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

[Vlad]

Misha did not hold serve in second set yet. Puke.

[Fay007]

watching the Roddick v Minar match on the Tennis Channel.

Go Andy! :banana:

[mmmm8]

I think my commentator is about to shoot himself. In complete monotone: "I don't think we can avoid seeing a third set in this fascinating encounter"


WHOAAAA. Youzhny just blew up at his fans... It helped him

[dryrunguy]

Andy can be such a prick. What does he expect the chair to do? Tell him whether or not to challenge?

His ego is getting unbearable.

[GVGirl]

Andy can be such a prick. What does he expect the chair to do? Tell him whether or not to challenge?

His ego is getting unbearable.

Andy,

Enjoy life, you have a beautiful girl woman to whom you are engaged!

Chill!

[dryrunguy]

Andy,

Enjoy life, you have a beautiful girl woman to whom you are engaged!

Chill!

And yet he acts like a guy who hasn't gotten any in months!

[GVGirl]

MY,

What's with the screaming?;)

[dryrunguy]

"And that's the one who will probably end up spending most of it."

:hyst::hyst::hyst:

[mmmm8]

MY,

What's with the screaming?;)



Similarly, poor Yulia.

They're also engaged, btw, but it's a bit different, they've been together for years.

[mmmm8]

I'm starting to see why Almagro is not the most beloved player. Just tried to bargain for a warning for Youzhny, to get the game for free when he had advantage. The ump said no, and Almagro even pretended to apologize to
Youzhny.

And now he's yelling at the ump that it's incredible and he's getting unequal treatment.

Because stalling play at Ad-point is fair :rolleyes:

[bea26]

I cannot keep looking at Minar's tighty whiteys through his sweat-sheered shorts. Please make it stop.

[mmmm8]

The best point in the tournament was just played in the worst match of the tournament.

[Scotty]

First set to Andy.

Good think he out-mini-broke Minar in the TB, but that's an odd way for him to win.

[Danielle]

I'm starting to see why Almagro is not the most beloved player. Just tried to bargain for a warning for Youzhny, to get the game for free when he had advantage. The ump said no, and Almagro even pretended to apologize to
Youzhny.

And now he's yelling at the ump that it's incredible and he's getting unequal treatment.

Because stalling play at Ad-point is fair :rolleyes:

What??! Wow, that's a tactic I've never heard of before...crazy.

[GVGirl]

Almagro with a break and some screaming of his own. Serving for the match.

[GVGirl]

And yet he acts like a guy who hasn't gotten any in months!

True.:lipsrsealed:

[Vlad]

Misha dont break your head please. OMG he is bleeding now.

[GVGirl]

MY gets treated for injuring himself, by hitting himself in the head with his racket. :hyst:

[mmmm8]

Misha dont break your head please. OMG he is bleeding now.

oh my god.

That's agony incarnate.


Nice of Almagro to come by.

[Vlad]

This has got to be one of the weirdest matches in recent history.

[dryrunguy]

True.:lipsrsealed:

I'm really tired of the spoiled rotten, schoolyard bully routine. He seems to be intentionally doing it once in every match. He's going out of his way to act like a bully.

I have no tolerance for bullies.

[verucasalt]

This has got to be one of the weirdest matches in recent history.

Sounds like it. Wish I could see it.

[GVGirl]

Misha dont break your head please. OMG he is bleeding now.



oh my god.

That's agony incarnate.


Nice of Almagro to come by.



This has got to be one of the weirdest matches in recent history.

:hyst: This has to go to a TB.

[GVGirl]

OMG someone hit a winner!:shocked:

[Ti-Amie]

I was watching Andy curse out Mo Layani but I've switched to Youzhny/Almagro.

[GVGirl]

6-6 in TB You have got to be kidding! Youhzny should have won this already.

[GVGirl]

MY finally wins!!!!! Almagro does not shaek the ump's hand.

[mmmm8]

That was so incredible on so many levels, few of them positive.

Advance congratulations to Janko Tipsarevic


Almagro wouldn't shake the umpire's hand and overall cold at net.

[GVGirl]

UFEs MY 76 NA 65

[GVGirl]

That was so incredible on so many levels, few of them positive.

Advance congratulations to Janko Tipsarevic


Almagro wouldn't shake the umpire's hand and overall cold at net.

Sad but true. Congrats Janko.;)

[mmmm8]

I was watching Andy curse out Mo Layani but I've switched to Youzhny/Almagro.

Oh, hell no! Nobody touches Mr. Mo! :mad::mad::mad: ;)




I'm a bit worried for Mario in these conditions

[Vlad]

Misha!! :)

I couldn't take more of that.....

Together they made 141 unforced errors and 58 winners.... basically as ugly as it gets... but it had as much drama as it is possible for best of 3 set match.

[GVGirl]

I was watching Andy curse out Mo Layani but I've switched to Youzhny/Almagro.

Don't mess with MO!!!!!

Andy just needs to stop.

[Vlad]

Go Ivo!

Roddick gets warning for firing ball into crowd.

[GVGirl]

Mario better keep himself very hydrated for this match.

Tons of Argentineans in the crowd. They do come out to support their own! I give them credit.

[Scotty]

Andy was cruising in the 2nd, and then broke himself with 3 UEs.

He needs to gEt iT ToGeTHeR!

[GVGirl]

Minar broke Roddick it's 4-4 in the 2nd! Andy was cursing again, this time at himself.

[Jessie181]

Sounds like it. Wish I could see it.
I wish I could have seen it, too. :( I had to be at work...and now I have to be in class soon, so I won't be able to see any other matches :( :p


Don't mess with MO!!!!!

Andy just needs to stop.

Seriously. It's getting ridiculous

[Scotty]

thanks to rather inept play by Minar, Andy breaks back.

I just can't understand what he's doing when he stands 5 feet behind the baseline and just rallies, instead of trying to put some pressure on his opponent.

[GVGirl]

Andy wins! And there Brooklyn in the crowd, at least I think it's her.:lipsrsealed:

[Scotty]

NOT pretty, but he's through.

He will need to play significantly better if he wants to advance, even against Benneteau.
OK, that sounded much meaner than I intended. Julien is obviously playing well this week.

Only 57% first serves in, which is really low for Andy.

[mmmm8]

It was Monaco´s birthday the 29th and Mario´s yesterday. Let´s see how hard they celebrated

[kandi]

I like her just fine, but I might change my mind if she beats Elena today :bat:


Sabine is a nice girl, but I picked Elena to beat her today --- GO ELENA !!!

[suliso]

Super Mario on court :)

He ought to be able to win this one. I still hope to see him back in the top 10 by the end of the year :cool:

[Foxykhat]

[quote=GVGirl;251494]Andy wins! And there Brooklyn in the crowd, at least I think it's her.:lipsrsealed:[/quote

It that the name of girl he gave the ring to? If so yeah ESPN Deportes his up on their screen Andy's Fiancee.

Foxy

[Vlad]

NOT pretty, but he's through.

He will need to play significantly better if he wants to advance, even against Benneteau.
OK, that sounded much meaner than I intended. Julien is obviously playing well this week.

Only 57% first serves in, which is really low for Andy.


He's got a dream draw into 1/4 finals no? I mean Troicki, Minar and Benneteau. Doesn't really get easier than that.

