Predictable.
Good for Serena.
Even match so far. Ferrer definitely looks ready.
How scarey was that idiot with the flare?? What were they protesting?
Ocho Rafa!!!
Here is the footage. Nadal bolted immediately, then a security guard pulled him back.
Reminds me of the guy who put a beret on Federer.
Hey, I got one right!
Something about children. No need to point out the irony of protesting on behalf of children with an immature stunt.
You may have seen these stats on ESPN, but Serena has now won every Grand slam event twice, which puts her in the company of Navratilova, Evert, and Graf. Graf won them all at least four times, in fact. Serena has 16 major titles overall, which puts her behind Court (24), Graf (22), Willis Moody (19), Evert and Navratilova (18). Court and Willis Moody played most or all of their careers before the Open Era.
Just to round things out: the Bryans won the men’s doubles yesterday by beating the French team of Llodra and Mahut in a third-set tiebreak. It’s their second French Open title and 14th overall. Just like Serena, they have won every major at least twice. Makarova and Vesnina beat Errani and Vinci to win the women’s doubles. That’s the first women’s doubles win for both of them - Marakova has one mixed doubles Slam title and Vesnina has two. And František Čermák and Lucie Hradecká won the mixed. Hradecká and Andrea Hlaváčková are one of the best teams in women’s doubles but this is the first major title of any kind for Čermák.
Two weeks to Wimbledon. I love the fast turnaround and the skill that requires, but every year I wish there were more grass-court tennis.
Thanks for pointing out the Bryan brothers victory. I hadn’t followed it, but am glad to see them do so well. And they have won the first two majors of the year; it’d be amazing if they went for the Grand Slam.
I also wish there was more grass tennis, though also love the short turnaround.
Odds on Federer winning it again?
Actually, if the Bryan brothers win Wimbledon, they will have pulled off a “Bryan Slam”, having all 4 major titles simultaneously.
Like Serena did awhile back.
I think the odds are against it. But I think everybody would agree if he’s going to win another it’ll be at Wimbledon, so we’ll have to see his draw and how well he’s playing at the beginning.
Wesley Morris from Grantland on the protestors. He says they’re protesting against France’s recent decision to legalize gay marriage, so double-fuck these jerks:
Meh, too bad Serena won again. One of the greatest women’s players ever, but immensely unlikeable. Not that Maria is much better, though.
Nadal rolling Ferrer was expected, but it was nice that Rafa saved his best tennis for the final. David was actually playing pretty well, but Rafa put on an absolute clinic, with way more offensive punch than he normally displays and hitting a ton of ludicrous shots.
So thoughts on best match of the tournament, quality-wise? My votes:
Australian Open 2013: Wawrinka v. Djokovic, 4th round (probably one of best all-time, IMO).
French Open 2013: Wawrinka v. Gasquet, 4th round (Rafa v. Novak gets honorable mention).
I really want Wawrinka to break through and win a major soon. He’s so fun to watch when he’s on. He’s my (wishful) pick for Wimbledon, hopefully playing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final. Those two guys are both due for a Grand Slam, and neither are spring chickens.
I’d be amazed if that happened. He’s a solid player and it’s nice to see him win some tough matches, but I can’t imagine him beating Nadal or Djokovic - or both, or one of the two plus Federer or Murray - in major. He just doesn’t have the weapons. I think this Wimbledon may be Tsonga’s best/last chance at a Grand Slam title, and I’d enjoy that. He’s on a roll and grass lets him play more offense. He’s made the semifinals the last two years.
Gael Monfils is playing the Wimbledon warmup even in Halle and seems to be playing well, but he says he won’t play Wimbledon because of an unspecified personal problem. Confusing, but too bad.
I’m real late to this thread!!
While I don’t wish him ill - I don’t think it’s too bad. I don’t like that little cheater and think he’s an ass.
But not as much of an ass as Berdych whom I loathe. I was so glad he drew Monfils in the first round at RG and lost. I did a little happy dance. Gods, but he’s a whiny little bitch.
I hope not, but I think he has gone on record saying he wants to play in Rio, so he’ll have to stay on tour for a bit yet. I just don’t know if he will if he starts exiting tourneys in the Quarters or below.
I was really hoping that Nole would win that one because I think Ferrer would have stood a better chance than he did against Nadal. Poor Ferrer. I adore him. And he’s such a beautiful man.
I hated the match between Ferrer and Robredo. It was like Sophie’s Choice for me, but I knew Tommy wasn’t going to pull another miracle out. Seriously - coming back from 2 sets down to win three times in a row? Respect, dude!
The sure know how to grow 'em in Spain.
That would be a dream! I love Stan - he’s a beast (and I mean that in a good way).
I didn’t like Tsonga at first - or rather, didn’t like watching him play. I found him dull, but in the last couple years he’s grown on my and now he’s one of my favourites.
You don’t think it’s too bad he was robbed of the height of his career by an illness because you think he’s a cheat?
Like I said, I don’t wish him ill; I’m sorry he’s sick, but I’m not sorry to see him off the tour. So I guess, no, I don’t think it’s too bad. I just wish he’d take Berdych with him.
Again - not wishing injury or illness on anyone
What is this about cheating anyway? I see people talking about an incident during a match in 2009 where he pointed to the wrong ball mark and people are convinced he was doing it on purpose to fool the umpire- is that it?
I love Monfils’ drama. He reminds me of Sampras, who had this hangdog look about him that made you believe he had one foot in the coffin. Then BAM! winner! Bummed Mondils is out of Wimbledon. Tennis needs more characters like him.
Acc to the American commentators, Berdych is universally disliked in the locker room. So I get the dislike of Berdych. They also say Fognini is bratty. I don’t know enough about him to know what it is they’re talking about. Oh, and Bernie Tomic is also disliked, though he’s been getting a little slack lately because people are beginning to realize that his father is batshit crazy.
Acc to a friend of a friend who used to travel with the tour and saw a lot of behind the scenes action here at our Masters 1000 tourney, both Federer and Nadal are universally liked by both the players and the staff. Gentlemen through and through. Djokovic isn’t as well liked, which I honestly don’t get cause I think he’s a witty, sincere kid, with just the right amount of brattiness.
Oh, the same guy said that Clijsters was, by far, his favorite women’s tennis player. Maternal type, real sweet. And his least favorite…Serena. Said she is as aloof and diva-ish as she appears.
I’m not sure. I hadn’t heard him called a cheater until now, at least not that I remember, anyway.