So the Australian Open is finally over. Unfortunately I was unable to catch either match, but I am sorry but 3:30am starting times are a little too early for me.
Personally, I am a little disappointed with both end results. Neither of the players that I wanted to win won. Okay so Federer has now won his 16th grand slam title, woopty doo. That's just great, congrats to him. But is it just me, or are you getting a little tired of him winning? And the reality of it is that he didn't just win but he pretty much cruised through the final match. The only close set was in the third, but overall Murray didn't really have a chance. Murray knew it too, he cried when giving his speech in the award ceremony because he knows that as long as Federer is still playing he will never be able to win a grand slam.
On the women's side of the draw Serena won. Again, are we that surprised, or rather are we that excited by the result? I was really pulling for Henin to do what Clijsters did at the Open. Although, she didn't win I have a good feeling about the women's tour this year. Having two top players (Henin and Clijsters) coming back will make the draws harder and will force other women to step up, especially Sharapova. What happened to her? But I digress, that is a completely different story.
Just think just another few months until the French Open. Get pumped because the clay is always exciting, especially with Henin back on tour! Look out for her, because that is her tournament.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Quck Update
Sorry I have been absent from the bloggingsphere lately but being a junior in college is a lot harder then people make it out to be, and unfortunately school comes first. Another reason for being dormant lately is the fact that, for those of you who have been watching, there really hasn't been much to write about. Everything has pretty much gone as expected, those who were supposed to win, won, except for the early exit of Sharapova.
However, last night, or technically this morning down in Australia, something occurred that shocked the tennis world, especially me. Kim Clijsters, the winner of the 2009 US Open lost to Nadia Petrova. The thing is, she didn't just lose, she got killed, swept off the court 0 and 1. Unfortunately the match was on too late over here that I was unable to watch how she played, so I can't make a clear analysis to why she lost, but I think we can all agree on how disappointed we are. Personally, I was rolling out my Belgium flag for the potential match up between the two returnees Clijsters and fellow country woman Henin.
Henin on the other hand beat her third round opponent, Alisa Kleybanova 3-6, 6-5, 6-2. Now with Clijsters out of the way my money is on Henin going all the way and doing exactly what Clijsters did last August.
I think when players come out of retirement it is a little bit easier for them, not technically (they usually have one of the toughest draws since they aren't seeded), but mentally. There is no pressure, if they lose it's because they haven't played this level of competition in years, if they win that's just great.
On the men's draw Roddick advanced, but probably the most interesting story is the other US man left in the draw. I know, who knew there could be two going into the round of 16. It is the big man coming in at 6 feet 9 inches, John Isner.
Now, I have seen Isner play during one of my visits to the US Open and I was really disappointed with his game. All he had was a big serve, but he was almost too big to move around the court. Also, you would have thought that someone of that size would love to come into net because of his height and wingspan but no he rarely did. But this is the past, John Isner is a new man, and quite a man at that. His match against Monfils was unbelievable. His serve is not just hard anymore but he has developed a huge spin serve to the ad court that literally bounces over his opponents. Not only that but Isner actually used his size to his advantage and came into net. When he did his volleys looked to be as fast as a normal person's ground-stroke. They were deep and hard, making it impossible for Monfils to get.
Isner's next match up is against the best returner in tennis, Andy Murray. It could be an exciting match, a huge serve against one of the best returners. It will be interesting to see how Murray handles the match. It's going to come down to composure and in the end I think Murray is going to have the advantage, he has more experience in situations where there is a lot of pressure. Either way it should be exciting.
However, last night, or technically this morning down in Australia, something occurred that shocked the tennis world, especially me. Kim Clijsters, the winner of the 2009 US Open lost to Nadia Petrova. The thing is, she didn't just lose, she got killed, swept off the court 0 and 1. Unfortunately the match was on too late over here that I was unable to watch how she played, so I can't make a clear analysis to why she lost, but I think we can all agree on how disappointed we are. Personally, I was rolling out my Belgium flag for the potential match up between the two returnees Clijsters and fellow country woman Henin.
Henin on the other hand beat her third round opponent, Alisa Kleybanova 3-6, 6-5, 6-2. Now with Clijsters out of the way my money is on Henin going all the way and doing exactly what Clijsters did last August.
I think when players come out of retirement it is a little bit easier for them, not technically (they usually have one of the toughest draws since they aren't seeded), but mentally. There is no pressure, if they lose it's because they haven't played this level of competition in years, if they win that's just great.
