|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 20, 2003 21:47:30 GMT -5
I move over to Court 6 to see Federer. I knew you guys would kill me if I didn't at least make an effort to see Federer and get some pics. Be grateful, I'm skipping Jarkko for this! Right now Younes & Arazi are practicing on Court 8, and Santoro/Llodra are on Court 7. Sounds like the Morrocans are speaking French. There are some Argentines behind me on Court 5 and I can hear the coach speaking rapid fire in Spanish. Santoro is practicing shirtless, so I got a few pics for Layla (You're welcome, girl ;D) Younes stays and chats with a big group of fans after his practice with Arazi. He is really adored here Hmm. It's 12 now, and instead of the Swiss boys, it's Chela. I'll wait a few more minutes to see if Federer comes to another court . . . Ahh, there he is! I guess they're going to share the court with the Argentines. I also guess Federer is not in a big hurry to do anything. Chela moves to Court 5 so Federer can go it alone on Court 6. Ahh, he's going to be shirtless, so I guess that makes up for him being late! Tons of people shoed up to see Federer. It was so cute. He walked in under a hat, hair loose, and then took off his shirt and had Hueberger's coach slather him with sunblock. I walked down to his side of the court and heard someone remark, "You know you've made it when someone will put sunscreen on you!" Of course, the only reason the coach did it was because Federer didn't want to get his hands all greasy. Peter Lundgren started Hueberger off and then Federer stepped up. He's smaller in person than I thought he'd be. Also hairer. He noticed the crowd congregating around him and looked away. Guess he's shy, aww!! I took about 5 pictures of him before leaving. con'd
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 20, 2003 22:00:20 GMT -5
I took a few pics of Federer and ran off to Court 3 for Nieminen/Srichaphan. When I walked in, I was the only one to sit down, though a few others were milling around as I wrote about my adventures with Federer. LOL, I'm the only one sitting on my side, so if Jarkko didn't notice me before, he will now. I wasn't crying too hard when he left the court yesterday and I don't think he noticed anyway. But it's kinda hard to miss me sitting alone on one whole side of the stadium. Right now they are working on his forehand. The coach is speaking English. Sometimes he coaches in English, sometimes Swedish. I guess its English to communicate with Paradorn. Coria just won. He doesn't exactly sound like a crowd favorite, haha. He totally demolished Youzhny. Paradorn's father is so quiet. He hasn't said a word the whole session, so it makes me wonder if he's some sort of center for his son or something. I read an article in Duece and he seems quiet but very determined. It's scorching hot out here, which is probably why nobody is sitting on my side of the court. Both guys have ice towels now. They seem to be good friends, chatting away during the water breaks Jarkko also working on his backhand volley, making sure his arm stays straight and not cutting down on the ball (I have the exact same problem). People are starting to come in for the doubles match. A rather nice practice thus far, though Jarkko has been in the far court so I couldn't take pics. I can't sing enough praises for the man. He works very hard, and is very talented. The differences in his first matches is amazing, so here's hoping he & Paradorn do well in doubles. Also working on his serve, hitting through the ball more, and trying to minimize the use of the shoulder to prevent fatigue. Jarkko has very nice volleys and is working on moving forward with his serve. Jarkko also did some backhand down the line drills. He has the exact same issues I do! Amazing! Is that why I enjoy his practices so much? I feel like I've learned a lot for myself as well as for him, watching his game progress. Now working the backhands crosscourt. Jarkko also has very nice movement, big bounding strides and little steps alike. There's little doubt in my mind that with a little luck in the draw he will be very successful in the future. I stopped to finish my notes and two girls stopped him for a picture right in front of me. I was standing next to the players' entrance to the court and I think he looked at me when he walked up, but he didn't say anything. I'd assume he'd figure out I was working for a website or something since I was constantly taking notes and pictures. He took the picture with the girls then left quickly. Paradorn had left him and his coach to clean up the mess they left on court, and the tournament volunteers were hurrying Jarkko along as he tried to clean up the bottles and cans from the tennis balls they had used. Then Knowles and Nestor, who were playing doubles on Court 3 after his practice, nearly ran me down as I left the court. con'd
|
|
|
Post by The Chloe on Aug 20, 2003 23:37:59 GMT -5
It seems that he has quite a following everywhere No surprising in the least given his super friendly and approachable demeaner. In Montreal there was a HUGE Morrocan fan base. Ferrero wasn't the crowd favourite in that match at all These guys sitting up behind me had a big huge flag and were taking pictures at the wall with Younes in the background - it was funny ;D
|
|
|
Post by Lee on Aug 21, 2003 0:00:10 GMT -5
Hackie, thanks, thanks, thanks for the report. It really feels like I was there watching all those players. I think about saying something about Guga but it's just too painful to talk about it. At least right now he plays better. You can tell how bad his season is when his fans rejoice with him beating a lucky loser and than a qualifier.
