Actually, if you remove the word "black" from that statement you quoted, I'd have to agree with him. It does seem that no matter what they do, the Williams sisters are vilified.

Yup. And because they are expecting a quick match it won't be a refund for the ticket holders if they can get that entire match in today. Heh, I'm going tomorrow, but fully expect to bring a book and am prepared to watch Connors v. Krickstein on the big screen. Oh well, at least I'll be able to wander around the Ashe courtside seats--and will get to do shopping down there (British sterling silver jewelry booth! We don't get that in the nosebleeds).

Thanks, LT and Castallack.

So I'm assuming that Tracy never mentioned that Venus and Serena should actually dump her parents in favor of another coach -- just that it would benefit them to bring in an additional specialist to help with their respective weaknesses. And the response was a typical Richard Williams inappropriate overreaction. (I'm sorry, but the guy is such a buffoon.)

Do I just about have it right?

I don't think Tracy was villifying them in anyway. She was trying to HELP them if anything. Venus has two weaknesses that everyone knows about: second serve, forehand. If these haven't improved after years of working with one coach, it is not out of line to suggest some specialized coaching on those two areas which is what Tracy was suggesting.

Don't get me wrong...I am not a Tracy fan by any means. But I think Richard was very much out of line when all Tracy was trying to do was offer some constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement for, as she has said repeatedly, she WANTS venus to be back on top.

As for the conspiracy theorists about Davenport's match....methinks that USA can't win. If they feature Davenport later against an unknown and the Petrova/Kuznetsova match is a classic we'd hear that they only featured Davenport because she's American. By playing her first and showcasing the other match they're fixing it to make sure she gets her match in. If I'm USA I feel like I can't win. But I tend to be an optimist and I think that they honestly feel like the russian match will clearly be the higher quality, more competitive match and they want to give people there and on TV a chance to see it.

As for Jennifer and Serena, not much to add. But what I will say is that Serena was very gracious afterwards when she has a real reason to be upset. To anyone who thinks Jennifer definitely saw the ball as good....I'm not so sure. I mean clearly one would think she did. But I know for a fact that when I am playing, and I'm just a club level player, sometimes I am right on top of a ball and am not sure. Happened last night as a matter of fact. In a close match against a real rival team, one of them hit a blistering backhand that I was right on top of, but wasn't 100% certain it was in. because I wasn't 100% certain I gave them the point which is what we always do but my point is it was hit so fast and so deep that I wasn't sure. Serena I am guessing probably hits a little harder than my opponent from last night : ) So good for Jen, bad for serena and the sport and I truly hope they institute instant replay really soon as the quality of the officiating at this tournament has been really attrocious.

I didn't hear the first statement but when she was referring to the article (and Williams' statement) she clarified by saying that she had just suggested additional help.

And yes, we are indeed in a rain delay.


ETA:

I'd agree with you except I just checked and the only other time in the entire tournament that an American player has played at 11 was on Day 4 when there was another American playing in the day session (Agassi, natch). Plus, I think it's the USTA's decision, not USA's.

I hate hearing that some are rooting against Capriati or feel that a US Open win will be tainted because of this chair umpire fiasco. Bad officiating happens in all sports. Whether it is at the Olympic games, NFL playoffs, or the NBA Playoffs. Unfortunately, sometimes shit just happens. You wish that all sports would be completely fair all the time, but that is not realistic. I've been watching tennis for a long time and I can't remember too many matches where there haven't been at least a couple of bad calls. Of course, last night was particularly bad.

You just hate it when the bad officiating looks like it impacts the match. It reminds me when Roddick played Hewitt a couple of years ago in the US Open quarters. The chair umpire overruled on the far line and it totally threw Roddick off, and he ended up losing the match. That match might have been even worse as it happened when Roddick was serving to stay in the match in the fifth set.

Oh, I completely disagree. After watching this year's French Open and Wimbledon, which were both won by new, little-known "upsets," I have more respect for any of the women left in the draw. It'll be fun to watch these next few matches, and I wouldn't expect either Davenport or Capriati to have a very easy time with their competitors, Dementieva especially.

Sidenote: Oh, and blackwing, I edited my earlier posts, so I hope you don't feel that the re-writes are argumentitive as well. I was fairly upset last night after the match, so I typed without really pausing. It happens. I hope no one was seriously offended by what I said. Please email me if that's the case--it certainly wasn't my intention.

