I thought it was interesting since he knew it was something he would get disqualified for but didn't take any control over his actions. The rest of the tournament has sure opened up. I think it's great that other players think they have a chance at winning.
I think Djokovic has been a little off kilter since before the Adria tour and then Covid mismanagement and getting sick kept the pressure on. He's got a hell of a lot going on.
I'm glad there is someone beside me paying attention to tennis.
I appreciate good tennis, buy there's no way I'm interested enough these days to watch much of it on TV. Is it me, or are there no more classic rivalries in men's, such as Connor's/McEnroe, or Agassi/Sampras. OK- I'm bias to Americans.
Not much anymore. My late father-in-law was downright famous in the professional tennis world. He was a coach and instructor to the many of the biggest names in the sport.
No. Last sporting event I watched was Indy. Throughly enjoyed it. A local kid Santino Ferrucci finished 4th. I'm sure there's good stuff going on in sports it's just I don't find the time for it anymore. I'd rather do music, or garden or sky watch (usually all 3 at once). Super psyched for live Warren this weekend. He's got lots of friends that I'm sure are chomping at the bit to play live. Can't wait to see who shows up.
Hi Judit! Knowing your interest, I've been meaning to bring up the US Open. Been watching a lot, huddled inside hiding from heat and smoke (Bay Area). We've been following Zverev and Tsitsipas for about 3 years, so we're pretty up on the men's side. That Tsitsipas-Coric match was brutal! My wife is happy to see the dominance of the "big 3" ending. There are many near-great young players, and lots of super high quality tennis being played. If you care about the outcome of a match, it has sustained drama and suspense like a pitcher's duel in an MLB post-season game: hanging on every point or every pitch.
So, S. Williams(!) and Medvedev through to the semi's. I'm excited for tonight's matches, too, especially deMinaur vs Thiem. deMinaur is making his move, for sure, and I really like Thiem.
I think there are a number of U.S. men coming up to a good level and I like watching them play. Canadian's too. I may focus on the north Americans a little more than the others but not by much. There are Europeans I watch closely and let's not forget Tsitsipas! He needs to keep working at it; seems like he's dropped off just a little.
I love watching Nadal play, I sure hope the French goes smoothly. The last I heard they are letting 5000 people in to each of the 3 big courts, seems too soon to me. Rome, happening just before Roland Garros will have no spectators, which seems smart. Spectatorless tennis is working for the players and deterring Covid. Tennis organizations should be smarter than the folks who went to Sturgis, right?
Anyway, I'm glad I'm not the only one watching. Would you still post about tennis if it were in The Sports Folder?
My favorite match of all time, one of the handful of times a tear rolled on my cheek from watching a sporting event, the most heroic effort in defeat I've ever witnessed in any sport...sometimes referred to as the greatest tennis match of all time, I'd been up all night from the night before, so perhaps I was a bit sleep deprived, but it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced.
I love watching tennis. One of the best active sports to watch. Constant action. I know the US Open is on now but glanced and saw nobody exciting playing at the moment so moved on. Is Coco in it?
I received an email asking that I not post the names of match winners because the Zoner records it to watch later (without ads). I asked "How long would you usually like me to wait? You know I do get excited..."
I'm awaiting the answer, but until then maybe we can note Spoiler Alert and scroll down before mentioning the names? The only thing is, what if we want to discuss play or results during or right after a match? What to do?
On another topic, I love the work Andy Roddick did on the Tennis Channel recently. He is so smart and funny. Good listening.
>>>asking that I not post the names of match winners because the Zoner records it to watch later<<<
How about just not clicking on the thread instead of asking others to control their conversation?
And it's hard for me to watch tennis. When I was young those great McEnroe/Connors/Borg matches were cool, but over the years it seems with the men it's now all super-power shots (better living through modern medicine?) with very few rallies.
And with the women, I've never understood why not 5-set matches? Because they do have lots of rallies and expend more energy?
Fitness is a part of athletics. Those men's 5-set marathons that go back & forth, forth & back are what's best about the glory of tennis IMO.
Let the women play, I say.
But ultimately for me, while I appreciate the grind & greatness of pro tennis, I've always been much more of a team sport person.
