Am I the only one who thinks Tommy Haas looks like Steven Seagal (and Andy's Mojo looks like Harry Conic Jr.)?

For some reason, Andy's Mojo reminds me of Jon Cryer.

Kiss My Grits, I somehow missed that post. I'm so sorry!

I did hear quite a lot about Yetundeh's murder by commentators, always about why the Williams sisters weren't playing well or weren't in a certain tournament.

See my last post, gadje. I'm right with ya, on that!

And as everyone knows, I'm totally with jimena on Federer being hotter than Hades.

Traci from CBS has just written herself a ticket to the broadcasting unemployment line! Heeeee. What a ditz!!

Oh my lord. After such a tough match, Tracy whatshername was so rude to Hewitt in the post-match interview on court. She said that Dent exposed the weakness in his game and asked if that would rattle his confidence in the second week. The crowd was annoyed by the rudeness of her question as was I.

I have to agree with Dick, John and Mary that Lleyton was very gracious when answering that (very rude) question.

Hee my husband was laughing about how they have a regular tennis head shot for Mirza (go girl and get the upset!) and a People magazine like head shot for Maria.

Wow. . . and Mary just took her out. And I thought Barkan was bad.

That Bec is one trashy, trashy woman.

That was some fight. Good for both Hewitt and Dent.

I love Taylor Dent, but I just figured out why he appears shorter than he is: it's his Hobbit-like appearance.

Also, I may be going soft in my old age, but I didn't hate Lleyton Hewitt today. I didn't find his behavior objectionable at all. He played a good match, eked out the win, and really handled that rude question graciously. I'm all for the tough questions, but I don't think the on-court interview (really, not even an interview) is exactly the place for them.



I am so liking Andy's gay Mojo! I think he's HIGH-larious.

I thought that Hewitt behaved top-notch today. He can be a classy guy, which is why I can never really full-out dislike him (although I can dislike some of his behavior towards linespeople and umpires).

I really wish that CBS would show some of the Verdesco/Djokvic match on Armstrong but I know that is too much to hope for, in particular since Maria and Sania are already playing.

I think I have a girl-crush on Mirza.

It was killing me (and I have to stay near the computer to check on Max) so I looked Andy's Mojo up. He is Nick Kroll and he has never been in anything so I have no clue who I think he is.

I know! There was absolutely nothing rude about Hewitt today. What is wrong with me? I was also rooting like crazy for Roddick in his first round match. AND it wouldn't have bothered me that much if Santoro had taken Federer out on Friday night.

There are no words.

I'm late on this but the Santoro-Roger match was one heck of a match- Enberg called it "delicious" today and I totally agree!

I missed what Mary said about Tracy Wolfson's idiotic question to Hewitt. Can someone please recap it?

I rushed to the computer to write about what a bitch Tracy Wolfson (?) is but it seems like a couple of people beat me too it. Not only was she rude to Lleyton, but the question wasn't even well phrased. I'm glad the US Open crowd booed her.

I seem to be one of the few Lleyton fans here, but I also have an extreme dislike of Taylor Dent (he's a strange hybrid of Erik Estrada and the Hunchback of Notre Dame to me), so I was very happy with Hewitt's win today. Dent played extremely well though - I was impressed with some of his volleys. Hewitt did seem a bit off all day - he usually doesn't lose the big points and get nervous like he appeared in this match.

FYI, that song they play whenever they talk about Maria Sharapova was not originally written for her. The original is, "Anna Kournikova, I really want to know ya-ah..."

Traveling the last couple of days, I've been going through some withdrawal. I missed y'all! Unfortunately, I didn't see any tennis last night, but I'm excited that Blake stepped it up and finally pulled off a really big win. I knew he had a chance, but it looked like it was pretty routine after the first two sets. The Dent/Hewitt match was interesting as usual. Taylor was so close yet again.

Tracy's question had me LOL! That is hilarious. Not even Lleyton Hewitt deserves a dumb-assed question like that.

