Tennis

I'm really liking Korda and Shapavolov, and am pretty interested in Kyrigios vs AugerAliassime. Well, actually, I'm interested in quite a few matches but find myself following the young North Americans. Oh, and Otte was pretty great. Picking players to write about is kind of silly because I like watching a lot of them. There are a number of women players I find interesting and am stunned by Gauff's demeanor and play.

Where are the other tennis followers around here?

So one week of Wimbledon is complete. Sorry to see Kyrigios out due to injury (I believe he needed more matches leading up to the tournament). There are a lot of good and great players, excited for Monday. Another one I'm missing is Tsitsipas, whom I thought might get to at least the semi-finals.

Racket must be happy that Medvedev moved ahead.

I'm interested in what others have to say.

I don't know how I forgot to mention him, but I really like Sinner, too. Where is he? Perhaps the North American circuit will include a lot of players we're not seeing at Wimbledon. I imagine that there will be some who reject whatever the "Bubble" structure is, we'll see who shows up.

I have no affinity for Djokovic, though I used to. He is #1, but others are coming up on him. The reason I don't like him anymore is the impatience he showed with the ball kids. They didn't take any longer to give him the balls, but no one else got impatient or nasty with them. That was especially at the U.S. Open a couple of years ago when he wasn't in a particularly good space so maybe he'll be nicer.

I like reading your thoughts, Dave, and am glad you showed up here. And I don't follow the women as much, either.

What a day at Wimbledon! Dave or anyone, are you "recording" and watching later? Wondering if we can talk about results or if that's a spoiler?

I watched it, LLOLLO. There are some great players out there, going for their first quarter finals. Big match for those young women.

I'm thinking we need to choose a thread, either this one or the one in O.S. to be able to talk about play with results. Anyone have a suggestion of which thread? Also posing it in O.S.

Wasn't that a day! Intense.

I was in Paris during the French Open and London (though not S.W. 18) during Wimbledon in 1978. I didn't attend, but it was fun knowing it was going on.

So does anyone want to say which thread we should keep without results?

Spoilers/Results in this thread from now on.

I really like Berritini's style and use of power. Even more, I like anyone who can play Djokovic to the end, even without winning. It seems to me that having such a short grass season this year wasn't ideal and I hope that they can figure it out better for next year.

It seems to me that having such a short grass season this year wasn't ideal and I hope that they can figure it out better for next year. Injuries were too plentiful due to the slickness and the meager amount of practice on the grass - The transition from clay seems pretty tough with this timing. I'm looking forward to the hardcourt season. 
 

I'm excited to see how the Canadians, Italian, and US players do since they seem pretty excited right now. OK and a few others like Thiem, Zverev, and a few Russians. Will Thiem get his inspiration and play back? We'll see.

PS I'm waiting in the doctors office and using my phone - Not ideal for long thoughts.

So we've passed most of the clay and the lawn, and watching people get into hard court play is fun. Since the top players aren't playing yet we're seeing the next tier and it's work for them. Watching them is giving me insights into the rest of the year but I don't have new favorites.

Is anyone else watching?

Nadal vs Stevie Johnson in D.C. yesterday was a tight match to watch yesterday.

There are a few coming up today that should be interesting.

I'm happy that the Big 3 have withdrawn or stayed away from the Montreal 1000. I've really enjoyed watching the other players stretching themselves and playing some high quality tennis in recent tournaments. 

Who's going to win seems unpredictable and guys whose game is based on serving, not on play, are having to work harder. I don't know if you're watching, Davesnothere, LLOLLO or anyone else, so I don't want to spoil it, but at least some of these guys are playing like it matters. Shot placement!

Cincinnati: Zverev vs Tsitsipas - wow! Hard fought semi-final. The weirdest thing was after losing the first set Tsitsipas took a "bathroom break" that lasted almost 9 minutes and while he was off the court, Zverev accused him and his dad of coaching-by-texting while Tsitsipas was off the court. Dad was shown texting during the time Stef was off court. The interchange between the Umpire and Zverev got pretty testy.

Tsitsipas asked for another bathroom break after the second set and the Umpire said no, that if he was gone for more than 25 seconds he'd be penalized and there would be a penalty for each 25 seconds he was away. He didn't leave the court. It was very unusual and pretty weird.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for coming over here, I've felt pretty alone.

