals or slam finals. Some change in Federer’s game can get him back to his previous level, where he denied his opponents their game and chances. For example, Djokovic was allowed to put on a great show the 2nd and 3rd set, hit accurate winners to the far corners. In such a case, Federer has the ability to cruise to victory after building the lead of a set and a break.
I think he is waking up to some tennis that we are more used to.
Somebody Else said
I wouldn’t make any declarations just yet. His shotmaking is not yet as sharp and effective and as it could and should be. His sense of gauging his opponents position and movement across the net may have diminished, and as a result he has had fewer magical shotmaking moments in the last two-plus years. Maybe he can regain his balancing act of movement and keen peripheral sense again. Maybe. A coach will most likely be there to help prolong his economical style of play which is what helped get him to 16 GS titles over approximately 7 years.
wuiches said
In case you haven’t read it, this is Nadal’s interview after he lost to Murray:
http://www.rogerscup.com/men/english/interviews.php
Once you get there(downloadable file) you must click on Nadal’s name obviously.
His words are interesting, we must not declare him dead yet TP!!!
Barbara said
Somebody Else, Federer’s shot making is not sharp? Just look at this:
D.S.G. said
My jaw is still on the floor and my heart is still in my mouth!! That was AMAZING.
Many thanks for that, Barbara!
Somebody Else said
That’s pretty cool, but this is not a tennis match. He’s not reacting to an opponent’s moves here.
I’m making a point that Fed’s shotmaking skills are not on display with as much frequency as when he was playing his best tennis years ago. I suspect the reason for this is largely due to physical preoccupations. I wonder if he’s worrying about his speed, which appears somewhat diminished and has caused him to more frequently work to get the ball back to his opponent’s midcourt AS OPPOSED TO executing a variety of shots to catch his opponent off-balance, or simply hitting a succession of dazzlers down the line for winners, which he would do often and better than anyone I’ve ever seen (Sampras coming in second). Where is THAT Federer, I ask?
M said
That … was …
amazing.
😯
D.S.G. said
For your amusement:
Rachel, Clare, and Samantha haven’t seen each other since high school. They rediscover each other via a reunion website and arrange to meet for lunch in a wine bar.
Rachel arrives first, wearing beige Versace. She orders a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Clare arrives shortly afterward, in grey Chanel. After the required ritualized kisses she joins Rachel in a glass of wine. Then Samantha walks in, wearing a faded old tee shirt, blue jeans, and boots. She too shares the wine.
Rachel explains that after leaving high school and graduating from Princeton with a degree in Classics, she met and married Timothy, with whom she has a beautiful daughter. Timothy is a partner in one of New York’s leading law firms. They live in a 4000 sq. ft. co-op on Fifth Ave where Susanna, their daughter attends drama school. They have a second home in Scottsdale.
Clare relates that she graduated from Harvard Med School and became a surgeon. Her husband , Clive, is a leading Wall St investment banker. They live in Southhampton and have a second home in Naples, Florida.
Samantha explains that she left school at 17 and ran off with her boyfriend, Ben. They run a Tropical Bird Park in Fresno, California and grow their own vegetables. Ben can stand five parrots, side by side, on his willy.
Halfway down the third bottle of wine and several hours later, Rachel blurts out that her husband is a cashier at Wal-Mart. They live in a small apartment in Brooklyn and have a travel trailer parked at a nearby storage facility.
Clare, chastened and encouraged by her old friend’s honesty, explain that both she and Clive are both nurses’ aides in a retirement home. They live in Jersey City and take vacation camping trips to Alabama.
Samantha says that the fifth parrot has to stand on one leg.
Adrian said
Andy Murray’s magic in the streets of London
Adrian said
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/bruce_jenkins/08/17/federer/index.html
Adrian said
Justine is out for the rest of the season.
http://www.justine-henin.be/en.php#/news
Barbara said
For Roger and Rafa fans:
M said
Barbara, this was hilarious and adorable! Thank you so much!!
😀
😀
😀
BANTI said
Lol, Roger is such a goofball:) Rafa did well. They need to do more of these. More interviews of these two together are needed!
jett09 said
aWWWWWWWWW how gorgeous!!! I couldn’t stop laughing!!
“More interviews of these two together are needed!”
Yes Banti I agree 😉
Thank you so much Barbara!
Jenny said
Thank you, Barbara! I LOVED it, these two great champs are just like a pair of big kids having fun! There’s a lot of bro love there, long may it last 🙂
Sol said
Don’t have the sound on my office computer but just seeing them both laughing like that put a smile on my face. Thank you so much, Barbara!
D.S.G. said
Oh, the video is no longer available! It seems it would have been a wonderful one. Maybe it’s on youtube.
Thanks, Barbara
Jenny said
It’s just been removed from Youtube. I’m glad I saw it.
Sol said
DSG, I couldn’t watch it at work and when I got home it was already removed. But I found it on youtube under “Federer Nadal Toronto Hilarious spot” (something like that). Hopefully they didn’t delete it yet. It’s a little long (14 min.) but it’s funny.
M said
D.S.G., I think they already took it down once, so you may want to check back for a re-upload.
(They *can’t* deprive us true fans of that! 😛 )
Sol said
I found it DSG. Watch it fast before they take it down. lol. And I just realised, this is a promo for an exhibition they’re doing in Zurich(?) sometime around Christmas. Right?
Sol said
Oops, too late. Last try, DSG. Hurry up!!
D.S.G. said
Rats! It’s not available on youtube either–and they’ve yanked this one off already, but thanks so much for putting it here, Sol. I’m glad you got to see it, Jenny.
M and I are tres disappointed ==we are such fans
Sol said
The last one is still working, DSG
D.S.G. said
I got it!! It’s wonderful and so cute and funny. I hope this one stays up so everyone can see it
Thank you so much, Sol!!
😉
Jenny said
It’s gone again, glad you saw it too, D.S.G.
“This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by England & Wales Cricket Board” !!
M said
If you look upthread, D.S.G., I am such a FEDAL-nerdette that I had the pleasure of seeing it almost as soon as Barbara posted it. 😛
Thank you for thinking of me, though, and I’m so glad you got to enjoy it! Aren’t they just the most fun ever? 😀
(P.S. Do we think Barbara deserves an Honorable Mention on the Wall of Fame for this one …?)
librio said
Remembered where I had seen the video earlier and just checked:
The video “Federer and Nadal laughing during filming of a exhibition promo” at the 2010 Cincinnati tournament can still be viewed at the present time, on the Rafaholics site. Lots of fun.
(www.rafaholics.com/2010/08/rafa-rog-laugh-during-filming-full.html)
D.S.G. said
Librio- Many thanks–it’s worth seeing several times. I laughed the whole time–I didn’t know about the rafaholics.com website
Dee said
That is so much fun. Thanks
Growltiger said
Anybody else irked with the ESPN commentators and their lack of objectivity toward Djokvoic? I’m a fan, so I admit I like the player. During Wimbledon, however, I turned off the sound because of the bashing and just enjoyed the game without hearing Brad and Patrick bash Novak constantly.
Yesterday ESPN covered No 4 Murray playing Gulbis (good match) while No 2 seeded (I know, he’s no No 3) Noval played Nalbadian, a match we all thought would go the distance because of how well Nalbandian is playing. They clicked over to the D-N match for the tiebreaker. And it started. He’s too skinny. His serve stinks. Look, he can’t breathe. Tomorrow’s going to be worse if he wins. It’s too hot for him. He’s this, he’s that. I expected them to come out with “and his mother wears combat boots” at any minute.
What was so irritating was that Murray had been gasping too, just as much as Djokovic (it was hot and they were running and trying to win) but nary a word.
I have a friend who never played tennis but whom I have gotten interested in tennis. She has only watched for two years. Because of the commentators, she actually believes Djokovic retires from games constantly or calls the trainer out all the time though she personally has only seen him retire once (Australia when the temp was over 100 degrees) and has never seen him call the trainer. It comes from the commentators. She believes what they say.
ESPN should dump Gilbert and Patrick on Djokovic matches and let Cahill call them solo because he gives good comments and is objective about EVERY player. He probably has favorites, but I don’t know who they are. That’s the way its supposed to be.
And, adding, what about Roddick. He had mono yet could beat a strong player like Soderling last night. Good for him. But I’m betting had that been Djokovic, the commentators would have said Djokovic was FAKING the mono. It’s gotten out of hand. We don’t have objectivity in political reporting, surely we can have it in tennis.
D.S.G. said
I’ve noticed that too, Growltiger and it’s very irritating. Along with Gilbert, I would be happy to see Pam Shriver go also…
Jenny said
I’m in the UK so I don’t hear your guys in commentary, but I totally understand how you must feel, growltiger. I like Novak too. Whether one is a fan of a player or not, all players are entitled to objective commentary, unless they really deserve otherwise on the day. Virginia Wade is very good in that respect, she always calls the positives and downplays the negatives, most of our better comms are similar. Actually our comms have been very positive and objective about Novak and others, they can go a little over the top when they call a Murray match, eg breathless high pitched gasps of ‘genius’ and other stuff that many other players do, understandable to some extent I guess, but in general no real complaints about our comms.
O said
Mouratoglou: Federer back in business
I am convinced that Roger Federer is back in business.
Some may think I’m rushing into this conclusion, but I have seen vital signs which prove, in my opinion, that the champion we all love has returned.
I’m not going to predict that he will win every match he plays, but I am convinced he has rediscovered his motivation, something lacking over the past year.
And as such he becomes one of my favorites to win the US Open.
Against Tomas Berdych in the Toronto semi-finals, Roger chose to attack from the first point of the match. He was hitting the ball with conviction, adding speed to the movement of his arm while retaining his usual relaxed game.
He clearly respects the Czech player after losing both previous matches played against him this year. But he knew he had to restore order to prevent his opponent from obtaining the psychological edge – and that he had to play his best tennis in order to beat Tomas.
The match in Toronto was different to the ones Roger has played over the past year.
We have gotten used to seeing him play matches when he didn’t really care, which showed he wasn’t committed as he used to be, and he struggled with his confidence as a result. He did not put in the extra effort to win.
But this match was completely the opposite: he was focused from start to finish. In his press conference, Roger compared it to the one they played in Miami, where he lost despite holding a match point.
But for me it was like comparing day and night. In March, Tomas wasn’t the player he is today. He didn’t have two successive victories over the Swiss player. And now he is a semi-finalist and a runner-up in the last two Grand Slams played. As for Roger, he took his chances from the get-go, compared to Miami, where he was lymphatic at times, and even seemed to be walking while hitting the ball.
In Toronto, however, he finished the match the same way he started it. He was aggressive and dominated rallies against the Czech, who was slow at the start of the match and too defensive in the deciding tie-break.
Roger’s movement around the court is outstanding. He is a player who moves around the ball to hit forehands from any position. He is also a player who moves forward to put pressure on his opponent. He takes the ball early, and therefore moves one step ahead of his opponent.
In the first set, Roger looked nervous on key points. He was more static and less decisive. He was playing backhand chop shots too often and trying to force his opponent to make a mistake. Statistics speak for themselves: Roger managed to convert just two break points out of 12.
However, that doesn’t upset my opinion. Federer was weaker on key points, which only goes to prove his desire to do well and his lack of confidence after accumulating many setbacks over the past year.
And I finally saw the old Roger, the winner. He had his focused face and determined spirit back.
He looked a combination of desire, calm and extreme focus. Over the past year he hasn’t seemed that comfortable on a tennis court – it was like he almost didn’t want to figure out how to win any more. But in Toronto, Roger was deeply involved in his game. He is the best ambassador for tennis when he is fully committed to it.
He also proved once again that he could return to the world number one spot. When he hits the first four or five shots of a rally he is so aggressive, but he is less decisive when he has to play longer rallies.
It was a treat to see him play in the first set. He was attacking the ball with great conviction. It is the key to his game: to convince himself to move forward, to fully take his chances, to create openings during the first couple of shots of a point.
There are still places where Roger can improve though.
As the match progressed, his intensity reduced. In fact, he had to dig himself out of a tough situation after trailing 5-2 in the decider. He won thanks to his focus and determination, and took his chances.
Roger is no longer used to playing his best tennis for three hours in a match. He only played really well for one set. But with this rediscovered mindset he will very soon be able to keep playing well for longer.
He used the backhand chop shot far too often. In the past this weapon would force the opponents to play safe and allow Roger to attack, but now it is a weaker asset since he is forced to defend more than to attack.