|
|
|
Post by vaiva on Aug 21, 2003 4:08:14 GMT -5
If only Hackie could go to all TMS events, I wouldn't be bothered by the lack of TV coverage. Great stuff, Hackie. So sorry Jarkko's loss has brought you to tears
|
|
|
Post by ILR on Aug 21, 2003 7:25:40 GMT -5
more great reports Hackie! ;D oh you know very well that us Rogi fans appreciate you skipping Jarkko for us!
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Aug 21, 2003 8:11:16 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 13:46:35 GMT -5
It seems that he has quite a following everywhere No surprising in the least given his super friendly and approachable demeaner. In Montreal there was a HUGE Morrocan fan base. Ferrero wasn't the crowd favourite in that match at all These guys sitting up behind me had a big huge flag and were taking pictures at the wall with Younes in the background - it was funny ;D Younes stayed for 10 or 15 minutes, just chatting with the crowd after his practice. I was looking over there and wondering, is that Younes? I couldn't really see all that well since the outer doors to the courts are covered in the tarps. And sure enough, it was! He really enjoys hearing from his fans. Donald Johnson did the same thing, but not as many people flocked to him
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 13:48:20 GMT -5
If only Hackie could go to all TMS events, I wouldn't be bothered by the lack of TV coverage. Great stuff, Hackie. So sorry Jarkko's loss has brought you to tears Hey, I could handle that! ;D Someone give me Merdeces Benz's number I figured I'd cry at someone's match, but I didn't expect to be as upset as I was. I think it was because Jarkko was also upset Anyway, it was embarrassing because I was the only one taking it that seriously, I guess, but it's so easy to get caught up in the match.
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 13:51:29 GMT -5
Hackie, you are privileged to see Rogi shirtless... He never took off his shirt in TO nor in Montreal... too modest up here... don't know why when it's just as hot... damn! Now I really want to see your Rogi pix... lovely... you never noticed his hairy chest or tummy before?? He does have nice broad shoulders and a nice chest actually... nice everything, in fact... Well, considering I don't spend a lot of time watching Federer shirtless, I suppose its no surprise that he wasn't exactly what I expected. He wasn't as big as I expected, either. I mean, he has a pretty medium build. You will love my pics, RF. I only took five (the crowd came fast when they saw him and I wanted to be able to get out before the entrance to the walkway was blocked) but they are all pretty close. Unfortunately, Roger was a bit shy with the crowd while I was there, so he mostly hit backhands or turned to that side.
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Aug 21, 2003 14:54:35 GMT -5
Well, considering I don't spend a lot of time watching Federer shirtless, I suppose its no surprise that he wasn't exactly what I expected. He wasn't as big as I expected, either. I mean, he has a pretty medium build. You will love my pics, RF. I only took five (the crowd came fast when they saw him and I wanted to be able to get out before the entrance to the walkway was blocked) but they are all pretty close. Unfortunately, Roger was a bit shy with the crowd while I was there, so he mostly hit backhands or turned to that side. ooh... can't wait!! I love Rogi as much as you love Jarkko... I may be able to get some Jarkko captures fr my video for you... that's all I can do, sorry! Rogi is a bit shy... he's modest, like Juanqui... but very accommodating w his fans! I meant to ask you, when you got back home, were you affected by the blackout? My aunt happened to be in Cincy around the tourney and she said it only took about 7 hrs to drive fr TO... very direct and easy she said!!