I have to say that took the crown from Britney for trashiest maternity wear, ever.

I respect Taylor Dent and all that, but when they showed the slo-mo of his serve did how far he lurched forward frighten anyone else?

I'm glad they showed a little of the Hrbaty/Ferrer match (even with David losing) because it freaks me out how much Ferrer looks like Roger Howarth (soap opera actor now on "As the World Turns"). It's bizarre.

jimena, the question was something along the lines of: How does is feel that Taylor exposed your weaknesses?

While Dick is self-congratulating CBS could they please show some of the fifth set of the Verdesco/Djokovic match? Pretty please? Fernandeo Verdesco is as cute as a bug's ear and Djokovic will likely be on of the big names in tennis in the coming years.

I miss the USA coverage- I think they are a lot better than CBS.

Been watching and I couldn't agree more with JMac snarking on Dominic Hrbaty's shirt.

Aargh! I do not need to see Serena and Venus hit against each other in their warmup. Go to their match when it actually starts and for now. . . show some tennis!

PMac, I really want Max to win but he is down 2 sets to 1 so I don't think you should be talking about Verdasco meeting him.

What got me about that is the roll of belly fat it exposed. Don't get me wrong -- I'm no great specimen, nor do I think everyone should be held to some stick-thin standard. But to me, it did demonstrate that he really isn't doing the intense training it takes to pull out the tough matches.

I didn't take up the game till I was out of college, but at the time I ran a lot. Now, I'm 15-20 pounds heavier than I was then, and let me tell, it makes a huge difference. If Taylor could drop a few pounds, it would improve his game immensely. (And FTR, I'm a baseliner, so the extra weight is even harder on me, but I'm working on it.)

On another note, I know Sampras doesn't write the copy, but could he have come across as more of a pompous ass in that Royal Bank of Scotland ad? I didn't post about this the first couple of times I saw it, because I figured I must've been only half-watching. I mean, surely it wasn't that bad? But yes, it was. He must be cringing.

I liked the Canon Rebel commercial with Andre and Steffi. Thank god it wasn't that Genworth Financial spot. If I ever hear again that Steffi does the checkbook, I will throw a brick through my TV.

I am apparently one of Hewitt's few fans, too. I really like the guy. I think he plays well and I'd love for him to do well here. He sets up his shots very nicely.

What's the big hubbub over Sania Mirza? I'm sure most of it is because she's Indian, and it's rare to see Indian women playing tennis. I watched the Sharapova/Mirza match, and her greenness really showed. She hits groundstrokes well, but her serve is appalling. They kept talking about how much promise she showed. But she and mmmmmMaria are the same age, and the difference is obvious.

I don't get the Royal Bank of Scotland commercial with Pete Sampras. Yeech. Cro-Magnon trying to promote whatever it is. To me it seemed like promoting himself. "I'm so great, and then I won AGAIN!"

I also don't get the Lexus Andy Roddick commercials. Random people in the passenger seat (I saw one with a rather plain dark-haired girl and one with a gushing guy fan with a camera) yapping away, and he just sits there and drives. Is it supposed to be that he's so into the car he doesn't care who is next to him?

I don't get any of those commercials either. Sampras comes off so cold. Glad he hasn't gone into commentary. Now, I really wish Todd Martin did.

And PMac. . .you JINXED him. Damn you all to heck.

Yes, Mirza is the same age as Sharapova and is much much greener... but that doesn't mean that she doesn't show promise. Maria trained at a time when it became a huge thing for Russian women breaking into tennis (see also: Likhotseva, Myskina, Dementieva, Kuznetsova, Petrova, et al), whereas Mirza is basically groundbreaking the sport in her country. I think she's still young enough (at 18) to breakthrough a little later than most of the women, though.

BTW, what happened between Petrova and Vadisova? I know Vadisova was pouting and got booed, but I'm not 100% sure what happened. Did anyone catch that or did CBS just miss it because they were too busy showing Hewitt/Dent (which was a good match. Poor Taylor -- but he had a ton of chances that he didn't convert).