He did not take enough advantage of the Czech’s second serve, which is relatively weak. He did hit few Sampras-like returns, taking the ball early, but most of the time Roger just putting the ball back in play on Berdych’s short second serves.
He should also give up playing long rallies, which force him to become too defensive.
That is why he is losing against Nadal. In their head-to head meetings, Roger kept playing from the baseline in most encounters. Therefore, he forced himself to wait a couple of shots before taking the decision to attack.
Roger seems to have found a new motivation with the help of Paul Annacone and maybe the solutions needed to beat the Spaniard. The first set he played in Toronto was a good example of the type of play he will have to use against Nadal.
Let’s not forget that all the hard work already achieved is thanks to American Annacone. Of course there is still a long way to go in order to find the very best in Roger Federer, but he is moving in the right direction.
Adrian said
Is Fed trick shot video real? Slow mo video…
http://www.youtube.com/user/Meepo91
Joy said
Fernando Verdasco poses for GQ.
http://www.kennethinthe212.com/2010/08/fernando-verdasco-terminally-cool.html
UM17 said
Don’t know where to put this, but it’s cute:
Jill said
Yeah, the whole thing is 15 minutes long and it’s hilarious, they are both too cute and it’s lovely seeing them together like that having so much fun. Perhaps someone can post the whole thing (yfrog.com/jmfedererandnadallaughz) as I don’t know how to.
Jenny said
Jill, The complete vid was originally on You Tube, and posted here by Sol. Unfortunately it was removed before many folks here got to see it, I was one of the lucky ones.
Jill said
Oh dear, that’s me behind the times as usual! My excuse is that Sol probably posted it when I was on holiday. Still, at least we know that the above link is still working so others can see it.
RafaFan said
Thanks Jill your link is still working! Amazing video! Worth a download for my smartphone! Use Firefox + DownloadHelper Addon! 🙂 I’m sure TP will start a new thread with this funny video: “Goats wanna have fun” or something…
Chicago fan said
Hi All,
I was in Cincinnati this weekend, and I saw Federer play twice–in the semi-final and the final.
It was surreal to be sitting there watching one of my tennis heroes. It was amazing actually! If you haven’t gone to an actual tournament, I highly recommend it. It’s completely different to see a match live.
The final was surprisingly close. Mardy played well, but in the end he was outmatched.
Roger is every bit as charming and gracious as you would expect. The Bryan brothers were quite nice as well.
The only thing that was missing was that Rafa failed to beat Baghdatis. If he had won, then I would have had a chance to see Rafa play Roger, which would have made a great trip extraordinary!
Have a great week!
RafaFan said
Thanks Chicago Fan for your interesting comment! You are a very lucky guy! Enjoy the rest of the season!
Sergeant said
Hi guys. A few top 10 standings going into the US open (as of 23.08.2010)
The usual ATP rankings (source: atpworldtour website)
Rank – Name & Nationality – Points – Position Moved
1 – Nadal, Rafael (ESP) – 10,745 – 0
2 – Federer, Roger (SUI) – 7,215 – 0
3 – Djokovic, Novak (SRB) – 6,665 – 0
4 – Murray, Andy (GBR) – 5,125 – 0
5 – Soderling, Robin (SWE) – 4,910 – 0
6 – Davydenko, Nikolay (RUS) – 4,285 – 0
7 – Berdych, Tomas (CZE) – 3,860 – 0
8 – Verdasco, Fernando (ESP) – 3,430 – 0
9 – Roddick, Andy (USA) – 3,225 – +4
10 – Del Potro, Juan Martin (ARG) – 3,170 – -1
Not much movement there. Roddick back to the top 10. Nadal still well ahead of Federer.
Battle for London (source: barclaysatpworldtourfinals website)
Rank – Name – Points
1 – Nadal – 8,840 (qualified)
2 – Federer – 5,305
3 – Murray – 3,955
4 – Soderling – 3,600
5 – Djokovic – 3,555
6 – Berdych – 3,525
7 – Roddick – 3,125
8 – Ferrer – 2,820
9 – Verdasco – 2,780
10 – Tsonga – 2,075
11 – Melzer – 2,040
I included Melzer because I found it very interesting to see him so high at both singles and doubles. He is standing at 4th place in the doubles battle for London. Has a player ever qualified to both singles and doubles world tour finals?
US Open Series Bonus Challenge Standings (source: usopenseries website)
Place – Player – Points
1 – Andy Murray (GBR) – 170
2 – Roger Federer (SUI) – 170
3 – Mardy Fish (USA) – 140
4 – David Nalbandian (ARG) – 110
5 – Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) – 105
6 – Novak Djokovic (SRB) – 70
6 – Rafael Nadal (ESP) – 70
6 – Sam Querrey (USA) – 70
6 – Andy Roddick (USA) – 70
10 – Tomas Berdych (CZE) – 55
M said
Stats on Roger’s Cincinnati win
– Tied with Andre for 17 Masters Shields
– Tied with Wilander for 4 Cincinnati titles (which is a record)
– Tied with Andre for back-to-back Cincinnati titles (they are the only two who hold B2B titles there)
– Tied with Borg for 63 career titles (5th most in Open era)
jett09 said
Thanks M, he’ll be breaking all those records pretty soon 😉
M said
I’m sure he will too, Jett!
(He’ll be tied with Rafa again for that first one once he gets his 18th Masters, unless Rafa wins another Masters title first.)
It’s a little intimidating, isn’t it?
Andy said
If Fed wins the USO this year and goes on later in the year to recapture the Number 1 ranking, do you know what he should do TP? NO YOU DON’T!!!!!
DECLINE the Number 1 ranking and stay Number 2!
Consider this:
1. As the Number 2 ranked player during Rafa’s first reign as Number 1 Fed won 3 out of the 4 majors played. The one he lost was at the 2009 AO in five sets to Rafa. Had he won that he would have achieved a non-calender grand slam AS THE NUMBER 2 PLAYER IN THE WORLD.
2. When you combine the victories mentioned above at the 2008 USO, 2009 FO, 2009 Wimby with his 2004 AO victory (which, I’m almost certain also was a tournament he entered with a Number 2 ranking), Fed already has a career grand slam AS THE NUMBER 2 PLAYER IN THE WORLD. Interestingly, he does not have one as the Number 1 player.
3. As much as the period from this past June can be looked at as a slump FOR FED, he actually has made it to 3 finals out of the 4 tournaments he has entered since the FO. With what ranking you ask? As the Number 2 player in the world! And what about the period before that between the AO and the FO when he was Number 1? Just 1 final.
Come to think of it if Fed wins the USO 2010 not only should he decline it, but his fans should forget the GOAT argument and start making their pitch for an easier argument – THE GREATEST NUMBER 2 RANKED PLAYER OF ALL TIME!
Andy said
In the last pargraph I meant to say,
Come to think of it, if Fed wins the USO 2010 and later in the year becomes Number 1, not only should he decline the Number 1 ranking, but his fans should forget the GOAT argument and start making their pitch for an easier argument – THE GREATEST NUMBER 2 RANKED PLAYER OF ALL TIME!
Chicago Fan said
Article about Rafa in the New York Observer.
http://www.observer.com/2010/daily-transom/rally-round-nadal-boys?page=0
Chicago Fan said
Andy Murray in Vogue
http://www.vogue.com/voguedaily/2010/08/from-the-magazine-murray-mania/
Chicago Fan said
Women’s tennis featured in the New York Times.
Rick said
Rick said
Oh, forgot the lead-in:
“….what actually happened to her face?” is more like it….
RafaFan said
Match for AFRICA
The funny full legth video of Federer and Nadal posted a couple of days ago was no joke! Rafa and Roger will actually do an exhibition match with other greats! The vid was top secret! My upload to youtube lasted only for 18 hours then it was blocked! lol. The money from the event goes to Fed’s foundation. Thank you Rafa for this friendly turn! It seems that the event takes place round the corner! If I had the money! Geeeezzz!
From Fed’s homepage:
“On 21 December Credit Suisse proudly presents a holiday gift of the ultimate kind: “The Match for Africa” for the benefit of the Roger Federer Foundation.
Zürich showcases the tennis show-down of the year, where the all time grand slam leader goes head-to-head with the current world number one Rafael Nadal.
With this event Roger would like to thank all his Swiss fans and he is looking forward to welcoming you in the Hallenstadion in Zurich. Thanks to the presenting sponsor Credit Suisse and the other partners Rolex, Nationale Suisse and Lindt & Sprüngli the evening is all in the name of charity as the proceeds will benefit the Roger Federer Foundation.
Join us for this one-off event to see Roger take on the current world number one Rafael Nadal, in the name of charity. An evening guaranteed to be full of suspense, showmanship and entertainment.
Limited number of tickets available – get yours from September 1st on!”
Visit also: https://www.credit-suisse.com/global/rogerfederer/
I am curious about comments from Fedal lovers and haters! No?
My comment: This is a LOVE STORY! The best ever! LOL
M said
*starts plotting like a madwoman how to best placate family and friends upon disappearing halfway round the world four days before Christmas*
Chicago fan said
Did anyone know that Andrea Jaeger became a nun? A where-are-they-now article from the Wall Street Journal.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703959704575453511951085110.html?mod=WSJ_LifeStyle_Lifestyle_5
M said
Venus gives tennis clinic, courtesy of RalphLauren.com
http://www.legendsclinic.com/?ab=int_082710_FRONTDOOR_LEGENDS_WATCHNOW
claire said
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/aug/27/roger-federer-us-open
Jenny said
Federer re-elected as President on the Players Council, Rafa Vice-President. Where’s Novak, I thought he was part of it? I knew Ivan Ljubicic had stepped down as President a couple of years ago, and Fena [Gonzalez] was already on the council, good to see the other names too.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/08/Other/Federer-Reelected-Player-Council-President.aspx
Stella said
so, who is going to produce our first “US Open ” verse.
I’m waiting
Chicago fan said
Chris and Martina discuss their friendship in Parade Magazine
http://www.parade.com/celebrity/2010/08/chris-evert-martina-navratilova-winning-friendship.html
Chicago fan said
Nadal disdains discussions of his place in history:
claire said
http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/open-house-good-morning-day-1/
Bettyjane said
M said
Rafa’s self-designed Richard Mille Tourbillon watch stolen?
http://thewatchlounge.com/rafael-nadals-525000-rm-027-tourbillon-stolen/
overcaffeinated said
And Roger has done it again…
Not as sweet as the one against Nole (given Nole was covering the net and that it brought up match point in that particular match), but it is pretty darned close and just as sweet to view. The (blink and you’ll miss it) reaction from Dabul was wonderful to see as well 🙂
M said
OC, is that a different angle of the clip we have up on the main chat thread?
I’m dying to see it from another perspective, and ESPN has all this fancy-pants technology, but didn’t bother to rotate the angle on that magnificent shot.
overcaffeinated said
M, Sorry, didn’t see this reply until today. I am not sure. I didn’t see the clip on the main thread, and just posted this one as it was the first I found on YouTube.. By now, I am sure you have seen this from a few angles, as I did in the TV coverage of this shot. Heck, it was all they showed for a few networks in repeat, repeat, repeat. Not fussed though, as I loved the shot. Hope you’re enjoying the USO.
Sol said
Have any of you seen this:
Jenny said
No I haven’t, and I loved it, Lindor too! Thanks, Sol!
D.S.G. said
I LOVE this one. I have seen it several times here is the USA. However, the commercial ALWAYS stops right after the girls say,”We’ll have to do a strip search and then Federer says,”Excuse me?” So it was fun to see the rest.
THANX Sunny Sol.
Sol said
And this:
D.S.G. said
I had not seen this bit! Thanks, Sol. It was so funny/adorable.
Jenny said
A nice and interesting article by Peter Bodo about Alexandr Dolgopolov and his match with David Ferrer, which typically wasn’t on a televised court. It was good to read his match report, livescores are not the ideal way to follow a match.
