Hate the trophy. Love the jacket and the ugly mug in it.
Whee!
*SNORT*
Tough day for both Fernando and Kolya, who are still trying to secure spots to the WTF. Fer was able to come back from dropping to take the second, only to play one bad game in the third to lose 63 26 63. Too bad. He really wanted to impress the home crowd on this one.
Kolya on the other hand took the first set only to drop the next two, 64 63. So the two who are still playing for something get bounced on the same day. On to Bercy!
Fer in, Tommy out. No real surprise there. It was a clean kill. But I love with Sergio Tachini decides to abandon navy blue and rock out some colors. And I LOVE Tommy's red and white kit.
Same goes for Fred Perry. Love the red accents on Muzz's kit, even if it looks like Muzz is bleeding from the pits. He also had a clean win, 4 and 2 over Montanes.
And of course, the Russians are in the mix. Koyla took out Garcia Lopez in straights and Mischa upset Gilles, 4 and 4. They'll face off in the other semi.
It makes me happy to see him again. Donkeygrooming keeps trying to call me out on my love for Muzzard. She totally thinks I'm FOS. "Come on, you would bang that guy over Nole? You've seen the Speedo pics!" Yes, of the top 4, he is #1 on my list of dudes I would bone down with. I can't explain it. I love me the pasty, broody, SexyUgly.
The Muzzard is back in action in Valencia, bum wrist and all, and he's into the quarterfinals after a three set win over Mayer today. The other top seeds came through as well, except for 8th seed Daveed, who had to retire with a hammy injury.
In other Muzzard news, as rumored, he'll be leaving Fred Perry for Adidas next year. It's a huge deal, worth $25 million over 5 years. Not sure what this means for Nole, whose Adidas contract is up and is rumored to be thinking about K-Swiss. Here's hoping Adidas has the cash to keep him. They've already invested so much in the Falcon line. Though, I guess they can always turn the Falcon into a Buzzard.
Ahem.
So this pic pretty much sums up my impression of the Wimbledon Museum.
It was unintentionally hilarious.
Another gem, which, when you pull back, reveals a third bunny:
Random? Yes. Awesome? Absolutely.
The Champions display is right when you get to the bottom of the stairs. I saw this. I laughed quite hard. I may have said, "They have the fuckin' Sergeant Pepper jacket???" a little too loud. I really shouldn't drink before noon.
Fed shoes.
Dick shoes.
Muzz's shorts. Unfortunately I left my glass cutter at the flat.
Not gonna lie. Wanted to smell them.
DG kept pointing out ugly pictures of Muzz in the Wimbly Store and asking, "Really, dude? This guy?"
Yes, dude. That guy. To quote Brodie, "I would."
Nice that they gave Lena D some love. This was her semifinal outfit.
In a rather impossible feat, it looks even cheaper in person.
Billy Jean King and Rod Laver's racquets. Seemed like something I should geek out at.
Ashamed to admit I did not.
There was actually quite a bit of historical stuff about the evolution of lawn tennis. Here's my problem though: I actually kind of hate grass court tennis. So it was difficult to actually care. Also, the whole grass thing seems elitist and Victorian. As you all know, I am a woman of the people. It was hard not to roll my eyes at some of the displays.
Enjoyed seeing the white balls though. Mainly because I like white balls.
Movingrightalong...
I was very confused by this.
Donkeygrooming found this one. Shirtless Marat? Wimbly knows what's up.
And in the most random pairing of players on the wall....
All in all it was a fun to see the museum but I wouldn't pay separately to see the stuff that was there. If you book a tour then the museum admission is included. One thing that surprised me: How little was made of the GMOAT. I hope that's because they're trying to figure out how to best commemorate the match. It would have been really cool to see the grass/dirt stained shirt Rafa wore when he fell to the ground. Or even some video with commentary.
Then again, maybe that's not Wimbledon's style. It's clear from the tour and the museum that they want to focus on the full narrative of Wimbledon and not just singular moments.
