US Open
- Thread starter loopymitch
- Start date
Variant said:
Argh, that was frustrating. Why DirecTV gives me the east coast feed of USA is beyond me. Sure would have enjoyed seeing the end of that match...
Way to go Andre
Way to go Andre
I DO NOT know why they would do that- thats terrible!!! We're in the 5th set, then all of a sudden- LAW & ORDER??!!
And not to mention when switching to CBS, the commentating- was HORRIBLE... It seemed like every point had a life altering comment. I'm not sure who it was- does anybody know??
Anyways- i was used to John Mac commentating... but other than that, WHAT A GAME!! I seriously thought Agassi was going out in 3, after losing the 2nd set.. great effort by both players..
And not to mention when switching to CBS, the commentating- was HORRIBLE... It seemed like every point had a life altering comment. I'm not sure who it was- does anybody know??
Anyways- i was used to John Mac commentating... but other than that, WHAT A GAME!!
I seriously thought Agassi was going out in 3, after losing the 2nd set.. great effort by both players..
I would've loved to have been in the stands for that match. Just incredible. As Agassi put it, he wasn't the winner in that match. Tennis (or the fans) was.
I was so happy for Andre and it was good to see him fighting like that - down two sets to none, a break in the final set, 0-3 in the final tiebreak. After that, he deserves to be in the final. I hope he wins against Robby.
As for James, he is such a class act - so gracious in defeat, just a genuinely nice guy. I'm really glad that he's back on his feet and that he's playing the best tennis he's ever had. He's finally on the way back to where he belongs - the Top 10.
Awesome match.
I was so happy for Andre and it was good to see him fighting like that - down two sets to none, a break in the final set, 0-3 in the final tiebreak. After that, he deserves to be in the final. I hope he wins against Robby.
As for James, he is such a class act - so gracious in defeat, just a genuinely nice guy. I'm really glad that he's back on his feet and that he's playing the best tennis he's ever had. He's finally on the way back to where he belongs - the Top 10.
Awesome match.
fishgirl said:
^^ I LOVE the US Open, too. Regarding the back-to-back semis and finals, yeah it does take a toll on the players, especially if they go to five. The women have it easier, because even though they play on consecutive days, they get a reprieve from the heat and get a bit of a rest with their final scheduled for the evening session. The men get the tougher schedule, no doubt.
I also agree that "tennis can be a *very* demanding sport." They barely have an offseason, what with having to keep training and a lot of their charity events are scheduled around December, which is pretty much the only month they get off. It's tough playing week in, week out, not to mention flying from one part of the world to another. Marat Safin was vocal about the tour schedule, and he received a bit of criticism for it but I believe a lot of the players agree with his sentiments. I'd say the schedule contributes to injury, and it's not even because of a lack of conditioning. Players are getting fatigued and are stretched too much to continue to play at a level that sometimes their bodies are unable to catch up.
Btw, Kajun, you mentioned the Aussie Open starts first week of January. I believe it's the last week. They usually have tune-ups during early January, right?
Go Kim!!!
I also agree that "tennis can be a *very* demanding sport." They barely have an offseason, what with having to keep training and a lot of their charity events are scheduled around December, which is pretty much the only month they get off. It's tough playing week in, week out, not to mention flying from one part of the world to another. Marat Safin was vocal about the tour schedule, and he received a bit of criticism for it but I believe a lot of the players agree with his sentiments. I'd say the schedule contributes to injury, and it's not even because of a lack of conditioning. Players are getting fatigued and are stretched too much to continue to play at a level that sometimes their bodies are unable to catch up.
Btw, Kajun, you mentioned the Aussie Open starts first week of January. I believe it's the last week. They usually have tune-ups during early January, right?
Go Kim!!!
The ATP season starts with the Adelaide/Doha/Chennai etc. tuneups.The Aussie Open usually starts in the third week of January (this year it was the 17th).
Marat Safin is not the only one who complained about it. Every once in a while one player will complain about it, the ATP shrugs it off, and we're just back to where we started. They've discussing for ages to widen the gap (currently just two weeks) between Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The ATP & ITF sort see the point of that, but it will still take ages before such a change can be made.
That just adds a little bit more to the unpopularity of the ATP amongst the players.
Great job by Agassi and Blake. I'd like to see Blake improve and take a new crack at it next year at Flushing Meadows. As for Agassi -- second 5-setter in a row, hats off. The match vs Ginepri could easily go the distance as well..
thanks bball I got it! That was some match. A lot of people would have given up at 2 sets and a break down but not Agassi, just goes to show what kinda man he is. The only easy match was Federer, I just don't want him to win. It's great that we'll have american in final but I'm so torn. I love Agassi but Robbi is from Atlanta and I've always wanted him to do well. Plus he knocked out Coria who is a real @$$! LK- your horse still in lol
Anyone see the Srichipan-Sanguinetti match? I've only seent he highlights but from what they showed that was the best match of the tournament. Incredible sportsmanship and great tennis. Those kind of matches are why I love tennis.