In terms of the commercials, I love Sampras, but those Royal Bank of Scotland commercials are terrible. And yes, "Andy's Mojo" kind of seems like he's playing "Andy's Rent Boy".

CBS showed what happened during the Petrova/Vadisova match. After she lost, Vadisova angrily hit a ball into the stands (luckily, it didn't hit anyone) and she threw a tantrum during the match, throwing her racket and Gatorade bottle. The girl needs anger management---and she has to mature a bit more to handle when she loses.

Great Hewitt/Dent match. I, too, am a Hewitt fan and loved how well he handled that "interviewer's" obnoxious question. I also loved how she bolted away from him after she spoke to him and was booed by the fans. LOL.

No I know what you mean. It made me appreciate the slo-mo shots of Roddick serving more.

My final prediction for the US Open: Same as Wimbledon, V. Wiiliams and Roger Federer.
Although I really hope Clijsters can win out against her third round opponent, and Venus, I just don't think it's gonna happen.

For all the talk about how nice Tracy Austin is (and I agree), she was probably Djocovic's biggest critic for his antics in the match with Monfils.


It's obvious that she'll be a force if she improves her serve and movement. As they astutely mentioned, Mirza was hitting the ball harder during the rallies, which is what allowed her to break the vaunted Sharapova serve twice in that first set.


It must seem like I like everything, but I don't think it's so bad. I think the idea is that, instead of all the talking and antics other players did, Pete just realized the situation and stepped up his game. That's one of the reasons he has so many fans (me included). RBS is saying they're the same way. "Less talk. Make it happen." The commercial could be a lot better, but I like the sentiment.

Finally someone else mentions the Agassi/Graf Rebel commercial! I'm still enjoying it. Gotta love cute kids.


Welcome to the club! Those were my picks coming into the tournament. I'd be ecstatic over those results!

Well, the Williams match was sort of the same ol' thing we've come to expect. Competitive in portions, but not great tennis. I really wish one of the sisters would start to strategize a bit.

But overall, it was better than some of their matches I've seen, and I was rooting for Venus. Not that I dislike Serena -- actually, I think she's a little more likeable given her more free-spirited personality -- but I thought that for Venus to lose she would have to completely melt down, and I didn't want to see that. Plus, I think that at this phase in their lives, Venus is the more committed to tennis, and that should be rewarded. For awhile, it was Serena putting in the effort and being justifiably rewarded, while Venus was going back to fashion design school and talking about retirement and all. But Venus has worked hard. She's smarter on her serve, and she's really shored up her forehand.

I have a soft spot for Lindsay, and I really want her to win another major. I think she "deserves" it, but I don't know that she can put it all together when it counts againsts the quality of competition. Actually, I should amend that. I think she's an underdog to win the tournament, but I'm still rooting for her.

Likewise, I'm rooting for Venus. She put in a lot of hard work to get back to her current level, and I like that.

And a good example of showing a commercial less being a good thing. . . that one is over a year old.

Something I noticed during the Dent match: the sound he makes when he serves sounds like the "out" sound and I keep thinking he must be making foot faults. Very disconcerting.

There is just so much mental baggage when Venus and Serena play each other that they never end up being enjoyable matches to watch--unless you are a psychiatrist, in which case I'm guessing they are fascinating. Too bad since Serena looks like she kicked her ass after Wimbledon getting ready for the summer season.

As I expected, Venus won pretty handily, it seems. The first set was competitive, but then she seemed to take over. I would be happy if she won the whole thing. Actually, as long as it's anyone but Justine Henin Hardenne, I'll be happy.

I would also love to see Clijsters win it all. She's had a great year.

Venus vs Serena? Siince when do they keep score while practicing? Call me if the real match starts. Yawn!
I know it's hard playing your sister but sheesh, no affect showing, no will to win. Now it's over and CBS and USA can focus on competitive tennis matches.