If I recall correctly, I think that David Nalbandian pointed out that a Roger Federer ball was in when it had been incorrectly been called at this year’s Australian Open Quarters or Round of 16 match. (Nalbandian – who contrary to popular belief is supposedly a very nice guy in person- ended up losing the match.)

I think that last night’s line call(s) fiasco further strengthens the argument for those in favor of instant replays.

Although I generally like Jim Courier, lately, he has had a tendency to act like a smug jerk. He is so condescending towards Tracey! At the beginning of last night Al mentioned that Jim was up for nomination for a hall of fame or something of that ilk and that Tracey was one of the people who would be voting. Jim said that he didn’t realize until a few hours before that Tracey was going to be one of the voters and implied that she wouldn’t vote for him because of the couple of squabbles they had on Monday. Tracey then said that she would vote for Jim. All in all, Jim looked kind of like a little bratty kid during the exchange.

On a shallow note (and those are the best kind) I have to agree with the previous posters who commented on Tommy Robredo’s yumminess. A friend of mine was able to see his practice session at Roland Garros and said that he is – in her words –“utterly foxy” in person.

It is a shame that last night’s Robredo/Roddick match was not more competitive. Roddick’s matches have been so one sided that they have been imo quite boring. It should get better with Joachim Johannsson since JJ is a power server as well so it may be close. Failing that, I have to imagine that A Roddick vs. Haas/Hewitt match would be very good and competitive. Hewitt has been steamrollering over his opponents as well. I am just sad that someone has to lose the Haas/Hewitt quarter since I am a fan of both players.

I am really looking forward to tonight’s Agassi/Federer match. I cross my fingers that it won’t get rained out.

Who do folks think will win the Haas/Hewitt match? Some of the commentators have just assumed Roddick/Hewitt but I think that Haas has been playing beautifully and might just pull it out. People are looking at Federed/Agassi as the match of the tournament but I think Haas/Hewitt has real potential as well.

And if Andy looks past Johannson, which I know he won't though the media might, he'll be in trouble as that boy has skills.

Ordinarily, I'd say Hewitt, but considering that I also picked Venus and Serena to win their matches, I'll go against the grain and say that Haas will upset. I don't know very much about Johannson but watching A-Rod's match last night left a bad taste in my mouth. I suppose I agree with the poster upthread who said that his matches are a little boring now. I hope he gets some competition at least.

The Federer/Agassi match will be taped in the Skelter household. While I hope it's a five-set nailbiter, I suspect Federer will steamroll over Agassi the way he did Roddick at Wimbledon. I hope I'm wrong, though.

Those are my picks. Here's to hoping it doesn't get rained out.

I agree. I think that it is going to be fantastic with both players returning to form. I have no idea who will win it- Hewitt has been dominant so far in the USA, but, as you stated Haas has been playing beautifully as well

I know that Haas lives in Florida so I was wondering if he was ever coached by Nick Bolletari (sp?). In his Nick’s picks on USA Nick has a good familiarity with and seemingly great affection for Haas. The USA Network as a whole seems to have an affection for Haas because it is good to see someone that talented come back from the time he took off for his shoulder surgeries and taking care of his parents after their awful accident. Steve Flint on US Open Radio is really happy to have Haas back as well.

On a side note, I was really impressed by the 18 year old Czech Tomas Berdych that Haas played in the Round of 16. There have been some exciting new faces (including Berdych, Angela Haynes, Scoville Jenkins, and Marcos Baghdatis). I loveed Baghdatis’s demeanor on court and really look forward to watching his career. I’ve been glad when USA has shown or providing some background material on some of the rising stars. I was also glad that they have shown a couple of snippets of the juniors- they even had a brief interview with Gael Monfils.. I hope that they let us see a bit of the boys and girls finals.

The overrule wasn't quite as bad in the Roddick/Hewitt match. Yeah, it sucked, but I seem to remember it was a rather close call. Last night was in a class by itself.

I'm not trying to drag it up again, but seeing the replay again still makes me think Jennifer saw that ball land inside the line. See the way she put her head down and marched over to the ad side to receive serve? Oh well. BTW, I'm definitely not rooting against her because of that match. I've never been a fan of hers -- she's the Kurt Warner of tennis: Nice cinderella story... now go away.

