I'm looking forward to seeing Agassi/Blake. I like Agassi, so I'm going to root for him. James Blake is a great story, and I'm glad he is playing well, but must they bring up his sob story ALL the time? I can't stand how commentators latch onto a sob story or a snippet of personal info and consistently talk about it.

One of the things I've always liked about tennis is that it's always primarily about the tennis. When Monica got stabbed, sure it was natural to talk about it when she came back, but it didn't seem to get brought up that much to the point where commentators seemed to be rooting for her. In fact, I remember someone, perhaps Chris Evert, essentially saying that Monica was fat and needed to lose weight.

I just don't like how the "personal stories", particularly that of James Blake, seem to be causing bias this year. Kind of reminds me of all the figure skating stories. The sob story of the orphaned Oksana Baiul. And remember Surya Bonaly? "She was born on the French island of Reunion...." Except years later, we found out that she and her crazy mother made it all up. I really don't want tennis to turn into figure skating.

Likewise, I'll be rooting for Blake because I like him. I liked him before he broke his neck. He seems like a great guy, he's aggressive, and he actually went to college. Sadly, his story is taking away from the strides that he's made as a player. Roddick's backhand has improved recently, but Blake's has surpassed it by a long shot. They've touched on it a little, but he's become such a better tennis player. That would be exciting to watch even without knowing his recent troubles.

I must say that Federer is really not playing all that well. If he loses to Keifer, or beats Keifer and his play doesn't improve, I'm putting my money on Blake to win this thing.

blackwing- OT, but I think Kerrigan totally should've won in '94. And I find NK's skating quite dull and uninspired, and her pre-podium bitchface was tacky, but there's no way Baiul should have won that competition, IMO. And Suzanne Bonaly was indeed crazy. One in the long line of figure skating dragon-lady mothers. Why are the papas so often the crazy ones in tennis? Hmmmm...

I love Monica Seles and I think Chris Evert actually was a bit resentful of her, but I have to say, Monica did need to get in better shape and I can't really blame Evert for pointing that out. Even if it was obvious.

J-Mac was again bringing the HoYay/boy crushes during today's coverage. When they showed a clip of Ginepri practicing shirtless, J-Mac certainly didn't hesitate to launch into a discussion on RG's abs.

Dull and uninspired that is exactly why she lost. I was actually glad Oksana won. I was so sick of Kerrigan and Harding by that time, my attitude was anyone but Kerrigan. (Since Harding never had a chance in hell.)

Back on topic does anyone know where I could buy a copy of Safin/Sampras from the 2000 US Open. I saw a little magical moment about it earlier and Safin was so young and so cute.

I really want James to win tomorrow.
1. So. Hot. Like it's not even right.
2. I think he may never play this well again, and want him to capatilize on it.
3. OK I'll say it. Agassi...bugs me. I just think he squandered his talent and while his late-life resurgence is great and all, I just can't like the guy. There's also the infamous Pete Sampras-Elton John story.

So whoever is commentating with JMac right now (sorry but I'm just trying to block him out) was hyping the women's night matches to come. He said "we will be seeing Sharapova and then Clisters and Venus" so I guess Petrova doesn't merit attention because ...... she's not:

cute, cuddly , or American. Oh well.

What's the Sampras-Elton John story?

I'm lukewarm on Agassi. I recall when he was more or less known as an a-hole to other players who didn't have his Q rating. I remember Alex Corretja implying as much in an interview once.

I'll always remember last year's hilarity of putting the Kuznetsova-Petrova Quarter-final in an outer court with no USA Network cameras. In fact, Svetlana's first match in a show court was the semi-final vs. Lindsay.

Sadly, Nadia hasn't done much yet to make her stand out enough amongst the top 10 - although she did beat Seles in what was probably her last match, and beat JHH in the 4th round last year.

She also beat J-Cap, who was a credible threat, that same RG. Still, I think this match may be the one that puts her on the map. You know, until she actually wins a tournament.

I thought James Blake was hot until I saw his brother, now all men pale in comparison. Yes... even... George Clooney... there I said it.

Of course they did the profile of Sharapova. I mean, who's heard of her?

Seriously though, it's just so wrong that she was 13 in 2000. Ew. She makes me feel so old.

The weird camera ogling of Sharapova frightens me. Shes barely 18, back away dirty old men.

OT: I thought Nancy Kerrigan should have won because at least her program was clean. Just me though/

just wanted to say that I am glad that Hrbaty lost today. Why? Because I won't have to see that awful shirt of his anymore.

Here's a quote from Hewitt on the shirt:



Teehee. Gotta love Hewitt for his candor!

I am so rooting for Petrova! Although I do like Sharapova's outfit, but what I really want to know is who threw the ball on the court and why? Seriously why would you throw or drop on ball on court during a tennis match, let alone during a rally.

Am I the only who has noticed how awkward Maria sometime looks when she swings her racket, I think its her backhand but I'm not sure.

Don't choke Nadia!