Dolgo is flashy and talented, refreshing, absolutely no question. David isn’t over flashy, [although he does ‘dance’ when he isn’t prowling the baseline] doesn’t have a big serve, or get easy points, but he is talented with his own special deadly weapons. Imho, any player of 5’9″ and 160lbs has to be talented to survive in today’s tennis world dominated by the tall and treetop big power servers/bangers and is still able to beat many of them. Like eg Hewitt, Davydenko, Clement, they find other skillful ways to win including sheer guts, that all amounts to talent and it adds to the rich tapestry of tennis.
http://tennisworld.typepad.com/tennisworld/index.html
BANTI said
Superduperhuman Roger Federer.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467004575464040092286422.html#articleTabs%3Darticle
wuiches said
This is a Nadal’s interview by the ABC posted on his website
http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/rafa-begins-career-grand-slam-quest
It’s interesting what he says about Fedex
claire said
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=0XmxNPqkvCU&feature=related
claire said
He actually doesn’t look too bad without those glasses! Lip hair has to go – yuck,yuck – touches his lips!
Thought it was funny what Roddick told him at net! 🙂
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/interactive/video/index.html?promo=subnav&category=press
claire said
What an answer!
Rick said
And the verdict seems unanimous….
http://opensource.si.com/2010/09/02/roddick-deserves-to-be-called-out-for-behavior/
wuiches said
Boxing at the Open
I found a youtube video about a fight within the crowd during Joker vs Pet match last night.
TP, could you please translate for us what were they discussing about???
M said
Oh dear. 😕
At least none of us Planeteer Roger and Rafa fans are this bad! 😀
Hair-Cutting Ladies Keep Some of Rafa’s Hair – NY Post
http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/hair_to_spare_Ax0NHGqR8zupYTZner4wLM
Chicago fan said
Murray’s new nickname. A writer at the New York Times referred to him as Eeyore.
Chicago fan said
Nadal rides in van that Federer endorses. I love how humble Rafa is.
http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/nadal-has-no-problem-riding-federer-endorsed-vans/?ref=tennis
Chicago fan said
Gilles Simon has a son.
Interesting article on Gilles, before his loss to Rafa today. TP, do you have any pictures of Gilles and his wife?
Chicago fan said
Lendl takes a walk down memory lane. A nice article on Ivan Lendl:
Stella said
We’ve wondered what it is that some of the players are wearing on their wrists — looks like a very slim watch.
It is called Powerbalance– to improve balance, strength and flexibility.
if it works i could certainly use one to help my game.
http://www.powerbalance.com/powerbalance
claire said
Thanks Stella Very interesting! 🙂
Somebody Else said
SEMIFINALS at the SLAMS (record among top 4 players over the past decade)
— (semifinalists / seeded position (#) / losses among top 4)
— semifinalists in the top-4 rank are capitalized
AO’10…..FEDERER(1) Tsonga(10) Cilic(14) Murray(5) —– L: Nadal(2)QF, Djokovic(3)QF, Del Potro(4)R4
AO’09…..NADAL(1) Verdasco(14) Roddick(7) FEDERER(2) —– L: Djokovic(3)QF, Murray(4)R4
AO’08…..FEDERER(1) DJOKOVIC(3) Tsonga(-) NADAL(2) —– L: Davydenko(4)R4
AO’07…..FEDERER(1) Roddick(6) Haas(12) Gonzalez(10) —– L: Nadal(2)QF, Davydenko(3)QF, Ljubicic(4)R1
AO’06…..FEDERER(1) Kiefer(21) NALBANDIAN(4) Baghdatis(-) —– L: Roddick(2)R4, Hewitt(3)R2
AO’05…..FEDERER(1) SAFIN(4) HEWITT(3) RODDICK(2) —– 100% ❗
AO’04…..Safin(-) AGASSI(4) FERRERO(3) FEDERER(2) —– L: Roddick(1)QF
AO’03…..Roddick(9) Schuettler(31) W.Ferreira(-) AGASSI(2) —– L: Hewitt(1)R4, Safin(3)R3, Ferrero(4)QF
AO’02…..Haas(7) Safin(9) J.Novak(26) Johansson(16) —– L: Hewitt(1)R1, Kuerten(2)R1, dnp(3), Kafelnikov(4)R2
AO’01…..Clement(15) Grosjean(16) Agassi(6) Rafter(12) —– L: Kuerten(1)R2, Safin(2)R4, Sampras(3)R4, Kafelnikov(4)QF
see more below…
Somebody Else said
RG’10…..Soderling(5) Berdych(15) Melzer(22) NADAL(2) —– L: Federer(1)QF, Djokovic(3)QF, Murray(4)R4
RG’09…..Soderling(23) Gonzalez(12) Del Potro(5) FEDERER(2) —– L: Nadal(1)R4, Murray(3)QF, Djokovic(4)R3
RG’08…..FEDERER(1) Monfils(-) DJOKOVIC(3) NADAL(2) —– L: Davydenko(4)R3
RG’07…..FEDERER(1) DAVYDENKO(4) Djokovic(6) NADAL(2) —– L: Roddick(3)R1
RG’06…..FEDERER(1) NALBANDIAN(3) LJUBICIC(4) NADAL(2) —– 100% ❗
RG’05…..FEDERER(1) Nadal(4) Davydenko(12) Puerta(-) —– L: Roddick(2)R2, Safin(3)R4
RG’04…..Nalbandian(8) Gaudio(-) CORIA(3) Henman(9) —– L: Federer(1)R3, Roddick(2)R2, Ferrero(4)R2
RG’03…..A.Costa(9) FERRERO(3) Verkerk(-) Coria(7) —– L: Hewitt(1)R3, Agassi(2)QF, Moya(4)QF
RG’02…..A.Costa(20) Corretja(18) Ferrero(11) SAFIN(2) —– L: Hewitt(1)R4, Haas(3)R4, Agassi(4)QF
RG’01…..KUERTEN(1) FERRERO(4) Grosjean(10) Corretja(13) —– L: Safin(2)R3, Agassi(3)QF
Somebody Else said
WM’10…..Berdych(12) DJOKOVIC(3) MURRAY(4) NADAL(2) —– L: Federer(1)QF
WM’09…..Roddick(6) MURRAY(3) Haas(24) FEDERER(2) —– L: dnp(1), Djokovic(4)R2
WM’08…..FEDERER(1) Safin(-) Shuettler(-) NADAL(2) —– L: Djokovic(3)R2, Davydenko(4)R1
WM’07…..FEDERER(1) Gasquet(12) DJOKOVIC(4) NADAL(2) —– L: Roddick(3)QF
WM’06…..FEDERER(1) Bjorkman(-) Baghdatis(18) NADAL(2) —– L: Roddick(3)R3, Nalbandian(4)R3
WM’05…..FEDERER(1) HEWITT(3) Johansson(12) RODDICK(2) —– L: Nadal(4)R2
WM’04…..FEDERER(1) Grosjean(10) Ancic(-) RODDICK(2) —– L: Coria(3)R2, dnp(4)
WM’03…..Roddick(5) FEDERER(4) Grosjean(13) Philippoussis(-) —– L: Hewitt(1)R1, Agassi(2)R4, Ferrero(3)R4
WM’02…..HEWITT(1) HENMAN(4) Malisse(27) Nalbandian(28) —– L: Safin(2)R2, Agassi(3)R2
WM’01…..Henman(6) Ivanisevic(WC) RAFTER(3) AGASSI(2) —– L: Sampras(1)R4, Safin(4)QF
Somebody Else said
I’m having trouble posting the U.S. Open semi stats because WordPress is being a piece of shiiite!
stay tuned…
M said
Pictures – USO 2010 Roger’s 4R
Photostory: The Ballad of Roger’s Fourth Round
Good news and bad news. The good news (hopefully) is that I think I managed to find about 40 halfway decent pics out of the bushel I shot.
The somewhat strange news is that to read the little photostory on the correct timeline, you have to start from the end since photobucket, for some unknown reason, decided to load them backwards. They are, however, in numerical order, so hopefully it won’t be *too* problematic.
(The easiest way, I think, is to scroll down and click on “View All” to start from 001.)
http://s953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/roolz1/
Guest Password: TennisPlanet
🙂
Stella said
nice pictures. your seat gave you a good view. Were you in the courtside boxes? Last time I was there we were in the nosebleeds, a row from the top– all we could see was heads as we looked down. By partway through the second match we had sneaked our way down to the courtside boxes though.
When I load onto Photobucket mine go in reverse order too. I think i found something that you can click on to make them in date/time order.
How do you do it so that it needs a password ? I should change my Photobucket site as I’ve a lot of albums and I don’t want all to be public
M said
Thank you! I feel like I had a great view; I was in the loge.
(My camera was frustrating me a little b/c I was using image-stabilizing and so I felt like I couldn’t get any closer, well-focused shots than I could from the lower promenade — it was one of the reasons why I decided I guess I need a new one!)
“When I load onto Photobucket mine go in reverse order too. I think i found something that you can click on to make them in date/time order.”
I can’t tell you how annoying that was. I’d love to know what you found.
“How do you do it so that it needs a password ? I should change my Photobucket site as I’ve a lot of albums and I don’t want all to be public”
It asked me when I inputted (is that a word? 🙂 ) everything the very first time. I’ll look and see if there’s a control for changing privacy status once you set it. I can’t imagine there wouldn’t be one. If I find it I’ll leave it in your mailbox.
🙂
Stella said
I found how to get the pics in time order and not reversed.
Bring up your album on the screen. At the top of the page one of the choices is “organise”. Click on that.
You then get a drop down menu above your pics that says ” sort current album by” and you chose “oldest first “
overcaffeinated said
I am sure it has been covered off here before, given TP’s fascination and befuddlement with this “gadget”, however for those who may have missed it, or still don’t know about it, here is some marketing (thinly veiled as news), that I spotted today about that wrist strap that Mr Querrey uses.
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/a-question-of-balance-20100907-14ysj.html
I am sure Sam would like one that also included mental strength in tight situations too… perhaps the next release 😉
Stella said
look back to post 100 on this thread — I posted about it — the Powerbalance
overcaffeinated said
Sweet. Thanks Stella. I am going to rush out today and blow my $60 for this gadget, to give me better balance and flexibility. If someone says it gives these two functions, then heck, it must be true. I will be sure to wear it half way up my forearm to look hip and cool. Do you believe in this powerband thingy?
overcaffeinated said
To be more specific, I should be asking – will you be buying one of these bands, or are you looking at any options to test one pre-purchase? Heck, if it had the option to allow me to get the ball over the net and in the right lines with any greater frequency, I would buy one in a heartbeat.
D.S.G. said
Hahahahaha…this reminds me of the Brad Gilbert ad which somebody posted about a year ago for the “Wrist Assist.”
Did anyone else see that.? Thanks to whomever sent it in. I still think about it occasionally and laugh.
Brad Gilbert says we need a wrist assist to help us play like the pros…
I should have bought one.
Somebody Else said
M said
claire said
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2010-09-10/201009101284164504895.html
M said
Pictures – USO 2010 Rafa’s QF
‘Twas the Night of the Quarters
‘Twas the Night of the Quarters, and all throughout Ashe
Whipped the blustering wind with its shiver and lash
And fans looked at each other and said “Oh, enough!
Come on! “How are the boys going to play through this stuff?”
Nonetheless, post-interview, they came forth to fight —
Gladiators, they marched from the left and the right —
It’s Nadal! And Verdasco! It’s them! What a sight!
That historic AO semi! Maybe more dynamite??
Well … not quite. The wind *buffeted* the ball about,
So perhaps with Fer’s pace, some Planeteers were put out,
but he’d just battled through five sets facing Ferru.
First Ferru — then play Rafa? I’d be tired too.
And it wasn’t so much that the playing was passive,
But the force to exert past the wind must be massive
And you know in tennis’ balancing act takes its toll –
It means more wild shots, sacrificing control
… which we saw from both players. They’d thunder some aces,
Then pop the ball up to the weirdest of places —
But the good shots! Felt hit off the ball! Spin! Whack! Whizz!
(TV makes it look easier than it actually is …?)
And oh yes, there were hints of Tabasco Verdasco!
He dunked DTLs, aces, ’twasn’t all fiasco –
Even in that cold stadium, some fans got hots
at the angles on some of those “Fyah!” passing shots.
And of course there roared Rafa, ripping winners from corners,
Slicing angled drop shots drawing cheerers, not mourners,
And the pundits he wowed and the crowd he did please
When he spun for three hundred and sixty degrees!
😯
Celebs came to see too! Craned their necks like the rest of us,
like on some made-up holiday better than Festivus!,
sporting laudings like modeling, Oscars, and such.
(Well, Charlize and Christi B. KK, not so much. 🙄 )
Now we so, oh not so, would not have the temerity
Not to have this preserved somewhere for posterity.
(Plus the tale, without photos, might seem a bit flat. 😛 )
And so pics. Oh, yes, pics! I was getting to that.
