ATP/WTA(I) Sony Ericsson Open Miami 3/26-4/6/08

[dryrunguy]

Oh Dina! I'm sure you didn't want an overhead on your last shot, but please! You could have hurt someone!

Congrats to Bepa.

[bea26]

What a way to lose. Might I call that last shot...a gift?

Congrats Vera. And good luck against the cockroach.

[mmmm8]

Warm at net, at least from Dinara. Maybe next time they play, she'll be allowed to utter a sound.



Well, that's a game better than the score she lost to her with earlier this year. That one-sided H2H is starting to look even :(

And I got the semi I said I wanted least.

The only result today that went my way was Bhupathu/Knowles, and I didn't really care that much.



Conclusion:
Go, Berdych!

[suliso]

No choke. Vera-Jelena it will be. I have a difficulty envisioning any other outcome than a straight set win for Jelena.

[Vlad]

Bepa!

Bepa!

Bepa!

:)

[oohsalmon]

I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw Safina play on TV. Like honestly, I can't remember a time since she lost to Henin at the US Open.

In 2003.

[bea26]

No choke. Vera-Jelena it will be. I have a difficulty envisioning any other outcome than a straight set win for Jelena.

Perhaps Jelena will run into a ballgirl at full speed.

[oohsalmon]

Perhaps Jelena will run into a ballgirl at full speed.

Or maybe Jelena will misplace all ten of her pink dresses and give Vera a walkover!

[aedra1119]

Congrats Vera! Good luck against Jelena.

[suliso]

Perhaps Jelena will run into a ballgirl at full speed.

She better not. Final with Vera in it won't be worth watching...

[Vlad]

No choke. Vera-Jelena it will be. I have a difficulty envisioning any other outcome than a straight set win for Jelena.


I think Vera has a chance. She looks focused.... she will have to be on ALL the time though, to make it to the finals.


Frankly, I think other semi will be more one sided.

[mmmm8]

I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw Safina play on TV. Like honestly, I can't remember a time since she lost to Henin at the US Open.

In 2003.


I was at that disaster. There were several rain delays and I think all of those were longer than the entire duration of play

You don't remember another disaster - the final of Charleston last year?

[Moose]

Quick. Someone dress Vera in Adidas, cut her hair and teach her how to scowl. Maybe Jelena will mistake her for Justine.

[oohsalmon]

I was at that disaster. There were several rain delays and I think all of those were longer than the entire duration of play

You don't remember another disaster - the final of Charleston last year?

I missed most of green clay last year. The only match I saw was the stinker (though historic) between Golovin and Petrova on Easter.

[mmmm8]

Or maybe Jelena will misplace all ten of her pink dresses and give Vera a walkover!

Possible. Also possible - muscle tear from smiling too much. Twisted ankle from falling off her heels. Lower back injury from holding the lordosis pose too long for a photo shoot.


http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/specials/tennis-girls/fotos/jelena-jankovic.jpg

[bea26]

Lower back injury from holding the lordosis pose too long for a photo shoot.



LOLOLOL

[mmmm8]

I missed most of green clay last year. The only match I saw was the stinker (though historic) between Golovin and Petrova on Easter.

Ah, yes, a special someone from Pennsylvania made sure I was up to date on that match :rolleyes:


Dinara did win one of the best matches of last year, though, which was the Gold Coast final

[kandi]

WTG Bepa - I had faith in you today!

[Moose]

Ah, yes, a special someone from Pennsylvania made sure I was up to date on that match :rolleyes:


Dinara did win one of the best matches of last year, though, which was the Gold Coast final

Tati and texting. It's an wonderful combination, unless your name is Marion Bartoli.

[Moose]

Speaking of Dinara at the Open, anyone else remember the look Serena gave Dinara when Dinara smacked an ace in an otherwise nightmarish 2004 2nd round match? It was priceless.

[kandi]

Vera is not the crybaby she used to be a couple years ago - and thus much more likable.

[jjnow]

I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw Safina play on TV. Like honestly, I can't remember a time since she lost to Henin at the US Open.

In 2003.
I saw her 4 times last year. Charleston final, twice at RG: R32 against Fran and R16 against Serena, and R16(?) against Justine at the USO.

On another note, it certainly looks like Jelena will be in another final. It's funny because people complain about her ranking, supposedly inflated from constant play, but her results are still incredibly solid. She loses the odd match (note: Bangalore), but otherwise, she's solid Top-5. As I said in chat last night, she reminds me a lot of Davydenko. She wins when she's supposed to.

[Moose]

I saw her 4 times last year. Charleston final, twice at RG: R32 against Fran and R16 against Serena, and R16(?) against Justine at the USO.

On another note, it certainly looks like Jelena will be in another final. It's funny because people complain about her ranking, supposedly inflated from constant play, but her results are still incredibly solid. She loses the odd match (note: Bangalore), but otherwise, she's solid Top-5. As I said in chat last night, she reminds me a lot of Davydenko. She wins when she's supposed to.


Throughout her career, that was the line that was used by every commentator in describing Arantxa, JJ. And up to the tail end of her career it was true. She always beat the players she was supposed to beat.

[mmmm8]

Igor would have had 0-40 is he challenged


Tomas cut his hair!

[mmmm8]

Berdych's so tall, he's pretty much playing badminton on his second serve, just tossing the ball in

[aedra1119]

I never thought I'd say this, but I miss ESPN.

[suliso]

Berdych's so tall, he's pretty much playing badminton on his second serve, just tossing the ball in

If Bedych is so tall, how do you categorize Dr. Ivo or Istner? ;)

[Ti-Amie]

I never thought I'd say this, but I miss ESPN.

You're not the only one Aedra. Never thought I'd say it either.

