U.S. Open
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I'm in as usual. The U.S. Open is a highly anticipated event every year at my house. Nothing like the night matches and i can kick myself for leaving the house tonight when Agassi was down 3-0 in the third set. Had to get to a store and thought he ran out of gas. But when you got that excitement of Grand Slam tennis under the lights in NY that truly makes for great entertainment not to mention the great commentary w/ Ted Robinson and Johnny Mac. Looking forward to lots of great tennis in the days ahead...
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Well i hate to rain on Andre's parade but just learned who his second round match is with and i gotta tell you, it couldn't be worse. Marcos Baghdatis is a force to reckon with and extremely charasmatic, like Andre. Has a tenacious and skillful game. Hard not to like the guy. Expect him to go deep into the tournament.
To be honest, no matter how much the crowd is there for him, no matter what the setting, it would take a modern day miracle for Andre to pull this one out. Very tough opponent. Bad luck. I don't expect Andre to get a set. And of course i hope i'm wrong but Baghdatis is an exciting and very entertaining player. He's young, fresh, skillful and hungry.
Andre, where could you possibly find the energy to keep up w/ this guy? I mean it is your stage but let's be real, how much do people realize about the grueling nature of this game on a 36 yr old body. The game is not as easy as you make you it look, Andre. We know that much.
Wishing you well. Either way you have earned your place in the storied history of this game.
All the best to you, Andre, always.
To be honest, no matter how much the crowd is there for him, no matter what the setting, it would take a modern day miracle for Andre to pull this one out. Very tough opponent. Bad luck. I don't expect Andre to get a set. And of course i hope i'm wrong but Baghdatis is an exciting and very entertaining player. He's young, fresh, skillful and hungry.
Andre, where could you possibly find the energy to keep up w/ this guy? I mean it is your stage but let's be real, how much do people realize about the grueling nature of this game on a 36 yr old body. The game is not as easy as you make you it look, Andre. We know that much.
Wishing you well. Either way you have earned your place in the storied history of this game.
All the best to you, Andre, always.
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Rain, rain, go away
More downpours postpone more than 50 matches
NEW YORK (AP) -- Amelie Mauresmo wiped raindrops from her face and Lleyton Hewitt nearly skidded into a split as bad weather played havoc with the U.S. Open on a stop-and-go Tuesday.
Every match except James Blake's was suspended or postponed -- and as of 9 p.m., his opener against Juan Monaco of Argentina was being delayed by rain.
The other 63 on the schedule were pushed back to Wednesday, as was a remembrance of Hurricane Katrina on the one-year anniversary. The forecast called for morning showers.
Only nine matches started, and that was after a 3½-hour rain delay. None of them came close to completion.
The top-seeded Mauresmo won her opening set against unheralded Kristina Barrois 6-1, but was trailing 2-5 in the second when play was halted for a second time. About five hours later, organizers gave up on them resuming Tuesday.
"It can be tough when you're waiting around all day," said 13th-seeded Mary Pierce, who was supposed to play Elena Vesnina of Russia. "Sometimes you have to be ready in 20 minutes after you've been waiting for hours."
Mauresmo was scheduled to start at Arthur Ashe Stadium about 11 hours after Andre Agassi finished off his first-round win over Andrei Pavel at 12:30 a.m.
Mauresmo was hoping to add a third Grand Slam title this year, having won the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Barrois was making her U.S. Open debut, and had said her goal was to move into the top 100.
Only a few thousand fans were in Ashe when that match began. Those sitting in the upper deck were allowed to move down to the lower, pricey seats. That didn't stop them from booing, however, when play was stopped.
Hewitt, the 2001 U.S. Open champion, and Albert Montanes were tied at 5 in the first set when it was suspended. That came right after Hewitt's right foot slid on the slippery baseline and he almost when into a split.
Other players who managed to get on court included 2004 French Open champion Anastasia Myskina, up-and-coming French teen Gael Monfils and Americans Meghann Shaughnessy and Jamea Jackson.
The U.S. Open's official Media Operations Guide said a session must be called by 5 p.m. if play does not start. Once it begins, it's up to tournament officials. The cutoff for the night session was 9:45 p.m. The last time an entire session was called off at the Open was 2004.
With so many matches running behind, the practice courts were jammed. Often, four players shared the same surface, simultaneously keeping two balls in play by hitting to the opposite corners.
"There's not much you can do, and there's not a lot of places you can go," Pierce said. "I just try to stay in the locker room and make sure that I drink, that I eat, rest, take naps, read.
"It's good training for your patience," she said.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20..._open/2006/08/29/bc.ten.usopen2.ap/index.html
More downpours postpone more than 50 matches
NEW YORK (AP) -- Amelie Mauresmo wiped raindrops from her face and Lleyton Hewitt nearly skidded into a split as bad weather played havoc with the U.S. Open on a stop-and-go Tuesday.
Every match except James Blake's was suspended or postponed -- and as of 9 p.m., his opener against Juan Monaco of Argentina was being delayed by rain.
