Nice to know that Robbo watches the tennis the same way most tennis nerds do: Smart phone in hand.
Celebrities. They're just like us!
All the women who're independent, throw your hands up at me. All the honeys who makin' money, throw you hands up at me. All the mommas who profit dollars, throw your hands up at me. All the ladies who truly feel me, throw your hands up at me.
"Can I just touch it? For a second?" "No. Get the fuck away."
This is James Ward. He's British (regardless of whether he's winning or losing). He's three months older than Andy Murray, his pop is a cab driver, he trains with a cage fighter, and he's ranked #216.
He beat Stan, SamQ, and a French dude this week and is now a semifinalist at Queens. WHUUUUUUT???
He took out Sam in a one set shootout this morning, then turned around and fought off his nerves (read: the British flag) to beat Adrian Mannarino in three sets to tee up a Queeny Saturday that sees two Brits into the semifinals. Andy advanced after Marin withdrew with an injury.
He gets Jo next after the the dimpled Frenchie put Rafa out of his misery and sent him back to Mallorca to take a nap or something. On behalf of the entire tennis world I say GO TO SLEEP, RAFA.
So...Queens. It's basically everything you've heard and seen and more. Easily the shwankiest tournament that I have ever been to (yes, I'm looking at you, Madrid). Normally that would annoy the shizz out of me, but given my general love of all things British, meh, it didn't bother me at all. I give credit to the tournament for being able to balance the *heavily* corporate nature of the tournament with still giving hardcore tennis fans what they want: good seats, a great draw, and awkwardly close practice court access.
Not that this doesn't come cheap. I went on the first day and had to shell out 50 pounds for the cheapest Center Court ticket. With the blockbuster lineup on Tuesday I dropped 72 pounds for a second row ticket in a corner sideline. So...yeah. THAT'S FUCKIN' EXPENSIVE, YO. That said, I don't regret any of it.
More like "Out Train The RAIN" amIright?
This is the walkway to the practice courts. They're on the other side of the bushes. If you suck it up and squeeze through the random group of people just standing there and clogging up the entrance (move or leave, people!), then you're practicaly standing on the courts. It's a bit nutty.
On one hand, I'm like, "ZOMG! Look at you, Jo! You're so shy and introverted and adorable and yet you were totally game to dress up in drag, tuck little Wilfried away, and strike a pose with Caro. I totally didn't think you had it in you. How great are you!"
On the other hand, I'm like, "ZOMG! WHERE IS YOUR PENIS???"
Rain washed out play late last night, postponing Ana's fourth round match against Kim andcutting short the ridiculous shotmaking on display between Jo and Dolly at 76 46 23. Watch that clip until the end. The athleticism of each of these guys is off the charts, which is particularly fun in light of how differently built they are physically. That's what you have to love about tennis. What you don't have to love is the fact that these guys were killing themselves last night to try and get the match in before the rain, now have to turn around for a noon (likely later than noon) start, only to have to turn it around to play, of all people, Rafa later that afternoon. Ouch.
Here's the revised order of play for Tuesday, where Crandon Park will be briefly transformed into Belgrade Arena during the day session. Nole, Viktor, Janko, Nenad, Ana, JJ, and Petko are all in action, including Ivanorazzi dubs. It's a bummer there isn't as huge of a Serbian population in Miami as there is in LA. Then again, it's a lot of Serb on Serb action. Whomever would people root for? (AnaNolePetkoJanko)
Thunderstorms are forecast for the day so who knows how we'll be able to get through all these matches. Cross your fingers.
