Curtain Call
Player: Ons Jabeur
Nation: Tunisia
Age: 15
Current Ranking: 724
Notable Conquests: Irina Khromacheva (3rd seed, Russia) and Caroline Garcia (15th, France)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) in straight sets
Jabeur lost in today's Girls' Singles final but at 15, the future sure looks bright. She is a two-time under-16s champion in Africa. As previously noted, success on the junior circuit guarantees nothing for the future but I love the idea of Tunisia emerging as a tennis power.
With his win today, Nadal reclaims the World #1 ranking. It feels better this time. The priorities for Federer, both on and off the court, have clearly changed and the time seems right for a new leading man. I'd rather not see Fed fade completely and I hope their rivalry will still be meaningful for a while longer but I feel like a new chapter has begun. I'm more ready for it this time. Fed has a lot more points to defend over the next several months so Rafa's tenure at the top could last a while. Rafa has certainly earned the right to play this role and tennis shall be better for it. I feel like equilibrium has been restored today and it's a nice feeling.
All Part of My Fantasy
Nadal also rescued my bracket, though only a little. Surely, more people picked Rafa to win than not but I still get a points boost, finishing in the top 71%. As with the women, I hope for a better performance at Wimbledon.
That's all for Roland Garros - a great tournament as ever. Wimbledon's just two weeks away!
Showing posts with label Roland Garros 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roland Garros 2010. Show all posts
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Roland Garros Day 14: Nothing Is Impossible!
Curtain Call
Player: Facundo Arguello
Nation: Argentina
Age: 17
Current Doubles Ranking: 744
Current Doubles Partner: Agustin Velotti (Argentina)
Notable Conquests: Damir Dzumhur (Bosnia and Herzegovina)/Mate Zsiga (Hungary) (1st seed), Victor Baluda/Mikhail Biryukov (3rd, Russia) and Guilherme Clezar/Tiago Fernandes (5th, Brazil)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Duilio Beretta (Peru)/Roberto Quiroz (Ecuador) (7th seed) in straight sets
Arguello and Velotti lost today in the finals of the Boys' Doubles tournament but the unseeded team had a very good run. Velotti's Roland Garros isn't over yet. He plays in the Boys' Singles final tomorrow against American Andrea Collarini.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Francesca Schiavone (Curtain Call, US Open Day 7) - What a story! You're just a few weeks short of 30. You've never made it past the quarterfinals of a Slam. You didn't even win your first singles title at any tournament until three years ago, experiencing more success as a doubles player. You catch fire for two weeks. Now suddenly, your name is forever engraved in a list with tennis royalty. I can't imagine anyone beyond blood relations picked her to win this thing and here she is, Roland Garros champion. This is already up there with Butler basketball as the sports story of the year. Unlike Butler, Schiavone clinched the deal. I love those T-shirts her camp was wearing. "SCHIAVO Nothing is Impossible!" Huzzah!
Since I started following her at the US Open, Schiavone had already become one of my favorites. She plays with such passion! I teared up a little during her acceptance speech - how could one not? Can she win one again someday? At this moment, who cares?
All Part of My Fantasy
My women's bracket is an absolute disaster: top 94%, a nice way of saying bottom 6%. Better luck at Wimbledon.
Player: Facundo Arguello
Nation: Argentina
Age: 17
Current Doubles Ranking: 744
Current Doubles Partner: Agustin Velotti (Argentina)
Notable Conquests: Damir Dzumhur (Bosnia and Herzegovina)/Mate Zsiga (Hungary) (1st seed), Victor Baluda/Mikhail Biryukov (3rd, Russia) and Guilherme Clezar/Tiago Fernandes (5th, Brazil)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Duilio Beretta (Peru)/Roberto Quiroz (Ecuador) (7th seed) in straight sets
Arguello and Velotti lost today in the finals of the Boys' Doubles tournament but the unseeded team had a very good run. Velotti's Roland Garros isn't over yet. He plays in the Boys' Singles final tomorrow against American Andrea Collarini.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Francesca Schiavone (Curtain Call, US Open Day 7) - What a story! You're just a few weeks short of 30. You've never made it past the quarterfinals of a Slam. You didn't even win your first singles title at any tournament until three years ago, experiencing more success as a doubles player. You catch fire for two weeks. Now suddenly, your name is forever engraved in a list with tennis royalty. I can't imagine anyone beyond blood relations picked her to win this thing and here she is, Roland Garros champion. This is already up there with Butler basketball as the sports story of the year. Unlike Butler, Schiavone clinched the deal. I love those T-shirts her camp was wearing. "SCHIAVO Nothing is Impossible!" Huzzah!
Since I started following her at the US Open, Schiavone had already become one of my favorites. She plays with such passion! I teared up a little during her acceptance speech - how could one not? Can she win one again someday? At this moment, who cares?
