So true. I can't stand Federer. Yet I also don't like Hewitt. Watching these two this morning was painful. Is there a way where they both can lose? Both of them look like they need haircuts - it was as if they both had some mops on their heads.

Fowler and Gilbert just talked about how Federer is 15-1 combined against Roddick and Johannson. It seems like a foregone conclusion that we'll see his ugly face hoisting that trophy.

And his backhand? Swoon. So fluid. So ... aaaah.

From the BBC Tennis Blog site

Oh yeah!

I did have a question: During today's television coverage, has Sharapova just dropped off the radar now ? Is anyone mentioning her ?
I'm curious since it has been all Sharapova, all the time.

Well, I called him that, but I think it's just his natural look. He has squinty eyes (but so do I, so I'm not going to knock him). It also doesn't help that they're so dark. He smiles a lot. Anyway, I agree with LT. He's just so brilliant that I'd watch him play anyone. Every time I see him I want to grab my racquet and go play. He's so graceful. Hell, I'd buy a ticket to watch him practice. And contrary to most people's opinion, I find him a fascinating and engaging interviewee.


Well, he has a really nice body. I wouldn't mind looking like that (especially if I didn't have to work for it). Also, he's probably the "stud" candidate who will do the best in the series (barring injuries, of course).

Okay, I'm a little annoyed by Sharapova in this article. (The writer sucks too.) She's already a big hitter, and saying she needs to get stronger after losing to Venus makes it sound like she was simply overpowered by VW. But Venus has more to her game; what Sharapova needs to do is to improve her game beyond the one-dimensional power-hitting she does.

On the other hand, if she decides to physically become stronger, it might mean she won't have to exert so much effort every time she hits, so the shrieking will lessen.

On the other other hand, if she had more finesse and dimension to her game, she wouldn't have to resort to her shriek-powered heavy hitting so much anyway. Bah.

ESPN2 is re-running Venus and Maria. I don't understand why we can't see some of the doubles.

I'll admit it. I'm hoping for a Federer-Roddick final. I just think it'll be a better match than ToJo-Federer. Plus, the ratings will be higher, possibly ensuring more tennis coverage in the future.

The waiting for NBC thing annoys me, especially since I'm leaving the office at 1pm today and will miss the end of the match.

Rain delay. 11:15 a.m.

Hey, maybe NBC will have to go live!

Do they even have a logo for live tennis?

So there was an interesting article on Slate.com yesterday about players' love of Wimbledon despite its declining importance. But the relevant part was the sidebar which lauds ESPN for their coverage. Are they on crack? Point taken on the extensive coverage but "the quality has also been terrific" and "[ESPN] seem to have gotten the message that most viewers would much prefer to watch a great match involving two foreigners than a ritual early-round slaughter that happens to feature an American on one side of the net?????" Really?

In ESPN's defense, I think their coverage is much improved. I think what has screwed up the televised tennis is having two networks vying for matches. That has just been asinine. I think the AELTC needs to rethink that. But hey, that's just me.

In Shriver's defense she said the two biggest shots--power wise. Not the two best shots, because there is no doubt in my mind anyway, that while Roddick's serve and forehand may be bigger, Federer's are definitely better.

I do agree that ESPN2's coverage has improved but saying that they show good matches over Americans? Even ESPN2 would laugh at that.

Roddick's serve is a given, but I think Federer's forehand is as big as (or even bigger than) Roddick's. It's very close. I don't see how she can be so convinced of the opposite.

And does anybody think that Steffi really "does the checkbook"?

NBC: Portions of this show were prerecorded.

Portions. Really?

I slept through it, hoping by some miracle they would both lose. Either that or it would go five sets so that both were so physically drained that the loser would never recover in time to beat the winner of Roddick/Johnasson. No, it didn't happen, but I can dream, can't I?

I've been watching tennis since I was really really little, so I guess I should appreciate Roger's game. But it bores me, and I just.don't.get.it. At least the consolation of him being in the damn finals again is that hated Hewitt is out.

As long as her father doesn't do their taxes.

I know, I'm evil. Hee!

So, Chris Fowler and Brad Gilbert are in the studio and they cut to an interview with Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt's talking about how it can be frustrating not being able to beat Federer and that he has to bide his time etc. and that (I am paraphrasing) "I feel like I'm playing like the number two player in the world it's just that the number one is pretty bloddy good." So, they go back to the studio and Brad Gilbert's like "He can't resist taking a dig at Roddick, can he?" Now, what in the world did Hewitt's statement have to do with Roddick? Hewitt is the second best player in the world and Roddick is not. Period. I guess they were referring to Roddick being ranked number two at Wimbledon and Hewitt at number three? Still, it seemed that Hewitt was just honestly answering a question and I hate how these clowns make everything about Andy Roddick. Gah.

I think I'm going to root for Davenport in tomorrow's final. I'd like to see her win one last slam. With the way Venus is playing, though, I'm not sure that's possible.