STADIUM start 11:00 am [14] M Fish (USA) vs J Del Potro (ARG) - ATP
Not Before 12:00 PM [21] A Dolgopolov (UKR) vs [15] J Tsonga (FRA) 67(2) 64 32 - ATP-to finish 67 64 32
Not Before 1:00 PM [21] A Petkovic (GER) vs [6] J Jankovic (SRB) - WTA [19] A Ivanovic (SRB) vs [2] K Clijsters (BEL) - WTA [16] V Troicki (SRB) vs [2] N Djokovic (SRB) - ATP-Possible Court Change [1] R Nadal (ESP) vs [21] A Dolgopolov (UKR) or [15] J Tsonga (FRA) - ATP
Not Before 7:30 PM [16] M Sharapova (RUS) vs [26] A Dulgheru (ROU) - WTA
Not Before 9:30 PM [3] R Federer (SUI) vs [Q] O Rochus (BEL) - ATP
GRANDSTAND start 11:00 am [6] D Ferrer (ESP) vs M Granollers (ESP) - ATP [30] J Isner (USA) vs K Anderson (RSA) - ATP F Mayer (GER) vs [7] T Berdych (CZE) - ATP
Not Before 5:00 PM J Tipsarevic (SRB) vs [25] G Simon (FRA) - ATP
COURT 2 start 12:00 noon [3] M Bhupathi (IND) / L Paes (IND) vs M Lopez (ESP) / D Marrero (ESP) - ATP D Hantuchova (SVK) / A Radwanska (POL) vs N Llagostera Vives (ESP) / A Parra Santonja (ESP) - WTA X Malisse (BEL) / J Murray (GBR) vs [6] M Llodra (FRA) / N Zimonjic (SRB) - ATP [WC] A Ivanovic (SRB) / A Petkovic (GER) vs S Peer (ISR) / S Peng (CHN) - WTA [1] G Dulko (ARG) / F Pennetta (ITA) vs [8] M Martinez Sanchez (ESP) / A Medina Garrigues (ESP) - WTA
The boys took the footie pitch last night for a charity footie match organized by Novak and Kei to benefit Japan. It was great fun and if you missed the stream that was commentated by a random dude who had no idea who any of the tennis players were, let's just say that much like the above picture, it was an unintentionally comedic fail of rather epic proportions.
First of all, the guy only recognized Novak and Andy. So the commentary went like this: "Oh, great switch by one tennis player to another tennis player. Nice touch to Novak Djokovic, Novak Djokovic takes it up the field, Novak Djokovic passes to Andy Murray, great move by Andy Murray, crosses to a tennis player, GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL Tennis player!"
If you think I'm exaggerating, I'm not. Pretty sure others who watched the stream can vouch for me here.
Of course, Judy Murray was on-hand providing much better commentary via her ever-awesome Twitter. Let's just say she has her clear favorites.
She's the best.
Anyway, the boys seemed to have great fun, the crowd was genuinely enjoying it, and Baggy and my pale-faced dork of a boyfriend, who showed up in tennis trainers and full ankle braces, scored goals. Honey, you're just lucky you got picked on a team.
Interestingly, Rafa was in attendance but he didn't take the pitch. I wonder if Tio put the kibash on that the minute he landed. You know he would have loved to. No word on whether he sprinted on the field to tackle Nole. Again, you know he would have loved to.
Great stuff for a great cause. My sister's charity of choice has been Second Harvest Japan, an organization dedicated to getting much needed food and supplies to the hard-hit areas. You can donate here. I've also heard that the players are planning more fund-raising activities for Friday night. Stay tuned.
What a weekend of woe. Not just woe, but unexpected woe. Woe that you kind really didn't see coming until you turned the corner and someone shoved a spoon in your eye.
Like...what?
Let's start with this guy. He not only lost but he lost in straight sets to DONALD YOUNG. DONALD YOUNG!!! For the second straight year I didn't even bother watching the match, opting to hang out at the new and AMAZING Corona tent, assuming that my super fuzzy-haired boyfriend would get the job done over the talented but prone to imploding DYoung. So imagine my surprise when I turned to watch the big screen to see DY holding AT LOVE. Against one of the best returners in the game who happens to be my reason for tennis existence.
Speaking of people who have not been all that fantastic after losing a Grand Slam final, HAI NAILS.
