Also not verbatim: Shriver (on Saturday): "If you win tomorrow you will be the first person to win the finals of the first four slams you made it to."

Federer: "I didn't need to hear that." (said with that smile)

And what was it he said after Enberg said it was time to give him his trophy yesterday? I know I rolled.

As for the AmEx commercial. Clever, but one problem: I heard people at the Open talking about it and they kept calling it the Continental commercial (and I can totally see where they got that). Clever, but oops, that's not good.

Speaking of Enberg doing the trophy presentation: I like Tracy, but how bad was she at presenting the women's doubles trophies? She needed notes, and still messed everything up. Enberg was so much more at ease.

Speaking of trophy presentation screw-ups, what was up with that super-old dude (the USO Vice President?) insulting Lleyton Hewitt? I'm not even going to try to type it out here because I can't remember, but he said something about "getting a lesson" and even the Open crowd gave a little collective groan. Hewitt, for his part, remained stone-faced until his (gracious) acceptance speech. Oy, I wish I could remember.

I don't think he meant to be insulting, but, boy, it came out that way. Later on, when he presented Federer the trophy he re-phrased it to say that Federer had taught everyone watching some tennis lessons--so I think he was going for the the classic "really taught a clinic out there" but had it come out completely wrong.

I'm no fan of Hewitt's, but I teared up watching him try not to cry. Also liked the Swiss guys they showed from the audience with the bright red eyes. Castallack, how did you not tear up actually standing there?

Roger really is quite funny in his interviews. Does anyone know where I can get pictures from yesterdays match? I want to see Mirka's ring and I cannot find anything on Gettyimages or yahoo. On a totally shallow note, it is good to see Mirka looking pretty again, she looked strangely bloated at Wimbledon.

Well, it wasn't like the end of the Sargisian-Matthieu match. There was no suspense whatsoever so even though I felt moved for Federer and incredibly bad for Hewitt, I was pretty dry-eyed. I did notice that in the close-up of Hewitt after match point he looked like he really was crying and I did feel terribly, terribly sorry for him. Also, when they gave him the check for $750m and you knew it could have been twice that with the US Open Series bonus...that's just got to hurt. The whole match had to be really humiliating for him. Thank God for that second set.

That's pretty funny. I loved the spot but it didn't make me want to fly Continental or get an American Express card so I guess it was a failure.

They kept showing her clapping on the big screen and boy, it's quite a rock.

I don't remember the exact quote either but yeah, way to kick someone when they're down.

That was pretty hysterical and it's not even his first language.

That old guy had me cringing the whole time during his speech. He was obviously trying to be funny and insightful but the whole thing just came out painful and awkward. I knew what he meant, but it did totally sound like he was saying that Roger just schooled Lleyton (which he did, but with two 6-0 sets, is that really necessary to mention?) I felt bad for Hewitt because that was just embarassing, even though I was rooting for Federer during the match.

And WORD that Federer's deadpanness is hilarious. Most people try to answer dumbass questions from the reporters in some boring, diplomatic way, but you can just see Roger going WTF?, then give a dryly witty and honest answer.

Oh I know! And was it the same guy or Dick Enberg who compared Lleyton to a terrier?! He meant to be complimentary, but after that humiliating defeat it sounded SO belittling. If you're going to compare him to a dog, at least let it be a bulldog or something. Yes, the terrier comparison might be apt considering Hewitt's scrambling game-style, but don't say that to his face in front of thousands of people after he just lost a big match!
Federer was phenomenal and I love to watch him at his best, but poor, poor Hewitt.

No more tennis till the Masters at Houston? I feel a big void.

Roger Federer will be surprise guest on McEnore- which airs at 10pm eastern on CNBC.

Sigh, the ratings for the men's final were the lowest ever. I think that's not a surprise since it was the first Sunday of football and the first final w/o a Yank since I think since the 1990s when the lovely Pat Rafter was vying for a win.

On a bright side, per Jon W. of ESPN it seems that ratings for the tournament as a whole were up. Yea! I bet that USA's good coverage had a lot to do with it.

It sure as hell wasn't the lousy CBS coverage that kept people watching. (I'm still pissed about the way they handled the mens' final.)

Well, there's some Davis Cup on ESPN/ESPN2 the last weekend of September, which I'll probably skip.

I love you guys! As long as we're dreaming, see you in 30 years! I'll be there!

Thanks so much for all the info on Roger interviews. I was too late to catch Regis, but I'm trying to get a glimpse. Putting TiVo to the test this evening with all the others. Cannot WAIT for Charlie Rose. Wow.

Keep the news coming.

Edited to chime in on the Roddick-ad love. Though anyone else hope that they had taped one with a brief glimpse back to Roger with the trophy?

I know. I am seeking help.