I can't believe they just said the right person won the game. Petrova was in control of that rally. It's not her fault some idiot threw a ball on the court.

It kind of bothers me that Ted is so in love with Sharapova. It's getting to the P-Mac/Roddick level.

On the plus side, I can't believe Tracy actually stated on national TV that Sharapova got jerked around by Henin-Hardenne, that was interesting terminology.

I don't really dislike Sharapova, but I hate all the fawning that people do over her, which by extension makes me root against her pretty much everytime she plays.

And Tracy, Petrova may have won "the game" and "the point" but she is still down a set!

Tracy Austin's commentary on Petrova cracks me up.

And I'm impressed Petrova hasn't gone away after that close first set... yet.

I guess I shouldn't be so hard on Ted. I'm glad he pointed out Yuri Sharapov cheating. Richard Williams may be a little wacky, but he's always fair.

Petrova's going to win. I called it. She'll find a way... somehow.

Ugh!!

I'm so bummed the damn Sharapova camera ad is back. I was just thinking a few days ago how nice we didn't have that one for this tournament.

KFC, can you elaborate for the clueless amongst us?

I think part of Sharapova's visual appeal is coloring: her skin and hair are vivid in color, and she chooses clothes that are nice colors that go well with her coloring.

WARNING: WNTW MOMENT AHEAD: I have to say, though, that I think her dress over-emphasizes her long-waistedness and does not really flatter.[/wntw]

Harry24- I generally find Tracy Austin overly nice in her commentary, so it's amusing to hear her exasperation when Petrova gets riled up about a (possibly) bad call.

I loved the talk about Monk playing tennis. I heart Monk. OTOH, I hated the whole "Sorry Law & Order, sorry Monk" when they just went away from tennis last night! Bastards!

Sanguinetti has been so close to leveling the fourth set, but he keeps coming up short. It's all but over now.

God, there's such a contrast between Petrova's quiet play and Sharapova's grunting.

Amen to that.

I cannot bear Tracy Austin's commentating. Isn't she married to a network exec? She never shuts up. I hate her. I miss Mary Jo, Mary and Pam (even Pam's bad hair and outfits don't ruin her solid commentating skills.)

Awwww. *Sniff*

Farewell, Sanguinetti.

Not sure about Tracy Austin's husband, but I don't think he's a TV exec. Betsy Nagelsen (who used to do commentary for ESPN) is/was married to some sort of bigwig.

I quite like MJ Fernandez's commentary. Can't stand Pam back-when-I-was-playing Shriver.

What did Nadia ever do to her? Does Tracy just dislike Petrova or is she one of the "masses" who adores Sharapova? I'm just glad Sharapova won the game with the errant ball so we wouldn't have to hear about it forever and ever and ever.

I liked the "fight" between John and Tracy regarding coaching during the matches. An argument they do not make on the air, but some bright person made here, is that not everyone can afford to travel with their coach--which is enough of a liability on the tour without exacerbating it by having their opponent get coaching during a match.

I googled to see who Tracy Austin's husband is (Scott Holt) and discovered we can hire Tracy to speak if we wished. Fee to be decided.

Why doesn't tomorrow's schedule have anything up for Armstrong and the Grandstand?

Tracy just said, "Remember 8 or 9 years ago when Davenport would get so down on herself?" Um, try last year, sweetheart.


He fought off 3 match points. Sigh.

I live for those camera angles directly behind Sharapova. Booty -- mmm mmm.

Way to fight back, Nadia!

She looks just like her mom. I have no idea what her dad looks like.

I really hate Yuri. I've heard that story before, but I still can't believe that jackass was yelling at Nadia during a match. WTF?

I never liked Maria, but that just cemented my Sharapova hate. She and her father are cheating! Can we send this tape to the WTA? Argh!

I love how Tracy excused Yuri's coaching, by stating that he is like that in practice as well, and Maria just tunes him out. Yuri seems like an ass to me, and Sharapova looks just like him; has anybody ever seen her mother? I wonder what she looks like.

Go Clijsters! I really hope she can win this tournament, I like Venus as much as the next person, but I just really want Kim to win this year.



What booty? And I agree that while the color and general style and design of Maria's dress is very pretty, it really does not fit her body type. Of course 99% of female tennis players suffer from this.

I'm with you Distant Sun. Yuri/Maria clearly should be penalized.

I mean I know he was crazy but the WTA interceded when Jelena Dokic's dad got out of hand. Maybe it's time for Yuri to get a taste of that.

I bet it will take a competitor to call her on it for it to happen.

The chair umpire reprimanded a player in an ATP match a few weeks ago. I think it was when Nadal played Andre in the final at (??). I think Uncle Toni got Rafa in trouble. Cause Rafa kept looking to the stands for guidance and the chair umpire caught wind of it. That was the same match that Andre got pissy cause Rafa was not playing to Andre's pace even though Rafa was taking his allotted 20 secs between points on Andre's serve.

Nice Try Nadia - But Maria is just more mentally tough. I actually hope Nadia enters some Tier III or IV tournament just to get a tournament win under her belt

Jim Courier made the mistake again - it's Yuri Sharapov.

I never realized how sick and tired I am of Maria Sharapova (and her psycho Dad) until I found myself this evening, STANDING in front of the TV and cheering Petrova on. (Bummer of an outcome.)

As for that father of hers, surely there are some Russian-speaking folks around. The USTA should hire someone to monitor the Yuri-bull, and the first time he says anything remotely resembling coaching from the stands during a match, they should ban his ass for the season. Or for life, for that matter. (Or maybe they should just take away his sunglasses. He'd probably be a wimp without 'em.)

I think Maria got very lucky, she had more crucial points go her way.

Yeah, I was also thinking about Mr. Dokic after seeing that. I disagree with Courier completely. Awarding Petrova that point for cheating would've nipped that in the bud. Like he said, Yuri wants to win more than anything. Start penalizing his daughter and he'll get the hint.

I think he would actually explode. . . and then we wouldn't have to worry about him at all.

I know Sharapova has lived in the US forever, but really Barkan--cakewalk? That phrase doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense to the English-as-first-language folks.

OMG, that was me!! I was the bright person. (I'm so excited someone read something I wrote. Squee!)

This is what I wrote. It's a point that's always bugged the shit out of me. And Jim Courier's got to understand that as well. But he seemed to be talking about Yuri more in the parent mode than in the coach mode, so maybe he was making a subtler point that's escaping me.

Well, I read it and I remembered it, and I agree with it. I don't know if Courier was making a more subtle point or a parent point but Yuri does frighten me as a parent. So did Monica's father, Mary Pierce's father, Steffi's father, etc. etc. etc. I hate seeing it continue with the new generations.

I didn't see the whole match but it seemed to me that Petrova choked the final game. It's too bad because I am so over Sharapova mania and I wanted Nadia to win this one. I liked Sharapova's "mojo" crack in the post-match interview, though.

Also, Sharapova is so.intense. and Yuri just takes it to a whole 'noter level of intensity.

Go Kim!! I've never been a Williams sisters fan but I grew to like Venus during her Wimbledon run this year. That being said, I really like Clijsters and I hope she wins the tournament. It's fairly obvious JMac's rooting for Kim, too.

So Nadia choked. Again. Sigh.

I hate Sharapova. And I hate her father.

I missed most of the match- just saw the last painful game. Could someone please recap what was going on with idiot Yuri? I gather he was doing some coaching...

I hate Sharapova.

GO MARIA! I love you and all that, but your dad scares the shit out of me.

Nah, I don't really think Nadia choked this time.

While there were definitely some points that she couldn't capitalize on, overall I think she can proud of her effort and how she didn't let Maria steamroll in the final set.

The way Venus is playing, I'm having difficulty seeing anyone beat her. But I hope Kim can turn it around.

They keep making excuses for Clijsters, but the bottom line is that Venus is a better player than she is. She always has been and she always will be. Venus is her equal (or better) on defense and she's decidedly superior on offense. Thankfully, Tracy just mentioned it's about "too much Venus." I'm shocked J-Mac is shocked that Venus is dominating. I know everyone who isn't a Venus fan is rooting for her (I would be if Venus weren't my favorite), but I refuse to believe most of those people expect her to win.


Agreed. I'm proud of Nadia. Of all the Russians, she's the one I can root for the easiest.

I have felt slightly bad about hating her so much, but after tonight, I'd print it on my forehead. She's just awful.

Has Tracy bet the farm on her winning this thing? My goodness - I find Nadia refreshing compared to Miss Inappropriate-Fist-Pump. I don't need full on celebration after every point. And for whatever reason, I choose to believe that Nadia's demeanor when she's playing her is for all of us women who are just sick of the whole giggling "I know you all love me and how could you not?" persona Maria projects. I love Nadia's bad-assness, and never more than tonight.

And I really don't like John and Tracy telling me that I shouldn't.

I know I'm cranky - and WAY sleep deprived - but that match turned my stomach.

WooHoo! Kimmy broke back!

True, and I thought the same thing about Davenport when she beat Clijsters at Wimbledon. I love Kim, but there's quite a few players whose A-games are superior to hers. Despite Lindsay's lack of mobility/defensive skills, her top offensive game is also better than Clijsters' defense.

Exactly. Venus has totally let her back into the match, but a break is more than likely here. I'm glad Kim's fighting, though.

I dunno about Venus "letting her back into the match." Frankly Venus looks exhausted. That said, no one is more dangerous when behind than Venus Williams. She seems to uncork it from somewhere.

I call all those double faults letting her back into it. Venus has really dropped her level of play. Her first-serve percentage must be abysmal since 4-2 in the second. She'll find a way back. It's certainly turned into a great (albeit ragged) match.

Way to blow it Venus!....Stupid wench.

If Kim Clijsters doesn't win the US Open this year, it would be one of the biggest let downs ever in tennis. That was a huge turn around, she just steamrolled Venus in the third set--although Venus did seemingly fall apart.