Another day in the books. The men's draw is happily shaping up with some intrigue.
It must be love.
I mean, they're even pimping the Dolphins? Stop the madness, ladies.
Fucking idiot.
Sexy.
Awesome shot. Sad to see you go, Jo.
There is so much going on in this picture and all of it is awesome.
Oh, be nice.
Yeah, I couldn't believe my eyes either, Kim.
So that happened.
Congrats to my favorite non-mono'd Croatian for salvaging what has been a lackluster season by booking himself into the quarterfinals with the win over THE GREATEST TENNIS PLAYER WHO EVER LIVED (according to the British press). He executed his gameplan to perfection, serving big and crushing the no-pace sitters that Andy kept throwing back at him. Tuxedo really didn't let Muzz get away with any of that. All credit to him.
It came out after the match that Muzz has been suffering from a wrist injury for the past few weeks. In a nice and very professional presser, he refused to talk about it and reiterated that Marin served well and he didn't return well. That's gotta be tough on the kid though.
I salute you.
Tuxedo will take on the quiet giant, who is ever so silently making his way through the draw.
Before yesterday, none of the top 10 had dropped a set. Leave it to Muzz and Rafa to be the rebels. Rafa took the first set over Colin with a bagel, only to drop the next one and close the match out in four. I hear it was a pretty uneven match from Rafa, but again, I'm from Oakland so I'll just say it: Just win, baby.
Earlier in the day Muzz had a similar experience, winning the first over Capdeville in dominant fashion, before dropping the second and closing out the next two sets. Credit to Capdeville for picking up his game in the second set. But Andy made the necessary adjustments. Good boys.
Just a reminder. Sam and Elena are the US Open series champs. On the men's side, Muzz and DelPo finished second and third, respectively, and for the ladies Flavs and JJ finished second and third. All six are now in the running for bonus money depending on how well they do in NYC.
Let's see if they can cash in.
He took a rough tumble in the third and left some skin on the court, but he withstood the at times brilliant and most times numbnut play of Ernie to take it 75 63 75. It was actually a pretty entertaining match to watch. Some spectacular shotmaking from both.
As for Ernie, yet another beautiful loss against a top 10 player on Arthur Ashe. Bless, you idiot.
Good quotage from Muzz in this Times UK article on why he gets up to play the big boys, his support for rowdier tennis crowds, and why he doesn't smile on court.
Murray’s run to the last four at Wimbledon overcame some of the reservations about him among the British public but still there was the accusation that he did not smile enough, that he was too sulky. He remains not everyone’s cup of Lipton’s.
If Murray is still a little taciturn, he says that it is hardly surprising given that he was burnt by the ridiculous, over-the-top reaction to his jokey comment about supporting anyone but England, a furore that rankles to this day.
“Pathetic,” he says.
But he also asks what else people expect. “I don’t go out of my way to ask the general public if they like me or not,” he says. “That’s not really No 1 in my priorities.” He is there to win matches, not to grin.
“I’m never going to smile on the court,” he says. “I don’t see the other top guys smiling and joking when they are playing. It is a serious business. It’s the same in other sports. Before or after you might joke around — I spend most of my time joking around. But when you step on the court it is business. I’ve got three hours to concentrate so that’s what I do.
“I don’t think I do anything to offend people. Sometimes with the way I am on the court, people might not like it — I don’t like it sometimes — but when you are competing you get frustrated. I am sure sometimes you have a bad day at work and are in a bad mood for whatever reason. The difference is that when I show my emotions it is on TV.
It's ok, Muzz. You don't look that great when you smile anyway.
Fred Perry bites off Adidas for Muzz's USO kit.
That said, I like it. I like it even more that Muzz buttoned all the way and clearly pulled those shorts out of the plastic bag about 2 minutes before this pic was taken.
Nerd.
Brain. Cramp.
Not that the match completely turned on it or anything, but WTF, Muzz? Stopping play to challenge a serve? IDIOT.