Now, though pix TP has are the hottest of hot —
I missed “Double Match Point” *and* the “Victory Shot” 🙄 —
it’s sometimes nice to know stuff that led up to that.
And we haz some! Links below ‘ll tell all where it’s at. 😀
To those pleased with the Rog shots, I invite you again —
Come and see “RAFA’S QF – USO 2010”!
Now my new camera’s nice, so shots are a touch better
But! I didn’t quite hew to photography’s “letter”.
See, there were sequences that just seemed too neat to lose
So more “string that string up”, not so much “pick and choose”.
This camera has “burst-mode”, so we took quite a bevy,
And some may find selection of shots Rafa-heavy.
(Cam delivery didn’t come soon enough for Roger’s 4R glory,
And I kept some blurred Rafashots rather than truncate story.
So if you think Fer short-shrifted, or Rog’s shots a tease,
get it over with now … roll your eyes, say “M — please.”
Though I say to all Roger fans – wait a sec, here.
I can use this camera for his matches next year!
Those who think for *all* players I need be better fan –
You should know me by now. R & R. Partisan. 😛
And you’ve had all the tennis you thinks you can takes?
Well, there’s something for you too – we’ve got station breaks!
“Everybody Dance” man, his “Love New York” shirt and such —
Plus the lady who yelled “LOVE YOU RAFA” too much. )
And so now! We have come to the Best of the Best!
They fight on in their quest! The rest felled from their test!
FEDAL Plus Two are left! Let’s get on with the show!
Happy Tennis to All!!
To the Semis We Go!!!
😀
Some notes:
Rafa’s QF pictures are here
http://s953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/roolz1/USO%202010%20QF%20Rafa/
I’ve moved Roger’s 4R pictures to this link here
http://s953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/roolz1/USO%202010%204R%20Roger/
Password remains the same.
Syntax looked a little strange to me though, so if you have trouble with the new links, they should be through when TP is done with moderation for the day.
Have a great Super Saturday, everyone!
rogerfanusa said
For all you Federer fans…
claire said
What a terrible day this was 9 years ago – 9/11.
I’m sure there will be a moment of silence for all the people who died because of this terrible act by terrorist!
http://www.lyricsg.com/cache.80d2962b0bb3
Rick said
Statistics bear out subjective impressions
http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2010/09/09/hurry-up-and-serve/
Rick said
http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/11/nadals-uncle-is-heard-from-the-box/
claire said
I’m starting to like Djokovic – funny about the banana !
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2010-09-08/201009091284056460494.html
claire said
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iJ9B5p2n1Aysj0mmFc-LCzQunJYwD9I62DP80
Bjornino said
Federer’s presser: http://www.usopen.org/en_US/interactive/video/index.html?vf=rtmp://cp32053.edgefcs.net/ondemand/mp4:2010/INT_20100911_03_EN_640x360_764kbps_rogerfedererday13.mp4
I think he handled it very well in spite of the massive disappointment he must feel.
Somebody Else said
a very funny and insightful press conference with Djokovic after beating Federer:
http:// http://www.usopen.org/ en_US/ interactive/ video/ index.html?promo=PhotoInNav&category=press
(close the spaces behind all the backslashes to enable the link)
Somebody Else said
a very funny and insightful press conference with Djokovic after beating Federer:
http:// 😉 http://www.usopen. 😉 org/en_US/interactive/video/ 😉 index.html?promo=PhotoInNav&category=press
(remove smilies to enable the link)
Somebody Else said
TP, will you post this damn thing? Thanks. 🙂
M said
I did not know Roger had 66 UEs in his semifinal yesterday.
Even for risk-taking him, that’s terribly high.
M said
http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/coming-soon-live-analysis-of-nadal-vs-djokovic/
Barbara said
Just today I was looking through “Quarters and beyond US Open…” and found this posts (no 490):
Anonymous said
September 11, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Of course as Nadal fans like to discount Federer’s win at RG because he didn’t go through Nadal, Nadal’s presumed win at the USO can also be discounted as he hasn’t gone through Federer.
Reply
Bjornino said
September 11, 2010 at 5:09 pm
That point will surely be made if Nadal wins, but I still think there’s a big difference in beating a grand slam champ (if he does) than a Swedish, white-trash bar thug who’s a GS final virgin
I’m really surprised nobody reacted to this horrible remark from Bjornino.
claire said
Who did Federer have to go through to get to FO final – I don’t think it was a cake walk . Who did Nadal have to go through to get to USO – I think it was more of a cake walk than Federer’
“…..than a Swedish…..” – I think Bjornino was talking about Soderling – if I remember Soderling was a finalist at the last 2 FO’s.
Like I’ve said before if we are going to decide if a GS win was deserved based on who the winner played
to get to the final.
1.who wants to go back and see who each GS winner defeated to get to final so we can decide if the player “deserved” the GS win? WOW!!!
2 Oh then we have to go back and decide if the player (GS winner played) was or was not a challenge to the GS winner by looking at the match and final score.
3 Then we need to see what the H2H was with finalist and those he defeated on way to GS.
4. Then, whoever had the hardest road to final -how about giving them a set before final starts so it’s a more “fair” final!
See where I’m going with this?
Bjornino, you must be a “die hard” Nadal fan – I’ve experienced so many of them who have foul mouths and like to trash and discount other players!
Bjornino said
Just to clarify: This Barbara-person left out my emote at the end of the Soderling sentence. I ended that sentence with a “;-)”, clearly indicating that it was meant to be said with a portion of good humour. Furthermore, I AM from Sweden, so this remark was nothing anti-Swedish. And I think pretty much everyone here agrees that The Sod is not a charming person. The expressions “bar thug” and “red neck” to describe Soderling was just referring to old posts that I’ve made on the Söderling-subject, where I’ve said that he seems like the kind of redneck type that would get too drunk at the local hotel bar in a small town in Sweden on a Saturday night and beat you up if you looked him in the eye for too long (if he hadn’t become a tennis player). I think “bar thug” even came from TP, and I modestly guess that that TP was inspired to use that term from my description of The Sod. Now probably this “Barbara” hasn’t read those posts, but still to call it a “horrible remark” while leaving out my smiley/emote is a bit childish, I’d say. I think it’s obvious that the comparison I made was between Djokovic and Söderling since they’re the players that Nadal and Federer beat to get their career slams. And while “Barbara” (and Claire), may not find my colorful description of The Sod funny (and I am ok with that), to say that Söderling is a player with a resumé anyway near Djokovic’s is preposterous. THAT was the point of my post: Nadal faced a Hard court Grand Slam CHAMP who’s been in 3 slam finals. Federer faced a grand slam final virgin with NO experience in such matches. Yes, I am a big Nadal fan, and I like Djokovic very much too. But Nadal won, and he just became the youngest player in history to win all four slams. Deal with it.
Barbara said
Bjornino, this Barbara-person was (of course) referring to the “white-trash” part of your colorful description of Soderling, the expression you conveniently didn’t bring up in the above post. This Barbara-person doesn’t think it is particularly funny, but probably something is wrong with her sense of humour.
claire said
Djokovic’s response to chance of rain!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/sportvideo/7997379/US-Open-2010-Djokovic-hoping-for-rain-after-Federer-match.html
claire said
Loohttp://www.zimbio.com/Roger+Federer/articles/t2VAPt2AbNx/Roger+Federer+Tots+Take+Tiny+Stepsk what I found – sooo cute!
claire said
Look what I found! 🙂 🙂 Sooooo cute!
http://www.zimbio.com/Roger+Federer/articles/t2VAPt2AbNx/Roger+Federer+Tots+Take+Tiny+Steps
Bjornino said
Interesting article about Nadal vs Federer stats at age 24 years, three months and 10 days of age.
“As of Sept. 13, Nadal is 24 years, three months and 10 days old. Federer was the same exact age on Nov. 18, 2005.
While tennis media and fans debate about the greatest player of all time, Nadal is ahead of Federer’s pace in several key categories.”
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2010-09-13/201009131284404343670.html
Bjornino said
The King of Treetops working hard on his comeback:
Joy said
ATP Make a Tribute to Nadal’s Career Grand Slam
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/Nadal-Grand-Slam.aspx
From Joy. Thanks.
I noticed though that Greg Sharko’s ‘By the Numbers’ article forgets to mention that Rafa is the only other man besides Agassi to achieve a career golden slam
M said
Pictures – US Open 2010 Men’s Singles Final – Rafael Nadal v. Novak Djokovic
Congratulations Rafa on your Career Golden Slam
*Lots* of sports tonight – football, the Mets won in ten,
Thought I’d miss tennis, sulking, but rain helped time bend,
And thanks go to the spiritual largesse of friends –
I was there to see Rafa make history. Again.
Though it wasn’t the final I’d *so* hoped to see,
These men gave all their best, I think, for you and me,
So ‘stead of bore you with my words’ inadequacy,
Here is Rafa’s Career Golden Slam Poetry.
Thank you, Roger. Thank you, Nole.
Congratulations and thank you, Rafa, for all you give us.
\o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/
\o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/
Some caveats:
Some shots are blurry because I plain old missed the shot but there was a quality of movement I didn’t want you to miss just ’cause I’m a little klutzy. 😛
Some, I couldn’t crop out the guy’s head that got in the way at the last minute, without cutting out part of the person I was shooting!
Some are included in a sequence I thought would be incomplete otherwise. And some are blurry because I was emotional (I’m sure you’re going to be able to guess which ones, lol).
Password remains the same.
Despite the technical challenges, I hope you enjoy.
🙂
“Talent is not only hitting the ball beautifully or having a lovely slice backhand and a perfect volley. Talent is a lot of things.” -Rafael Nadal
http://s953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/roolz1/USO%202010%20FINAL%20-%20RAFA%20AND%20NOLE/
claire said
REST OF YEAR TOURNAMENTS:
TOURNAMENTS REMAINING – found on http://www.atp.com
Beijing – 10/4
Tokyo – 10/4
SHANGHAI – 10/10
STOCKHOLM – 10/18
Kremlincup – 10/18
St.Petersburg Open – 10/24
Bank Austria Tennis Trophy – 10/25
Open Sud de France – 10/25
Valencia Open – 10/31
BASIL – 11/1
PARIS – 11/7
FINAL – 11/7
FEDERER – 2009 results
As of today – points – 6,735; record – 44-11
FEDERER 2009 POINTS EARNED:
Shanghai – 0
Stockholm – 0
Basil – 300
Paris – 10
Final – 400
TOTAL POINTS TO DEFEND – 710
LEFT TO EARN BY TOTALING POINTS AVAILABLE BY YEAR END = 3,250
MAXIMUM TOTAL POINTS FEDERER COULD EARN BY YEAR END – 3,250 -710 =2,540
DJOKOVIC
As of today (including points earned at USO) = 7,945 , record – 44-14
2009 Results:
Shanghai -360
Stockholm 0
Basil – 500
Paris – 1000
Final – 400
TOTAL POINTS TO DEFEND – 2,260
LEFT TO EARN BY TOTALING POINTS AVAILABLE REST OF YEAR – 3,250
MAXIMUM POINTS DJOKOVIC COULD EARN BY YEAR END – 3,250 – 2,260 = =990
TOTAL OF POINTS FEDERER COULD EARN OVER DJOKOVIC – 2,540 (Federer) – 990(Djokovi) = 1,550
Diference of points as of 9/14
Djokovic – 7,945
Federer – 6,735
TOTAL DIFFERENCE IN POINTS BETWEEN #1 AND #2 SPOT = 1,210 (AS OF 9/14)
POTENTIAL POINT FEDERER COULD EARN BY YEAR END -2,540
POTENTIAL POINS DJOKOVIC COULD EARN BY YEAR END – 990
2,540 – 990 = 1,550 ( FEDERER COULD POSSIBLE EARN 1,550 MORE POINTS THAN DJOKOVIC BY YEAR END!
Should be interesting – I think points between #2 and #3 at year end will be small amount!!!!!
PS – hopefully my additional and subtraction is correct – anyone want to check it????? 🙂
NOTE _- Federer’s remaining tournament to play was found on http://www.rogerfederer.com
I could not find Djkovic’s schedule for rest of year so I assumed he would play same tournaments as last year. Don’t know if he will skip one tournament or play additional tournaments!
D.S.G. said
During the doldrums, here is something to entertain:
A man boarded an airplane and took his seat. As he settled in he glanced up and saw the most beautiful woman boarding the plane. He soon realized she was headed straight towards his seat. As fate would have it, she took the seat right beside his.
