The thing is I genuinely like Roddick (I love Federer too, their contrasting styles make it interesting imo when they play each other on grass, because Roger really pushes Andy to be better), but I hate the pimping too. And its got be bad for Roddick, simply because in doing so hes being painted as America's only hope, much like Henman was.

Yes, yes we will. And we will see Feliciano as well--but this time it might not be a match on Court 4 after all the big-leaguers have finished practicing.

Did anyone catch the commentators talking about Lopez's match only being shown on pay-per-view in Spain? Seems that the French Open has a better chance (obviously) of a Spanish winner so that airs on regular tv but there is limited interest (of course that is probably relative) in Wimbledon because of the low chances of a Spaniard winning. Jingoism around the world! I bitch and complain, but we are lucky, lucky people.

You can bet that if Nadal had been in the quarters at Wimby, it would've gotten major coverage. But it's F-Lo. Not Nadal.

Did you all know that when Nadal lost at the warm up tournament in Halle, all the Spanish journalists left, even though Ferrero did pretty well? I rolled my eyes at the journalists. Yes, the "stupid journalist" phenomenon is definitely not exclusive to ESPN or Sue Motts!

I think, largely, that's true. I think for the most part there's general enthusiasm they have to muster for all the top players, and I don't mind it too much. And I think they try to rein themselves in, with some mistakes at unfortunate times (Andy trying to say Roger's the bar they all strive to reach, and PMac missing the point entirely).

I like Andy, actually, but find him hard to watch. He telegraphs everything, including confidence and pride for example, not very subtly. Which I find odd, because I find him to be quite witty and sharp off the court.

I read an article yesterday that said that Lopez was on the covers of all of the newspapers there for reaching the quarters. So he is starting to get some buzz there.

And they did sign the tv contract before Wimbledon so it is not like Spanish tv could suddenly have greater non-pay-per view access. So even if Nadal had made it to the quarters the tv coverage would have been the same in Spain. Maybe Lopez's performance this year will help Spanish tv to decide to have more coverage next year. It was nice that (Manuel?) Santana, the last Spaniard to win Wimbledon 40 years ago was at today's match.

I think that iirc the Aussies have horrible coverage of the French Open. I think it is a similar pay-per-view type thing.

My sister-in-law (who lives in Surrey outside of London) emailed me the other day and told me that they were were watching the Federer/Ferrero match on BBC at a friends place and right when it was 6-6 in the third it switched to a university quiz show and didn't show the tiebreak! lol So you can have moments of suckiness all over the world I guess.



That is a good point, because there is a lot of praise for Federer, Roddick, Safin, Nadal at RG, and also Hewitt's tenacity. But where PMac really gets on my nerves is that he tends to just focus on Federer and Roddick- it's not just a two horse race out there. And I think that as Roddick has pointed out, and also as Nadal did repeatedly during RG- it's more a race with Federer out in front and a bunch of very talented horsies in a pack behind hoping to one day join him.

This is why Cliff is perhaps my favorite announcer. He can praise the majestics of Federer for example, but also point out sincerely and respectfully that Ferrero was really playing some very awesome tennis in the thrid set in the Round of 16. Cliffy seems to be able to respect and admire a multitude of players.

Can I say how excited I am to see Ferrero playing well again? I just hope that he continues to get his ranking up so that he will have a good seeding at the USO and so he won't have to meet a Safin in the 3rd (like at RG) for example. I think- and hope- that this year's USO will have a larger number of native Spanish speakers progressing farther than they normally have. That has been one of the great things about this year's Wimbledon. Maybe now some people will begin to stop automatically dismissing a player as "nothing but a dirtballer" if he is from Spain or Latin America.

Which reminds me of this: I was oh so very annoyed at JMac for repeatedly calling Ferrero a clay court specialist. Excuse me? He's much more of an all around player than Roddick, thank you very much. Ferrero was in the finals of the US Open, semis of the Aus Open, has made the second week of Wimbledon twice, won a TMS on indoor carpet of all surfaces... It's disrespectful.

OK, getting off the soap box now.

ghettohoodrat said:



I totally agree with this. I think the main problem is that they have shoved Roddick, Federer down our throats, neither of whom are the most exciting players to watch. I'd prefer a little more variety of players than just those two. My main problem, though, is the best of five sets. The matches are way too long.