I think Haas has a real shot at beating Hewitt. He'll have to be more aggressive and really on his game, but I have a feeling he'll win. The Haas serve should be the key to the match. I'm a little biased though; I don't really care for Hewitt. I'd love to see Tommy take the title if Henman or Federer don't win it.

Must have been drunk again--at least that is the excuse I give for him everytime a misogynistic remark comes out of his mouth (which is often). I love Jim but. . .

Which brings me to: I got my pictures back (there are a bunch of Courier in the booth) and I was wondering if anyone has a favorite online photo posting site. I've never bothered signing up for a site but I figure some people would like to see Roddick shirtless, Jennifer in the most stupid practice outfit ever, Tommy Haas (and Feliciano Lopez) being well, gorgeous. So if anyone has a site they like, let me know.


Isn't Haas coached through Bollettieri's Academy? I think he's been there since he came to this country.

I just watched the rebroadcast and was struck by how long Ted Robinson spent covering his butt on his wrong assertion that the linesperson had called it in. Yeah, we get it, Ted. It's live television; people make mistakes. He didn't care about the outrageousness of the call as much as explaining how he could have made such a dire error.

LT, I like ofoto.com as IIRC, people viewing it don't have to log in.


[shallow] I won't be looking past Johansson. Yes, I am a 15 year old girl.


I don't remember what event it was but I saw that match and remember that as well.

Rain, rain go away.....

I know for a fact I have seen an Agassi match when he has given a player a let leading the commentators to proclaim him a great sportsman (I agree).

The referee's statement on the Capriati-Williams match.

And with all this intense talk about scoring and officiating, let's take a break and go over to the ATP site to vote for Andy or Roger. So very worth the laugh.

Also, to those in the know: how is it that the rules allow Scoville Jenkins to be entered in both the main draw and the juniors?

Does this work? US Open album. I've only scanned in ten images so far--I've got another ten that I'll do a litle later. Please note: I have done no color correcting or cropping.

It works great LT! Thanks. And also? Mmmmm, Max Mirnyi.

Works for me, thanks. Only complaint: where's Feliciano??? I need something to distract me from the Justine/Petrova match that I didn't even enjoy the first time.

I agree. And the weird thing is that it's not because Andy's opponents are playing horrible but because Andy is just so amazingly focused.



ITA. I would love to see Roddick/Haas. Especially since they just played a fantastic match at the Olympics.



Actually, I wouldn't say that Federer steamrolled Roddick at Wimbledon since the score was 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 and it was an awesome match on both sides of the net.

I will be incredibly disappointed if Federer/Agassi gets rain delayed tonight. There is supposed to be rain in NYC all day tomorrow as well.

re: THE SCANDAL. Is it too much too hope that USA/CBS won't beat this into the ground for the rest of the tournament? Yeah, I thought so. I know it will get brought up over and over and over.

Although I feel for Serena and I think what happened sucks, I really hate that Jennifer has to basically defend her win against Serena.

LT - The pictures rock. Thanks for sharing them.

The referee's statement is incomplete. Was this umpire scheduled to work matches for the rest of the week before this happened? If not, she's not receiving any punishment at all. Has she been suspended or fined? Does anyone know how much umpires make per match, or are they paid by the hour?

There's a more elaborate story on Msnbc.com.

They had the tournament head on and he said that she wasn't scheduled for any more matches anyway but that she had been taken off the substitution list. Oooooh, harsh.

He's in the second batch--along with those shirtless Roddick pictures (those aren't for you Castallack).

As for the rain tomorrow. . . it will be a good book I bring.

You know what really sucks about the rain? If Andre does win against Roger (hey, it could happen) he'll end up playing a bunch in a row. I know the other players are doing the same but Andre did talk about the rain delays last year and scrunching all his matches together hurting him by the time he made it to the semis. He was just so tired.

Hey, I just checked weather.com and they are claiming tomorrow is only am rain. Oh, I won't be that lucky, will I? US Open's site is claiming that the rain is going to stop soon. It isn't raining out my window, but that hasn't meant too much today.

I may be in the minority here, so don't beat me to a pulp, but I thought too much was made of the bad call by the umpire in Serena's match. I agree that it was a bad error and very unfortunate, but it's certainly not the first time I've seen errors like that made by umpires/linespeople, but it is the first time there's been so much outrage over it.
The broadcasters keep comparing this to what happened to Venus at Wimbledon, but I don't think they're similar at all. The bad calls in Serena's match were just that, bad calls, and unfortunately happen all the time, the mistake at Wimbledon was a scoring error and was unprecedented.