I'll be watching; I love Davis Cup. It starts 9/24. Also, if you're lucky enough to get the Tennis Channel, you can see parts of the China Open and Delray Beach this month. I'm currently watching the Boys Final from yesterday because I heard some buzz about it after the fact.

I had thoughts of going to Houston but it looks like all but the priciest seats are sold out. So I guess those loud commercials were effective.

Ahahahaha, that would have been pretty funny.

I agree, this is great news. I think he suggested that it had something to do with the whole US Open series build-up. Either way, his Open wrap-up is really interesting and funny (as usual for Wertheim) and I heartily recommend it on the Sports Illustrated site (I think he works for SI, not ESPN) or here on Yahoo.

I'll have to catch that. I'm very intersted in seeing a match with the winner, Andrew Murray of GB. Murray was eight years old and attending Dunblane primary school in Scotland that awful day when Thomas Hamilton ran in and shot and killed 16 children. Murray hid in the headmaster's office.

I will also watch the China Open when it airs on TTC as well because tennis is getting more and more popular there.



That would have been hilarious.

As you have no doubt noticed, TTC tends to rerun things ad nauseum so I'm sure you'll get the chance. They're also showing the Girls' final but that was a blowout so I'm less interested. I didn't know about the Dunblane connection until I read it online this morning in The Daily Telegraph. It makes his story even more amazing. He's got great talent and it seems big ambitions too.

So they didn't even mention Federer in the intro to the McEnroe show. Is that because he's a surprise guest? Or is it going to be on tomorrow's?

Someone on another forum said that she was in the audience for today's show and Feds was a surprise guest. So hopefully it is tonight because I do not want to sit through Tony Danza for naught. Also an AP article said that Feds met Tony so it seems likely it should be this show.

McEnroe's opening was the most awkward thing I have seen since the first slow dance at my 8th grade prom.

I agree that in a perfect world all tennis would be on the 50-channel franchise of the Tennis Channel, but I can only hope that we in Chicago (pretty freaking large city) would have it by then! Sigh. I sign every petition, but we're still not there.

My favorite tennis experience (besides being at Indian Wells for the last four days) this year was waking up at 4 at my best friend's house in Vegas to watch the France-SUI Davis Cup matches. It was awesome. There's something very pure about TTC's coverage.

Heh. Clearly you don't watch the show often enough--every night is eigth-grade prom/first kiss/sex talk with parents.

Yay! He's on (and lookin' mighty fine).

Oh, my God. So, so cute. Why didn't he stick around? Where'd he go?

ETA: And soo, soo sick! Poor baby.

Folks, just a reminder. There's a McEnroe thread in the Talk Shows forum. Although it looks like it's abandoned. ;-)

He looks good in jeans.

I feel sorry for those who ignore mens tennis simply because there aren't many dominant Americans anymore (or rather, a rivalry). I guess Andy Roddick isn't enough to sustain their appreciation for players from outside the US? In any event, they don't know what they're missing. I'm tempted to say that Federer is the Swiss Sampras, but he might very well surpass him eventually.

Juanita is correct so this will be my last comment:

I've watched just half of one show and I already feel I've seen the show too much.

Roger looked so cute! Really - no ugly from any angle- just cute all around.

He had a little sly humor- McEnore wanted to know what he did last night and he said something onlong the lines of "Everything- you really want to know everything" with naughty connotations. Then he said that essentially they went to dinner and then went to bed because he was tired but there was still a hint that they had booty.

McEnroe asked what the rock was on Mirka's finger and asked if it was an engagement ring. Roger said something along the lines of "engagement ring - is that what you call it" and then mumbled a little bit about it being a private matter (not in a snotty way but an embarassed way). He then said that it wasn't an engagement ring or a let's get married ring but something along the lines f "I love you very much" ring. It was rather adorable.

I've been a fan of Roger's for a couple of years but within the past few months I think that I've become smitten! I hope my husband doesn't mind.

ETA -oops sorry Juanita- posted before i read yours.

Mine does but I don't care.

Heh. Here's where my name comes from. Any thread on Charlie Rose?

I loved that. And second on how great Roger looks in jeans. His hair was even good until he put it behind his ears (again!). Any woman with long hair knows that as soon as you start always putting it behind the ears, it's time for the cut. And all that snuffling, how sick is the poor guy?

I don't think they mentioned it in the TV coverage, but I guess in the press conference he said he was feeling pretty poorly since Friday-ish? His voice sounded dramatically different, I thought.

And why wouldn't Charlie Rose have tissues out? Did anyone watch? I am pathetic and cried during that interview. When asked about his earlier outbursts, he candidly reflected that they stemmed from sadness more than anger. He talked about being a "bad loser" and didn't hedge at all about it. Just to see him say how "sad, sad" he was to lose, etc. was not only riveting but so inspiring.