It's a shame that it will be over in 3 days, even non tennis fans have been tlaking about this tournament and that's great to see. this sport needs more publicity and it's getting it. It was even the first story on sportscenter this morning and I like to see that.
Go Kim!!
As far as the CBS commentators it's usually Pat McEnroe and Chris Fowler but not sure who it was for the Blake match. It's a real shame we didn't get to see the end. That was very bad programming on TNT and CBS part. It's the third time they've done that and I don't like it.
That was some match. A lot of people would have given up at 2 sets and a break down but not Agassi, just goes to show what kinda man he is. The only easy match was Federer, I just don't want him to win. It's great that we'll have american in final but I'm so torn. I love Agassi but Robbi is from Atlanta and I've always wanted him to do well. Plus he knocked out Coria who is a real @$$! LK- your horse still in lolAnyone see the Srichipan-Sanguinetti match? I've only seent he highlights but from what they showed that was the best match of the tournament. Incredible sportsmanship and great tennis. Those kind of matches are why I love tennis.
It's a shame that it will be over in 3 days, even non tennis fans have been tlaking about this tournament and that's great to see. this sport needs more publicity and it's getting it. It was even the first story on sportscenter this morning and I like to see that.
Go Kim!!
As far as the CBS commentators it's usually Pat McEnroe and Chris Fowler but not sure who it was for the Blake match. It's a real shame we didn't get to see the end. That was very bad programming on TNT and CBS part. It's the third time they've done that and I don't like it.
^^ yeap, my aussie pick has made it through to final 4. I wasnt convinced by his performance against the Scaninavian. The return of serve is usually one of the stronger features of Hewitt's game but i thought he looked lack lustre. I see he has Roger in the semi so i would say that its 'taxi for Leyton!' but you never know...
I think my ruskie bird is still flying also...(note to self::get blank video sorted:
I wasnt convinced by his performance against the Scaninavian. The return of serve is usually one of the stronger features of Hewitt's game but i thought he looked lack lustre. I see he has Roger in the semi so i would say that its 'taxi for Leyton!' but you never know...I think my ruskie bird is still flying also...(note to self::get blank video sorted:
bball, I tend to agree with you although whether Kim will win it all is debatable cough*choke*cough. I think the Pierce match was interesting. I'm not blaming Mary but she should never have had 12 minute injury timeout. That changed the whole match and had the rules been enforced I think Elena would have won. I'm just hoping for some more great tennis today. Ginepri/Agassi up first and I'm hoping for another great close match although not too long. Andre needs to save some energy for tomorrow. I hate the fact that they play back to back semis and finals but doesn't look they're changing it anytime soon. If it's good enough for Wimbledon then the Open really should consider changing it. Go Kim, one more!
I avoided this thread yesterday till I saw the match and I just got through watching Agassi. Another great match! He's got his work cut out for him today though. Federer has never lost a final but there's a first time for anything. Props to Ginepri though, he showed a lot of heart and played great. I hope this gives him the confidence to keep up all the hard work.
It was so cute when after the match they showed Agassi hugging Jazz(his daughter) and his son all excited beacuse he won. Very sweet!
Congrats to Kim, FINALLY. We can finally quit saying she chokes. That match I haven't seen yet but I heard she won.
As an added bonus, she had won the series which doubled her prize money to $2.2million,
It was so cute when after the match they showed Agassi hugging Jazz(his daughter) and his son all excited beacuse he won. Very sweet!
Congrats to Kim, FINALLY. We can finally quit saying she chokes. That match I haven't seen yet but I heard she won.
The junior American girls lost the doubles final and there's also a US player in the girls' finals(Alexa Glatch). It's nice to see young American women winning when the current trend is Russian/Eastern European. Lisa Raymond, a great doubles player is also in the final with Stosur for those of you who wonder how Americans are doing.
Alexa Glatch
Alexa Glatch
IWhat a quick match with Kim Clisjters! It was also pretty good at the same time though. Lots of action but lots of unforced errors from Mary Pierce. It was aalso really cool that she got 2.2 million which is hte most a women player has gotten ever! Go Kim!
AS for the federer and Agassi atch, I know Federer will win but go Agassi. I really want Andre to win, everyone knows Federer will win. But I will still cheer for Agassi. Go AGASSI! 1 more for the fans!