All Part of My Fantasy
My women's bracket is an absolute disaster: top 94%, a nice way of saying bottom 6%. Better luck at Wimbledon.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Roland Garros Day 13: Not Too Old at 29
Curtain Call
Player: Jurgen Melzer
Nation: Austria
Age: 29
Current Ranking: 27
Notable Conquests: Novak Djokovic (3rd seed, Serbia) and David Ferrer (9th, Spain)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Rafael Nadal (2nd, Spain) in straight sets
With his era-defining upset of Federer, Robin Soderling stole a bit of Melzer's thunder for the tournament. Melzer beat the two best players in his quarter, and two of the world's best on clay, just to make it to the semis. The win over Ferrer was a big surprise. Ferrer, long one of the underappreciated players on tour, had had a brilliant clay court season and was thoroughly tuned by Melzer. The Djokovic match was a five-set war but the lefty veteran made it through. Of course, he then hit the brick wall that is Nadal. Before now, Melzer had never even made it past the third round of a major. Bravo!
What a great match-up for Sunday: a rematch of THE defining match of the 2009 season. Nadal holds a 3-2 lifetime edge, including a 2-1 difference on clay. But with Soderling likely out to prove last year was no fluke, who knows?
Player: Jurgen Melzer
Nation: Austria
Age: 29
Current Ranking: 27
Notable Conquests: Novak Djokovic (3rd seed, Serbia) and David Ferrer (9th, Spain)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Rafael Nadal (2nd, Spain) in straight sets
With his era-defining upset of Federer, Robin Soderling stole a bit of Melzer's thunder for the tournament. Melzer beat the two best players in his quarter, and two of the world's best on clay, just to make it to the semis. The win over Ferrer was a big surprise. Ferrer, long one of the underappreciated players on tour, had had a brilliant clay court season and was thoroughly tuned by Melzer. The Djokovic match was a five-set war but the lefty veteran made it through. Of course, he then hit the brick wall that is Nadal. Before now, Melzer had never even made it past the third round of a major. Bravo!
What a great match-up for Sunday: a rematch of THE defining match of the 2009 season. Nadal holds a 3-2 lifetime edge, including a 2-1 difference on clay. But with Soderling likely out to prove last year was no fluke, who knows?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Roland Garros Day 12: Some Love for Doubles
Curtain Call
Player: Andy Ram
Nation: Israel
Age: 30
Current Doubles Ranking: 16
Current Doubles Partner: Julian Knowle (Austria)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Lukas Dlouhy (Czech Republic)/Leander Paes (India) (3rd seed) in straight sets
This is a good result for Ram who has had a pretty rocky road over the past year-and-a-half. His usual partner, coutryman Jonathan Erlich, was out with an injury for quite a while so Ram has been floating between partners for a while. Erlich is back in action but playing with others - Dudi Sela (Israel) this tournament. They made it to the second round. My guess is that they're letting Erlich build up his ranking before they team up again.
Ram lost in the first round last year so the semis is a huge improvement.
All Part of My Fantasy
With Dementieva bowing out in the semis, my women's bracket is officially toast.
Player: Andy Ram
Nation: Israel
Age: 30
Current Doubles Ranking: 16
Current Doubles Partner: Julian Knowle (Austria)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Lukas Dlouhy (Czech Republic)/Leander Paes (India) (3rd seed) in straight sets
This is a good result for Ram who has had a pretty rocky road over the past year-and-a-half. His usual partner, coutryman Jonathan Erlich, was out with an injury for quite a while so Ram has been floating between partners for a while. Erlich is back in action but playing with others - Dudi Sela (Israel) this tournament. They made it to the second round. My guess is that they're letting Erlich build up his ranking before they team up again.
Ram lost in the first round last year so the semis is a huge improvement.
All Part of My Fantasy
With Dementieva bowing out in the semis, my women's bracket is officially toast.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Roland Garros Day 11: Almagro
Curtain Call
Player: Nicolas Almagro
Nation: SpainAge: 24
Current Ranking: 21Notable Conquest: Fernando Verdasco (7th seed, Spain)
Tour PageToday's Result: loss to Rafael Nadal (2nd, Spain) in straight sets
It's more than a little surprising that Almagro has never gotten past the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. On the week-to-week tour, he's one of the best clay court players in the world. He has five tournament titles for his career, all of them on clay. But he's never made much noise at the Slams compared to his compatriots such as Verdasco, Lopez, Ferrer or, of course, Nadal. As such, the win over Verdasco must have felt pretty good. Fernando had been one of the hottest players coming into the tournament. Losing to Rafa puts him in good company, to be sure. Still, it would be nice to see him make a deeper run at some point.
But for today, a job well done, sir. Take your bow.
Sam Stosur's victory over Serena Williams guarantees a first time Slam winner on the women's side: very exciting!
But for today, a job well done, sir. Take your bow.
Sam Stosur's victory over Serena Williams guarantees a first time Slam winner on the women's side: very exciting!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Roland Garros Day 10: It Had to Happen Eventually
Curtain Call
Player: Nadia Petrova
Nation: RussiaAge: 27
Current Ranking: 20
Notable Conquests: Venus Williams (2nd seed, USA) and Aravane Rezai (15th, France)
Today's Result: loss to Elena Dementieva (5th, Russia) in three sets
It's been a great tournament for Petrova. She always seems to be around in these middle rounds. The quarters is a big improvement on her 2nd round finish last year. She'll have more points to defend at Wimbledon: 4th round last year.
It's worth noting that Federer still has a quarterfinal streak to build on - 24 straight Slams. The more interesting question to me, though, is can Soderling keep another streak alive. Over the last 23 Slam tournaments, Federer has either won the title or lost to the man who did. Can Soderling do it? His record against Berdych, his semifinal opponent, is 4-3 in Soderling's favor but he lost their only match on clay. But then what is history worth? This was his first time beating Fed in 13 tries.