On the men's draw Roddick advanced, but probably the most interesting story is the other US man left in the draw. I know, who knew there could be two going into the round of 16. It is the big man coming in at 6 feet 9 inches, John Isner.
Now, I have seen Isner play during one of my visits to the US Open and I was really disappointed with his game. All he had was a big serve, but he was almost too big to move around the court. Also, you would have thought that someone of that size would love to come into net because of his height and wingspan but no he rarely did. But this is the past, John Isner is a new man, and quite a man at that. His match against Monfils was unbelievable. His serve is not just hard anymore but he has developed a huge spin serve to the ad court that literally bounces over his opponents. Not only that but Isner actually used his size to his advantage and came into net. When he did his volleys looked to be as fast as a normal person's ground-stroke. They were deep and hard, making it impossible for Monfils to get.
Isner's next match up is against the best returner in tennis, Andy Murray. It could be an exciting match, a huge serve against one of the best returners. It will be interesting to see how Murray handles the match. It's going to come down to composure and in the end I think Murray is going to have the advantage, he has more experience in situations where there is a lot of pressure. Either way it should be exciting.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Australian Open Draw Analysis
The moment we have all been waiting for...yes the Australian Open draw is finally out and there could be some interesting and exciting match ups in both the Men's and Women's draw.
First let us take a look at the Men's Draw.
Probably what could be one of the most exciting and anticipated match ups is the possibility that Davydenko could meet up and play Federer in the quarter finals. The odds are against Federer with Davydenko having beaten Federer in there last two match ups. But Federer will need to focus on getting to the quarterfinals first, which will not be an easy task. Federer's first match is against Russian, Igor Andreev, and the last time these two met Andreev stretched Federer to five sets. The next person Federer may face could be Hewitt or Baghdatis both strong competitors. If these players all play Federer as tough as they have in the past Federer may be more worn out than Davydenko. However, having seen both these players play live I think Federer has the edge. He is more consistent while Davydenko tends to make more unforced errors.
On the other side of the draw is Del Potro, the defending US Open Champion, Nadal, Murray and Roddick. Del Potro could face Roddick in the qaurters and in this match up I think that Del Potro will come out on top. He has proved that he is a force to be reckon with on hard court and Roddick is just coming off an injury.
The other qaurter of this half of the draw could include a Nadal, Murray match up. Normally I would predict a Nadal win but lately Nadal has been...well un Nadal like. He actually looks human. Murray on the other hand has seen to mature and has diversified his game. However, I think I am still going to go with Nadal because it's a new year and he has proved that he can win this tournament.
Now, on to the woman's draw.
What makes the woman's draw so interesting this year is the fact that one of the players to watch is unseeded Henin who has just come out of retirement. However, for just coming out of retirement she sure isn't playing like it. She got the finals in Brisbane and lost to her fellow country woman Kim Clijsters in three sets. However, she is going to have a tough draw, potentially having to play Dementieva the fifth seed in the second round. If Henin wins that match, which I think she will, she has much more experience then Dementieva she may have a rematch against Clijsters in what could be one of the most exciting quarterfinals. In this quarterfinal Clijsters has the edge and is overall the better player.
On the other half of the draw are the two William's sisters. Therefore unlike usual we will not have a Williams final, which is a lot to cheer about in my book.
None of this is set in stone but despite the outcome of these matches there is going to be a lot to look forward to in the coming days.
First let us take a look at the Men's Draw.
Probably what could be one of the most exciting and anticipated match ups is the possibility that Davydenko could meet up and play Federer in the quarter finals. The odds are against Federer with Davydenko having beaten Federer in there last two match ups. But Federer will need to focus on getting to the quarterfinals first, which will not be an easy task. Federer's first match is against Russian, Igor Andreev, and the last time these two met Andreev stretched Federer to five sets. The next person Federer may face could be Hewitt or Baghdatis both strong competitors. If these players all play Federer as tough as they have in the past Federer may be more worn out than Davydenko. However, having seen both these players play live I think Federer has the edge. He is more consistent while Davydenko tends to make more unforced errors.
On the other side of the draw is Del Potro, the defending US Open Champion, Nadal, Murray and Roddick. Del Potro could face Roddick in the qaurters and in this match up I think that Del Potro will come out on top. He has proved that he is a force to be reckon with on hard court and Roddick is just coming off an injury.
