Tennis

I found it annoying that there was a cricket thread but no tennis thread so decided not to be lazy and start one up..

Good to see that the aussie open is finally underway...nice win by Molik tonight although she didnt look overly convicing but that may in part be due to the hiddeous appearance of her opponent...lol...she has some tuff games ahead

I think Hewitt is going to have a poor tourney, hes not in great form having lost to gooch not that i dont mind beacuse i find him extremely annoying

I think Federer win take out the mens and Serena Williams the chicks....will be good in a weeks time when all the crappy players have been weeded out..

Feeling sorry for Federer's punching bag opponent tonight. Very one sided, poor bugger.

I still thought i was a fun game to watch...I even clapped when the poor guy won his first game in the second set...next few days should be pretty good

heaps of good games over the weekend...good to see federer pushed to 5 sets agasint a virtual unknow....hewitt plays the 3rd seed serb tnight..should be a good game...too bad casey lost to jakovic last night

Looks like Hewitt is out, barring a miracle return, down the break in the 3rd set, all set for a straight sets loss.

Pity about Dellacqua, but the fairy tale had to come to an end. Good to see her take it to the best, though, will be interesting to follow her progress in the future.

Federer's saturday game was amazing! Think he only won through superior match fitness/staying power.

EDIT: Hewitt facing 3 break points in 3rd for a 2nd break. Goneski.

even tho it was straight sets hewitt fought well, with no aussies left I guess the field is starting to resemble a high class chess tourney :) .. still think federer will come though with the good...in the chicks its way more open tho..

Incredible match by Tsonga tonight. I'm still in shell shock and no doubt so is Nadal. If the Frenchman can repeat this hitting on Sunday he could just beat anyone.

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Originally Posted by Rincewind

Incredible match by Tsonga tonight. I'm still in shell shock and no doubt so is Nadal. If the Frenchman can repeat this hitting on Sunday he could just beat anyone.

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true but federer isnt 'anyone' :)

Go Tsonga!!!.... Go the Frenchman!
:D

Just sick of Federer winning everything :D

Why do they need total silence to play tennis? What do they think it is; chess?

am i dreaming or did federer just go out in straight sets....................:wall: i think jis glory days might be on the way out

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Originally Posted by Intuition

am i dreaming or did federer just go out in straight sets....................:wall: i think jis glory days might be on the way out

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No way. His preparation coming in was non-existent due to illness, and he clearly wasn't at his best. There are at least 5 more majors in Federer or I'll eat my socks.

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Originally Posted by Intuition

am i dreaming or did federer just go out in straight sets....................:wall: i think jis glory days might be on the way out

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Nope. It happened. And it brings to an end his 10 straight appearances in Grand Slam finals. (That is a men's record). It also means it will take Roger a little longer to get the 3 more grand slam single titles to get past Sampras's record.

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Originally Posted by pax

No way. His preparation coming in was non-existent due to illness, and he clearly wasn't at his best. There are at least 5 more majors in Federer or I'll eat my socks.

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He was clearly not hitting the ball well this tourny. He was also slower than normal around the court. He is probably still favourite for Wimbledon after losing to Nadal in the French. ;)

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Originally Posted by Rincewind

He was clearly not hitting the ball well this tourny. He was also slower than normal around the court. He is probably still favourite for Wimbledon after losing to Nadal in the French. ;)

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... unless Tsonga can play like he played yesterday all the time... He could be unstoppable.

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Originally Posted by pax

... unless Tsonga can play like he played yesterday all the time... He could be unstoppable.

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I wonder if there is a way to link this back to post #7 making it am infinite loop. ;)

Now on to the Womens final (and the cricket).

The king of clay took out federer is straight sets, including 6 love in the final set. Surely there has to be some psych edge he has over federer on clay

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Originally Posted by Intuition

The king of clay took out federer is straight sets, including 6 love in the final set. Surely there has to be some psych edge he has over federer on clay

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Sigh depressing :(

I hope Roger will be at his best again when playing on grass.

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

Sigh depressing :(

I hope Roger will be at his best again when playing on grass.

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I wish one third of the official ranking season was played on grass. So there is a season of grass, hardcourt and clay.

I think this would also make the game more interesting, instead of just a load of baseline floggers.

I'd settle for the French Open being televised on free to air! :(

Looking forward to Wimbledon :)

Is it me, or has Federer been a little off this year? First the Australian Open, and then straight sets in the French final.

*cough*

So far all of the favorites are unscared. Lets see what happens in Round 2

Pleased to see Jelena Dokic doing well. She's been through a lot.

Tomic is out ..sigh Auzzie men are flying out of the draw one after the other

Tomic looked very good in the first set (I went to bed after that). He looks very promising.

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Originally Posted by Boris

Tomic looked very good in the first set (I went to bed after that). He looks very promising.

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Looks promising..but plays not so promising :)

Karanusic is trying hard against Nadal but still falls short of a serious challenge so far.

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Originally Posted by Intuition

I found it annoying that there was a cricket thread but no tennis thread so decided not to be lazy and start one up..

Good to see that the aussie open is finally underway...nice win by Molik tonight although she didnt look overly convicing but that may in part be due to the hiddeous appearance of her opponent...lol...she has some tuff games ahead

I think Hewitt is going to have a poor tourney, hes not in great form having lost to gooch not that i dont mind beacuse i find him extremely annoying

I think Federer win take out the mens and Serena Williams the chicks....will be good in a weeks time when all the crappy players have been weeded out..

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Yeah I agree..
GO FEDERER!!
:)
and im going for Ana Ivancovic in the womens' though I reckon Serena will probably win it.

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Originally Posted by ScarletFIRE

Yeah I agree..
GO FEDERER!!
:)
.

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Yep I too would love to see Federer win it.

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

Looks promising..but plays not so promising :)

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I was referring to his playing.

