Posted: September 8th, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: David Ferrer, ATP: Feliciano Lopez, ATP: Fernando Verdasco, ATP: Gael Monfils, ATP: Mikhail Youzhny, ATP: Novak Djokovic, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: Robin Soderling, ATP: Roger Federer, ATP: Sam Querrey, ATP: Stanislas Wawrinka, ATP: Tommy Robredo, ATP: US Open, WTA, WTA: Caroline Wozniacki, WTA: Dominika Cibulkova, WTA: Francesca Schiavone, WTA: Kim Clijsters, WTA: Samantha Stosur, WTA: US Open, WTA: Venus Williams, WTA: Vera Zvonareva | No Comments »
Hey, sorry I disappeared for a second there. I couldn’t bring myself to watch tennis yesterday, Day 9, because of the recent development that is Caroline Wozniacki. I just didn’t want to hear about it. Pardon my moment of weakness.
I did, however, hear about (and later saw) Fernando Verdasco’s amazing match point against David Ferrer. Then, I read that Kim Clijsters and Sam Stosur played a match that started off with high quality tennis but ended pretty poorly. With that, it’s hard to bet against Venus Williams now.
Day 9 results:
Quarterfinals
Kim Clijsters [2] def. Samantha Stosur [5] 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
Venus Williams [3] def. Francesca Schiavone [6] 7-6(5), 6-4
Round of 16
Rafael Nadal [1] def. Feliciano Lopez [23] 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
Fernando Verdasco [8] def. David Ferrer [10] 5-7, 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(4)
Mikhail Youzhny [12] def. Tommy Robredo 7-5, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
Stanislas Wawrinka [25] def. Sam Querrey [20] 7-6(9), 6-7(5), 7-5, 4-6, 6-4
Day 10 was pretty uneventful. The wind made it hard for everyone. It was hard to play under those conditions and it was hard to watch the pros play under those conditions. The favorites all came through relatively easily. Straight sets on tap.
Day 10 results:
Quarterfinals
Caroline Wozniacki [1] def. Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 7-5
Vera Zvonareva [7] def. Kaia Kanepi [31] 6-3, 7-5
Roger Federer [2] def. Robin Soderling [5] 6-4, 6-4, 7-5
Novak Djokovic [3] def. Gael Monfils [17] 7-6(2), 6-1, 6-2
Image via Getty
Posted: September 7th, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: David Ferrer, ATP: Feliciano Lopez, ATP: Fernando Verdasco, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: Stanislas Wawrinka, ATP: US Open, WTA, WTA: Francesca Schiavone, WTA: Kim Clijsters, WTA: Samantha Stosur, WTA: US Open, WTA: Venus Williams | No Comments »
Day 9 promises a lot of exciting tennis. Quarterfinal matches start for the women while the men begin their R16 tussles. On tap; Kim Clijsters, Venus Williams, Rafael Nadal, Fernando Verdasco and Samantha Stosur.
- Francesca Schiavone [6] vs Venus Williams [3]
Like Vee said, 30 is the new 20. I love this match-up! I like both players and both have been flying under the radar all tournament long. And after this match, (boom!) in the semis. I hope they put on a great show!
- Stanislas Wawrinka [25] vs Sam Querrey [20]
You took out my favorite Stan, better not not take out my non-favorite.
- Samantha Stosur [5] vs Kim Clijsters [2]
Just like Sam’s previous match, this is tough to call. We all know what Sam can do but I feel like Kim can defend enough to weather Sam’s fire power and turn it into offense. Mmmm.. this has the makings of a tasty match.
- Rafael Nadal [1] vs Feliciano Lopez [23]
Feli doesn’t mind the hard courts and will probably look to attack as much as he can. He also knows and thinks he can beat Rafa on the fast stuff. It’ll be a fun battle to watch. It’ll be funner after Rafa wins it. Or after Feli wins it. Honestly, I’m fine with either result.
- David Ferrer [10] vs Fernando Verdasco [8]
I haven’t see Nando play much this tournament but I’ve read that he looked very good in his 3rd round match. Daveeed’s also been playing well, obviously, but I’d like to see Nando take this one. He needs another good run at a slam.
Complete Day 9 schedule here.
Image via Getty
Posted: September 5th, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: Andy Murray, ATP: David Ferrer, ATP: David Nalbandian, ATP: Feliciano Lopez, ATP: Fernando Verdasco, ATP: Gilles Simon, ATP: John Isner, ATP: Mikhail Youzhny, ATP: Nicolas Almagro, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: Sam Querrey, ATP: Stanislas Wawrinka, ATP: Tommy Robredo, ATP: US Open | No Comments »
Crazy day! My pick to win the men’s title, Andy Murray, was sent home in the third round by Stanislas Wawrinka. Some great matches on the women’s side; Venus Williams and Shahar Peer played a tight 2-setter and Elena Dementieva and Samantha Stosur played the best match on the women’s side so far this tournament.