The other qaurter of this half of the draw could include a Nadal, Murray match up. Normally I would predict a Nadal win but lately Nadal has been...well un Nadal like. He actually looks human. Murray on the other hand has seen to mature and has diversified his game. However, I think I am still going to go with Nadal because it's a new year and he has proved that he can win this tournament.
Now, on to the woman's draw.
What makes the woman's draw so interesting this year is the fact that one of the players to watch is unseeded Henin who has just come out of retirement. However, for just coming out of retirement she sure isn't playing like it. She got the finals in Brisbane and lost to her fellow country woman Kim Clijsters in three sets. However, she is going to have a tough draw, potentially having to play Dementieva the fifth seed in the second round. If Henin wins that match, which I think she will, she has much more experience then Dementieva she may have a rematch against Clijsters in what could be one of the most exciting quarterfinals. In this quarterfinal Clijsters has the edge and is overall the better player.
On the other half of the draw are the two William's sisters. Therefore unlike usual we will not have a Williams final, which is a lot to cheer about in my book.
None of this is set in stone but despite the outcome of these matches there is going to be a lot to look forward to in the coming days.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Not your typical sport
Throughout my life I have been playing sports, whether it was basketball, softball or tennis. However, what sets tennis apart from all the rest; no it is not the skirts, but the fact that whenever I have taken a long break from playing I always play awful when I return. Not only does it look like I have never played the sport before but I always feel off when hitting. Nothing feels comfortable, my body feels more awkward than usual and it can get quite frustrating.
A couple years ago I had a herniated disc in my back and was unable to play for three months. You would think that those three months that I couldn't play were the most agonizing months of my life, but you are mistaken. What was more agonizing then not playing for that length of time was returning from not playing. I couldn't hit a ball to save my life and for a while there I was so frustrated and angry with the sport that I considered quitting.
Despite these emotions I barreled through and continued playing and strangely that season I played some of the best tennis of my life. I think what ended up happening to me was that after not playing for such a long time I had to re-familiarize my muscles with the movements. Therefore my coach was able to readjust some of my poor form to make it better and less strenuous on my back. The result a much better tennis game.
What really interests me is the reason why coming back from an injury in tennis is such a hard thing to recover from. It is definitely not like riding a bike, you do not always remember how. In tennis you have to re-learn a lot of the basics, which for many like myself is frustrating and career ending. So how do the pros do it? Sharapova came back from an elbow injury, Nadal from a knee injury and Clijsters from having a child.
The question that I pose is, are they now better than ever, or are they just going to fizzle out and disappear like Martina Hingis, Lindsey Davenport and Jennifer Capriati?
A couple years ago I had a herniated disc in my back and was unable to play for three months. You would think that those three months that I couldn't play were the most agonizing months of my life, but you are mistaken. What was more agonizing then not playing for that length of time was returning from not playing. I couldn't hit a ball to save my life and for a while there I was so frustrated and angry with the sport that I considered quitting.
Despite these emotions I barreled through and continued playing and strangely that season I played some of the best tennis of my life. I think what ended up happening to me was that after not playing for such a long time I had to re-familiarize my muscles with the movements. Therefore my coach was able to readjust some of my poor form to make it better and less strenuous on my back. The result a much better tennis game.
What really interests me is the reason why coming back from an injury in tennis is such a hard thing to recover from. It is definitely not like riding a bike, you do not always remember how. In tennis you have to re-learn a lot of the basics, which for many like myself is frustrating and career ending. So how do the pros do it? Sharapova came back from an elbow injury, Nadal from a knee injury and Clijsters from having a child.
The question that I pose is, are they now better than ever, or are they just going to fizzle out and disappear like Martina Hingis, Lindsey Davenport and Jennifer Capriati?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
It's been a year
No it hasn't been a year since my last blog post, although it has definitely been a while (sorry about that). It's been a year since I created the blog, so happy one year anniversary to myself.
This time last year I was writing about the Australian Open so do you know what that means? Yes, the Australian Open is once again drawing near, so as avid tennis fans we have much to look forward to. Is Nadal going to defend his title; despite having lost to Davydenko twice in the last few months? How is Roddick going to do, even though he pulled out of London a couple months ago he recently won the warm up tournament in Brisbane.
Personally I am not complaining about Nadal's recent losses. Now that Nadal has become human the entire men's draw can open up. Hopefully Roddick's recent win will boost his confidence back up after a humbling exit at the U.S Open to fellow American John Isner.