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

Yep I too would love to see Federer win it.

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Only 1 grand slam to go to equal the 14 grand slams record :) !

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Originally Posted by ScarletFIRE

Only 1 grand slam to go to equal the 14 grand slams record :) !

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Hopefully this year, he will win Aus open and Wimbledon to make it 15:owned:

When does the tennis finish??

Federer match against Del Potro was like a walkover :owned:

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Originally Posted by DeMann

When does the tennis finish??

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Sunday

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

Federer match against Del Potro was like a walkover :owned:

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yeah 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 :P yay
but the match against berydch was pretty tight: he won from 2 sets down!
now its just :
Federer (1) vs Roddick (7)
Nadal (2) vs Simon (6)
:) :)
Go Federer! :clap:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScarletFIRE

yeah 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 :P yay
but the match against berydch was pretty tight: he won from 2 sets down!
now its just :
Federer (1) vs Roddick (7)
Nadal (2) vs Simon (6)
:) :)
Go Federer! :clap:

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Not quite,

Semi 1:
Federer (1)
v
Roddick (7)

Semi 2:
winner {QF Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (5) vs. Fernando Verdasco (14)}
v
winner {QF Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Gilles Simon (6)}

whoops
read the draw wrong
lol
anyway..
go Federer and Roddick!
too bad they're on the same side of the draw.
loll :clap:

I can sense Federer-Nadal final coming up

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

I can sense Federer-Nadal final coming up

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mhm
i reckon so too :clap:

Federer's dispatch of Roddick was impressive :clap:

Nadal says:

Each time I come to Paris, during Roland-Garros, I go maybe two, three times to the Sacré Coeur. There's a beautiful sightseeing there, and i like the "Place du Tertre" with its painters. I like to play chess too! "

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Originally Posted by justaknight

Each time I come to Paris, during Roland-Garros, I go maybe two, three times to the Sacré Coeur. There's a beautiful sightseeing there, and i like the "Place du Tertre" with its painters. I like to play chess too! "

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We have a lot in common then. I have a sketch of Place du Tertre hanging on the wall at home. (and another of the Sacre Coeur by the same artist). Nadal serves a little faster than me however. :)

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

Federer's dispatch of Roddick was impressive :clap:

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lol yeah.
straight sets win :clap: :clap: :clap:
finals will be interesting :)

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

I can sense Federer-Nadal final coming up

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Yep, its yet again another Federer - Nadal final, after Nadal's LONG five-setter against Verdasco :clap:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rincewind

We have a lot in common then. I have a sketch of Place du Tertre hanging on the wall at home. (and another of the Sacre Coeur by the same artist). Nadal serves a little faster than me however. :)

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Rince, I have a Place du Teatre at home too. Does it depict a girl with a red top carrying a green bag and signed by AMO???

Federer to win in 5.

Go, Roger!!!!

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Originally Posted by Boris

Federer to win in 5.

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in 3!!
LOL
:lol: :lol: :clap: :clap:

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Originally Posted by ScarletFIRE

in 3!!
LOL
:lol: :lol: :clap: :clap:

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I wouldn't be surprised.

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Originally Posted by Boris

I wouldn't be surprised.

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Lol
But hopefully it'll be longer than the womens' final which lasted for a meagre 59 mins (0-6, 3-6)!!
Go Roger! :)

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Originally Posted by AzureBlue

Lol
But hopefully it'll be longer than the womens' final which lasted for a meagre 59 mins (0-6, 3-6)!!
Go Roger! :)

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Womens' matches are frequently a joke. Hard to believe that they get the same prize money despite playing shorter matches.


Well done to Nadal, who won the epic 5-setter. Easily the highest quality tennis match I have ever seen.

Sigh, It is sad to see Federer choke time after time against Nadal :(. Must be psychological :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Boris

Womens' matches are frequently a joke. Hard to believe that they get the same prize money despite playing shorter matches.


Well done to Nadal, who won the epic 5-setter. Easily the highest quality tennis match I have ever seen.

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Yes, well worth staying up for... what a great match!

I was amazed (both in the semi-final and the final) by Nadal's ability to scramble balls back from really difficult positions and hit them somewhere where he was completely back in the point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by justaknight

Rince, I have a Place du Teatre at home too. Does it depict a girl with a red top carrying a green bag and signed by AMO???

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I'll post a photo sometime soon, but I don't think so.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

Sigh, It is sad to see Federer choke time after time against Nadal :(. Must be psychological :(

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:(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by justaknight

Rince, I have a Place du Teatre at home too. Does it depict a girl with a red top carrying a green bag and signed by AMO???

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Definitely not the same artist I'd say. Images of sketches attached.

Venus v Serena Wimbledon final *yawn*

Was interested to hear that they were seeded 2 and 3. I thought that 2 and 3 were in the same half of the draw, meeting in the semi's with the other semi being 1 v 4 assuming the seeds get through that far.

I really hope Federer does his usual job of crushing Roddick. I really hate that guy, he constantly demeans the umpires and linespeople and he should be fined for it, since they can't insult him back.

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Originally Posted by Boris

Was interested to hear that they were seeded 2 and 3. I thought that 2 and 3 were in the same half of the draw, meeting in the semi's with the other semi being 1 v 4 assuming the seeds get through that far.

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I had a look to see if that was the same situation in the Mens' draw, and found that there was no #1 seed! Weird.

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Originally Posted by Boris

I had a look to see if that was the same situation in the Mens' draw, and found that there was no #1 seed! Weird.

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Because Nadal withdrew after the seeding and draw was done.
Scott

The Herald declared that VEnus made the no 1 rated player look like a rank amateur - that was their headline. The tennis rating system is worse than Glicko one and two.

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Originally Posted by Schu

I really hope Federer does his usual job of crushing Roddick.