All Part of My Fantasy
Federer's loss is a huge blow to my bracket, though Nadal, my champ, is still alive.
All Part of My Fantasy
Federer's loss is a huge blow to my bracket, though Nadal, my champ, is still alive.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Roland Garros Day 9: The Last American Man Takes His Bow
Curtain Call
Player: Robby Ginepri
Nation: USA
Age: 27
Current Ranking: 98
Notable Conquests: Juan Carlos Ferrero (16th seed, Spain) and Sam Querrey (18th, USA
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Novak Djokovic (3rd, Serbia) in four sets
What a great tournament for the American veteran! Beating Querrey is a bigger deal than one might think as Sam had actually been playing well on clay. But Ferrero was the big prize. Ferrero is not the guy he was when he won this thing in 2003 but he is a former champ and a former World #1. It counts!
It was a day for multi-tasking. I did watch quite a bit of tennis but my parents are coming to visit next week so tidying up was the higher priority. No harm in having the tube on while you're getting the chores done, though!
Catching Up with Old Friends
Gisela Dulko (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 9) - Dulko (Argentina) started out great in singles, beating Victoria Azarenka (10th, Belarus) in the first round, but then fell to qualifier Chanelle Scheepers (South Africa). She earns our interest here for her performance in doubles. She teamed with Flavia Pennetta (Italy), garnering the fifth seed in the draw. The pair reached the fourth round before losing to the third seed: Liezel Huber (USA)/Anabel Medina Garrigues (Spain).
Justine Henin (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 13) - Surely, for a four-time champion, a fourth round finish is very disappointing. But I, for one, think it's appropriate to cut her some slack. For one thing, it's only her seventh event after a long layoff. For another, Samantha Stosur (7th, Australia) is pretty good and was due for a big win. Henin (22nd, Belgium) also gets some credit for taking out a battle-ready Maria Sharapova (12th, Russia) in the third. She'll have some added incentive heading into Wimbledon: it's the only Slam she's never won.
All Part of My Fantasy
My women's bracket took a big hit with Henin's loss. It's tough to make any noise if you fail to pick the champ. At least my finalists on the men's side - Federer and Nadal - are both going strong so far.
Player: Robby Ginepri
Nation: USA
Age: 27
Current Ranking: 98
Notable Conquests: Juan Carlos Ferrero (16th seed, Spain) and Sam Querrey (18th, USA
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Novak Djokovic (3rd, Serbia) in four sets
What a great tournament for the American veteran! Beating Querrey is a bigger deal than one might think as Sam had actually been playing well on clay. But Ferrero was the big prize. Ferrero is not the guy he was when he won this thing in 2003 but he is a former champ and a former World #1. It counts!
It was a day for multi-tasking. I did watch quite a bit of tennis but my parents are coming to visit next week so tidying up was the higher priority. No harm in having the tube on while you're getting the chores done, though!
Catching Up with Old Friends
Gisela Dulko (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 9) - Dulko (Argentina) started out great in singles, beating Victoria Azarenka (10th, Belarus) in the first round, but then fell to qualifier Chanelle Scheepers (South Africa). She earns our interest here for her performance in doubles. She teamed with Flavia Pennetta (Italy), garnering the fifth seed in the draw. The pair reached the fourth round before losing to the third seed: Liezel Huber (USA)/Anabel Medina Garrigues (Spain).
Justine Henin (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 13) - Surely, for a four-time champion, a fourth round finish is very disappointing. But I, for one, think it's appropriate to cut her some slack. For one thing, it's only her seventh event after a long layoff. For another, Samantha Stosur (7th, Australia) is pretty good and was due for a big win. Henin (22nd, Belgium) also gets some credit for taking out a battle-ready Maria Sharapova (12th, Russia) in the third. She'll have some added incentive heading into Wimbledon: it's the only Slam she's never won.
All Part of My Fantasy
My women's bracket took a big hit with Henin's loss. It's tough to make any noise if you fail to pick the champ. At least my finalists on the men's side - Federer and Nadal - are both going strong so far.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Roland Garros Day 8: Middle Sunday
Curtain Call
Player: Chanelle Scheepers
Nation: South Africa
Age: 26
Current Ranking: 131
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Elena Dementieva (5th, Russia) in straight sets
This is by far the best result the veteran Scheepers, yet another qualifier, has ever had at a Slam. In 2009, she made main draw appearances in both Melbourne and Paris but didn't get past the first round. Reaching the fourth round will earn her plenty of points. It's too late to get direct entry to Wimbledon but the boost may be enough to allow her to skip the qualifying rounds for the US Open.
The junior tournaments begin today. The top seed for the boys is Daniel Berta of Sweden - and he lost his first round match. For the women, it's Monica Puig of Puerto Rico, who won her first round match. The last woman to win both the junior and senior titles was none other than Justine Henin who won the juniors in 1997 and the seniors for the first time in 2003. It's been longer for the men with Ivan Lendl the last to accomplish both: boys' title in 1978, first men's title in 1984.
I didn't watch much live action today. Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of hiking season in Vermont and we hit the Long Trail, details to come soon.
