Monday, June 12, 2017

Weekend Tennis Roundup


Was in Washington over the weekend but am finally home with computer access again. Although it was not the outcome I had hoped for, all due credit to Rafael Nadal on his 10th French Open title -- and for passing Pete Sampras on the all-time majors list. (The Australian Open outcome becomes all the more important when you realize Rafa would be just one behind Roger had he won.) Before this year I really didn't think Nadal had another major in him -- his injuries seemed to drain his confidence -- so you really have to respect this enormous resurgence in his 30s.


With the top four reshuffling as it has, it suddenly makes the luck of the Wimbledon draw extra important for whoever has to play No. 5 Roger Federer in the quarterfinals. (Hard to believe that a year ago Novak Djokovic held all four major titles and is now ranked No. 4 with none. Also didn't know his VERY HOT brother was the person who introduced him to this cult leader many feel is the cause of his downfall.)


Stan Wawrinka is now three for four in Grand Slam finals. But his ass in white shorts still has a perfect record.


After drinking Wednesday (pre-birthday), Thursday (birthday) and Friday (first night in D.C.), I didn't actually get up to see the women's final. But Damian was in the adjoining room watching and I hear him screaming at the TV, completely disgusted that the odds-on favorite repeatedly squandered her opportunity to finally win a major and secure the No. 1 ranking. I don't think anyone can deny that Jelena Ostapenko has an enormous amount of talent. But she didn't exactly come out and blow Halep off the court -- instead Halep blew three points to go up a set and 4-love and again a 3-1 lead in the third, before losing five straight games. If Ostapenko capitalizes on this win -- her very first WTA title! -- then it will turn out to be a great thing for women's tennis. I just fear she will fade into obscurity now that the pressure is on her to win, which has been the case with nearly every rising star in the game. All of this makes our upcoming trip to Wimbledon -- my 50th birthday present -- all the more exciting as it seems like anything could happen!

SIDELINES:


Federer is putting all of his eggs in the grass basket, preparing for this weekend's tournament in Stuttgart with Tommy Haas.


Would be fun to see Tommy play friend Roger. (He beat him on grass just a few years ago!)


Also, Maria Sharapova -- who had been granted a wild card into Birmingham -- announced she is injured so will skip the grass-court season with hopes of rebounding in time for the hard courts and U.S. Open.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

NOT including aces, Ostapenko hit 51 winners to Halep's 8. Sure, Ostapenko makes nearly as many unforced errors but when you're hitting that many winners being even is a good stat. Halep certainly had multiple chances but it wasn't her own errors that caused her to lose. In my opinion, it was Ostapenko being fearless on the important points and "blow[ing] Halep off the court."