If you live in the United States, and haven’t made the trip to the tennis mecca of this country, Flushing Meadows, what are you waiting for? Most of us may never get into Wimbledon or the Australian Open, but this is our backyard, and the last major of the tennis calendar. This is the chance to see the fuzz fly -- on a massive stage.
This season has been both thrilling and disappointing in some ways. There’s the beginnings of a potentially great men’s rivalry, and the collapse of the women’s game. There’s the ending of one great career, and hints of greatness from others. There’s also the fact that it’s 1:30 in the morning, so let’s just get right into it.
Men
1. Roger Federer: What hasn’t been said about the F-bomb? Truly, he’s got men’s tennis by the, er, throat. However, he’s had a long year, and it showed in his loss in Cincinnati against Andy Murray. That defeat might have been the best thing to happen to the man, though. He comes in rested, and refocused, and dangerous.
2. Rafael Nadal: The yin to Federer’s yang. He also suffered an early loss in Cincinnati to the resurgent (??) Juan Carlos Ferrero. Like Federer, he’s been making finals all year, and an extended rest before the U.S. Open won’t hurt him. But the difference between he and Federer is that Federer’s knows this surface like Nadal knows clay. A little more work on concrete wouldn’t have hurt Nadal, but he’s already shown his ability to adapt. His first round match is against Mark Philippoussis, and if he can escape that, he’ll have an easy ride to the semis.
3. Ivan Ljubicic: Wherefore art thou, Ivan? He’s got a big game, big serve, imposing shots -- and no majors. Must be between the ears. He’s drawn Feliciano Lopez in the first round, the only Spaniard who sucks on clay. Even if he gets out of that, he could face Richard Gasquet in the third round, and Lleyton Hewitt after that. Not good, Ivan. Not good.
4. David Nalbadian: Another big-time player with nothing to show for it. One of the few players to hold a winning record against Federer, Nalbandian has underachieved, losing to players that he should be able to beat. Sounds like his likely opponent in the second round, one Marat Safin. Break out the popcorn for that one.
5. James Blake: After tanking at Wimbledon, Blake has gone on to have a lackluster summer. He beat Andy Roddick for the second time in his career to hoist the Indianapolis title, but has been sliding since. He was seeded first at the Pilot Pen in New Haven, had a cushy draw, and couldn’t even get out of the starting gate. Did he play too much this summer? I think so. Damn the U.S. Open Series, James. Get ready for the big one next year. I see him losing to Dmitry Tursunov in the quarters.
6. Tommy Robredo: How did he get up here? Consistent results all year long, that’s how. He’s a solid player who’s beaten the likes of Nalbandian, Blake and Davydenko this year, and he’s got what it takes to make the quarterfinals. There, he’ll probably run into a brick wall named Nadal.
7. Nikolay Davydenko: Won New Haven, beating a librarian's row of cream puffs in the process. He’ll come away with some confidence, sure, but playing Andy Murray in the Round of 16 will be a shock to his system.
8. Marcos Baghdatis: The likable Cypriot will be the most hated man in Arthur Ashe Stadium come that second round match against Andre Agassi. He hasn’t done much this summer, and has shown some scattered results all year, from the Aussie Open finals to crashing out in the second round of the French. If Agassi’s fully rested and ready to go, Baghdatis could have a lot of time to sample the Greek food in New York.
9. Young Andrew Roddick: All right, Andy. You’ve got your props. You got a title this summer, and you and your camp say that you’re back. He did whip some contenders, like Andy Murray, Fernando Gonzalez and Ferrero. And he’s starting to hit his backhand. And he does have Jimmy Connors with him at the zoo of the majors. Under the lights of New York City, Andy could do anything. Like charge to the finals of the U.S. Open. Or lose in the Round of 16 to Agassi or Baghdatis.
10. Fernando Gonzalez: Watch him play, and you wonder why he hasn’t made any significant noise in a major yet. His fearless style of play is probably his biggest undoing. He goes for his shots -- and misses -- too much.