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YEAH!! GO FEDERER!!:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

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Originally Posted by AzureBlue

YEAH!! GO FEDERER!!:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

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I'm confused. Are you going for Federer or Roddick? :confused:

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Originally Posted by Rincewind

I'm confused. Are you going for Federer or Roddick? :confused:

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... Federer, of course!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
How can u be so confused? :confused:

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Originally Posted by AzureBlue

... Federer, of course!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
How can u be so confused? :confused:

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I thought you were telling Federer to go... somewhere, anywhere, but just go!

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Originally Posted by Rincewind

I thought you were telling Federer to go... somewhere, anywhere, but just go!

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LOL :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

5-7,7-6,7-6, 3-6, 16-14 to Federer :) :clap:
5-setter!

I've gotta say, I'm impressed that Roddick seems to have curtailed his usual fits of aimlessly abusing the umpire and linespeople - I thought he'd be a prick for life. About bloody time, frankly.

I don't think Roddick was ever a prick but he's definitely settled down since getting married.

And frankly who wouldn't with a wife who looks like this:

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Originally Posted by WhiteElephant

I don't think Roddick was ever a prick but he's definitely settled down since getting married.

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I dunno, the way he'd abuse the chair umpire almost constantly when HE was missing the court was quite a prickish move. I know, heat of the competition and all that, but still, I have trouble imagining someone's really a nice guy after the absolute nasty abuse that Roddick gave out to people just trying to do their job.

But like I said, I'm glad to see that it seems to have gone, he's probably a better tennis player for it too, redirecting his energy onto the court.

The girl's cute, not my type though. But if she mellows him out, I'm all for her :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Schu

I dunno, the way he'd abuse the chair umpire almost constantly when HE was missing the court was quite a prickish move. I know, heat of the competition and all that, but still, I have trouble imagining someone's really a nice guy after the absolute nasty abuse that Roddick gave out to people just trying to do their job.:D

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McEnroe was MUCH worse and people loved to watch. These days tennis has become too sterile. It is good to see players firing up and showing their emotions although at times Roddick does go a bit too far.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Schu

I've gotta say, I'm impressed that Roddick seems to have curtailed his usual fits of aimlessly abusing the umpire and linespeople - I thought he'd be a prick for life. About bloody time, frankly.

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Lol yeah, but it's hilarious to watch :lol: :lol:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WhiteElephant

McEnroe was MUCH worse and people loved to watch. These days tennis has become too sterile. It is good to see players firing up and showing their emotions although at times Roddick does go a bit too far.

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Oh, I agree - I love watching Baghdatis play, he clearly just loves the game and shows it on the court.

We would even let Lleyton Hewitt join us - as the Pommie commentator at Wimbledon stated: Lleyton is wasted playing tennis, he should have been on the Granma with Castro and Chequagua(?) or on the Endeavour with Captain Cook having to dring his own urine.

Kim Clijsters has just defeated Serena Williams 6-4 7-5 to reach the US Open Final :clap:

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Originally Posted by ggrayggray

Kim Clijsters has just defeated Serena Williams 6-4 7-5 :clap:

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i love how channel 9 thinks the footy shows are more important than the tennis.

Far out what happened. I still dont get it. Why'd they default her?

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Originally Posted by aransandraseg

Far out what happened. I still dont get it. Why'd they default her?

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i read that it was her second warning and a point penalty, giving her opponent the match point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CameronD

I read that it was her second warning and a point penalty, giving her opponent the match point.

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As I understand it there was no connection between her first warning (smashing her racket into the ground so it broke when losing the first set) and second warning (for threatening a lines(wo)man).

The second warning was at a rather crucial moment since losing the point would give Clijster two match points in a row, and besides the supposed foot fault that Serena made was not really confirmed on tv footage and was probably a mistake from the linesman. All the same it is reported she said "I will kill you" and then threatened her pointing the racket at her, and saying that she would shove down this tennisball in her f****** throat if she didn't ****. That earned her a misconduct penalty (e.g. a higher penalty than in the first set) which increased Clijster's score from 6-5 to 7-5 in the second set, e.g. automatically losing the match point. I think that she was losing anyhow, but too bad about the call of the foot fault at that moment - you have to be damn sure to do that, I can understand why Serena lost her mind. But telling anyone that she will kill them and get surprised of a penalty, is not a smart action, or educational stuff for the kids.

It wasn't a disqualification as such, rather (in chess terms) a 1-minute penalty when you have 1 minute left on the clock :wall:

So much for the Williams sisters, who have never come across as very well-mannered people, Clijster took them both down in this tourney. They will probably win the womens double together though. I was just cheering like mad for our own "miss Sunshine" (she is Danish like me) Caroline Wozniacki, who won the other semifinal 6-3 6-3 and is now in the final of US Open. Go, Wozzy, go!! Danish dynamite!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WhiteElephant

McEnroe was MUCH worse and people loved to watch. These days tennis has become too sterile. It is good to see players firing up and showing their emotions although at times Roddick does go a bit too far.

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Wish granted :lol:

A microphone has picked up williams rant. The penalty decision is very fair in my opinion.

"If I could, I would take this ... ball and shove it down your ... throat and kill you."


(... refers to expletives)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CameronD

A microphone has picked up williams rant. The penalty decision is very fair in my opinion.

"If I could, I would take this ... ball and shove it down your ... throat and kill you."


(... refers to expletives)

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If she did say that then I'd say a single point penalty is woefully inadequate.

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Originally Posted by Boris

If she did say that then I'd say a single point penalty is woefully inadequate.

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I think it might have been a case of the umpire realised the impact of 'just' a point penalty as it occurred on match point, so just went with the smallest penalty.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ggrayggray

I think it might have been a case of the umpire realised the impact of 'just' a point penalty as it occurred on match point, so just went with the smallest penalty.