ETA: Tomorrow's schedules are up: ESPN2 will show Davenport/Mauresmo live at 7 a.m. (yes!) then NBC shows taped (hello? taped) coverage of both semis (presumably) at 11 a.m.

Okay, I'm sorry but taped coverage of Venus and Sharapova? Wow NBC, an American (Venus no less) playing Sharapova and you choose to show it recorded?

I couldn't disagree more. Federer is probably the most exciting player I've ever seen.


I go back and forth with this. There is a lot of sense to making the matches best of three sets until the later rounds. OTOH, part of the drama is seeing things like who can come back from a big deficit or who is fit enough to close out the match.

No - don't, jimena. Just make room, because I totally agree. But for some reason I thought it was Brad Gilbert saying those things about Ferrero. I was so excited for that match - until ESPN chose Brad to call it. While Cliffy held his hand through the whole thing and kept throwing him lines, he came up with some wacky stuff of his own, and understating Ferrero's successes seemed to be part of it.

I feel like I can't really get behind the changes proposed to the Slams. But in general I feel hesitant to change such an international and historic sport for TV (American and otherwise). I know it's happened before - the long breaks in between sets, for example. But still - I love that a match has the potential to be over in a flash or take three days - depending on the opponents and what they bring out in each other. Personally, I am bored to tears by most other sports (excepting soccer) where time dictates so much of the action.

I love the fact that Roddick had a grizzly five setter in the early rounds, and that players who prepare deeply can get a foot in. I also think it says a lot when you see certain players, or the younger kids at times (Murray, for example) get so tired/fed up that they tank the third set. It just seems that the endurance is such a crucial part of the game.

And it's only four times a year - 8 weeks. The other tournaments are shorter, and it's not like they're fighting over who gets to show those.

Comcast sent me a happy message today. Free Tennis Channel strting July 1 until the end of the year. Happiness!

I swear ESPN has hired even more commentators for week2. If there is an unemployed tennis commentator in the world, it would shock me. They have too many people talking to be able to show the actual tennis.

And speaking of talking: Shut up, PMac!

There I said it. He talked incessantly through the Roddick-Grosjean match. I mean, I missed an actual point, which ended up being a double fault because PMac was still talking so I didn't think play was happening. And he was with Dick Enberg. (This was in the replay at 7:30 p.m.)

Why does ESPN get constantly fucked by NBC? No Sharapova-Venus. Only taped 3 hours later. If the first semifinal is an hour long, (I hope not BTW) that leaves ESPN three more hours to do what? Sit on their hands? Speculate on the match thats ongoing, that NBC must show us TAPED? Its so ridiculous. Ill end up getting the score for the net and if the outcome suits me Ill watch and I hate doing that, but cant help it. Just show me it live so I dont get that option. Is ESPN connected to NBC in any way? Not that I know of, so tell NBC to fuck off, we'll air the matches we want when we want.

Okay, sorry to rub it in, but I did see the Tojo/Nalby match. It was covered on ESPN Deportes (the Spanish language ESPN for the US market). They didn't show it live I think because of the NBC/ESPN conflict issues on the west coast but showed it a few hours delayed.

Tojo was hitting amazing passing shots, some were things of beauty. Also, he was really running down every single ball. You'd think you were watching Hewitt because he just wouldn't conceed any shot. Also the fact that David does not have a strong serve allowed very few easy points for him.

Does anyone think Johannson can beat Roddick? Roddick in 4?

Well, I'm rooting for ToJo. I saw some of the shots that he made today, and they were incredible. I hope he can play like that on Friday.

So we have Lindsay/Amelie at 8am tomorrow live, and then Sharapova/Venus taped (or live if the first match goes long) at 10am, right?

OopsSorry: JMac was making those comments about Juanqui during NBC's weekend coverage. I was steaming.

TheDogsTuxedo wrote:No. ESPN (and its offshoots) are owned by ABC so ESPN and NBC are big-time competitors.

NBC's coverage doesnt begin until 12 noon in all time zones.

Actually Brad mentioned in the Ferrero-Federer match how Ferrero had won on so many different surfaces, including the fast indoor surface. I remember how surprised I was at how successful he had been. I hadn't heard this before.