The stragglers:
Andre Agassi: Somehow, calling him a straggler seems wrong. But Agassi, even with the storied ending to a magnificent career, is a long shot. He’s got little chance of making the run he did last year because his body’s getting rickety. The hope: That he gets past Baghdatis and handles Sebastien Grosjean and Andy Roddick. The reality: Enter the doubles draw, Andre. Extend your stay.
Andy Murray (17th): He’s been a different player since Brad Gilbert grudgingly accepted more than $1 million to take Murray under his wing. Gilbert is probably a pain in the ass to have around, but it’s hard to deny the effect his has on his students. Murray has dropped the hangdog look in tough matches, and pulled most of them out. Roddick nipped him in Cincy, but he’d played all summer. He’ll be ready for a nice run at the Open.
Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils (25th and 27th): Neither may get very far at the Open, but they have rather strong games and each is capable of an upset. Djokovic could very well take advantage of an injured Hewitt (knee) in the third round, while Monfils could get a shot at Nadal in the Round of 16.
Gaston Gaudio (21st): What, does he have a protected seeding or something? He won the French three years ago, for crying out loud.
Juan Carlos Ferrero (16th): Nice Cincy run. Now try it at a major.
Dmitry Tursunov (23rd): Fiery temper? Oh, yeah. Not even MacEnroe tried to break a ref’s hand before.
Marat Safin: To take a page out of Goran Ivanesevic’s book, let’s see who shows up to Queens: the bad Marat (busts a few racquets, loses in the first round to Robin Vik) or the good Marat (busts a few racquets, garners some fines, moons the crowd, and beats Nalbandian in the second round, only to lose to a Rochus brother).
First-round matches to see:
Lopez v. Ljubicic
Nadal v. Philippousis: Sheesh, not even Alexandra Stevenson gets wild cards anymore. Who does Philippousis know?
Murray v. Robert Kendrick: Was Kendrick’s performance against Nadal at Wimbledon a flash in the pan, or is he an American hope?
Tim Henman v. Greg Rusedski: The battle of the Brits. Go Tim (into the second round, where you’ll get dusted by Federer)!
Upset special:
I’m not throwing Andre under the bus. Later, Ljubicic.
The way it'll go down:
Semifinals: Federer v. Murray, Nadal v. Roddick
Final: Federer v. Nadal
Winner: Coin toss.
Women:
1. Amelie Mauresmo: About time she puts those mental demons to bed. Her win over Justine Henin-Hardenne was her first real major win, and she should be proud. Truth is, though, she’s the weakest top seed at a major in a long time. Just as easily as she could put together a run, she could be pushed by someone like Lisa Raymond or Ana Ivanovic. In order to cement her seeding, she’ll have to perform well here.
2. Justine Henin-Hardenne: How does she do it? She bailed at the Australian Open final, only to win the French and make the Wimbledon finals. She even comes in with a measure of confidence, heaving the Pilot Pen trophy, despite Lindsay Davenport doing most of the heavy lifting, (in disposing Mauresmo) then pulling up lame in the final. Even with her injury problems (both real and imaginary), she’s the closest to a sure thing the women’s game has got right now.
3. Maria Sharapova: After she beat Kim Clijsters in the San Diego final, and lost to Dementieva in the L.A. semis, Sharapova sure has made herself scarce. Let's hope she's been working on a 'Plan B' for her game. Even coming in somewhat cold, Sharapova can always challenge. Is she ready to make it to another Grand Slam final?
4. Elena Dementieva: Just when you thought it was safe to let her serve out a match ... She nearly let Jelena Jankovic back in during the Los Angeles final. Plus, she had Svetlana Kuznetsova on the ropes in New Haven and double-faulted her way to defeat. She’s such a strong all-around player that the weakness that is her serve really stands out. But she’s seeded fourth here, so she’s doing something right. Expect it to go wrong, though, if she faces Sam Stosur in the Round of 16.
5. Nadia Petrova: It’s been a long, tough road back from injury for the Russian. She’s a fine player, with big groundstrokes and a versatile game. But she’s been on the shelf for most of the summer. Can she shake off the rust by the time she faces Anna Chakvetadze in the Round of 16?