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Yes you can argue that it was an important point. Counter to that it can be argued that she would likely have lost the match anyway.

Tennis regularly fines (cash) its players for swearing, breaking equipment and other breaches of etiquette. Yet threaten the life on an official and all you get is a single point.

Monster penalty. Do it. Refer sig.

As I understand it there is a fixed refereeing scale for code violations under which the first violation gets a warning, and the second violation a point penalty (and it gets worse from there). So the point penalty was mandatory but just happened to come on match point. Had she not already had the first code violation for smashing her racquet, it may have just been a warning (on the court). Discipline is then handled separately after the match (fines, suspensions etc). I don't know if the on-court umpires have the discretion to forfeit someone immediately for an offence.

And the first penalty is in ...

$10,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct

which is apparently the maximum, and just a slap on the wrist given that she gets $350,000 in prizemoney

Quote:

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Additionally, the administrator for the Grand Slam Committee has opened an investigation into the incident, which could result in a suspension.

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There seems to be unclarity about whether Williams actually threatened to kill the lineswoman, although I consider it academic since having a tennis ball shoved down one's throat (which certainly was threatened) is not exactly conducive to good health.

I remember a doubles match at wimbledon where a player got angry and accidently struck a ball boy with a ball. They is an automatic disqualification for this offence.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kevin Bonham

As I understand it there is a fixed refereeing scale for code violations under which the first violation gets a warning, and the second violation a point penalty (and it gets worse from there). So the point penalty was mandatory but just happened to come on match point. Had she not already had the first code violation for smashing her racquet, it may have just been a warning (on the court). Discipline is then handled separately after the match (fines, suspensions etc). I don't know if the on-court umpires have the discretion to forfeit someone immediately for an offence.

And the first penalty is in ...

$10,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct

which is apparently the maximum, and just a slap on the wrist given that she gets $350,000 in prizemoney



There seems to be unclarity about whether Williams actually threatened to kill the lineswoman, although I consider it academic since having a tennis ball shoved down one's throat (which certainly was threatened) is not exactly conducive to good health.

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Williams has now made a full and frank apology and has amended her press statement to include apology to the lineswoman.

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Originally Posted by Gunner Duggan

Williams has now made a full and frank apology and has amended her press statement to include apology to the lineswoman.

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How disappointing that she bowed to politicial correctness - I preferred her how she was - big, tough and mean.

If she would been able to play on I had confidence in her winning the match because of her fighting spirit. Did she actually commit a foot fault coz I don't know the rules?

She only apologised so she can play again. I am the king of apologies and they are only a facade .. hint hint

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Originally Posted by antichrist

How disappointing that she bowed to politicial correctness

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You don't mean that - you appreciate people being solid enough to retract when they're wrong.

But I mean when I say that Serena Williams is absolutely disgraceful : http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/m...nning-apology/

AR

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kevin Bonham

And the first penalty is in ...

$10,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct

which is apparently the maximum, and just a slap on the wrist given that she gets $350,000 in prizemoney

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I wouldn't mind to have that $10,000 as a monthly salary (just to talk proportions), but compare to her prizemoney then it is a small percentage. But for the first offense (smashing the raquet) she got a fine of $500, now that is a slap on the fingers! The raquet is probably worth a lot more :owned:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gunner Duggan

You don't mean that - you appreciate people being solid enough to retract when they're wrong.

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I heard a tv guy saying that it was disputable that it was a foot fault. If Serena was correct she should have shoved the ruddy ball down her throat.

Listen Gunnar, whatever Serena does she can do no wrong -and I am not biased nor distracted by her titles as her tee shirt read .
I feel like one of Ax's conspiracies at the moment: didn't Serena defeat the Chinese champ on way up during this comp? And who footfaulted her? The Chinese lineswoman!

I fully appreciate our Lleyton now: Can't you see the simalarity?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gunner Duggan

You don't mean that - you appreciate people being solid enough to retract when they're wrong.

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And Gunnar I would back Serena against you whether on the court or in the ring - if she was in that mood the other day she would tear you apart limb by limb and stuff the English language - she would murder that as well.

Wohoooo now were talking about meh side of the world -yay :clap:

The ladies finals at the US Open were just fantastic. Sprouty totally enjoyed the spirit and the drive that both of the ladies showed. Wat character, lotsa drive and emotions. Sprout hasnt seen that kinda tennis since the mens final years ago between Jimmy Conners & Johnny Macs.:clap:

-Sprout85 =)

Gunnar is too frightened to show up against Serena!

Serena forever!

Williams fined US$82,500 for her US open outburst, and put on probation (fine will double if she's naughty again).

Australian Open 2010's coming soon :) Mon 18 Jan 2010 - Sunday 31 Jan 2010 :whistle: :whistle:
What are your predictions?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Boris

Williams fined US$82,500 for her US open outburst, and put on probation (fine will double if she's naughty again).

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I think that this decision is gutless and wouldve given her 24anything less than 12 months is an embarrassment. Personally, i wouldve given her 24 months. Its a shame that tennis referree officials cant strike, cause i would if i were one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AzureBlue

Australian Open 2010's coming soon :) Mon 18 Jan 2010 - Sunday 31 Jan 2010 :whistle: :whistle:
What are your predictions?

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Ask me after the tourney is over....This year I am allocating some money and time aside to attend more matches that I ever did

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CameronD

I think that this decision is gutless and wouldve given her 24anything less than 12 months is an embarrassment. Personally, i wouldve given her 24 months.

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I thought it was reasonable. Actually I didn't realise that the matter was ongoiung and I thought she had got off with the 10k fine.

Quote:

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Its a shame that tennis referree officials cant strike, cause i would if i were one.

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Well that would be a no-brainer for the organisers. #1 player in the world vs find a few new line judges. :hmm: Controversy can only help ticket sales.

