NBC just did a piece on the school shooting that Murray had to go through. So close to making it without that.


Not me. That wonderful snarky sense of humor, that intelligence, that niceness. Nothing wrong for me there.

Hey, Brad Gilbert is wearing a shirt and tie! I agreed with something that PMac said! The sky is green, the grass is blue! ESPN2 has just entered Bizarro World.

Love, love, love Roger Federer!

I think he's a great player, he's damn gorgeous and has lovely hands. And the passing shots he put past Roddick today were simply amazing.

I would have liked to see Roger play Nadal and Safin on the way to the final, would have spiced up his game a lot.

And why is it: Roddick sweats buckets, with drips coming off his hat, whereas Roger looked as fresh as a daisy.

One thing don't like about Roger tho, is, according to one British Newspaper, "he is resolutely undomesticated". Although Mirka did manage to get him to the local Sainsbury's to help with the weekly shop. Go Mirka.

On the plus side when he hits a ball and his shirt just flicks up and gives you a glimpse of his belly, I just melt.

I'm just off to hang around in a Wimbledon supermarket now.....

The interesting thing you'll find when you talk amongst tennis fans is, lots of Roger fans were not Pete fans and vice-versa. I think there will be a better connection made between Bjorn Borg and Roger, not Pete and Roger. Bjorn Borg was also quite the robot on court, but he still made passing shots like no other.

And moreso than Pete, Roger is an international superstar, speaking multiple languages, being asked to attend United Nations conferences, tirelessly promoting the ATP tour etc. You can't help but wonder if Roger will reach some breaking point where he will cut down on the off-court stuff. It's good to see this generation of players caring about the health of the ATP tour after a previous generation that was indifferent at best.

If Andy sticks with his intent on more frequent net play, I would like to believe he's going to get Roger one of these days. At least he knows now what he has to do (variety), as opposed to last year, where he stuck to his Plan A to a tee.

Oh my God. I think I just developed a crush on Andy Roddick.

NBC played a lot of the post match press conference with Roddick and idiot reporters trying to induce a negative comment about Federer and Roddick wouldn't comply. "I even tried to hate the guy but he's so nice I can't." or something to that effect. Roddick said to look at Federer's stats: an extraordinary number of winners and few unforced errors. That's what wins matches.

I don't have to "like" a player to appreciate great tennis. Federer's tennis is gorgeous to watch. Sampras was also a pleasure as was Borg. Didn't care for Borg as a person but the guy was amazing to watch.

On the women's side, this year was easy: so many people to root for and my two faves in the final.

All in all a wonderful Wimbledon. Not a classic match for the Gentlemen's final but there were so many great matches over the tournament I really didn't care.

When Chris Fowler was talking about Dick Enberg loading the dishwasher in his robe? I agree with Castallack, TTC really should do a reality show on Fowler, Enberg and Gilbert staying at Drysdale's house at Wimbledon. How did that even happen?

I'm so sad. It's all over.

Hee!! "You haven't lived until you've seen Dick Enberg in a bathrobe loading a dishwasher." (or was it a washing machine?)

I'll never understand how anyone can be bored by greatness in a sport that they love.

I'm with you. To me, Federer's run these past few years could be the beginning of a legendary career in Tennis that people will talk and remember for a long time. If that's the case, I wouldn't mind being one of those annoying older uncles who bores his nephews during a Wimbledon about how I had seen Federer and this new whipper snapper couldn't hold a candle to him. I want great competition to challenge him and I think Hewitt, Roddick and Safin if he'd get his head together, could provide that. But there's something cool about watching an amazing champion. I wasn't at all into tennis until that 97 or 98 U.S Open when Venus made it to the final and the world was like, damn. So I missed out on Pete's early greatness. It's like there was a great champion, then a lull, but Federer is entering unbeatable champion phase. A few more years and all his opponents will start beating themselves before the match even begins. Anyway yeah, go Federer.

There's two generally groups of fans of all sports:

a) People who love the sport itself, almost as an art form

and

b) People who love competition, the drama associated with competition. Prefer the personalities of the competitors rather than skill.

It's tough for people in group b) to divorce themselves from their fandom of teams and players and appreciate good sport as it is seen in front of their eyes. I was never the biggest "fan" of Steffi Graf, but damn, she totally revolutionized women's tennis when many thought Martina Nav. had maximized what female tennis could be. She totally deserves the title of greatest female singles player ever.

I know. It's kind of unsettleing.