After winning the first set in his match against Stan, Muzz played very passively and got very down on himself. Per usual. I don’t think anyone can explain why he does it but everyone can see that it needs to stop for him to be able to break through and win a slam.
Lena D and Sam played a great match where they both held and saved match points. This match started a little before 11pm and went late into the night, last call for alcohol late. Lena had 4 chances to win but was not able to convert any of them. Sam had 2 and won it on #2 in the 3rd set tiebreak after Lena sent a forehand long. Towards the end of the match, it was clear that Sam was mentally stronger and that got her the W.
Day 7 results:
Kim Clijsters [2] def. Ana Ivanovic 6-2, 6-1
Venus Williams [3] def. Shahar Peer [16] 7-6(3), 6-3
Samantha Stosur [5] def. Elena Dementieva [12] 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(2)
Francesca Schiavone [6] def. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova [20] 6-3, 6-0
Rafael Nadal [1] def. Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-4, 6-2
Stanislas Wawrinka [25] def. Andy Murray [4] 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-3
Fernando Verdasco [8] def. David Nalbandian [31] 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
David Ferrer [10] def. Daniel Gimeno-Traver 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2
Mikhail Youzhny [12] def. John Isner [18] 6-4, 6-7(7), 7-6(5), 6-4
Sam Querrey [20] def. Nicolas Almagro [14] 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
Feliciano Lopez [23] def. Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-3, 4-0 retired
Tommy Robredo def. Michael Llodra 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-4, 2-1 retired
Image via Getty
Posted: September 5th, 2010 | Author: izzieraine | Filed under: ATP, ATP: Andy Murray, ATP: Ernests Gulbis, ATP: Fernando Verdasco, ATP: Gilles Simon, ATP: Jeremy Chardy, ATP: Nikolay Davydenko, ATP: Novak Djokovic, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: Robin Soderling, ATP: Ryan Harrison, ATP: US Open, WTA, WTA: Agnieszka Radwanska, WTA: Andrea Petkovic, WTA: Maria Kirilenko, WTA: Maria Sharapova, WTA: US Open, WTA: Venus Williams, WTA: Victoria Azarenka | No Comments »
My friend, Izzie, who runs Ace Advantage was at The US Open for a few days. I asked her to share what it’s like at The Open and she was very generous to recount her entire experience there.
As a favor to Maria (I’m just kidding, I’m honored to be asked), I’ll be sharing some of my photos and experiences from my week at the US Open. I attended two days before the tournament started and three days during it.
I have been coming to the US Open for 5 years-since I was 12. But I’d never experienced the awesomeness that is the week before. My goal was simple-to see players practicing and perhaps catch a qualifying match. On Friday, August 28th, I went to the grounds with my mom. Firstly, American Express had the players practice schedule posted…and as a huge Sharapova fan, I was ecstatic to see her schedule for Practice Court 1 at 1:00 pm.
With time to kill before that, I headed over to Louis Armstrong, where Novak was. He was hitting with Gulbis and having some fun, ‘challenging’ calls and whatnot. I got his autograph and moved on, getting to the courts where Maria would be. Maria walked onto the court while Sveta and Dina were hitting together- they laughed about something all together and Maria started hitting. I noticed Maria biting her nails and laughed to myself. Luckily, I had made friends with Eddie, the security guard, earlier and was fortunate enough to have him bring my tennis ball to Maria to sign. She looked over when handed the ball and smiled a little- I could have died.
An hour or so after Maria practiced, Rafa was on Practice Court 5 (god, I wish Maria practiced there). But first, I met up with Courtney (aka @FortyDeuceTwits). We chatted and then I was off to Rafa. I had a nice spot, right next to where he was sitting. Muzz was hanging out too. Rafa signed my ball at the end of his practice through the fence (I was holding his hands, bandaged knuckles and all!). I ended my day watching Feli/Sam Q practice for a bit.
On Sunday I was on the grounds very shortly, but got Vika’s autograph and watched her practice with KBond. Vika was hitting beautifully-it’s a shame she got that concussion. Throughout her practice she threw the racket a few times, but afterwards was all smiles.
