US Open Day 7: More Than Just a Super Model

Curtain Call

Player: Ana Ivanovic
Nation: Serbia
Age: 22
Current Ranking: 40
Notable Conquest: Jie Zheng (21st seed, China)
Tour Page
Player Website
Today's Result: loss to Kim Clijsters (2nd, Belgium) in straight sets

Ivanovic had a great tournament. The fourth round is her best slam finish in over a year. There has, of course, long been concern that her highly lucrative career beyond the tennis court has been a distraction from her game. Ivanovic, however, is no empty shell. Unlike Anna Kournikova, she has, in fact, won a few singles titles in her career. She's still young enough that winning a slam someday is not such a crazy idea. But, alas, she was no match for Clijsters today.

Naturally, New York Times coverage of the US Open is extensive. Be sure to check out their tennis blog for the event: Straight Sets. In particular, I must credit My Wife for bringing a piece on doubles to my attention: Open House, Day 7: Why Don't Doubles-Loving Fans Watch Live Doubles?


My Tennis Fantasy

Alas, Sam Stosur has brought my suicide pool run to a screeching halt. I had Elena Dementieva for the day and it wasn't to be. I'm still proud of my showing, having made it to the last 40 out of 300+ entrants.

So, it's time to check in with my brackets. I took a bludgeoning blow on the men's side yesterday: Nalbandian, my champion, is done. I can't be too broken up. I knew that he was a long shot going into it. Federer, my other finalist remains. Unfortunately, he's also my last remaining semifinalist with both Andys out. Better luck next time, Squid.

With the women, I'm doing much better. Of my semifinalists, only Martinez Sanchez is done and both finalists are still alive.