6. Svetlana Kuznetsova: During her match with Elena Dementieva in New Haven, she called for a coach’s time-out. Woman, you were playing the weakest server in women’s tennis and you need some advice? Hmm. Maybe you should try attacking the serve. Anyway, this former U.S. Open champion hasn’t been as strong as she was in 2004, when the tour was depleted by injury. She’ll need to stay focused in this draw, if she wants to advance past Jelena Jankovic in the 16s and Dementieva in the quarterfinals.
7. Patty Schnyder: Gotta give her credit for her staying power. She’s been consistent all year. Her lefty game usually makes for long matches. She has a nice draw, and with Lindsay Davenport dealing with a new injury, could make her way to the quarters.
8. Martina Hingis: Well, well, well. Look who’s in the Top 10 again. She lost in the Montreal finals to Ivanovic, but the Chessmaster is probably raring to make a real run in a major. Problem is, her first round match is against the talented Shuai Peng. If she can get out of that sticky situation, she can enjoy a fairly comfortable ride to the quarters. And although she’ll face Mauresmo, she’s gotta like her chances of getting into the Frenchwoman’s head.
9. Nicole Vaidisova: She’s cooled off somewhat since the French Open, and pleaded injury in withdrawing from the New Haven event. She could have been saving herself for another major run or she could be booted in round three by Jankovic.
10. Lindsay Davenport: Prediction: This will be the 30-year-old’s last major. Davenport has been frustrated by injury all season, and to be unable to compete against players she should be able to beat must be killing her. Her game is willing, but her body seems to be unable.
The stragglers:
Jelena Jankovic (19th): Pegging her for the semifinals, and maybe further. She combines a power game with variety, and she showed how much fun she has on court in her win against Serena in Los Angeles and even in her loss to Dementieva in the final.
Vera Zvonareva (33rd): She looks to be on the comeback trail this year, and she’s capable of taking care of Dementieva in the third round.
Serena Williams: Serena comes in to this tournament with a few matches under her belt, and unseeded. Can she beat Daniela Hantuchova, Ana Ivanovic, Amelie Mauresmo, and Dinara Safina or Martina Hingis just to reach the semis. Um, no.
The Chinese brigade: Peng, Na Li and Tiantian Sun are all floating around in the top half, and Li could beat Mary Pierce to make the Round of 16. Here’s a question: Where are all the up-and-coming Americans?
Chanda Rubin: Not quite who I had in mind, but it’s great that she’s playing again. What’s not great is that her first round is against Nicole Vaidisova. See Chanda while you can.
First round matches to watch:
Hingis v. Peng
Shenay Perry v. Eleni Daniilidou: Perry made waves at Wimbledon when she was the only American to advance past the third round. This is a great chance for her to make another run.
Vaidisova v. Rubin
Karolina Sprem v. Sania Mirza: Doesn’t look like Sprem can do much when the ref’s keeping the right score. But she should beat Mirza, who could use just one revolution of spin on her groundstrokes.
Vania King v. Alicia Molik: Molik’s another player who’s been sidelined by injury. At her peak, which was just before an inner ear infection, she was beating Venus Williams at the Australian and challenging Davenport.
Hantuchova v. Bethanie Mattek: Please, someone take Bethanie clothes shopping before this match. Do not let her emerge from the store with tube socks.
Bychkova v. Shavronskaia: Try saying that three times fast. By the time you're done, the match will be over.
Upset special:
Martina Hingis gets a Shanghai surprise.
The way it'll go down:
Semifinals: Mauresmo v. Sharapova, Henin-Hardenne v. Jankovic
Final: Mauresmo v. Jankovic
Winner: Mauresmo
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Think fast?
This summer, a few events will allow something new. If a player is in a bind, or is just lonely, perhaps, they can call for on-court coaching. The powers that be theorize that this will make tennis more interesting.
The ATP and WTA has some very interesting ideas about how to boost interest. First, throwing in a ‘super tiebreak’ in place of a third set in doubles, because why on earth would a tennis fan want to see more tennis in a match? After two sets, it’s boring as hell, the TPTB seems to think. Let’s wrap this up.