Eager to strike up a conversation he blurted out,” Business trip or pleasure?” She turned, smiled, and said,” Business. I’m going to the Annual Nymphomaniac’s of America Convention in Boston.”
He swallowed hard. Here was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen sitting next to him, and she was going to a meeting of nymphomaniacs. Struggling to maintain his composure he calmly asked,” What is your business role at this convention?”
“Lecturer,” she responded. “I use information that I have learned from my personal experiences to de-bunk some of the popular myths about sexuality.”
“Really? And what kinds of myths are there?”
“Well,” she explained, one popular myth is that African American men are the most well endowed of all men, when in fact, it is the Native American Indian who is most likely to possess that trait. Another popular myth is that Frenchmen are the best lovers, when, actually, it is men of Jewish descent who are the best.
I have also discovered that the lover with absolutely the best stamina is the Southern Red-Neck.”
Suddenly the woman became a little uncomfortable and blushed. “I’m sorry,” she said,”I really shouldn’t be discussing all of this with you. I don’t even know your name.”
“Tonto,” the man said. “Tonto Goldstein, but my friends call me Bubba.”
claire said
Good One D.S.G. I never heard “Bubba” until I moved down south!
claire said
Why was Sampras left out of list?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/8002794/US-Open-Rafael-Nadal-joins-greats-but-insists-Roger-Federer-is-still-the-best.html
claire said
Oops!! Don Budge won calender year GS in 1938 ; Budge was born 6/13/1915 making him achieve a calendar GS at the tender age of 23 – guess Budge is GOAT over Nadal – if you read Budge did not drop one set (Nadal dropped one at USO)when he won Wimbledon! Also Budge (I believe had a winning H2H against other players who are considered the best of all time! SO until Nadal wins a calendar GS, Budge is the GOAT – if that’s what you base it on!
http://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news?slug=reu-openslam_factbox
http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Don_Budge
Jenny said
TP has given me an idea during the quiet tennis period. What animal does a player[s] remind you of and why. I’m thinking qualities rather than just looks. All species including birds and reptiles, insects, domestic or otherwise, although I can’t imagine fish, maybe some experts might consider it.
🙂
M said
Roger is the eagle, attacking with razors at beak and claw from overhead.
Rafa’s a black panther, who eats you fast and silent before you know you’re dead.
Marat is the bull, who will just run you over.
Ferru is the croc with unpierceable hide who eats you, then smiles like clover.
That’s all I have
😛
But what a fun idea, Jenny. 😀
Bjornino said
Nice ones, M 🙂
claire said
I like those M 🙂
M said
Thank you, Bjornino and Claire!
I did a little meter tweaking in Jenny’s main post but these just came off the top of my head, Jenny’s lightning inspiration, lol.
You should see what some of the other people came up with! Meerkats, an emu … LOL!
😛
Growltiger said
New Topic
Jenny got us all going with her great “animal” question.
I got so frustrated listening to Dick Enberg running his mouth during the final that I was screaming “SHUT UP” at the television.
So let’s have at it at the commentators. And don’t be nice except when it’s warranted.
I’ll start.
Patrick McEnroe – Needs to put on a little bra, short tennis skirt and wave pom poms when Federer, Nadal, Murray, Isner or Querry are playing. He is not objective.
Brad Gilbert – smart but with a mean streak.
John McEnroe – A good commentator who doesn’t deserve to be paired with Mary and Enberg.
Mary – Used to be the best but recently talks constantly.
Enberg – Will not shut up. He ran his mouth to the point I wanted to mute the TV but was interested in what McEnroe was saying so couldn’t. He and Mary even talked about the concession stand during one long point.
Conners – The best
Martina – Up there with Conners.
Tracy – Grating voice. Knows tennis but says stupid stuff.
Leif Sheiras – Is that how you spell it? What’s he doing there? Was he a tennis player? I never heard of him.
Courier – Super
Arias – Good, too.
Justin – Irksome but knows what he’s talking about.
Now it’s ya’ll’s turn.
Stella said
Chris Fowler — stupid, and with a mean streak.
Drysdale — used to be Ok but time he hung up the sneakers.
Martina — the best.
Lindsay, Justin, Connors — good and haven’t caught the verbal diarrhoea yet.
Peter Burwash — for any Canadians out there you’ll know him — the best.
the late Dan Maskell — good as he rarely said anything.
Ginnie Wade — educated ( we went to the same university) and kind with her comments — unlike in her playing days when she used every psychological advantage.
wuiches said
For Rafanatics only.
M said
You say that like that’s a bad thing. 😛
Thanks, Wuiches!
M said
Rafa and CNN’s Pedro Pinto Hit the Links
M said
Logansan said
What’s wrong with these two!
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/17092010/58/federer-nadal-giggles.html
claire said
TP,
Shame on you! Are you sending those goats out to work!
http://eater.com/archives/2010/09/17/wisconsin-restaurant-trademarks-goat-on-the-roof-concept.php
Bjornino said
Hello TP-people,
I just felt I should stand up for Mats Wilander a bit since he always seems to be getting truckloads of hate from some posters on this forum.
Mats was “kidnapped” by Swedish TV show host Ingvar Oldsberg last night to be a guest on the show “Här är ditt liv” (This Is Your Life). During the show he got greetings from McEnroe, Sting (Wilander had a dream of becoming a rock musician and he and Sting hung out a lot in the 80s, apparently) and many other people from his past. Some of his old Davis Cup teammates were on the show as well (unfortunately Edberg wasn’t there).
Another guest on the show was Mats’ son Erik who talked about his incurable skin disease Epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Wilander has been raising money for research about EB for many years.
(I hope you will all be able to watch the clips below. They’re from the Swedish Television website, but I am able to see them from Germany where I am at the moment, so should at least work for everyone in Europe, hopefully for those of you in America and Asia as well.)
In this clip the umpire (Jacques Dorfman) from Mats’ semifinal vs Jose-Luis Clerc (Wilander won 7-5, 6-2, 1-6, 7-5) at the FO 1982 gives him a lot of praise for asking for a replay after Dorfman had made the wrong call on match point (he calls it his best tennis memory of 50 years (and 15000 matches) of umpire work). There is also a greeting from Clerc in the clip:
http://svtplay.se/v/2152740/har_ar_ditt_liv/hyllningar_till_en_akta_sportsman?cb,a1364145,1,f,-1/pb,a1364142,1,f,-1/pl,v,,2152744/sb,k138777,2,f,-1
And this is about his kids:
http://svtplay.se/v/2152725/har_ar_ditt_liv/alla_barnen?cb,a1364145,1,f,-1/pb,a1364142,1,f,-1/pl,v,,2152740/sb,k138777,2,f,-1
And here McEnroe talks about Mats’ charitable work, their memorable matches and “sings” a cover of a certain Bob Dylan song with a JMac/Mats text to it. Pretty funny:
http://svtplay.se/v/2152770/har_ar_ditt_liv/mcenroe__mats_och_mack_johansson_rockar_loss?sb,k138777,1,f,-1
Watching this makes one realize that we’re probably very lucky that Wilander never made a breakthrough as a rock star ^^
http://svtplay.se/v/2152744/musikern_mats
Hopefully watching some of these clips will make those who are very anti-Wilander change their mind a bit 🙂 Enjoy!
Cheers and have a nice Sunday everyone.
/B
Bettyjane said
What a refreshing read. Liking one player’s game more than the other without sounding nasty in the process.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/sep/19/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-tennis
claire said
D.S.G. said
Thank you, Claire. I never see this program –but I would have if I had known Nadal would be there. It was a real treat to open the site this a.m. and to see your contribution. Thank you so much.
M said
What, no hardcopy?? 😆
M said
http: // www. nadalnews. com/ 2010/09/20/ uks-hello-magazine/
M said
Well.
These are … interesting.
http://www.live-tennis.com/category/Tennis-News/Roger-Federer-feels-backlash-from-Swiss-Davis-Cup-loss-201009210018/
http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_swiss-davis-cup-defeat-puts-roger-federer-withdrawal-in-the-spotlight_1441034
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/Analysis/Swiss_tennis_stands_at_the_crossroads.html?cid=28365046
Jenny said
Fernando Gonzalez to have hip surgery.
Source: Gonzaleztenis.
“The La Reina Bomber undergo surgery on his right hip on 4 October in New York. His recovery to return to the courts is estimated at between eight to nine months .
Dr. Alejandro Orizola confirm that the operation will be only the hip and does not rule out a minor procedure on his right knee . The traumatólo said the hip injury is very common in tennis players and it is due to a torn labrum ( fibrocartilaginous ring attached to the edge to the hip socket ).
“The movement of rotation exerted by the body of Fernando used to hitting right hip , but being with a torn labrum rotational motion was given to his knee , “said Orizola .
The decision of where they operate Gonzalez was agreed between the medical profession and the U.S. Chile , which is Idera by Dr. Brian Kelly, who has extensive experience in this type of intervention . It should be noted that Kelly is one of the doctors who often works with ATP”
M said
*sobs*
On the bright side, if there can be said to be one, Dr. Kelly works at what I think can fairly said to be *the* best orthopedic hospital here in New York, Feña fans.
(And I don’t just say that because I’ve had work done there, have a friend who did her residency there, and recommend that my friends go there who need orthopedic help either.)
claire said
I just can’t help believe that Nadal will not have problems like Gonzalez – but I truly hope not – it will be amazing to see if Nadal can continue like he did in 2010! Federer got his 14 in fewer years than it took Sampras.I think Nadal can do the same to Federer!
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/09/Other/Gonzalez-To-Undergo-Hip-Surgery.aspx
wuiches said
Sampras says Nadal could surpass Federer as slams king
http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE68M43N20100923?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0
Well TP, many times you have mentioned how much Federer has spoiled Sampras by breaking his 14. Is this some kind of vengeance???
chipnputt said
Nadal Must Adapt to Prolong His Career, His Doctor Says
By REUTERS
Published: September 24, 2010
MADRID (Reuters) – Rafa Nadal will have to learn how to listen to his body if he is to dominate the world of tennis like Roger Federer, his knee doctor said on Friday.
The 24-year-old Spaniard added the US Open to his list of Australian, French and Wimbledon crowns earlier this month, only the seventh person to have won all four grand slams.
This still left him seven major titles short of Federer’s record haul of 16 and doubts linger over whether Nadal’s knees will allow him to compete at the same level for that long.
“He has to learn how to take care of himself to be able to carry on for many years,” surgeon Mikel Sanchez told Spanish sports daily Marca.
The world number one turned to the orthopaedic specialist after the Australian Open last year, when he suffered nagging pain.
“It was incredible he was able to keep on playing with his knees the way they were,” Sanchez said.
The doctor treated Nadal’s knees with a series of enriched plasma injections to help rebuild his tendons, and he skipped the whole grasscourt season to rest and recover.
“He isn’t going to change the way he plays, nor is he going to miss games so he doesn’t injure himself,” Sanchez added.
“He’s going to continue at the same rhythm and there is a risk that his tendons will degenerate again. It could occur in other tendons such as the Achilles.
“He subjects his tendons to violent stress because he trains a lot. He puts in a lot of hours, plays a lot of games and always at 100 percent.
“If the body isn’t able to regenerate what it has damaged, injuries occur. The more aggressive you are, the more you leap, the heavier the musculature you carry, which he does, the more injuries you will have.”
Sanchez had to convince Nadal not to compete in Barcelona earlier this year in order to help his treatment, and said this was the type of decision he would have to take on his own in the future.
“He has to understand that the older he gets the more he has to establish some kind of balance,” Sanchez said. “He can’t try to win every tournament he plays over the next 10 years.”
(Writing by Mark Elkington; Editing by Barry Moody)
M said
Rafa looks quite proud of his artistry, lol. 😀
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-1315276/Juan-Martin-del-Potro-dodge-Rafael-Nadal-paintballing-king.html
I wonder what Roger’s will look like? Is Polito going to do one?
Dee said
Hey, I would really love some tips on visiting LA.This is one of my dreams to visit USA.I heard about tipping.Do we have to do it every where? and what sort of an amount? What is the best way to visit Disney land from Hollywood? and any helpful hints at all to look for, Please please please!
Thanks
Dee
M said
Dee – what fun! Are you planning a vacation? Flying into LAX? Do you know how long you’ll be staying? Will this be your first visit? How long do you have to plan for it?
