Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Serena, Roddick, Hewitt, Stosur, Clijsters played a charity game while mic'd up a day before the tournament actually starts. They raised 500k for Haiti which I think is pretty awesome. Also very interesting to see some of the players be very casual. Never thought Federer was such a showman.
Some of the youtube is absolutely hilarious. Here's one of the highlights, I'm sure there's others up.
Part of the match:
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The first major of the year always has plenty of surprises. So far, everything has mostly gone according to "plan", but on women's side - a thriller, Justine Henin defeats number 5 seed Elena Dementieva 7-5, 7-6 (8-6). Welcome back, Justine! And Sharapova was bounced in the first round. The Blake / Del Potro was another good one today.
I was disappointed to see Wozniak out in the first round, but when you're facing a powerhouse like Wozniacki...
I'm so excited that Justine is back. That was a crazy good match!
Love the fact that she's 5'5" and blasting shots that are arguably harder than players like Sharapova (6'3") and Ivanovic (6'1"), while serving better than both of them!
I'm so excited that Justine is back. That was a crazy good match!
Me too. The fact that both she and Kim are back adds so much more to the women's tour. Nothing against the Williams sisters, but something has really been lacking since the Belgian ladies were gone. I'm not sure if it was competition or their grace and respect on the court. Throw Caroline Woznacki in the mix and I think it's going to be a great 2010. I'm excited to see how Aleksandra Wozniak fairs too. She's going to have much higher expectations.
For the men, it's hard to say. I don't care for his personality too much, but I would like to see Andy Roddick grab another major. He's due, especially after the Wimbledon battle last year. However, I think Del Potro will be the man to beat.
Watching right now...and Novak Djokovic is struggling early. He really can't handle the heat for some reason.
Kim Clijsters with what she calls the worst match of her career. She was dropped by Nadia Petrova 6-0, 6-1. Ouch. Justine Henin is still in it, so I'll be cheering for her and Caroline Wozniacki the rest of the way.
For the men...no huge surprises yet. Gael Monfils fell out this morning, but to John Isner, who seems to be an up and comer. The Americans will be happy, as they wondering who will be able to take Andy Roddick's place (eventually) as their best singles player. I'm not sure if they are losing faith in Donald Young yet.
It really was a great five setter. I admire the way Roddick came back. I thought he was down and out after the second. So it'll be Cilic versus Murray. I do think Murray has the edge, given that Cilic has been through three grueling five setters now, plus his extra experience. Although they've been calling Cilic the stamina man....anything is possible!
I'm curious to see who gets into the other semi. Federer is always the favorite, but Davydenko has been playing great tennis for the last year, regardless of his age. Tsonga is a favorite of the Aussie fans and the hot weather is often a problem for Djokovic. It should be a great finish.
I stayed up to watch Nadal/Murray, and Murray was absolutely ridiculous.
Federer would get blown off the court if the Murray that played yesterday showed up. Nadal probably played some of his best tennis ever, and Murray still managed to win the first two sets.
I want Fed to win this, but it would be extremely tough to get through.
Roddick finally won me over yesterday. Always thought he was a no skill-all serve player, but the heart and guts, as well as tactics were on full display. Great guy and personality!
Roddick has to be one of the most overrated tennis players of his generation. The guy always finds a way to lose a match against an opponent he should beat.
Nadal/Murray match was an amazing display of talent and will on Murray's side. He was toying with Nadal on the serve and just over powered him overall in the match. It was very predictable that Nadal pulled up with an injury after being down 2 sets, not saying he was faking it but when Murray won that tie breaker in the 2nd I just saw it coming. Almost happy as it was already 3:30 at that point so I hit the hay.
The Tsonga/Almagro match a few nights ago was a great match. Man do those two ever pound the ball back and forth. I hope Tsonga can move on to play Federer (Ya I'm assuming he will move on).
I'd expect a Murray/Federer finals at this point.
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Originally Posted by henriksedin33
Not at all, as I've said, I would rather start with LA over any of the other WC playoff teams. Bunch of underachievers who look good on paper but don't even deserve to be in the playoffs.
Bah, I'm a big fan of Azarenka. I'm a total Williams hater so I'm glad at least one of them lost today. Serena is ridiculously good though compared to the rest of the women's field.
I think Azarenka needs a year to improve her serve, and she'll be winning slams in no time. One of the few women on tour that has the mental strength to win a slam, and the weapons to do it as well. Easy on the eyes too, but sadly not on the ears.
Also ya, Almagro/Tsonga was crushing. Great match. Lots of good stuff this year! Federer/Davydenko now! Go Fed!
Seeing how badly she is crushing the women's field, I think Serena should try playing a tournament against the men, I think that would be interesting to see what would happen. Whether she gets completely dominated by some 300th ranked player, or makes it to the semis or whatever.
Seeing how badly she is crushing the women's field, I think Serena should try playing a tournament against the men, I think that would be interesting to see what would happen. Whether she gets completely dominated by some 300th ranked player, or makes it to the semis or whatever.
She'd get crushed like how Hayley Wickenheiser wouldn't make a junior guy's team.
She'd get crushed like how Hayley Wickenheiser wouldn't make a junior guy's team.
This is the same Wickenheiser that played for a Men's team in Finland? The same one that turned down an offer in the ECHL from Phil Esposito? Don't get me wrong I don't think she would stand a chance in the NHL but to say she wouldn't make a junior team is nothing but a joke.
I think Serena would hold her own against unseeded Men's players however would not stand a chance against a guy like Murray, Fererer, Nadal, Del Potro, etc.
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Originally Posted by henriksedin33
Not at all, as I've said, I would rather start with LA over any of the other WC playoff teams. Bunch of underachievers who look good on paper but don't even deserve to be in the playoffs.
23 straight Major Semi-Finals for Roger Federer....is that good?
Simply an amazing tennis player it is crazy people thought he was done two years ago and Nadal was the new 'guy'.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henriksedin33
Not at all, as I've said, I would rather start with LA over any of the other WC playoff teams. Bunch of underachievers who look good on paper but don't even deserve to be in the playoffs.
Davydenko joking after during the post match press conference saying Federer got lucky. lol
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Originally Posted by henriksedin33
Not at all, as I've said, I would rather start with LA over any of the other WC playoff teams. Bunch of underachievers who look good on paper but don't even deserve to be in the playoffs.
Good match! Tsonga will need to play a lot smarter to beat Federer in this tournament. Head-to-head they are 1-1 so hopefully a good match. I'm curious how much energy Tsonga will have left going going to 5 sets twice in a row (the only two times in his career).
Djokovic had some health issues again, 5th time in the last 4 years in majors and Tsonga took advantage of it when he could, up until that point it looks like Djokovic was going to be moving up going up 2-1 in sets.
One thing that really, really bugs me about Djokovic is the amount he bounces the ball before his serve. On average he was bouncing the ball 8-12 times and at some points 18-22 times, slows things down way too much considering Tsonga for the most part was 2-5 times.
Interesting note on the Women's side is we could see two women from China playing in the finals if things work out but one of them going through Serena could be a tough match up. I bet the ratings would be huge for the finals, but they will be big for the semi's regardless.
I'm expecting a Murray/Federer and Williams/Henin Finals.
On a side note I would really love the chance to take a serve from Tsonga, that guy is a beast. Late in the 5th set he hit two straight serves right down the middle at 133MPH! Sick!
Anyways....bed time for HOOT!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henriksedin33
Not at all, as I've said, I would rather start with LA over any of the other WC playoff teams. Bunch of underachievers who look good on paper but don't even deserve to be in the playoffs.
Australian Open (+Hit for Haiti)