Dementieva looks really pretty in the Real World commercial. I'd say she's better looking than Sharapova. Also, I love the way Raphael says Montreal! And the strange faces Marat Safin makes!

The thing that annoys me most about the Agassi/Graf playing for it ad is that Stefi is wearing a ton of makeup while playing. I know it's a commercial, but after seeing her for more than a decade play without a hint of makeup, the lipstick in particular stands out like a sore thumb.

Is Navratilova still in the tourney?

Yes. She's in the semifinals of women's doubles. She plays the winner of Kuznetsova/Mauresmo vs. Likhovsteva/some other Russian. Also, she and Mike Bryan are in the quarterfinals of mixed. They have to play Ullyett/Liezel Huber.

Does anyone know if the Real World commercial is on the net?

I couldn't find it on the US Open Series website.

Someone mentioned earlier about Federer's gf's sunglasses...sure, they're ugly but nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to the hideous getup Hewitt's gf was wearing....let's recap, shall we....eNORmous silver hooped earrings as big as a tennis racket, sunglasses that made her look like an extra in THE FLY and a crocheted or knitted basebally cap thing topped off by a natty mass of straw...I mean bleached rat's nest...I mean hair. I'd comment on that unfortunate chin, but that would be mean because she's pregnant. And people used to rag on Cjlisters for not being pretty enough for Hewitt...

Oh, and while I hate Uncle Bud Collins with the fiery passion of a thousand suns, good ole Jimmy is quickly moving up the hate ladder.

and Distant Sun the taxes comment was hilarious...hey, what about a reality show with tennis parents all living under one roof trying to win a coaching gig...

I just came here to mention Hewitt's gf's chin dimple. I'm not nearly as nice as you.

Hee! I think it's on Bravo next week. The sad thing is it would be more entertaining than most of what's on. So many stalkers, criminals, and controlling head cases to choose from. It's a wonder some of the offspring actually turn out human.

Women's final and Men's semi. I'm sure NBC will find a way to RodDick around with the schedule to work in more Sharapova stories. Let's all hope it's sunny tomorrow and they actually have to show live tennis...well pre-recorded live tennis.

Watching the Venus/Sharapova match on ESPN2 and NBC, I have to say that I think John, Mary, and Ted did a better job calling it than Dick and Mary Jo.

OK, I have a confession to make. I don't mind Hewitt at all when he's hopelessly outclassed and knows he can't win.

Don't you mean fiancée? Or baby mama?

Oh yeah, that was fugly. And she loves those heinous earrings. At least those big sunglasses that Mirka wears are in style.

Tomorrow is going to be very interesting. I'm seeing that semi lasting more than two hours. Is NBC going to show the semis taped after the women's final is over? At least the weather forecast is calling for a sunny warm day after a damp start.

I liked the Agassi Steffi "I'll play you for it" commercial the first few times I saw it (I like the whole Steffi-throws-her-head-back-with-laughter bit). But I must be better with the tivo then I thought because I have yet to see the U.S. Open commercial you all speak of.

That Venus/Sharapova match was awesome. It's a shame Davenport and Mauresmo had to get dressed to come out and play for 30 seconds to wrap up their rain delay.

Thanks for the shot of James Blake. He does have pretty eyelashes.

How long ago was it that Hewitt and Clijsters broke up? It seems a bit early for him to knock up some other chick.

Hairymango: It was before the AusOpen so early January or earlier that Kim and Lleyton called off the engagement. It's been discussed upthread. One of the Aussie posters has hinted that the word Down Under has been that they were an item before he broke up with Kim. For consistency's sake I must repeat: The Hate.

Order of play (how many ways can NBC fuck us?) All times are London:
Centre Court - 12 Noon Start
T. Johansson (SWE) [12] v A. Roddick (USA) [2] (T/F)
Not before 2pm
L. Davenport (USA) [1] v V. Williams (USA) [14]
T.A. Woodbridge (AUS) & S. Stosur (AUS) [6] v J. Bjorkman (SWE) & L.M. Raymond (USA) [3]

It's funny—the Andre/Steffi and Taylor Dent commercials are so overplayed, but I actually use my TiVo to watch the US Open Series ads over and over again. Seriously, I can't get enough. It's better than Tommy vs. Mark underwater. It's better than seeing that mythical trophy fall on Andy's head. It's even better than Andre and Pete playing in the streets! They all look like they had such a blast taping it. Well, except Roddick—for someone who's usually so excited, he seems very reserved. I guess he's trying to be cool.

I havent seen it yet. Although I did think it was cool of Andy Roddick that he taped that US Open/Mastercard ad where he doesnt win, and has the extra empty seat, and then the cute girl sits in it.

BWAH!

I really wish that NBC would not air their Eastern Time Zone coverage in the Central Time Zone. It's really annoying.

The Bryan Brothers are in the finals? Good for them but what the hell was up with them playing on Court 13 today in the semis? I realize that doubles isn't that popular (Hint ATP: changing the scoring of it is not going to help popularize the sport) but Court 13? Wow.