Player: Chanelle Scheepers
Nation: South Africa
Age: 26
Current Ranking: 131
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Elena Dementieva (5th, Russia) in straight sets
This is by far the best result the veteran Scheepers, yet another qualifier, has ever had at a Slam. In 2009, she made main draw appearances in both Melbourne and Paris but didn't get past the first round. Reaching the fourth round will earn her plenty of points. It's too late to get direct entry to Wimbledon but the boost may be enough to allow her to skip the qualifying rounds for the US Open.
The junior tournaments begin today. The top seed for the boys is Daniel Berta of Sweden - and he lost his first round match. For the women, it's Monica Puig of Puerto Rico, who won her first round match. The last woman to win both the junior and senior titles was none other than Justine Henin who won the juniors in 1997 and the seniors for the first time in 2003. It's been longer for the men with Ivan Lendl the last to accomplish both: boys' title in 1978, first men's title in 1984.
I didn't watch much live action today. Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of hiking season in Vermont and we hit the Long Trail, details to come soon.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Roland Garros Day 7: Hooray, It's Saturday!
Curtain Call
Player: Anastasia Pivovarova
Nation: Russia
Age: 19
Current Ranking: 187
Notable Conquest: Jie Zheng (25th seed, China)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Samantha Stosur (7th, Australia) in straight sets
Pivovarova is another qualifier in her first Roland Garros. At 19, one expects she'll be around for a while. She was, however, no match for Stosur: 6-3 6-2.
Oh Mix Channel, how I have missed you this week! How wonderful it has been today to channel surf. It is such fun to pop around the grounds and the lower-key commentary is nice, too.
How about Robby Ginepri, the last American man standing? Minnie Driver's one-time boy toy took out a former champ in Juan Carlos Ferrero (16th, Spain) to boot. He draws Novak Djokovic (3rd, Serbia) next: a tall order.
A tangentially related side note: to me, Minnie Driver has always seemed a dead ringer for the woman in Vermeer's The Girl with a Pearl Earring. I thought it unfortunate that Scarlett Johansson was cast for the part in the film, though Driver was probably too old at that point.
The line of the day goes to Mary Carillo who, in response to the assertion that television makes the light of an early evening match appear brighter than it really is, asked "Why can't it make us appear brighter than we are?" Self-deprecation is the highest form of humor, to my mind.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Alberta Brianti (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 6) - Brianti lost her first round match to Vera Zvonareva (21st, Russia) but, as she didn't play the event at all last year, it still counts as an improvement. She had a slightly better showing in doubles, teaming with Alexandra Dulgheru (Romania) to make it to the second round. She didn't play Wimbledon or the US Open last year either so there are plenty of opportunities for her to build up some points this summer.
All Part of My Fantasy
David Ferrer (9th, Spain) went down today. I had him in the semis. For the moment, all of my finalists are still alive, though Henin's in a fight with Maria Sharapova (12th, Russia) at present. The third set of their match will be played tomorrow.
Player: Anastasia Pivovarova
Nation: Russia
Age: 19
Current Ranking: 187
Notable Conquest: Jie Zheng (25th seed, China)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Samantha Stosur (7th, Australia) in straight sets
Pivovarova is another qualifier in her first Roland Garros. At 19, one expects she'll be around for a while. She was, however, no match for Stosur: 6-3 6-2.
Oh Mix Channel, how I have missed you this week! How wonderful it has been today to channel surf. It is such fun to pop around the grounds and the lower-key commentary is nice, too.
How about Robby Ginepri, the last American man standing? Minnie Driver's one-time boy toy took out a former champ in Juan Carlos Ferrero (16th, Spain) to boot. He draws Novak Djokovic (3rd, Serbia) next: a tall order.
A tangentially related side note: to me, Minnie Driver has always seemed a dead ringer for the woman in Vermeer's The Girl with a Pearl Earring. I thought it unfortunate that Scarlett Johansson was cast for the part in the film, though Driver was probably too old at that point.
The line of the day goes to Mary Carillo who, in response to the assertion that television makes the light of an early evening match appear brighter than it really is, asked "Why can't it make us appear brighter than we are?" Self-deprecation is the highest form of humor, to my mind.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Alberta Brianti (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 6) - Brianti lost her first round match to Vera Zvonareva (21st, Russia) but, as she didn't play the event at all last year, it still counts as an improvement. She had a slightly better showing in doubles, teaming with Alexandra Dulgheru (Romania) to make it to the second round. She didn't play Wimbledon or the US Open last year either so there are plenty of opportunities for her to build up some points this summer.
All Part of My Fantasy
David Ferrer (9th, Spain) went down today. I had him in the semis. For the moment, all of my finalists are still alive, though Henin's in a fight with Maria Sharapova (12th, Russia) at present. The third set of their match will be played tomorrow.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Roland Garros Day 6: See No Ivo
Curtain Call
Player: Julian Reister
Nation: Germany
Age: 24
Current Ranking: 165
Notable Conquest: Feliciano Lopez (27th seed, Spain)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Roger Federer (1st, Switzerland) in straight sets
Of course, Reister had no chance today. If a qualifier, in his first-ever Slam main draw, took out the top seed and defending champion, it would have been the biggest upset in tennis in a very long time. Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) pulled off the feat at Wimbledon in 2003 but Lleyton Hewitt (Australia), even in his prime, was no Federer. And Reister would do well to match the career Karlovic has had since.