AS for the federer and Agassi atch, I know Federer will win but go Agassi. I really want Andre to win, everyone knows Federer will win. But I will still cheer for Agassi. Go AGASSI! 1 more for the fans!
Kim was great. I'm sooo happy for her! Very well-deserved!
Oh and loopy, isn't Agassi's daughter named Jaz Elle with one 'z'? Sorry, just being nitpicky. Ignore me.
I got up at 4am (got barely 3 hours of sleep) to watch this Federer-Agassi final, and it is well worth it! This is turning out to be an amazing display of tennis. I think Andre can win this. C'mon Andre!!!
Oh and loopy, isn't Agassi's daughter named Jaz Elle with one 'z'? Sorry, just being nitpicky.
Ignore me.I got up at 4am (got barely 3 hours of sleep) to watch this Federer-Agassi final, and it is well worth it! This is turning out to be an amazing display of tennis. I think Andre can win this. C'mon Andre!!!
Last edited:
Federer will be the greatest to play the game, the guy simply has no weaknesses. Go Federer.
http://www.sportsline.com/tennis/story/8834399/1
Federer earns high praise from Agassi after repeating at Open
Sep. 11, 2005
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
NEW YORK -- Andre Agassi has battled the champions of three eras -- Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl -- and now he puts Roger Federer above them all.
"He's the best I've ever played against," Agassi said after falling to Federer 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-1 Sunday in the U.S. Open final. "Pete was great. No question. But there was a place to get to with Pete. You knew what you had to do. If you do it, it could be on your terms. There's no such place like that with Roger. "He plays the game in a very special way that I haven't seen before."
Federer, a player of panache and unparalleled perfection in finals, withstood Agassi's spirited upset bid to capture a second straight U.S. Open and sixth Grand Slam title.
Federer responded to his few moments of pressure by reeling off seven straight points in the tiebreak that turned the match around, then raced past Agassi in the fourth set to run his stunning record in finals over the past two years to 23-0. He has never lost in a major final.
"This is probably the most special Grand Slam final in my career," Federer said. "To play against Andre in New York, it's a dream."
Federer moved into a tie with Becker and Stefan Edberg for Grand Slam titles among Open era players, and one behind McEnroe and Mats Wilander. Sampras holds the record with 14 Grand Slam titles, but at 24 years old Federer could well have a shot at that.
"That's fantastic," Federer said of tying Edberg and Becker. "Tying your idols -- isn't that great? It's every boy's dream and I made it come true today in a memorable final."
Federer, flattered by Agassi's comments, shied away from pronouncing himself the best of all time.
"The best player of this generation, yes. Nowhere close to ever," Federer said. "Just look at the records that some guys have. I'm a little cookie."
Federer leapt in the air when Agassi's backhand return looped long on the championship point. The two men, who have the highest of respect for each other, shook hands warmly at the net.
"It's been a tough road, but it's been a great road," Agassi told the cheering crowd. "Roger played way too good today. Congratulations Roger, well done."
Though the 35-year-old Agassi was the oldest U.S. Open men's finalist in 31 years, age had less to do with the difference in this match. It was Federer's sheer strength, variety of serves, and superior balance of attacks from the baseline and the net that wore down Agassi.
The Swiss forced the action, going for winners more aggressively, dancing around the court with poise, unrattled even when Agassi had him down a break at 4-2 in the third set. For a while there, Agassi seemed to be on the verge of pulling one of the great upsets in sports history -- on the order of Muhammad Ali's shockers over Sonny Liston and George Foreman.
At 2-4, in that third set," Federer said, "I actually could see myself losing, and there were a few points I played there where I felt, 'Uh-oh, it's gone.' And then I managed to get it back again, and the title swam back into view."
An 8-1 underdog, Agassi was just a few months removed from a career-threatening back injury that shot crippling pain down his right leg, led to his loss in the first round of the French Open and caused him to skip Wimbledon. He was playing a man who doesn't lose in finals, is at the peak of his game and health, and was coming off his third straight Wimbledon championship.
If this was Agassi's last U.S. Open after 20 straight -- he won't decide until the end of the year whether to retire -- it was remarkable even in defeat.
"This certainly isn't easy to do at any age, especially 35," Agassi said. "It's been a privilege to compete against so many great champions over the last couple of decades or so. Without exception, Roger has been one of most enjoyable to compete against. Thank you New York for the last 20 years. It's been a great ride."
Federer became the first man in the Open era, which started in 1968, to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open back-to-back for in consecutive years.