She was upset by Peng 46 63 63. All credit to Racquet Required. She totally called the upset on Twitter when the draw came out and I didn't think it was a bad call. Peng hasn't had the results but she's been right there in her matches and playing quite well.
Sorry, Indian Wells economy. You won't be seeing the Li credit card this year.
Here's the thing. If we learned anything from last year's Ana/Montreal fiasco it's that denying someone a wildcard kind of lights a fire and virtually guarantees that they will make you look like a fucking moron. Ana got hosed by Montreal and went on to the semis of Cincy.
Well Dr. Ivo was denied a Miami wildcard. He wasn't happy about it. So he it took it out on sweet little Daveed, upsetting him in straight sets, 76 63. I totally did not see that one coming.
You're not looking too smart right now, Sony Ericsson Open Tournament Director person.
SVETA WHAT THE FUCK WORD??? McHale??? SNOOKI??? I mean, what is that about? I know, I know. It's Sveta. She can rock your world one night and show up the next holding a bag of cold Taco Bell, smelling like piss, and slurring her words. But COME. ON.
And then there's this guy going down to Malisse in straights, 76(6) 75. It's not like I should be shocked. Jo hasn't been playing all that great and he's coming off of injury. But I WANT TO SEE SHIRTLESS JO PRACTICING. If it's any consolation I cardigan'd Jo at the bar later that night. He was looking delicious in his ash grey cardigan, jeans, and white kicks. He also seemed to have a lady friend.
First off, it was Heineken Day at the Australian Open which basically means, if I understand it correctly, cheap beer. If you had a grounds pass you could get in and drink pretty cheaply on site. So things were already kicking by the time I arrived at noon.
The sun was out and the Ozone-less Aussie sky was beating down pretty good for much of the day. The heat only contributed to the odd happenings around the grounds. I'm sure the crowd over at Court 6 was settled in just to watch some hot Pico on Feli doubles action with a side of thigh porn. But you knew it wasn't going to be that straightforward when Pico came out with his hair tied back like Baggy.
So of course we didn't get much hot Pico on Feli action. Instead, we got gross Pico/Feli on Mahesh action. DID NOT WANT.
I was watching the match and my take on the haps is this: Pico and Feli took exception to Leander and Manesh yelling "Vamos" after points, taking cheap shots at them, and there are some reports that Leander kept trying to body check Pico on the changeovers. After Mahesh "Vamosed" loudly after Pico missed an easy volley late in the second set, all hell broke loose.
Feli jumped in and all four started barking at each other at the net, getting into each other's faces. Pico tried to pull Leander aside to discuss the sitch and Pascal jumped down off his chair like Batman and tournament officials got into it and started to separate the four. Pico got mad that the officials were physically pushing and pulling him away when all he was trying to do was talk it out with Mahesh.
Of course the cuties would lose and Feli refused to shake hands and words were had. I guess I'll let the boys explain themselves:
I mean, we were playing, match was quiet, and one of the players, he was trying to provoke us all the time. At one point, we were a little bit tired of the style he was using on the court, and that's all what happened. But at the end, I was talking to Mahesh and everything was fine. Nothing else to comment.
He was trying to provoke us all the time. I know it's the style he been using the past 20 years. But that's okay. Nothing else.
What say ye, Mahesh?
We always do play a very aggressive style of doubles. That's what's given us all our good results. They, being two singles players, they've probably never seen it before. They probably were taken aback a little bit. They were probably not happy that we used the word 'vamos'. I don't think they have a patent on that one. Small things like that added up. Kept adding to their frustration that we were playing good tennis as well.
Unfortunately, believe it or not, this is not the first time it's happened to me. When Leander and me were playing Orsanic and Oncins in Dubai 95, they got upset because we used 'vamos'. This was in 2000. Two years ago when I was playing González and Acasuso at the French Open, I used 'vamos' and they got upset. I've been using it for a long time. If these guys are going to get upset, I'm going to continue to use it.