However, that should not detract from the fact that Reister had a great tournament. He beat both Lopez and Olivier Rochus (Belgium) in straight sets. Rochus, while not the player he once was, is still not an easy win for anyone, particularly on clay. He is, after all, a former doubles champion at Roland Garros.
It's been all men so far for my Curtain Calls. I swear I didn't plan it that way. I really do try to pick the one player I find most deserving each day. Generally, things even out over the course of a Slam and I would imagine that will happen again before it's all over.
Player: Julian Reister
Nation: Germany
Age: 24
Current Ranking: 165
Notable Conquest: Feliciano Lopez (27th seed, Spain)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Roger Federer (1st, Switzerland) in straight sets
Of course, Reister had no chance today. If a qualifier, in his first-ever Slam main draw, took out the top seed and defending champion, it would have been the biggest upset in tennis in a very long time. Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) pulled off the feat at Wimbledon in 2003 but Lleyton Hewitt (Australia), even in his prime, was no Federer. And Reister would do well to match the career Karlovic has had since.
However, that should not detract from the fact that Reister had a great tournament. He beat both Lopez and Olivier Rochus (Belgium) in straight sets. Rochus, while not the player he once was, is still not an easy win for anyone, particularly on clay. He is, after all, a former doubles champion at Roland Garros.
It's been all men so far for my Curtain Calls. I swear I didn't plan it that way. I really do try to pick the one player I find most deserving each day. Generally, things even out over the course of a Slam and I would imagine that will happen again before it's all over.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Roland Garros Day 5: Answer = Ljubljana. What's the Question?
Curtain Call
Player: Grega Zemlja
Nation: Slovenia
Age: 23
Current Ranking: 141
Notable Conquest: Juan Monaco (26th seed, Argentina)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Teimuraz Gabashvili (Russia) in straight sets
Today's match wasn't pretty, final score 6-3 6-1 6-1. But, Zemlja went through qualifying to reach his first ever Roland Garros. He took out a seed in the first round and Monaco's a decent clay-courter, too. In so doing, he became the first Slovenian man to win a singles match at a Grand Slam tournament.
More rain today. Things are starting to back up now, with both second and third round singles matches scheduled for tomorrow.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Blaz Kavcic (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 1) - Two Slovenians in one day! This was Kavcic's first French Open and he made it to the second round, even managing to win a set against Andy Roddick (6th, USA) before going down in four. He's currently ranked #112, meaning he'll probably have to qualify for Wimbledon.
All Part of My Fantasy
I lost a semifinalist on the men's side as Chela fell to Murray. He was my long shot so I shouldn't be too surprised. Murray has certainly proven to be a fighter thus far. I didn't think he'd make it past Gasquet, to be honest. No doubt, he'd love to improve on last year's quarterfinal finish.
Player: Grega Zemlja
Nation: Slovenia
Age: 23
Current Ranking: 141
Notable Conquest: Juan Monaco (26th seed, Argentina)
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Teimuraz Gabashvili (Russia) in straight sets
Today's match wasn't pretty, final score 6-3 6-1 6-1. But, Zemlja went through qualifying to reach his first ever Roland Garros. He took out a seed in the first round and Monaco's a decent clay-courter, too. In so doing, he became the first Slovenian man to win a singles match at a Grand Slam tournament.
More rain today. Things are starting to back up now, with both second and third round singles matches scheduled for tomorrow.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Blaz Kavcic (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 1) - Two Slovenians in one day! This was Kavcic's first French Open and he made it to the second round, even managing to win a set against Andy Roddick (6th, USA) before going down in four. He's currently ranked #112, meaning he'll probably have to qualify for Wimbledon.
All Part of My Fantasy
I lost a semifinalist on the men's side as Chela fell to Murray. He was my long shot so I shouldn't be too surprised. Murray has certainly proven to be a fighter thus far. I didn't think he'd make it past Gasquet, to be honest. No doubt, he'd love to improve on last year's quarterfinal finish.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Roland Garros Day 4: Retractable Roof, Please
Curtain Call
Player: Tobias Kamke
Nation: Germany
Age: 24
Current Ranking: 157
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Albert Montanes (29th seed, Spain) in straight sets
Kamke is another qualifier in his first Roland Garros. He managed to win his first round match, too, taking out Stephane Robert of France. Despite the worrisome weather, most of the day's matches were completed, only a few to carry over to tomorrow. I can't watch TV at work, but I can follow the weather for Paris online.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Angelique Kerber (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 5) - Kerber didn't make the French last year and her second round finish this time is a career best at the event. There's no shame in losing to Aravane Rezai, the 15th seed from France. It's an excellent beginning to the brutal summer slog.
All Part of My Fantasy
I lost another semifinalist on the women's side. Lucie Safarova (24th, Czech Republic) went out rather meekly to Polona Hercog (Slovenia) 6-2 6-1. On the men's side, Juan Ignacio Chela (Argentina) is currently in a battle with Andy Murray (4th, UK). He's down a set, on serve in the second with the match to resume tomorrow.