Federer beat Agassi for the eighth straight time over the past two years after losing their first three meetings. Three of Federer's victory in that streak have come at Grand Slam events, including the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open last year and the Australian Open this year.
"I had to play my best match of the tournament," Federer said. "It happened I played my best in the finals, as usual. I don't know how I do it, but it definitely feels great every single time."
Federer drew first blood when he broke Agassi for a 4-2 lead in the first set, but putting that set away wasn't easy. Agassi fended off three set points in his next service at 5-2, and won it with an ace. Federer needed five more set points when he served before he nailed down the set with a 123 mph service winner.
"He's the only guy I've ever played against you hold serve to go 1-0 and you think all right, good," Agassi said. "There's a sense of urgency on every point, on every shot."
Rather than shrink away, Agassi briefly showed the stuff that helped him win eight major titles. He broke Federer for a 2-0 lead in the second set, hammering a forehand return crosscourt that came back to Federer faster than his 111 mph serve. Agassi held serve the whole set, and raised hopes of an upset when he broke Federer again in the last game.
This was a crafty, sharp Agassi, sometimes creeping five or 10 feet inside the baseline to surprise Federer with short-hop returns, sometimes serving and volleying. Agassi lobbed for some points, won others with drops.
The crowd had been on Agassi's side from the start, greeting him with chants of "Let's go Andre" and chanting his name. But Federer asserted himself again, and after one exchange of breaks midway through the third set, the Swiss bulled his way through the tiebreak.
That, and getting run over in the fourth set, was enough to demoralize Agassi and make him think back about his trip to get this far -- possibly ending his Grand Slam journey in New York, a city he hated when he first came as a young man with big hair, a big game and a different attitude.
"They can't ever take away from what I'm leaving here with, and that's the memory of thousands of people pulling for me and showing appreciation for something I care dearly about," he said.
Federer earned the $1.1 million top prize and distanced himself further from the rest of the men's tennis world in the ATP Tour rankings. Agassi picked up $775,000, including $225,000 as the runner-up in the U.S. Open Series.
Federer won his 10th tournament this year and 32nd title overall -- 20 on hard courts. He ran his 2005 record to 45-1 on hard courts and 71-3 overall, the most dominant year by a man since John McEnroe went 82-3 in 1984. Federer's 35th straight hard court victory also broke Sampras' mark, set twice, of 34 straight.
"I wonder why I always play so well, especially on the big occasions," Federer said. "It seems to click for me."
http://www.sportsline.com/tennis/story/8834399/1
Federer earns high praise from Agassi after repeating at Open
Sep. 11, 2005
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
NEW YORK -- Andre Agassi has battled the champions of three eras -- Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl -- and now he puts Roger Federer above them all.
"He's the best I've ever played against," Agassi said after falling to Federer 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-1 Sunday in the U.S. Open final. "Pete was great. No question. But there was a place to get to with Pete. You knew what you had to do. If you do it, it could be on your terms. There's no such place like that with Roger. "He plays the game in a very special way that I haven't seen before."
Federer, a player of panache and unparalleled perfection in finals, withstood Agassi's spirited upset bid to capture a second straight U.S. Open and sixth Grand Slam title.
Federer responded to his few moments of pressure by reeling off seven straight points in the tiebreak that turned the match around, then raced past Agassi in the fourth set to run his stunning record in finals over the past two years to 23-0. He has never lost in a major final.
"This is probably the most special Grand Slam final in my career," Federer said. "To play against Andre in New York, it's a dream."
Federer moved into a tie with Becker and Stefan Edberg for Grand Slam titles among Open era players, and one behind McEnroe and Mats Wilander. Sampras holds the record with 14 Grand Slam titles, but at 24 years old Federer could well have a shot at that.
"That's fantastic," Federer said of tying Edberg and Becker. "Tying your idols -- isn't that great? It's every boy's dream and I made it come true today in a memorable final."
Federer, flattered by Agassi's comments, shied away from pronouncing himself the best of all time.
"The best player of this generation, yes. Nowhere close to ever," Federer said. "Just look at the records that some guys have. I'm a little cookie."
Federer leapt in the air when Agassi's backhand return looped long on the championship point. The two men, who have the highest of respect for each other, shook hands warmly at the net.
"It's been a tough road, but it's been a great road," Agassi told the cheering crowd. "Roger played way too good today. Congratulations Roger, well done."
Though the 35-year-old Agassi was the oldest U.S. Open men's finalist in 31 years, age had less to do with the difference in this match. It was Federer's sheer strength, variety of serves, and superior balance of attacks from the baseline and the net that wore down Agassi.