However, probably one of the most exciting players to watch this Australian Open is the winner of the 2009 Women's U.S Open, Kim Clijsters. Just like the Open the Australian Open is played on a hard court surface so Clijsters has a lot going for her. Especially after beating fellow county woman Justine Henin who recently came out of retirement and lost to Clijsters in three sets.
However, the win against Henin should have been much easier for Clijsters. Henin made numerous unforced errors, so Clijsters has a lot of work ahead of her if she wants to win the Aussie Open as well.
Henin is also going to be a player to look out for. Even though she lost to Clijsters and pulled out of Sydney because of a gluteal strain, Henin has always been a fighter on the court. One thing in particular that has always impressed me about her, is her speed. She plays excellent defense, constantly running down balls and making her opponent hit that one extra ball.
Like usual there is much to look forward to, especially the release of the draws which will be coming out this Friday the 15th. With Henin and Clijsters holding lower rankings this could pose problems to our top seeds, making what I hope to be a very exciting tournament.
This time last year I was writing about the Australian Open so do you know what that means? Yes, the Australian Open is once again drawing near, so as avid tennis fans we have much to look forward to. Is Nadal going to defend his title; despite having lost to Davydenko twice in the last few months? How is Roddick going to do, even though he pulled out of London a couple months ago he recently won the warm up tournament in Brisbane.
Personally I am not complaining about Nadal's recent losses. Now that Nadal has become human the entire men's draw can open up. Hopefully Roddick's recent win will boost his confidence back up after a humbling exit at the U.S Open to fellow American John Isner.
However, probably one of the most exciting players to watch this Australian Open is the winner of the 2009 Women's U.S Open, Kim Clijsters. Just like the Open the Australian Open is played on a hard court surface so Clijsters has a lot going for her. Especially after beating fellow county woman Justine Henin who recently came out of retirement and lost to Clijsters in three sets.
However, the win against Henin should have been much easier for Clijsters. Henin made numerous unforced errors, so Clijsters has a lot of work ahead of her if she wants to win the Aussie Open as well.
Henin is also going to be a player to look out for. Even though she lost to Clijsters and pulled out of Sydney because of a gluteal strain, Henin has always been a fighter on the court. One thing in particular that has always impressed me about her, is her speed. She plays excellent defense, constantly running down balls and making her opponent hit that one extra ball.
Like usual there is much to look forward to, especially the release of the draws which will be coming out this Friday the 15th. With Henin and Clijsters holding lower rankings this could pose problems to our top seeds, making what I hope to be a very exciting tournament.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
US Open Qualifiers
A couple of days ago I took a trip out to Flushing Meadows for the qualifiers since I wasn't going to be around for the actual US Open this year. Although I watched some nice tennis the reality is that the best word to describe the tennis is just that, "nice." The players are all good but they aren't great and for them when they play in the qualifiers there can be more pressure than playing in the actual tournament. Think about the expenses: expense number one: plane ticket, expense number two: the hotel room, expense number three: food and so on. I am sure there are many more that I wouldn't even dream of because I have never had to. Therefore for many of these players if they lose in the first round it is like they have traveled and practiced for nothing.
However, while I was there I was able to catch a couple Americans play (I am tempted to write young but sadly I don't think many of them were). Only one of the four made it to the next round (Mike Russel) while the rest loss in tight set matches. The only other American that struck me as interesting was this kid, and I mean kid named Ryan Lipman. Lipman is only 18 years old and was given a wild card entry into the tournament. Although he didn't win I think he has a lot of potential. Unlike most players on tour Lipman wasn't afraid to serve and volley, which when he gets older and stronger can allow him to break onto tour. For now he just needs to go out there and practice and bulk up.
Besides watching some tennis I also saw Gael Monfils practice on the grand stand, man is he quick. Monfils did look a little shaky and I won't be entirely surprised if he doesn't do too well at the Open for two reasons. The first reason is that he just came off a wrist injury and the second is that he is a clay specialist. His game is made for the slow red clay not the quick hard courts which will make it harder for him to run down balls and wear his opponents down.
Overall it was pretty cool to get so close to the court and I was able to get some pretty good photos like the one above.
However, while I was there I was able to catch a couple Americans play (I am tempted to write young but sadly I don't think many of them were). Only one of the four made it to the next round (Mike Russel) while the rest loss in tight set matches. The only other American that struck me as interesting was this kid, and I mean kid named Ryan Lipman. Lipman is only 18 years old and was given a wild card entry into the tournament. Although he didn't win I think he has a lot of potential. Unlike most players on tour Lipman wasn't afraid to serve and volley, which when he gets older and stronger can allow him to break onto tour. For now he just needs to go out there and practice and bulk up.