More likely than not, you’ll want to arrange for a car, with a good GPS. 🙂
I don’t know if there are any native Angelenos or Californians here on TP’s planet …?
I do know Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, and even Wikitravel have some interesting things to say about travel to L.A.
If you love good food, you may want to get a reservation for an early dinner at Spago’s, and the duck sausage pizza, if they still have it. (Or whatever seasonal thing they have, if the server tells you it’s good.)
And watch out for those boutique prices on Rodeo… 😛
Bjornino said
From tennis.com:
http://tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=7833&zoneid=4
Sampras: Nadal could break Federer’s Slam record
AP – Wednesday, September 22, 2010
NEW YORK (AP)—Pete Sampras says Rafael Nadal can break Roger Federer’s record of 16 Grand Slam titles if he stays healthy and maintains a smart playing schedule.
The 24-year-old Nadal, known for his grinding style, recently won his ninth major at the U.S. Open to complete a career Grand Slam.
“If he’s smart with his schedule and the fact that he has so many at such a young age, he could very well do it,” Sampras said in a conference call Thursday for the BNP Paribas Showdown.
Sampras will meet former rival Andre Agassi for a best-of-three sets match Feb. 28 at Madison Square Garden. John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl, rivals from the 1980s and ’90s, will play one set.
Sampras called Nadal “a beast” on the court and thinks Nadal can chase Federer’s record. Federer surpassed Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slams in 2009.
“The only question with Rafa is physically how much his body can handle the pounding with how hard he works for every point,” he said of Nadal, who has been sidelined with knee injuries and a pulled abdominal muscle in the last few years.
Federer was 25 when he earned his ninth Grand Slam at the 2006 U.S. Open. Since then, the 29-year-old Federer has won seven major titles.
Nadal also won the French Open and Wimbledon this year.
“(Nadal’s) in the middle of his career, so he could do a lot more great things,” Sampras said of the top-ranked Spaniard.
But the former No. 1 player added that Nadal doesn’t need to break the Grand Slam record to prove himself.
“He’s won all the majors, won the Olympics and has a winning record against Roger,” Sampras said of the 14-7 career edge.
He also predicts Federer “is going to win a few more majors.” Sampras said he had dinner with former coach Paul Annacone, who now coaches Federer.
“They’re implementing coming in and being a little more unpredictable,” Sampras said.
Sampras last played an exhibition at the Garden against Federer in 2008. He’ll renew his rivalry with Agassi after exchanging verbal volleys with him at a Hit for Haiti exhibition in March.
Agassi apologized for poking fun at Sampras during the match at Indian Wells, Calif. After Sampras mimicked Agassi’s pigeon-toed walk, Agassi repeated the criticism in his book “Open” that Sampras was a poor tipper.
Sampras responded with a high, hard serve that forced Agassi to duck.
“As competitive as we were in the ’90s, we got along quite well,” Sampras said. “Obviously, he said a few things in his book; we had a few moments. But it’s fine.”
Sampras said they recently spent time in Costa Rica and will play an exhibition match in South America. He’ll also play Andy Roddick in Omaha, Neb., in his training for the showdown.
tennisplanet said
overcaffeinated said
Mid-life crisis without a wooden racquet: Thomas Muster is back in the ATP pro ranks.
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news/article/-/8025521/muster-atp-rankings
“The 42-year-old Austrian, who returned to professional tennis in June, is ranked 988th with 7 points in the singles rankings released on Monday.”
In thinking of this dude, I recall his super duper comeback after having he knee smashed to smithereens by a drunk driver (now THAT is adversity for an athlete)…going on to win a single French Open… and making it to #1 based on his incredible ability on clay. Sadly the way the world works, we will never get to see him vs. Rafa in a match at their primes. I have a feeling Rafa would win, however probably by not much given the brutality in which each guy played their (clay court) game, the huge amounts of topspin, the insane angles they generated, and their stamina.
wuiches said
I’ve just found an article posted(since September 14) on the freaking Australian Open site where they almost say that they’re hoping for Nadal winning the freakin’ tournament!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And are almost suggesting that he’ll make it at the USO 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2010-09-14/201009141284447343947.html?fpos=r2
TP, WTH is that???????????????????????? I mean… WTH is that????????????????????
You can post whatever you want on a blog or if you are a journalist you can write that Federer is the messiah if your newspaper allows you but on the freaking official site of a GS tournament you can’t freakin’ say that you’re expecting for some player to win the trophy!!!!!!!!!!
And we are months ahead!!!!!! We haven’t even saw Nadal’s performance in the rest of the hard court season!!!!!!!!!!!!! It could happen anything!!!!!!!!
Is that so good for business that they are really going to help Nadal to complete the achievement???
TV ratings would be that high???????
Is the enthusiasm for Nadal’s CGS so great that they are really expecting for him to complete the calendar slam????
Should we expect a soft draw conspiracy here?????
I’m rafanatic to the core but even I can’t believe that they just posted something like that!!!!!!!!
It’s just not freaking right!!!!!!! I’m gonna be waiting for that freaking draw and if it seems a little bit suspect I’m just quitting freaking tennis geeeeeezzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!
M said
More on the Art of Tennis
http://www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/Players/Art-of-Tennis.aspx
All right! Who’s going and bringing us back pictures? 😀
M said
On her 40th birthday, Date moves into the 3rd round — takes out Hantuchova following her win over Shrieka
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jMedwUQm4ReOXyvhWWTCMWM0AZxQD9IGUIKG1?docId=D9IGUIKG1
Date san will face Schiavone in the 3rd round.
🙂
claire said
http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2010/09/24/pete-sampras-knows-all-too-well-what-roger-federer-is-going-thro/
O said
“Researchers Find First Planet That Could Support Life” – World peace will be achieved, all human conflicts will end as they gradually move to this new planet.
nelson goodman said
What do people think about the following discussions – where Rafa reportedly flat out admits that he was asking and receiving serve-placement tips from his box during the Djokovic final?
http://www.ubitennis.com/sport/tennis/2010/09/16/385737-nadal_admit_cheating_during_open_final.shtml
http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2010/09/30/its-time-to-stop-rafael-nadals-cheating/?synd=1
M said
D-Nal also making health-focused choices? (And perhaps gunning for a European championship?)
http://tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=7924&zoneid=25
claire said
What do you think – did Federer really do it??? The second shot is the one to watch closely!
M said
2010 Slam Match of the Year
I know the tennis year is by no means over!
But I thought it might be fun to look back now that the year’s Slams have been completed.
What was your favorite match and why?
If your favorite isn’t here, which one did we miss?
(And yes, of course I think to say the US Open Final is your favorite is perfectly okay! 😀 )
2010 Slam Match of the Year:
Federer-Djokovic: New York SF
Isner-Mahut: Wimbledon 1R
Ferrer-Verdasco: New York 4R
Almagro-Tsonga: Melbourne 4R
Djokovic-Melzer: Paris QF
Ferrer-Baghdatis: Melbourne 2R
Del Potro-Blake: Melbourne 2R
Murray-Wawrinka: New York 4R
2010 Masters Match of the Year (so far):
Davydenko-Nadal: Doha F
Nadal-Gulbis: Rome SF
Federer-Berdych: Toronto QF
claire said
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/T101004002864.htm
Jenny said
Current Race standings for WTF – London.
Source ATP site:
“The Final Stretch – Only the Top 8 Qualify
1 Rafael Nadal
Top seed this week in Tokyo 10,860
2 Roger Federer
Back in action next week in Shanghai 6,025
3 Novak Djokovic
Bidding for title defence in Beijing 4,825
4 Andy Murray
Beijing debut – first event since US Open 4,045
5 Robin Soderling
On course for return to The O2 3,975
6 Tomas Berdych
Eyeing first Top 10 finish 3,535
7 Andy Roddick
Looking to qualify for eighth straight year 3,170
8 Fernando Verdasco
Qualified for first time in 2009 3,140
9 David Ferrer
Finalist at 2007 circuit finale 3,000
10 Mikhail Youzhny
Captured Kuala Lumpur title last week 2,615
11 Jurgen Melzer
Qualified in doubles w/ Petzschner 2,220
12 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Defending Tokyo champ returns 2,075
13 Nicolas Almagro
Eclipsed 40-match wins for first time 2,060
14 Marin Cilic
Made stellar 15-1 start to 2010 campaign 2,035
15 Mardy Fish
Back in Top 20 after terrific summer 1,946
16 Marcos Baghdatis
QF or better in 5 of past 7 events 1,670 “
claire said
Thanks Jenny
claire said
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/tennis/10/05/tennis.nadal.djokovic.japan/
Chicago Fan said
TP, this one is for you–your choice if you want to post it. Your girl Julianne Moore is the new face of Bulgari. Enjoy!
http://en.bulgari.com/
claire said
http://sports-betting-news.bestbetadvice.com/tennis/roger-federer-misses-atp-tour-next-stop-shanghai-masters/
bluechyll said
Researchers indicate tennis grunters gain advantage:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101003081714.htm
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0013148
bluechyll said
Nevermind about my post that went into moderation earlier, just realised it was already posted previously.
Barbara said
Federer stops in Hong Kong on the route to Shanghai:
http://www.heraldonline.com/2010/10/07/2512189/federer-heads-to-shanghai-fresh.html
claire said
What is Nadal doing with his mouth???
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2010/10/Tokyo-2010-Thursday-Interview-Nadal.aspx
Claire said
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2010-10/07/c_13546123.htm
Jenny said
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08102010/58/djokovic-slams-china-air-quality.html
I think Nole has a valid point, that night mist [smog] looked grim to me. This was not regular sea mist that we see here. Even a fit David Ferrer was puffing at some point which is most unusual.
M said
James LaRosa says: Tennis is a drug.
Example of symptoms tennis may cause:
“Monopolization of any and all thoughts. You’re thinking about Marat Safin right now, aren’t you? Hey! Put his clothes back on right this minute young lady.” LOL! 😀
http://72.32.204.230/news/NewsDetails.aspx?newsid=8277
claire said
http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2010-10-08/5465.php
Jenny said
Novak’s Interview
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2010/10/Beijing-2010-Saturday-Interview-Djokovic.aspx
Jenny said
Ferru’s Interview
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2010/10/Beijing-2010-Saturday-Interview-Ferrer.aspx
M said
Jenny said
Solomon Burke died yesterday 😦 Rest in Peace Mr Burke.
M said
R.I.P.
😥
Bjornino said
After Solomon Burke, another all-time-great has left us. R.I.P. Dame Joan Sutherland. One of the greatest voices ever!
This is a short documentary video from BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11513930
And this is a longer obituary from yahoo news:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_switzerland_obit_sutherland
She was also sort of credited with “discovering” Pavarotti 🙂
M said
Another trick shot? Maybe not …
M said
Claire said
Cheating going on in Playstation match too?
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/10/41/Shanghai-Wednesday-Nadal-Murray-Soccer-Dispute.aspx
claire said
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.blick.ch/&ei=41e2TNP0HoH98AakuJG3Aw&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCMQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dblick%2Bswiss%2Bnewspaper%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1G1GGLQ_ENUS390%26prmd%3Div
claire said
Do you really think Federer and his sister had twins without fertility drugs? Mirka must have given Diana the extra fertility drugs she had!
Have you noticed all the twins born to actresses? Guess they want 2 for the price of 1 pregnancy!
http://www.tummywear.org/increase-chances-of-twins.php
overcaffeinated said
Ivanovic wins match, despite being penalised an entire game.
Heck, I never realised one could get docked an entire game. Perhaps she had a stomach in dire straits.
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news/article/-/8138046/ivanovic-wins-despite-toilet-penalty
The ATP should take note of this and start penalising entire games for our dear Rafa, for his on court between points time… Now wouldn’t that be interesting.
M said
I don’t know what’s better – watching Roger put on his tennis clinic, or how excited the announcer sounds watching him do it. 😛
M said
wuiches said
Roger is the true King of clay
Now everything makes sense, Roger has been betting all this time, that’s why he has that clay performance.
http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/entertainment/201010/93420.php
chipnputt said
Nadal and Cheating
I have been surprised at the lack of discussion on this site about Nadal and his admission of asking and receiving strategic advice during the USO final. Discussions have started but have been killed off by a variety of reactions from some posters.
This is the No.1 player in the world, and he has admitted to cheating. Should we brush it under the carpet? Surely it deserves an adult discussion.