What in the hell did Bec Hewitt have on! My god, she really isn't an ugly girl but the hair, the clothes, the gaudy jewelry...just a big no no.

I can't believe that this is the only mention of this. There are no words for Hrbaty's shirt. Has he explained why he wears it? I won't even snark on the two holes on the back of his shirt (it's just too easy) but why pink? Why? And having a ballboy rub lotion on him through those two holes?



This match started out pretty good but took a nose dive at the end of the first set. I can not even comprehend what it must be like for Serena and Venus to play against each other. The fact that they hold it together throughout the match is a testament to them. I truly commend them.

From the post-match interview:

Q. What did you think of the question that CBS asked you on court afterwards? Was it a cheap shot?

LLEYTON HEWITT: It was a strange one. I think when you put people out there that don't have too much idea about tennis...

Hahaa, go Lleyton!

My picks to win the Open: Federer (although I personally would like to see somebody else take it) and hopefully Clijsters.

Oh yes there are! The commentary just now was hilarious.

Tracy: It must be for ventilation. What the heck?
John: It's not worth winning the tournament.
Tracy: Just so he doesn't turn it around. Maybe it's on backwards, John.
Jim: Oh, oh my goodness...
Tracy: I don't know. That is awful.
Ted: That is the worst I've ever seen.
John: And he's got it in his pants, too. There's some holes/ventilation...
Tracy: Excuse me? [OMG, LOL!]
John: Well, the sides.
Tracy: The sides.

Tracy sounded so relieved when she realized the holes weren't in the back or the front. That shirt is hideous, but I got a good laugh out of it.


It's good to hope, but I just don't see it happening. Venus is probably the biggest hurdle left, though. I like her chances against either Sharapova or Petrova.

Wow! Wow! Wow! This Sanguinetti vs Srichaphan match is the best yet! The moment after the 30 hit rally when Srichaphan got up off the court and just smiled at Sanguinetti? Priceless.

I think Sanguinetti is just lucky that this is the US Open, so they're forced to have a tie break if they get to 6. He looks a shade more weary than Srichaphan and i doubt he'd last the distance.

God, i hate tie breaks in the 5th. I'm rooting for the old guy in this one. Go Sanguinetti!

He won! He won! That was just an amazing match. Come to think of it there have been some fantastic matches on the men's side the entire tournament. Great tennis! Matches like Sanguinetti/Srichaphan should create a lot more die hard tennis fans.

ETA: O. Rochus is quite the cutie.

I love them. I agree wholeheartedly with McEnroe and Courier—it's nice that it's different. It's such a New York kind of thing. That was an excellent match. I was rooting for Srichaphan. I've loved him ever since he took out Agassi at Wimbledon years back. Still, I'm excited for Sanguinetti. Like Mac said, he is moving much faster than normal.

That's what I'm talking about! (yes, I can read lips when the Italian speaks in English.)


Oh man, and Sanguinetti winked at him?! Beautiful. I especially liked when they smiled at each right before the 2nd (and final) match point. I was screaming "hug, hug" as they were coming up to the net and was sooooo happy they obliged. Loved how happy this match was making John and Jim--although I really do not think Sanguinetti was faking a cramp. I hate how John looks for gamesmanship in everyone.

As for Hrbaty's shirt: the best comment for me was Dick Enberg's wondering (very sarcastically) whether it was so he could have a choice which hole to put his head through.

I like to think the tennis ghost of Todd Martin is responsible for these great night matches.

I think that Expedia commercial has been played more than the Agassi/Graf one. The only saving grace is I still get a kick out of the way they sing "awesome."

Al's finest moment so far: "There's something about watching two evenly matched tennis players. And then, in a match like this, you don't need to know anything about their stories. All you need to know is that there are two guys out there willing to spill their guts to win the match." Well said, Al. Well said.

I love Enberg. He's still pretty ripe for his age. His commentary of the matches is so eloquent.




That was one of the few things that Trautwig has said that hasn't made me want to throw something at the TV or throw up.