[mmmm8]

If Bedych is so tall, how do you categorize Dr. Ivo or Istner? ;)


"So very tall"?


The serve just looked so funny, like it was underhand. Someone taught me to serve like that for badminton (not that i'm even "somewhat tall"). Instant drop shot


Igor, try to break before he realizes you have no backhand

[jjnow]

Igor, try to break before he realizes you have no backhand
Which one of us is the schizo? Did I not just read "Go Berdych!" from you earlier?

[mmmm8]

Which one of us is the schizo? Did I not just read "Go Berdych!" from you earlier?

It's you, it's you!

Did you read the sentence above that message?

[Vlad]

Igor, that was ugly.

[suliso]

Big Bird will get it done :)


At least something has to go my way today, right?

[jjnow]

It's you, it's you!

Did you read the sentence above that message?
Had to backtrack a couple of pages.

Irony noted. :o

[aedra1119]

Thursday Orders of Play

Not Before 3:00 PM
3. Men's Singles: Quarterfinals
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) [4] vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)


I can finally plan my work day for tomorrow. ;)

[aedra1119]

Ugh. Fight back, Igor!

[kandi]

Berdych vs Andreev is on Starsports - on TVU - right now

[aedra1119]

Berdych vs Andreev is on Starsports - on TVU - right now

Thank you!!!!!!

[jjnow]

I can finally plan my work day for tomorrow. ;)
Just so you know, if your FSN isn't showing the match, I *think* you can buy a day pass for the ATP coverage.

Wouldn't want you to miss Janko.

[Moose]

I can finally plan my work day for tomorrow. ;)

Tipsy. Master Series 1/4 finalist. What a pleasant surprise. And us TATers had him on radar long before anyone.

You have to be stoked, Miss Aedra!

[aedra1119]

Tipsy. Master Series 1/4 finalist. What a pleasant surprise. And us TATers had him on radar long before anyone.

You have to be stoked, Miss Aedra!

No kidding. What's a word for beyond stoked? Whatever it is, that's what I am right now.

Thanks, jj. FSN is **supposed** to have coverage from 1-5pm. Let's hope they have no other plans.

[bea26]

How's Andreev playing?

[mmmm8]

How's Andreev playing?

Like he's ambivalent whether he wants you to win the SP or not.

He's getting lots of opportunities on Berdych's serve, then missing.


Whatever the result of this match, Igor should be all over him on clay in a week :)

[bea26]

Like he's ambivalent whether he wants you to win the SP or not.

Ha! I mean, sob!

[munchin]

Man, Berdych really impresses me sometimes. One of these days, I'll finally get it through my head that he has nerves of putty and will never take many big prizes.

[craighickman]

I don't think anyone in tennis hits the ball as hard as Berdych.

[suliso]

That last rally on BP was really good.

[Vlad]

Whatever the result of this match, Igor should be all over him on clay in a week :)


He better be!

[mmmm8]

Deja vu. Oh well, Igor, you'll get him next time (soon!).

Great tournament for Andreev to finally come into form this year, and I love watching Berdych when he's on.



Sorry, Bea

[bea26]

LOL - I'm thinking it was a rain delay or something, until I realize my livescore froze on serve. I refresh and Berdych is one point from beating me...er...Andreev. Curse you Mr. Safarova!

[suliso]

Actually Thomas has been impressive all week. He might be able to trouble Rafa even though this surface is probably not as fast as he would like.

[bea26]

Deja vu. Oh well, Igor, you'll get him next time (soon!).

Great tournament for Andreev to finally come into form this year, and I love watching Berdych when he's on.



Sorry, Bea

Godspeed to you all. Remember me fondly in the day 10 thread...

(cue music)

[mmmm8]

Godspeed to you all. Remember me fondly in the day 10 thread...

(cue music)


I JUST REALIZED I'VE TAKEN DAVYDENKO! CRAP!

[Vlad]

I don't think anyone in tennis hits the ball as hard as Berdych.


Tursunov and Soderling are close.

[Vlad]

Too good from Berdych.

Looking forward to what Rafa will be able to do with him (if Tomas will be playing as well)

[shtexas]

Oh, well Bea. Excellent event for Andreev. He should be ready for the clay.

[aedra1119]

Oh well. I come back to find Tomas serving for it. That was a close match. Congrats to Tomas.

[kandi]

Good on you, Tomas -- I had you getting this far, but then I bombed out. You're supposed to lose to BLAKE tomorrow - instead, it will be to Nadal.

[suliso]

Good on you, Tomas -- I had you getting this far, but then I bombed out. You're supposed to lose to BLAKE tomorrow - instead, it will be to Nadal.

Or not at all.

Berdych will be no lower than #9 next Monday. That's a career high for him.

[mmmm8]

RESULTS
Men's Singles - Quarterfinals
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/afp/20080402/capt.cps.muk64.030408011230.photo00.photo.default-512x341.jpg
Rafael Nadal

[2] R Nadal (ESP) d [9] J Blake (USA) 36 63 61
[10] T Berdych (CZE) d [31] I Andreev (RUS) 64 64

Men's Doubles - Quarterfinals
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/3e/fullj.f2fa7cae459d850a43b881090b6be50c/f2fa7cae459d850a43b881090b6be50c-getty-77834067mh028_sony_ericsson.jpg
Nope! It's Bhupathi/Knowles

[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d [5] S Aspelin (SWE) / J Knowle (AUT) 64 63
[4] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d [8] P Hanley (AUS) / L Paes (IND) 62 67(8) 10-6
[6] M Damm (CZE) / P Vizner (CZE) d R Gasquet (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) 46 64 14-12
J Coetzee (RSA) / W Moodie (RSA) d [7] A Clement (FRA) / M Llodra (FRA) 46 63 10-5