I did see Murray/Tsitsipas, and if the rules aren't changed pretty soon (like to 4 minutes as one of the commentators suggested) there are going to be exploding tennis players, fans, officials. Murray's Tweet today was clever, for sure. I agree with you about Murray's demeanor and style of playing. I'm always surprised by his swearing and yelling on court but it must fit into sportsman-like conduct somehow. I do like James Blake and as a Tournament Director he's done well. I liked him as a player, too.

I've been a fan of Tsitsipas' tennis and spirit but I've been hearing that he isn't vaccinated and won't be unless it's required for tournaments he wants to play!?!?!?!?!. Unless he plans to travel by private transport and live in a perma bubble, how can I respect him? It's a problem.

I don't usually like Djokovic, but I did tonight when he was so nice to/about Rune, the Danish player. I usually think he's a shit to ballkids and some other people but this was a great example of people being kind.

It's going to be an interesting tournament, for sure.

There was also a comment sometime last night wondering what reactions will be when Tsitsipas walks out on court night... we'll see.

Well, super wow! Tsitsipas vs Alcaraz! Young Alcaraz has a lot of new fans. Have you seen the match? Can we talk about it?

I missed the coaching and time violations (a friend called from Hawaii, I paused my TV but it only pauses for so long). I saw almost all of the play, I think. I was wowed.

So many 5 set matches! And so late into the night.

Thanks for mentioning that your wife watched practices on usopen.org. I'm able to watch the Sinner vs Monfils match (I really like these 2) while ESPN is showing Djokovich vs Nishikori. It's a bummer I'd have to sign up to watch Brooksby vs Karatsev. I'll wait.

Oh boy, I love these matches.

I'm enjoying it so much. Big upsets, indeed!

I had to miss the match that Fernandez won today. I saw Fernandez/Osaka a few days ago, Fernandez was great.

I enjoyed Shelby Rogers vs Ash Barty, another one of those wonderfully played upsets. I don't follow the women players closely but there are some very entertaining matches.
I never thought of what tennis means to me as entertaining until some player or commentator said it, and it's true I am entertained.

Yesterday was a great day at the Open and Monday will be, too. Still happy that so many of the results aren't givens.

The man from Sacramento!  Wow! (match in progress)

I was for Svitolina, but since she didn't win I can support both Fernandez and Raducanu - if they end up in the final that would (will) be a hell of a match. Just a little ways to go, and either Pliskova or Sakkari could win on the way there, too.

About the men, I was very sorry to see Alcaraz retire - I'm loving the first timers and the young players getting a chance. And yes, I'm all for Berrittini beating Djokovic tonight. I'm having so much fun watching.

So does Djokovic use the first set as a warm up period? He's lost a couple only to go on to win the match.

I hate that I had to miss some of the play today, but what I saw was great! I think it's just you, me and Rackethead and he seems to know the results in real time, so please, I don't think you have to worry about spoilers. Is that right, Racket? I want to hear your comments.

Since I don't really care who wins, well, except not Djokovic, I'm happy with how it's going. I liked the quotes and link you posted. I was sorry Sakkari wasn't able to make more of a match, but Raducanu was so good, as was Fernandez against Sabalenka. These young women are playing with grace, power, smarts, and fearlessness, and I like it.
Really, I just like tennis. And I like your hopes for tomorrow.
FAA is getting better (thanks Uncle Toni) and Zverev could actually do it.

Sorry I forgot to mention you, LLOLLO, in my list of people reading this thread. You are not chopped liver.

Still hoping for Zverev, and trying to remember to exhale.

They keep mentioning that Coco Gauff was the teenage phenom (my word) - I hope she's not having trouble dealing with the psychological side of these two extraordinary teen (but older) players "bursting" through to the final. Coco is in the doubles final, so that's good for her (and McNally).

Dave, did you see the semi's? I have just a few comments but I'll wait. I appreciated the dedication and fight... and the play.

Thanks for allaying the concern, Racket.
Of course, following this weekend there won't be many matches I'm able to see. This week there's been a tournament in Karlsruhe, Germany. I'm going to be in Europe at some point for 2 or 3 months (Covid postponed trip) and Karlsruhe will be home base (best friend lives there). I've never been there but I have a sentimental affection for the city.

I've never seen a live real tennis match.