The first day I attended the US Open was Tuesday, for the day and night session. I started off watching Chardy/Gulbis. After a set, I moved on, caught Kiri practicing for a bit and then Maria (again). She was, as usual, on Practice Court 1. They had barricaded the place I was taking pictures at previously, so I was forced to shoot from very far away (I am getting a telephoto lens for next year!). Nando was on the court closest to me while Maria was practicing, too. After this, I went back to Chardy/Gulbis, where I saw Gulbis lose.
Next up was Yanina’s practice which I stayed at until I went to watch Vika practice. I got Vika’s autograph again (for my brother) and took a few pictures of Soderling (instead of trying to make my way through the mob). Later, I watched Nando briefly, struggling against Fognini.
My dad and I decided to head over to Novak/Troicki where the fifth set was starting. Novak’s comment about sleeping with his girlfriend had everyone laughing. Maria was out shortly after this. I was anxious but my dad was with me, so I kept cool. Until she lost the first set. I swear, everyone around me thought I was nuts. I was screaming “davai!” “come on!” “let’s go!” and talking to her like she could hear me. But she pulled through in three sets after nearly killing me. My adrenaline was so high after the match that I couldn’t eat. That night, the night session started close to 8 pm, where Rafa pulled through a long match and Caro a short one. We were at Ashe until 1 am!
On Thursday, I made my way to Flushing with two of my friends who had never been to the US Open. I brought them to Yanina’s match, in which we sat next to her coach and team. They were cheering loudly, and I was cheering with them. My friends wanted her autograph, so we all got her signature after a good match.
We then headed over to the Gasquet/Davydenko match. I told them that Gasquet was going to win (called it!). We stayed for a set but it was miserably hot in the sun at Grandstand so we left and headed to watch Kiri. When Kiri lost the first and was down 4-2 in the second, we all started to get nervous. I had been shouting ”davai” the whole match and we were all clapping quite loudly (Kiri definitely did a glance over to us). I even spotted Igor looking nervous in the stands. Kiri, however, made an awesome comeback.
During Kiri’s long match, I left twice to catch Maria on the practice courts while my friends held my seat. I knew Maria would be practicing, it was 2 hours before her scheduled 7 pm match. Maria was hitting with Michael Joyce, but soon after I got there, she made her way over to Martina Navratilova. Martina and her talked for a bit, laughed, and soon went to play. Martina was hitting lefty serves to Maria (which I slowly realized was to prepare for Benesova that night). After practicing, Maria came out to sign autographs- much to the crowd’s pleasure after Venus left them cold. I was trying to get a picture but my 5’1″ self had some difficulties.
During this time, I also got my pictures with Gilles, who was doing a signing at the ATP booth. Then, my friends and I went to Petko/Bethanie in the second set. I was rooting for Petko but we couldn’t stay long. Plus, Maria was starting in 10 minutes. We went to the food court where I listened to Maria through my American Express radio (not on the screen thanks to James Blake). I left the US Open knowing she was up 6-1 and doing fairly well.
Going on Friday with my dad seemed like a bummer-we were supposed to get hit by Hurricane Earl. We went to watch Ryan Harrison and 4 sets in, the rain began. We left the court (Harrison lost after blowing 3 MPs) and went over to Verdasco instead. I only stayed there briefly because Aga/Kiri were playing doubles against Oudin/Hampton. I think I was the only one on the crowd not rooting for the Americans. Aga got pissed about a line call and Kiri couldn’t keep a straight face while she yelled at the umpire. I left there a set in and watched Ana for a game or two.
I would definitely call my week a successful one. Tennis in New York is always great, even in the heat. I was covered in sweat everyday, but I enjoyed every second of it. I am psyched to bring my experience of the practice courts and everything else to the USO next year.
Posted: September 5th, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: Andy Murray, ATP: Gilles Simon, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: Stanislas Wawrinka, ATP: US Open, WTA, WTA: Ana Ivanovic, WTA: Elena Dementieva, WTA: Kim Clijsters, WTA: Samantha Stosur, WTA: US Open | No Comments »
Day 7 is PACKED! The women start their R16 of action while the men finish off some exciting 3rd round matches.
- Ana Ivanovic vs Kim Clijsters [2]
Ana’s been playing extremely well lately while Kim’s been showing okay form. I’m expecting to be transported to 2008.
- Rafael Nadal [1] vs Gilles Simon
New dad, Gilles, has more things in his mind right now than tennis and you can’t blame him. I like both guys but I think Rafa’s focus and drive to win this major will help him win this match easily.