Player: Tobias Kamke
Nation: Germany
Age: 24
Current Ranking: 157
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Albert Montanes (29th seed, Spain) in straight sets
Kamke is another qualifier in his first Roland Garros. He managed to win his first round match, too, taking out Stephane Robert of France. Despite the worrisome weather, most of the day's matches were completed, only a few to carry over to tomorrow. I can't watch TV at work, but I can follow the weather for Paris online.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Angelique Kerber (Curtain Call, Aussie Open Day 5) - Kerber didn't make the French last year and her second round finish this time is a career best at the event. There's no shame in losing to Aravane Rezai, the 15th seed from France. It's an excellent beginning to the brutal summer slog.
All Part of My Fantasy
I lost another semifinalist on the women's side. Lucie Safarova (24th, Czech Republic) went out rather meekly to Polona Hercog (Slovenia) 6-2 6-1. On the men's side, Juan Ignacio Chela (Argentina) is currently in a battle with Andy Murray (4th, UK). He's down a set, on serve in the second with the match to resume tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Roland Garros Day 3: Fischer's a Fighter
Curtain Call
Player: Martin Fischer
Nation: Austria
Age: 23
Current Ranking: 190
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Horacio Zeballos (Argentina) in five sets
Fischer went through qualifying to reach his first ever Slam. He gave Zeballos a good match, too, losing 8-6 in the fifth.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Player: Martin Fischer
Nation: Austria
Age: 23
Current Ranking: 190
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Horacio Zeballos (Argentina) in five sets
Fischer went through qualifying to reach his first ever Slam. He gave Zeballos a good match, too, losing 8-6 in the fifth.
Catching Up with Old Friends
Kai-Chen Chang (Curtain Call, US Open Day 3) - This was Chang's first Roland Garros so, despite the fact that she lost in the first round, her general upward trend continues. Her current ranking stands at #89, good enough for direct entry into Wimbledon. It will be the first time for her in the main draw of that event as well. She's still only 19.
All Part of My Fantasy
Safina going down was a rough loss for me. I had Dinara in the semifinals. I'm doing better on the men's side. All eight of my quarterfinalists are still alive after the first round.
All Part of My Fantasy
Safina going down was a rough loss for me. I had Dinara in the semifinals. I'm doing better on the men's side. All eight of my quarterfinalists are still alive after the first round.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Roland Garros Day 2: No Unexplained Polar Bears
Curtain Call
Player: Michael Yani
Nation: USA
Age: 29
Current Ranking: 151
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Lukas Lacko (Slovakia) in five sets
The Singapore-born veteran Yani qualified for his first French Open and celebrated by playing a 71-game match against Lacko, the longest match in games since tiebreaks were introduced for the first four sets. The match started yesterday and finished today.
Lost Detox
I have seen quite a variety of reactions to last night's Lost finale but if you are like My Wife, I imagine you are feeling somewhat betrayed by how matters have been left. And so, devotees, as you begin to adjust to the cold, aching void, I offer you Roland Garros to ease your pain. First, a few ways in which I hope tennis will be more satisfying for you:
Player: Michael Yani
Nation: USA
Age: 29
Current Ranking: 151
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Lukas Lacko (Slovakia) in five sets
The Singapore-born veteran Yani qualified for his first French Open and celebrated by playing a 71-game match against Lacko, the longest match in games since tiebreaks were introduced for the first four sets. The match started yesterday and finished today.
Lost Detox
I have seen quite a variety of reactions to last night's Lost finale but if you are like My Wife, I imagine you are feeling somewhat betrayed by how matters have been left. And so, devotees, as you begin to adjust to the cold, aching void, I offer you Roland Garros to ease your pain. First, a few ways in which I hope tennis will be more satisfying for you:
- It is unlikely that a polar bear will attempt to charge Rafael Nadal during a match, though I am completely confident he'd be able to handle the situation with a cool comparable to Sawyer's. If it did happen, a bestselling expose on the polar bear and its troubled youth would hit bookstores in short order and we'd soon know more than we ever wanted. The bear would be the must have for the exhibition circuit in the off-season.
- There will be resolution. Champions will be crowned, protectors of the island indeed. Plus, they're certain to be in better shape than Hurley. I will grant, however, that they are unlikely to quote Star Wars movies in their acceptance speeches.
- John McEnroe probably won't turn to Ted Robinson in the broadcast booth on the last day and ask, "What are you doing here?" Furthermore, Ted is unlikely to reply, "No John, what are YOU doing here?" On second thought, that could get interesting. I will admit that sitting through tennis commentary can feel a bit like purgatory.
- The plot is MUCH easier to follow. You win, you lose, no time travel.
- The plot is MUCH easier to follow. You win, you lose, no time travel.
There are areas where tennis can match Lost's strengths as well:
- Interaction. My Wife, a devoted fan of the show, yells with exasperation at the screen during Lost in a manner befitting a sports nut. I half expected a few McEnroesque "you cannot be serious" volleys from her last night.
- Beautiful people. Yes, you're losing Sawyer, Sayid and Jin. But I'm sure Rafael Nadal, Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco, the Spanish lefties, can help cushion the blow. As for the women, I've never thought the women of Lost were really all that exciting, certainly not compared to the women on Mad Men, Human Target or Leverage. I think tennis wins on this front. There are the obvious supermodel types: Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic and Venus Williams. There are newcomers, too. Did anyone catch a glimpse of Egyptian-born Canadian Heidi El Tabakh yesterday? She got tuned in her first round match but she is, nonetheless, stunningly beautiful. I am generally turned off by the meat market publicity approach for women's tennis, but wow!