I've been thinking about this all evening and think the best thing is what Lance suggested, for the Zoner to wait to read the thread. It sounds right. I was trying to accommodate his request, but it doesn't really make sense for everyone else to wait to talk about the matches.
Lance, you also raised a point I think about. It's way more fun to watch shot making, rallies, real play. I love the strategies, the actual forethought that goes into shot placement. The players who rely on their hard-hitting aces take the fun out of the game for me as a spectator, though I do admire their ability to make them.
Tennis has never been a sport of equality but it's getting closer to parity, at least in payouts. Why not 5-set matches for women in the Slams? Good question.
Just watched the 2 women's semis while hiding out from horrible Bay Area air. Wow! Such great tennis. Don't read on if you don't want to know the results!
Osaka/Brady was super competitive and extremely high quality from both players: power, athleticism, shot making, few errors. Great stuff and Brady held her own, but Osaka was the better player in the end.
Serena/Azarenka had dramatic storylines: both veteran players and both moms making comebacks, Serena has owned Azarenka in majors, 10-0. The match had wild swings, with Serena running away with the first set 6-1, but Azarenka upped her game and forced a 3rd. A little gamesmanship from Serena with a phantom ankle sprain medical timeout (after she'd lost 6 straight games) but that didn't throw Azarenka off her focus. Both women hit with power and both return power well, the biggest difference being Serena's big serve. So it was especially sweet in the final game, after Serena brought it to 30-30, Azarenka hit aces on the final 2 points, including her fastest serve of the match by far. A just plain clutch performance.
Excellent men's semis on tap for tomorrow. I won't be checking here in real time, so I hope everyone enjoys, and I'll check back tomorrow night.
I agree completely with your assessments about the women's semis. Weren't they something! Well, not sure about the 'phantomness' of Serena's ankle time out, since even though we couldn't see what happened we know she has ankle problems. In either case, it gave Azarenka a great time to just be, quiet in herself. Saturday will be fun.
I may have to miss most of the men's semis tomorrow and I don't have the capacity to record. Maybe they'll be on Youtube?
I'm excited that Carreño Busto will be playing, he wouldn't have had the chance if Djokovic hadn't done his deed. I like the other 3 a lot, so it should be a great afternoon (here).
Hi Lance - we are the same age, and share some of the same opinions re: tennis. I also appreciated 70s tennis, but at the time didn't follow clay court tennis, because a lot of the stars played Wimbledon, the US Open, and maybe Australia, but left the French to the specialists. I agree also that the big bomber servers are boring (though serve and volley can be fun to watch), and I always rooted for the people who could return and play great defense (Agassi and Hewitt come to mind). Fast forward to recent years, and men's tennis is filled with strong servers who can also return, play defense, approach the net, and play on all surfaces. They have the full package, and while they hit way harder than McEnroe/Connor/Borg, they are also faster and have more endurance, so there are amazing rallies, and not just on clay. I think you owe it to yourself to give men's tennis another chance. While tomorrow's matches will include some ridiculous serves, there should also be some incredible rallies, as all 4 players in the semis are strong defenders.
As for women's grand slam tennis, I often questioned women getting the same prize money after best-of-3. But my wife pointed out that their dedication in terms of training, practice, and travel is no less than the men's, so it's not actually comparing 2/3 vs 3/5. Not sure that means they deserve the exact purse the men get, but maybe some compromise?
And now, back to your regularly scheduled NBA playoff / MLB / NFL games!
Had more interest in Pro - Tennis when I played as a youngster.
Now I'm old and can't jump around and sprint.
I get how people like to watch TV sports and bet $$ on it all, but it's not all that interesting to watch people play ball at my age.
Winter Olympic stuff is more Fun -- watching people on Fiberglass things speed down Icy slopes for faster time, maybe go airborne.
I'll go to a kick-boxing tournament, but you can't pay me to sit and watch tall people throw Pumpkins through Bushel baskets.
Although, I understand that Midwest people consider that the pinnacle Of athletic Culture.
Yep, today's men's semis were pretty compelling. We've been following Zverev for at least 3 years, so his comeback from 0-2 was pretty amazing and fun for us. Almost makes up for Tsitsipas's epic fail in the 3rd round. And Medvedev/Thiem was WAY more intense than the straight-sets score would imply. They are both total bad-asses, and the shot-making and rallies were incredible (hello Lance!). Always liked Thiem (Zverev's buddy), so very happy to see these 2 meet in the Finals.