Women's Singles - Quarterfinals
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/24/fullj.2f221bbb73c57a4e98cd7b19aaf2d75c/2f221bbb73c57a4e98cd7b19aaf2d75c-getty-77834067mh104_sony_ericsson.jpg
Vera Zvonareva

(4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (10) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 61 31 ret. (mid back injury)
(19) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (13) Dinara Safina (RUS) 75 64

Women's Doubles - Quarterfinals
http://www.sonyericssonwtatour.com/3/global/library/200x250/huberblack_miami_200.jpg
Huber/Black... best I could do

(2) Srebotnik/Sugiyama (SLO/JPN) d. (WC) Davenport/Hantuchova (USA/SVK) 64 36 10-4
(3) Peschke/Stubbs (CZE/AUS) d. (8) Likhovtseva/Raymond (RUS/USA) 36 63 10-6
(7) Azarenka/Peer (BLR/ISR) d. (WC) Kuznetsova/Mauresmo (RUS/FRA) 75 46 10-6


Also wanted to use this one
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080402/capt.3280d0fd192b4ff7986340a8b80b11bd.aptopix_key_ biscayne_tennis_flwl120.jpg

[mmmm8]

Or not at all.

Berdych will be no lower than #9 next Monday. That's a career high for him.

Bye bye Richie? Or, I guess, no one has to be out of top 10.

[suliso]

Bye bye Richie?

:yes:

Down to #10.

[Foxykhat]

[quote=mmmm8;252997]RESULTS
Men's Singles - Quarterfinals
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/afp/20080402/capt.cps.muk64.030408011230.photo00.photo.default-512x341.jpg
Rafael Nadal

[2] R Nadal (ESP) d [9] J Blake (USA) 36 63 61

LOL, this picture look like Nadal is saying "told you not to mess with me biarch!"

Foxy

[Vlad]

Bye bye Richie? Or, I guess, no one has to be out of top 10.


James will be 8, Tomas is at 9 now but if he wins next match, he will be higher.

Gasquet will drop to 10.

[Vlad]

:yes:

Down to #10.


He needs to drop below top 10, so he can start playing again.

[suliso]

Has anyone noticed that Mathieu is almost top 10 already?

[mmmm8]

Has anyone noticed that Mathieu is almost top 10 already?

Yup. Right after I realized he was still in alive yesterday. Bizarre. But if that's what it takes to keep Chela away, Allez!

He'll need good French and Wimbledon results to keep that

[Jessie181]

Oh Elena :cry:

All of my faves are losing :cry:

[dryrunguy]

Has anyone noticed that Mathieu is almost top 10 already?

Kind of by default, no? He's certainly been more steady in his results, so credit to him for that! But everyone else around his range in the rankings has been floundering.

It's really quite remarkable for him, though. A few years ago, he couldn't beat a fellow Frenchman. He got over that hump. And he seems to have put the terrible chokes behind him as well. That's progress.

[Moose]

Every bigger ATP event this season (counting purses over 1 Million U.S. dollars) has had a huge non-seeded surprise of a finalist. Wawrinka at Qatar, Tsonga at the Aussie, Feliciano at Dubai, Mardy at Indian Wells.

Good omen for Tipsy?

[oohsalmon]

Every bigger ATP event this season (counting purses over 1 Million U.S. dollars) has had a huge non-seeded surprise of a finalist. Wawrinka at Qatar, Tsonga at the Aussie, Feliciano at Dubai, Mardy at Indian Wells.

Good omen for Tipsy?

Why not? :)

[Charlie02123]

Every bigger ATP event this season (counting purses over 1 Million U.S. dollars) has had a huge non-seeded surprise of a finalist. Wawrinka at Qatar, Tsonga at the Aussie, Feliciano at Dubai, Mardy at Indian Wells.

Good omen for Tipsy?

That is a good omen. Unfortunately, it's more than cancelled out by the terrible omen caused by his unstoppable opponent. You just can't beat Davydenko! :p

[shtexas]

Every bigger ATP event this season (counting purses over 1 Million U.S. dollars) has had a huge non-seeded surprise of a finalist. Wawrinka at Qatar, Tsonga at the Aussie, Feliciano at Dubai, Mardy at Indian Wells.

Good omen for Tipsy?

Go Tipsy!

And, right now, go Serena!

[jjnow]

And, right now, go Serena!
Whew. You and I can finally agree on a match. :p

[munchin]

Every bigger ATP event this season (counting purses over 1 Million U.S. dollars) has had a huge non-seeded surprise of a finalist. Wawrinka at Qatar, Tsonga at the Aussie, Feliciano at Dubai, Mardy at Indian Wells.

Good omen for Tipsy?


I hope so, despite my suicide pool hopes.

Was Wawrinka at Qatar that much of a surprise? That tournament was full of ultra-volatile streaky players (Wawrinka included) and declining stars. I kinda liked his chances when i saw the draw.

[jjnow]

Interesting point. Hantuchova and Bartoli are destined to move above Serena after this event, regardless of outcome. If Serena loses today or in the final, she falls to 11. Even if she defends, she still falls to 10 behind Daniela and Marion.

[Moose]

two games. two breaks. Are Jelena and Bepa playing the first semi?

[Charlie02123]

two games. two breaks. Are Jelena and Bepa playing the first semi?

Meh. Most top WTA players have amazing returns. I would attribute that to all the breaks more than less powerful serves. Plus it's early and not uncommon to trade breaks.

[Foxykhat]

ROFL Serena look like she's ready to go home.

Twice I've seen her have game point on her serve only to look again at the scoreboard and Sveta is about to break and or have the break.

Foxy

[Foxykhat]

Interesting point. Hantuchova and Bartoli are destined to move above Serena after this event, regardless of outcome. If Serena loses today or in the final, she falls to 11. Even if she defends, she still falls to 10 behind Daniela and Marion.