Where was all the outrage in all the other matches where bad calls came at crucial points? Methinks this may have to do with the fact that it was a high profile American player involved.

Not to trivialize what happened because I do agree that those certainly were bad calls and may even have been at crucial points, but it's not the first time (and I doubt it will be the last) it's happened, and I'm just wondering what makes this case any different from others.

Yup, yup, and yup. I'm avoiding all press about this today, since I knew it was going to blow up, but I'm not surprised it is getting nuts. When I thought it was the chair umpire getting the score wrong I was up in arms, although I never thought it was a premeditated attack on the Williams sisters, but since it has turned out to be another bad call in a slam of bad calls I'm over it.

Thanks, LT! Looking forward to it. I just went outside for a minute and it's raining here, alas. I do enjoy the "candid" views of the players' lounge but this is getting ridiculous. I can't complain, though, as this is nothing compared to the last couple of years.

I think the difference with this hoopla is that you'd really have to be blind to miss this one and that the umpire (on the other side of the court no less) overruled the lineswoman. It wasn't anywhere near the line, even.

True, but it's hard to recall anything else as blatant as this. Plus it's the quarterfinal of a grand slam, where crap like this shouldn't happen. And it's not just the one bad call - there were four calls that went against Serena that shouldn't have happened.

Yup, in all the rain delay interviews everyone's being asked about the bad calls. I feel bad for Serena, though I'm not her biggest fan. She's handled it well. But the USA network seems to be looking for OUTRAGE in the players. And, not finding it, keep interviewing other players and coaches.

Could you recap what some of the players/coaches have been saying? I haven't been watching during the rain delays.

It's kind of like the all-news networks. They have all these hours to fill. OUTRAGE takes a lot of time to talk about.

My memory is a little shaky on this, so correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't there a couple of bad calls on match point or at least crucial points in last year's semi-final match between Roddick and Nalbandian that went against Nalbandian, helping Roddick win the match? There was controversy and outrage among some fans, but I don't remember any outrage from broadcasters or a cry for that umpire/linesperson to be banned from calling future matches.

When it rains, let's go to the controversy. You had to expect it, they've got hours to fill and shiny green courts aren't that compelling.
Let it go.

Haas/Roddick? That would be my dream match. Two players who are a kick to watch and Haas's is a great comeback story. Really looking forward to Hewitt vs. Haas.

Agree with whoever upthread commented on USA network talking heads making expert comments about who will win and who won't. Why play? These guys are experts, so you Russian girls, just go home. Sheesh. Shut Up! Let them play and you will be surprised at how competitive the matches will be. Dementieva always looks shaky but she wins. How? I dunno, but she seems to eke out matches just when you think she's going to have a nervous breakdown.

I'm probably in the minority, but I find McEnroe lacking as a commentator. He does have a grasp of the obvious but even Tracy Austin finds more grit in her comments than Mac does. Unless of course it's about line calls, there Johnny Mac always finds something to say....not necessarily interesting, but opinionated. I still think he is THE most overrated commentator out there. Carillo is far better and a lot funnier. Mac just can't hide his misogynistic side. Neither can Courrier, but he's drunk so it's easier to take.

By the way Courrier, players who are already in the Tennis Hall of Fame (like Austin) get to vote on who else gets in. Surprised, but not stunned, he didn't know that.

Oh my goodness yes. I've waxed way too poetic on that one so I won't repeat myself. Let's just say that I will never not be a Nalbandian fan because of that match--he has earned all the meltdowns he wants. This is not the first time this has happened. This is not the latest in a tournament this has happened. This is not the last time it will happen.

I've updated the album. I had some more time on the scanner so I added a couple of more pictures up front (I kept them in the order that I took them, not scanned them). Castallack, thanks for the Ofoto lead (and you should totally take off tomorrow and join me. C'mon. . . we can chat.). JuanitaSmi, I added some more Max pictures, but put them with the rest so you'll have to start from the beginning.


JeanPoole, it is really obvious, isn't it--or am I just forcing my opinions on others?

From usopen.org:
Rain Delay Update

The latest forecast indicates that the rain is clearing.