[Ti-Amie]

Tuesday Order of Play

Stadium: 11:00 AM Start

1. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Radek Stepanek (CZE) [27] vs. James Blake (USA) [9]
Not Before 1:00 PM
2. Women's Singles: Quarterfinals
Justine Henin (BEL) [1] vs. Serena Williams (USA) [8]
3. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Roger Federer (SUI) [1] vs. Jose Acasuso (ARG)
4. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) [16] vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP) [2]

Stadium: 7:00 PM Start

1. Women's Singles: Quarterfinals
Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) [3] vs. Venus Williams (USA) [6]
Not Before 9:00 PM
2. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Julien Benneteau (FRA) vs. vs. Andy Roddick (USA) [6]

Grandstand: 12:00 PM Start

1. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Guillermo Canas (ARG) [15] vs. Igor Andreev (RUS) [31]
2. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) vs. Tomas Berdych (CZE) [10]
3. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) [11] vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)
4. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) [4] vs. Winner of Juan Monaco (ARG) [18]
vs. Mario Ancic (CRO) WC

Court 1: 11:00 AM Start

1. Men's Doubles: 2nd Round
Marc Gicquel (FRA)/Fabrice Santoro (FRA) vs. Arnaud Clement (FRA)/Michael Llodra (FRA) [7]
2. Women's Doubles: 2nd Round
Cara Black (ZIM)/Liezel Huber (USA) [1] vs. Bethanie Mattek (USA)/Mashona Washington (USA)
3. Men's Doubles: 2nd Round
Marcelo Melo (BRA)/Andre Sa (BRA) vs. Jeff Coetzee (RSA)/Wesley Moodie (RSA)
Not Before 3:30 PM
4. Men's Doubles: 2nd Round
Bob Bryan (USA)/Mike Bryan (USA) [1] vs. Jonas Bjorkman (SWE)
Kevin Ullyett (ZIM)
Not Before 5:00 PM
5. Men's Doubles: 2nd Round
Gustavo Kuerten (BRA)/Nicolas Lapentti (ECU) WC vs. Simon Aspelin (SWE)/Julian Knowle (AUT) [5]

Court 2: 12:00 PM Start

1. Women's Doubles: 2nd Round
Shuai Peng (CHN)/Tiantian Sun (CHN) vs. Alona Bondarenko (UKR)/Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) [6]
Not Before 2:00 PM
2. Women's Doubles: 2nd Round
Lucie Hradecka (CZE)/Renata Voracova (CZE) vs. Katarina Srebotnik (SLO)/Ai Sugiyama (JPN) [2]

[Moose]

Tipsy. 4th R of the 5th Slam. Gotta confess, I'm a little stunned by this turn of events. And Mikhail is going to be dragging tomorrow after playing a marathoner today.

Most likely, Tips is now inside the Top 40 for the first time in his career come next week. Another Serb success story. Ajde!

[aedra1119]

Reading everyone's posts, it sounds like the Youzhny/Almagro match was a real barn burner! :cheesy:

Even though Andy won in straights, it doesn't sound like it was too pretty. :undecided:

[Vlad]

Tipsy. 4th R of the 5th Slam. Gotta confess, I'm a little stunned by this turn of events. And Mikhail is going to be dragging tomorrow after playing a marathoner today.

Most likely, Tips is now inside the Top 40 for the first time in his career come next week. Another Serb success story. Ajde!


Given his talent, top 40 would not exactly be a success story. He can do a lot more.

[bea26]

Even though Andy won in straights, it doesn't sound like it was too pretty. :undecided:

You read my post on Minar's tighty whiteys then.

[Moose]

Given his talent, top 40 would not exactly be a success story. He can do a lot more.


One step at a time, Vlad. There are legions of talented players who never got into the Top 40. I'm just glad to see him playing well, finally doing decent at some bigger events, and staying healthy for an extended period. And he's nearing the point where he can get Slam seeding perhaps at RG and Wimbledon, which will help his cause as well.

[aedra1119]

You read my post on Minar's tighty whiteys then.

Unfortunately, yes. I am now scarred for life. ;)

[rabbit]

So what exactly happened to Soderling? Nothing serious, right?

[bea26]

Unfortunately, yes. I am now scarred for life. ;)

And that was only the first set. He got much sweatier. :(

[Moose]

So what exactly happened to Soderling? Nothing serious, right?

People said it was a respitory issue, Rabbit. But Soderling has to be Top 10 in players who retire from matches. IT's a regular occurance with him.

[shtexas]

I'm starting to see why Almagro is not the most beloved player. Just tried to bargain for a warning for Youzhny, to get the game for free when he had advantage. The ump said no, and Almagro even pretended to apologize to
Youzhny.

And now he's yelling at the ump that it's incredible and he's getting unequal treatment.

Because stalling play at Ad-point is fair :rolleyes:

This should make me like Almagro, but I just can't.

[kandi]

People said it was a respitory issue, Rabbit. But Soderling has to be Top 10 in players who retire from matches. IT's a regular occurance with him.


It was a respiratory issue -- he couldn't breathe when he was down 0-3 in the second set -- :rolleyes:

[shtexas]

One step at a time, Vlad. There are legions of talented players who never got into the Top 40. I'm just glad to see him playing well, finally doing decent at some bigger events, and staying healthy for an extended period. And he's nearing the point where he can get Slam seeding perhaps at RG and Wimbledon, which will help his cause as well.

Last year, we were talking how huge it was for him to keep his ranking high enough to get direct entry into majors, and now we are talking about seeding. Amazing!

[Moose]

Vera's got the first set, 3 all in the 2nd. If she continues to refuse to break down on court anymore, then I hope she gets far here.

[Moose]

Last year, we were talking how huge it was for him to keep his ranking high enough to get direct entry into majors, and now we are talking about seeding. Amazing!

He's never going to be a Top 10 player. But he could one day sneak in to the tail end of the Top 20, which would be an incredible accomplishment for him. He still has to work far too hard for everything. Eventually, a season full of 3 and 5 setters takes its toll.

[shtexas]

Go Mario! One more set!

[mmmm8]

Mario! You have to win at least two sets in a best of three, one's not going to be enough!

[dryrunguy]

Bepa! :eek:

[shtexas]

Vera made this complicated.

[mmmm8]

Dear Mario, if beating your head with a racquet frame will help, go for it. Please try not to ruin the face.



I have my predictions ready, and in them he wins the tournament. And he can't even win a freaking game against Monaco :mad:

[aedra1119]

Alright Vera. Time to finally close the book on Ai!

[kandi]

Bepa! :eek:


just curious - where does the "Bepa" come from? -- strange name --

[kandi]

Mario!!! You're dead even now, 1 set apiece -- time to start all over again, just like at the beginning --- WIN THE 3rd !!!

[dryrunguy]

just curious - where does the "Bepa" come from? -- strange name --

No idea, actually. :cheesy:

Glad she won. A few years back, she would have had a helluva time collecting herself after dropping the second.

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure this seriously complicates matters for several people still alive in our women's pool. Several have used both Bepa and Safina.

[rabbit]

just curious - where does the "Bepa" come from? -- strange name --

I think mmmm8 mentioned this before. "Vera" in the Cyrillic script looks like "Bepa".

[kandi]

Aaaaaah a bagel - WTG Vera !!!

[aedra1119]

just curious - where does the "Bepa" come from? -- strange name --

So I've been told, Bepa is the Cyrillic for Vera.

[kandi]

I think mmmm8 mentioned this before. "Vera" in the Cyrillic script looks like "Bepa".


Thanks Rabbit - that makes sense !!!

[aedra1119]

Alright Vera. Time to finally close the book on Ai!

Closed and locked! Nice finish, Vera! :D

[suliso]

I think mmmm8 mentioned this before. "Vera" in the Cyrillic script looks like "Bepa".

It also means faith in Russian...

[mmmm8]

I think Monaco is my favorite among players whose results I don't care about at all. I like his on-court spirit, I like watching him, but I have no emotional attachment whatsoever.

[mmmm8]

Tuesday Order of Play
Grandstand: 12:00 PM Start

1. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Guillermo Canas (ARG) [15] vs. Igor Andreev (RUS) [31]
2. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) vs. Tomas Berdych (CZE) [10]
3. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) [11] vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)
4. Men's Singles: 4th Round
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) [4] vs. Mario Ancic (CRO) WC


All Russian all the time. Good luck to three of them. And make it quick, Ancic doesn't need any more late night matches, he was having lots of visibility problems tonight.

[shtexas]

Mario! :)

Becoming super again?

[Vlad]

Great job BEPA and Mario!

[suliso]

Mario! :)

Becoming super again?

He never stopped. Mario was top 10 before the injury and will be top 10 again. Provided he can stay healthy for the whole year of course...

[bea26]

He never stopped. Mario was top 10 before the injury and will be top 10 again. Provided he can stay healthy for the whole year of course...

We finally agree on something!

[aedra1119]

Congrats, Mario! Now I can finally do my predictions.

[shtexas]

He never stopped. Mario was top 10 before the injury and will be top 10 again. Provided he can stay healthy for the whole year of course...

:beer:

[suliso]

We finally agree on something!

Amazing, isn't it?