Strange considering Dani did not defend her IW points and Marion has been having less than stellar results of late.

Foxy

[jjnow]

Serena looks slow today. Svetlana is moving the ball around the court very well.

[JTContinental]

Interesting point. Hantuchova and Bartoli are destined to move above Serena after this event, regardless of outcome. If Serena loses today or in the final, she falls to 11. Even if she defends, she still falls to 10 behind Daniela and Marion.

Sigh. I can't wait until Marion drops out of the top 10.

[Moose]

Serena,

you DID NOT beat Justine so that you could lose to Sveta. Wake up!

Sincerely,
A fan.

[patrick]

Sigh. I can't wait until Marion drops out of the top 10.

We get our wish after Wimbledon

[jjnow]

Serena called the trainer. She's working on her lower back.

I knew she looked slow. :undecided:

[dryrunguy]

Oh piddle.

[oohsalmon]

Trainer called.

I've heard "my lower back, when I was serving"

and

"I feel like I'm going to throw up."

Come on Serena.

Although (bracing for the worst), beating Justine already makes this week a success.

[dryrunguy]

Oh shut up, Ted. What you don't know could fill a space the size of the former Soviet Union.

[Charlie02123]

Interesting point. Hantuchova and Bartoli are destined to move above Serena after this event, regardless of outcome. If Serena loses today or in the final, she falls to 11. Even if she defends, she still falls to 10 behind Daniela and Marion.

I think Ted may have been wrong on that. Didn't Marion only win 4 games in her first match? That means there's no way she improved her points from last year.

Who's 11? Is it Dementieva? It would make sense that she would move up because she made the quarters.

Uh oh! Injury time out. Serena's lost game points shoulder hurts.

[Foxykhat]

Serena,

you DID NOT beat Justine so that you could lose to Sveta. Wake up!

Sincerely,
A fan.

LOL I know, this is madness especially considering that from the scoreboard she's had opportunities to hold or break.

Foxy

[suliso]

Interesting point. Hantuchova and Bartoli are destined to move above Serena after this event, regardless of outcome. If Serena loses today or in the final, she falls to 11. Even if she defends, she still falls to 10 behind Daniela and Marion.

That's not accurate. Serena will be #11 if she loses today or in the final(Elena #8, Dani #9, Marion #10), but will rise to #9 ahead of both Maid and Dani if she wins the title.

[Charlie02123]

"I feel like I'm going to throw up."


I would feel that way too if I had failed to capitilize on at least six game points.

[jjnow]

That's not accurate. Serena will be #11 if she loses today or in the final(Elena #8, Dani #9, Marion #10), but will rise to #9 ahead of both Maid and Dani if she wins the title.
So he was wrong about the particular placement, but regardless she's going to fall in the rankings. Even were she to win the tournament.

[jjnow]

She will lose this set 6-1. She's lumbering around the court like a cow.

[suliso]

So he was wrong about the particular placement, but regardless she's going to fall in the rankings. Even were she to win the tournament.

That's right, but only by one position. Elena did much better than last year.

[Charlie02123]

Who's 11? Is it Dementieva? It would make sense that she would move up because she made the quarters.



That's not accurate. Serena will be #11 if she loses today or in the final(Elena #8, Dani #9, Marion #10), but will rise to #9 ahead of both Maid and Dani if she wins the title.

Ah, that's what I thought.

8, though? Wow. Go Elena. That's pretty exciting.

LOL at Sveta's face when the linesperson couldn't see the ball.

[dryrunguy]

So many bad line calls in Miami. I mean, bunches and bunches. All tournament long.

[Charlie02123]

So many bad line calls in Miami. I mean, bunches and bunches. All tournament long.

Allison Lang is a rock star.

[jjnow]

Take out the occasional error and Svetlana is playing very smart. Moving so much better than Serena and forcing errors.

[dryrunguy]

Allison Lang is a rock star.

You'd hit it, charlie? :cheesy:

[munchin]

Geez, Serena was up 0-30 and received 3 straight perfectly manageable serves and didn't even get a break point. That was a depressing game.

[oohsalmon]

You'd hit it, charlie? :cheesy:

I know I would :)

As well as this:

http://2007.rolandgarros.com/images/pics/thumbs/t_g_nadal3_0610.jpg

[jjnow]

Novak Djokovic's [K]Blade Wilson racquet commercial is the cheesiest thing ever.

[Charlie02123]

You'd hit it, charlie? :cheesy:

Well, maybe for three to thirteen minutes.

[Foxykhat]

As much as I want Serena to win, to see or know that Sveta is playing smart/great tennis is kinda cool.

Hope she does not stink up the final like at IW if she wins.

Foxy

[dryrunguy]

Well, maybe for three to thirteen minutes.

Damn, Charlie. That was extremely well done. :hyst:

[Moose]

Take out the occasional error and Svetlana is playing very smart. Moving so much better than Serena and forcing errors.

Semi-finals Sveta is a pleasure to watch. It's Finals Sveta that stinks things up.

[ptmcmahon]

Half a million hits for Youzhny (no he didn't hit himself that many times):

Youzhny hits 500,000 (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/tennis/04/02/bc.ten.bloodiedyouzhny.ap/index.html)

How many were us?

[oohsalmon]

Half a million hits for Youzhny (no he didn't hit himself that many times):

Youzhny hits 500,000 (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/tennis/04/02/bc.ten.bloodiedyouzhny.ap/index.html)

How many were us?

Over a million now.

[mmmm8]

Well, maybe for three to thirteen minutes.

:cheesy:


Half a million hits for Youzhny (no he didn't hit himself that many times):

Youzhny hits 500,000 (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/tennis/04/02/bc.ten.bloodiedyouzhny.ap/index.html)

How many were us?