And now this on-court coaching nonsense. What’s more interesting to watch?:
Scenario A: A player is down a set and a break, and lumbers over to his chair at changeover. He buries his head in his towel, and realizes that he has to try to draw his opponent to the net. He employs this strategy, and bam! he’s tied the match up.
Scenario B: A player is down a set and a break, and lumbers over to his chair at changeover. He tells the umpire he needs his coach, stat! and some balding fat guy comes running down and tells him to watch the ball and move his feet, and to pick on his opponent’s backhand, and to get into net and to put away the overheads and above all, to stay positive. The player goes out on the court, and can't remember anything his coach just said. Moreover, he realizes that he never even got anything to drink.
Or ...:
Scenario C: A player is down a set and a break, and lumbers over to his chair at changeover. He tells the umpire he needs his coach, stat! and some balding fat guy with a temper (channeling Maria Sharapova's dad here for some reason) who begins raging at his guy, with mikes on, and making derogatory comments about his guy's opponent, and throws in some helpful advice about beating him. Well, the opponent can hear it, too. Oops.
For crying out loud, tennis fans like tennis. They like the scoring and they like the gladiator-like atmosphere. We don’t want to see players getting Cliff-notes from their coach. Part of the great thing about tennis is that you’re on your own, and if you can’t see the game unfolding before your own eyes, then it’s your problem. And what’s so interesting about seeing a coach and a player conferring on the sideline? How will that make tennis more exciting? It’s a part of Davis Cup and World Team Tennis, but have you noticed that when the coaching begins, networks go to commercial? There’s a reason for that.
The tennis bigwigs, as usual, seems to have this all wrong. It looks it’s trying to glean elements of more popular sports in order to draw the masses. The truth is that tennis will never be football in America. Changing the rules won’t make it so, either. If you’re not a fan, you’re not a fan.
The ATP and WTA should be working together to shorten the season, so that the top players will play more often. That seems to be the outstanding issue where tennis popularity is concerned.
The ATP and WTA has some very interesting ideas about how to boost interest. First, throwing in a ‘super tiebreak’ in place of a third set in doubles, because why on earth would a tennis fan want to see more tennis in a match? After two sets, it’s boring as hell, the TPTB seems to think. Let’s wrap this up.
And now this on-court coaching nonsense. What’s more interesting to watch?:
Scenario A: A player is down a set and a break, and lumbers over to his chair at changeover. He buries his head in his towel, and realizes that he has to try to draw his opponent to the net. He employs this strategy, and bam! he’s tied the match up.
Scenario B: A player is down a set and a break, and lumbers over to his chair at changeover. He tells the umpire he needs his coach, stat! and some balding fat guy comes running down and tells him to watch the ball and move his feet, and to pick on his opponent’s backhand, and to get into net and to put away the overheads and above all, to stay positive. The player goes out on the court, and can't remember anything his coach just said. Moreover, he realizes that he never even got anything to drink.
Or ...:
Scenario C: A player is down a set and a break, and lumbers over to his chair at changeover. He tells the umpire he needs his coach, stat! and some balding fat guy with a temper (channeling Maria Sharapova's dad here for some reason) who begins raging at his guy, with mikes on, and making derogatory comments about his guy's opponent, and throws in some helpful advice about beating him. Well, the opponent can hear it, too. Oops.
For crying out loud, tennis fans like tennis. They like the scoring and they like the gladiator-like atmosphere. We don’t want to see players getting Cliff-notes from their coach. Part of the great thing about tennis is that you’re on your own, and if you can’t see the game unfolding before your own eyes, then it’s your problem. And what’s so interesting about seeing a coach and a player conferring on the sideline? How will that make tennis more exciting? It’s a part of Davis Cup and World Team Tennis, but have you noticed that when the coaching begins, networks go to commercial? There’s a reason for that.
The tennis bigwigs, as usual, seems to have this all wrong. It looks it’s trying to glean elements of more popular sports in order to draw the masses. The truth is that tennis will never be football in America. Changing the rules won’t make it so, either. If you’re not a fan, you’re not a fan.