LEANDER PAES: At the end of the day, whether it's 'vamos' or 'allez', we're Indian, nobody has patent, we're saying it to each other.
I would probably side with Leander and Mahesh if they didn't come off as so damn smug in their presser. I suppose being on the winning side earns you the right to be smug. They're right, the Spaniards/Argies don't "own" the language, just like the Serbs don't own "ajde". But don't pretend that you don't know what you're doing and that you're all innocent and taking the high road. I saw the match, dudes. You, Mahesh, were being an intentional prick.
From there I tuned in to see Vera cruising over Lucie, having pocketed the first set and up 4-2 in the second, only to double fault to give Lucie the break back. From there Lucie found a whole 'nother gear and would force a tiebreak that was tight and involved a lot of fantastic rallies. Finally, Vera would hit an incredible lob winner reminiscent of the one Kim hit against Venus at the USO10 that got her match point and she was able to close it out. But it was very close to calamity on Laver.
So there I am, reclining in my chair, when I tune over to watch Moose vs. GGL, and this is what I see on the second point:
As Andy would say after he cruised to victory in an hour and 20ish minutes, "It's a bit embarrassing."
Of course, while Andy was plastering GGL, Jo was running out of gas against Dolgopolov. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! But yes. He seems to have picked up a lower back issue and after fighting as best he could for three sets, he dropped the last two 1 and 1. So super cutie Jo is out and Dolgo lives on to take on The Sodness Monster. Barf.
Oh, but it would get weirder.
Big John was locked in a dogfight with Marin "The last 10 months never happened" Cilic and he looked well on his way to winning when he battled back and eeked out the third-set tiebreaker to go up 2-1. But as is the case with most of John's matches, it came down to a few points and with the sun beating down, John looked gassed. Instead of just blasting and trying to put pressure on Marin, he sat back, content to rally and hoped for Marin to miss.
Marin didn't and the match went into extra innings, the first five setter that Big John would play since Wimbledon. Marin would finally win 9-7 in the fifth. John was absolutely gutted in press. He would have played Rafa.
To round out the day's weirdness, The Cone actually made a match of it with Kim (though it was more Kim being wonky than Cone doing anything other than monologue in French and slam her racquet a bunch), Marcos retired in his match with Melzer with a PINKY INJURY, and Makarova and IVETA BENESOVA are in the fourth round after they each bounced seeds, Nadia and Pavs, respectively.
Yay! I finally saw Jo! He was polo'd up, hat askew, and just lovely.
The polo looked way hot, though. Not Paris Hilton "That's hot", but "Dude, It's Australia. Eggs are frying on the sidewalk. What Are You Thinking" hot.
France, one of my favorite "teamy" teams, somehow find themselves in the Davis Cup final despite not having their #1 for most of the year. How'd they get here? Sure, they definitely played well but they also took advantage of four straight home ties on that quick hardcourt surface that plays right into Mikey Llodes' serve and volleying hands. That's right, this will be their first away tie of 2010.
Uh, good luck with that, boys.
Anywho, here's Team France.
Michael Llodra: The guy has almost single-handedly carried France to the finals. Taking advantage of the ultraquick hardcourts in France, he's served, volleyed, and doubled his way to an undefeated record in Davis Cup this year (2-0 in singles, 3-0 in doubles). He'll be without his BFF, Apricot Bars, but he won with Clement against Argentina. I'll be interested to see if Forget starts him on Friday, or instead chooses to start Gilles so that Mikey is fully rested for doubles.
GaelMonfils: While the Serbs may have JJ in the crowd egging them on from behind an eye-patch, France has their own King of Chaos. At times magical, at times a walking embodiment of arrogant idiocy, Gael proved with his win over Fed in Bercy that he has the game to beat anyone on any given day. Unfortunately for France, his track record seems to indicate that he's a big fan of having a French Army (hah!) behind him. He won't have home court advantage this time and the Serbian crowd would do themselves a favor to get into his head. There ain't much up there so you might as well fill it with negative thoughts. He'll tap out in no time.