In an earlier post, I had flagged what Jon Wertheim from SI (incidentally, Jon is one of the most respected journalists on tennis) had said on this topic. In gist: (1) This is not a new development — Nadal has been pulled up for it before; (2) Jon condemns it; but (3) He wouldn’t call it cheating. According to him, cheating is graver stuff like taking drugs.
Jon got some more mail because of this response:
Mail: “I think you’re an idiot”.
–Jerry, Odessa, Texas
Jon’s answer: “Hey, at least provide a reason”.
Mail: As I was saying, the reason I think that you’re an idiot is because of the things that you say. Now you are saying that Nadal (I’m a Nadal fan) isn’t cheating by soliciting coaching from his uncle. You claim that cheating is taking performance enhancing drugs and such, but getting coached is not. Well, cheating is defined as breaking the rules. Regardless of what the violation is, it is still cheating. There [sic] ATP rules stipulating that coaching is illegal. So if Nadal was [sic] getting coached, then he was cheating.
–Jerry, Odessa, Texas
Jon’s answer:
“I was surprised how strongly many of you feel about Nadal’s “cheating” when he solicits and/or accepts coaching from his uncle/coach. I just want to clarify: I don’t think we should condone this behavior. I think it’s beneath Nadal. I think other players are in their rights to complain. I think it violates the rules both in spirit and letter. I just don’t think it’s a felony. I was reacting to the notion that Nadal’s U.S. Open title was dirty or tainted or somehow ill-gotten.
In any case, I recognize that many of you — even Nadal fans like our friend Jerry — are deeply upset by this. I also recognize that if Nadal is openly admitting to cheating and not getting called for it, the door’s now open to every other player. Conclusion: especially with technology available, it’s time for tennis authorities to crack down.”
A second letter:
“About Rafa and coaching. There’s a big difference between a coach yelling ‘focus’ and a player ASKING his player box (serving for the match in a GS final, and not your first GS final, either) where to serve and getting a reply. I don’t think the rule book meant ‘focus’ or ‘vamos’ when they forbade communication between player and coach. They were thinking about ‘serve to the body’ You think it doesn’t take away from Rafa’s title, and I agree. However, I’d feel different if this was a fifth-set tiebreaker. Moreover, If anyone ever looked for a reason as to why Rafa, a humble, down-to-earth guy who is polite to players, to ball kids, etc., does not win any sportsmanship awards, look no further.”
–Or, Israel
Jon’s Answer: “Your last point is a good one. Here’s a guy who clearly cares about fair play and sportsmanship. You wonder why he allows this behavior — which is a bare minimum is controversial — to persist. And anyone who can improve his serve and volleying so dramatically can’t fall back on the “creature of habit” defense.”
I am posting this, and at some length, because it is an important topic for tennis fans. Nadal is the #1player in the world and indications are he is going to stay there for a while. He is the standard bearer of the sport and he has admitted to cheating. Surely, the authorities need to crack down harder on future violations. AND surely, Nadal needs to realize that greatness is not only about winning matches. He needs to show a grater respect for the rules of the game and he needs to earn the respect of his peers, not just as a player but also as a sportsman. It was really news to me that Nadal has not once (not even in 2008) been voted for his sportsmanship by his peers.
Lastly, as we’ve (almost) been here before, let me pre-empt a few replies:
(1) First, let’s not confuse (deliberately or otherwise) cheating with gamesmanship. According to the Webster dictionary, CHEATING is “to violate rules dishonestly”, while GAMESMANSHIP is “the art or practice of winning games by questionable expedients WITHOUT actually violating the rules”. (my emphasis).
Taking a toilet break to break your opponent’s rhythm my not be a nice thing to do but it is within the rules. It’s gamesmanship, but not cheating. Asking your box for advice is a deliberate violating of the rules. It is cheating, not gamesmanship.
(2) “Everybody does it”. Ans: (a) Not true – how many in the top 10 players have been warned for cheating, a la Nadal at Wimbledon? and (b) Are we saying the whole game is rotten? They are all cheats, top to bottom?
Just a reminder: The game is bigger than the individual and regardless of how strong one’s feelings may be for a certain player it is just plain silly to try and malign the sport to obsessively defend “your player”. You are doing nobody any favors, especially not your guy.
(3) “Fed took a toilet break. He cheats too”. Answer: Yes, he did take a break, it wasn’t a nice thing to do, but it was within the rules and wasn’t cheating. In any case, not sure what purpose it serves to attack Federer, except to try and show that all players are cheats. In that case, refer above. By the way, if Federer cheated, it still wouldn’t make Rafa’s actions any more correct.
(4) Ignore the main message of this post and attack something obscure in it or attack me. Answer: Oh well, go ahead, but it won’t change the facts.
Jenny said
Thanks, Chip. I like Wertheim’s fair responses. I think some fans need to distinguish and understand the difference between cheating [actual violation of the rules] and gamesmanship which isn’t against the rules whether one approves or not, it seems there’s plenty of ‘heads in the sand’ out there. Until such time, there won’t be a reasonable and objective debate by some fans who just want to dig the blades in and jump on everything, especially if they don’t like a player. Also, bear in mind, Nadal has only been officially warned once in his career for off-side coaching which is cheating.
M said
Stockholm draw is out
Click to access mds.pdf
D.S.G. said
ONLY IN AMERICA:
…do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to fill their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front
…do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke
…do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage?
…do we buy hotdogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight?
…do they have drive-up ATM machines…with braille lettering?
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED…
…why the sun lightens our hair but darkens our skin?
…why can’t women put on mascara with their mouth closed?
…why don’t you ever see the headlines: “Psychic Wins Lottery?”
…why is abbreviated such a long word?
…why is it that doctors and lawyers call what they do “practice?”
…Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
…why is the man who incvestd all your money called a broker?
…why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called “rush hour?”
…why isn’t there mouse flavore cat food?
…why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
…why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
…why don’t sheep shrink when it rains?
…if flying is so safe why do they call the airport the terminal?
And finally,
You know that indestructible black box that is used on an airplane? Why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?
Stella said
it’s coming up to Halloween so how about showing your skills with a little Cat Bowling.
http://www.brandextract.com/catbowling/
Sarah said
Roger Federer eyes return to No. 1
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5703228
wuiches said
Roger’s interview at Stockholm:
overcaffeinated said
Roger Federer plays his 900 ATP match.
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news/article/-/8178504/imperious-federer-crushes-dent
W-L is 727-173. He becomes the only active ATP player to reach 900 matches. Not bad. Not bad. Here’s to 900 more 🙂
Trivia: Q. How many minutes did Roger take to win his 900 ATP match? A. 49 minutes!!
claire said
I know I’m jumping the gun but here are the total points to defend next year(I assumed they would have the same results at remaining tournaments)
Nadal – 11,640
Federer – 7,185
Djokovic – 6,765
Murray – 6,125
But then Nadal will go into next season with what 3,000+ points ahead of the pack!
Bettyjane said
Claire said
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5723019
See, Federer is being realisitc by saying you never know when it will be your last tournament to win so savor each win!
chipnputt said
The Road to Goatness.. another
I just checked Jon Wertheim’s column at SI. In case anyone was wondering why Roger’s peers have voted him “Sportsman of the Year” 6 times in a row, here is a clue:
From the column:
Q: “I’ll raise your “Waiting For This” scenario: Player A is out of challenges. In a deciding set’s tiebreaker he/she hits a screamer that no one can be certain is in or out. But it’s called out. Is there a Player B in the world who’ll use one of his/her challenges to make sure the right call was made?”
–Alistair, Toronto
Wertheim:”Roger Federer, it’s on.”
My take: WOW!
D.S.G. said
Really? I am REALLY IMPRESSED.
chipnputt said
Really. But I thought you were already impressed!
Btw, TP, heading should read “The Road to Goatness” Not sure why I typed …another. Sorry.
D.S.G. said
I am REALLY, REALLY impressed, Chip
😉
nelson goodman said
Age or Prime years? The relevant comparison for projecting career totals.
It’s a commonly repeated fact that at the same age Rafa is now (24), Roger had 6 slams to Rafa’s current 9. The implication, of course, is that Rafa is on course to surpass whatever career total Roger achieves. But what this misses is that age is arguably much less relevant than another category: years into one’s prime. And on that measure, Rafa is in fact quite “behind” Roger’s pace and unlikely to equal his total, given the basic pattern in the Open-era of 7 years prime for a top player.
Below is a list of the great Open-era players and their prime years, as book-ended by the first and last slam wins.
Players with primes of 7 years or less:
Borg: 1975-81
McEnroe: 1979-84
Wilander: 1982-88
Lendl: 1984-90
Edberg: 1986-92 (actually, December 1985 when the Australian was still held at the end of the year)
With two other players, Becker and Sampras, the prime seems a bit longer if we measure it by first and last slams, but it becomes 7 or less if we take a more realistic assessment of the years where slam wins were most concentrated, and treat early or late single-slam years as outliers:
Becker: 5 out of 6 slams in the years 1985-91, with the sixth picked up in 1996.
Sampras: 12 out of 14 won between 1993-2000, with one in 1990 and another in 2002.
So, thus far, the pattern seems pretty strong: top players win most or all of their slams within a stretch of seven years start to finish, which we can call their prime.
There are only two real exceptions to this: Connors and Agassi.
Connors: 5 out of 8 won b/t 1974-1978, then another 3 b/t 1982-83.
Agassi: 3 out of 8 won b/t 1992-95, then another 4 b/t 1999 and 2003.
So even Connors won all his slams in 7 years – they were just separated by a 3-year hiatus marked by Borg/McEnroe dominance. This leaves Agassi as the one true exception: winning slams over two concentrated periods coming to 9 years in total. And he seems precisely the sort of exception that proves the rule: his distinctive life trajectory, personality and talent explain both the long interruption and late-blossoming second prime.
Where does that leave Roger and Rafa? First, the basic measures:
Federer: 14 out of 16 slams won b/t 2004-09, with 1 in 2003 and 1 in 2010.
Nadal: 9 slams won b/t 2005-10.
So, one question is whether Roger’s prime longer than the Open-era average of 7 years, or is his prime 2003-2009, with 2010 as a last-stand slam akin to Becker’s and Sampras’? No matter how you phrase, seems to me that if anyone is a candidate to have longer period of slam-winning years, its Federer given his the comparative toll his game takes physically. So although the pattern predicts Fed is done for slams, I’m comfortable predicting one or two more still, for a grand total of 18 (tying Nicklaus’s golf mark), based partly on the intangible of his sheer talent and the physical factor.
As for Rafa, based on the pattern, he has one only more prime slam-winning year left. Of course one might counter that by saying 2005 at least is an “outlier” year and that his prime really begin in 2006. Or, alternatively, that he will be either an exception or at least win one or two French’s in outlier years beyond his prime. It seems to me that if anyone is not a good candidate for the exception, it’s Rafa given the toll his game takes. But there’s no denying either his clay court prowess (although it should be noted that it’s much harder to win a late-slam on one’s favorite surface when that is clay like Rafa than grass like it was for Sampras) or the intangible of his sheer competitiveness. In any case, though, to forecast more than 14 slams in total for Rafa (i.e., 2-3 next year and then 1-2 in outliers) is really to fly in the face of a very strong historical pattern.
So even though I think Roger and Rafa’s greatness requires factoring in some “intangible” to exceed the usual pattern, it seems clear that the common idea that Rafa is “on track” to equal Fed’s numbers is way off (and this apart from the injury factor).
Thoughts?
grendel said
“It seems to me that if anyone is not a good candidate for the exception, it’s Rafa given the toll his game takes”
They’ve been saying this for simply yonks. And yet look at him. Every year, he seems to get fitter.He evolves his game not simply in a way which miraculously accomodates surfaces supposedly uncongenial to him (the latest being fast hard), but which also lessens the strain on his body. E.g.the new fast serve (free points), the determined aggression (shorter points). Plus a new approach to scheduling. Not to mention advances in medical technology which seem to be just the job for his knee problems.
So I would be inclined to think that if anyone was likely “to fly in the face of a very strong historical pattern”, it’s Nadal. A real one off.
o
Overcaffeinated said
The latest on Thomas Muster’s return to the ATP Tour:
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news/article/-/8196692/veteran-muster-gets-easier-opponent
Ernests Gulbis withdrew prior to their first round match. If I were the number 157 that he is about to face (Haider-Maurer), I would be worried as well.
imaginaryband said
The House of the Rising Sun (a totally irrelevant post)
How cool is this song? And its history! Whose is your favourite version?