I never get bored watching Roger's one sided matches simply because of how he plays. This guy makes shots that literally leaves you breathless. One of the commentators made a statement like that and it's so true. He's just so pretty to watch.

As far as tennis is concerned, I perversely enjoyed watching Pete Sampras dominate. For me, that's what I really appreciate -- seeing someone who can completely emasculate his opponents time and again, year after year. It's the reason I enjoyed Sampras and Graf, and it's the reason I love watching Federer. It's the reason that I don't necessarily find women's tennis particularly exciting at the moment, because there isn't one player who clearly stands above the rest. Some people may find it boring to watch the same person win the trophy all the time, but I feel that the opposite is true. After all, plenty of pro athletes have said that it's much more difficult to remain on top than the climb to that position. I guess I just want to be amazed by someone's skill level, not won over by his/her personality.

Anyway, yeah. Clearly I am of the (a) variety in sirhcmeister's post.

I'm in the middle, I love watching Federer play, but whereas with players that you know he'll beat but give him a challenge (like Roddick or Hewitt) or ones that have a shot (Nadal or Safin) its fun. With players who get knocked out in 6-0, 6-2 straight sets its just painful.

I'm with you. I don't find Roger cold either on or (especially) off the court. He's definitely not as loud as Hewitt or Roddick, but he's occasionally vocal and always focused. I love that look in his eyes. His reaction to winning was great. You can see it's not going to get old for him.


Is Federer retiring? Hee!

I missed it. I had to go to work I only saw the last set when Federer broke Andy. Does anybody if the final will be shown again? Is there anyway I can get a copy of it?

And I love Federer he has won 5 grand slams in the last 2 years, that is pretty impressive. And I think he will also win the French Open in the next few years. And he is great to watch.

I finally watched the final. Dude. That was some pretty tennis by Roger. I love it when he plays like that. I can watch him do this over and over and over again. And though I was a HUGE fan of Sampras, I agree with what JMac said: I enjoy Roger play more than I enjoyed Sampras. His game is just awe inspiring.

I was astounded at how much Roger resembles his dad. The last few years his dad had stayed in Switzerland and I had never seen him. They have the same nose, the same small squinty eyes, the same mouth. Pretty amazing resemblance.

You know, I've never been a fan of Roddick, mostly because of his sometimes bratty/bully behavior on the court. But off the court, he's just a really cool guy. Check out his interview on the Wimbledon site. It's awesome.

So congrats Roger! You're the first guy to win a GS tournament the year after winning at least 3 GS's. Wonderful accomplishment. And he's so freaking nice. And sexy. Sigh. I can't believe I'm going to have to wait until the Canada TMS to see him play again...

I was never a fan of Sampras and his dominance got way boring for me at the time, but I'm glad it was there, in a way, and here's why: the fact that he was so overbearingly good made it that much more special when he was in close matches or when he got beat. That Alex Corretja match at the U.S. Open (can't recall the exact year) wouldn't have been nearly as exciting if it didn't have the added bonus of "this is Sampras getting run around like this."

For me, it's probably not going to be the same with Federer just because I don't dislike him fundamentally like I did Sampras, but if, say, next year Andy can push the Wimbledon final to five sets against Roger? It'll be that much more exciting because it's "the unbeatable Federer" out there.

I am not bored by Roger's tennis -- I find it ridiculously beautiful and so engaging to watch. And he seems like such a nice, likeable guy. Bonus: he doesn't sweat through his shorts like Sampras. But I just don't root for him. Maybe it's because I feel he doesn't need my, er, "psychic" support (i.e., watching tennis like a crazy person, as if I can mentally will my player to win points).

Because he's a robot!!!

But seriously, that's when I knew that Roddick didn't have a chance in hell. Federer was all la de da and Roddick looked like he was ready to fall over.

Isn't it scary that Federer is only 23? One year older than Roddick, yet they looked like a senior and a jumior on the court.

HA! That's how I watch tennis (and football. . . and reality shows. . .[okay, I'm over reality shows]) too. I go so far as to repeating actions if my player has won a point when I did it the first time and not doing things if my player lost a point when I did it the first time.

I know I already said this, but I was a little depressed this morning when I woke up and couldn't turn the tv on to Chris or Brad or Mary or Dick or Cliffy or PMac (there really were a lot of them, weren't there). I know I said some mean things, but I love them all for loving tennis.