The ATP and WTA should be working together to shorten the season, so that the top players will play more often. That seems to be the outstanding issue where tennis popularity is concerned.
Advantage: Jankovic
Serena Williams has had a couple of semifinal runs since she’s returned. She’s won some tough matches against some good players (Myskina, Hantuchova, Shaughnessy) and has proven that she still has one of the most potent serves in women’s tennis. But in her semifinal loss to Jelena Jankovic in Cincinnati last week really revealed a few issues that need to be tweaked.
Now I know that the ESPN commentators are American and are catering to American fans, but let’s not lie: Serena is not fit, and she has not lost weight since we last saw her. Now if she ballooned up to 200+ pounds while she was gone, then that would need to be pointed out. But she is not fit. Yes, she played some tough matches before losing to Jankovic, but she’s barely played before that. We’re not talking about a Roger Federer here, who makes finals every week. If he loses early, like he did this week to Andy Murray, one could theorize that the man needs a mental break, and he does. But Serena has had her time off.
She also showed that she’s just as capable of taking mental breaks -- in the middle of a match. During the second set of her semi against Jankovic, the Serbian was hitting a couple of balls back to the ballboy, and one of them hit Serena on the foot. She stood there for a moment, staring down Jankovic, who had her face buried in a towel. At the end of the match, the two players shook hands, but Serena appeared to make a grab at Jankovic’s attention, asking her why she hit Serena with the ball, and informing her that it was ‘rude.’
Well. At least Serena told her. At least we know now that Serena had her mind correctly focused on teaching this girl a thing or two about messing with a Williams. If Serena had half a mind on the match, she would have realized that Jankovic unintentionally hit Serena. Then she would have asked herself: ‘Self, I’m down a set here, and I’m tired. What should I do to win this match?’
So, does Serena have a chance at this year’s U.S. Open? Even with Kim Clijsters sitting out, the answer is no. She isn’t physically ready, and her form is atrocious. She’s got some serious balance issues, and I’m only talking about her ground strokes here. But when you harbor something silly like a ball hitting you in the foot, (considering that she tried to drill Jankovic a new belly button every time she went to net) and you can’t use that perceived slight to play better, then she’s not mentally ready for a Slam yet. Heck, any player who saw her mini-breakdown should considering throwing a ball in her direction from now on.
Now I know that the ESPN commentators are American and are catering to American fans, but let’s not lie: Serena is not fit, and she has not lost weight since we last saw her. Now if she ballooned up to 200+ pounds while she was gone, then that would need to be pointed out. But she is not fit. Yes, she played some tough matches before losing to Jankovic, but she’s barely played before that. We’re not talking about a Roger Federer here, who makes finals every week. If he loses early, like he did this week to Andy Murray, one could theorize that the man needs a mental break, and he does. But Serena has had her time off.
She also showed that she’s just as capable of taking mental breaks -- in the middle of a match. During the second set of her semi against Jankovic, the Serbian was hitting a couple of balls back to the ballboy, and one of them hit Serena on the foot. She stood there for a moment, staring down Jankovic, who had her face buried in a towel. At the end of the match, the two players shook hands, but Serena appeared to make a grab at Jankovic’s attention, asking her why she hit Serena with the ball, and informing her that it was ‘rude.’
Well. At least Serena told her. At least we know now that Serena had her mind correctly focused on teaching this girl a thing or two about messing with a Williams. If Serena had half a mind on the match, she would have realized that Jankovic unintentionally hit Serena. Then she would have asked herself: ‘Self, I’m down a set here, and I’m tired. What should I do to win this match?’
So, does Serena have a chance at this year’s U.S. Open? Even with Kim Clijsters sitting out, the answer is no. She isn’t physically ready, and her form is atrocious. She’s got some serious balance issues, and I’m only talking about her ground strokes here. But when you harbor something silly like a ball hitting you in the foot, (considering that she tried to drill Jankovic a new belly button every time she went to net) and you can’t use that perceived slight to play better, then she’s not mentally ready for a Slam yet. Heck, any player who saw her mini-breakdown should considering throwing a ball in her direction from now on.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
The red, white and bruised
Road trip?