Lindsay Davenport will take on Shinobu Asagoe in Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Nadia Petrova will meet Svetlana Kuznetsova in Louis Armstrong Stadium. Night session to feature Andre Agassi vs. Roger Federer.

For some reason there is doubles scheduled on Ashe between the Davenport and Agassi/Federer matches while Henman/Hrbaty shows up on Armstrong. Hmmmmm.

I won't bore everyone with my Nalbandian-love but yes. Just yes.

And LT, you are the little devil on my shoulder, aren't you? Man, would I love to do that but alas, I'm already taking off umpteen days for the Jewish holidays so I'll have to listen to the angel on the other side. I'll pray for sunshine on your behalf, though. Have an $8 crepe and think of me.

So sorry about that Youzhny match. It got really ugly at the end with lots of gamesmanship on both sides and the crowd was BAD.

I wanted to blame it on you, I really did but alas, he must have lost that one himself. In the end I was actually kinda glad I had to leave early. <sigh> Hopefully I'll see him in Houston. Hang in there, Dah-veed.

Personally, I think they should just award everyone gold medals and be done with it. :-)

Oh, David Nalbandian, one of my favorites. He was treated like a whiney baby by some of the press after the USO semifinal match with Roddick when imo he had some legitimate complaints. He is one of my favorite players because of his determination to do the best with the skills that he has and his ability to do well and be a factor on hard court, grass and clay. (Now if he could just get over the injuries that have plagued him this year and get back to his former lever of fitness Also he kind of seems well, frankly rather sad and depressed lately.) Plus, as I have metioned- I think that he tends to get a bad rap by some of the press because he is an emotional player and does not suffer fools in press conferences. He does have some bad behavior at some matches but really so do almost all of the players. During the FO coverage I was happy to hear Mary Fernandez say that she has met Nalbandian and he really is a nice guy who just shies away from some of the publicity. I was also happy to hear Johnny Mac commend David during his first round match at the USO for his rare ability to put bad play out of his mind and continue to fight during a match. But I digress.

LT Thanks so much for the pictures. Cute pictures of Tommy Haas! I don’t normally like the guys that are pretty boys but I have to say I do find Lopez very attractive. If my husband ever leaves me I think I could enjoy life as a Spanish tennis groupie. Spain has some of the nicest looking players on tour- Robredo (those eyes), Corretja, Lopez, Moya, and Ferrero (to me he is stunning in his angular handsomeness).

Oooh, were you two at the Nalbandian match, Lt, Castallack? Any interesting details? What sort of gamesmanship are you talking about? Unfortunately, I was out of the country at the time, although Mr. Lonecrane said they did not broadcast the match anyway.

Glad to see I'm not alone in the Dah-vid love. Sigh.

My other favorites, Safin, Moya, and Philippoussis are also out.
At least Haas and Federer are still here.
Count me in as another fan looking forward to the Haas-Hewitt match.
I'm actually kind of pulling for Hewitt (even though I love me some Haas) just because I think the way he's been playing lately, he has a better chance at beating Roddick. Haas is good, but I don't think he's as consistent as Hewitt.

I hope Federer plays 100% tonight. I like Agassi, but I really enjoy watching Federer beat Roddick.
I'm a little worried because Agassi has built up great momentum coming into the Open whereas Federer has been looking lackadaisical since Cincy.

I'm so excited that people share the Nalbandilove. I really love all the things you said, Chesty. Plus he is just a bulldog, so tenacious. I became his fan forever last Open when he played Jarkko Niemenan and for some reason the crowd was loudly in favor of Niemenan. It did not seem to bother Nalbandian one iota and he played like there were no distractions at all. I wish he could get some of that back but just like Guga, I fear his injuries have lost him some confidence. I think he gets a hard time from the media partially because his English is really poor, he can't express himself, and his answers seem flip because of his limited vocabulary.

LT and I did meet up at the Open last week but not at that match. We actually played tag team and I saw the first 3 sets while she saw the last two. Nalbandian was really outplayed by Youzhny at first but he managed to win the first set tie-break. After that, on my watch, it was all downhill. Youzhny had a couple of injury time-outs but on my way out (it took a long time to make my exit, plus I bought a shirt) I saw that Nalbandian was up 5-0 in the 4th set. Then I left and by the time I heard the score it was over and Youzhny had won with 6-4 in the 5th set. So now all I have is Tim Henman, sniff. (OK, OK, I won't be sad if Agassi wins. I'd be pretty delighted in fact.)