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 15:50:15 GMT -5
(More) PRACTICE COURT SESSIONS -- Thursday, 8/141 pm Court 4: Kuerten/Kafelnikov Court 5: Costa/Davydenko Court 6: Federer/Hueberger Court 7: Etlis/Rodriguez Court 8: Okun Court 9: Corretja/Calleri Court 10: Ljubicic/Kunitsyn 2 pm Court 4: Arthurs/Hanley Court 5: Vizner Court 7: Etlis/Rodriguez 5 pm Court 4: Visner/Vanek Court 6: Spadea/Verkerk Court 9: Acasuso/Ljubicic Court 10: Kendrick/Blake 5:30 pm Court 10: Robredo 6 pm Center: Bryan/Bryan Court 4: Kuerten Court 5: Vicente Court 8: Calleri 7 pm Court 3: Nieminen/Srichaphan (3R) Mirnyi vs AraziWe join the match at 6-4, 2-1 Mirnyi after lunch. Arazi appears to be very frustrated at losing hte first set because he is holding his serve rather easily but is throwing his racquet up after every missed return on Mirnyi's. The people in front of us are discussing that Mirnyi found Arazi's favorite passing shot (the backhand crosscourt) and is starting to cut it off more; now Arazi is pushing it down the line. But, Arazi is the one crumbling; Mirnyi doesn't seem to mind his mistakes so much on the return. 5-4 Mirnyi. I see spark's of Arazi's magic, but nothing consistently. 6-5 Mirnyi. Two very tight games, both go to deuce. No match point yet. Match point: Mirnyi steps into the second serve return and moves into net quickly, but Arazi saves it by forcing a forehand error. Second set goes to a tiebreak. 1-0 Arazi, volley error from Max 2-0 Arazi with a backhand crosscourt pass 3-0 Arazi with a forehand crosscourt pass 3-1 Arazi, Max with an ace 3-2 Arazi, service winner for Max 3-3, forehand error Arazi; he starts cursing himself in French 4-3 Arazi with a forehand crosscourt 5-3 Arazi with a forehand return down the line 5-4 Arazi, Max with an ace 5-5, Max gets the forehand return down the line this time 6-5 Arazi, forehand error from Max 6-6, backhand error from Arazi after a foot faulted first serve from Max 7-6 Arazi, Max with a volley error 7-7, backhand error from Arazi 8-7 Arazi with a volley winner of his own 9-7 Arazi on a volley error from Max. And suddenly it's a level match. We move over to Center for the Schuettler/Martin match (but Max won! ) (3R) Mirnyi d. Arazi 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-4con'd
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Aug 21, 2003 15:58:53 GMT -5
Hackie, I just realized sth... Rogi's practising w Heuberger for DC perhaps???
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 16:01:34 GMT -5
(3R) Schuettler vs T. MartinOf course the (quite sparse) crowd is firmly behind Martin, but I want Schuettler to do me proud for beating my boy. 2-1 Martin, on serve. Schuettler starts a bit better than he did vs Jarkko, but he's still not in full flight. Hopefully he'll pick it up like he did vs Jarkko. 3-2 Martin, still on serve. Schuettler complaining about a line call, it appears. I have never heard of him being particularly whiny but he hasn't exactly endeared himself here. He seems so out of sorts. 4-3 Martin. Schuettler still looks rather unimpressive, but has held rather easily. Neither player seems particularly fired up about this match, and the crowd isn't either. Schuettler is talking to himself again. 5-4 Martin. Rainer earned 2 break points, but 2 big serves from Martin saved the game. Schuettler is starting to play more aggressively but its still not enough. Martn's net game isn't what it used to be, and Schuettler should take advantage of that. 6-5 Schuettler, as he gets the first break. At 40-15, he had words with Lars Graff in the chair about the linespeople. That seemed to get him fired up (FINALLY!) The crowd is now firmly against him. 7-5 Schuettler first set. ---------------------------------- 2-1 Martin, second set on serve. Martin is starting to play really slowly, dragging on forever. I guess it works for him, but as one person above me remarked, this is as exciting as watching grass grow 3-2 Martin. Amazing. Martin serves 3 aces and 3 double faults in his last game, but manages to hold. Martin is looking mighty weary down there, whereas Schuettler finally got into this thing. Schuettler has been holding quite easily; not as many double faults as yesterday. He also has the right strategy, keeping Martin at the baseline. 