It's probably a popular opinion - Mario doesn't have many anti-fans... :)

[bea26]

Amazing, isn't it?


It's probably a popular opinion - Mario doesn't have many anti-fans... :)


I take what I can get.

[mmmm8]

RESULTS
Men's Singles - Third Round
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/bd/fullj.132ae3b1af527206752bf42cac0bd0b2/132ae3b1af527206752bf42cac0bd0b2-getty-77834065mh051_sony_ericsson.jpg
Jo-Wilfred Tsonga

[1] R Federer (SUI) d R Soderling (SWE) 64 30 ret. (illness)
[4] N Davydenko (RUS) d S Bolelli (ITA) 67(5) 75 61
[6] A Roddick (USA) d [Q] I Minar (CZE) 76(4) 64
[11] M Youzhny (RUS) d [24] N Almagro (ESP) 76(4) 36 76(6)
J Benneteau (FRA) d [12] J Tsonga (FRA) 63 63
[WC] M Ancic (CRO) d [18] J Monaco (ARG) 76(5) 46 61
J Tipsarevic (SRB) d T Johansson (SWE) 64 64
J Acasuso (ARG) d D Sela (ISR) 64 64

Men's Doubles - Second Round
[4] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d I Andreev (RUS) / X Malisse (BEL) 26 62 10-5
[6] M Damm (CZE) / P Vizner (CZE) d M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) 64 62
[8] P Hanley (AUS) / L Paes (IND) d C Kas (GER) / R Wassen (NED) 64 46 10-7
R Gasquet (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) d A Calleri (ARG) / F Gonzalez (CHI) 64 26 10-4


Women's Singles - Fourth Round
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/89/fullj.b3402801f6b38850490e3fa473041f70/b3402801f6b38850490e3fa473041f70-getty-77834065mh037_sony_ericsson.jpg
Svetlana Kuznetsova

(1) Justine Henin (BEL) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 62 62
(3) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (16) Shahar Peer (ISR) 76(4) 63
(4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Zheng Jie (CHN) 64 75
(6) Venus Williams (USA) d. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 63 63
(8) Serena Williams (USA) d. Kaia Kanepi (EST) 63 63
(10) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (WC) Sabine Lisicki (GER) 63 62
(13) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (32) Lindsay Davenport (USA) 63 64
(19) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 62 67(5) 60

Women's Doubles - Second Round
(3) Peschke/Stubbs (CZE/AUS) d. Safina/Szavay (RUS/HUN) 62 63
(WC) Kuznetsova/Mauresmo (RUS/FRA) d. (4) Chan/Chuang (TPE/TPE) 62 62
(7) Azarenka/Peer (BLR/ISR) d. (A) Amanmuradova/Wozniacki (UZB/DEN) 63 63
(8) Likhovtseva/Raymond (RUS/USA) d. Loit/Zahlavova Strycova (FRA/CZE) 75 64
(WC) Davenport/Hantuchova (USA/SVK) d. Shvedova/Tanasugarn (RUS/THA) 61 61

[mmmm8]

A clear video of Mikhail's self-mutilation. I don't think it's as funny as Almagro does.

(The video quality clears up 10 seconds in)

0AEfCQxVmxM


There was also this awesome point in the match, pretty much the only awesome point.

H66IPUK4LNk

[Charlie02123]

I take what I can get.

Ain't that the truth. :rolleyes:

OMG, that picture of Sveta.

[Charlie02123]

A clear video of Mikhail's self-mutilation. I don't think it's as funny as Almagro does.


OH. MY. :shocked:

I can't believe that. I don't know what to say.

On the other hand, I think it's interesting that Youzhny got to stop play in the middle of his opponent's service game to treat an injury he caused himself.

Remind me to make myself bleed next time I need to stop play.

[JTContinental]

OMG, that picture of Sveta.

It's the new leading contender for Action Photo of the Tournament

[Charlie02123]

It's the new leading contender for Action Photo of the Tournament

It's almost too dirty to put in 'Caption This.' The dumpster might rot so much that it would implode.

[ptmcmahon]

This is the woman who just got destroyed by Ashley Harkleroad not too long ago.

I blame my 20 Questions jab at her for this :(

Did anyone pick "none" for that question? ;)


I'm tellin you it's that Miami altitude. :cheesy:

Yes, players have troubles with negative altitudes...that's why you had them warming up on water!

[patrick]

Mario! :)

Becoming super again?

Yes....

[Moose]

A clear video of Mikhail's self-mutilation. I don't think it's as funny as Almagro does.

(The video quality clears up 10 seconds in)

0AEfCQxVmxM


I hope Youzhny is heavily penalized for what looks to me to be an incredibly stupid, and disrespectful, and immature act. The ATP, if it allows this to pass without comment, will have opened the door to allow any player who feels he needs to delay a game to simply inflict an injury upon himself and stop play.

He's a nut case deserving of a suspension in order to prevent something this moronic from happening again.

[jlhct]

OH. MY. :shocked:

I can't believe that. I don't know what to say.

On the other hand, I think it's interesting that Youzhny got to stop play in the middle of his opponent's service game to treat an injury he caused himself.

Remind me to make myself bleed next time I need to stop play.

I found that weird too...I wonder if he received a code violation?

LOL I can't say id go that far :)

[GVGirl]

I hope Youzhny is heavily penalized for what looks to me to be an incredibly stupid, and disrespectful, and immature act. The ATP, if it allows this to pass without comment, will have opened the door to allow any player who feels he needs to delay a game to simply inflict an injury upon himself and stop play.

He's a nut case deserving of a suspension in order to prevent something this moronic from happening again.

I was thinking about the same thing last night. Some type of "penalty" should have been handed out. Friend at Court, would have to be altered in addition to ITF rules, ATP, WTA...yada, yada Wait until league players start doing this.:shocked:

[Moose]

I was thinking about the same thing last night. Some type of "penalty" should have been handed out. Friend at Court, would have to be altered in addition to ITF rules, ATP, WTA...yada, yada Wait until league players start doing this.:shocked:

It'll be interesting to see what, if anything, the ATP has to say about it in the next few days, GV. I hope they have the balls willingness to act.

[jjnow]

Yeah, this only illustrates my point from Sunday that Youzhny is scary. That's intensity gone destructive.

The score changed, but it looked in the beginning like Almagro was serving for the match? If that's the case, there's an even more legitimate complaint.

And I'd have probably laughed at such an idiotic stunt myself.

[Moose]

Yeah, this only illustrates my point from Sunday that Youzhny is scary. That's intensity gone destructive.

The score changed, but it looked in the beginning like Almagro was serving for the match? If that's the case, there's an even more legitimate complaint.

And I'd have probably laughed at such an idiotic stunt myself.

I think Almagro was serving for the match, but it was "Ad Youzhny" on the point. Almagro won the point and got it back to deuce, then they had the medical timeout.

[oohsalmon]

Stepanek, please make him work. I don't want to have to leave class early to see Serena-Justine.

[Charlie02123]

The ATP, if it allows this to pass without comment, will have opened the door to allow any player who feels he needs to delay a game to simply inflict an injury upon himself and stop play.

That's what worries me. I think they need to say something about it. Obviously it wouldn't be taken advantage of very often, but what happens when someone else does it? What if it's in a Wimbledon quarterfinal? They should say something to make it clear.


I think Almagro was serving for the match, but it was "Ad Youzhny" on the point. Almagro won the point and got it back to deuce, then they had the medical timeout.

That's my issue. It wasn't even Youzhny's service game. Almagro was two points away from the match and had just won a big momentum point. Then Youzhny gets to stop and calm down for at least a couple of minutes. It's completely unfair, and I think he got a pass because everyone was shocked silent. It's understandable, but the ATP should say something so it doesn't happen again.

[dryrunguy]

Youzhny's head smacks made it on Headline News' sports coverage this morning! :cheesy:

[Charlie02123]

Youzhny's head smacks made it on Headline News' sports coverage this morning! :cheesy:

Wow. Well, at least he did his part to make tennis more known.

[oohsalmon]

Youzhny's head smacks made it on Headline News' sports coverage this morning! :cheesy:

I bet he'll be gold on PTI, too.

[dryrunguy]

Wow. Well, at least he did his part to make tennis more known.