I thought of Lance often today watching so many great rallies and lovely shot placement. Very strong stuff. I completely agree with your assessments, Dave.
The women's Final was like many matches have been lately. 1st and 2nd sets flip-flopping with a tough almost fight-to-the-finish 3rd. I didn't have a favorite in this one and enjoyed the match.
Looking forward to the men's Final, and yes, I have a favorite, but I will be excited to watch and yell at both of them.
I heard that S. Williams is out for Rome, which I sort of expected. I hope she feels like playing in Paris. It could be a good field.
Agree with your take, Judit: Azarenka started off so sharp in the 1st, she was not to be denied. Osaka upped her game in the 2nd, looking more like I had expected it to play out. Then the real competition in the 3rd, and the better player won. Chrissie Evert said: "They're finally both playing well at the same time." Tennis continues to amaze me, how streaky it can be, such swings of momentum. "No lead is safe!"
There was some screaming here, too. I was afraid it was going to be an all serving match for a while, and then I realized that there was good play from second serves, even early on. As you know, I favored Thiem, but I was excited for Zverev, also. It was really excellent that it was those two players and not one of the big three. Oh my. I'm glad you guys were along for the ride.
And masks and distancing went out the window when they were coming to meet each other after the match. The bubble that was set up really was excellent and I hope that there aren't any untoward consequences of sharing the love.
Wow! I've been marginally keeping track of the US Open but last night I sat down to watch the final with my daughter and son. Holy shit that was a hell of a match! Goddam! Those two guys really just destroyed each other and themselves in the process. Thiem was hurting by the end of it but he didn't loosen up an inch. I was amazed by his precision, his ability to respond and his ability to always be on top of the play. Zverev was impressive as well, a total powerhouse. Not as precise but goddamn is that dude strong! 1 meter 98 cm! That's like 6'8" in feet and inches. And he weighs like 210, 220 of pure muscle. Dude's a monster, holy crap. What a match.
It really was beautiful to watch them hug afterwards. Coronavirus be damned, two people survive that experience together a hug is in order, for sure.
Great match. Excited to see what comes of both these players moving forward. I'll be paying attention to Rome. As for Thiem, I don't like him much but his trainer is a Chilean legend. My son has taken a couple classes from Massu and takes tennis lessons at his center (which is like 3 minutes from my house). He's a very cool guy, very down to Earth and very real. In the Olympics when he was younger he took Chile to gold twice, playing with injuries and really giving everything. Now he's apparently a great coach and is helping Thiem really break the barrier he was at before. It's amazing to see and everyone in Chile is psyched for Massu, so I guess that puts me in Team Thiem moving forward! Good stuff!
Nice to have the Chilean connection, Jav. It's pretty exciting that your son took classes from Massu and takes lessons at his center. And glad you're on Team Thiem!
Lest there be some confusion, I loved Thiem and Zverev meeting and hugging after the match, I just noticed the contrast from protocols during the Tournament.
And oh yeah, it's great that there are some Zoners to talk tennis with.
I loved them hugging, too, Judit. It was one of those very human moments when you know that what you have witnessed goes beyond the bounds of what ordinary human beings regularly do. I mean seriously, how many people can keep up a quality performance of ANYTHING with great precision after 4 or 5 hours of strenuous physical activity? It's insane. Very exciting stuff. Rome started yesterday, I'm going to try to check in as we get closer to the finals.
As for Massu, Chile is a small world in certain circles. Lots of friends of mine have either trained with him, or know him, or partied with him or went to school with him. From all accounts, he is a very down to Earth fellow, which I think is very cool.
Quarters against Nadal, Semis against Shapavolov, 2 great matches.
Note that beating Rafa on clay is one of the most difficult challenges in any sport. Diego really raised his game to get the win, and amazingly, had energy the next day to beat Shapavolov in a 3rd set tiebreaker. I hope he has something left against Novak in the final tomorrow!
Those were both great matches! Schwartzman is such a great returner, shot placer and he brings out the best play in his opponents.
Beating Nadal should be harder in Paris, since he will have these matches under his shoes.
Oh, I'm looking forward to the play there!