Aww. At least he'll be (grossly misspronounced, I'm sure) household name

[Charlie02123]

Damn, Charlie. That was extremely well done. :hyst:

Well I had a good breakfast this morning. :)


Semi-finals Sveta is a pleasure to watch. It's Finals Sveta that stinks things up.

Sad but true.

[jjnow]

:cheesy:



Aww. At least he'll be (grossly misspronounced, I'm sure) household name
We could always take a page from the Gilbert/Gimelstob handbook and rename him Michael Southern. :)

[jjnow]

Well Serena's starting to scream at herself. Maybe she'll actually put up a challenge.

[dryrunguy]

Thank God Ted's not working with Tracy today... He's throwing out the bait, over and over and over again, and Chanda ain't nibbling.

[munchin]

Thank God Ted's not working with Tracy today... He's throwing out the bait, over and over and over again, and Chanda ain't nibbling.


Ewww.

[Moose]

Thank God Ted's not working with Tracy today.

I could just imagine Tracy calling this:

"Now's the point in the match when Serena needs a break. Or Svetlana needs to hold."

[kandi]

Chanda has a very cool head on her -- I like listening to her. And (ducking), by the way, GO SVETA !!!

I would love to see Sveta take the whole thing - but I won't see any of it. I'm leaving in a little while for the weekend and will be without internet and without TV till I get back Sunday night. EEEWWWWWW.

[Moose]

Chanda has a very cool head on her -- I like listening to her. And (ducking), by the way, GO SVETA !!!

I would love to see Sveta take the whole thing - but I won't see any of it. I'm leaving in a little while for the weekend and will be without internet and without TV till I get back Sunday night. EEEWWWWWW.

You're fine, Kandi. If Svetlana wins, Jelena or Vera holds the trophy on Saturday. Just call her SemiSveta.

[jjnow]

Chanda is proving herself to be the fairest WTA commentator around. And when she speaks it's not all hot air. She's usally making a legitimate observation.

[Charlie02123]

Chanda has a very cool head on her -- I like listening to her. And (ducking), by the way, GO SVETA !!!

I would love to see Sveta take the whole thing - but I won't see any of it. I'm leaving in a little while for the weekend and will be without internet and without TV till I get back Sunday night. EEEWWWWWW.

:cheesy:

One of us will have to tape the trophy presentation for you.

Two Four Six Eight, who do we appreciate? Svetlana. Svetlana! SVETLANA!

[jlhct]

I can't help but think if that Sveta doesn't make her move in the next game or so she is done.

She doesn't want Serena to bring her heart & fire into this match!

[dryrunguy]

Chanda is proving herself to be the fairest WTA commentator around. And when she speaks it's not all hot air. She's usally making a legitimate observation.

But Ted's baiting is really inappropriate. If it was just about anyone else out there (except maybe for Djokovic), he wouldn't be going there.

Meanwhile, this is the point in the match where the Serena I know and used to love intensely should step it up and start being Serena.

[munchin]

Chanda is proving herself to be the fairest WTA commentator around. And when she speaks it's not all hot air. She's usally making a legitimate observation.


I did catch her last night during a replay (or maybe it was the initial showing). She was so very knowledgeable and inoffensive and unabrasive. I assume ESPN won't hire her as a result.

[rabbit]

For those of us not seeing the match, is Kuzzy playing really well or is it more of low-quality from Serena's end?

[munchin]

But Ted's baiting is really inappropriate. If it was just about anyone else out there (except maybe for Djokovic), he wouldn't be going there.

Meanwhile, this is the point in the match where the Serena I know and used to love intensely should step it up and start being Serena.


What is Ted saying? I only have the ATP Masters feed.

[munchin]

For those of us not seeing the match, is Kuzzy playing really well or is it more of low-quality from Serena's end?


Kuznetsova is playing smart, solid tennis. Serena isn't going for her shots...and is still making unforced errors. She looked pretty slow in the first set. Now she's getting fired up and not a moment too soon really.

[Charlie02123]

You're fine, Kandi. If Svetlana wins, Jelena or Vera holds the trophy on Saturday. Just call her SemiSveta.

:mad:

Svetlana will own them!

Don't make me get the hose...

[rabbit]

Kuznetsova is playing smart, solid tennis. Serena isn't going for her shots...and is still making unforced errors. She looked pretty slow in the first set. Now she's getting fired up and not a moment too soon really.

Thanks! Seems like the end of this second set will determine the winner of the match.

[dryrunguy]

What is Ted saying? I only have the ATP Masters feed.

On three different occasions that I've counted, he's brought up Serena's injury timeout from the first set and implied that it's not legitimate. But Chanda has handled it well. I mean, who really knows? Maybe it was gamesmanship from being down (after having a bunch of break points), but no one knows for sure. She deserves the benefit of the doubt. If she felt the slightest tweak, given what's on the line, she's allowed treatment. Ted, on the other hand, has tried repeatedly to turn it into something else. And if he had just about anyone else in the booth with him, they'd have gone there. Gleefully.

[oploskoffie]

You're fine, Kandi. If Svetlana wins, Jelena or Vera holds the trophy on Saturday. Just call her SemiSveta.

If Vera wins, I'm seriously going to reconsider my not wanting to gamble money on anything.

[Charlie02123]

On three different occasions that I've counted, he's brought up Serena's injury timeout from the first set and implied that it's not legitimate. But Chanda has handled it well. I mean, who really knows? Maybe it was gamesmanship from being down (after having a bunch of break points), but no one knows for sure. She deserves the benefit of the doubt. If she felt the slightest tweak, given what's on the line, she's allowed treatment. Ted, on the other hand, has tried repeatedly to turn it into something else. And if he had just about anyone else in the booth with him, they'd have gone there. Gleefully.