I think it's hilarious that they do about a 1-minute sports segment every 30 minutes... With the start of major league baseball, they still found room for Youzhny! :)

[Moose]

great..."Wacky Patty" now has an ATP companion piece...."WHACK-y Mikhail".

The only upside to this whole thing is the potential that he has a monster (and well deserved) headache when he plays Tipsy today.

[nelslus]

I hope Youzhny is heavily penalized for what looks to me to be an incredibly stupid, and disrespectful, and immature act. The ATP, if it allows this to pass without comment, will have opened the door to allow any player who feels he needs to delay a game to simply inflict an injury upon himself and stop play.

He's a nut case deserving of a suspension in order to prevent something this moronic from happening again.

I've talked about this before recently (Mr. Malisse, Ms. Poutchek)- but, I have witnessed far too many incidents of self-abuse from players. Something like this was bound to happen. And, I do think something needs to be done. Honestly, IMO, mostly for the players' own sakes.

I didn't know about this until just now. For once, I can't find my sense of humor on this. Seeing that Youzhny video actually just stunned me- nearly made me get sick- I'm still shaking a little. I could be totally wrong- but honestly, I don't think his intention at all was to delay play- a gamesmanship move. Just think this got WAY out of hand. And, this all needs to stop. If a fine or whatever will wake the players up enough to STOP this self-abuse......

[dryrunguy]

So, which is worse? Inflicting physical abuse upon oneself during a match or inflicting verbal abuse toward a chair umpire or linesperson during a match?

[oohsalmon]

He should have been defaulted immediately. There has to be a rule against intentionally causing harm to someone, even if it's yourself.

[Moose]

I've talked about this before recently (Mr. Malisse, Ms. Poutchek)- but, I have witnessed far too many incidents of self-abuse from players. Something like this was bound to happen. And, I do think something needs to be done. Honestly, IMO, mostly for the players' own sakes.

I didn't know about this until just now. For once, I can't find my sense of humor on this. Seeing that Youzhny video actually just stunned me- nearly made me get sick- I'm still shaking a little. I could be totally wrong- but honestly, I don't think his intention at all was to delay play- a gamesmanship move. Just think this got WAY out of hand. And, this all needs to stop. If a fine or whatever will wake the players up enough to STOP this self-abuse......


I don't think anyone is saying that delay of game was his intention, Nelslus. But that's the natural consequence of his action. And people need to be held responsible not only for their actions, but for the consequences thereof.

If they don't do something here, though, some player may very well in the future use this as a delay tactic, though. Especially if Mikhail is allowed to get away with it.

[Ti-Amie]

It's the new leading contender for Action Photo of the Tournament

Why JT you're not including it in your "faces" series? ;)

[mmmm8]

I've talked about this before recently (Mr. Malisse, Ms. Poutchek)- but, I have witnessed far too many incidents of self-abuse from players. Something like this was bound to happen. And, I do think something needs to be done. Honestly, IMO, mostly for the players' own sakes.

I didn't know about this until just now. For once, I can't find my sense of humor on this. Seeing that Youzhny video actually just stunned me- nearly made me get sick- I'm still shaking a little. I could be totally wrong- but honestly, I don't think his intention at all was to delay play- a gamesmanship move. Just think this got WAY out of hand. And, this all needs to stop. If a fine or whatever will wake the players up enough to STOP this self-abuse......

Agreed there, not only was Youzhny not trying to stall the match (he even tried to continue playing), I can't imagine anyone else doing something like this risking a concussion to win some time in the future.

He should have gotten a point taken off, but, I think, Mourier (the umpire) was just so stunned, and exhausted by the whole match (several warnings for both players in other times), and even Almagro didn't argue for it.

Really, though, I don't see a need for a fine, let alone a suspension. I did not find it funny, either, though.

[nelslus]

So, which is worse? Inflicting physical abuse upon oneself during a match or inflicting verbal abuse toward a chair umpire or linesperson during a match?

I'm all for taking a stand against all of this. Why should umpires be expected to take this consistently nasty bull**it from the players? I totally get that players don't need to be angels under all of this stress- and I can even understand letting one/two (especially) out-of-character incident(s) or so go during the heat of battle. And, players should be allowed to get heated, as long as they aren't abusive and cursing all all that. But, players (and coaches for that matter) in basketball and baseball get tossed out of the game all of the time for such garbage against refs/umps. Why should tennis be any different? Of course, I've felt the same way since the days of Connors/McEnroe....

[oohsalmon]

Think of it this way. Had Youzhny wailed away at Almagro's head, he surely would have gotten defaulted (at the very least).

So what's the difference?

[Ti-Amie]

That's what worries me. I think they need to say something about it. Obviously it wouldn't be taken advantage of very often, but what happens when someone else does it? What if it's in a Wimbledon quarterfinal? They should say something to make it clear.



That's my issue. It wasn't even Youzhny's service game. Almagro was two points away from the match and had just won a big momentum point. Then Youzhny gets to stop and calm down for at least a couple of minutes. It's completely unfair, and I think he got a pass because everyone was shocked silent. It's understandable, but the ATP should say something so it doesn't happen again.

Charlie I agree with you 100%. It's kind of stunning to see it. At least Almagro did the right thing and come over to make sure Youzhny was okay. I don't think he was laughing I think it was more stunned disbelief on Nico's face.

If the ATP doesn't say and do something they're going to have to steal those cut men from boxing.

[Ti-Amie]

I'm all for taking a stand against all of this. Why should umpires be expected to take this consistently nasty bull**it from the players? I totally get that players don't need to be angels under all of this stress- and I can even understand letting one/two (especially) out-of-character incident(s) or so go during the heat of battle. And, players should be allowed to get heated, as long as they aren't abusive and cursing all all that. But, players (and coaches for that matter) in basketball and baseball get tossed out of the game all of the time for such garbage against refs/umps. Why should tennis be any different? Of course, I've felt the same way since the days of Connors/McEnroe....

I was just saying this the other day during one of original Andy's tirades against the chair ump. Something the Grand Poobah and his minions need to really look at.

[nelslus]

Agreed there, not only was Youzhny not trying to stall the match (he even tried to continue playing), I can't imagine anyone else doing something like this risking a concussion to win some time in the future.

He should have gotten a point taken off, but, I think, Mourier (the umpire) was just so stunned, and exhausted by the whole match (several warnings for both players in other times), and even Almagro didn't argue for it.

Really, though, I don't see a need for a fine, let alone a suspension. I did not find it funny, either, though.

It IS weird to me, and I suspect out of character, that I just cannot find the humor in this- when, ahem, I've found the humor in PLENTY of evil and inappropriate incidents.

I'm probably overreacting about all of this- with this incident disturbing me so much. But, I've actually had a nagging sense, honestly, that this self-abuse stuff has been escalating a bit. And, I do worry a bit that too many folks now getting the chance to see this horrible incident could lead to planting an unconscious seed (Paging Dr. Phil once again!!), where I just don't want to see what else could happen. No matter what- PLEASE let that be a wake-up call for Youzhny. Hope he never puts himself through this again, to say the least.

[nelslus]

Think of it this way. Had Youzhny wailed away at Almagro's head, he surely would have gotten defaulted (at the very least).

So what's the difference?

Excellent point, salmon.

[nelslus]

Think of it this way. Had Youzhny wailed away at Almagro's head, he surely would have gotten defaulted (at the very least).

So what's the difference?

Alternate post: Of course, if Youzhny had wailed away at A. Murray's head- should Youzhny instead have gotten a medal? (And, slowly but surely, nelslus' sense of "humor" starts to return.....)

[mmmm8]

Think of it this way. Had Youzhny wailed away at Almagro's head, he surely would have gotten defaulted (at the very least).

So what's the difference?


It's NOT Almagro's head, that's the difference.


I guess I'm just lax on self-abuse. You're already hurting yourself. I've never really understood the point of warnings for stuff like racquet abuse, even. Who suffers?

[dryrunguy]

It's NOT Almagro's head, that's the difference.


I guess I'm just lax on self-abuse. You're already hurting yourself. I've never really understood the point of warnings for stuff like racquet abuse, even. Who suffers?