- International cast. Nine different countries are represented in the men's top 10, seven for the women. Four different continents are represented between those 20 players alone. And, unlike with Naveen Andrews, the accents are genuine.
- Plenty of morally ambiguous characters. Villain one day, hero the next: that's tennis in a nutshell. Take your pick: Serena Williams, Justine Henin, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, the list goes on. Very few manage to stay in the good guy camp forever. Even Roger Federer and Kim Clijsters get wisps of bad press from time to time.
- Mr. Eko. Eko Tunde was far and away my favorite character on Lost and the day he was killed by the smoke monster was the day my interest in the show began to fade. A reformed African drug lord trying to pass himself off as a priest. Not really a priest but a genuinely good man. Plus, the whole thing about his dead brother in the plane. That storyline had promise and, like so many in the Lost saga, it was gone in a flash. Tennis has plenty of Mr. Ekos, players who show great promise only to fade as reality sets in. For me, it was Paradorn Srichaphan, a flashy, yet humble shot-maker from Thailand who rocketed to the top 10 only to gradually fade away. At least with tennis, it was easy to stick with the larger story.
I'll let someone else tackle 24...
My Weekends Only Slam
In response to a comment at TalkAboutTennis.com Tennis Forums, DVRing sports is rarely a satisfying experience for me when I know I can instantly get a result online. I'm not disciplined enough for a spoiler-filled world. Besides, for me the fun of the early rounds is surfing the Mix Channel and that can't be replicated later.
The Internet, as you suggest, is wonderfully accomodating. The Grand Slam Websites are top-notch. My experience with online streaming during last year's US Open men's final was less than satisfying but the live scoreboard usually holds me until I can watch live.
All Part of My Fantasy
I've crashed out of the suicide pools, both the men's and women's draws, in a single day. I knew Stephanie Dubois (Canada) was a risky pick but Feliciano Lopez (27th, Spain)? That was a surprise. There's clearly an art to this game and I haven't quite sorted it out yet - not that I'm going to stop trying!
Editorial Note
I changed yesterday's Curtain Call to Somdev Devvarman of India. I mean no disrespect to Ms. Zhang. It's just that I forgot all about the guys for a day and Devvarman's five-set effort should not go unnoticed. I realize no one's going to lose any sleep over it but me but I must, in good conscience, live and blog by my own rules.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Roland Garros Day 1: Sunday Start
Curtain Call
Player: Somdev Devvarman
Nation: India
Age: 25
Current Ranking: 108
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Marco Chiudinelli (Switzerland) in five sets
Blogger's Edit Note: This is a change from my initial post in which I gave the Curtain Call to Shuai Zhang of China. I mean no disrespect to Ms. Zhang. It's my own fault - I completely forgot about the guys. I must be fair and acknowledge Mr. Devvarman's far superior first round showing.
This was Devvarman's first Roland Garros and he made a very respectable showing, finally going down 6-3 in the fifth. He is my first return honoree. He won a Curtain Call for his performance at the US Open as well.
I am so glad for the Sunday start. The French Open is my weekends only Slam. During the week, the matches are over by the time I get home from work. Wimbledon would present similar problems if not for the fact that I am a teacher and get the summers off, thank goodness. I suppose I could catch a few glimpses in the morning over breakfast - a more appealing option if the rest of the family enjoyed watching more.
It's a beautiful day in northwest Vermont. Grilling season begins at our house this evening - pork tenderloin.
Player: Somdev Devvarman
Nation: India
Age: 25
Current Ranking: 108
Tour Page
Today's Result: loss to Marco Chiudinelli (Switzerland) in five sets
Blogger's Edit Note: This is a change from my initial post in which I gave the Curtain Call to Shuai Zhang of China. I mean no disrespect to Ms. Zhang. It's my own fault - I completely forgot about the guys. I must be fair and acknowledge Mr. Devvarman's far superior first round showing.
This was Devvarman's first Roland Garros and he made a very respectable showing, finally going down 6-3 in the fifth. He is my first return honoree. He won a Curtain Call for his performance at the US Open as well.
I am so glad for the Sunday start. The French Open is my weekends only Slam. During the week, the matches are over by the time I get home from work. Wimbledon would present similar problems if not for the fact that I am a teacher and get the summers off, thank goodness. I suppose I could catch a few glimpses in the morning over breakfast - a more appealing option if the rest of the family enjoyed watching more.
It's a beautiful day in northwest Vermont. Grilling season begins at our house this evening - pork tenderloin.
Roland Garros: My Picks and Lost Detox
For the men...
Semis: Federer v. Chela, Ferrer v. Nadal
Final: Nadal def. Federer
Nothing too shocking there. The Chela pick may not be as crazy as it looks. He's in the Murray quadrant which, to my eyes, is wide open. Somebody's gotta come through. Why not Juan?
For the women...
Semis: Henin v. Safina, Safarova v. Dementieva
Final: Henin def. Dementieva
That Serena/Justine quarterfinal has the look of a "true final." Whoever wins that one should have the momentum to take the whole thing.
All Part of My Fantasy
My suicide pool picks for Day 1
Women: Nadia Petrova
Men: Robin Soderling
One More Reason to Watch
A friend has pointed out another good reason to watch. All you Lost fans will need something to ease your withdrawal symptoms after tonight's finale. I'm not such a huge fan but My Wife certainly is and we'll be watching tonight. I think you can expect a tennis as Lost detox post before too long.