That Sanguinetti/Srichaphan match...all I can say is wow. Thank you USA for sticking with it the whole way. I wonder though if it wasn't Federer on Ashe but rather Roddick (I know...he's gone) or even Agassi if they wouldn't have made the switch. It's good that they didn't though because that was some amazing, gutsy tennis.

I like watching him play, but, pound for pound, O. Rochus looks like he has a bigger gut than Taylor Dent. That shirt he's wearing is not flattering.

I have a new sports boyfriend. Did anyone see his player profile?? FREAKIN' ADORABLE!!!! He's so cute!

Dominik has been wearing that shirt ever since the beginning of the clay court season ... so it was only a matter of time that he would get on US TV. It's things such as that as to why I call him Dominik He's-Batty.

Davide Sanguinetti - a guy still hanging in there at 33 - good for him. But I noticed his activity for 2005, and the US Open is his TWENTY-FOURTH tournament of the season - holy smokers, how do these tennis players do it!?!?

He has a wonderful, wry smile.

Re the soft tennis "guts". Shortly after Wimbledon I read an article by some kind of expert on tennis fitness, who was comparing Roddick and Federer's bodies as good for tennis. And one thing I remember (because I was surprised by it) was that he pointed out that Federer has a soft tummy, while Roddick now has a pretty flat one, but that he said that having a rock hard stomach was not a good thing for tennis. He said the softer (and he definitely didn't mean plump, just not ripped) stomach was better because it allowed for more flexibility and easier breathing. YMMV. And obviously this has nothing to do with someone like Dent, who simply isn't in proper playing condition for an athlete at his level.

I remember he also pointed out that Federer had much better flexibility in his lower body, which was a factor in his great balance and his ability to play closer to the ground, but that Roddick had much better flexibility in his back, which was a factor in his great serve.

Well, I sure don't know how, but I know why. They need the money. The travel and coaching expenses are monstrous. I remember Patrick Rafter talking about deciding to sleep on the street early in his career. And there's some relatively unknown player I read about who has some sweet deal with an inexpensive hotel chain he got through a relative or something, so he always stays at one of those hotels. It's a problem, though, because the tournaments can never find him because he's never at the official residences for the players.

Anyway, making a living is an issue for the players in the mid and lower levels, so they're always fighting the temptation to play too many tournaments.

Which is one reason it PISSES ME OFF whenever the discussion about being allowed to coach during a match comes up and people like stupid John Madden complain about it not being allowed. HELLO!! Not all the players are rich enough to have their coaches with them, idiot! I swear I've never heard that point made, when surely it's the essential reason why it has to be a rule.

Okay, whoever that guy sitting next to Rochus' coach is, he's my new tv boyfriend. (Yes I just finished a glass of wine, and yes MrKhyber is out of town, why do you ask?)

I assume all the Nalbandian fans here are rooting for Federer to win this second set tie-breaker. :-)

(It seems like Roger isn't very popular around here, DN sure is.)

That's Kevin Kim - another player noted for basically playing every week, regardless of the result. He'll probably play a whopping 35-36 tournaments this year - unreal. But hey, he's now in the top 75 in the world, so who am I to criticize?

I guess I'm the exception that proves the rule. I absolutely love Federer, but I'm not a fan of Nalbandian. I don't hate him or anything, but he's let me down in all of the matches I've really wanted him to win (the final vs. Hewitt and the semis vs. Roddick). As far as the Argentinean players go, I'd rather watch Coria or especially Gaudio. That being said, I'd love to see Gonzalez.

Keep in mind that it's physically easier to play a lot of tournaments if you aren't getting very far in most of them.

Except the players that he likes...

I hate John.

I think there are quite a few people here that like Roger. I just think we take it too personally when someone around here doesn't like our faves. I've definitely thought this when people say that Nadal doesn't have many fans here. He does.

Roger rocks!

That is all.

Ugh. Why are they interviewing Dennis Leary about hockey and baseball and ignoring what's happening on the court??!! This sort of thing drives me nuts.