I love road trips. Man, it feels so good to get in your car, roll down the windows and sunroof and allow the wind (smog? exhaust?) blow through your hair. Turn up the radio and blast your favorite tunes, watching the world pass by your window, and that idiot driver cut you off --- HEY! HEY! WHAT THE &*##$@'s WRONG WITH YOU!
The best part of a road trip is getting to your destination, and hanging out with your buddies, who also sacrificed their time and blood pressure to join you. This summer's road trip promises to be quite awesome. Who's gonna be there?
Well, there's Venus Williams, for one, who's bringing her bling. What, you say? There isn't Venus Williams? She pulled out of the Acura Classic (her first stop) because of wrist problems.
OK. That's a damper. Ah, well, at least there's Serena Williams. She's on the comeback trail. Should be interesting to see -- oh. She's out, too? Doctor's orders, huh? (Is this the same girl who proclaimed herself her own doctor after her first knee surgery a couple years ago?)
Downers both, but can't say it's unexpected, really. But you know who won't let me down? Lindsay Davenport, who hasn't quite been the same since that Wimbledon final last year. She's got to be itching to play, considering she's been out since March. I know she loves hard courts. I know she'll be ... out. Still. Back problems.
Speaking of back problems, this trip is starting to become quite the pain in my backside. I guess I'll have to settle for watching Andy Roddick. I hear he's going for the bowl haircut, like his new coach, Jimmy Connors. Could be interesting. Maybe he's been working on his game and his fitness. I know he was signed up for this Legg Mason event, but can't quite find his first round match... Oh, you've got to be kidding me! He's injured, too?
Well, damn. Why did I make this trip? Seems like most the people who invited me aren't showing up. It's not like there's no one here, though. There is Tommy Haas, who's trying to kick-start his career again. It's fun watching him. Kim Clijsters is holding it down. So it's not a total wash. But how about some honest advertising next year? If we're going to get Dmitry Tursunov and Patty Schnyder, then let's find out what they're bringing, since they're actually coming?
I love road trips. Man, it feels so good to get in your car, roll down the windows and sunroof and allow the wind (smog? exhaust?) blow through your hair. Turn up the radio and blast your favorite tunes, watching the world pass by your window, and that idiot driver cut you off --- HEY! HEY! WHAT THE &*##$@'s WRONG WITH YOU!
The best part of a road trip is getting to your destination, and hanging out with your buddies, who also sacrificed their time and blood pressure to join you. This summer's road trip promises to be quite awesome. Who's gonna be there?
Well, there's Venus Williams, for one, who's bringing her bling. What, you say? There isn't Venus Williams? She pulled out of the Acura Classic (her first stop) because of wrist problems.
OK. That's a damper. Ah, well, at least there's Serena Williams. She's on the comeback trail. Should be interesting to see -- oh. She's out, too? Doctor's orders, huh? (Is this the same girl who proclaimed herself her own doctor after her first knee surgery a couple years ago?)
Downers both, but can't say it's unexpected, really. But you know who won't let me down? Lindsay Davenport, who hasn't quite been the same since that Wimbledon final last year. She's got to be itching to play, considering she's been out since March. I know she loves hard courts. I know she'll be ... out. Still. Back problems.
Speaking of back problems, this trip is starting to become quite the pain in my backside. I guess I'll have to settle for watching Andy Roddick. I hear he's going for the bowl haircut, like his new coach, Jimmy Connors. Could be interesting. Maybe he's been working on his game and his fitness. I know he was signed up for this Legg Mason event, but can't quite find his first round match... Oh, you've got to be kidding me! He's injured, too?
Well, damn. Why did I make this trip? Seems like most the people who invited me aren't showing up. It's not like there's no one here, though. There is Tommy Haas, who's trying to kick-start his career again. It's fun watching him. Kim Clijsters is holding it down. So it's not a total wash. But how about some honest advertising next year? If we're going to get Dmitry Tursunov and Patty Schnyder, then let's find out what they're bringing, since they're actually coming?
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