- Samantha Stosur [5] vs Elena Dementieva [12]
This is a tough one to call. I like Lena D’s chances a little bit better because she has more experience in this surface and more specifically, this major. You can’t discount Sam’s incredible year but she’s always struggled in NYC.
- Andy Murray [4] vs Stanislas Wawrinka [25]
Go, Muzz! I love both guys but let’s be real, Stan’s not looking to win this title this year.
Complete Day 7 schedule here.
Image via Getty
Posted: September 1st, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: David Nalbandian, ATP: Ernests Gulbis, ATP: Fernando Verdasco, ATP: Jeremy Chardy, ATP: Marcos Baghdatis, ATP: Novak Djokovic, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: US Open, WTA, WTA: Andrea Petkovic, WTA: Anna Chakvetadze, WTA: Jelena Jankovic, WTA: Maria Sharapova, WTA: Na Li, WTA: Nadia Petrova, WTA: US Open | No Comments »
Day 2 provided some great drama after yesterday’s snoozefest. Plenty of top seeds and favorites were pushed in their opening round matches.
Li Na is the first top seed out of the tournament. For different periods of time there, Jelena Jankovic and Novak Djokovic looked like they wanted to follow Li out of New York City. Then, Maria Sharapova was stunned by her opponent in the start of their match and almost sent me to my death. *Flashbacks to Melbourne* Yeeesh. I thought Rafael Nadal was going to make easy work of his opponent. Nope.
But today’s big star? The motherf***ing heat. There were atleast 50 tweets from spectators/journalists about how hot it was in New York today. Tough. However, I think the players prepare themselves for these types of conditions and shouldn’t be an excuse for poor play. And there weren’t plenty of poor play today. All the matches I followed provided quality tennis and some entertainment.
Notable wins and losses:
Kateryna Bondarenko def. Na Li [8] 2-6, 6-4, 6-2
Andrea Petkovic def. Nadia Petrova [17] 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(4)
Urszula Radwanska def. Anna Chakvetadze 6-3, 6-3
Maria Sharapova [14] def. Jarmila Groth 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
Jelena Jankovic [4] def. Simona Halep 6-4, 4-6, 7-5
Arnaud Clement def. Marcos Baghdatis [16] 6-3, 2-6, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5
Jeremy Chardy def. Ernests Gulbis [24] 6-2, 7-6(1), 6-4
Rafael Nadal [1] def. Teimuraz Gabashvili 7-6(4), 7-6(4), 6-3
Novak Djokovic [3] def. Viktor Troicki 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3
David Nalbandian def. Rik De Voest 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-4
Fernando Verdasco [8] def. Fabio Fognini 1-6, 7-5, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3
Complete Day 2 results here.
Image via Getty
Posted: August 31st, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: Ernests Gulbis, ATP: Fernando Verdasco, ATP: Jeremy Chardy, ATP: Marcos Baghdatis, ATP: Novak Djokovic, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: US Open, WTA, WTA: Andrea Petkovic, WTA: Anna Chakvetadze, WTA: Maria Kirilenko, WTA: Maria Sharapova, WTA: Nadia Petrova, WTA: Sabine Lisicki, WTA: Svetlana Kuznetsova, WTA: US Open | No Comments »
Day 2 is packed with interesting match-ups. A few of my favorites are playing like Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, Fernando Verdasco, Ernests Gulbis, Maria Kirilenko and Sabine Lisicki. Twitter favorite, Andrea Petkovic, is also scheduled to take the court.
- Viktor Troicki vs Novak Djokovic [3]
Cute Serbians! And friends! Jesus. This is going to be a tasty one.
- Jarmila Groth vs Maria Sharapova [14]
Like, duh. I remember that WTT match. Do not for a second think Mash has forgotten it.
- Marcos Baghdatis [16] vs Arnaud Clement
I don’t think I’ve seen an entire Clement match but whenever I see his name against one of my favorites, I always get nervous. I guess you develop that effect on people when you reach a Grand Slam final- no matter how long ago it was. The battle of the Australian Open finalists. Looks juicy to me.
- Svetlana Kuznetsova [11] vs Kimiko Date Krumm
Can Kimiko do it? Can she?
- Coco Vandeweghe vs Sabine Lisicki
I don’t know about you but I’m actually watching this for Sabine. I miss seeing her play.
- Barbora Zahlavova Strycova vs Maria Kirilenko [23]
Crazy Barbie better not try anything on Little Masha! All Kiri needs to do is keep colm and she should be able to get through all the craziness and crying and… Barbora.
- Anna Chakvetadze vs Urszula Radwanska
Goooooo Chakky!