I saw a Challenger match from Solano on TV. I think Stevie Johnson was in it, I don't remember other names from that one. There are small regional matches here, sometimes exhibitions, but I don't hear about them before they happen. I'll put myself on the mailing list of the place they usually happen.
The players seem to love Indian Wells so it seems like a good one to do someday. I had thought about the Laver Cup in Boston when it was scheduled for 2020, but... and then I looked at ticket prices, something I shouldn't do. I'm not able to project $300 worth of joy from a tennis match. Actually, there's not much that $300 would buy that would give me happiness. Limited funds sucks again.

I do just have to hand it to Djokovic. He did it, but Zverev couldn't.

I'm looking forward to today's match. I think it's going to be a powerful meeting of really focussed and motivated players showing grace in their attitudes and moves, and excitement in the stands. Have fun, folks.

In case there's any confusion about what I meant, grace does not mean gentle to me.

Well. Wow. Win. Lots of "W" words. That match was really enjoyable.

Was Fernandez saying she thought should have handled the abrasion/bleed differently? It did interrupt play. Rules... it was terrible timing.

I'm assuming Dave isn't looking in here til he's seen the match. Congratulations to Raducanu!

I thought Karlsruhe was a small town until I found out it isn't. That was a shock. I love where it is (like in relation to France) but don't know much about it. Our plan is to travel around in their 2019 Westfalia. We can go places we've been and to others we haven't. We also may fly some places, like Portugal, direct from Karlsruhe.

Medvedev's slinky, indeed. And sort of octopus-like. I was surprised that Djokovic was as gracious as he was at the end, but when he swung and it looked like he almost hit the ball girl with the ball (or was it the racket) - that was the kind of thoughtless carelessness I don't like about him. I thought he should at least lose a point or more for that. I guess losing the whole deal took care of that.

I just listened on Youtube to their press conferences - both sort of endearing. I was happy to hear the origin of Medvedev's "fish flop" celebration. He's a humorous guy.

There are WTA events going on in Europe right now but I won't be following. An occasional glance will do.

Nice watching with you guys. And Racket, nice to see you here where it seems we have more in common than not much in O.S. - zoners are zoners.

Getting excited about the Laver Cup that starts Friday.

I enjoyed the Laver Cup though it was truncated by Team Europe winning and winning some more. Oh well. It was nice to see Federer and Andy Roddick sitting together for a while. I also liked that the tournament used recordings of Rod Laver's voice for the line and net calls.

Djokovic dropped out of Indian Wells, so we have the Big 4 out and everyone else gets to play. I love it.

Indian Wells. I'm not into it, though I've tried. I am looking forward to JT Brooksby who's playing today, maybe that'll jump start my interest.

Well, I'm finally kind of burnt out on watching tennis on TV. I enjoyed the randomness of the time without the Big 3 (or 4). There are some very good, very hardworking guys playing these days and they're fun to watch but I'm mostly taking a break.

I saw part of Nadal vs Murray play in Abu Dhabi today, first time back for Nadal. Both of them played well.

They both seemed strong, injury-free and smart. Good to see.

Djokovic. My opinion of him has not risen.

I'm reading that you should wait til the symptoms are gone, but no recommendations to wait longer than that unless you had monoclonal antibody treatment.

I've been watching most of the men's matches, some of the women's. Some really great play. I really like watching Cressy come up, among others..

There is some more controversy about the information Djokovic gave Australia about testing... I agree, Dave, it's great for other players that he's not there. It's so open.

https://www.bbc.com/news/59999541

I watched for the first 2 1/2 hours, went to sleep and turned the TV on to see the end of the final set. Wow! Suspenseful match!

Thanks doolittle for not divulging. I think Davesnothere has probably heard or seen it by now, so YAY RAFA!!! He was who I hoped would win.

There was some really good play by a number of players throughout the tournament. Fun to watch.

I'm also enjoying Cressy's play. It's refreshing.

Frustrated and "bored" him. Medvedev usually changes his play to mimic/mirror/slide into the same sort of play, then cut off the other person's roll, but Cressy got him.

Medvedev yelling at the Umpire! He needs a little help in the way he deals with it when things bug him.

I have really enjoyed the play at Indian Wells. So tough! I've seen so much good tennis and good sportsmanship. The semi's were really good, especially the one between Nadal and Alcaraz. I mean, man oh man. Alcaraz is going to be something! Well, he already is something.

The final should be interesting. Nadal may have gotten exhausted fighting the wind. (Dave, sorry if I spoiled it.)