An aside, I like the Tennis Channel commentators. I resent that the TC is owned by Sinclair, but I watch anyway. I just make it a point to never buy anything that is advertised on there.
Given that Roland Garros is 3-out-of-5 sets, Nadal is even more unbeatable there: he has 93 match wins to 2 losses, with 12 titles! Not sure Schwartzman can take 3 from Nadal. I'll be pulling for Thiem!
Funny you should mention commentators. Without naming names (Brad Gilbert) ESPN did a horrible job with the US Open. It's amazing how bad they could be, given that their whole reason for being is sports. It was hard to keep track how they switched from ESPN to ESPN2 during a match, as they didn't seem to know themselves. Much prefer the Tennis Channel commentators (Carillo and Annacone were good this weekend) as they don't seem to need to fill all the space between (and during) points with endless inane chatter.
Have you considered TC Plus online streaming? Haven't looked into it much, but once the tour gets going again (2021?) we might consider. Thanks for pointing out the Sinclair connection, definitely don't want to support them, so we'll have to see.
I'm looking forward to watching these guys, Dave! I watched last year, it was fun and I like some of the people who are in it this year even more.
I've been watching a lot of the European small and large tournaments since Roland Garros - there's a lot of good tennis going on and without fans (or at least without many) the players are having to create their own buzz - some good stuff. Ups, downs, wins, losses, just lots of good play.
I wonder if Naomi Osaka spends an excessive amount of time on social media? Clearly something has gotten into her head. If she hopes to enjoy tennis again and regain her championship form, she'll need to grow a thicker skin. Althea Gibson's career would be a good example to follow. Hopefully, she figures it out.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
Yes!
Yes!
...but not as closely these days...
what a mess w/ Novak
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
I thought it was interesting
I thought it was interesting since he knew it was something he would get disqualified for but didn't take any control over his actions. The rest of the tournament has sure opened up. I think it's great that other players think they have a chance at winning.
I think Djokovic has been a little off kilter since before the Adria tour and then Covid mismanagement and getting sick kept the pressure on. He's got a hell of a lot going on.
I'm glad there is someone beside me paying attention to tennis.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bob
I watch. US men's tennis has
I watch. US men's tennis has been a joke for years. There might finally be some talent. The ladies on the other hand have a lot to be proud of.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mr. Sunshine State
I appreciate good tennis, buy
I appreciate good tennis, buy there's no way I'm interested enough these days to watch much of it on TV. Is it me, or are there no more classic rivalries in men's, such as Connor's/McEnroe, or Agassi/Sampras. OK- I'm bias to Americans.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Jack Fate
Not much anymore. My late
Not much anymore. My late father-in-law was downright famous in the professional tennis world. He was a coach and instructor to the many of the biggest names in the sport.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Is forgiveness possible?
I used to watch more, but I
I used to watch more, but I still keep up on the majors at least. The recent Djokovic affair is somewhat symbolic of the sport's current state.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: 19.5 Degrees
Having followed tennis after
Have stopped following tennis after coming to the realization that Ivan Lendl or Borris Becker could never be the "same" as John McEnroe
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Woz
I watched the tournament all
I watched the tournament all weekend, who ever thought it would take Djokovic to beat Djokovic! ;)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philzone Refugee
Federer, Nadal and Djoker are
Federer, Nadal and Djoker are all pretty bland. Men's Tennis needs some new talent with more dynamic personalities to emerge.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
^^^ clever!
^^^ clever!
Need to catch up this weekend... my Internet is out, tech guy comes on Saturday, so haven't been watching.
Did anyone play tennis in high school? I played for my high school team for a few years but we had some power players and I never made it to varsity.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Rasputin O'Leary
No. Last sporting event I
No. Last sporting event I watched was Indy. Throughly enjoyed it. A local kid Santino Ferrucci finished 4th. I'm sure there's good stuff going on in sports it's just I don't find the time for it anymore. I'd rather do music, or garden or sky watch (usually all 3 at once). Super psyched for live Warren this weekend. He's got lots of friends that I'm sure are chomping at the bit to play live. Can't wait to see who shows up.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Hi Judit! Knowing your
Hi Judit! Knowing your interest, I've been meaning to bring up the US Open. Been watching a lot, huddled inside hiding from heat and smoke (Bay Area). We've been following Zverev and Tsitsipas for about 3 years, so we're pretty up on the men's side. That Tsitsipas-Coric match was brutal! My wife is happy to see the dominance of the "big 3" ending. There are many near-great young players, and lots of super high quality tennis being played. If you care about the outcome of a match, it has sustained drama and suspense like a pitcher's duel in an MLB post-season game: hanging on every point or every pitch.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: long live the dead
Hey now
Hey now
https://apple.news/A97LkMpSrSWqfZGGcwT6Djg
moms rule
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
So, S. Williams(!) and
So, S. Williams(!) and Medvedev through to the semi's. I'm excited for tonight's matches, too, especially deMinaur vs Thiem. deMinaur is making his move, for sure, and I really like Thiem.
