The Tennis Thread 2014

[Senator Clay Davis]

In an ideal world they would simply ban grunting or penalize grunting deemed excessive. So basically Sharapova and Azarenka would be banned from tennis without dialing it down. You can certainly hear Genie sometimes, but it's very quiet. Sharapova and Azarenka do it at the level they do because it's a distraction. Sharapova's volume fluctuates on it which should tell you all you need to know about how legit it is.

[polak]

Ah disappointing but it happens. She keeps improving, I think she'll be in the final at one of the next two slams this year.

Then we'll get married.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

"It was a tough battle, it was what I expected," said Bouchard. "I didn't play as well as I had earlier in the tournament. It's always disappointing to be a bit off. I needed to be aggressive and go for my shots."

"But it just motivates me ... I was still so close. That just gives me extra motivation to work hard in practice and get ready for the next one and have that belief that I can do it."

"I constructed the points well but I didn't finish them as well as I could," Bouchard said. "In the third set, I didn't feel tired, but she does put so much pressure on you. She elevated her game later in the match, I tried to do my thing and I had a couple of chances but I didn't take my opportunities.

"Maybe I let off a bit on my shots in the second and third sets."

http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/story/?id=454018

I like that last quote. When she has someone down a set she needs to put her foot on the pedal. Really excited to see how she responds after this, I think she'll be determined.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Guess this is the Genie Army, holy...

[Burke Salad]

A little off topic, where in Calgary would be best to go for tennis racquets? Talking largest selection at multiple price levels?

[Mango]

Originally Posted by Burke Salad

A little off topic, where in Calgary would be best to go for tennis racquets? Talking largest selection at multiple price levels?

There are two places I would suggest:

Racquet Central (26th Ave SW) - great selection and the staff is always really helpful.
Racquet Network (Oakfield Dr SW) - solid selection, especially when it comes to accessories like shoes, stringing etc.

I don't suggest:

What's Your Racquet (15th Ave SW...I believe) - I'm not sure if they are still at this location, but the selection wasn't great and the staff was pretty useless. When they did speak to the customers, they were busy trying to upsell.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Rafa is crushing Murray so looks like we'll be getting the dream Nadal/Djokovic final. A repeat of the semifinal last year please.

[GirlySports]

I'm shocked... SHOCKED... that Nadal and Djokovic are in the final.

[Inglewood Jack]

2nd vote for Racquet Central. you have 200+ in your pocket and want the Rafa/Nole kit, they'll hook you up. but they are also knowledgeable enough to recommend something more affordable and easier to control, depending on what your current level is.

I like their selection for other racquet sports as well, like squash; they also do quality stringing. the only thing I haven't bee able to find in Calgary is the official ATP/WTA footwear. If I want Roger's Nike Vapors or Rafa's Ballistecs, I've only been able to order them online or pick them up at Niketown in the States. maybe it's different now?

I'm pretty sure the general recommendation not to buy racquets at Sport Chek or other general stores (unless you have a gift card) still stands. they have ok selection but not the expertise.

[troutman]

CP trip to the US Open in September?

I have a friend that lives in Queens.

[polak]

Originally Posted by Mango

There are two places I would suggest:

Racquet Central (26th Ave SW) - great selection and the staff is always really helpful.
Racquet Network (Oakfield Dr SW) - solid selection, especially when it comes to accessories like shoes, stringing etc.

I don't suggest:

What's Your Racquet (15th Ave SW...I believe) - I'm not sure if they are still at this location, but the selection wasn't great and the staff was pretty useless. When they did speak to the customers, they were busy trying to upsell.

Matter of fact, they're all in the same complex; it's the racquet complex on third

[Zach]

Nadal -110 vs Joker right now in the Final.

[Mango]

Originally Posted by troutman

CP trip to the US Open in September?

I have a friend that lives in Queens.

That would be lovely. Fantastic tournament.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by troutman

CP trip to the US Open in September?

I have a friend that lives in Queens.

Free accommodations at your friend's place? Thanks for the invite!

[dash_pinched]

Heard that Genie will be ranked #12 when the new rankings come out on Monday.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Maybe it's just me but I find Sharapova to be as unlikeable as Serena. The absurd overreactions to winning some games/points is pretty lame. And can she please get called for a time violation already?

[CofR]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

Maybe it's just me but I find Sharapova to be as unlikeable as Serena. The absurd overreactions to winning some games/points is pretty lame. And can she please get called for a time violation already?

Watching and listening to her today has been painful.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

Maybe it's just me but I find Sharapova to be as unlikeable as Serena. The absurd overreactions to winning some games/points is pretty lame. And can she please get called for a time violation already?

I like Serena. She's a polished and aggressive player. Maria is just ridiculous with the grunting and theatrics. It pleases me that Serena has beaten Maria 15 times in a row.

[Inglewood Jack]

Yawn...who's ready to hunker down for 6+ hours of brain melting rallies?

Ole Nole! For flood ravaged Serbia!

[Senator Clay Davis]

Novak obviously needed that first set much worse than Nadal. Should see things pick up now.