Like wow. That's all I'm going to say in case Dave isn't ready to know what happened.

It looks like it's going to be a very exciting day in Miami. I may change my plans about leaving the house and just stay home and do things. Maybe when I'm older I'll get a DVR or something.

I did see Tsitsipas-Alcaraz. Alcaraz is changing the dynamics - I agree with Andy Roddick, he could take the whole thing.

Kyrgios escaped from himself - he could have held it together even though there were things he didn't like. His play has been so good, and his demeanor had seemed so calm and business-like. Not lifeless, but not so angrily miserable. He's still in the doubles with Kokkinakis, right? Kokkinakis had a hard time in singles today or yesterday, maybe injured?

It was a full day of tennis here. I love watching this level of play. As I've said before, I like it without the Big 3 (or 4, if you include Thiem) playing. Did you see his results from Marbella today? And Wawrinka was there, too. I like him.

Glad you guys got to see those guys today.

So many retirements and withdrawals! And due to those, unexpected winners. Not done yet. I hope there'll be no more injuries or illness's.

Not wishing to be the spoiler, I'll just say, wow! What a quarter-final match between Alcaraz and Kecmanović!

Happy I was able to watch it.

Oh, my. No spoilers. Let us know when you've seen them, Dave.

Monte Carlo is going to mess with my sleep.

I'm glad I didn't stay up last night to watch Korda and Alcaraz. I saw it today in the repeat. I was up til 4 in the morning the night before and I can't do that.

I missed Bublik, but heard about him.

These guys are amazing.

I'm glad you saw them. Yesterday was full and amazing. I missed the first semi match today, may be able to catch it, but I enjoyed the second. Almost nothing could beat yesterday. Wow.

I loved being on the Med (and in Monaco) years ago and I felt and smelled the sea while watching this tournament.

The Final should be really good tomorrow. I usually prefer Tsitsipas, but I'm going for both of them.

Allez!

 I've been looking and can't find the answer, is Thomas Enqvist off the Tsitsipas team? It looks like he was hired for the U.S. "Sunshine Double" and possibly Monte Carlo, but I didn't see him in the stands. I liked his quiet, but now dad is back and getting coaching warnings. I enjoyed today's match (on replay) but it was no yesterday.

I've been a Tsitsipas fan for years, too, so I'm with you. I'm still warming to the clay, but I'm just about there. Yes, great tennis!

I was in Tuscany in 1986 when Chernobly blew and didn't feel like the Italians were taking it seriously so I went to Menton, on the Mediterranean just over the French border. I went for 3 days, stayed for a little over a week. There was a Youth Hostel with great food high on a hill overlooking the town and the Sea. My friend and I walked most of the way to Cannes on the trail along the Sea, catching the train if it showed up where we were, so not all walking. It was a beautiful and intimate way to feel and see the area. Lots of lovely old mansions and outdoor dining and gathering spots. Eucalyptus groves, soft colors, history, really lovely. Emerge from the path at a tiny town and catch a train to somewhere... perfect pace, perfect place.

We went to Monte Carlo twice, once to try to check out the Casino and the style around town. I wasn't allowed in the Casino because I was wearing sandals, so after my friend went in I went in wearing her shoes. The areas we were allowed into were sort of rundown looking... nothing glamorous. We walked around to see a couple of other areas- it was a sparklingly beautiful day.

The second day we were passing through on the train and got off when we saw lots of people and heard the high-pitched whines of the cars in the Monaco Grand Prix, which as you probably know runs through the streets of Monte Carlo. We were in the old town and the motors were so loud, so screaming, such a big deal, and quite a contrast to the old buildings and little streets outside the raceway. Invigorating. Marlboro was a sponsor giving things out to spectators; I still have a lighter, a note pad and a plastic carrying bag of theirs.

I agree, Apostolos should be removed or at least put far away in the stands where he can't be seen or heard.

Watching Madrid, so much talent, perseverence, work! Exciting stuff.

No spoilers, but I do think Tsitsipas should get Thomas Enqvist back and get rid of his dad.

The final should be pretty interesting, maybe even exciting.

I won't go that as far as to horrible, not even sure what you had in mind, but where was Zverev? I was overly generous when I thought it would be pretty interesting...

Alcaraz is on a confidence building track. It's working.

As much as I like the occasional drop-shot, and he's very good at them, I hope there'll be more volleying sometime soon.

I could go on.

Yes to all of your above.