No one suffers per se, but it does set a very poor example re: sportsmanship for young players who may be watching... Just like verbally abusing a chair umpire.

That being said, if I was a pro tennis player, I'd be setting one of the worst examples of all. :cheesy:

[Moose]

It's NOT Almagro's head, that's the difference.


I guess I'm just lax on self-abuse. You're already hurting yourself. I've never really understood the point of warnings for stuff like racquet abuse, even. Who suffers?

You really beleive that Almagro wasn't deprived momentum as a result of this, M8? The guy is serving for the match, wins a huge point, then has to stop play

[Charlie02123]

I could be totally wrong- but honestly, I don't think his intention at all was to delay play- a gamesmanship move. Just think this got WAY out of hand. And, this all needs to stop. If a fine or whatever will wake the players up enough to STOP this self-abuse......

I don't find the situation funny at all, and I certainly don't think it was intentional. The result, though, was that Almagro's momentum was stalled and Youzhny was able to calm himself down.

I think Youzhny definitely needs some help, and I don't think he should be fined or anything. I just want the ATP to make a statement so we know what their policy will be in the future.


Agreed there, not only was Youzhny not trying to stall the match (he even tried to continue playing), I can't imagine anyone else doing something like this risking a concussion to win some time in the future.

He should have gotten a point taken off, but, I think, Mourier (the umpire) was just so stunned, and exhausted by the whole match (several warnings for both players in other times), and even Almagro didn't argue for it.

Really, though, I don't see a need for a fine, let alone a suspension. I did not find it funny, either, though.

I agree with everything you said, mmmm8. I don't think Mourier can be blamed for any wrongdoing. I just hope the umps get some kind of instruction for what to do in the future. I also hope the players get a clarification that they can't do that. I can totally imagine a scenario where someone would try to bleed on purpose. I wouldn't hit myself with my racket, but I would totally bite a small chunk out of my arm to slow down play. I've found that, in a really intense match, digging your nails into your arm really does calm you down. I wouldn't mind taking it a little farther if I could get the equivalent of a mid game changeover break.

[shtexas]

You really beleive that Almagro wasn't deprived momentum as a result of this, M8? The guy is serving for the match, wins a huge point, then has to stop play

Maybe he should be fined for unprofessional behavior.

But, I doubt any precedent is going to be set where players are going to purposely hurt themselves as a form of gamesmanship. I mean, the man's head was bleeding!

[Madame]

meanwhile, Clément/Lodra lead 4-1 against Giquel/Santoro.

Now that must be a fun match, wish I could be there ....

[mjschaefer]

I truly have no idea what happened and this is as close as I can come to a recap, but what I'm getting out of this is that with two points to go Youhzny hit himself in the face with a racket?

I must be off my rocker.

Anyways James is up the early break at 4-2.

[Moose]

meanwhile, Clément/Lodra lead 4-1 against Giquel/Santoro.

Now that must be a fun match, wish I could be there ....

Clement/Llodra playing Melo/Sa at Indian Wells was most of ours favorite match of the tournament, Madame. At least from a a "what great tennis they are playing" point of view

[kandi]

That's a hard doubles match to cheer at -- I like both Clement and Santoro so much, and here they are playing against each other. Oh dear oh dear. Not fond of Gicquel so guess I'll stick with Clement/Llodra - who just took the 1st set 6-3.

[oohsalmon]

I truly have no idea what happened and this is as close as I can come to a recap, but what I'm getting out of this is that with two points to go Youhzny hit himself in the face with a racket?

I must be off my rocker.

Anyways James is up the early break at 4-2.

There's a vid upthread mjs :)

[Charlie02123]

I've never really understood the point of warnings for stuff like racquet abuse, even. Who suffers?

I've never gotten that one either. Unless you need a new racket afterwards, because that slows down play. When I'm playing someone I want him to throw his racket. Just lets me know I'm doing the right things.



But, I doubt any precedent is going to be set where players are going to purposely hurt themselves as a form of gamesmanship. I mean, the man's head was bleeding!

I can totally imagine a scenario where someone would try to bleed on purpose. I wouldn't hit myself with my racket, but I would totally bite a small chunk out of my arm to slow down play. I've found that, in a really intense match, digging your nails into your arm really does calm you down. I wouldn't mind taking it a little farther if I could get the equivalent of a mid game changeover break.

Check out my post, shtexas. I don't think this would be happening willy nilly (okay this is going to be a good day, I just said 'willy nilly'), but it could happen sometime. Maybe it wouldn't be for a year or two, but it's possible.

[jjnow]

I hate school. I'll definitely miss Justine and Serena today. Can't skip labs. :mad:

[mjschaefer]

There's a vid upthread mjs :)


Good lord. I showed my roommate. A non-tennis fan and he thought it was ridiculous.

Everyone's favorite James Blake is up a set early.

[oohsalmon]

Good lord. I showed my roommate. A non-tennis fan and he thought it was ridiculous.

I can't think of someone who wouldn't :)

[bea26]

There are only 4 remaining contestants in the mens suicide pool? And Everyone else has Roddick while I have BERDYCH?

I smell disaster. Perhaps for everyone, lol.

[mmmm8]

No one suffers per se, but it does set a very poor example re: sportsmanship for young players who may be watching... Just like verbally abusing a chair umpire.



I can't imagine anyone seeing what happened yesterday and thinking, "Ooh! I should do that! What an effective way to deal with my emotions" (Although I guess the fact that it DID allow him win to the match isn't helpful)

As for racquet abuse, I don't really think it's unhealthy.



You really beleive that Almagro wasn't deprived momentum as a result of this, M8? The guy is serving for the match, wins a huge point, then has to stop play

I did say he should have lost a point, even though it was unintentional. Just like Almagro should have lost a point when he strategically started arguing with the umpire to give Youzhny a warning for nothing earlier in the match.

[oohsalmon]

At the very least, it's a bad example for the kids :)

[Moose]

I did say he should have lost a point, even though it was unintentional. Just like Almagro should have lost a point when he strategically started arguing with the umpire to give Youzhny a warning for nothing earlier in the match.

Comparing the two incidents is beyond absurb, in my opinion.

[shtexas]

There are only 4 remaining contestants in the mens suicide pool? And Everyone else has Roddick while I have BERDYCH?

I smell disaster. Perhaps for everyone, lol.

Truth be told, I trust Roddick more than Berdych. But, what do I know... I trusted Malisse.

[bea26]

Truth be told, I trust Roddick more than Berdych. But, what do I know... I trusted Malisse.

I don't trust either. But only Berdych has burned me before.

Oh wait that's not true.

Good thing this isn't for money. :)

[mjschaefer]

I have Tursonov in my racket bracket beating Berdych.

Otherwise I'd agree with your pick Bea.

[mmmm8]

Comparing the two incidents is beyond absurb, in my opinion.

I wasn't comparing what happened per se, but both of the incidents stalled play at important points

[GVGirl]

There are only 4 remaining contestants in the mens suicide pool? And Everyone else has Roddick while I have BERDYCH?

I smell disaster. Perhaps for everyone, lol.

It is April fools Day.;)

[bea26]

I have Tursonov in my racket bracket beating Berdych.

Otherwise I'd agree with your pick Bea.

If I knew there were only four of us left I would've been more conservative. As it is, work it out you pasty white giant!

[mjschaefer]

You figure breaking your opponent twice would open the flood gates......instead you are behind 4-3 in the second set.......

[GVGirl]

Ok JB serving for the match! Get this over with...

Nicole V- please wake up!

[mjschaefer]

Serving for rematch with Nadal...please put him away...

[Moose]

going to make for an interesting match if Rafa nad James play. Two great players both desperately in need of big match wins right about now.

[dryrunguy]

Hey James! Stop being... James! :mad:

[mjschaefer]

AND...........match.

[mjschaefer]

going to make for an interesting match if Rafa nad James play. Two great players both desperately in need of big match wins right about now.

Honestly I see the finalist coming from this QF as opposed to the Tursunov vs. Canas I have predicted on the other side...

[shtexas]

Well done James.

[Foxykhat]

Agreed there, not only was Youzhny not trying to stall the match (he even tried to continue playing), I can't imagine anyone else doing something like this risking a concussion to win some time in the future.