- Andrea Petkovic vs Nadia Petrova [17]
Petkorazzi and Nads in the first round?! *sigh* Another tough draw for Petko. I hope it’ll be a good match. She needs one.
- Jeremy Chardy vs Ernests Gulbis
Jeremy’s been playing well lately and we all know what Ernie is capable of. We should be in for a really interesting match. If not, we’ll always have pretty.
Complete Day 2 schedule here.
Image via Getty
Posted: August 27th, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: Andy Roddick, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: Roger Federer, Offcourt, WTA, WTA: Maria Sharapova, WTA: Serena Williams, WTA: Venus Williams, WTA: Victoria Azarenka | No Comments »
*Internet high five* to everyone who has covered the pre-US Open parties going on all around New York City. I want to go to there.
- Rich sure loves to party, goes on for a 3rd straight night of tennis debauchery at the BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis on Thursday with the biggest ballers in the world and the world’s top chefs.
- Erwin from Tennis Served Fresh was at the Ralph Lauren and Venus Williams legends clinic also on Thursday.
CHANCE YEH/PatrickMcMullan.com
Masha stepped out with the boyfriend and took pictures? I’m telling you, it’s one big party in NYC. I don’t think any of the bloggers TSF’s Erwin was at the Interview + Cole Haan + Maria Sharapova (+ The Selby) event and fall collection launch. The event also raised some money to benefit Common Cents.
Posted: July 5th, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: Andy Roddick, ATP: John Isner, ATP: Nicolas Mahut, ATP: Novak Djokovic, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: Roger Federer, ATP: Tomas Berdych, ATP: Wimbledon, WTA, WTA: Maria Sharapova, WTA: Serena Williams, WTA: Venus Williams, WTA: Wimbledon | 1 Comment »
You’ve been the best, Wimbledon ’10. Just the best.
Here’s a big thank you…
- For stopping the tennis world with Roger Federer/Alejandro Falla and Novak Djokovic/Olivier Rochus on opening day. I wish I read more into your hints that this was going to be a crazy year.
- For proving that James Blake can really be an ass and Pam Shriver is always drunk.
- For stopping the whole world with IsnUt. Tennis needed that!
- For introducing me to Robin Haase. He’s such a cutie.
- For the awkward curtseys and bows that only Her Majesty and Great Britain can make these million-dollar athletes succumb to.
- For never letting a day pass without drama.
- For showing me that Maria Sharapova can win the big ones again.
- For alerting the fans of Venus Williams, Andy Roddick and Roger Federer that their clocks are ticking and maybe it’s time to find other players to learn to love. It doesn’t necessarily mean right away but sooner than later. Harsh but true. I wouldn’t want you any other way.
- For leading Tomas Berdych back home- at the top with the big boys.
- For maintaining the balance between crazy and reality by, in spite of the explosion this fortnight, still having both World Number 1s win the Championships.
And most of all, thank you for making me fall in love with tennis all over again. It’s been seven years but you made me feel like the best has yet to come and all of us are really only getting started!
I’ll remember you forever. xx
Posted: July 5th, 2010 | Author: thedoublebagel | Filed under: ATP, ATP: Rafael Nadal, ATP: Tomas Berdych, ATP: Wimbledon, WTA, WTA: Serena Williams, WTA: Vera Zvonareva, WTA: Wimbledon | No Comments »
Cheers to the World Number 1s! They made it happen in this year’s Championships and no one was going to stop them.
Serena Williams put up a clinic on Centre Court this Championship Saturday on how to win Wimbledon. Her oppponent, Vera Zvonareva, and some 15,000 other spectators were treated to a nice serving and hard hitting display for just over an hour.
I don’t think any of us had doubts about the outcome of the women’s final. It was Vera’s first time at a major final and Serena’s 16th. To top that off, Serena’s been flawlessly serving this fortnight landing double-digit aces in almost every match. How can someone stop that?
Final score: Serena Williams def Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 6-2
Rafael Nadal was not as flawless as Serena in this fortnight but he had his heart (and experience) to carry him to the second Sunday. Rafa was taken to 5 sets twice in the first week by opponents one would think he’d routinely send home but he fought through them, got to the second week refreshed and claimed his 2nd Wimbledon title.
The men’s final was much like the women’s. Tomas Berdych was in his 1st major final and Rafa was in his 10th. Rafa elevated his game when he needed to and didn’t give Berd a chance to be comfortable out there.
Final score: Rafael Nadal def Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5, 6-4
For both finalists, they have plenty to be proud of in this fortnight. They gained a lot of experience. They can only build on it and hopefully go one better the next time.
Images via Getty and Wimbledon