What is with Delbonis' serve? I forget until I see it again that it is one of the weirdest things I've seen. Here is a link to it in slow motion.

https://www.atptour.com/en/video/video-search-results/here-is-how-delbon...

Sofia Kenin's toss is amazing, I've marveled at it while watching her. It's a really fluid motion that doesn't look to me like it should work. What do I know?

Drop shots. I'm seeing more of them, interspersed with play to and from all over the courts. They sure work when they work.

Yes, Dave, I'm watching! And yes, those near-top seeds are having to play like they mean it. I'm loving it. I'm glad you're seeing it, too.

Alcaraz often comes through in the later sets after I've wondered if he can possibly pull it out. So good!

And it seems to me that since Alcaraz (and Brooksby during the spring tournaments) began playing so many drop shots others are adding a few more to their play - oh boy, I love watching really good tennis and we're getting to see some these days. I'm glad I'm retired so I can watch when I want to without staying up all night, but I almost, no, I sort of really do, resent having to go out to deal with stuff. I've got 3 medical appointments over the next 2 days and I know they're going to mess with my watching.

Still watching. (What I saw today, without spoiler, WOW!)

I wish I had seen the Alcaraz vs Khachanov match but it didn't seem to be on Tennis Channel. I just realized that maybe it was on ESPN or another network, but it's over.

On we go.

Ah, showing A vs K now.

Djokovic just bugs me, so his ball bouncing bugs me. I don't think Nadal can help his OCD-self, and I like him, so it's easier for me to take his routine. And yes, the serve clock comes to the rescue.

The all Scandinavian match was heart-felt. So now, we're down to the semi's and we'll see how it goes. I know who I think will be in the final, but we'll see.

The women's final could be great, if Gauff and Świątek win their semi's. I remember that you don't follow the women's games; I pick and choose. 

Onward!

I was glad I watched some of Gauff vs Trevisan, thanks for bringing it up, doolittle.

I hope tomorrow's women's final will be well-played and interesting.

No spoiler about today's men's semi's - there was some tight and heavy play.

I love tennis.

My friend texted with the winner's name before the Tennis Channel broadcast the Final so there was less tension than there would have been without that. In fact, I didn't watch the who thing, just in and out of the room.

I dislike that The Tennis Channel is a Sinclair entity, I wish I weren't so attached to it. I just try to make sure that I don't purchase things from their advertisers.

And now, on to the grass.

I enjoy the grass court season. Some fun matches, with players taking lots of small steps.

I'm really sorry that Wimbledon is restricting its player pool. Also too bad about the folks who are injured. It's tennis... there'll still be exciting play.

Grass is a short season. Definitely not my favorite but I like all of the surfaces, probably hard court best. What I really like is when the players are playing excellent tennis and enjoying themselves.

I hope Serena has fun, is proud of her play and doesn't get injured. Nadal, too.

Yes, I'm sad about Berrettini, I was looking forward to his beating Djokovic. And yes, missing the Russians and Zverev, too.

I'm really impressed with Tsitsipas and some others who can lose a set and pull it together.

Agassi was my favorite for a long time. I will catch up to his autobiography some day - right now I'm starting Jorma's. During his Quarantine series he often said while telling a story, "It's in the book", so I'll read the book.

Some exciting matches today!

I'll be at my TV for the T/K match unless my grandkids are visiting, in that case I'll catch it later on replay. I really want to see it.

They both continue to improve this week and I think either could win. Kyrgios seems to be such a great player naturally, fluid and precise. Tsitsipas can be SO good.

I agree with all of what you said.

Re spoilers: I don't know what you're interested in watching without knowing the outcomes, how long I should wait to comment. Are there matches you don't want to know the results of beside the Kyrgios/Tsisipas match tomorrow? Every once in a while there's a great match that I want to say something about, but I hold off.

I'm enjoying a lot of it.

Isner over Murray was a heck of a match. Isner's game was so high, and Murray wasn't slacking.

I almost never care where players come from but the large group of American men is impressive. Like Tommy Paul playing as well as he ever has, and many of them getting farther in a tournament that the have in the past. And they seem to be nice, even when they lose.

I like the ESPN commentators, except I really don't like Brad Gilbert's nicknames for people. I may have complained here about that in the past. Like why would he use them more than once ... as an example calling Alcaraz "Escape from Alcatraz". He still calls Sinner "Sin City" after maybe 3 years of doing so. I love his knowledge of the sport and its players from the past but, really.
Thank you for reading my rant.