He just seems the most wonderful person. It's no wonder his opponents rush to embrace him even after he trounces them. Sigh.

ETA: Thanks, Helter Skelter. I tried to find it and will try again.

This should probably be posted in the Charlie Rose thread, but for those who missed Roger's appearance on the show last night, transcripts and VHS copies of it can be ordered here.

OoopsSorry I really enjoyed the Charlie Rose interview too. Roger is just very candid and honest. He is honest about his game too. He just has a gentle strength about him that I adore. I must sigh as well. Too bad that not many in the general sports media (outside of tennis commentators) seem to realize what an asset he is to the sport. A good number do not really pay attention (Kornhouser and your ilk- I'm looking at you) if it is not Andy, Andre, the Williams sisters, or Sharapova.

I'm really happy that The Tennis Channel is showing Delray and the China Open- as well as the Spain-France Davis Cup semis. I thought that maybe after the US Open I would be ready for a break from watching tennis- but sadly- no.

I wonder if the Master's Cup will be shown on The Tennis Channel? I would imagine so since it has been showing a lot of Master's tournaments. I hope they have good commentatores- they have been real hit or miss. Sometimes I love 'em (I loved the commentators for Monte Carlo)- sometimes I just have to turn off the sound .

My wife is a HUGE Roger Federer fan,and asked me to post these additional pictures of Roger Federer . These are from a photo shoot that he did while in the US for Tennis Masters cup. She is going CRAZY about them!

You're referring to Monday's "PTI," aren't you? I saw that, too, and it really pissed me off.

Tony Kornheiser: "I don't care about tennis, tennis is dead in America! It's lower than hockey!"
Mike Wilbon: "Apparently, Roger Federer is a really, really, really good player--but, I still don't care about tennis."

Grrrrr...

Helter Acually, I think Wilbon was saying was more complimentary about tennis. He mentionted that it was one of the first sports he loved playing and he still has a soft spot for it. He then mentioned that few people watched the US Open finals. I think he said something along the lines that thought he didn't think/remember to watch the finals but Federer is apparantely very, very great player. He then commended the Russians for the tributes for 9/11 and the school massacre. I kind of got the impression that Mike was saying maybe people should watch. Tony was yelling that tennis is dead but I think Mike was saying "no it's not" when was putting the paper in the mailbox.

I could have misconstrued but I don't think that Mike was slamming tennis- he was just remarking that there has been decreased interest but he was pointing out that there are great/thoughtful players out there. I kind of took it that he was saying that there are good things going on in tennis and it does warrent attention. I could be wrong - sometimes it's hard to tell with the yelling.

Tony was being a full on arse though. He always annoys me the more out of the two.

ETA -thanks for the pics...very lovely. OoopsSorry- my husband should call your husband sometime and they could talk about being tennis (i.e. Federer) widowers!

Honey, is that you? I didn't know you knew about TWOP! Don't forget to take out the garbage....!

Heh. Just kidding, flycatcher! Those pics are from Indian Wells - out near the wind turbines near Joshua Tree. They also hold a special place in my heart. Because I was there while he was! I was there while he was!

Thanks, Chesty! Glad you saw it.... I thought it was a perfect venue for him, rather than the chaotic and awkward McEnroe program. Why would Roger care to hear from Tony Danza even once, let alone the multiple times he jumped in?

Though I must admit that Andre the boxer was quite funny about Swiss boxing.....

Edited to tell Chesty that is a great idea. Mine does pretty well, despite my joking references to the contrary. Yours? We should start them a support group. But somewhere between Chicago and Houston, right? I have to say also that sometimes mine even sits and cheers, and comments about how amazing he is. Awww. I love two good men. Heh.

I've got a wedding that weekend but I'll be TiVoing because (say it with me JuanitaSmi) mmmmmmMaxMirnyi.

And I appear to be quite enamored of Roger Federer. . . I had a dream last night where he was riding an elephant in a parade (don't ask, I have no idea). Oh, and he was wearing the same pair of jeans he wore on the McEnroe show.

They usually show Houston on ESPN or ESPN2, actually. Let's all cross our fingers.

Yeah? Well, [unprintable].

Re Davis Cup:
I just realized that's Yom Kippur so I'll be doing the recording dance as well. Luckily no one reports on Davis Cup so I don't have to worry about spoilers.

Just wanted to say that I thought Charlie Rose/Federer was one of the best tennis interviews I've ever seen. I was riveted.

Well, in case you were wondering, the US Open is officially over. They took down the AmEx billboards-with-tennis-sounds this morning from the Helmsley Walks.


Castallack, I'm hoping you still find better airline pricing so you can get to go.


OT: Distant Sun and Castallack, I was a Tim Finn fan myself--I had a thing for anyone who even remotely reminded me of Micky Dolenz (another example: Bosom Buddies' era Tom Hanks). Split Enz's "True Colours" altered my new-wave self.