HA!!! I also do the same thing. I didn't "psychically cheer" that much for Federer because I felt he had it all under control. But I "psychically cheered" my ass off for Venus and no one can ever convince me that that didn't help her win. It totally did!

That was '96, I believe, the same match in which he puked all over the court. Blech. He also took a "bathroom break" during the fifth set and returned wearing new shorts. Guess his buckets of sweat were bothering him, too, because the pair of shorts that he was originally wearing were soaked. Sad that I can remember all of this from a tennis match ten years ago.

I was SO happy when Venus won. One of the greatest comebacks in Tennis history.

How can you ever forget that match? If they don't show the Krickstein/Connors match during US Open rain delays, they show Corretja/Sampras. Apparently there has been no compelling tennis played at Flushing Meadow for nearly ten years.

I wish they would show the Sampras/Courier match in which Pete cries over Tim Gullikson. I've only seen clips of it in Sampras memorials (in addition to watching it live the first time around), but I'd like to see the whole thing again. That, and the Sampras/Agassi match from the ...'01 (?) USO when Pete wins 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6.

You're right. The Sampras/Agassi tiebreak match was '01.

Was I dreaming or was this a "Bud-less" trophy presentation?

I, too, find it hard to believe Roger is only 23! Why, I could be his...ummm..older sister or something...

While it was nice to see Becker on the show, I simply cannot look at him without thinking how he impregnated a girl he just met in the broom closet of a restaurant.

Re: Venus...am happy she won as well. I wanted to root for Lindsay but sometimes it is SO hard to be a fan...the minute she disputed the line call I knew she'd lose the match.

That was from the Aussie Open, helterskelter, which now has the roof of course, so there won't be any rain delays which would necessitate such appealing filler. I don't know how The Tennis Channel gets rights to the Classic Matches they run (or ESPN Classic for that matter.)

I really missed having Mary C and John M together for the Men's final. They're very entertaining together. JM was so one-note in looking at the match from the pov of what Roddick had to try to do to have a chance. He just wasn't as lively as usual. The quality of play was so tremendously high I thought JM would be a little more animated even though the match was one sided.

A couple of people here and elsewhere have mentioned how past it Bud Collins is, but he actually offered the most on-the-money pre-match analysis of the men's final on NPR: Federer has improved more than Roddick since last year's final; it will be more lopsided.

It seemed like a lot of people thought it would be closer. And Collins is like both McEnroes in that he's a big American booster. But he saw this one pretty clearly, I have to give him credit.

I have Andre & Pete's two last meetings at Flushing Meadow on tape. *sigh* Even though Andre lost, that was some intense tennis.
LT: I think we were separated at birth!

I didn't watch the Pistons playoff run because every time I watched, they lost. And conversely, if I didn't watch, they won. Then they ended up losing the whole thing and throwing my convoluted theory out the window.

And I got up this morning and my first thought was: I have to turn on the TV. And then *sigh* I realized I did not have to turn on the TV. What will I do for the next 7 weeks without a Slam?

Did they not allow him back on the air after asking Venus about playing SharOPova? Ted Robinson was hysterical back in the booth enunciating SHARapova's name correctly.


I remember watching in bed, very quickly realizing this was going to be spectacular tennis and racing into the living room to tape it.

Women's Final:The commentators were getting on my nerves with "so happy to see Venus play up to her potential and take the game seriously again" part 50. While I enjoyed that final so much, how many times do I have to welcome Venus back ?

Men's: McEnroe's overwhelming pity of the gentleman in the wheelchair(coin toss guy) had me freaked. The gentleman looked so happy to be there, then McEnroe starts in with him and would not let up. I learned from John that no matter what, if you are not some poor bastard in a wheelchair, you're doing just fine.

I also enjoy watching Federer play because he has a well thought out plan, but found myself cheering for Andy just to have a good match.

When is the media going to turn on Federer like they did with Sampras ? While Federererererer comes across better than Sampras ever did in interviews, they both come off as not-too-bright, rather sheltered, and more cocky as time goes on.

That's funny, because I'm pretty sure Bud is the only one who pronounces it correctly. Apparently, the third-to-last syllable gets the accent (like in KuzNETsova and HanTUchova). However, I've heard that Sharapova prefers the anglicized version.

IIRC, Bud interviewed Federer after the match.


While I think he's more confident than cocky, I can see how you'd think otherwise. Why do you think he comes across as not too bright and sheltered?