Just to complete the rant, BG called him Sin City and someone nearby, maybe Darren Cahill (I think he's coaching Sinner these days) told BG that people/friends refer to Sinner as The Fox and BG said he's going to continue to call him Sin City.

End of third set, holy shit!

Me, too, Dave. Glad you caught them.

There is good tennis happening in SW19, just depends on who's feeling what while they're playing. I'm watching/listening to the Kyrgios/Nakashima match rerun and it's not like a morgue, but it's no circus.

Onwards. (Thanks for checking in, your posts are good for me.)

As Matteo Berrittini said on Facebook, Wow! Tsitsipas talks about aiming for Kyrgios.

https://firstsportz.com/tennis-news-i-was-aiming-for-his-body-stefanos-t...

Agree x2 about Fritz' play.

Fritz vs Kyrgios would be their first meeting and I will love to see it anytime, it would be great if it were happening in the semi. If only The Championships were listening to you, Dave.

They just keep playing. Del Bonis keeps serving his unique way.

There are always surprises and sometimes fun. No specifics, in case you're watching these days.

The Western and Southern is full of surprises. Lots of hard play, winners, losers, all that.

Good to see you here, Dave.

Great semis, indeed! I remain glad that Djokovic isn't playing here - everyone's getting a chance to stretch.

I always like when Tsitsipas raises his game when it's needed, and Coric is playing so well; today's final could be a great one. These guys are 3 dimensional (depth, strength, problem solving, et al. Happy watching.

Sorry Dave, spoiler. But since you don't follow women's tennis we're probably safe.

Serena doesn't need 'jewels" on her clothes to sparkle, she's got it on the natch. It was an engaging match and I agree, it would be great if she could make it to the final. I loved the way she jumped and leapt at the end.

So many highly seeded or ranked players have been eliminated! I've been shocked by a few but mostly it's been fun as an observer. A lot of them are just trying to get back in the game, and others are playing what they've planned as their last tournaments. Man, some of those people are so strong!

I watched some of Coric vs Brooksby. I watch Brooksby when I can and admire his playing. They both got into it and you're right, I wasn't disappointed.

How the players comport themselves on the courts matters to me and I thought I'd posted this here recently: I know he's young, but Brooksby doesn't seem empathetic or show good sportsmanship (like, say, Alcaraz). I love his play, I'm trying to like him.

I just keep watching. Some surprises but mostly they just keep playing.

I think Kyrgios just wants to be home with his mom. During yesterday's match with Khachanov, Kyrgios seemed erratic, uninspired, uninterested, distracted and sluggish. He's still amazing, and played with great skill when he did, but I'm glad he can go home.

I agree that he was outplayed, but I think the rest was true, too. He had no spark, no juice.

I should have said, he lost his spark and juice.

And now, watching Alcaraz/Sinner, wow! Those guys are so good!

Alcaraz/Sinner 5+ hours! What a spectacular match!

No spoiler.

Dave, let us know when you've seen it.

Racket, he says he feels like shit for losing and letting so many people down. Sad for him.

I second everything you said, Dave.

It was tremendous to watch it as it happened. I'm a fan of both, too, and didn't prefer one to win. I also loved watching the coaches; this was a match like none they'd ever seen before even though they're both so experienced. I liked the commentators awe and that they seemed to comment without fault-finding or rancor; I mean, what fault could you find that would be worth mentioning in light of the play. Those shots hitting the lines took my breath away. So many instances of wonder and joy. And strength and power.

If any of the matches in the semi's or the final come even close in their excellence and excitement it'll be a miracle. I think I'm going to miss tomorrow's semi matches (prior commitment to dance while listening to friends play music) - I hope I can find them on YouTube or somewhere.

Not going out tonight, it's too hot and smokey to dance outdoors. I'm looking forward to the match.

Yep, I'm a happy tennis watcher.

I was already looking forward to the Laver Cup (on Tennis Channel) but now even more so. I read his twitter announcement and again felt, what a great guy.
It's not a surprise to me that he's retiring now. I think it's great.

And about the Open, Carlos just has that thing.

I didn't have a favorite at the beginning of the match but it was hard to maintain when Carlos plays the way he does. Ruud is good and will continue to get even better and even more competitive. I love both of these guy's attitudes.