He should have gotten a point taken off, but, I think, Mourier (the umpire) was just so stunned, and exhausted by the whole match (several warnings for both players in other times), and even Almagro didn't argue for it.

Really, though, I don't see a need for a fine, let alone a suspension. I did not find it funny, either, though.

Co-sign

Foxy

[ptmcmahon]

Channelsurfing's live streams are a big 0 for 3 for me right now :(

[kandi]

Clement/Llodra won their match 63 76(4) - Go Arnaud and Mika !!!

[Jessie181]

This livestream better friggin' work :mad:
I need to see Serena and Justine! :mad:

damn you, Channelsurfing and my school!:mad:

[Foxykhat]

This livestream better friggin' work :mad:
I need to see Serena and Justine! :mad:

damn you, Channelsurfing and my school!:mad:

I honestly DON'T want to see this match, another beating by Justine of Serena will only increase my present headache.

I'll even try to avoid the scoreboard.

Foxy

[dryrunguy]

I honestly DON'T want to see this match, another beating by Justine of Serena will only increase my present headache.

I'll even try to avoid the scoreboard.

Foxy

And it's a pretty safe bet that you will fail on that count quite miserably. :cheesy:

[dryrunguy]

Horrible draw for Mashona. :( And she's such a nice, wholesome young lady. I hope she doesn't pick up any of Sister B's bad habits.

[Foxykhat]

And it's a pretty safe bet that you will fail on that count quite miserably. :cheesy:

LOL, maybe, maybe not. I was able to when Venus played Maria at Wimby those two times so I just might be able to today.

Foxy

[dryrunguy]

LOL, maybe, maybe not. I was able to when Venus played Maria at Wimby those two times so I just might be able to today.

Foxy

You need a mango distraction.

[Foxykhat]

You need a mango distraction.

I do but I've been ordered to resist mango temptations for a while. :shocked::shocked::shocked:

Foxy

[GVGirl]

Channelsurfing folks...it works better on IE. Try clearing cookies and going back in.

I'm going to watch the match on FSN, with the sound down.;)

I feel a three setter coming between Ree and Juju. Serena will be shooting to kill. Some heavy hitting will be going on!:)

[Moose]

I feel a three setter coming between Ree and Juju. Serena will be shooting to kill. Some heavy hitting will be going on!:)

Serena needs this win, GV. This succession of losses to Justine has to be devastating. And Miami, the site where Serena last beat her, would certainly seem the spot where Serena would have an edge mentally in righting the ship. She's just got to make Justine suffer. Move her around all over, work that bad knee. Punish the second serve. And be patient in some rallies.

[Jessie181]

LOL, maybe, maybe not. I was able to when Venus played Maria at Wimby those two times so I just might be able to today.

Foxy
You missed their 05 and 07 matches?!?!?!

Those were some of my favorite Venus matches ever! :D



Channelsurfing folks...it works better on IE. Try clearing cookies and going back in.

I'm going to watch the match on FSN, with the sound down.;)

I feel a three setter coming between Ree and Juju. Serena will be shooting to kill. Some heavy hitting will be going on!:)
I've been using channelsurfing, but it's not working for me. I'll try clearing my cookies, though.

I see a three setter too :)
Not sure whether I believe Serena will win, but I'm pretty sure she won't go down without a fight

[shtexas]

If Serena cannot beat Justine at the Sony Ericsson Williams Open, she can't beat her anywhere.

[dryrunguy]

I do but I've been ordered to resist mango temptations for a while. :shocked::shocked::shocked:

Foxy

Yeah... You and Sen. Larry Craig. ;)

[Vlad]

Serena needs this win, GV. This succession of losses to Justine has to be devastating. And Miami, the site where Serena last beat her, would certainly seem the spot where Serena would have an edge mentally in righting the ship. She's just got to make Justine suffer. Move her around all over, work that bad knee. Punish the second serve. And be patient in some rallies.


Justine on the other hand will feel like she has unfinished business to make.. last year she served for the match and blew 2 matchpoints and then Serena prevailed. Should be fun match.

[bea26]

I have a feeling Justine is in Serena's head more than the other way around. This may be the match that washes the tastes of the Sharapova and Schiavone losses out of Justine's mouth more than the one that washes the Henin losses out of Serena's...

[Foxykhat]

Serena needs this win, GV. This succession of losses to Justine has to be devastating. And Miami, the site where Serena last beat her, would certainly seem the spot where Serena would have an edge mentally in righting the ship. She's just got to make Justine suffer. Move her around all over, work that bad knee. Punish the second serve. And be patient in some rallies.

Totally agree this is a must win for Serena, but I don't have a good feeling about it.


You missed their 05 and 07 matches?!?!?!

Those were some of my favorite Venus matches ever! :D

I missed them intentionally Jessie, but I have them on DVD which I watch often enough for memories.

I've been using channelsurfing, but it's not working for me. I'll try clearing my cookies, though.

I see a three setter too :)
Not sure whether I believe Serena will win, but I'm pretty sure she won't go down without a fight

Foxy

[rabbit]

My prediction: Justine will take the first set and then Serena the next two.

[Charlie02123]

Everyone's favorite James Blake is up a set early.
He's my second least favorite player. :p

I have Tursonov in my racket bracket beating Berdych.
Otherwise I'd agree with your pick Bea.
Ha ha ha! Isn't that the complete opposite?

If Serena cannot beat Justine at the Sony Ericsson Williams Open, she can't beat her anywhere.

Well, Wimbledon maybe. I would say that about Wimbledon first, then Miami.

[Jessie181]

Foxy

There's nothing like watching it live when you don't already know the outcome, though, Foxy. Going through the motions throughout those match(es) gives you a bit of a high.:o

[mmmm8]

Reality 1 Mmmm8's predictions 0. I picked Stepanek as a cop-out to avoid picking between James and Rafa.

Would love to be wrong again with the current men's match.

[Jessie181]

He's my second least favorite player. :p

Ha ha ha! Isn't that the complete opposite?


Well, Wimbledon maybe. I would say that about Wimbledon first, then Miami.

Nah, Wimbledon is more Venus' domain:cool: (Serena lost to Justine last year, if you don't remember ;))

[mjschaefer]

He's my second least favorite player. :p

Ha ha ha! Isn't that the complete opposite?


It's worded funny, but what I meant is that if Berdych was playing someone besides Tusurnov I'd be more in favor of the pick.

Also who is your least favorite?

[Charlie02123]

Nah, Wimbledon is more Venus' domain:cool: (Serena lost to Justine last year, if you don't remember ;))

Wait a minute. WHAT!?

:) No, I remember. I remember her injuries too, though. I still think ten fingered Serena has a bigger edge at Wimbledon.

[Charlie02123]

It's worded funny, but what I meant is that if Berdych was playing someone besides Tusurnov I'd be more in favor of the pick.

Also who is your least favorite?

I figured. I just got a good laugh out of it, anyway.

My least favorite is Roddick (The 2008 Miami Champion! U.S.A! U.S.A!).

[Danielle]

I've never gotten that one either. Unless you need a new racket afterwards, because that slows down play. When I'm playing someone I want him to throw his racket. Just lets me know I'm doing the right things.


Not to beat a dead horse, cuz I'm coming in late to this discussion but I trained briefly as an official a while back and though my memory is fuzzy, I believe the racquet and ball abuse rules partly come from the potential of what might happen. When you're upset, you're not thinking or aiming so there's no telling where a racquet or ball could end up when you throw it, break it or wail on it. In a professional match, you've got linespeople and ball kids right behind you and they already have to duck on a regular basis when huge serves or winners are hit. It's one thing during a point, that comes with the territory and you can see where it's coming from...to just start breaking, hitting or throwing things out of anger could cause harm. Again, it's not that this happens every day but the potential for harm is there and therefore so is the rule. And I'm sure part of it is also due to the fact it is very unsportsmanlike behavior. I do remember the officials telling me at least one story of a player who broke all his racquets and had to borrow one to finish the match. And to do that is just plain stupid, IMO.

[Charlie02123]

Wow. Great start to the match. They're both being very aggressive. They're making errors, but at least they're aggressive errors.

Serena saves three break points and then breaks Henin. Up 2-0.

Henin seems like she's trying to slug it out with Serena a bit too much. Newsflash to Justine: you're two feet tall. Love, Charlie.