Nice match from Fed, who played contained aggressive tennis. Not sure what was up with the Muzzard. Seemed like he couldn't get a shot over the net to save his life in the first set. Well, that and he had no first serve whatsoever. So...yeah. Probably not best for both your groundies and your serve to break down against Fed.
Well, Lleyton, at least you made him sweat for this one. Actually it was probably just the heat and humidity of Cincy that caused all that tasty goodness, but you know, you don't have to tell yourself that. Fed cruised to a 3 and 4 win in an hour and 10 minutes. It's his 13th straight win over the Lawnmower Man. Make of that what you will.
So Fed did his part, but what about Andy? Uh...let's not talk about it. He beat Apricot in three sets.
Ok, fine I'll talk about it. Crap play from Andy generally. I mean, you really should be needing to fight for a three set win over a Lucky Loser, Deuce. But Andy did what Andy does and he gutted out the win and basically broke Apricot's spirit. In case you haven't heard (and seriously, I don't know how you could avoid this news) a 53 shot rally in the second set pretty much broke 'Cot. He would go on to win only two games after that rally and he looked WIPED. So once again, Andy "Fitness Freak" Murray outlasted another one.
So we'll get Fed vs. Murray. 6-2 in favor of Muzz, H2H. This is a big one going into the USO.
That's what back to back tournaments and a grueling 3 setter yesterday will do to you. More specifically, that's what the new and improved Andy Murray will do to you. All credit to both players for being able to play their games in rather spectacular fashion (especially Elf for two sets). I don't know how he was able to dig deep to run down some of those balls and he served so well in tight moments.
But Andy did what he did. He hung in there. He scrapped and kept his frustration in check to hang in there, even though I was sure Elf was going to run away with it after he broke back in the second set.
The hard yards and grueling workouts in Miami were the difference today. Once Andy took the second set tiebreak the match was over. There was no way the big guy was going to be able to gut out a third set. And sure enough, he didn't. Andy took his second Masters title of the year, 67 76 61.
The win gives Andy a 565 point lead over Rafa going into Cincinnati, where things are just going to get even more interesting.
Congrats to The Boy Everyone Loves To Hate! No, not Nole, Andy!!!
He had to weather the Jo-Dub storm but eventually came away a 64 76(8) winner. Jo, seriously? You thought dropshotting Muzz was a good idea? Aw...you're pretty, but you're dumb.
Andy's ability to go further than Rafa in Montreal means that he'll become the new World #2 on Monday. This will be the first time since 2005 that Roger and Rafa won't sit atop the standings. FOUR YEARS! So crazy. If he keeps on keepin' on in Cincy he could be #2 going into the Open, and Rafa could potentially bet placed in Roger's side of the draw. Insanity? Oh, and apparently if Andy wins Cincy and USO he could be #1. 52 weeks, people. An oh so crazy, 52 weeks.
Of course there will be the haters who say blahblahblah, Rafa's been injured and didn't play Wimbly, blahblahblah fishcakes. But I'm pretty sure those people will also remember Fed fans saying the damn same exact thing last year when Rafa took over #1 right around this time. It was bullshit then, and it's bullshit now.
At the end of the day, Muzz didn't pull a Harding on Rafa. So he can't control what happened around him. But can there really be any doubt that he busted his ass for this and unlike some people *cough*Nole*cough* won the matches he needed to win in order to get the ranking?
So how about a little respect. Kudos to Andy. Onward and upward! But watch your back. I hear the rumbling footsteps of a charging bull not far behind.
Also, I'd like to just preemptively give a mighty hearty chuckle at the fan frazzling that's already going on because "ZOMG!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!! THE ATP HAS A SLAMLESS #2!!!!" Shut. The. Fuck. Up.
Rafa made his triumphant return and actually played a full match, beating Petzscher 63 62. He looked much better than yesterday, particularly his serve, but every time he lunged for a ball or I heard his shoes squeak to a stop, I cringed. He take on next, who needed three sets and two calls to the trainer (bum right shoulder, apparently) to get past Hanescu.