Svetlana Kuznetsova looks so much like a man, especially in her pictures on the USopen.org site. Roger Federer looks so much like a woman, and seems to resemble Amelie Mauresmo. Odd.

Well, Dementieva said it was bad that a mistake like that happened. Then Tom Gullikson said it was awful that it happened. Then they went back to Courrier and PeeMac to discuss it a little more. I saw the trend there, agreeing that there's really not much any bystander can add to the issue but to say that it's unfortunate in varying degrees of whatdoyouwantmetosay?, so I switched over to a how-to show. And it was a repeat, too.

Thanks, Bungalow, I suspected as much. Pat McEnroe was on "Pardon the Interruption" today and was asked about the Capriati/sportsmanship/conceding the point issue. He basically ranted for a couple of minutes, saying that it was a ridiculous notion and that players (or athletes in any sport) are not responsible for making those kinds of judgments and should not be expected to concede points.

Anyway, I'm excited that play has resumed. Roger Federer is so cute.

Wasn't it Martina Hingis who called Mauresmo "half man?"

Man, those stands are empty. I so wish I was there, except now I can kind of watch all the matches at once. Looks like Henman will finally have a short match, knock wood.

I've read the last four pages or so about the controversy w/Jennifer and Serena. Just to add my two cents:

Serena's comment that it is a "conspiracy" is ridiculous. I guess all the other black players (Rubin, Blake, Jenkins, Washington, etc.) should be scared too huh?

Jennifer not fessing up the call: If she had seen the ball in, she most definitely should've spoken up to the umpire. As a professional athlete, she should show respect to her opponent(s) and likewise, should expect to receive the same respect back.

About the call not affecting Serena's play: In her post-match conference, she said:

Q. Did the officiating have an effect on your game?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Honestly, I began to think, "Okay, well, I'm not going to go for the lines. I'm not going to go for my shots because, you know maybe," -- I just thought maybe they would call it out. So I started to play a little more safe.

Serena herself: I am more of fan of her now than ever. The way that she handle herself was remarkable.

Final thoughts: I really wish that there was someone like a Charles Barkley of sorts that was playing tennis who would really speak there mind and not be afraid to "tell it like it is." I mean seriously, sometimes it takes someone like him to force a change.

I think once Davenport retires, she could be the one to speak her mind and get changes implemented. She's been pretty outspoken about players getting their fair share of the US open money( they don't get a fair percentage of it) and she is a very respected member of the WTA players council. I think she will feel freer to say things once she is done as an active player.

And yes, Hingis called Mauresmo "half a man" during the 1999 AO. Davenport also said when she lost to Mauresmo at the same tournament that "it was like playing a guy out there"-but she was referring to how hard Mauresmo hit the ball, not her sexuality. When she realized how people were interpreting what she said, she wrote a note of apology to Mauresmo. Hingis never apologized. In other words, I really want Lindsay to win this and go out in glory.

Yea Davenport! I so want her to win this.

Yea Henman! Great job getting the second set. Glad I got to see that little snippet on TV. Looks like two semis at grand slams for him this year.

Federer is a bit off tonight- that is a shame. And I hate how the USO crowds are cheeing his serve faults. I'm torn as for who I want to win this. But on yet another shallow note- Federer (who can look unfortanate from some angles) can look so gosh darn beautiful from some side angles. And he's sweating! When is the last time you saw Federer breaking a sweat in a match?

Sometimes I think that the USO crowd has to be the rudest crowd in tennis. It's not part of the charm of the event, it can get pretty embarassing how crude they get. YMMV of course.

Okay USA- how about some peeks into the Henman match? That would be nice.

ETA- darn rain!! And Federer ws finally getting his game on. I bet the 4th set would have been a bruiser with both players doing their thang. Aaargh!

On average, I think the U.S. Open crowd is definitely the rudest in tennis.

As big as Mauresmo is, she actually isn't as powerful as you'd think. Her excessive use of topspin is one of the main reasons she can't seem to deliver the knockout punch to any of the heavy hitters.

I'm confident Roger and Tim can hang on, which is the best-case scenario for me. Oddly, Tim stands a much better chance against Roger than he does against Andre.

For all Trautwig's issues, that artist bumper was pretty good.