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Originally Posted by MichaelBaron

Ask me after the tourney is over....This year I am allocating some money and time aside to attend more matches that I ever did

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Yeah, I've always wanted to go to the Aussie Open, but my family and I are already going to West Side Story and probably Mary Poppins next year... I always watch the matches on TV though. Tennis is awesome :lol: Go Federer!

Serena is complaining that her and her sister are not getting Centre Court, in spite of them winning so many titles

well in the ladies comp the only entrants with anglo names are the williams sisters and they are ring-ins so to speak - where aare the WASPs?

Isn't this a bit like someone who only ever played transfer giving advice to Baron how to win a Saturday afternoon allegro?

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Originally Posted by Hobbes

Isn't this a bit like someone who only ever played transfer giving advice to Baron how to win a Saturday afternoon allegro?

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Todd Woodbridge made the semifinals of Wimbledon in 1997 so he does know how to win a grandslam quaterfinal. However I have never really liked the fellow, Mark Woodforde though I quite liked. Woodforde made the semifinals of the 1996 Australian Open. Both had career high singles rankings of 19.
Scott

Serena seeded 28th for the US Open :hmm:

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Originally Posted by Hobbes

Serena seeded 28th for the US Open :hmm:

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Not any surprise since Serena has been inactive for "ages". But it *is* surprising to me that the Danish tennis darling Caroline Wozniacki is first seed, despite having lost the last three tournaments in the first round!! She has fallen in love with a golfer, the rumor goes.

However, from earlier great results, she is still ranked no. 1 in the world. I think they should go and talk to professor Elo to have a better ranking system, basically they are just bean-counting how many tennis tourneys they can win, lose doesn't matter etc.

For the moment I cheer for Caroline, and hope she makes it to second round in the US Open :rolleyes:

i miss marat safin !

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/k...906-1jusc.html

Quote:

---

For interested fans, the former world number one - who has her own OPI nail polish line - is going to start posting videos of her singing on her website.

"I mean, I'm a little nervous because my voice isn't the best. My performances are probably the best, I do a full routine. It's amazing," she said in full seriousness.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Juice by Tappy !

i miss marat safin !

---

Hmmm... I liked him, and he was a great player, but too much a drama queen :hmm:
Tomic's style of play reminds me of him actually.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stevenaaus

Hmmm... I liked him, and he was a great player, but too much a drama queen :hmm:
Tomic's style of play reminds me of him actually.

---

i miss all the smashed rackets among other things. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by antichrist

well in the ladies comp the only entrants with anglo names are the williams sisters and they are ring-ins so to speak - where aare the WASPs?

---

Well, you may have noticed someone by the name of Stosur.:whistle:
What an amazing tournament she had. Sam's a great athlete.

http://resources3.news.com.au/images...a-williams.jpg

Down in front, you're blocking a beautiful view.

I was glad Tomic won today... big big effort, and amazing he got out of that really everything considered.

Fernando came dressed like a frigging day-glo red lorikeet :evil: but i guess professional sport is a serious thing.

Whole family enjoying the tennis at the moment. Channel 7 has finally realised that live telecast means that it really needs to be live, even in Queensland.

Go Roger!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by machomortensen

Tomic and Raonic (Can) are probably the most interesting "youngsters" this season.

---

I'd never seen him play till Hewitt beat him last night. He's a giant, and his first serve of the night was a tournament best at 206mphace.

The 2012 Aus Open has been great so far -

US Open champ Stosur lost in first round. Clisters revenged a recent defeat by Hantakova and is playing Li Na today. Lleyton outlasted an impaired Roddick, and Tomic is playing tired after winning the lead up tournament, scraping through 3 very tough games. - Sorry for my butchered spelling. Have i forgotten anything ?

Hewitt and Tomic are playing Novak and Federer in the round of 16.
Tomic is at $6.75 to win :owned:.

Serena Williams was bundled out of the Australian Open in straight sets by Russian Ekaterina Makarova.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

Serena Williams was bundled out of the Australian Open in straight sets by Russian Ekaterina Makarova.

---

thats good news !

now im just waiting for wozniacki to choke.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stevenaaus

I'd never seen him play till Hewitt beat him last night. He's a giant, and his first serve of the night was a tournament best at 206mphace.

The 2012 Aus Open has been great so far -

US Open champ Stosur lost in first round. Clisters revenged a recent defeat by Hantakova and is playing Li Na today. Lleyton outlasted an impaired Roddick, and Tomic is playing tired after winning the lead up tournament, scraping through 3 very tough games. - Sorry for my butchered spelling. Have i forgotten anything ?

Hewitt and Tomic are playing Novak and Federer in the round of 16.
Tomic is at $6.75 to win :owned:.

---

I hope Hewitt loses.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Boris

I hope Hewitt loses.

---

His next round is going to be very tough and I think Djokavic will prove to be too strong for Hewitt.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ignatius Reilly

now im just waiting for wozniacki to choke.

---

She didn't exactly choke but she did seem to lose concentration siightly in her win over Jankovic. So maybe she will.

I think a big hitter would power over Wozniacki more than most and so Serena's departure would be to Wozza's benefit.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

His next round is going to be very tough and I think Djokavic will prove to be too strong for Hewitt.

---

While the above may be in the the "Creswell Predicts" category - one bookmaker had Lleyton at 13 to 1 - he did give a good account of himself. The match went on late into the night and Hewitt took the third set before losing in four to the Djorkavic who must be like playing against a machine.

Djorkavic is looking good for the championship but then again so are Nadal, Federer and Murray. :)

In the battle of the screaming banshees, Azarenka beats Sharapova to win the 2012 Aus Womens Open. Makes you almmost feel sorry for Maria ... think i saw her fighting back tears.