Besides watching some tennis I also saw Gael Monfils practice on the grand stand, man is he quick. Monfils did look a little shaky and I won't be entirely surprised if he doesn't do too well at the Open for two reasons. The first reason is that he just came off a wrist injury and the second is that he is a clay specialist. His game is made for the slow red clay not the quick hard courts which will make it harder for him to run down balls and wear his opponents down.
Overall it was pretty cool to get so close to the court and I was able to get some pretty good photos like the one above.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Two
Two things are for sure, Wimbledon is in two days and Rafael Nadal, the defending Champion, and top seed has pulled out of the tournament.
However, I am a little skeptical of the whole thing. I mean, don't you find it weird that all of a sudden after losing to Soderling in the French Open Nadal starts complaining about his knees. I cannot picture Nadal as someone who would start blaming his slump on an injury but is it just me or has Uncle Toni become quite outspoken all of a sudden. After losing to Hewitt, Uncle Toni was the one who spoke to the press and said that if he were Nadal he would fly back home. So I have come up with a theory; Tennis and Family just don't mix. To all you aspiring tennis players don't allow your family to coach you because it only ends in disaster.
I think Uncle Toni is living vicariously through Rafa and notices that yes his knees are bothering him and yes he isn't playing well so he should pull out of one of the best tournaments in the world because he might not win it. Rafa is only human, everyone has slumps, what makes you great is how you deal with not playing your best and how you are able to fight through it to win. Sometimes when something isn't working you have to be smart enough to come up with another game plan.
I think Sharapova has done that. She hadn't played in a year because of her shoulder but she has figured out a way to take some pressure of her shoulder by changing her serve. And it has paid off for her, she has been surprisingly good, good enough to raise her ranking about 50 spots and get the 24 seed at Wimbledon, which many people view as a gift. But I think she has earned it, she has proven to be successful on grass in the past and has been doing well in all the pre-grass tournaments that lead up to Wimbledon. I think her injury has humbled her a little bit and she realizes she needs to prove herself.
With Nadal out, and Sharapova receiving a higher seed then expected Wimbledon will definitely be an interesting tournament to watch. I don't think many of us can remember a grand slam without Nadal, but don't be too disappointed. Instead, try and think positively, with Nadal out history could be made; Federer could surpass Samprass and win his 15th grand slam title or Murray could become the first Britt to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936. According to how the draw should play out these two should meet in the finals so sit down relax and tune in.
However, I am a little skeptical of the whole thing. I mean, don't you find it weird that all of a sudden after losing to Soderling in the French Open Nadal starts complaining about his knees. I cannot picture Nadal as someone who would start blaming his slump on an injury but is it just me or has Uncle Toni become quite outspoken all of a sudden. After losing to Hewitt, Uncle Toni was the one who spoke to the press and said that if he were Nadal he would fly back home. So I have come up with a theory; Tennis and Family just don't mix. To all you aspiring tennis players don't allow your family to coach you because it only ends in disaster.
I think Uncle Toni is living vicariously through Rafa and notices that yes his knees are bothering him and yes he isn't playing well so he should pull out of one of the best tournaments in the world because he might not win it. Rafa is only human, everyone has slumps, what makes you great is how you deal with not playing your best and how you are able to fight through it to win. Sometimes when something isn't working you have to be smart enough to come up with another game plan.
I think Sharapova has done that. She hadn't played in a year because of her shoulder but she has figured out a way to take some pressure of her shoulder by changing her serve. And it has paid off for her, she has been surprisingly good, good enough to raise her ranking about 50 spots and get the 24 seed at Wimbledon, which many people view as a gift. But I think she has earned it, she has proven to be successful on grass in the past and has been doing well in all the pre-grass tournaments that lead up to Wimbledon. I think her injury has humbled her a little bit and she realizes she needs to prove herself.
With Nadal out, and Sharapova receiving a higher seed then expected Wimbledon will definitely be an interesting tournament to watch. I don't think many of us can remember a grand slam without Nadal, but don't be too disappointed. Instead, try and think positively, with Nadal out history could be made; Federer could surpass Samprass and win his 15th grand slam title or Murray could become the first Britt to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936. According to how the draw should play out these two should meet in the finals so sit down relax and tune in.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)