I think there are a number of U.S. men coming up to a good level and I like watching them play. Canadian's too. I may focus on the north Americans a little more than the others but not by much. There are Europeans I watch closely and let's not forget Tsitsipas! He needs to keep working at it; seems like he's dropped off just a little.
I love watching Nadal play, I sure hope the French goes smoothly. The last I heard they are letting 5000 people in to each of the 3 big courts, seems too soon to me. Rome, happening just before Roland Garros will have no spectators, which seems smart. Spectatorless tennis is working for the players and deterring Covid. Tennis organizations should be smarter than the folks who went to Sturgis, right?
Anyway, I'm glad I'm not the only one watching. Would you still post about tennis if it were in The Sports Folder?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bryen
My favorite match of all
My favorite match of all time, one of the handful of times a tear rolled on my cheek from watching a sporting event, the most heroic effort in defeat I've ever witnessed in any sport...sometimes referred to as the greatest tennis match of all time, I'd been up all night from the night before, so perhaps I was a bit sleep deprived, but it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced.
https://youtu.be/rctOtFOXco8
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Bryen, could you please
Bryen, could you please mention the players and the year? I'm not into clicking on every YouTube. Thank you
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bryen
Roger Federer v Andy Roddick: Wimbledon Final 2009 [Extended Highlights]
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Hitchhiker awaiting "true call"
Andy Rodick loses Wimbledon
Andy Rodick loses Wimbledon to Federer.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bryen
It was easily the most beautiful effort in ages, many think ever...on the grass
Andy Roddick 2020!!!!!
Namaste
https://youtu.be/L42AnSAdzXw
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: doctor
I love watching tennis. One
I love watching tennis. One of the best active sports to watch. Constant action. I know the US Open is on now but glanced and saw nobody exciting playing at the moment so moved on. Is Coco in it?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Racketinmyhead
I'll take Medvedev for the
I'll take Medvedev for the win on the men's side and Azarenka on the women's side.
medvedev hasn't lost a set all tourney, I was rooting for him last year. Azarenka just smoked Mertens after being out of the game for 3-4 years.
Djoker is a bitch, always has been.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
I received an email asking
I received an email asking that I not post the names of match winners because the Zoner records it to watch later (without ads). I asked "How long would you usually like me to wait? You know I do get excited..."
I'm awaiting the answer, but until then maybe we can note Spoiler Alert and scroll down before mentioning the names? The only thing is, what if we want to discuss play or results during or right after a match? What to do?
On another topic, I love the work Andy Roddick did on the Tennis Channel recently. He is so smart and funny. Good listening.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lance minimum goad Newberry
>>>asking that I not post the
>>>asking that I not post the names of match winners because the Zoner records it to watch later<<<
How about just not clicking on the thread instead of asking others to control their conversation?
And it's hard for me to watch tennis. When I was young those great McEnroe/Connors/Borg matches were cool, but over the years it seems with the men it's now all super-power shots (better living through modern medicine?) with very few rallies.
And with the women, I've never understood why not 5-set matches? Because they do have lots of rallies and expend more energy?
Fitness is a part of athletics. Those men's 5-set marathons that go back & forth, forth & back are what's best about the glory of tennis IMO.
Let the women play, I say.
But ultimately for me, while I appreciate the grind & greatness of pro tennis, I've always been much more of a team sport person.
Carry on tennis fans.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
I've been thinking about this
I've been thinking about this all evening and think the best thing is what Lance suggested, for the Zoner to wait to read the thread. It sounds right. I was trying to accommodate his request, but it doesn't really make sense for everyone else to wait to talk about the matches.