As for Nole and Muzz it was business as usual. Nole looked rock solid today in his win, though no thanks to his Mom shorts. And Andy made JCF look like an old man in his 1 and 3 win.
Oh and Kolya beat Gonzo 76(2) 75. Not that you'd know this seeing as how there are no pictures of that match anywhere.
But at least he won, taking a tight match over Polanksy the Canuck, 64 76(6). Nole was an error machine so there's still some rust to shake off. But survive and move on, I always say.
Muzz returned with a fairly easy win over Jeremy, 4 and 2, and JCF scored a solid win over Lleyton, 1 and 4. And in the marathon matches of the day, Haasi, Fer and PEHK all notched wins over Ivo, FeLo, and Big Byrd, respectively. Really nice wins for Tommy and Techno.
Happy Independence Weekend, everyone!
Remember, 10 fingers is equal to greater than or equal to 9 fingers. Be responsible.
Behind those aviators lie the eyes of a sad puppy.
Well congratulations are in order, I suppose. Congrats to A-Rod for being the nail on the on Wimbledon coffin for me. Everyone tells me I'm supposed to think SW19 is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but...no.
But seriously, A-Rod deserves much props. I totally thought he would be Muzz but I didn't want to believe it. But the guy's serve is clicking, he's in great shape, and he's playing with clear purpose and focus. He won't beat Fed but I'm not sure anyone would on Sunday. So sure, why not, let's send the American Bully into Center Court to get slaughtered. Why not?
As for Muzz, he'll be fine. He played well (apparently, seeing as how NBC WON'T SHOW ME HIS MATCH FOR ANOTHER 2 HOURS!!!), but A-Rod was just serving too well today. It happens, and it definitely happens at Wimbledon.
Q. Overall, how would you assess this tournament?
ANDY MURRAY: I think it's been very good. I did better than I ever had before. I had some very good matches. And, you know, I thought I played good tennis.
I thought I dealt with everything that was sort of put in front of me well. You know, I'll come back next year and try and do better.
But it was a good tournament. Wasn't bad at all.
Q. On that point, you went a round further than last year; you're 22 years old. You'll leave here more convinced that you can win Wimbledon now?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think I have a chance. And I think the way that I played this year, you know, it was very, very close to getting to the final. If I give myself those sort of opportunities and keep playing well, and my consistency in the Grand Slams the last year or so has been much, much better, you know, a final, a semi and a quarter, I'm going to give myself opportunities to do it.
I believe I can win a Grand Slam, whether it's Wimbledon or US Open or Australia or whatever, I'm going to give myself chances.
Q. What is the overriding memory or lesson that you take from this slam to put into future matches?
ANDY MURRAY: I'm not sure. I mean, I need a bit more time to think about that. But, like I said, it's been a very good, productive tournament for me. I think, like I said, I played well. You know, unfortunately the last few slams that I've lost I've come up against some guys that have played great, great tennis.
You know, mentally for me, I've got much better at it, understanding that guys can do that against you. That's happened to me a few times now in slams. I need to keep making sure I bring my best game to the court in every match.
See you in 5 weeks, Muzz. Spend some time some time with your ugly girlfriend.
As for A-Rod, have fun getting fucked in the ass by Roger on Sunday. Hope his dick doesn't break off.
So a debate has been raging on for quite some time now (2 days) between Victoria and me regarding who's the hotter WAG: B.Decks (Victoria) or K.Sears (Moi). We are now at an impasse. So we open up the debate on this rather slowish tennis news day.
More pics after the jump (seriously, this was a really embarrassing post to put together at work).
Looks like Muzz got a load full of pizza in his belly, a good 12 hours of sleep, and he was all smiles and relaxation during his light practice.
C'mon, Andy!
If you're wondering how crazy Murray Mania is, look further than the queue for walk up tickets.
These people have been camped out since before yesterday's match ended.
Oh, and 54% of the TV sets in Britain were tuned into Mr.