Man this is fun.

[Charlie02123]

Not to beat a dead horse, cuz I'm coming in late to this discussion but I trained briefly as an official a while back and though my memory is fuzzy, I believe the racquet and ball abuse rules partly come from the potential of what might happen. When you're upset, you're not thinking or aiming so there's no telling where a racquet or ball could end up when you throw it, break it or wail on it. In a professional match, you've got linespeople and ball kids right behind you and they already have to duck on a regular basis when huge serves or winners are hit. It's one thing during a point, that comes with the territory and you can see where it's coming from...to just start breaking, hitting or throwing things out of anger could cause harm. Again, it's not that this happens every day but the potential for harm is there and therefore so is the rule. And I'm sure part of it is also due to the fact it is very unsportsmanlike behavior. I do remember the officials telling me at least one story of a player who broke all his racquets and had to borrow one to finish the match. And to do that is just plain stupid, IMO.

That makes a lot of sense.

[dryrunguy]

Not to beat a dead horse, cuz I'm coming in late to this discussion but I trained briefly as an official a while back and though my memory is fuzzy, I believe the racquet and ball abuse rules partly come from the potential of what might happen. When you're upset, you're not thinking or aiming so there's no telling where a racquet or ball could end up when you throw it, break it or wail on it. In a professional match, you've got linespeople and ball kids right behind you and they already have to duck on a regular basis when huge serves or winners are hit. It's one thing during a point, that comes with the territory and you can see where it's coming from...to just start breaking, hitting or throwing things out of anger could cause harm. Again, it's not that this happens every day but the potential for harm is there and therefore so is the rule. And I'm sure part of it is also due to the fact it is very unsportsmanlike behavior. I do remember the officials telling me at least one story of a player who broke all his racquets and had to borrow one to finish the match. And to do that is just plain stupid, IMO.

Wasn't there at incident a year or two ago where a player's racquet landed in the stands after being thrown? I think it was Tursunov at Roland Garros? Forgive me if I'm wrong. But that's an example of where someone COULD have been hurt... hit in the eye or something.

I don't know anyone who shells out big bucks to go to a tennis match to get hit in the head by a flying racquet.

[mmmm8]

Not to beat a dead horse, cuz I'm coming in late to this discussion but I trained briefly as an official a while back and though my memory is fuzzy, I believe the racquet and ball abuse rules partly come from the potential of what might happen. When you're upset, you're not thinking or aiming so there's no telling where a racquet or ball could end up when you throw it, break it or wail on it. In a professional match, you've got linespeople and ball kids right behind you and they already have to duck on a regular basis when huge serves or winners are hit. It's one thing during a point, that comes with the territory and you can see where it's coming from...to just start breaking, hitting or throwing things out of anger could cause harm. Again, it's not that this happens every day but the potential for harm is there and therefore so is the rule. And I'm sure part of it is also due to the fact it is very unsportsmanlike behavior. I do remember the officials telling me at least one story of a player who broke all his racquets and had to borrow one to finish the match. And to do that is just plain stupid, IMO.


Thanks. Yeah, I understand the recklessness aspect to it. Sometimes I wonder, though, if it should be applied case-by-case (and sometimes it is), rather than at all times.

[mjschaefer]

I figured. I just got a good laugh out of it, anyway.

My least favorite is Roddick (The 2008 Miami Champion! U.S.A! U.S.A!).


I guess I can see why... when your favorite is 0-11 against them :p.

[Charlie02123]

First Justin called the players 'girls.' Now it's 'ladies.' He's improving! Next step: women.

[JTContinental]

My prediction: Justine will take the first set and then Serena the next two.

I'm going with Serena in two "knock the world number one down a few pegs" sets.

Jeez, and that's even before I looked at the scoreboard.

[oohsalmon]

You know what would be fun? A double bagel.

Go Serena!

[Charlie02123]

I guess I can see why... when your favorite is 0-11 against them :p.

Actually, I don't think Nadia Petrova has ever played them. :)

Just kidding. Davydenko is a bad match up against them, but they were my least favorites before I started liking Nikolay.

I'm not a big fan of the swing hard and harder style, and I'm a little biased against American players because commentator favoritism makes me hurl. Plus I think Roddick is an ass. (Sorry to those of you who have heard this explanation multiple times).

[Charlie02123]

You know what would be fun? A double bagel.

Go Serena!

I'm really hungry and trying to ease up on bread. Mmmmmmmm. Damn you. :mad:

[JTContinental]

You know what would be fun? A double bagel.


Allez!

[mmmm8]

You know what would be fun? A double bagel.


Yes, it would! But that means Justine would have to lose the first before she wins 12 straight! :rolleyes:






Bondarenkos got killed in the second!

[ptmcmahon]

I'm torn...

- Don't like Henin, so would love to see her lose
- Would mean I can't beat the SP draw though (I picked Serena and Venus the last two days, when one of the days I should have taken from the bottom half)
- Would knock out 3 people in the SP who picked Henin though!

[shtexas]

Actually, I don't think Nadia Petrova has ever played them. :)

Just kidding. Davydenko is a bad match up against them, but they were my least favorites before I started liking Nikolay.

I'm not a big fan of the swing hard and harder style, and I'm a little biased against American players because commentator favoritism makes me hurl. Plus I think Roddick is an ass. (Sorry to those of you who have heard this explanation multiple times).

Not many have Davydenko as a fave. I think he's a clever player. But, I don't enjoy watching him at all, except maybe on clay.

[Charlie02123]

Wasn't there at incident a year or two ago where a player's racquet landed in the stands after being thrown? I think it was Tursunov at Roland Garros? Forgive me if I'm wrong. But that's an example of where someone COULD have been hurt... hit in the eye or something.

I don't know anyone who shells out big bucks to go to a tennis match to get hit in the head by a flying racquet.

I remember a few different incidents of players hitting people with rackets (or coming very close). I know something along those lines happened with Coria. He ended up giving his shirt to a ball kid who he almost decapitated or something. (Like that's such a great prize).

[mjschaefer]

Actually, I don't think Nadia Petrova has ever played them. :)

Just kidding. Davydenko is a bad match up against them, but they were my least favorites before I started liking Nikolay.

I'm not a big fan of the swing hard and harder style, and I'm a little biased against American players because commentator favoritism makes me hurl. Plus I think Roddick is an ass. (Sorry to those of you who have heard this explanation multiple times).

Haha I completely understand. I've liked James since when I first started to follow his comeback. I've warmed to Andy but its hard at times.

I have similar reasonings to why I dislike Murray and Novak. I think they are just brats on the court sometimes and I wish they'd carry themselves better.

[ptmcmahon]

Channelsurfing folks...it works better on IE. Try clearing cookies and going back in.

I'm going to watch the match on FSN, with the sound down.;)

I feel a three setter coming between Ree and Juju. Serena will be shooting to kill. Some heavy hitting will be going on!:)


I tried the whole deleting cookies and everything...and using IE. One stream shows basketball, one locks up, the other gives the red x. :(

[Moose]

Wasn't there at incident a year or two ago where a player's racquet landed in the stands after being thrown? I think it was Tursunov at Roland Garros? Forgive me if I'm wrong. But that's an example of where someone COULD have been hurt... hit in the eye or something.

I don't know anyone who shells out big bucks to go to a tennis match to get hit in the head by a flying racquet.

It's probably not the one you are thinking of Dry...but remember Kiefer's incident with Grosjean at the Aussie.

[rabbit]

In other (good) news, the Bondarenko sisters knocked out in straight sets by Sun and Peng. :)

[Jessie181]

While thinking about my MDtM team, I realized I need Justine to win against Serena...so....



GO JUSTINE!!

[shtexas]

GO Igor!

[oohsalmon]

Serena, hon, the slice isn't as good as you think.

[shtexas]

GO Igor!

:lipsrsealed:

[Charlie02123]

Yes, it would! But that means Justine would have to lose the first before she wins 12 straight! :rolleyes:

Oh no you di'n't!


Not many have Davydenko as a fave. I think he's a clever player. But, I don't enjoy watching him at all, except maybe on clay.

One of the issues is that he's not that popular. The only time a match with him is televised is if he's playing in a late round of a slam. Any time he gets that far, or plays someone that good, his brain shuts off and he becomes very aggravating to root for.