I know the masses here are anti-Wimbledon the move but for those of you who plan to go see it, here's a less harsh and even good review of the film. I love me some Paul Bettany. Tall, skinny, European. **sigh**

Did anyone see the ratings for the two finals? I'm guessing they must have been at an all-time low. I still don't understand why they don't start the final at 4pm as scheduled and show it on slight tape delay. Maybe they could even play catch up during any potential injury time outs or bathroom breaks. God forbid they should shorten some commercial breaks until they're back at live coverage, but that would be a possibility as well. It really is disrespectful towards the players and the fans who paid for their tickets and made an effort to get there on time.

The two finals were very low rated. I think I read that the men's final was the lowest in history. That is a real shame, as it keeps people from seeing the tennis god that is Roger
Federer. I must say, I can't really say that I'm surprised that the woman's final was so low-rated. I am a die hard tennis fan and I couldn't muster much interest in seeing the woman's final. I am a little surprised that the men's final did so poorly, I mean Federer is #1 and Hewitt is a former champ and #1. It is a sad trend that the ratings have been going down steadily for past few years. Even last year was down significantly from the previous year, even though it featured Andy Roddick, of course the year before was Sampras vs. Agassi. Sadly, I think that the only final that would get much media attention and ratings would be an Agassi-Roddick final.



Was the match officially delayed or was it planned that it would start at 4:30? I thought it was planned. The football game ended on time and they had a 30 wrap up show. Did they really delay the players so we could hear a bunch of over the hill football player opine about the game we just saw.

Wertheim's latest on the Serena-JCap match.

Don't forget, boys and girls, Davis Cup coverage begins today at 1:30pm EDT on ESPN2. It's Roddick v. Voltchkov and Fish v. Mirnyi today, I believe. They have live scoring at the Davis Cup site.

The greatest pleasure of which is Coach PeeMac will not be in the commentator booth.

I again read recently that uninformed charge that tennis isn't all that physically demanding a sport, referring to some pro females being out of shape(!?). I think that has a little to do with Sharapova being so attractive, which detracts from the fact that she's also a 6' tall Amazon and hits just as hard as the "cut" Williams sisters. I wish there was a camera angle that showed at ground level just how physical this game really is, because the overhead shot doesn't capture it at all. Then again, to turn it around, I think golf is pretty wimpy myself.

Probably because it is. ;-)

Well, I missed most of the Davis Cup coverage, mostly due to my own lack of attention to detail. But I will say that when I turned it on today, all I got was a montage of the historic brawls between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees (?).

Did they ever show the USA-BLR match?

They showed a couple of hours of the two singles days, no coverage during the doubles match. Given how this tie went, that was probably coverage enough.

They actually did show the doubles match.... at close to 2am on Sunday morning. And they also showed today's singles match with Roddick/a young college player and aired the last couple games of Friday's Roddick/Voltchkov(sp?) match.

However, ESPN2's coverage of this was awful to begin with -- the commentators were 'meh' and the sound was horrible. It's times like these I really wish DirecTV would pick up "The Tennis Channel". They have every other sports station out there, ya think we could get some Tennis Coverage, but nothing.

I just hope there's decent coverage of the finals this year. Should be interesting... in Spain and on red clay. I'd say the Spaniards are probably gonna kick some ass, but maybe not.

I only got to see the Mardy Fish match on Friday (which ended the minute I had to leave for Yom Kippur services; I knew you loved me, Mardy!) and a bit of today's Roddick match. I did notice the sound was bad but that's ok since I'm not Mal Washington fan. Normally I'd be pissed off that they tape-delayed today's match but since it didn't count I wasn't as concerned.

This morning, however, I had to get up early (5:30am) to take meds and found the Spain-France match live on The Tennis Channel. Hurrah! I love their scoreboard which not only shows the score but also the length of each set. That was pretty cool. Also the American umpire trying to settle the crowd down in Spanish. It's the little things.

Ah, the jealousy! Still fighting to get TTC here, and I was wondering if anyone got to watch ESP-FRA. Sigh. I'm sure it was great. I got to watch SUI-FRA in the Quarters back in April, and it was so much fun!

Anyone with any suggestions for lobbying different cable providers for TTC?

Anyone out there with HDTV? I have a friend who recently got it and there are a few HD channels that show tennis matches not regularly airing on the major networks. She tells me it's gorgeous. **sigh**

I wonder if you could check with TTC themselves and see if they have suggestions?

It's a good idea to talk with them, Castallack. I've signed every petition and beseeched all my friends, but still to no avail.

Though perhaps I'm subconsciously not pursuing all avenues because I still have a sliver of a life and would fear the descent into complete obsession.

Though I have to admit I am now considering HDTV pretty seriously!