About the men's/women's semis:

I think that it was really telling to hear the difference between the audiences of Venus/Maria and Roger/Lleyton. The crowd was all over the Venus match but you could here a pin drop during the Roger/Lleyton match. Yes, I know the Roger match wasn't that good but still.

ETA: Every time I see Mauresmo in a quarter or semifinal of a major or big tournament, the first thing that comes to my mind: "Choke City". And as always, she never fails to prove me wrong!

Poor Mauresmo. Always a bridesmaid. She's the new Hana Mandlikova.

Court 13 is actually one of the 'bigger' courts. It's certainly no worse than fifth of Wimbledon's courts and may in fact have more seats than Court 3 (which would put it no worse than fourth). The numbering is just odd. Considering they were trying to catch up after recent rain I don't think the court was unreasonable.

All sorts of images in my head, none of them having anything to do with tennis.

How many ways an NBC fuck us? Over/under and Down Under.

Here's hoping for great matches and sunny weather in Wimbledon.

Bless you for mentioning this, Emperor Penguin because when I saw this stat not once but twice it just confirmed my suspicions that ESPN has some moronic statisticians -- especially considering that ESPN2 broadcast the Australian this year.

Agree with: Federer's matches can be yawners and even Roger himself looks bored on the court - BUT there's a reason for this - the opposition is generally so overmatched. I think Safin or Nadal will be Fed's main stumbling blocks, and not Andy or Lleyton.

Roger's shotmaking and variety are awesome to watch, yet, I think Roger needs to play someone like a Rafael Nadal to make his actual matches more exciting - as Rafael has just as good speed as Hewitt, but probably better power. Lleyton did all he could, but just not enough zing on anything today, and he's still not flatenning out his shots as much as I'd like.

Maria actually didn't play that badly, she was just overmatched at the baseline and her game broke down as she continually lost the rallies.

As for the NBC coverage, there's always the horrible ticker stats that are incorrect. For Lindsay Davenport, it says "First grand slam final since US Open 2000". Wrong - she was in the Aussie Open final this year. Brad Gilbert gave Andy a 40% chance of beating Roger in the final and Chris Fowler was like "that's still not much of a chance" - LOL, good going Mr. Math.

If the NBC commentators apologize one. more. time. for the delay of the start of the women's final, I will morph through my TV and strangle Ted Robinson. I'm just saying.

The smugness of McEnroe (who I actually like!) with his "Johansson is about to lose this match" when they are 4 all in the fourth set and Roddick up a set. There's just as a good a chance that Johansson will take this set and even it up. Mark my words.

ETA: Nevermind.

OK, that's a much better reaction by Andy. I guess he was so relieved because he knows that's the last match he's going to win here.

I'm glad they said something about John Roddick's "one more" reaction. WTF-ever, John.

If Roddick loses tomorrow, which he most likely will, I bet we will have to listen to Brad Gilbert and PMac talk about how much playing his semifinal on Saturday hurt him. I want Federer to win, simply because I don't think I could stomach the reaction and comments from PMac, etc if Roddick won. Shudder.

Well, ShellsandCheese, relax. Cause NBC has the men's final so you won't have to hear PMac and Gilbert for a very long time. Particularly since coverage of the U.S. Open switches to NBC-owned USA.

ETA: Guys? I'm bored. This match is not at the level of the Sharapova/Williams match IMO.

...or anyone else's. I have a feeling it's going to get better.

Is it wrong that I miss McEnroe?

Add the Bryans to the list of chokers.

Third set baby! The last ten minutes or so of this match (Williams/Davenport) was amazing.

Well now. That's better.

Venus really stepped it up in that tie-break. The 12th game of the second set was the best we'd seen from her. I say, "yell your heart out, girl." She was quiet and lost the first set. She got vocal and won the second. I just want to see a competitive match. That's all.

re: Mac
He must be calling the final for the BBC. How the hell does that happen? Oh yeah, pounds are worth more than dollars. Hee.

Indeed. Told you it'd get better! No one could ever call Venus a choker. She's all heart.

And on a totally shallow note, Lindsay would look a hell of a lot better if she were a looser fitting skirt. I like Lindsay, and I know it isn't about looks but her outfit makes her look dumpy. And now back to things that matter....

It didn't start off well, but boy did it turn into a great match. Hats off to Lindsay. I've always liked her, but she earned even more respect from me today. She showed more heart and desire than I've ever seen. She needs to hold her head up high. It's a real shame she probably won't win another Slam. Venus... just wow! It is so great to have the real Venus back. She played poorly at times, brilliantly at others, and fought the whole time.

I still missed McEnroe, though.

What a match! A titanic struggle. Venus is wonderful. She is so happy. She doesn't know what to do.

I think Ted said it best—this match was "an honor and a privilege to watch." Two back-to-back instant classics for Venus.

That is the happiest reaction I've ever seen. I never thought anyone would top her first victory celebration over Davenport here in 2000, but this might just have done it.