Aha! I was wondering about that when he said it that way--Bud is so fastidious about pronounciation--but I had never heard it pronounced like that before.

During Roger's post match I was thinking people might find him cocky because he knew he had played so well but I took it as a compliment to Andy. Roger said Andy played well but that he, Roger, was playing out of his mind that day. Andy would agree.

I don't think anyone who speaks four languages can be described as "not too bright."

McEnroe actually talked about that a bit: Federer's command of four languages. I guess during the rain delays, Federer was a real sport and went around the grounds giving interviews to the world's media representatives. Because of his ability to speak four languages (not sure if it's French or Spanish but the others are English, German & Italian), he was much sought after. That and being the Number one player in the world and all.

Mac's comment was "let's get that with some of the American players too." Which I thought was cool. As has been noted here, Jim Courier is one of few American players who spoke another language (French).

Oh, and how many here remember three or four years ago when the McEnroe brothers were talking about how Roger Federer "never realized his potential"? I remember that very well. "We've been waiting for him to break through and he just hasn't come through with the Major." Ummm, hmmm. Feeling silly now boys?

Basically, I have this opinon about Federer from interviews he has given about his dropping out of school at 14, temper tantrums that took some time for him to work out, all the tennis all the time, and the way he handles his business affairs. It's odd it matches up almost step by step with Sampras. Like Sampras, I can see the press turning on him in another year or two.

Don't get me wrong, I like his playing and I don't think he is a bad person or anything, I'm just interested in seeing how his career plays out.

JuanitaSmi
Yeah, I remember McEnroe making those remarks. I'm not saying the guy is a drooling idiot and I don't think he is that much different from many of the other players.

One of the local NYC papers metioned ESPN did a clip-show of Andy Roddick's excuses for losing the big matches. Anyone catch it?

Oh, and the standings are up for post-Wimbledon. Andy moves ahead of Hewitt for third with Roger and Rafa in one and two. Hopefully, that'll shut Lleyton up for a few weeks.

No. And "bumbling" is the perfect way to describe him.


Aww. I love this. And I agree.


I think the only way Roger could come off truly cocky is if he didn't give props to his opponents. But he does. In his interview with Bud he said he considers Andy one of the best players ever and knows he will get more slams. I also loved the post-match hug. Actually, between that and the interviews, it's very apparent that both Roger and Andy think highly of the other and that is very nice to see.


It won't. Lleyton is still number 2 in the entry rankings. There are 205 points between Lleyton and Rafa and 250 points between Lleyton and Andy. So if Rafa and/or Andy can get a couple championships this summer, they could possibly pass Hewitt before US Open seedings - depending on Hewitt's success. Should be an interesting summer.

Does anyone else think that the ATP using two separate rankings is stupid?

According to tennis-x.com, Roger is taking the next 5 weeks off which would bring him back just in time for the Masters events. He's so far ahead in points he could probably take the next year off and still be number one in the entry rankings.

TTC will be showing the hard court events this summer but for those of you, like me, who don't get TTC:

NBC will show the weekend matches for the RCA Championships.
ESPN2 will show the last weekend of the Mercedes-Benz Cup and the Legg-Mason. ESPN2 will show the entire Canada Masters.
ESPN2 and CBS will show the Cincinnati Masters and the Pilot Pen.

Here's the entire tv schedule for all the US Open Series events.

ESPN2 and TTC will also be showing some World Team Tennis matches. That schedule is here.

A couple of opinions:

First, I find Mary Carillo and John McEnroe to be at their best when they have each other to play off of. I guess growing up together and their brief mixed doubles career would tend to make that easier. But I definitely felt something was lacking in listening to one without the other.

As to the Federer vs. Sampras debate: For me there was always something that grated about Sampras' personality that made it difficult for me to root for him. To me he often appeared to be smug and somewhat of a whiner at times. Of course I'm not counting when he fell apart on court over the loss of Tim Gullickson. Only someone made of stone could not have that affect him profoundly. But one example of the smugness was when someone made some comparison or some other comment about Pat Rafter, and Sampras said something to the effect of "well I have 13 grand slam titles" [and Rafter doesn't]. Superior much?

As far as Venus' victory celebration, while I don't begrudge her her joy and happiness, I think that after awhile it did reach a point where some decorum should have taken over. I mean have a LITTLE consideration for your opponent who was just defeated. And I would take this position regarding ANY player (not just a Williams sister in case anyone thinks that I'm one of those "double standard" people).