Lance, you also raised a point I think about. It's way more fun to watch shot making, rallies, real play. I love the strategies, the actual forethought that goes into shot placement. The players who rely on their hard-hitting aces take the fun out of the game for me as a spectator, though I do admire their ability to make them.
Tennis has never been a sport of equality but it's getting closer to parity, at least in payouts. Why not 5-set matches for women in the Slams? Good question.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
It turns out that what the
It turns out that what the Zoner wanted was a spoiler alert. I wrote to him to suggest that he consider the thread itself a spoiler alert.
So, first match today Jenny Brady vs Naomi Osaka. Hmmm.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Just watched the 2 women's
Just watched the 2 women's semis while hiding out from horrible Bay Area air. Wow! Such great tennis. Don't read on if you don't want to know the results!
Osaka/Brady was super competitive and extremely high quality from both players: power, athleticism, shot making, few errors. Great stuff and Brady held her own, but Osaka was the better player in the end.
Serena/Azarenka had dramatic storylines: both veteran players and both moms making comebacks, Serena has owned Azarenka in majors, 10-0. The match had wild swings, with Serena running away with the first set 6-1, but Azarenka upped her game and forced a 3rd. A little gamesmanship from Serena with a phantom ankle sprain medical timeout (after she'd lost 6 straight games) but that didn't throw Azarenka off her focus. Both women hit with power and both return power well, the biggest difference being Serena's big serve. So it was especially sweet in the final game, after Serena brought it to 30-30, Azarenka hit aces on the final 2 points, including her fastest serve of the match by far. A just plain clutch performance.
Excellent men's semis on tap for tomorrow. I won't be checking here in real time, so I hope everyone enjoys, and I'll check back tomorrow night.
DH
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
I agree completely with your
I agree completely with your assessments about the women's semis. Weren't they something! Well, not sure about the 'phantomness' of Serena's ankle time out, since even though we couldn't see what happened we know she has ankle problems. In either case, it gave Azarenka a great time to just be, quiet in herself. Saturday will be fun.
I may have to miss most of the men's semis tomorrow and I don't have the capacity to record. Maybe they'll be on Youtube?
I'm excited that Carreño Busto will be playing, he wouldn't have had the chance if Djokovic hadn't done his deed. I like the other 3 a lot, so it should be a great afternoon (here).
See you tomorrow night, Dave who's not here.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Hi Lance - we are the same
Hi Lance - we are the same age, and share some of the same opinions re: tennis. I also appreciated 70s tennis, but at the time didn't follow clay court tennis, because a lot of the stars played Wimbledon, the US Open, and maybe Australia, but left the French to the specialists. I agree also that the big bomber servers are boring (though serve and volley can be fun to watch), and I always rooted for the people who could return and play great defense (Agassi and Hewitt come to mind). Fast forward to recent years, and men's tennis is filled with strong servers who can also return, play defense, approach the net, and play on all surfaces. They have the full package, and while they hit way harder than McEnroe/Connor/Borg, they are also faster and have more endurance, so there are amazing rallies, and not just on clay. I think you owe it to yourself to give men's tennis another chance. While tomorrow's matches will include some ridiculous serves, there should also be some incredible rallies, as all 4 players in the semis are strong defenders.
As for women's grand slam tennis, I often questioned women getting the same prize money after best-of-3. But my wife pointed out that their dedication in terms of training, practice, and travel is no less than the men's, so it's not actually comparing 2/3 vs 3/5. Not sure that means they deserve the exact purse the men get, but maybe some compromise?
And now, back to your regularly scheduled NBA playoff / MLB / NFL games!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough
Had more interest in Pro -
Had more interest in Pro - Tennis when I played as a youngster.
Now I'm old and can't jump around and sprint.
I get how people like to watch TV sports and bet $$ on it all, but it's not all that interesting to watch people play ball at my age.
Winter Olympic stuff is more Fun -- watching people on Fiberglass things speed down Icy slopes for faster time, maybe go airborne.
I'll go to a kick-boxing tournament, but you can't pay me to sit and watch tall people throw Pumpkins through Bushel baskets.
Although, I understand that Midwest people consider that the pinnacle Of athletic Culture.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Wow, those were some semi's
Wow, those were some semi's and I'm excited for the Final on Sunday, and Saturday's women's Final between Osaka and Azeranka.