4-3 Martin. Finally, some quick games for both guys. Can hear the cheers for Fish on Grandstand. Poor Clement, he's getting pummeled 6-3 Martin wins the second set. Schuettler served an extremely passive game at 4-3 and was broken. He didn't even move for a return he could have made. Of course, Martin winning the second made the crowd go wild. I'm just about the only Schuettler fan here. ---------------------------------- 2-1 Schuettler, third set. Schuetter had a break point in Martin's serve game but failed to convert. Martn is growing ever slower, and I think it's throwing Schuettler off a bit. 3-2 Schuettler. Martin is almost as bad as Rusedski with the towel. Good on Schuettler for not letting it get to him. 5-2 Schuettler. Schuettler finally breaks after an agonizingly long game, then holds after his first serve deserts him for awhile. This match has to be the most boring thing I've ever sat through voluntarily. Game, set match Schuettler finally wins! And it only took 2 hours and 10 minutes. It was complete torture to sit through this match, because I felt every second of it. Some matches just fly by, but not this one. My mother said Martin played "granny tennis" (3R) Schuettler d. T. Martin 7-5, 3-6, 6-3con'd
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 16:03:06 GMT -5
Hackie, I just realized sth... Rogi's practising w Heuberger for DC perhaps??? Maybe, or maybe he just wanted to practice with one of his Swiss friends. I got the feeling that if Michel had been there, Federer & Micha would have practiced together. Hopefully they are working for DC, though. Hueberger was looking pretty good in practice
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Aug 21, 2003 16:06:48 GMT -5
Maybe, or maybe he just wanted to practice with one of his Swiss friends. I got the feeling that if Michel had been there, Federer & Micha would have practiced together. Hopefully they are working for DC, though. Hueberger was looking pretty good in practice Did you ever find out where Micha is these days?? The SUI team really need him... Doris is on vac so no updates fr her... and Mrs. B. must be busy w her club...
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 16:15:43 GMT -5
(2R) Kafelnikov/Kuerten vs Bhupathi/MirnyiWe go over to Kafel/Guga/Max doubles before Nieminen's practice. It's packed out here! Zhenya didn't pull out of the tournament after all (Even though I didn't make a note of it, this is where Max began to get screwed by the schedule. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Max played singles and doubles with only a few hours' rest between matches ) It's so interesting to see the best doubles team in the world! No wonder Bhupathi/Mirnyi are #1, they have a great team, they mesh well together. Guga appears to be having tons of fun as well, though Kafel is his usual surly self. But it occurs to me that this might well be the only time I see Zhenya play live. And I feel like I'm in the presence of a master player Guga puts a lot more effort into doubles than singles. Another career change? Zhenya is the leader of the team, Guga the supporting player. Of course, the crowd loves Guga, and there's a big crowd here. Oh, and Flag Man is back, with the correct flags this time Bhupathi/Mirnyi win 6-1 in the third. Mirnyi looked like he could play for days out there, whereas Guga and Zhenya just gave up in the end. Them winning the second set made the crowd go wild, but perhaps they should have just lost in straights. Their first round doubles match was very long. Bhupathi and Mirnyi stayed to sign autos and take some pics. Max seemed to genuinely enjoy the crowd support He immediately posed for pictures with the crowd, and smiled even though he was eating a banana (closed mouth smile ), it was so cute! He took a pic with everyone and signs autos for everyone who wanted one. There's no doubt why Mahesh & Max are the #1 players in doubles. Max's game is custom-built for doubs. Mahesh has the most interesting service motion. He has a very strange grip that, if I remember correctly, I read somewhere that he said no one taught him how to grip it like that, he just does it naturally. His index finger lies on top of the grip, then he moves it as he swings forward. He leans forward and stop, then powers his way through the ball. It's a surprisingly effective motion! (2R) Bhupathi/Mirnyi d. Kafelnikov/Kuerten 6-3, 3-6, 6-1con'd
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 16:17:12 GMT -5
Did you ever find out where Micha is these days?? The SUI team really need him... Doris is on vac so no updates fr her... and Mrs. B. must be busy w her club... No. Doris & Mrs. B are the only two Swiss people I know, so if they don't tell me . . . I'm so afraid he's injured, though I can't imagine him not playing in a Slam, considering it's the last big paycheck of the year.