I know I would have. I thought that timeout was treatment for injured momentum, not back.

[dryrunguy]

Just when you think that Serena is about to steal the momentum, Sveta comes up with something really nifty. It's really kind of a neat match on so many fronts.

[dryrunguy]

I know I would have. I thought that timeout was treatment for injured momentum, not back.

You live in Serena's body? :p Or any other player's?

It might have been just that, charlie. But who knows? And if they don't know, they really shouldn't go there. In Ted Robinson's role, he has a responsibility not to.

[Charlie02123]

I am enjoying Chanda's commentary a lot today.

[munchin]

Svetlana's really reading Serena's slice serve well. I'm surprised she hasn't been breaking her this set.

[TennisAnyone74]

Just joining the thread so forgive me if this is redundant, but I thought fox was carrying this match and would have four hours of coverage. Why am I NOT getting it and instead watching Big 12 gymnastics of all things?

TA

[suliso]

This is a must hold game for Sveta. She can win in three as well, but only if she serves first.

[Moose]

Just joining the thread so forgive me if this is redundant, but I thought fox was carrying this match and would have four hours of coverage. Why am I NOT getting it and instead watching Big 12 gymnastics of all things?

TA

Welcome to Tier 1 Tennis coverage, 2008 style, TA :(

It's been awful in Philly.

[aedra1119]

This is a great match from what I have seen.

And just when I typed that...ouch Sveta.

[dryrunguy]

Jeekers. :o

[Moose]

Good to know there are still things in life that you can count on. Like gas prices rising. And Sveta showing her talents at being a head case at the worse moment possible.

[kandi]

well, I expected it to go the distance, didn't you?

[jjnow]

Oh, Svetlana! You did not!

Serena was stepping up the return and earned those breakers, but Sveta netted the easiest volley EVER on sp down. She was literally just standing there.

[suliso]

What happened? Serena hit a bunch of winners or Sveta disintegrated?

[munchin]

I was gonna say "that game was why I love Serena - in a nutshell" but that last point...I don't know what to say about that. Svetlana better get a grip in a hurry or this third set is gonna be completely awful for her.

[Moose]

What happened? Serena hit a bunch of winners or Sveta disintegrated?


Sveta was serving to stay in the set. What do you think happened, Suliso?

[munchin]

What happened? Serena hit a bunch of winners or Sveta disintegrated?


Serena stepped up and played the her best return game of the match but on set point, Svetlana basically hit a putaway volley straight down. She was standing on top of the net practically. That was ugly. If there's anything worse than losing a set on a double fault it's what Svetlana just did.

[suliso]

Sveta was serving to stay in the set. What do you think happened, Suliso?

Same old, same old :rolleyes:


Glad I am not a fan...

[jjnow]

FYI: They're taking the 10 minute heat break.

[Vlad]

What happened? Serena hit a bunch of winners or Sveta disintegrated?


Both. Serena stepped it up to get to 15-40, but Sveta was passive. Then at set point, Sveta messed up really easy volley into the net.


I have little doubt that Serena will win now.

[Moose]

Same old, same old :rolleyes:


Glad I am not a fan...

There was a time I was real fond of Svetlana. But the inconsistency just got too painful to bear.

[Charlie02123]

I thought that timeout was treatment for injured momentum, not back.

You live in Serena's body? :p Or any other player's?

It might have been just that, charlie. But who knows? And if they don't know, they really shouldn't go there. In Ted Robinson's role, he has a responsibility not to.

Of course not. My thoughts do take place in my own head, though, and I come to a site like this to express them.

I wrote a big long response, but it's not worth it.

[Vlad]

There was a time I was real fond of Svetlana. But the inconsistency just got too painful to bear.


I was bigger fan before too.. and it is not just inconsistency, it is "No Shows" that happen so often with her in the biggest matches.

[TennisAnyone74]

Welcome to Tier 1 Tennis coverage, 2008 style, TA :(

It's been awful in Philly.

Thanks, Moose!

I was under the mistaken impression that if you have the rights to a tournament's tennis coverage, you might actually show some tennis matches - like a semifinal for goodness sakes!

TA

[morct]

Hurrah - just realised Eurosport is showing this live. Hope it's a humdinger of a 3rd set. :)

[Moose]

C'mon Serena. End this quickly. For your sake. And for Tipsy!

[TennisAnyone74]

Hurrah - just realised Eurosport is showing this live. Hope it's a humdinger of a 3rd set. :)

Well, I'm watching the scoreboard, and they can't take that away . . . can they? :confused:

TA

[munchin]

That heat delay definitely didn't help Serena. She looks like she's starting over again.

[rabbit]

Wow, I didn't expect this...Sveta breaks right after she loses the second set!

[Vlad]

THAT's the return Sveta! Keep it up. Make Serena move a lot.

[morct]

That heat delay definitely didn't help Serena. She looks like she's starting over again.

Brutal service game from her. :(

[Charlie02123]

C'mon Serena. End this quickly. For your sake. And for Tipsy!

Or miss a ton of first serves. Either one. :)

Come on, Sveta. HOLD!

[dryrunguy]

Of course not. My thoughts do take place in my own head, though, and I come to a site like this to express them.

I wrote a big long response, but it's not worth it.

Charlie, it might have been exactly what you think. That's a valid opinion! I just don't think it's appropriate for Ted to go there the way he tried to.... repeatedly.

[aedra1119]

Boy that was a rough service game. C'mon Serena! Timeout is over!

[jjnow]

C'mon Serena. End this quickly. For your sake. And for Tipsy!

I was just thinking that if these two don't hurry up, aedra is going to miss Tipsy.