Gilles Simon: He's 1-5 against Nole but on the slower court you wonder if Guy might tap him instead of Mikey on Day 1 (this is the rumor anyway, nothing confirmed). At a minimum he can maybe run around and make Nole work for the win. Either way, the quiet renaissance man who always gives good quote will be ready to party if France pulls this off. The dude is awesome with HoYay.
Richard Gasquet: Will he be playing? Probs not. But that isn't going to stop me from pulling some of thesegems out.
Jo Wilfried Tsonga: Out for the season with a knee injury, he'll be ridin' the pine serving as a cheerleader. Damn shame, too. Not only is Jole always riveting entertainment, the complexion of this tie completely changes if he's healthy. He holds a 7-1 DC record. Anyway, I hope it's shirtlesscheerleading. G-string optional.
The random ellipses, the smiley face, the economy of language.
This may be the greatest fan sign ever.
Though, this one gets commitment points for refusing to let the fact that this match was played on indoor courts that fans could not access stop her from cheering on her man.
I guess being #1 and #2 don't mean what it used to.
The top 20 are all in Shanghai, which makes for some intriguing stuff. Rafa and Nole are coming off tournament wins in Tokyo and Beijing, Muzz is coming off...whatever you want to call that loss to Lubey in Beijing, and Fed returns for the first time since his loss to Novak.
Play started yesterday and Jo took out Feli and Fernando lost to Thiemo.
Justine suffered a tear in her elbow in her match against Kim and is out for the next few months. So no JuJu at the US Open. She'll also be replaced by Serena in that Best of Belgium exo thingamabob.
Also out for the next two months with a knee injury? Jo. Sadz.
This leaves France without both Jo and Rick in their Davis Cup tie against the Rafa-less but oh so tanned and beachy Armada.
Ok, I get it. Everyone's super impressed with Isnut. They're on the front page of newspapers, the talk of all the news shows, hell, they kicked off The Daily Show. Halpert and Nick are rockstars and the pillars of everything that sport stands for.
That does not mean you all should be trying to rip that mantle away. I mean, six five-set matches today with two going past 6-6 in the fifth? Find your own schtick, you guys. I mean, congrats to Rafa, Jo, Apricot, Jeremy, Petzchner, and Brows (ok, maybe not Brows), but be original! Let's let Isnut have their day in the sun.
And so another RG comes to a close. All in all, it was an odd tournament that had some unexpected twists and turns that ended in two memorable feel good moments that made you happy and proud to be a tennis fan. You can't ask for more than that.
Autograph request fail. Or win. I'm actually not sure.
Come to Mama. I'll make it all better.
Hey, does anyone have 3-Across?
It's all fun and games until Rafa doesn't show up.
Jo was forced to retire down 2-5 in the first set to Mischa, due to a hip injury. He'll get an MRI in the next few days to figure out what the deal is but early word is that it may be lesions in his hip.
It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Walk with me.
Gisela! It's singles! Flavi's not there. Focus!
"So what I'm gonna do is I'm going to hit more to his forehand, like high topspin, and push him back behind the baseline. Then I'm going hit this shot, have you heard of it? It's called a forehand drop shot. Anyway, apparently it works on clay. I just figured this out. Yeah, I know, I'm brilliant. So like I was saying..."
Jo survived an intense five-set challenge from German Daniel Brands, coming back from a break down in the fifth to move on, 46 63 62 67(2) 75. Jo has been under the weather and was a little peeved at the FFT for refusing to push his match off to tomorrow. But the dude survived, will have some time to rest, and he's now 3-0 in five-setters.
Much to the delight of the home crowd.
And speaking of being pissed at the FFT, Nice champ Dickie Gasket is pissed that he's scheduled to play his first round match against Moose tomorrow. Not only is he understandably wiped from playing Nice, he also suffered a leg injury that he's trying to heal.