When he's on, he's brilliant. No one takes the ball as early as he does. No one. And he generates a tremendous amount of pace for being a tiny man. I think watching him indoors is more fun than clay. Either way, though. :sweetheart:

[oohsalmon]

Oh hell.

[dryrunguy]

It's probably not the one you are thinking of Dry...but remember Kiefer's incident with Grosjean at the Aussie.

No... But yes. And don't tell shtexas, but that's just the way Kiefer is. :lipsrsealed:

Meanwhile, Igor needs to start being Igor and let this match get away. :mad:

[Jessie181]

Serena, hon, the slice isn't as good as you think.

Shouldn't you be in class, mister? :tisk: bad, Fishy. Bad :tisk:





anywho...


I caught myself rooting for Justine:o

[oohsalmon]

Shouldn't you be in class, mister? :tisk: bad, Fishy. Bad :tisk:





anywho...


I caught myself rooting for Justine:o

I am in class.

But I can't stop myself from positng because I love my avatar so much.

[Jessie181]

Just hold! (and win..and lose to Venus :D)

[Jessie181]

I am in class.

But I can't stop myself from positng because I love my avatar so much.
I thought that might be the reason why you're on here.

He is rather lovable, isn't he? ;)

[Moose]

Serena and Justine are both simply too good for this match to deteriorate into a typical WTA break-fest like it is.

When even the best of the best start doing that, I understand why I've become a bigger fan of the ATP in the last year or so.

Having said that, however, good getting the break back, Miss Williams.

[JTContinental]

I'm posting in class, too. But my scoreboard is stuck. :(

[Moose]

Serena serving 4-2 JT

[dryrunguy]

Where has that off, heavily topspun forehand that lands so short in the court and just keeps curving wide been for Serena? I haven't seen it in ages. It's my favorite shot in her arsenal.

[Jessie181]

I've realized I've totally become indifferent to the outcome of this match. :p

[JTContinental]

Serena serving 4-2 JT

Danke, and allez!

[Charlie02123]

I caught myself rooting for Justine:o

Me too. I do think Justine is the underdog, and he interview they showed was very sweet. Plus I'm not a huge fan of Serena. She's playing amazingly at the moment, though.

[aedra1119]

Serena holds for 5-2. Go Serena!

[oohsalmon]

I just like seeing #1s get whooped, whoever they are.

[Moose]

Me too. I do think Justine is the underdog, and he interview they showed was very sweet. Plus I'm not a huge fan of Serena. She's playing amazingly at the moment, though.

Do we need to show you the AO clip Charlie? The hand at the French? The "my belly hurts"? We have an arsenal too!

[Moose]

Breaks her at love for the set. Great exclamation point to a beautiful sentence, Serena!

[dryrunguy]

I caught myself rooting for Justine:o

Me, too... It's widely known as the Contest Whore Effect.

[aedra1119]

Serena breaks at love for the set. :shocked: Keep it up!

[kandi]

OUCH - Serena takes 1st set -- :(
Allez Justine - quit with those errors !!!

[shtexas]

Go Serena!

Igor, wrap it up! :mad:

[GVGirl]

So much for a 3 setter. LOL OK Serena, get this over with soon.


I want to see Federer.;)

[Charlie02123]

I am in class.

But I can't stop myself from positng because I love my avatar so much.

Oh fun! Are you at a computer for the class, or on a fancy cell phone?



(and lose to Venus :D)

Agreed. Or Kuznetsova. Either one.



Do we need to show you the AO clip Charlie? The hand at the French? The "my belly hurts"? We have an arsenal too!

Clips? What clips? I'm not sure what you're referring to.

No, I'm not a fan of old Justine. I do like this new gal, though. She seems classy.

[Danielle]

Wasn't there at incident a year or two ago where a player's racquet landed in the stands after being thrown? I think it was Tursunov at Roland Garros? Forgive me if I'm wrong. But that's an example of where someone COULD have been hurt... hit in the eye or something.

Don't recall anything but wouldn't be surprised...


Thanks. Yeah, I understand the recklessness aspect to it. Sometimes I wonder, though, if it should be applied case-by-case (and sometimes it is), rather than at all times.

Exactly...and they did emphasize various examples as to when to code and when not to. Every official will be a bit different too as to how strictly they enforce the violations. Some were definitely more lenient than others.


First Justin called the players 'girls.' Now it's 'ladies.' He's improving! Next step: women.

Ugh...I thought I recognized his voice. Isn't he just supposed to torture us during the men's matches?


You know what would be fun? A double bagel.



I remember a few different incidents of players hitting people with rackets (or coming very close). I know something along those lines happened with Coria. He ended up giving his shirt to a ball kid who he almost decapitated or something. (Like that's such a great prize).

LOL, Charlie. Speaking of Coria and bagels...anyone notice he was double bageled in his loss in Italy today? It might be time to throw in the towel...or at least take some time off and get his head together.

[oohsalmon]

Oh fun! Are you at a computer for the class, or on a fancy cell phone?


Just lugged my laptop here :) I'll have a dilemma, though, if the Serena match overruns this class, which it almost certainly will since the class ends in 27 minutes.

Do I aloofly stay in this lecture hall during the next class?

[JTContinental]

:)

[JTContinental]

Just lugged my laptop here :) I'll have a dilemma, though, if the Serena match overruns this class, which it almost certainly will since the class ends in 27 minutes.

Do I aloofly stay in this lecture hall during the next class?

It's the beginning of the quarter; no one will know the difference.

[Moose]

"My mother always said that the first game of the second set was the chance to keep it going if you were ahead or change things if you were behind."

Tracy Austin

[Danielle]

I want to see Federer.;)

I like that plan! Miami just seems to suit Serena given how many times she's won it.

[shtexas]

Speaking of Coria and bagels...anyone notice he was double bageled in his loss in Italy today? It might be time to throw in the towel...or at least take some time off and get his head together.

:( on the double bagel.

If he takes any more time off, he might as well call it a day.

[shtexas]

"My mother always said that the first game of the second set was the chance to keep it going if you were ahead or change things if you were behind."

Tracy Austin

Always makes me laugh.

[Moose]

Dear Marion:

How did you do it against me? I need to do it against Serena.

xo,
J1H

[aedra1119]

"My mother always said that the first game of the second set was the chance to keep it going if you were ahead or change things if you were behind."

Tracy Austin

Don't you just love her wisdom! :cheesy:

[dryrunguy]

"My mother always said that the first game of the second set was the chance to keep it going if you were ahead or change things if you were behind."

Tracy Austin

Yet more proof that the theory of evolution is completely bogus. :cheesy:

[Danielle]

"My mother always said that the first game of the second set was the chance to keep it going if you were ahead or change things if you were behind."

Tracy Austin

:hyst: Ahh...the Austin words of wisdom.

[ptmcmahon]

Looks like Serena's gonna be up 3-0 very shortly

[Moose]

I'm so glad everyone else loves Tracy's wit as much as I do. I still think it is a battle between that one and her "these girls are really stepping it up now" remark in the 3rd set tiebreak between Nikki V and Shahar at the USO for her best quote.

[Charlie02123]

Do I aloofly stay in this lecture hall during the next class?

OMG, aloofly. I love it.

Damn it. Now I need to go to class.

[oploskoffie]

http://members.lycos.nl/mrcawfee/tat/serenawaffles.jpg

[oohsalmon]

It's the beginning of the quarter; no one will know the difference.

If only, we're almost done with the semester here.

[nelslus]

Is this match playin' anywhere via the free internet?!?!? My work place now has My P2P blocked, apparently. :(

[Moose]

oh yeah! 2 more games, Little Sister, and the nightmare is over.

[rabbit]

4-0 Serena! Wow, Justine must be feeling pretty miserable out there.

[oohsalmon]

Serena!

10 minutes left in the class, yo. Do it to it.

[shtexas]

Is it safe to say:

Blow-out!?

[Moose]

Is it safe to say:

Blow-out!?



almost safe. Let's get this last game.

Serena has got to be feeling mighty good right now, however.

[dryrunguy]

Is it officiall yet that Chanda and Justin simply don't much care for each other? :cheesy: