I just read on tennis-x.com that Agassi said no, and it was about having more time to get ready for the finals.

Guys, Matthew Cronin must be stopped. I read your comments about how he was going on and on (and on) about Sharapova on US Open radio, and today he wrote on tennisreporters.net that she is one of the best teenage fighters the sport has ever seen. His short memory amazes me. Let's see. Does he remember Graf? Seles? Hingis? All those teenage champions! I mean, didn't Graf win the Grand Slam at 18? I know the rules were different back then, but still. Some of the greatest accomplishments women players have had, have come when they weren't even 20 yet. Matthew, get real. I think I might have to email him.

Big fat word Jimena! Hingis almost won the friggin Grand Slam when she was 16! And remember Serena's first grand slam title, that US Open win over Hingis-she was a great teenage fighter.

I wish there was something Maria could do to check the hype, but unfortunately she is the one who is going to suffer the backlash. If she doesn't win another GS next year--and I am not so sure she will--the overrated talk is going to begin. Which is kind of sad, because I think Maria is a good player, who has been talked about like she is the best tennis player ever, when in fact she is not. I'm not saying she is a bad tennis player, but I think it will be almost impossible for her to live up to the hype.

Yes it was. I like Serena, but I thought this was really funny. Does this make me evil?

Wow! I guess I'm going to be one of the few sticking up for Mary P. on this board.

Even while I was watching the match, I couldn't understand the commentators' insinuations that the injury timeout was gamesmanship. I do understand that it was a long timeout and the rules needed to be changed, but how exactly did it hurt Dementieva? She went to the bathroom during part of the treatment, so there was going to be a delay between sets anyway (and later in the match, too). If Mary were trying to get into her head, she would've done better to call for the trainer before ED served for the first set, not after the first set was over.

I have no idea if MP was faking, but I seriously doubt it. She's had a history of back problems that have kept her off the tour. I've hurt my back before (nothing chronic), and it really is scary. If I were a tennis pro and I felt a twinge, I'd have that trainer out there so fast, it would make your head spin. That's why they have trainers in the first place.

I don't think there can be a serious question about the thigh, though. It clearly was a problem. No one in her right mind would have it wrapped that extensively otherwise. Wraps like that are constricting and uncomfortable. If she just wanted to kill time, she could've just had the trainer rub it like the treatment Massu got.

To me, the turnaround wasn't that surprising. ED had come in with an incredible number of unforced errors, so it was pretty likely her play was going to become a little more erratic. Second, MP was a little tight in the first set and let herself fall into the trap of trying to play ED's game and not her own. Third, after Mary's timeout, ED got a little casual.

This happens a lot -- a player sees that their opponent is injured and figures that means the match is in the bag. But often, an injured player is more dangerous because now they aren't overthinking or looking ahead. In the first set, ED really had Mary on a string. In the last two sets, I don't think MP had to take more than 2-3 steps to get to the ball on more than a few occasions. The commentators kept saying how great she was moving, but unless they were referring to some brisk walking on the changeovers, I don't know what they were talking about. ED hit the ball right to her over and over again. Injury or no, that was just a dumb tactical mistake.

I've always liked Mary Pierce, even though I've wanted to shake her sometimes when she takes a mental vacation during the match. But I've never seen her say or do anything unsportsmanlike or say anything bad about her opponents so I'm kind of surprised to see people claim that she's had a history of gamesmanship and bad behavior.

What's with Ginepri lobbing all these balls for Agassi to smash for a winner? I don't want Agassi proving tough competition for Federer in the final.

First Dick chime in on Steffi/Andre for the day. Chris Everett looked good sitting there with Steffi.

I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Chrissy and Connors were an item during the 1970s. I remember Dick did a pretty good piece on that - I think during last year's Wimbledon. Heck, I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Clijsters and Hewitt were a couple in the 2000s.

Don't worry, Federer commonly spanks Agassi when they play. Assuming that Federer makes it to the final, I think it would be the biggest upset of the year if he were to lose to either Agassi or Ginepri.

He did have a very tough time against Agassi in the quarters here last year. Federer said on Thursday this about that match:



Even though he is not one of my favorites, I really do want Agassi to make it to the finals though - no offense to Robby. (Come on Andre- don't let this set loss take the wind out of your sails!) I would just be really interested in another Agassi/ Federer match. In addtion, I would also be interested in a Hewitt/Agassi match. The best returner vs. the second best in the game (per one of the MacEnroe brothers).

Blah. Ginepri must lose. Agassi must win. I will be very upset if this turns out otherwise.

Another excellent five setter from Andre! Hope he has enough in the tank to make it through tomorrow.

Who was the Shania Twain look-alike in Andre's box right in front of Steffi?

For some reason, I smile when I see Andre putting his sweaty shirts in the plastic bag that his racket comes in. Don't know why. Guess it's the anal in me.

Agassi- I still haven't forgiven you for dismissing Pat Rafter as a "journeyman" at the 1997 USO- but my lord- you so deserve the title of legend. Amazing. Great show by Robby as well.

Boy- Roger is getting better and better looking- he looked great in that interview with Mary. Whew.

If Hewitt would stop missing his chances I think he might have a shot against Federer. A shot. Still, I'm holding out hope that Lleyton wins (yeah right).

Yay, Agassi!

Edit: I know a lot of people rag on Bec Cartwright (and her outfit a couple of days ago was certainly worthy of snark) but she's looking a lot better than Mirka today, IMO. Again, I ask, why does Mirka always wear hideous sunglasses?

I'm another Carillo fan because she's fairly incisive, calls people on their b.s., and has a sense of humor. I will never forget her Olympic coverage of the Equestrian events. Cameras showing the prep and she intones gaily: "Horsies." After that it was all good.

Yah, Chris Evert is aging gracefully...one of the few tennis players that has. Egad...Lendl? Tragic.

As for the Pierce/Clijsters match. Let's just hope for a good match that goes three sets. Both are capable of putting on a terrific match. Let's hope Pierce can move and gives Clijsters a run for her money. I'm still picking Kim in straight sets, but I wouldn't be upset if Pierce took it.

It's not just about the the sunglasses :) Mirka can at times look likes she's trying too hard. But Bec just always looks so trashy. The hair, the clothes, the pounds of make-up, the earrings, etc. The complete package is just awful. Mirka if anything looks a little fashion clueless and sometimes over the top, but I don't think she ever (or rarely)looks trashy.

Heh. I'm not a big Agassi fan, but I can't really fault him for that. Rafter was something of a journeyman at that point. Ironically, that win against Agassi (and his subsequent run to the title) is what saved him from that fate.

Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed. Robby played well but, just like James, he didn't get it done in the fifth. I guess Agassi is praying for wind so he has some semblance of a shot at winning.


You can say that again. Lendl doesn't look like Nick Seymour anymore.

Lucky Boo, I'm glad we can come together and bask in the JHH hate. Allez!

Hee...it's not like Lendl was anything to write home about in his prime. Does anyone have a link to a recent Lendl photo. I googled for an image, but I couldn't find anything. I'm curious to see what he looks like since everyone, including JMac, have snarked on Lendl's appearance.

As for Roger getting better looking, there was a gorgeous photo of him on the cover of the NYTimes sports page within the last couple of days. It was a close up of his face during what looked like a serve. No bitter beer face and just a fabulous angle.

I'm happy for Agassi and think his kids are totally adorable, but I really wish he would stop clearing out his nostrils while walking around the court. The camera obligingly picked up on it every time.

Those crane shots of Ashe Stadium, coming over the very top, are giving me vertigo and reminding me how much I hate that stadium. It's too.damn.big.

I noticed this during the Blake match when he was sitting at his chair during changeovers. HUGE snot rockets coming out. Egads. At least once I saw him blow his nose into the towel, he should do it more often. Looks like he needs some Claritin.

Best. Set. Ever! Roger kept giving him hope and then snatching it away. Then he bagels him in the tiebreak! LOL! This is hilarious.

If I were Hewitt, I'd be thinking about committing suicide right now. Roger's not playing at nearly his best, and Hewitt just played the best set of tennis I've seen him play in such a long time. And what happened? He lost the tiebreak 7-0, after having 6 set points.

I'm so evil. I love it when Hewitt suffers.

You crack me up, Distant Sun!

How cute was it to honor Enberg and Carillo's Grand Slam? And I loved that Enberg called Mary on being smitten with Roger in their interview (though someone could call him on his Sharapova-crush...)?

These three seem to have great energy today - I'm enjoying them.

BTW, I often wonder who among the current crop of players will turn to commentating. They goaded Andre to join them today. But I've thought this year that Lindsay would make a great commentator - she's so thoughtful and careful in what she says, and she has great insights, I think.

ETA:


Heh. If you're evil, jimena, can I have shotgun on our ride to hell?

That "How Horses (or "Horsies" in Mary's case) get their Passports" piece she did was one of the funniest Olympic fluff pieces ever. I believe she even dressed up in full riding gear for part of it. Comedy gold, man.

This is like, my second post ever, but it sure is great watching Hewitt suffer like that. 6 set points, and then getting whipped in the tiebreak just makes me happy. And goodness, what's the foot fault count? 15?

She truly is in lurrrve with him. But from all accounts of interviewers who have met him, he really is a nice, warm funny fellow so I can't find fault with that.

I myself became smitten with him when I went to the 2004 Master's Cup he was so darned nice with the ball kids. He would talk to them and everything- which is really not common. He seems to be a real sweetie.

Mirka - I hate to be catty- but she was so cute a few years ago when she was playing tennis and even last year, but she has become much frumpier. Oh well, she's with Roger and he seems to adore her so that's good.

What time will the men's final begin tomorrow? Andre has played some long matches this tournament, so I think Federer will probably trounce him.

Then again, if anyone can dig deep and step up, it's Agassi, right?

Cmon...

Hewitt is one game up and serving. Looking as good, and as focused as he ever has.

...You never know =)

You know, I think Hewitt can win this!

Noooooooooooooo!

Yes, I guess I should wait until the match is over.

Roger gave him hope. You know what happens next, right?

As always, I'm loving Enberg.

He serves him up a bagel, right? There is tiny part of me that is getting worried about this match, but I'll hold off on panicking until Lleyton forces a fifth set. I'm actually happy that Lleyton finally got a set off Roger, it's been awhile; I won't be so happy if he somehow manages to win :(

ETA: So much for that bagel! If Roger loses would that be considered a choke? His level of play has dropped significantly.

Roger looking nervous, Roger going down...

Nah, Roger's still playing like crap. 6-1 or 6-2 sounds about right.

I do have to agree with the announcers- some of those so called foot faults by Hewitt do not appear to be so. I think he is getting some unfair calls and he is being surprisingly composed about it.

Helter Skelter, I believe it's slated for 4:00.

And just to add to the Carillo Love - I loved the "Horsies!" bit, but I really lost it when she told that badminton story. I think I'd pay to have her say something, anything, during the Figure Skating events.

I think credit should be given where credit is due. Federer doesn't seem to be playing as well as he could be but I think Hewitt's good play has a lot to do with many of his unforced errors.

Roger just broke Lleyton. Oh well.

I get the feeling that JMac likes Hewitt.

Hewitt's an excellent player, and if it weren't for the Feds, he would have ..., oh I don't know, two or three more GSs.

Me too. He has said that Hewitt gets the most out of his abilites and I think JMac really likes that. I really like that.

After I just declined my second social call of the day (I was asked to go out to the lake today and said no for tennis and then was asked to go to a party at this douchebag's house and said no so I could watch the women's final) my friend said "I hate Grand Slams!" Hee!

I'm not discrediting Hewitt. He's played the best match I've seen him play since beating Roddick in Australia. And now he's going to take another L. Llleyton?

Ooh, maybe Federer will get broken and then break him one more time for the match. That would be fun.

You and me both, we should seriously lobby for that. Figure skating has lost quite a bit of luster lately.

Back to the US Open, what the hell has happened? I go outside for five minutes and Federer is up 5-2.

If Andre plays his absolute best, gets the crowd behind him, and Federer is off his game, Agassi just might pull off the upset.

I'm so relieved. You know, when RF doesn't win in straight, decisive sets, I tend to get nervous. Silly me.

Okay, let's go Kim! Make my day.

So much for that comeback.... =) Lets hope he's at least a little bit tired for the final, if not I don't think Aggassi has that much of a chance. But, who knows, the old sod has done it before. Lets make it 5 sets and WELL played throughout, the stands going ape crazy from ball #1.

I really think Mary should be called to call the Winter Olympics. She was a hit during the 2004 Summer O's and got a lot of good media for her job.

I think and expect that the crowd will be for Andre tommorow- as they should be. I just hope they aren't rude and mean to Roger.

another rather shallow observation - Mirka's has put on a few pounds. Couldn't help but notice.

...win a set. Roger hasn't won 22 straight finals for nothing. He knows the crowd's going to help Andre. He also knows that, while he's dominated him, Andre isn't his personal yo-yo like Hewitt is. He'll play much better tomorrow.


Word. They showed her hitting with Roger recently and she looked just fine.

I noticed that too, I first thought she might be preggers, but I don't think she is. Good for her, she is by no means fat, she just isn't a stick. Most likely it is just that a lot of her muscle from her tennis playing days has turned to mush, for lack of a better word. I still think her and Federer make a nice looking couple.

Yay, more we agree on, Distant Sun!

Man, I loved that second set. It must just KILL dear Lleyton that he had, what, six chances to take the set and couldn't, and I couldn't be more pleased! Man, I'm on the first train to hell...

GO KIM!!!

Distant Sun you rock my world! You have the courage to say exactly I'm thinking, but I don't want to pump up Federer too much. I don't think I could handle it if he lost, I seriously moped for days when MMMMarat Safin lost the AO final in 2002.

You're too nice. It has nothing to do with me. I have confidence in Federer because he's proven he is worthy of it. OTOH, Safin is as enigmatic as Federer is reliable. As a huge fan of Kafelnikov, I know exactly how it is to be a fan of someone like that.

You know, I think Hewitt's inspired performance today is because he's still embarrassed by the beating he received last year.

I'm probably one of the world's biggest Roger fans but I found myself upset at how badly he was playing today. There were spots of brilliance here and there but overall his performance was so lackluster. 42 unforced errors? C'mon!

I think that Roger's becoming a little too complacent and a little too smug about his own abilities. He's got a lot to be proud of and most of the time he dispatches his opponents with embarassing ease but at the same time I'm just not seeing that drive to win out in full force anymore. Most of the time he just looks bored until he decides that he really wants to play and then someone gets the beating of their life. And then he gets bored again.

I, for one, would like to see him play people like Nadal and Safin more regularly--players who make him bring his A game to the table. I think Andre's gonna make him sweat tomorrow and it's quite likely that there will be an upset if Roger plays like he did today.

Holy smokes! I again have nothing bad to say about Hewitt's behavior. He played tough, did as much as he could do, and even got shafted on those foot fault calls IMO.

What is that noise? Icicles clattering to the floor of hell? Yeah, that must be it.

On the women's side, I'd love to see Kim win her first, and I think she probably will. But I'm rooting for Mary, given everything she's gone through in the last few years. I've always been a fan of how kind and gracious she is when asked about her opponents. She even applauds her opponents, and who besides Kim does that? This is really the final between the nice girls of the tour.

On the other hand, I think it would mean even more to Kim, and Mary could handle the loss. So I guess I'm rooting for Kim.

Oh, hell! I can't decide. I just hope they both play well, Mary overcomes her injuries and Kim overcomes her nerves. If they can both do that, it should be a really great match. Although they're both baseliners, they have such contrasting styles that it should be fun. Kim can retrieve so well, and Mary is probably the hardest hitter on the tour. My strategy for Kim would be to make it into a road race. For Mary, I think she needs to hit hard down the middle and remove Kim's speed from the equation.

This match will be about who gets to impose their game. I hope they're both up to the challenge, because if they are, it will be great.

Roger probably is bored, honestly I think Safin and Nadal are about the only players who can actually challenge him. Just look at today, Roger was not playing his best and he still managed to beat Hewitt, who I thought was playing some really good tennis. Take away that break in the third and he probably would have won in straight sets.

One thing I do like about Roger is that he knows how to elevate his game when the need arises. I think if Agassi is on tomorrow, Roger will be too. A lot of times I think his poor play is just a reflection of the competition he has.

I do think tomorrow could be a really close match, I wouldn't be surprised if it went five sets, but realistically I don't think Andre even at his best has the goods to beat Federer. I've seen Federer win a lot of matches when he wasn't playing that good, but his game is so well rounded, and generally speaking, so much better than anyone elses, that he can get away with not playing his best and still win against a player that is playing their best.