Do I think the FFT should bend to their players' wants? No. Tourney schedules are tight and someone's going to get fucked.But good luck getting any Frenchies to play Nice next year.
No surprises today in Monte Carlo, thank God, as Jo had a tough go with Nico back came through in two tight sets, 76(5) 75. Kind of a big win for the guy on clay. So, you know, ROWR!
Fer got really mad at that ball and destroyed Apricot, 62 61. Like, whoa.
Marin put on his guyliner and came bag against Igor, 67 61 64. You really need to cool it, Marin. You're verging on Brandon Flowers territory. Here's hoping you don't crash and burn and turn into a heaping pile of suckitude like the Killers did.
And this is a cute picture of a guy who won.
Singles - Second Round [4] M Cilic (CRO) d I
Andreev (RUS) 67(4) 61 64 [5] J Tsonga (FRA) d N Almagro (ESP) 76(5)
75 [6] F Verdasco (ESP) d J Benneteau (FRA) 62 61 [10] T Berdych
(CZE) d [WC] R Gasquet (FRA) 62 60
Singles - First Round [12]
T Robredo (ESP) d H Zeballos (ARG) 63 63 [13] S Wawrinka (SUI) d V
Hanescu (ROM) 62 64 [15] J Melzer (AUT) d P Mathieu (FRA) 63 62 A
Montanes (ESP) d [16] M Baghdatis (CYP) 64 62 M Llodra (FRA) d F
Fognini (ITA) 63 63 V Troicki (SRB) d L Kubot (POL) 46 62 62 F
Serra (FRA) d S Robert (FRA) 76(6) 36 64 [Q] T de Bakker (NED) d E
Schwank (ARG) 63 75
Rafa? That was amazing. For those who didn't watch the match, don't let the 63 63 score deceive you. This didn't seem like a 63 63 walk in the park. Jo stayed right with Rafa through much of the first set before losing his concentration and giving up the break, and then he just hit out in the second, crushing the ball all over the place.
But Rafa was right there. He was intense, he was mentally unflappable, and he put on a tremendous display of guile and shot-making. There was much oohing and ahhing while watching this match. Rafa was just sick.
The dude was over the moon after he hit an amazing winner on match point. I dare say his feet never touched the ground. Literally:
Well after a few days of clusterfuckage, Miami seemed to get back on track today. JJ got a straight set win over Elena V., as did Justine over Domi, Kim over Shahar (bagel and stick!), and Vika over Lucie.
Caro is under the weather (a virus apparently) and dropped the first set to Makiri 61. She must have ate Makiri's heart between sets because she would go on to win the match handily. Note to Boots: I'm not rooting for you until you quit fucking moonballing. You're likable as hell but whenever I see that junior move I roll my eyes and change the channel.
And in YayMe! news, Sam and Pavs both won and are into the quarterfinals. Huzzah! Or something.
As for the boys there were some notable surprises, namely Jo's orange kit with what might as well be a boatneck collar. Seriously, did you guys see that thing? How big is your head, Jo?
No, the one above your shoulders, honey. Nevermind. My mind went to a funny place.
It's OK, Halpert. I'd do the same thing if I saw JCF.
I really wish I saw this match. It looked like an intriguing 50-50 on paper. JCF came out on top. He also won in three sets.
Hooray for Daveed for taking out Ivo. Go away, you booty slapper.
I don't know what to say anymore, really. I feel like every Jo post
involves me saying "Sigh. I love him." But sometimes love really is
that simple. Or lust. They're totally the same, right?
Some video from some of some sexy doubles teams. I highly recommend hitting up the doubles matches at any tournament. Not only is it more bang for your buck (ahem) but they're usually on the smaller side courts where you can easily find a seat courtside.
This is so freaky. I've been rather randomly learning and listening to my favorite band's song "Sympathy" on loop for the entire weekend. It's a song Corin Tucker wrote when her son was born premature and he almost didn't make it. It's kind of an intense song.