There was a nice article in the NYTimes a couple of days ago about how much Roddick loves the whole Wimbledon zeitgeist:
Roddick article in Times

A bit of a contrast to Sampras (my ex-fave player):

I do. He seems to be playing really well. If he can serve and return well, he'll definitely be in the mix. Roddick's been a little vulnerable. Besides, ToJo already won a Slam, so he obviously knows some sort of magic.

God help me, I kind of like the bickering between P-Mac and Pam. ETA that was the most bearable Sue Mott segment yet.

Chris Fowler: Are you up for predictions?

PMac: I'm always up for predictions. Why am I here?

Oh Patrick, we're all wondering why you're there.

The bickering between Pam and Patrick was weird. The strawberry squashing thing ...? I mean has the woman never been on TV before? Honestly.

DistantSun: I agree re: Sue Mott. I also agree that Paris has a lock on 2012 but who am I?

I love the Ferrero appreciation on this thread: finally, people who recognize his success on other surfaces! And I too am happy that he seems to be playing well again. I hope he does well at the US Open!

After reading your thoughts about the coverage you're getting in the States, I can't help but feel happy about what we get. Any other Asians here who can attest to the excellent coverage of Star Sports and the commentating team of Vijay Amritraj, Darren Cahill, etc.? There's a slight preference for Asian players (whom they tend to overrate; Vijay, you're a great commentator, but shut up about Sania Mirza already!), but without sacrificing the coverage of the other matches. And then the next day they replay the matches of the day before, before live coverage starts again. And the commentators don't talk during points, don't insult players, and generally have informative stuff to talk about each player, no matter how obscure. And I believe they've gotten rid of their idiotic on-site reporters who knew very little about the game. Star Sports covers the Slams and all of the Tier I events as well as the Championships and I believe most of the Tier IIs. And it's not even an exclusive "tennis channel", but an all-around sports one.

OMG. Hilarious.



I kind of like it too although I'll agree with the strawberry thing. How old are you Pam? It just seems like a much lighter atmosphere in the studio without Gilbert.

Did anyone catch Fowler's interview with Andy near the end of the afternoon yesterday? The end was a little tension filled. I think Fowler was trying to get Andy to say he would be in the final or something. I don't know but Andy wasn't buying into what Fowler was selling.

From Andy's presser yesterday:

Great. I tune in hoping to catch some of at least one of the women's semis and instead I get more Roddick. They need to build a dome over the entire Wimbledon grounds because it's not like rain is unlikely in England this time of year. Then again, at least when there's a rain delay at Wimbledon, they at least show a current match. When there's a delay at the US Open, the networks trot out that Conners match from fifteen or twenty years ago. It's like they're telling the audience, there's no one worth watching from the current crop of players, so here's Conners instead.

Let's move to Asia!

I finally gave up and slept through Wake Up to Wimbledon. Sounds as though it was an all right choice - though the strawberry squashing is curious.

Thanks, jimena and Harry24, for helping me sort out some of the Ferrero comments. After my initial horror at BG calling that match, I do remember thinking that he's better at the matches than in the studio. And maybe I'm confusing some of the comments with the NBC stuff. Could it be that I'm suffering from tennis overdose?

I wish I hadn't erased the ESPN coverage, though, because there was one moment when even my husband (who really only gives about 10% attention to the matches while he does other things) asked, "Who IS that guy?" There had been a fairly goofy comment about Ferrero's physique or lack of being bulked up (a la Nadal) or something. It may have been enough to color my whole memory of the event. That's unfair on my part, I realize.

Interesting reflection on Wimbledon and Sampras, Harry24. That pronunciation used to send my mom into fits of rage, and we'd all pray he'd stop.

Anyone know what ESPN's going to do with the Rain Delay? Are they going to extend their coverage?

They have before. My big question is, if the rain doesn't break until 1 p.m. EST, will NBC air live tennis? *gasp*

Here's what I've been meaning to post but keep forgetting: what's with Roddick and the ticks? He adjusts his baseball cap two to three times before every point. And I know from compulsive behavior, trust me. (Miss OCD herself) It's close to being very much like Greg Rusedski (shudder at the thought).

Swoon.

Aaargh. Do you know that people here at work have blocked the Wimbledon site and I can't follow live scoring? I think I might just cry! I mean, trying to find the score is going to disrupt my work more than just having the live scoring on at all times. Can't they just understand that? [/drama]

So, is it still raining, or have they started to play? Are they showing Roddick/Gosjean still?

jimena: see if the BBC's site is also blocked. Last year, they had real-time scoring too.