I doubt FSN would stick around for that match. No Americans. :rolleyes:

[TennisAnyone74]

From the scoreboard, I imagine Serena just hit a blistering return winner off of Sveta's 2nd serve. :p

TA

[aedra1119]

I was just thinking that if these two don't hurry up, aedra is going to miss Tipsy.

I doubt FSN would stick around for that match. No Americans. :rolleyes:

I've been thinking the same thing. :(

This match will never end will it?

[dryrunguy]

The WTA is back! :cheesy:

[Vlad]

Nice timing for your first double fault there Svets! :mad:

[Vlad]

The WTA is back! :cheesy:


You got it! :cheesy:

[morct]

break fest.

[dryrunguy]

WACKY start to the third... Very nervous stuff.

[Moose]

This is the #4 in the world versus arguably the greatest woman of her generation, correct? The scoreboard seems to be indicating otherwise.

[TennisAnyone74]

What is going on with Serena's service games? She cannot keep doing this!

TA

[aedra1119]

Broken at love, Serena?! You better find your first serve again. But, that was a great game by Sveta.

[jlhct]

I think these are the 2 most athletic women on the tour...

They had a really tough match a few years ago in Bejing(I think) didn't they?

[dryrunguy]

You got it! :cheesy:

Very disappointing after the way the second set went until the very end.

[Foxykhat]

Alrighty there girl Serena you are doing a great job. Get broken, break right back and then just give it back. FANTASTIC!!!

Foxy

[dryrunguy]

Okay. Stop it. Both of you. This has been too good of a match for every point to be decided by an error.

[Moose]

so, counting that last game of the 2nd, that makes 5 consecutive breaks of serve. That's gotta give Jelena some hope.

[suliso]

All this is of little importance. Sveta has been beaten already.

[aedra1119]

Oh good heavens. Does anyone want to win?

[dryrunguy]

Oh good heavens. Does anyone want to win?

Rumor has it that Nathalie Tauziat is thinking about a comeback as we type. :cheesy:

[aedra1119]

so, counting that last game of the 2nd, that makes 5 consecutive breaks of serve. That's gotta give Jelena some hope.

or Vera...;)

[morct]

winner, unforced error, winner, unforced error.......... driving me crazy!

[Charlie02123]

Charlie, it might have been exactly what you think. That's a valid opinion! I just don't think it's appropriate for Ted to go there the way he tried to.... repeatedly.

Well that's a valid opinion too. I think commentator's should express their opinions even if they don't know for sure, but beating a dead horse is bad commentary.

Okay, I'm done. :grouphug:

Back to the match:

Will someone PLEASE hold!? Someone besides Serena? :p

[jjnow]

Guys, in fairness, the heat is sweltering. Sveta is bathing in ice at every changeover and it seems to have brought down both of their energy levels.

Maybe I'm reaching, but serving can be strenuous in humidity like this.

[dryrunguy]

I don't give a rat's ass who.... But will someone PLEASE accidentally hold serve???

[aedra1119]

Rumor has it that Nathalie Tauziat is thinking about a comeback as we type. :cheesy:

That's fabulous as long as she gets these two off the court in the next 10 minutes. ;)

[morct]

I don't give a rat's ass who.... But will someone PLEASE accidentally hold serve???


Serena is really trying to.

[dryrunguy]

Guys, in fairness, the heat is sweltering. Sveta is bathing in ice at every changeover and it seems to have brought down both of their energy levels.

Maybe I'm reaching, but serving can be strenuous in humidity like this.

JJ, do you actually think we're actually interested in common sense? :cheesy:

[aedra1119]

Guys, in fairness, the heat is sweltering. Sveta is bathing in ice at every changeover and it seems to have brought down both of their energy levels.

Maybe I'm reaching, but serving can be strenuous in humidity like this.

Oh no doubt, jj. I wouldn't want to be in their place right now.

[Moose]

If its that hot, that could affect Janko, who has said a few times that he really does not enjoy playing in hot tepmeratures. Of course, he also won the Aussie (Juniors), so maybe he just says that to throw off opponents.

[morct]

Serena really pumped up after that game.


I would be more of a Svetlana fan, but need Serena to win to get a decent predictions score for once. :rolleyes:

[Vlad]

Sveta, first serve in ad side! Second is not gonna cut it! She is doing same mistake Justine was making.


See? It works when you hit your first set, Serena can't attack it as easily.

[dryrunguy]

We've got a really good shot now at both of them playing well again... Step it up, ladies!

[jjnow]

Clutch hold from Svetlana in that last game. She withstood bps and held with a nice volley.

[morct]

Just what the doctor ordered. :)

[munchin]

Finally, someone cuts out all the B.S. and the drama and has a solid, easy hold.

[Vlad]

Serena has a hell of a serve.

[Moose]

time to visualize the finish line, Serena.

[morct]

Serena should have put that one away - hope she doesn't let Svets back to deuce again

[morct]

The crowd is being really noisy now.

[Vlad]

Sveta, ??????

Serena broke a string and all you do is go for low % shot down the line with no footwork?? :confused:

[morct]

Wow, nice net ball for Serena.

Finally she breaks!

[dryrunguy]

Wow. What rotten luck for Sveta.

[aedra1119]

Oh wow. Serena, finish this NOW!

[shtexas]

OK

Now, serve it out Serena!

:lipsrsealed:

[Vlad]

Well done Sveta!

You so deserved to lose this game. Next time use your thinking a little bit.

[Moose]

Hopefully Serena remembers that she doesn't have problems closing out matches.

[oohsalmon]

Here's hoping it's overcast Saturday... I hate that hat.

[jjnow]

I think it's clear Serena respects/is friends with Sveta. She wanted to scream after Svetlana netted that last shot down bp, but you could see her quite herself. Then she apologized a second time for the netcord before she served.

And here we go with 0-30. Unfortunately for Serena she couldn't sit down before serving for it.

