Eye Off the Ball

While I've been holding my breath for nearly a day anticipating the quarterfinal showdown between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka earned his first-ever Grand Slam win over Roger Federer today, beating his countryman 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(4). I sure didn't see that coming!

Nadal, Federer, Wawrinka Ease Into 3rd Round in Monte Carlo

I've been assured by a close confidant that Rafael Nadal is in the Tracy Austin 1982-83 phase of career and that Novak Djokovic is a shoo-in to win Roland Garros, this year -- but I'm not getting too comfortable. Read HERE.

I've also been assured he'll remain on top of the rankings for the remainder of the year ...

'Neutral' Corners

Speculation rampant about Federer-Wawrinka rift ahead of Davis Cup final

You wanna think your idols are above petty high-school bullshit. They're not. I understand why Roger feels the need to defend his wife -- but maybe he should tell her to shut the fuck up instead. Read HERE.

ATP Selfie

Berdych, Federer, Wawrinka, Djokovic, Nishikori, Murray, Raonic, Cilic. (Photo via Reuters)

Nadaless in London

Who do we like in the yearend finale? Read about the contenders HERE.

The Dynamic Duo

Loving this doubles pairing of Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic in Toronto. How often can two reigning Grand Slam champions do something like this? I think it speaks to the mature man Nole has grown into, who remained as gracious as ever even when he was in the midst of a Major drought.

Tommy Haas Is Movin' On

Wow. Just Wow.

 Reuters reports:

German veteran Tommy Haas issued a reminder of his claycourt skills with a third-round victory over Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka at the Rome Masters on Thursday. Haas, 36, recovered after trailing by a set and a break of serve to win 5-7 6-2 6-3 and reach the last eight at the Italian event for the first time since 2002 when he lost to Andre Agassi in the final.

I love Stan and want him to be a serious contender, but I can't argue with Tommy pulling off an upset like this!

Stan's (Still) the Man!

What a bizarre week in Monte Carlo. If you had told me that Stanislas Wawrinka would walk away with the title, I might not have believed you. But if you told me neither Rafael Nadal nor Novak Djokovic would make the final -- and Rafa not even the semis -- I'd have said you were crazy. Kudos to Stan for keeping his A game together and beating Roger Federer in three. Would love to see him pose a real threat in Paris.

Stan(islas) and Deliver

It was one of the most subdued first-time Grand Slam wins of all time, but I couldn't have been happier to see Stanislas Wawrinka follow up his wins over Novak Djokovic and Tomas Berdych with a first-ever victory over Rafael Nadal. Sure, Nadal's back went out. But the first set was all Stan -- and showed he was the man to beat. Stan held both his serve and his nerve, and the sportsmanship he displayed in winning literally brought a tear to my eye. (Rafa's reaction certainly didn't hurt.) Wawrinka shoots to No. 3 in the rankings -- and unlike Juan Martin Del Potro, I think he truly has a shot at another Slam. (I've been routing for the Swiss man since seeing him play Davis Cup in Birmingham back in 2009.) I went into the tournament with an Anyone But Nadal/Azarenka attitude, but I couldn't have asked for a more delightful end result. Li Na's abusive relationship with her husband makes me smile, and I get the feeling Stan has mistreated his wife over the years. Happy to see it wasn't all in vain.

Stan's the Man

I'm actually happy for Stan, but I will be in mourning the rest of tonight just the same. 

The AP reports:

Novak Djokovic's bid for a fourth consecutive Australian Open title ended in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal loss to Stanislas Wawrinka that opens up the prospects of a new major champion. Related Stories Berdych beats Ferrer, reaches Aussie semifinals The Associated Press 'Stan' stuns Djokovic in huge Aussie Open shock AFP Australian Open 2014 results and bracket: Novak Djokovic upset in the quarterfinals SB Nation Ivanovic ends Serena Williams' long winning streak The Associated Press Ivanovic ends Williams' streak in Australian upset The Associated Press No. 8-seeded Wawrinka lost 14 head-to-heads to Djokovic until a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7 win on Tuesday night put him into a semifinal that very few expected against No. 7 Tomas Berdych. Djokovic held off Wawrinka 12-10 in the fifth set in a 5-hour, 2-minute fourth-rounder that finished at 1:41 a.m. here last year - the longest Grand Slam match of the season - en route to his third straight Australian title. He and also edged Wawrinka in five sets in the U.S. Open semifinals in September. This time, it was Wawrinka's turn.