While I wholeheartedly agree, I can't help but think Mary suffers more when they don't work together.

I love Federer and Sampras. BTW, Roger's fourth language is French.


In probably any other situation, I'd agree with you. In this particular case, there were just so many circumstances that made her reaction appropriate (IMO):

• Venus last won a Slam almost four years ago
• After winning 4 of her first 5 major finals, she lost 5 in a row (to her little sister no less)
• She's had a long road back from injuries
• Everyone was questioning her abilities and her desire, even going so far as writing her off completely
• She was so close to losing

I think someone (Ted?) was right when he said even Lindsay had to smile at Venus's unbridled joy. Remember her rather subdued reactions to her last 3 Slams? This one was obviously more special. At the very least, we'll never have to hear another comment about Venus lacking passion. Thank God for that!

What was with Venus' oft-repeated quote (by Mary Carillo): I'm at my best when I'm matchpoint down.

I mean, it proved true but ... wow!

Loved Mary's reference to Oracene: What is it like to raise a kid who thinks they're at their best when they're matchpoint down?

I liked how one of the commentators, I think it was Mary Carillo, pointed out how Oracene would acknowledge and applaud the opponents winners as well as her daughters winners. I always noticed that too and I really think that is classy. Richard Williams seems to do that alot too now. I noticed at Wimbledon last year how he seemed genuinely happy for Maria's father after the match.

That is because they are good people. I know Richard can be overtop sometimes, but for the most time he is an okay guy. I applaud Oracene for always giving props to her daughters' opponents, that is very classy IMO. Jon Wertheim mentioned this in his lastest column.

Back to Tennis I am so excited for the US Open. The US Open seeds players based on rankings, so that should make for some interesting matches, assuming all the seeded players make it through to the Quarters. And I prefere USA/CBS coverage to ESPN/NBC.

Oracene is definitely one classy tennis mom. Wertheim talks about it in his column today.

ETA: ShellsandCheese: how weird we were posting the same thing at the same time. /TwilightZone theme music

I kept thinking Lindsay's mom looked a lot like Nancy Kerrigan's mom. I know, crazy.

I noticed that during the Venus/Pierce match. I was amazed that Oracene and Mary's mother were both sitting, like, a row away from each other and by the looks of all the reaction shots, never managed to annoy the crap out of each other. For tennis parents, that's a big deal, I should think.

The commentators talked about that unique aspect of Wimbledon: the players' families sat in the same box, rows apart.

Wertheim:

Very Cool. It was interesting to see Joe talking with Davenport's mom, considering some of the comments he made about her daughter in the past.
Also, Venus is very pretty without her usual accessories.

I think Oracene is a good person and great sports mom, as evidenced by the clapping. But Richard still strikes me as a little intense. He left the match when it looked like Venus was going to lose in the second set. Only to come trickling back when she clawed back into it. Way to have confidence in your daughter there, sir. Does he always do this? Because I can't imagine what it would do to Venus if she looked up in the stands and thinks "oh, Daddy's gone again, that must mean he thinks I'm gonna lose, so I might as well just give up now."

I am confused as to the difference between the ATP rankings and the ATP Champions Points. Or whatever their official names are. Which one is the official rankings list (the one from which someone is able to say, I'm number X in the world). I think it is the former. What good is the Champions Points then? The women's side doesn't do this, do they?

Yes, he usually does this after the camera catches him taking pictures with his very professional looking camera equipment. That marks phase two of Me ! Richard! When Serena lost, he was sitting right behind the press photographers, taking pics right along with them. I'm laughing now thinking about it.

He has gotten better. He would walk out and make sure the press followed him or else he would make a big production of not entering the court at all.

I want to see the pictures someday.
He makes me laugh because he has this huge duffel bag with him. Seriously, what does he have in there? I figure camera equipment, pen and paper to make some signs with, lithium or something.

Like GoddessMelissa has already posted, Richard is always leaving when his daughters are playing poorly.

It seems slimy but ... I kinda wish Bill Clinton would've left the All England Club a few years ago. That's just me though.

What is really interesting is that both Oracene and Richard were there sitting presumably close to one another. They had been trading Slams so Oracene would go to Aus and French and Richard would go to London and NYC, for example. When the divorce proceedings started, you never saw them in the stands at the same time. And since both are the coach of record for Venus & Serena, it worked out well enough.

There are 12 seats in the Centre Court Players Box at Wimbledon. 6 for each player. They're literally on top of each other.