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 16:29:15 GMT -5
Jarkko and Sricha were supposed to practice and this court but no sign of them. Guess we'll go searching . . . Went searching, and on our way back around the Grandstand, I saw Jarkko bound up the stairs to a gate on the Center Court complex (he went up the stairs to the indoor press box), then run around to (I guess) another door to the players' lounge. No idea what's happening with him, so we went in to the Blake/Roddick match. (3R) Blake vs Roddick3-2 Roddick on serve. Blake earned himself 3 break points in the last game. He's looking very good right now and this could be a good one if Blake doesn't get too down on himself. 4-3 Roddick. Both untouchable on serve. Well, at lesat it's going quickly. 5-4 Roddick. James hit 3 aces and a service winner to win his game, then forced Roddick to 2 deuces. Roddick's first serve has come and gone for him, and his forehand is misfiring as well. So this is what happens when his game deserts him 6-5 Roddick. James a bit tight in his game, but wins it. Roddick starting to put his racquet on the return. James didn't even try in Roddick's last serve game, but I hope that's just a letdown after an important hold. This is not the time to get down on himself. 6-6. First set tiebreak. 1-0 Roddick, volley winner 1-1 Roddick forehand error 2-1 Roddick, forehand error from Blake 2-2 Blake overhead winner 3-2 Roddick serve winner 4-2 Roddick, Blake volley error 5-2 Roddick, Blake double fault 6-2 Roddick, Blake backhand error 7-2 Roddick, Blake backhand error Well, it was good while it lasted. Once Blake hit his first double fault, it was downhill from there. Blake has much better numbers than Roddick but that mental breakdown was costly. Mentality is still Blake's biggest foe. Blake is broken on a bad call in the first game of the second set. Of course, it helped that he lost all trust in his volley game as well. He's hanging his head and moving a bit more slowly. You can tell he's pulled back, doube has flooded his mind. He can't let this get to him 3-2 Roddick, James still down a break. He held his serve at 15, so maybe that will help his confidence. His first serve % has gone way down. Roddick is as annoying live as he is on TV, though it helps to not have someone babbling on and on about how great he is when it's obvous he believes his own hype Blake is broken again to go down 5-2. Blake got another bad call to go down 0-30 and he argued with Chryst, one of the Princes of Bad Calls (the other being Lars Graff). He's totally gone. And that negativity has brought him crashing down. Surprisingly, most of the crowd is on Blake's side. A subdued reaction when Roddick wins. Blake had a break point during Roddick's game and the crowd went wild. I guess they'll be firmly on Roddick's side. But if he serves like that vs Coria, he's out! I never thought I'd say, "Go Coria!" but he's the lesser of the two evils at this point. (I mistakenly thought Roddick would play Coria in the next round.) (3R) Roddick d. Blake 7-6, 6-2con'd
|
|
|
Post by Ilhame on Aug 21, 2003 16:31:12 GMT -5
Arazi went to France when he was 2 and french is the 2nd language in morroco so bith speak it fluent. I think Hicham doesn't even speak Moroccan, cause he always speaks french in interviews for moroccan tv. That's bad *still enjoying this*
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 16:34:06 GMT -5
Arazi went to France when he was 2 and french is the 2nd language in morroco so bith speak it fluent. I think Hicham doesn't even speak Moroccan, cause he always speaks french in interviews for moroccan tv. That's bad *still enjoying this* *still has lots to write* ;D I thought French was the only language they spoke in Morroco , or at least it was the first language. Shows you how much I know
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Aug 21, 2003 16:40:12 GMT -5
*still has lots to write* ;D I thought French was the only language they spoke in Morroco , or at least it was the first language. Shows you how much I know Nope, Arabic... Ilhame, is there a Berber language too?? Keep on writing, Hackie, I can barely keep up!!