The other 63 on the schedule were pushed back to Wednesday, as was a remembrance of Hurricane Katrina on the one-year anniversary. The forecast called for morning showers.
Only nine matches started, and that was after a 3½-hour rain delay. None of them came close to completion.
The top-seeded Mauresmo won her opening set against unheralded Kristina Barrois 6-1, but was trailing 2-5 in the second when play was halted for a second time. About five hours later, organizers gave up on them resuming Tuesday.
"It can be tough when you're waiting around all day," said 13th-seeded Mary Pierce, who was supposed to play Elena Vesnina of Russia. "Sometimes you have to be ready in 20 minutes after you've been waiting for hours."
Mauresmo was scheduled to start at Arthur Ashe Stadium about 11 hours after Andre Agassi finished off his first-round win over Andrei Pavel at 12:30 a.m.
Mauresmo was hoping to add a third Grand Slam title this year, having won the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Barrois was making her U.S. Open debut, and had said her goal was to move into the top 100.
Only a few thousand fans were in Ashe when that match began. Those sitting in the upper deck were allowed to move down to the lower, pricey seats. That didn't stop them from booing, however, when play was stopped.
Hewitt, the 2001 U.S. Open champion, and Albert Montanes were tied at 5 in the first set when it was suspended. That came right after Hewitt's right foot slid on the slippery baseline and he almost when into a split.
Other players who managed to get on court included 2004 French Open champion Anastasia Myskina, up-and-coming French teen Gael Monfils and Americans Meghann Shaughnessy and Jamea Jackson.
The U.S. Open's official Media Operations Guide said a session must be called by 5 p.m. if play does not start. Once it begins, it's up to tournament officials. The cutoff for the night session was 9:45 p.m. The last time an entire session was called off at the Open was 2004.
With so many matches running behind, the practice courts were jammed. Often, four players shared the same surface, simultaneously keeping two balls in play by hitting to the opposite corners.
"There's not much you can do, and there's not a lot of places you can go," Pierce said. "I just try to stay in the locker room and make sure that I drink, that I eat, rest, take naps, read.
"It's good training for your patience," she said.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20..._open/2006/08/29/bc.ten.usopen2.ap/index.html
God, did i get it WRONG WRONG WRONG (predicting that Andre would fall in straight sets). Know Baghdatis quite well and have always loved his game. He brings much needed personality to the sport and when he smiles his animation lights up any match. Plus he is a hell of a player. (Likely could stand to be some kind of heir apparent for Andre concerning charisma and game although i know i know Andre is beyond equal)
I didn't think there was anyway that his aging cortisoned body would keep up w/ the young phenom. Ironically it was Marcos that started cramping. Dripping irony that only set the stage and tone for another glorious night in New York w/ Andre.
It becomes painfully clear that tennis will lose much when Andre bids his final farewell. He (and his lovely wife, Steffi) are pure class and Andre has all the traits of a beloved legend. Gracious and articulate. I see him in the broadcasting end of things eventually. Such an advocate for the game. And so deserving of all that comes to him. Class, heart and extrarordinary resolve. 'What's not to love?'
Ted Robinson hit it perfectly when he said early in the first set, "its Baghdatis against New York." Nothing could be more appropriate in grasping the immensity and grandeur in the moment.
Andre has given so much to the game. It is amazing to watch the Tennis Nation give it all back. Whoever said it is right. Andre plays for the fans. It's a spectacular love affair...
I didn't think there was anyway that his aging cortisoned body would keep up w/ the young phenom. Ironically it was Marcos that started cramping. Dripping irony that only set the stage and tone for another glorious night in New York w/ Andre.
It becomes painfully clear that tennis will lose much when Andre bids his final farewell. He (and his lovely wife, Steffi) are pure class and Andre has all the traits of a beloved legend. Gracious and articulate. I see him in the broadcasting end of things eventually. Such an advocate for the game. And so deserving of all that comes to him. Class, heart and extrarordinary resolve. 'What's not to love?'
Ted Robinson hit it perfectly when he said early in the first set, "its Baghdatis against New York." Nothing could be more appropriate in grasping the immensity and grandeur in the moment.
Andre has given so much to the game. It is amazing to watch the Tennis Nation give it all back. Whoever said it is right. Andre plays for the fans. It's a spectacular love affair...
Wow, AMAZING , AMAZING mathch with Agassi and Bagdhatis.
I think the fans were VERY VERY harsh again on Bagdhatis, he was streching out his legs and getting ready for hte points ahead and the crowd starts booing and it was right after the nijury. The game took almost 4 hours and it was faboulas.
I dont think Marcos took it a wee bit in the injury and it looked like he was hurt doing 3 double faults AFTER the injury. and walking very slow. That showed taht he wasn't taking it too far.
I think Agassi will lose in the 4th round where I am expecting Roddick to be there. Aassi will win in the rd round verse becker but I think he will lsoe to Roddick which I think will be better than the one verse Bagdhatis.