Semis: Federer v. Chela, Ferrer v. Nadal
Final: Nadal def. Federer
Nothing too shocking there. The Chela pick may not be as crazy as it looks. He's in the Murray quadrant which, to my eyes, is wide open. Somebody's gotta come through. Why not Juan?
For the women...
Semis: Henin v. Safina, Safarova v. Dementieva
Final: Henin def. Dementieva
That Serena/Justine quarterfinal has the look of a "true final." Whoever wins that one should have the momentum to take the whole thing.
All Part of My Fantasy
My suicide pool picks for Day 1
Women: Nadia Petrova
Men: Robin Soderling
One More Reason to Watch
A friend has pointed out another good reason to watch. All you Lost fans will need something to ease your withdrawal symptoms after tonight's finale. I'm not such a huge fan but My Wife certainly is and we'll be watching tonight. I think you can expect a tennis as Lost detox post before too long.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Why You Should Watch the French Open
Clay Court Tennis
Roland Garros, the tournament otherwise known as the French Open, is the showcase event for clay court tennis. Tennis was born on grass and, before concrete took over the planet, much of the world played the game on well-manicured lawns. But the sport which developed in Continental Europe, the Mediterranean and Latin America was played on red clay. In essence, two very different games emerged. The ball bounces low on grass, favoring players who play with power: the Pete Samprases of the world. The higher bounce on clay increases the reaction time of the ball striker, a difference in milliseconds which favors a very different variety of tennis god: Gustavo Kuerten, for instance. The dirt also is more difficult to run on so getting your opponent out of position is key to winning points. Grass court tennis is a duel at 20 paces. Clay court tennis is a knife fight in the alley.
Rafa
Given all that, what can one do against a player who brings power, nasty spin shots, court vision, tactical genius and the foot speed to steal countless winners from his opponent? Over the past half-decade, the answer has been not much. Last year's loss to Soderling was an unfortunate blemish on a jaw-dropping record at the event for Nadal. It was the first Roland Garros match he had ever lost, putting an end to four straight titles. No athlete is truly invincible but Rafa on clay is about as close as anyone has ever come. He arrives in Paris having already won all three Masters Series clay court events. No one has ever done that before. Bet against him at your own peril.
Justine
Roland Garros was always Justine Henin's best Slam. She is the closest equivalent on the women's side to Rafa in terms of clay court dominance. Her run to the finals in Australia was impressive but expectations in Paris will be much higher, even though she hasn't played the French in three years. Kim Clijsters has already withdrawn from the event so it would seem that the Williamses are her most likely obstacles, mainly Serena, the stronger of the sisters on clay.
The Beginning of the Summer Slog
This is just the beginning of a brutal four-month run, the heart of the tennis year. Two weeks after this one's over, Wimbledon gets underway. Then comes the North American hard court season, including big pay days in Montreal, Toronto and Cincinnati. Finally, the US Open kicks off in late August. Only the strong survive.
Fantasy Tennis
Tennis Channel Racquet Brackets are available for the men and the women.
TalkAboutTennis will be running suicide pools.
Roland Garros, the tournament otherwise known as the French Open, is the showcase event for clay court tennis. Tennis was born on grass and, before concrete took over the planet, much of the world played the game on well-manicured lawns. But the sport which developed in Continental Europe, the Mediterranean and Latin America was played on red clay. In essence, two very different games emerged. The ball bounces low on grass, favoring players who play with power: the Pete Samprases of the world. The higher bounce on clay increases the reaction time of the ball striker, a difference in milliseconds which favors a very different variety of tennis god: Gustavo Kuerten, for instance. The dirt also is more difficult to run on so getting your opponent out of position is key to winning points. Grass court tennis is a duel at 20 paces. Clay court tennis is a knife fight in the alley.
Rafa
Given all that, what can one do against a player who brings power, nasty spin shots, court vision, tactical genius and the foot speed to steal countless winners from his opponent? Over the past half-decade, the answer has been not much. Last year's loss to Soderling was an unfortunate blemish on a jaw-dropping record at the event for Nadal. It was the first Roland Garros match he had ever lost, putting an end to four straight titles. No athlete is truly invincible but Rafa on clay is about as close as anyone has ever come. He arrives in Paris having already won all three Masters Series clay court events. No one has ever done that before. Bet against him at your own peril.
Justine
Roland Garros was always Justine Henin's best Slam. She is the closest equivalent on the women's side to Rafa in terms of clay court dominance. Her run to the finals in Australia was impressive but expectations in Paris will be much higher, even though she hasn't played the French in three years. Kim Clijsters has already withdrawn from the event so it would seem that the Williamses are her most likely obstacles, mainly Serena, the stronger of the sisters on clay.
The Beginning of the Summer Slog
This is just the beginning of a brutal four-month run, the heart of the tennis year. Two weeks after this one's over, Wimbledon gets underway. Then comes the North American hard court season, including big pay days in Montreal, Toronto and Cincinnati. Finally, the US Open kicks off in late August. Only the strong survive.
Fantasy Tennis
Tennis Channel Racquet Brackets are available for the men and the women.
TalkAboutTennis will be running suicide pools.
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