Muzz's match. So...yeah.
I couldn't watch the zamazing Stan/Muzz match, but I was listening on Radio Wimbledon and the crowd sounded awesome. Gave me chills. The atmosphere was absolutely electric.
Stan played so well. But in the end Muzz's quality won out with the help of the support of an entire nation. And for all who think he's the Big Blue of Tennis, kid got pretty emotional after he won. Word on the street (read, cbox) is that he cried a little bit.
But a hearty salute to Stanley the Manley, who played his guts out and pushed Muzz to the brink. Stan is one of those players who I always frazzle over when I see him in my fave's part of the draw. That backhand is a thing of beauty.
Sexy Ugly sure is mastering his tennis poses. Something tells me a bronze version of this one will be plopped right on Murray Lane (or whatever that thing is called) should he actually hoist the trophy in a week and a half.
A very impressive performance today against the always dangerously beautiful loser, Ernie Swan. 36 winners, 5 UFEs, and he played some canny defense throughout the match. I don't know if it was P Mac or Killer, but one of them said that Muzz was inventing a new style of game wherein he wasn't a counterpuncher so much as a "neutralizer", which is such an appropriate description of his game. Most of the time when I watch a Muzz match I have no idea how he's winning, but he is. He just kept dumping the ball over the net for Ernie to hit and, Ernie being Ernie, he missed. Or he would lull Ernie into a bit of complacency or laziness, and he'd attack. It's really fun to watch. So intelligent and nerdy.
Ok, I'll put a cork in it. I like Muzz. Full stop. That is all.
Dinner last night:
Me: (fiddling with iPhone) Did you see Muzz's kit? He's adorable!
DG: No, seriously, he's not.
Me: What? How can you say that? Even in this pic?
DG: Mmmm. No.
Me: Seriously?
DG: Simon Bollelli? Hot. Janko? Hot. Nole? Hot. C Note, seriously, Muzz is not cute.
Me: (sad silence)
DG: Come on. You do not want to root down with that guy.
Me: ...Did you just say "root down"?
Q. A lot of people are talking about Andy Murray, Roger Federer as the main title contenders. Are you happy?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Very happy.
Q. To be below the radar or hype in the building?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, I've been playing really well in the last two, three years. Obviously, people were talking about me, having won a Grand Slam in Australia, put myself in the position to be a candidate for a Grand Slam title in basically each Grand Slam I have played.
So right now, Andy Murray is in the spotlight, and he deserves it. I mean, he was playing fantastic tennis in last seven, eight months. And it's good. I mean, releases kind of a little bit of pressure off me so I can play relaxed on the court.
Q. And we've spoken before about how you two developed together coming up through the juniors. Is the ego kicking in a bit now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: To be honest, I'm happy. You know, I'm happy to see ‑‑ for the sport, it's good to see, you know, some young players coming up: him, Del Potro, Cilic. Hopefully these guys are the future of the tennis.
Muzz rocks out in his new Wimbly kit in the only way he knows how. Awkwardly.
Let's just hope the dude doesn't leave that top button buttoned. Though I guess if he did I would love his dorky ass even more. Revenge of the Nerds!
Sigh. Oh, Andy. I feel sorry for you already. Have fun being vilified when you fail to make the semis.
Muzz's online shop has been restocked with goods that will remind the world that much is expected from Andy, despite the fact that he really hasn't done enough at Wimbly to deserve it.
My favorites: The totally ugly Chairman Muzz shirt and the Muzzabear. Bring it.
Also, it looks like they redesigned the site to take off all that screaming Muzz stuff in the sidebars and replace them with "Lonely Boy" Muzz.
Upgrade.
Congrats to Muzz for becoming the first British dude to win Queens in over 70 years. Way to ratchet down the pressure, Andy. Good luck with that.
So Fed cries, Rafa bits, Nole hats, and Muzz...holds it boringly as if it were, well, a trophy.
BOOOOOring!
Recent Comments