[winston]

:gun:This is just too good. FSN INTO THE LAKE.

Serena/Kuzy match - 3rd set - break point Serena
Clock hits 2 p.m. mountain time

FSN goes black for a second, then comes back on. With Ted Robinson telling us about today's lineup, including the semi between Serena and Kuzy a "little later". And now we're going to show the men's doubles semifinals.

Luckily I have ATP Masters streaming. So I can laugh instead of turn the air around here blue.

[Charlie02123]

What an exciting match this has been. I would love to see Sveta get it to 5-5.

[dryrunguy]

Congratulations to both women.

[Moose]

At last! Thank you, Serena.

[Charlie02123]

Wow. What a great match.

[aedra1119]

Finally! Thank you Serena!!!

[morct]

Great match - not always a high quality of play but so enjoyable to watch.

Well done Serena.

[craighickman]

She is the greatest player of her generation.

That's my girl.

[Moose]

Tipsarevic/Davydenko......who ya got?

[shtexas]

Never in doubt.

[dryrunguy]

They damn well better show Tipsy/Kolya, or I'm gonna be pissed.

[verucasalt]

Serena!!!!!!:cheesy: You really know how to make a fan sweat.

Thank you to everyone for providing the play by play. :)

[Ti-Amie]

She is the greatest player of her generation.

That's my girl.

Absolutely! What a match!!!

[mmmm8]

ugh, inevitable, but ugh

[rabbit]

Congrats Serena!! :cheesy: Now, go win the title. I don't think many people expected her to defend.

[Vlad]

Great match from Serena.

Now, it looks like we will have AO rematch in the final.

[jjnow]

Tipsarevic/Davydenko......who ya got?

Gotta go with Davydenko in that one. May be too consistent for Janko.

[dryrunguy]

Gotta go with Davydenko in that one. May be too consistent for Janko.

Not always, but USUALLY, Davydenko shows up for these types of matches at big events.

I hope that wasn't a curse. :o

But part of me will root for Tipsy on behalf of the fictitious Moose/Aedra love child. ;)

[GVGirl]

Just getting in. So Serena won in 3! I thought that she would win straights. How was the quality of the match? I'm sure Serena is winning this tournament now. Miami is her town.

[Vlad]

ugh, inevitable, but ugh


:( Sveta had break advantage twice in final set and couldn't hold on to it. After that it was pretty clear to everyone match was over. Serena was unstoppable after that. You don't give a player of her caliber too many chances to come back.

[jlhct]

I just had that feeling that if Sveta didn't take her chances in the 2nd set...well you know the rest! :)

[oohsalmon]

Serena-Jelena final :sweetheart:

[aedra1119]

They damn well better show Tipsy/Kolya, or I'm gonna be pissed.

Hell hath no fury like Miss Aedra scorned. :cheesy:

[Ti-Amie]

Sveta didn't roll over and play dead. This was a battle down to the last shot. Great play from both women.
I think we saw the worst the WTA can offer last night and the best it can offer this afternoon.

[morct]

Just getting in. So Serena won in 3! I thought that she would win straights. How was the quality of the match? I'm sure Serena is winning this tournament now. Miami is her town.

The match was very erratic GVGirl - some super shots and some awful errors, but Serena deserved the win.

It was a very draining match, over 2 1/2 hrs in intense heat so hopefully she will get some recovery time tomorrow.

[Vlad]

Tipsarevic/Davydenko......who ya got?


Kolya. They play similar tennis from baseline, but Kolya (when he is playing well) will be little too consistent for Janko. Janko is serving better though.

Kolya in 3 tight sets.

[Charlie02123]

Serena-Jelena final :sweetheart:

Pssh. Go VERA!

:p

[shtexas]

Kolya. They play similar tennis from baseline, but Kolya (when he is playing well) will be little too consistent for Janko. Janko is serving better though.

Kolya in 3 tight sets.

I'll take Tipsy, from start to finish. :p

[Charlie02123]

Kolya. They play similar tennis from baseline, but Kolya (when he is playing well) will be little too consistent for Janko. Janko is serving better though.

Kolya in 3 tight sets.

:)

Davydenko won their only previous match 7-6(6) 6-1. It could go either way.

Go Nikolay!

[Moose]

Tipsarevic/Davydenko......who ya got?

Tipsy in three. As long as he's prepared for a settle in and grind it out kind of a day. This is just a huge chance for him. And then, he has unfinished biz to tend to in the semi.

[jjnow]

It appears someone told Gimelstob to stop acting like a chauvinist pig where the WTA is concerned.

[dryrunguy]

It appears someone told Gimelstob to stop acting like a chauvinist pig where the WTA is concerned.

Oink oink! :cheesy:

[Vlad]

Tipsy in three. As long as he's prepared for a settle in and grind it out kind of a day. This is just a huge chance for him. And then, he has unfinished biz to tend to in the semi.


You think he can beat top 10 or even top 5 players but how come you don't think he will ever be top 10 himself? If he stays healthy of course.

[jjnow]

And by the way, if Janko Tipsarevic is 5'11", I'm 7 feet.

[jlhct]

Sveta didn't roll over and play dead. This was a battle down to the last shot. Great play from both women.
I think we saw the worst the WTA can offer last night and the best it can offer this afternoon.

No I didn't think she rolled over either, but I just had the feeling that Serena's fight is just a bit better than Sveta's fight.

[jjnow]

So Nikolay won all of his matches to now in 3 sets?

He is the ultimate grinder.

Janko won a point. I hear Serbs. :eek:

[dryrunguy]

First point. And the Serbs are LOUD... :lipsrsealed:

[dryrunguy]

Janko won a point. I hear Serbs. :eek:

JJ, with all due respect, you have GOT to stop copying my posts before I even get them posted. :mad:

:p