Victoria Azarenka looks like she has the making of an undisputed number one to me. :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stevenaaus

In the battle of the screaming banshees, Azarenka beats Sharapova to win the 2012 Aus Womens Open. Makes you almmost feel sorry for Maria ... think i saw her fighting back tears.

Victoria Azarenka looks like she has the making of an undisputed number one to me. :P

---

After a nervous start, she simply blew Shaparova away, 6-3 6-0

82 minutes and it was all over, Sharapova.

ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah ooooo ah.

end.

I am trying to work out the worst sound in the world. The two contenders are some of the women's tennis matches, especially Azarenka and Sharapova or vuvuzelas.

The solution is simple; let the crowd chant, cheer, clap, boo, whatever - make noise during the point.

Or watch the women's with the sound down. :hmm: :)

Mens' final looks to be a cracker, Nadal has just taken the first set.

Djokovic wins - five sets, just under six hours. What a match!

In over 30 years of watching tennis I don't remember a match like this one. That was just incredible. Nadal and Djokovic were so tired while the sponsor was talking that they could barely stand and someone had to bring them chairs! Longest Grand Slam Final and one of ther longest matches ever. Amazing.

Serena seems set for another Wimbledon title after beating Azarenka in the semis.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-0...?section=sport

All time Mens Grand Slam Tally
17 - Roger Federer (SUI)
14 - Pete Sampras (USA)
12 - Roy Emerson (AUS)
11 - Rafael Nadal (ESP), Rod Laver (AUS), Bjorn Borg (SWE)
10 - Bill Tilden (USA)
8 - Andre Agassi (USA), Ivan Lendl (USA), Jimmy Connors (USA), Ken Rosewall (AUS)

I can't explain it, but somehow I feel I should buy Berlei products. Probably subliminal messaging.

If you rub on the Berlei and go swimming, you might wind up shark bait! ;)

Some great matches this year. I really enjoyed watching Murray, Djokovic and Federer. Though Federer I think is not his best any more - I wonder how many tours he has left.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by road runner

Some great matches this year. I really enjoyed watching Murray, Djokovic and Federer. Though Federer I think is not his best any more - I wonder how many tours he has left.

---

I have to agree. Federer was just unable to handle Murray's first serve and that was primarily what cost him the spot in the final. I think that is just Federer slowing down with age. Sadly I don't think he will win another slam singles title.

Djokovic on the other hand was sublime. I saw all his matches from the 4th round on and he was the best player in the tournament without question. Even when Murray was giving him a bit of a pasting in the early stages of the final, you just knew he was still going to win. By the end of the third set Murray was in all sorts of problems and Djokovic was cruising to his third Aust open title on the trot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by road runner

I can't explain it, but somehow I feel I should buy Berlei products. Probably subliminal messaging.

---

By the same token, the Kia advertisements with the modern man/woman doggerel are cringeworthy.

The interesting thing about the Men's Grand Slam list above, is that the most talented player ever, isn't on it. John McEnroe won, I think, 7 Slams, but for all his talent, should have won more than double that. He was an artist with the racquet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Geelong Grizzle

The interesting thing about the Men's Grand Slam list above, is that the most talented player ever, isn't on it. John McEnroe won, I think, 7 Slams, but for all his talent, should have won more than double that. He was an artist with the racquet.

---

He did win 9 slams in mens doubles - 7 with Fleming and one with each of Woodforde and Stich. He also won the French mixed doubles as an amateur in 1977.

Add them all them you get to 17. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Geelong Grizzle

The interesting thing about the Men's Grand Slam list above, is that the most talented player ever, isn't on it. John McEnroe won, I think, 7 Slams, but for all his talent, should have won more than double that. He was an artist with the racquet.

---

Greatest of all time? Was he even greatest of his time. For one, his record against Lendl would suggest not, 21-15 in Lendl's favour. Indeed Lendl had him in the Slams 7-3. Maybe you could argue he would have won more slams if he had been better than Lendl. :hmm:

I didn't say McEnroe was the 'greatest of all time' or 'his time' - I said he was the 'most talented'. You can't compare McEnroe's artistry with that of a dour baseliner like Lendl. McEnroe once said of Lendl, 'I've got more talent in my little finger than he's got in his whole body, but he works harder than me'. That's probably why Lendl had the better record.
Fleming once said, 'The greatest doubles combination in history is John McEnroe and anybody'.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Geelong Grizzle

I didn't say McEnroe was the 'greatest of all time' or 'his time' - I said he was the 'most talented'. You can't compare McEnroe's artistry with that of a dour baseliner like Lendl. McEnroe once said of Lendl, 'I've got more talent in my little finger than he's got in his whole body, but he works harder than me'. That's probably why Lendl had the better record.
Fleming once said, 'The greatest doubles combination in history is John McEnroe and anybody'.

---

Fortunately Gland Slams are not awarded on this abstract "talent".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by road runner

Greatest of all time? Was he even greatest of his time. For one, his record against Lendl would suggest not, 21-15 in Lendl's favour. Indeed Lendl had him in the Slams 7-3. Maybe you could argue he would have won more slams if he had been better than Lendl. :hmm:

---

McEnroe was probably the last of the great classical players. Lendl was the beginning of the new breed of heavy baseliners. Both were great but McEnroe was fair more entertaining to watch.

I'd also prefer McEnroe's record over Lendl's at Wimbledon. :D

Jimmy Connors was the most talented... Ever...

Lendl started the new generation of tennis ATHLETES.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

I'd also prefer McEnroe's record over Lendl's at Wimbledon. :D

---

I'm sure McEnroe is also happy he didn't have to play Lendl there much.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by road runner

I'm sure McEnroe is also happy he didn't have to play Lendl there much.