The Swiss forced the action, going for winners more aggressively, dancing around the court with poise, unrattled even when Agassi had him down a break at 4-2 in the third set. For a while there, Agassi seemed to be on the verge of pulling one of the great upsets in sports history -- on the order of Muhammad Ali's shockers over Sonny Liston and George Foreman.
At 2-4, in that third set," Federer said, "I actually could see myself losing, and there were a few points I played there where I felt, 'Uh-oh, it's gone.' And then I managed to get it back again, and the title swam back into view."
An 8-1 underdog, Agassi was just a few months removed from a career-threatening back injury that shot crippling pain down his right leg, led to his loss in the first round of the French Open and caused him to skip Wimbledon. He was playing a man who doesn't lose in finals, is at the peak of his game and health, and was coming off his third straight Wimbledon championship.
If this was Agassi's last U.S. Open after 20 straight -- he won't decide until the end of the year whether to retire -- it was remarkable even in defeat.
"This certainly isn't easy to do at any age, especially 35," Agassi said. "It's been a privilege to compete against so many great champions over the last couple of decades or so. Without exception, Roger has been one of most enjoyable to compete against. Thank you New York for the last 20 years. It's been a great ride."
Federer became the first man in the Open era, which started in 1968, to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open back-to-back for in consecutive years.
Federer beat Agassi for the eighth straight time over the past two years after losing their first three meetings. Three of Federer's victory in that streak have come at Grand Slam events, including the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open last year and the Australian Open this year.
"I had to play my best match of the tournament," Federer said. "It happened I played my best in the finals, as usual. I don't know how I do it, but it definitely feels great every single time."
Federer drew first blood when he broke Agassi for a 4-2 lead in the first set, but putting that set away wasn't easy. Agassi fended off three set points in his next service at 5-2, and won it with an ace. Federer needed five more set points when he served before he nailed down the set with a 123 mph service winner.
"He's the only guy I've ever played against you hold serve to go 1-0 and you think all right, good," Agassi said. "There's a sense of urgency on every point, on every shot."
Rather than shrink away, Agassi briefly showed the stuff that helped him win eight major titles. He broke Federer for a 2-0 lead in the second set, hammering a forehand return crosscourt that came back to Federer faster than his 111 mph serve. Agassi held serve the whole set, and raised hopes of an upset when he broke Federer again in the last game.
This was a crafty, sharp Agassi, sometimes creeping five or 10 feet inside the baseline to surprise Federer with short-hop returns, sometimes serving and volleying. Agassi lobbed for some points, won others with drops.
The crowd had been on Agassi's side from the start, greeting him with chants of "Let's go Andre" and chanting his name. But Federer asserted himself again, and after one exchange of breaks midway through the third set, the Swiss bulled his way through the tiebreak.
That, and getting run over in the fourth set, was enough to demoralize Agassi and make him think back about his trip to get this far -- possibly ending his Grand Slam journey in New York, a city he hated when he first came as a young man with big hair, a big game and a different attitude.
"They can't ever take away from what I'm leaving here with, and that's the memory of thousands of people pulling for me and showing appreciation for something I care dearly about," he said.
Federer earned the $1.1 million top prize and distanced himself further from the rest of the men's tennis world in the ATP Tour rankings. Agassi picked up $775,000, including $225,000 as the runner-up in the U.S. Open Series.
Federer won his 10th tournament this year and 32nd title overall -- 20 on hard courts. He ran his 2005 record to 45-1 on hard courts and 71-3 overall, the most dominant year by a man since John McEnroe went 82-3 in 1984. Federer's 35th straight hard court victory also broke Sampras' mark, set twice, of 34 straight.
"I wonder why I always play so well, especially on the big occasions," Federer said. "It seems to click for me."
Last edited:
It's all over, sad really because it wasa great tournament. I wanted Agassi to win after the second set I felt he could do it but Federer is just too good right now. I got the feeling from what he said after the match that this really could be his last Open. I hope I'm wrong, it'll be very sad to see him go. Definitely one of the greats and his play these last 2 weeks was incredible. Not bad for a 35 year old!
fish, you could be right about the name.
fish, you could be right about the name.
Yeah it was a great fortnight of fun, exciting tennis.
Although I wasn't really a big Andre fan, I was cheering for him all the way and wanted him to win this. Unfortunately, he ran into undoubtedly the best player in the wall right now. But it was a amazing run for Andre, and whether or not he decides to retire, he'll always be one of the greatest.
Although I wasn't really a big Andre fan, I was cheering for him all the way and wanted him to win this. Unfortunately, he ran into undoubtedly the best player in the wall right now. But it was a amazing run for Andre, and whether or not he decides to retire, he'll always be one of the greatest.