Now I find out that Jo injured his ankle in his dead rubber match today and is questionable for Indian Wells. Which of course made me think of this lyric from the song:
How angry I would be
If you'd taken him away
I wish I was wiser but instead
I'll be grateful I'll say thanks
For the joy for the love for the smile on his face
I'd beg you on bended knees for him
Davis Cup once again did not disappoint. There was drama, there was passion, and there was national pride. But most importantly there were hot sweaty dudes rubbing up on each other. Like all over the world. On behalf of all the women in the world who are currently celebrating Woman's Herstory Month (see what I did there?), I say "thank you."
Spain v Switzerland 4 - 1
A blockbuster tie on paper, except that, well, it wasn't really. Spain played without Rafa, Fer, Feli, and JCF, and Switzerland claimed they were short a player. I don't know what they're talking about but the Switz were heaping their hopes on the spittle-strewn shoulders of newly daddied Stan.
In the end it was a true team effort as Daveed won his first rubber, Marcel and Tommy teamed up to take the doubles, and Daveed came back on Sunday to take his second rubber. Vamos, Spain.
France v Germany 4 - 1
Look at that. That is the definition of teamy. All the Frenchies were on hand to support each other as France demolished Germany 4-1, clinching the tie with the doubles win on Saturday. Ok, not all the Frenchies were there. But I don't think Guy wanted Jeremy's bad mojo anyway, so thanks for staying away, Jerms.
Russia v India 3 - 2
Russia's into the quarters over India as Mischa clinched it in the fourth rubber. Tough couple of days for Somdev, who couldn't convert either of his matches. That was a pretty monumental task anyway.
Sweden v Argentina 2 - 3
Well done to you, Argies and welcome back Nalby! What a way to make a splash. Dude saved the Baby Blues by helping with the doubles win and then winning the decisive 5th tie. Thank god he did. I'd much rather see Nalby/Elf in the DC quarters than Sod and his merry band of Swedes.
Croatia v Ecuador 5 - 0
Complete mismatch, really. Marin and Ivo vs. The Brothers Lappentti in Croatia? Move along, Croats.
Serbia v United States 3 - 2
Way to make it interesting, guys. One of the BryBros gets food poisoning from some chicken curry, has to pull out of doubles, eyebrows are raised, and then Nole and Halpert play a 4+ hour five setter, which Nole wins to clinch the tie. Huge win for Nole and the Serbs, but for me, the star of this tie was Johnny Isner. In his first DC tie the kid jumps in to play doubles with the non-tummy-afflicted BryBro to beat Nenad and Janko. Then he comes back the next day and battles on clay, his worst surface, in front of a hostile crowd to force the world #2 into a five setter that Nole narrowly wins, 6-4.
So yes, congrats to Serbia. Seriously, you know how stoked I am for you guys. But can I please get a standing slow-clap for Halpert? He showed so much heart this weekend.
Belgium v Czech Republic 1 - 4
This one goes into the Croatia/Ecuador category. Moving on.
Chile v Israel 2 - 1
This one's still going with Chile one win away from clinching the tie after they dropped the doubles today. Go get it, Gonzo. And God bless.
In case you haven't heard, Gilles, Jo, and Rafa have withdrawn from Rotterdam. Dima, Lleyton, and Halpert are out of San Jose. And Serena's out of Paris with a knee injury.
62 63 62 in 1 hour 28 minutes. But don't let the scoreline fool you. It wasn't even that close.
Honestly, I'm not gonna spend more time or energy in crafting this post than Jo did in that match. Fed was en fuego, Jo was dumb (drop shots, dude?), couldn't find the court, and possibly a bit injured. It was a sad semifinal performance. The kid just couldn't even muster up the energy to care.
I'm over it. On to the final that I've been waiting two weeks for: Muzz vs. Fed. Based on form and experience, I definitely give Fed the edge. He's looking awfully comfortable out there and I still think his offense is better than Muzz's defense. That said, I won't be shocked if Andy wins. But I'll be surprised. And ELATED.