Some people are into team sports, I'm into Thiem sport.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Yep, today's men's semis were
Yep, today's men's semis were pretty compelling. We've been following Zverev for at least 3 years, so his comeback from 0-2 was pretty amazing and fun for us. Almost makes up for Tsitsipas's epic fail in the 3rd round. And Medvedev/Thiem was WAY more intense than the straight-sets score would imply. They are both total bad-asses, and the shot-making and rallies were incredible (hello Lance!). Always liked Thiem (Zverev's buddy), so very happy to see these 2 meet in the Finals.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
I thought of Lance often
I thought of Lance often today watching so many great rallies and lovely shot placement. Very strong stuff. I completely agree with your assessments, Dave.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Glad you got to see them
Glad you got to see them today, Judit!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
The women's Final was like
The women's Final was like many matches have been lately. 1st and 2nd sets flip-flopping with a tough almost fight-to-the-finish 3rd. I didn't have a favorite in this one and enjoyed the match.
Looking forward to the men's Final, and yes, I have a favorite, but I will be excited to watch and yell at both of them.
I heard that S. Williams is out for Rome, which I sort of expected. I hope she feels like playing in Paris. It could be a good field.
Dave, recap the women's match?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Agree with your take, Judit:
Agree with your take, Judit: Azarenka started off so sharp in the 1st, she was not to be denied. Osaka upped her game in the 2nd, looking more like I had expected it to play out. Then the real competition in the 3rd, and the better player won. Chrissie Evert said: "They're finally both playing well at the same time." Tennis continues to amaze me, how streaky it can be, such swings of momentum. "No lead is safe!"
On to the men!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
This has turned into a real
This has turned into a real match! It's a fight and they're in it.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Woz
Thiem! That was a great match
Thiem! That was a great match!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Wow! That was quite a ride!
Wow! That was quite a ride! Wow! And such sweet guys. That was a final!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Woz
Very classy spruces given by
Very classy spruces given by both players, it was very heartfelt.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
There was much screaming in
There was much screaming in our house (we like Thiem but were pulling for Zverev).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
There was some screaming here
There was some screaming here, too. I was afraid it was going to be an all serving match for a while, and then I realized that there was good play from second serves, even early on. As you know, I favored Thiem, but I was excited for Zverev, also. It was really excellent that it was those two players and not one of the big three. Oh my. I'm glad you guys were along for the ride.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
And masks and distancing went
And masks and distancing went out the window when they were coming to meet each other after the match. The bubble that was set up really was excellent and I hope that there aren't any untoward consequences of sharing the love.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Andean Flight
Wow! I've been marginally
Wow! I've been marginally keeping track of the US Open but last night I sat down to watch the final with my daughter and son. Holy shit that was a hell of a match! Goddam! Those two guys really just destroyed each other and themselves in the process. Thiem was hurting by the end of it but he didn't loosen up an inch. I was amazed by his precision, his ability to respond and his ability to always be on top of the play. Zverev was impressive as well, a total powerhouse. Not as precise but goddamn is that dude strong! 1 meter 98 cm! That's like 6'8" in feet and inches. And he weighs like 210, 220 of pure muscle. Dude's a monster, holy crap. What a match.
It really was beautiful to watch them hug afterwards. Coronavirus be damned, two people survive that experience together a hug is in order, for sure.
Great match. Excited to see what comes of both these players moving forward. I'll be paying attention to Rome. As for Thiem, I don't like him much but his trainer is a Chilean legend. My son has taken a couple classes from Massu and takes tennis lessons at his center (which is like 3 minutes from my house). He's a very cool guy, very down to Earth and very real. In the Olympics when he was younger he took Chile to gold twice, playing with injuries and really giving everything. Now he's apparently a great coach and is helping Thiem really break the barrier he was at before. It's amazing to see and everyone in Chile is psyched for Massu, so I guess that puts me in Team Thiem moving forward! Good stuff!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Nice to have the Chilean
Nice to have the Chilean connection, Jav. It's pretty exciting that your son took classes from Massu and takes lessons at his center. And glad you're on Team Thiem!