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 16:47:12 GMT -5
There is going to be some sort of enshrinement between the matches tonight. It's something about the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) Hall of Fame. After the enshrinement (nobody was paying attention, LOL), the playerscome on court. I moved down to the baseline to take pics. Here's hoping I won't go home too terribly upset . . . (2R) Nieminen/Srichaphan vs Bryan/BryanJarkko has come out swinging tonight. He's hit some beautiful returns and poaches in the first few games, earning him & Sricha a break point. But, once again it's Paradorn who's the weak link. His serve was broken to give the Bryans 4-2, then they held for 5-2 with a series of jumping overheads. N/S lose the first set 6-3, from a combination of Paradorn's lostness and the Bryan's guile. Jarkko is still playing well, when they let him. The Bryans are directing most of their shots to Paradorn (like any good doubles team would). Paradorn's serve is broken again to start the second set. Jarkko holds due to some of that great practice work. This match is going so fast! Paradorn is broken again. This match will be over in 45 minutes. Paradorn & Jarkko are playing way too fast to win this. Indeed, 45 minutes, spot on. I've never seen a faster men's match in my life. Jarkko and Paradorn were sucked into playing the Bryans' style, which is super fast (I mean, 25 games in 45 minutes?! ). They move fast and like to finish points fast. Not my style of play, and it became a running joke for the rest of the week that the Bryans wouldn't stay out on court for more than an hour at a time. It's not the prettiest way to play doubles but if it gets the job done . . . During the match, my mom got my attention (I was busy snapping away pics of Jarkko since it became quite clear this was the last time I'd see him) and pointed out a banner in the stadium that read 'JARKKO SHOW US YOUR SEXY BACKHAND" As if the sign itself isn't funny enough, there were a bunch of little old ladies sitting behind it! I took a picture of it, of course And Jarkko did shake his ass for us a few times I was too shocked at the rate of play to be upset with his loss and subsequent exit from the tournament. Both he and Paradorn stayed and signed autographs after their match, it was sweet (2R) Bryan/Bryan d. Nieminen/Srichaphan 6-3, 6-2End of Day 6.
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Aug 21, 2003 16:53:16 GMT -5
Jarkko was shaking his booty? How cute! He's really loosened up in Cincy... must have been relaxed!!
|
|
|
Post by Lee on Aug 21, 2003 16:54:00 GMT -5
LOL Hackie! I was watching the match between Schuettler and Martin and believe me, it's better than watching Fish slaughtering Arnaud. May be it's because once in a while, ESPN switched the match to Arnaud and Fish that made it less boring for me! Where did you sit that match? May be I can find you on my tape
|
|
|
Post by Ilhame on Aug 21, 2003 17:03:36 GMT -5
Nope, Arabic... Ilhame, is there a Berber language too?? Keep on writing, Hackie, I can barely keep up!! Moroccan is a dialect of arab and it's spoken in Morocco. There are also 3 berber languages only I don't speak them. In school classes are in moroccan or french
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 17:14:37 GMT -5
PRACTICE COURT SESSIONS -- Friday, 8/158 am Court 3: Verkerk 9 am Center: Bjorkman/Woodbridge Court 3: Verkerk Court 4: Chang 9:30 am Court 9: Corretja 10 am Grandstand: Santoro/Llodra Court 4: Chang Court 5: Enqvist/Kafelnikov Court 7: Moodie Court 9: Corretja 10:30 am Grandstand: Knowles/Nestor 11 am Court 3: Zabaleta Court 4: Mirnyi/Bhupathi Court 6: Kafelnikov/Kunitsyn Court 9: Coria Court 10: Ljubicic 11:30 am Court 8: Roddick 12 pm Court 3: Bryan/Bryan Court 5: Damm/Suk Court 8: Nalbandian Court 10: Federer/Ljubicic We arrive rather early, and for the first time, we have pretty much nothing to do til noon, when we're headed to the Grandstand to watch Santoro play doubles. It should be a bangup match, they have quite a rivalry going with Knowles and Nestor. It appears my boys have left the complex. Jarkko, who so loves his morning practices, isn't scheduled for one today. Martin Verkerk has replaced Davydenko (who replaced Schalken) as King Workhorse around here. He's had 2 hour morning practices almost everyday since he lost in the main draw. He's very intense, to say the least. I was wondering what the situation would be today here, considering the outages in NY had delayed transportation in and out of the area. But, it appears th crowd of players is indeed dwindling down to those left in the draw (and Tha Face, hehe). Apparently Hewitt and Philippoussis went to NY after they both lost first round here; no clue what they'd be doing there for 2 weeks before the Open. I heard Kim was upet in Toronto as well; this could be a little blessing in disguise. Maybe she's going to join the boys for