---

I'm not so sure. Lendl was really a master of the indoor circuit and played artificial surfaces very well with predictable bounce and sure footing. My memory is that he didn't contest Wimbledon early in his career and really only started playing Wimbledon later on when he wanted to win all four majors. He played in that memorable final against Pat Cash. Cash at his best was very good, but he was not a match for McEnroe at his peak.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

I'm not so sure. Lendl was really a master of the indoor circuit and played artificial surfaces very well with predictable bounce and sure footing. My memory is that he didn't contest Wimbledon early in his career and really only started playing Wimbledon later on when he wanted to win all four majors. He played in that memorable final against Pat Cash. Cash at his best was very good, but he was not a match for McEnroe at his peak.

---

Wiki has the record. He contested Wimbledon every year bar one from 79-93, finalist twice, semi-finalist 5 times. He made the semis in 2 years where McEnroe won it, so a little surprising they did not meet more.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by road runner

Wiki has the record. He contested Wimbledon every year bar one from 79-93, finalist twice, semi-finalist 5 times. He made the semis in 2 years where McEnroe won it, so a little surprising they did not meet more.

---

Perhaps the reason is Lendl was highly seeded but did not perform to seeding very often and hence was eliminated by lower ranked players before reaching semis/finals.

My memory about him only contesting later on might have been created by Lendl trying much harder to win it later on and therefore doing better later. We definitely really wanted a Wimbledon later on in the 80s. In the 70s and early 80s he used to shrug it off saying grass is only good for cows.

You're right, he definitely wanted a Wimbledon to complete the 4 majors. There's a very interesting article on him called: Obsession - Ivan Lendl's Lonely Quest For Perfection. It tells about his life and how he turned himself into a machine.

No Brits celebrating Andy Murray's win?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Patrick Byrom

No Brits celebrating Andy Murray's win?

---

an Englishman still has not won wimbledon for 75 years

I'm not a Brit but I did make a passing comment on the feat in the shout box the following morning.

I was a little disappointed with Djokovic's form in the final but I guess the semifinal lead up took too great a toll on his reserves and even from the first set his game was hampered by an uncharacteristically high number of unforced errors and a subdued first serve statistic. Still Murray played well and is a worthy champion.

Since Perry was from Stockport and Murray is from Glasgow, who was the last Southerner to win Wimbledon? :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

Since Perry was from Stockport and Murray is from Glasgow, who was the last Southerner to win Wimbledon? :D

---

Virgina Wade (from Bournemouth)!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Patrick Byrom

Virgina Wade (from Bournemouth)!

---

I thought that the girls were only there as tokenism and to fill gaps between the male rounds. When the mini skirts came in men actually began watching them

An item on Marg Smith the other day on TV never mentioned her playing name once, was all Marg Court, when she only used late in career. The tallyboards all showed M Smith but you would not have known was now M Court

Pat Rafter coming out of retirement to play doubles at the Australian Open.

In totally unrelated news, Lethal Weapon is showing on channel 9 right now with the catchphrase, "I'm getting too old for this shit."

He's only 41.

Doubles is a walk-in-the-park compared to singles. He could do allright.

This is right. For example, Martina Navratalova played competitive mixed doubles until age 50 and was US Open mixed doubles champion at retirement. Rafter might have another 20 years in him yet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

competitive mixed doubles

---

Probably belongs in the oxymoron thread. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by road runner

Probably belongs in the oxymoron thread. :)

---

Not sure why that's funny but mixed doubles is as competitive as any other format but doesn't get the coverage it deserves with the exception of the Hopman cup.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

mixed doubles is as competitive as any other format

---

Yeah, sure.

I wish I were in Melbourne these days, but I'm not...

What has happened to Chris Guccione?? Has he retired??

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by machomortensen

What has happened to Chris Guccione?? Has he retired??

---

Still playing! He has always been more of a doubles specialist than a single player. He has entered in the Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles at this years Australian Open partnering Thanasi Kokkinakis and Storm Sanders, respectively.

Thank you so much for the answer. I'm sorry that I missed him so far. It was not all to clever.

Hopefully Kokkinakis can learn something from him.

2nd round of the 2014 Aus Open, Sam Stosur played some great tennis to beat an inform
Pironkova.

She's just taken a quality first set in the 3rd round game against against Ana Ivanovic.
It was a see-sawing thing, and a thunder storm came during the tie break at 7-7.
Ana lost the point, and players retired for 30minutes while the roof closed,
and the set lasted three more points before Sam won. Sams Aus Open record for
winning after taking the first set is 18-0 or something silly.

So go girl! :)

Maybe she should study those statistics... I'm so sorry but it seems to be an eternity since she played a good Australian.

Yeah... maybe my stat is errant. She's hopeless on Australian soil. :(

But Ana Ivanovic was too good last night. She really played a ruthless, top game
- often staring Stosur down after significant points.
I think it's obvious Sam is too nice to be a number 1.

It's amazing to see Serena at the top after all these years. Is she the greatest ever?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by road runner

It's amazing to see Serena at the top after all these years. Is she the greatest ever?

---

Hard to compare between eras but Steffi Graf has pretty good claim to that title.

Certainly one of the greatest, but she doesnt have the poise of a champion.

Ivanovic sent her packing today... How sweet is that :)
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/...-7_634x414.jpg

antichrist will be distraught!

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kev

antichrist will be distraught!

---

---

well, what would the silly old sod know? After all didn't he claim Hewitt won Hopman Cup (???) when Lleyton won Brisbane Cup? LOL . On the pleasant side of this, I am glad we will no longer be subjected to that horrible moaning and groaning by Serena during drives and serves! :P Ana does it too but in a feminine way! :)

Not many exciting upsets in the Men's event this year :(

Nadal v. Nishikori was an absolute corker :P Three really close sets.
The Japanese player totally served it up to Nadal with scorching ground shots all game long.
(Broke Nadal 4 times in three sets). Just a testament to Nadal's freakish drive and talent that he won.