I think the fans were VERY VERY harsh again on Bagdhatis, he was streching out his legs and getting ready for hte points ahead and the crowd starts booing and it was right after the nijury. The game took almost 4 hours and it was faboulas.
I dont think Marcos took it a wee bit in the injury and it looked like he was hurt doing 3 double faults AFTER the injury. and walking very slow. That showed taht he wasn't taking it too far.
I think Agassi will lose in the 4th round where I am expecting Roddick to be there. Aassi will win in the rd round verse becker but I think he will lsoe to Roddick which I think will be better than the one verse Bagdhatis.
Baghdatis is probably not used to having the crowd against him, cheering his every unforced error. (I think the crowd had a strong influence on his embarrassingly numerous unforced error count)
Baghdatis wasn't playing his best tennis for most of the match, and neither was Agassi, who looks awfully old out there on the court. I wouldn't call this an epic, but it does mean one more round for Andre.
Benjamin Becker has a chance to make history, to play in Agassi's last pro tennis match. Failing that, Roddick-Agassi has a lot of the setup to be like Agassi-Blake of last year, with New Yorkers willing to cheer on both competitors. I'm pretty sure that's where the Agassi career would end though, as Roddick's serve looks unbreakable this tournament. It would be a good way to go I think. One American tennis player to one who grew up wanting to play like him.
This isn't like last year, there's no chance that Agassi will win the Open playing like he's playing now. But I hope he eventually goes down to a player who does have that chance. It would be a dignified way to end his long and inspiring career.
Baghdatis wasn't playing his best tennis for most of the match, and neither was Agassi, who looks awfully old out there on the court. I wouldn't call this an epic, but it does mean one more round for Andre.
Benjamin Becker has a chance to make history, to play in Agassi's last pro tennis match. Failing that, Roddick-Agassi has a lot of the setup to be like Agassi-Blake of last year, with New Yorkers willing to cheer on both competitors. I'm pretty sure that's where the Agassi career would end though, as Roddick's serve looks unbreakable this tournament. It would be a good way to go I think. One American tennis player to one who grew up wanting to play like him.
This isn't like last year, there's no chance that Agassi will win the Open playing like he's playing now. But I hope he eventually goes down to a player who does have that chance. It would be a dignified way to end his long and inspiring career.
That's right on. Baghdatis does feed off the crowd and i know he is used to being a fan favorite. I am convinced that playing against "New York" was a bit daunting for the young Cypriot. Marcos is an easy guy to get behind. And who could say he didn't touch many hearts not only w/ his indefatigable spirit but with his kind and dignified demeanor following the match paying such respect to the legend. Make no mistake, he looks well suited to be an heir apparent (considering his game and charismatic nature) nothwithstanding the looming presence of Federer and Nadal.
Would expect that Roddick will steamroll Andre and the city if need be but then again who knows anymore given the mystique of the moment and the effect that NY has on Andre and whoever the unfortunate opponent might be.
Stay tuned.
Would expect that Roddick will steamroll Andre and the city if need be but then again who knows anymore given the mystique of the moment and the effect that NY has on Andre and whoever the unfortunate opponent might be.
Stay tuned.
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Opening moments of the Sunday AM match w/ Andre and "B.Becker." The Becker guy just clocked a serve at 140. Andre nearly swung full on a forehand to get it back w/ his own message attached. Forget the chip shot returns by Andre. He doesn't care how fast it's coming. He's takin a rip at it.
Watched a brief tape of his hey day against the original B.Becker. Could just tell that Andre has lost a bit of speed and power over the years. Guy is runnin on pure adrenaline at this point. The current B.Becker looks formidable. Could be a tough match
Watched a brief tape of his hey day against the original B.Becker. Could just tell that Andre has lost a bit of speed and power over the years. Guy is runnin on pure adrenaline at this point. The current B.Becker looks formidable. Could be a tough match
by the way anybody see the between the legs return (during ground strokes) by Federer in his last match. looks like it was a completely natural and instinctual shot w/o much thought. appeared effortless. he won the point. that's a whole other story.
gotta appreciate these guys. they make it look so easy...
gotta appreciate these guys. they make it look so easy...
Nadal knocked out in four. Guy was run ragged by Youzhny's aggressive play. Unfortunate in my opinion; I wanted to see a Roddick-Nadal semifinal, they've only played eachother twice, with Roddick winning the hardcourt matchup and Nadal the clay.
Hewitt vs Roddick is a classic matchup, brings you back to the days in 2003 when that was the top level of tennis.
Hewitt vs Roddick is a classic matchup, brings you back to the days in 2003 when that was the top level of tennis.
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Roddick to face Federer in the final! It's great to see Roddick work his way back into the top of the game after an off year. The tennis media has him channelling Jimmy Connors, his new coach, but the key to his success this tournament has been his serve, which even Federer will have some problems with. (He'll still break him, but not easily.) On the other hand, Roddick has had trouble putting his opponents away, and he needs to capitalize on the few (if any) chances Federer will give him.
I'm extremely excited about the final.
I'm extremely excited about the final.