some practice. Everyone is calling Justine the new favorite for the Open, but I think Kimmy can do it. Meanwhile, I also hope its a better Slam for Ferrero, Blake, Ancic, and Jarkko than this week was. All any of them need is a decent draw. Jarkko, especially, is so full of potential and promise; but he keeps getting really crummy draws. He had Schuettler completely on the ropes in the second round; if it was anyone else he would have demolished him. His work in the practices I've seen has been especially encouraging and I've learned a few things for myself, to boot. He is also a decent doubles player; if I had to compare him to anyone I'd put him against Philippoussis. They were the most impressive players in singles and doubles (note the past tense there , I wasn't thinking about Mirnyi as I wrote my notes that morning). I miss the board so much. I wish I could give daily updates and discuss all this stuff with them as it happens. As it is, it looks like its going to be a Jarkko drool fest. They wil be thrilled that I accomplished my goal, though , so hopefully the excitement will return as I recall the fabulous time I've had here We may leave early tonight. We've stayed late everyday thus far and its starting to catch up withus. Getting up at 7 every morning is certainly getting to me. Though I loves me some Schuettler, I'm not sure I'm up for going to another packed out night match. I see an ad for Indian Wells and I'd like to go to that tournament. It's 2 weeks, a mixed event so chances are I'd have faves lasting longer in the week, plus since almost all my boys are ranked high enough to be seeded, I'd get to spend the week with them at practice, at matches. A Grand Slam might be too crowded and chaotic for the all access tour I've enjoyed this week Coolest job: bag checker at the players' entrance. Wouldn't you want to know what's in everyone's bags? A few notes from last night: as we waited to see where Jarkko's fire was, we stood right by the players' entrance. We saw Jonas leave, as well as Chela. Both took pics with a small group of fans. Chela's also touchy feely. Federer walked in next, backwards cap (surprise!) and agreed to take a pic as well. He went into the lounge. A few minutes later, Lundgren walked in and went into the complex. He walked out a big later, looking lost, as if he couldn't find his charge. It was kinda cute After the doubles match, Jarkko and Paradorn stayed and signed autographs for quite awhile. We walked out of the stadium and had to walk by the players' entrance to get to the information booth for the order of play. There was a sea of people swarming and I saw flashbulbs go off -- apparently, it was Roddick leaving I hadn't seen a swarm like that around anyone all week! One night we walked by the players' lounge and I looked over quickly. It's nice in there! So hidden away from the rest of the complex here. Air conditioned, too, which would be so lovely now that it's gotten so humid here. It's very unbearable to say the least. con'd
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 17:17:25 GMT -5
LOL Hackie! I was watching the match between Schuettler and Martin and believe me, it's better than watching Fish slaughtering Arnaud. May be it's because once in a while, ESPN switched the match to Arnaud and Fish that made it less boring for me! Where did you sit that match? May be I can find you on my tape It was pure agony. Todd Martin was sooooo slow. He moved slowly, he walked slowly, he towelled off slowly. It was the epitome of "granny tennis", believe me. I was sitting in the third tier of seats, behind the players' chairs. Our seats were right in front of the indoor press boxes/luxury suites.
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 17:20:30 GMT -5
Jarkko was shaking his booty? How cute! He's really loosened up in Cincy... must have been relaxed!! Yeah, he showboated a little in that match. It almost made me think maybe he & Paradorn struck a deal with the Bryans to make it a quick & painless victory either way.
|
|
|
Post by TennisHack on Aug 21, 2003 17:35:30 GMT -5
(QF) Bjorkman/Woodbridge vs Arthurs/Hanley Not the most exciting of matches. It's so brutally hot out her than we spend more time thinking about the could that could cover the sun than we do about the match. This place has some horrid design. The "cheap seats" are always on the side where the sun shines down directly. Even the players are feeling heat beaten down there, playing very short points. No doubt its about 100 degrees on court. I feel for Max, I hope the heat doesn't get him.
We only last 30 minutes with the sun directly overhead, so we head off to the retail tent to browse. There are some lovely Fila products (and relatively cheap, to boot) but I'm too nasty to try anything on (sweaty, that is). So, we head off at noone for Llodra/Santoro doubles. Finally, I'll get to see him play! Yay! Too bad it will be so brutal out here.
con'd
|
|