The one thing that seems so difficult to pin down about the song is its origin. Who definitively wrote the words, the chords and the melody cannot be actually be identified from the potted history presented on Wikipedia.
I plan to try and find and listen to the various recordings to make up my own mind, but perhaps, as they imply, the song developed through the ages, each new performer adding their own touches. What is evident to me just from the number of goes at it is that it’s a great and a lasting song.
The arrangement most folks probably know the best was done by the Animals, and it’s one fine piece of work, arguably the best. Although the songwriting credit and royalties go entirely to keyboardist Alan Price, according to singer Burdon, “this was simply because there was insufficient room to name all five band members on the record label, and Alan Price’s name was first alphabetically”. That version was performed by the Animals who were [at the time] Eric Burdon (vocals), Bryan Chandler (bass), Alan Price (keys), John Steel (Drums), and Hilton Valentine (guitar).
Nina Simone’s version isn’t bad either – like she could perform anything badly! And I was surprised to note she recorded her version before The Animals, too. But most surprising to me after I investigated a couple of leads from the Wikipedia article – was my own response to a very evocative version I’d never heard before. I shouldn’t have been surprised, considering this is Bob Dylan we’re talking about. It is worth a listen.
However, his fantastic performance aside, that Dylan credited himself with writing the song raises the context of questionable ethics as apparently Dave Van Ronk argued that he first wrote the altered chords we know today, and that Dylan had copied his version which Van Ronk had performed many times by the early sixties. Not knowing the details of this dispute I cannot comment but it isn’t first tale I’ve heard of Dylan “stealing” someone else’s ideas. It doesn’t change the generally accepted observation that in his own right he is one of the best songwriters we’ve ever known, but it does disappoint.
Dylan didn’t win in the money stakes on this song, though. If you ask about the publishing rights to the song itself, it is EMI Publishing, and royalties do indeed just go to Alan Price. That to me seems unfair. His organ performance on the Animals’ version was undoubtedly very very good, but there’s more to that version than the keyboards.
Here ends my random post.
Jenny said
Without a doubt for me, Eric Burdon and the Animals. Tough Geordie lads from Newcastle.. I thought it was written by Dylan?
Bettyjane said
I personally never heard that Dylan credited himself for writing this classic. I always assumed it was some folk song that got adapted so I looked into it and came upon this information from songfacts dot com. Seems authentic and accurate to me (and thanks for bringing this topic up. What a blast!!!
The melody is a traditional English ballad, but the song became popular as an African-American Folk song. It was recorded by Texas Alexander in the 1920s, then by a number of other artists including Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie, Josh White and later Nina Simone. It was her version The Animals first heard. No one can claim rights to the song, meaning it can be recorded and sold royalty-free. Many bands recorded versions of this after it became a hit for The Animals. (Thanks to music historian and author Ron Foster, who you can find at http://www.oldiesradioonline.com.)
The Animals performed this song while touring England with Chuck Berry. It went over so well that they recorded it between stops on the tour. In our 2010 interview with Animals lead singer Eric Burdon, he explained: “‘House of the Rising Sun’ is a song that I was just fated to. It was made for me and I was made for it. It was a great song for the Chuck Berry tour because it was a way of reaching the audience without copying Chuck Berry. It was a great trick and it worked. It actually wasn’t only a great trick, it was a great recording. The best aspect of it, I’ve been told, is that Bob Dylan, who was angry at first, turned into a rocker. Dylan went electric in the shadow of The Animals classic ‘House of the Rising Sun.'”
This was the first #1 hit in the UK or US that was over 4 minutes long. The single version is cut down, but still runs about 4:30, which was very long for any song on the radio at the time.
Bob Dylan recorded this on his first album. The Animals version was one of the first songs to put a Rock rhythm to a Folk song, something Dylan did a lot soon after.
In the traditional Folk version, the main character is a prostitute. The Animals changed it to a gambler to make their version more radio-friendly.
This was the first song since 1962 by a British band to hit #1 in America that was not written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
The Animals recorded this in one take, as they had perfected the song from years of performing it on the road. The Animals’ drummer John Steel recalls in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh, “We Played Liverpool on May 17 1964 and then drove to London where Mickie (Most) had booked a studio for ITV’s Ready Steady Go! Because of the reaction we were getting to ‘Rising Sun,’ we asked to record it and he said, ‘Okay we’ll do it at the same session.’ We set up for balance, played a few bars for the engineer – it was mono with no overdubs – and we only did one take. We listened to it and Mickie said, ‘That’s it, it’s a single.’ The engineer said it was too long, but instead of chopping out a bit, Mickie had the courage to say, ‘We’re in a microgroove world now, we will release it.’ A few weeks later it was #1 all over the world. When we knocked The Beatles off the top in America, they sent us a telegram which read, ‘Congratulations from The Beatles (a group)'” The producer Mickie Most recalls, “Everything was in the right place, the planets were in the right place, the stars were in the right place and the wind was blowing in the right direction. It only took 15 minutes to make so I can’t take much credit for the production. It was just a case of capturing the atmosphere in the studio.” (thanks, Edward Pearce – Ashford, Kent, England)
The Animals had 13 more Top-40 hits in the US, becoming one of the most successful British Invasion bands in The States. They split up in 1968 over various music and business issues. Burdon told us: “I don’t think that The Animals got a chance to evolve. We were the first to admit that we took Blues songs from American artists, but if the Animals had stuck together and worked together instead of worrying about who was getting all the money, we could have evolved more and come out with more music to be proud of.”
Alan Price is the only band member given credit for arranging this, meaning he is paid almost all the royalties. Their record company told the other members that there was not enough room to list them as arrangers.
The organ solo was inspired by jazzman Jimmy Smith’s hit “Walk on the Wild Side.” Alan Price performed the solo on a Vox Continental. (thanks, Edward Pearce – Ashford, Kent, England)
Jenny said
Wow! Thx for the info Bettyjane! As you gather, I was always an Animals fan. My mother loved Eric Burdon and Alan Price.
Imaginaryband said
Cool, thanks for these articles and links Bettyjane and Jenny!
M said
Rafa and Roger’s charity match in Spain for Rafa’s foundation to take place the day after the one in Zurich for Roger’s foundation
http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/nadal-vs-federer-joining-forces-benefit-children
wuiches said
I found this text on internet, for policy reasons can’t say where but I just want to make clear that these are not my words, and may not completely agree with them but I consider that it’s worth it to read it.
“Roger Federer’s “sore loser” remarks, as well as his left-handed compliments to Nadal describing him as a great clay courter, have been well-documented and decried. Now, we have his latest innuendos about slowing down of surfaces.
Before the US Open, Federer remarked that the fast courts at Flushing Meadows might prove to be a challenge for Rafa. He hinted that the courts were faster than the grass courts of Wimbledon, a remark not supported by Nadal or Murray.
After Nadal won, the refrain now is that all the surfaces have been slowed down.
At Stockholm recently, Roger Federer claimed that the Grand Slam was achievable because all the surfaces have been slowed down. In another interview in Stockholm, he acknowledged that he too might have benefited from the slower courts, but “it is getting a little bit too extreme” and “I am sure it helps Rafa.”
Are the surfaces being continuously slowed down?
Wimbledon had changed to rye grass in 2001, resulting in some slower pace. There is no record of any other Grand Slam surface being altered since 2003.
So, what is Roger talking about? Clearly, he is trying to discount Nadal’s achievements on the faster surfaces.
I don’t know what Roger hopes to achieve by these petty remarks. Does he seriously think that history is going to place an asterisk against Nadal’s achievements based on his allegations of surfaces being slowed down? No. He is only harming his image; the gracious image he had built up during his winning years.
Federer’s remarks are all the more difficult to stomach considering that his great rival never fails to call him the “greatest.”
As Federer’s remarks are being made in public, Nadal must be aware of them.
Sooner or later, the moment will come when Nadal will do a Voltaire. If you don’t know what I am talking about, let me tell you the story of the famous Voltaire repartee.
Voltaire was talking to a visitor who mentioned having met Albrecht von Haller, a Swiss (ah, the Swiss connection!) poet and physiologist. Voltaire immediately expressed a lot of praise for Haller, describing him as a great poet, a man of great knowledge, etc. The visitor told Voltaire that his praise was to be commended all the more as Haller always spoke disparagingly of Voltaire and his works.
Then Voltaire made his famous remark, “Perhaps we are both mistaken!””
M said
Courier picked to replace P. McEnroe as Davis Cup coach
http://www.cbssports.com/tennis/story/14196412/courier-picked-to-replace-mcenroe-as-davis-cup-coach/
Jenny said
Jamie Murray gets married – Congratulations!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1324634/Andy-Murray-plays-best-man-brother-Jamie-Murray-weds-Colombian-girlfriend.html
Bjornino said
From tennis.com today:
Nadal 15th in poll of most influential men October 29, 2010
Rafael Nadal has come in at No. 15 on AskMen.com’s poll of the world’s most influential men.
Nadal was the second-highest athlete on the list, with Drew Brees at No. 6 among the more than 500,000 votes cast.
The poll was topped by Jon Stewart, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.
Barbara said
And according to this poll Obama is less influential at No.21. What kind of poll is that?
M said
A world where people tend to know much more about sports than they do about world affairs in general. 😕 😛
I’m not too fussed about it, though, at least today — at least two of my favorite gentlemen made the poll, top 25, six places apart … I’m thinking it all could have been worse.
(Don’t know why they’d leave Roger out, though …)
Dominic Anderson said
Dementieva quits after defeat
Russian calls time on illustrious career in Doha
Elena Dementieva has announced her retirement from tennis after bowing out of the WTA Championship in Doha.
The emotional Russian addressed the crowd following her 6-4 6-2 defeat to Francesca Schiavone, and, with her fellow players looking on, called time on a successful career that began 12 years ago.
The popular 29-year-old enjoyed her best year on the tour in 2004, when she reached the final at both the French and US Opens, however a Grand Slam title continued to elude her.
But Dementieva arguably enjoyed her finest moment away from the tour when she clinched Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.
“I would to thank all the players for an amazing experience and some wonderful memories,” she said. “It’s very emotional.
“I would like to thank all the people round the world that have supported me throughout my career and especially my fan club, you were always there for me.
“No matter winning or losing, I could always feel your support so thank you for your devotion.”
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12110_6475142,00.html
M said
Thank you for the article, Dominic.
*sigh*
I wonder if one of the networks will invite her to commentate?
Jenny said
Elena announces retirement.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I wish her a happy, healthy retirement. A nice lady.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9140779.stm
Sol said
Hey, anyone else heard Elena Dementieva announced she was retiring?
I don’t have time to check out if it’s true, but it’s pretty sad. She’s a classy player.
Jenny said
Unfortunately, it is Sol – I posted a BBC article on Wanna Post, it’s awaiting Mod. I typed a little on the new site too.
Sol said
Thanks, Jenny.
I have to go out to dinner, but I couldn’t resist checking out the news on the bbc site.
Nice to read the praises of the other WTA players. It makes me sad somehow. She’s such a nice person. Too bad she could never win a GS, but at least she managed to win an Olympic gold medal.
Anonymous said
Gasp!! I’m so sad to hear this. My favorite female player to never win a Major. She just was beaten badly this week and that would explain why. Thanks for this news ladies!!!
BonnyBee said
Pat Rafter doing Roger Federer imitation (sort of):
Dee said
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/dementieva-retires-from-tennis-20101030-177ug.html
chieko said
I want to say good-bye properly to this beautiful site that TP sama has created for all of us!! 😦 I came here when I was injured and could not do things I wanted to do. It helped me passed those awful days of surgery and waiting at home. I am so thankful. Bye bye site, we shall all miss you including me. But you will be with us in our new site always. Your spirits and your beautiful form will be remembered always. Good Bye!! 😀 😆 😳
😦 :sigh: 👿 😀
You will be remembered by me forever!! Sayonara
Growltiger said
TP no longer appears in my email box.
I like the site enough to search for it, but there doesn’t seem to be any new postings since 11/2 even though the Paris Tournament is going on with a lot of interesting wins/losses that I’d think TP would be discussing.
What am I doing wrong?
I miss the old TP. Maybe renting is better than owning in this economy.
M said
GT, did you not see the new articles and live thread at the new TypePad site?
Did you check this URL (as always here on WordPress, push together the spaces):
http:// tennisplanet. typepad.com/ blog/