I was for Jabeur in the women's final but Swiatek does know how to win.

Nice sharing tennis with you, Dave.

doolittle, I share your wishes of great happiness for Roger. I don't know if I'm one of the Zoners you're thinking of as not being a great guy, but if I've hurt your feelings, please let me know directly at [email protected].

Not going to spoil it, but I hope you all got to see the Laver Cup doubles match today. I loved it, such camaraderie and affection between the players. They love each other. And then there was the great tennis.

Tender times after the match

Yes, the Fritz/Norrie match was really good. 

And now Sock in his second doubles of the tournament. Berrettini and Djokovic are so good, but this could turn out to be real fun. 

I always look forward to the Laver Cup. I even briefly entertained the idea of going to Boston 2 years ago when it was canceled and then last year in Boston again, but it costs quite a bit for tickets and I didn't think I'd get that much joy from it. Sure glad they broadcast it on the Tennis Channel.

Tiafoe had a message he was giving to team Europe. He really played.

Well! I woke up for the tiebreak of Swiatek v Krejcikova's second set and then went back to sleep. I had watched almost all of Fritz v Tiafoe and then fell asleep, saw the rerun end of it today. I hope the Tennis Channel will show the other men's finals, I'm interested.

I saw the second racket breaking as it happened and the first just after it happened. He was not doing well.

Fritz gets some interesting opponents.

Hi Dave! Yes!

I slept through much of the final but woke up for the last couple of games of the 3rd set and the tiebreak - wow and wow! It's all so exciting. I did watch the semi. Man, these matches are as you said, high-level. Amazing! The youth of today... and now Tsitsipas is not so young. I was watching when Alcaraz had to retire; I'm glad he knew if he couldn't stretch it he should end play.

I love tennis!!!

I think Coco played so many matches that she's a little tired. The mental and physical energy have ebbed a bit.

I hope she takes a good break and lets herself find her way.

Coco's playing in the Billie Jean King Cup 2022 Finals in Glasgow, so I guess no break. I hope she's having fun.

Plenty of tennis in Australia and New Zealand happening now. It'll take me a while to get used to the round robin format of the United Cup, but I do like men and women playing together as teams.

Do y'all know that Jessica Pegula's parents own the Buffalo Bills? They've had some heavy stuff, including the player lately who died on the field and was brought back to life and is said to be neurologically intact. Jess's had to play with some shitty stuff going on in Buffalo and in the background, and she's playing very well. The American team seems to be strong.

Indeed, that was something!

Wow, the AO has had its share of twists and turns, upsets, barely upsets (Rublev vs Rune)... not so many injuries, but it hasn't been as predicted for many.

Interesting that there were so many Americans still playing as the tournament went on. Ben Shelton! I'm not going to name my faves but I'm happy the young guys are so good.

Dave, your comments about ESPN are milder than mine.

I watched and was pulling for Tsitsipas, too. 
 

I'm not going to be able to watch much of Tommy Paul versus Djokovic but I think it would be the coolest thing if Tommy Paul won. I can catch it as a rerun tomorrow. And I know I would enjoy a Tsitsipas v Paul final. 

Tsitsipas will rise again!

So what do you think about Wu? He's so smooth. I'm looking forward to seeing him and Alcaraz play whenever that happens.

^ Agree.

3 out of 4 in the semi's cramping in Acapulco - that was hard to watch. They do have perseverance and fortitude.

I'll watch most of Paul vs de Minaur, I hope they're able to fly around the court.

Stamina, skills, drive, and more. Good match!

I'm excited for Fritz vs Shelton and, well, many of the men's... I wish they would show more of the men's matches since they're often more interesting to me, but they don't. Fritz vs Shelton, McDonald vs Rune, Alcaraz v Kokkanakis, this afternoon and evening alone. Stay tuned!

I love this:  Stefanos Tsitsipas says: Tennis is the perfect combination of violent action and polite applause.

>>> Looking forward to Zverev/Medvedev.

Me, too.

Also, Sinner/Wawrinka and Tommy Paul/Auger-Alliasime.

And I will watch all of the men's matches shown on TC.

I'm looking forward to Fritz/Sinner, for sure! I'm a big fan of both of them.

And also Alcaraz/Auger-Alliasime. This might be one of the best tennis days in a while.

I'm looking forward to years of Sinner vs Alcaraz. So good.

Fritz's comments after playing Alcaraz were informative.