Feds looked good in beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Getting ready for punishment - he has Murray and Nadal even before the final. :uhoh:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stevenaaus

Nadal v. Nishikori was an absolute corker :P Three really close sets.
The Japanese player totally served it up to Nadal with scorching ground shots all game long.
(Broke Nadal 4 times in three sets). Just a testament to Nadal's freakish drive and talent that he won.

Feds looked good in beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Getting ready for punishment - he has Murray and Nadal even before the final. :uhoh:

---

Unfortunately I couldn't watch any of it because last night my tv decided it would pick up reception on every channel except 7 :wall:

Djokovic does look pretty good for the title considering his draw.

Rafter, Williams, Djokovic ... who shall I put the mockers on next?

It was a good match but an anticlimatic end. Djokavic just seemed to lose concentration for the final two points, just like he did in the 4th game of the last set. He was certainly not playing his best tennis.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

Djokavic ...

---

very droll if you 're djoking, forgiven if you can't spell his name properly!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jak

very droll if you 're djoking, forgiven if you can't spell his name properly!

---

I was watching on a SD set-top box and so the players' names and scores weren't easy to make out. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

I was watching on a SD set-top box and so the players' names and scores weren't easy to make out. ;)

---

touché!!! :)

Go, Federer!

I wonder why you never here anything about Tennis players and drugs.
Look at Rafa.. He's got the stamina and arrogance you sometimes see in drug cheats,
and Spaniards have a poor cycling record. I kind-of like Nadal though... Just wondering.

Anyway ... go Fed :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stevenaaus

the stamina and arrogance you sometimes see in drug cheats,
and Spaniards have a poor cycling record.

---

Spaniards do or cycling does? I read that the year Armstrong got the gong if they had given it to the next placed competitor not linked to drug cheating it would have gone to 23rd place.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stevenaaus

I wonder why you never here anything about Tennis players and drugs.

---

Didn't Martina Hengis cop a 2 year ban for cocaine?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

Didn't Martina Hengis cop a 2 year ban for cocaine?

---

Petr Koorda received 1 year for nandrolone.

Explanation: The Czech left-hander, who was once ranked No 2 in the world, had a novel excuse for why the banned steroid nandrolone was found in his system during the 1998 Wimbledon tournament – his penchant for veal. While young calves are fattened on the steroid, experts said that Korda would have needed to have eaten 40 of the animals a day to have ingested the levels found in his body.
Result: A one-year ban, which effectively brought his professional career to a close.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Count Duckula

Petr Koorda received 1 year for nandrolone.

Explanation: The Czech left-hander, who was once ranked No 2 in the world, had a novel excuse for why the banned steroid nandrolone was found in his system

---

A love for Portuguese chicken?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by road runner

Spaniards do or cycling does? I read that the year Armstrong got the gong if they had given it to the next placed competitor not linked to drug cheating it would have gone to 23rd place.

---

Yes ... "back then" everyone was doing it i guess. But I'm just thinking recently about Alberto Contador, and another time a Spanish doctor was caught with a car load of meds. I know i'm a bit thin on facts.

Rafael is modest favourite with the bookies for the big game. R Nadal 1.62 , R Federer 2.30

Li Na is $1.30 for Chibby's $3.30.
Hard to say who the crowd will be barracking for ?

What i caught of the womens doubles final , there was some great tennis.

Gallery

Tsonga - Everybody lies about drugs

Wow! Quite a surprise. nadal was injured but he was already losing at that stage. Well done the Pole!

No surprise that Li Nah won the women's singles final yesterday.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Adamski

Wow! Quite a surprise. nadal was injured but he was already losing at that stage. Well done the Pole!

No surprise that Li Nah won the women's singles final yesterday.

---

Ah - Wawrinka is Swiss! Still well done anyway!

Great tournament :) I never gave Wawrinka a chance ("having never taken a set from Nadal in 12 previous meetings", "After defeating second seed and four-time champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals, Wawrinka becomes the first man in 21 years to beat the world's top two players en route to a grand slam title"), but really enjoyed Rafael going down.

Popular Li Na finally wins an Aus Open, on her third GF appearance.

Total Slam titles - Rafa has 13 to Feds 17, and Sampras' 14
and the womens is interesting

Code:

---

1        Germany Steffi Graf                22        4        6        7        5
2        United States Chris Evert        18        2        7        3        6
=        United States M. Navratilova        18        3        2        9        4
4        United States Serena Williams        17        5        2        5        5
5        Australia Margaret Court        11        4        3        1        3
6                      Monica Seles        9        4        3        0        2
7        United States Billie Jean King        8        0        1        4        3
8        Australia Evonne Goolagong        7        4        1        2        0
=        Belgium  Justine Henin        7        1        4        0        2
=        United States Venus Williams        7        0        0        5        2
11        Switzerland Martina Hingis        5        3        0        1        1
12        Belgium  Kim Clijsters        4        1        0        0        3
=        Czech Republic Hana Mandlíková        4        2        1        0        1
=        Spain Arantxa Sánchez Vicario        4        0        3        0        1
=        Russia  Maria Sharapova        4        1        1        1        1
16        United  States J. Capriati        3        2        1        0        0
=        United States L. Davenport        3        1        0        1        1

---

Venus Williams was graceful in victory against Alize Cornet.
Cornet had beaten Serena in the semis.
http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampi...us-Cornet.aspx

bernard-tomic-suffers-fastest-loss-in-atp-history
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/b...321-hvl1h.html

He's been out injured right? Perhaps he's trying to come back from injury too quickly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

He's been out injured right? Perhaps he's trying to come back from injury too quickly.

---

Nice one.

How about, bad news travels fast?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rincewind

He's been out injured right? Perhaps he's trying to come back from injury too quickly.

---

Faster than anyone else has before :)
But you're right.