So a few minutes after Andy won my Mom posted "Great Scot!" on my Facebook page. I was completely confused because there is no reason she would know that phrase and that play on words. Now I know.
It's ok, Jo. It was just a tummy ache. He'll be ok.
(It has come to my attention today that I often take these pop culture references for granted. I forget that a lot of you guys are significantly younger than I am (I learned to day that the NPR music intern had never heard Joshua Tree -- and I freaked out). So please, I beg of you, watch that video in it's entirety. It is very important that you're aware of it. Besides, the joke doesn't make sense unless you've seen the video.)
Unbeknownst to anyone coming into the match, Nole was having stomach problems. He had diarrhea before the match but soldiered on, splitting the first two tight sets, 67 76. Jo got tired in the third and Nole was able to cruise to a 61 win.
Then, during the third set changeover, while Jo ran off to the restroom, Nole started dry heaving. I'm actually not convinced it was a "dry" heave at all, thanks to ESPN's HD coverage. But he was clearly having problems during the next two games, breathing heavily and burping a lot. After he dropped the second game he told the chair he had to go off-court because he had to throw up. Apparently he did.
The rest was history. He essentially gave the fourth set away to try and regain his composure, but when the fifth set rolled around, he wasn't the same Nole. Jo took the final set 61.
Huge congratulations to Jo. Though he lost his legs for a bit, he played well enough to win those first two sets, and had he, who knows. He probably would have won it in straight sets. He played well and he deserved the win. I don't think anyone except the Nole die-hards would begrudge him this win. Nole didn't go away in the fifth. Jo just didn't let him get any momentum.
Not all is lost for Nole. He gained some points here and, if Andy doesn't win the title, he'll ascend to #2. Plus, as far as I could tell he's back to playing high quality tennis. It's been a joy to watch him this week.
So we have two revenge semifinals, with Andy vs Marin (USO) and Jo vs Fed (Montreal). If Jo brings his A game, the second one should be a cracker.
Jo's streak of having *never* played a five-setter in his career came to a close last night.
But thankfully, his AO run did not.
Jo would come out on top, 9-7 in the fifth set. But not before having to withstand an inspired performance from Nico, the one-wristed bandit. That's right, Nicolas Almagro came from two sets down to force a fifth set while wearing a cast. A soft cast, but a cast nonetheless. It was an amazing performance from him.
But when the stakes got high, Jo was able to elevate his game. I didn't think Nico played poorly at all in that final set. Jo just kicked it into high gear and served amazingly, hit some ridiculous shots from the baseline and finished off his volleys when he got to the net. Nico had nowhere to go.
So it'll be Jo vs. Nole in the quarterfinals. Sorry Jo, but our love affair ends here. I'll be rooting for Nole. But regardless of result, I'll be happy. You've both played so well!
Looks like Tax was doing everything except trying to avoid the bagel in her match.
Impressive work, Halpert.
Lleyton would make an amazingly angry Goth Kid. Some eyeliner, a lip wring, one of those big holey piercey things? A dog collar? Which is ironic seeing as how he's the most douchey jock on the scene.
Hell of a week for China. Pick up some racquets, Beijing!
Nole is like, crazy obsessed with his guns.
Yes, Pico, everyone's been doing that for Kolya. If you relax it'll hurt less. So I hear.
Bad racquet.
Because I haven't posted a picture of Vika yet. And if I'm going to be accused of jinxing people, well, here's my chance to use my powers for good and not evil.
P-Raft is hot. You can't blame Henri.
Good tourney for you. Proved the USO run wasn't a fluke.
Still useless to me when it counted.
"Where's Your Head At at at at at at..."
She's just not that into you, Dani.
Hmmm...you look familiar.
Jo.
Not Jo.
Ah, the classic "head stuck up your ass" MTO. Didn't help, Tommy.