I'm a big fan of JCF. It's a shame he's been plagued with so many injuries over the last year or so. He plays with so much heart.

I watching PMac and Gilbert preview the men's semis this morning on ESPN and it was refreshing to see Brad give someone other than Roddick their due. The constant Roddick pimping is becoming a huge turn off.

The Sharapova hair-behind-the-ear thing drives me batty. I wish she would just shave her head.

Free TTC? Nalby on ESPN Deportes? I hate you all.

Does anyone think we will see tennis today?

It looks like play has begun. Now NBC must record a match and wait three hours, then rebroadcast it. So maybe this afternoon sometime.

I'm a little behind because I'm watching on TiVo, but, through the first four games, this might be one of the best-played matches I've ever seen.

Are you sure it's just your work ? For the past few hours, I haven't been able to open the window on that site either.
Actually, now when I hit the "scores" button, the site closes.

Fuck, everybody must be using Radio Wimbledon. It keeps timing out for me.

I don't understand why, if the Sharapova/Williams match is going on right now, NBC isn't showing the match in the central time zone. Wasn't the coverage supposed to be live in all time zones? I wouldn't expect NBC to pass up the opportunity to show Sharapova in her entirety, but why are they stalling? At this rate the match won't begin until 12:45 or 1:00.

Thank you, Venus.

OK folks, I am home sick from work today. Wouldn't you know that we had a huge thunderstorm here at noon and the NBC affiliate, in its infinite wisdom, went with a full hour of "breaking weather coverage." I could not possibly make that up. /frustration

Best. Set. Ever. Seriously, this match could be as transcendent as Seles/Capriati. I'm not sure I've seen either Venus or Sharapova play better. This is about as high-quality as it gets.

It faded out for me too. Use the BBC five live radio- it is working. And they are snarky fun.

What great matches!

Well, I'm "following" here at work (the blinking scores on the official site). I don't dare plug in headphones and find a radio feed because then I'd look like I'm obviously not working 100%. For the Davenport/Mauresmo match, it looked like it was going to be an easy win for Amelie. Then Lindsay battled back and the sets are at one a piece. I was making up my own TV commentary in that last game, and I could imagine Mary Carillo monotoning, "The fans are starting to get into it. They want to see more tennis."

That got me thinking, what are some other overused TV commentator tennis phrases? For some reason I always seem to hear "they want to see more tennis". Anyone?

I detest "the young Swede" or "the young Russian." I know you don't want to keep saying the player's name over and over but it's just irritating.

So, how did the commentators react to Venus' win ?!
I'm so happy for her.

Wow. The Venus/Sharapova match was amazing. Now this is one match I hope the networks show over and over because it's a classic and I definately want to watch again. I'm just in awe. And the commentators did an excellent job.

GoddessMelissa: The commentators were excited for Venus. Mary Carillo referenced it seemed as if Venus had decided that playing at this level (or committing to training at this level) wasn't worth it any more. Ted Robinson said Serena's loss opened the door for Venus because it took the pressure off of her having to play her sister to get to the final.

Damn. I'm so over Venus.

ETA: Oh snap Mauresmo's match game down and it started raining again.

I think McEnroe started singing, "A goddess on a mountaintop..."

What the hell.

Davenport match suspended at this point is going to drive me batty.

YES! I am so glad Venus beat Maria. Venus is playing the best she's had in years. I hope she wins it all.

mmmmmmmmMax and Jonas are through to the semis. Woo hoo.

Damned rain! Grr argh! I was hoping to see Lindsay/Amelie. Maybe NBC will revert to taped coverage of that since they have 2-plus hours to fill and since ESPN isn't back on live today.

For all the criticism Mary receives for her treatment of the Williams sisters, she was genuinely happy to see Venus play so well. I think she's a little too negative at times, but it's clearly just because she expects so much of them based on what they've already achieved.

Sharapova fell apart in the second set, but that is still the best women's match I've ever seen. Seriously. I think the commentators were on point when they said this is what Venus vs. Serena would look like if they weren't sisters.

Properly, but I'm sure the suits at NBC are crying in their strawberries and cream 'cause the audience for Saturday's finals just fell by half. Serious tennis fans will watch, but most semi-casual, only-watch-the-Grand-Slam-events viewers (like me) just want to look at Maria.