Lest there be some confusion, I loved Thiem and Zverev meeting and hugging after the match, I just noticed the contrast from protocols during the Tournament.
And oh yeah, it's great that there are some Zoners to talk tennis with.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Andean Flight
I loved them hugging, too,
I loved them hugging, too, Judit. It was one of those very human moments when you know that what you have witnessed goes beyond the bounds of what ordinary human beings regularly do. I mean seriously, how many people can keep up a quality performance of ANYTHING with great precision after 4 or 5 hours of strenuous physical activity? It's insane. Very exciting stuff. Rome started yesterday, I'm going to try to check in as we get closer to the finals.
As for Massu, Chile is a small world in certain circles. Lots of friends of mine have either trained with him, or know him, or partied with him or went to school with him. From all accounts, he is a very down to Earth fellow, which I think is very cool.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Diego Schwartzman!
Diego Schwartzman!
Quarters against Nadal, Semis against Shapavolov, 2 great matches.
Note that beating Rafa on clay is one of the most difficult challenges in any sport. Diego really raised his game to get the win, and amazingly, had energy the next day to beat Shapavolov in a 3rd set tiebreaker. I hope he has something left against Novak in the final tomorrow!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Those were both great matches
Those were both great matches! Schwartzman is such a great returner, shot placer and he brings out the best play in his opponents.
Beating Nadal should be harder in Paris, since he will have these matches under his shoes.
Oh, I'm looking forward to the play there!
An aside, I like the Tennis Channel commentators. I resent that the TC is owned by Sinclair, but I watch anyway. I just make it a point to never buy anything that is advertised on there.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Given that Roland Garros is 3
Given that Roland Garros is 3-out-of-5 sets, Nadal is even more unbeatable there: he has 93 match wins to 2 losses, with 12 titles! Not sure Schwartzman can take 3 from Nadal. I'll be pulling for Thiem!
Funny you should mention commentators. Without naming names (Brad Gilbert) ESPN did a horrible job with the US Open. It's amazing how bad they could be, given that their whole reason for being is sports. It was hard to keep track how they switched from ESPN to ESPN2 during a match, as they didn't seem to know themselves. Much prefer the Tennis Channel commentators (Carillo and Annacone were good this weekend) as they don't seem to need to fill all the space between (and during) points with endless inane chatter.
Have you considered TC Plus online streaming? Haven't looked into it much, but once the tour gets going again (2021?) we might consider. Thanks for pointing out the Sinclair connection, definitely don't want to support them, so we'll have to see.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: It's me Dave open up!
Hey Judit! ATP finals in
Hey Judit! ATP finals in London have started. Top 8 men's players. Should be some great tennis.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
I'm looking forward to
I'm looking forward to watching these guys, Dave! I watched last year, it was fun and I like some of the people who are in it this year even more.
I've been watching a lot of the European small and large tournaments since Roland Garros - there's a lot of good tennis going on and without fans (or at least without many) the players are having to create their own buzz - some good stuff. Ups, downs, wins, losses, just lots of good play.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sound and Vision
I kind of miss it. Whenever
I kind of miss it. Whenever I used to stop by mom's house my stepfather seemed to always be watching a match. Kept up with it a little more.
Took tennis lessons as a kid.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Thumbkinetic
Diego Schwartzman!
Diego Schwartzman!
Best cross-cultural name since Juan Epstein.
And real!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Rublev vs Nadal on now
Rublev vs Nadal on now
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philzone Refugee
https://www.npr.org/2021/09
https://www.npr.org/2021/09/04/1034304091/naomi-osaka-us-open-loses-tenn...
I wonder if Naomi Osaka spends an excessive amount of time on social media? Clearly something has gotten into her head. If she hopes to enjoy tennis again and regain her championship form, she'll need to grow a thicker skin. Althea Gibson's career would be a good example to follow. Hopefully, she figures it out.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Did you see her press
Did you see her press conference, Dave? She says stepping back for a while.
And the thread in The Folder is sort of alive and well.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Sorry I didn't look at your
Sorry I didn't look at your link til after I posted, Dave. Yes, hopefully she finds peace, and then possibly joy in playing tennis.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
This year's U.S. Open is
This year's U.S. Open is pretty great. Lots of hard playing, 5-set matches, good stuff.
It's live on ESPN and ESPN2 (moves from one to the other).