Rafa v Bemelmans

Rafa Nadal v Ruben Bemelmans - Thailand Open 2010

Here are a few pictures from the match and when Rafa met the Prime Minister after the match

All Images by Zimbio

Source

Thailand & Kuala Lumpar

As you all know the tour has moved to the Far East now. Current tournaments are in Malaysia & Thailand.
Please use the links on the right for live action :)
Rafa is due on court at 1pm UK time.

Rafa Updates

Brilliant video

The Whole US Open Final on YouTube

For those that missed the final it is available in 18 parts on YouTube. Here is the first part. Use the links on the right hand side for the next one.

Metz final - Simon v Zverev

I am only half watching this at the moment as i have the F1 on the tv. I will do my best to keep you up to date :)

Also going on at the moment is the final in Bucharest between Chela & Andujar. That match is into the 2nd set with Chela a set and 3-0.

EDIT - There you go, saves me updating the score whilst i am watching the F1.

EDIT - So Gillou celebrates his first full tourny after the birth of his Son with a 6-3, 6-2 victory. Well done and comiserations to Misha, well done on reaching the final.

EDIT - I have deleted the live stream as the tennis transmission has finished.

Rafael Nadal - Perfection

Rafael Nadal - The Paintballing King

Rafael Nadal will present Juan Martin del Potro with his toughest possible obstacle as the Argentinian bids to make a comeback from the wrist injury that ruled him out of the defence of his US Open title last month.
Spaniard Nadal won that tournament, to become just the seventh player to win all four Grand Slam titles, and makes his first appearance since in the Thailand Open in Bangkok this week.

Del Potro last played in January's Australian Open and has no hope of making the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, where he was runner-up last year, in London in November after his ranking fell from No 4 to No 35.
Nadal and Roger Federer, so far the only two players to have qualified for the shoot-out at the O2, have given another display of their racket artistry by 'painting' unique self-portraits to be auctioned for charity.

They created masterpieces of one of their signature on-court moves by hitting paint-covered balls against a large canvas.
'It was fun to create my portrait and a bit of a challenge to put the balls on the silhouette,' said Nadal.

Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick are among those battling for rankings points to earn one of the other six places.
Artwork created by the final eight will be exhibited in London in early November, and at the tournament fan zone.

Source

Hola Magazine - A different view

I am Still Here

rSorry for being a bit quiet this past week but not much going on in the world of Tennis.

2 ATP World Tour 250 tournaments are wrapping up this weekend

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Metz.aspx

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Bucharest.aspx

A few bits of Rafa





http://www.rafaholics.com/2010/09/boxing-champ-admires-rafa-nadal.html

http://www.rafaholics.com/2010/09/rafas-doc-speaks.html

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/472877-fanning-the-fires-rafael-nadal-burns-hotter-than-roger-federer

Hola Magazine in Thailand

Video's of Rafa arriving in Thailand

Source

Rafa arrives in Thailand

The King Of New York 2010

Davis Cup Semi Finals - Day 3 - Part 2

Let's go Janko!!!

Already up a break and leading 3-0. Let's do this Janko. Stepanek looking a bit flat, keep it that way!

UPDATE

Double break, 4-0. Nice and easy Janko, 3 sets, AJDE!!!!

UPDATE 2

BAGEL!!!!! Woohoo, go Janko.

UPDATE 3

Great start to the 2nd by Janko, already up a break but what is this, a fightback from Stepanek. Takes his 2nd break-back point and it is 2-3.

UPDATE 4

Into a tie break we have gone. First blood to the Czech as Stepanek wins the first point. Tight play from Janko gives another break and it is 3-1 to Czech Rep.

Janko did get it level but an awful wayward shot gave the lead back to the Czech's 5-4.

He gets it, Woohoo!!!! 2 sets up now, Ajde Srbija!!! 1 more set and you are in your first Davis Cup final.

UPDATE 5

Double break for a 3-0 lead, go Janko!! Woohoo.

UPDATE 6

Tipsy is serving for the match

BH into the net from Stepanek - 15-0 Serbia
Long from Stepanek - 30-0 Serbia
Into the net again 40-0 3 MP
FH into the net from Tipsy 40-15 2 MP left
Again into the net 40-30 1 MP left now, come on Tipsy!
Get's it!!!!!!!!

The final will be Serbia v France!

Davis Cup Semi Finals - Day 3

The switch has been made in Belgrade with Novak replacing Viktor against Tomad Berdych. The other match will be Janko Tipsarevic v Radek Stepenak.

Adje Srbija

Over in Lyon Gilles Simon is playing Eduardo Schwank in the dead rubber match. This will be followed by Clement v Zeballos.

UPDATE 1

Czech Rep take the first set 6-4 :-( Ajde Nole!!
Not sure what is happening in Lyon as i am now watching the football on the TV and Serbia v Czech Rep on the laptop.

UPDATE 2

All going a bit wrong for Serbia. Nole took a hard fall and had jut taken a lengthy break. The right knee has been strapped up and he is playing on. Currently on serve in the 2nd, 3-2.

In Lyon it is currently 1 set all and on serve at 3-2, remember France are already in the final.

UPDATE 3

Novak levels the match at a set a piece.
France 4-0 up as Simon wins.

UPDATE 4

No effect from the fall from Novak now. Up a break and leading 4-2 in the 3rd set. AJDE Nole!

UPDATE 5

WooHoo, go Nole. Takes the 3rd set for a 2-1 lead. DO IT Nole!!!

UPDATE 6

GET IN NOVAK!!!!

Wins the match in 4 and it is all on Tipsarevic v Stepanek. Come on Janko!!!!

Davis Cup Semi Finals - Day 2

Today is the turn of the Doubles teams.

Currently playing are the Serbian duo of Novak Djokovic & Nenad Zimonjic against Radek Stepanek & Tomas Berdych.

In Lyon Arnaud Clement & Michael Llodra are up against Eduardo Schwank & Horacio Zeballos.

Current scores are 3-3 in Belgrade and 4-3 France in Lyon but on serve.

UPDATE

1st set to the Serbians - 6-3
Still on serve in Lyon 5-4

UPDATE 2

France have taken the 1st set 6-4

UPDATE 3

Serbia are having a mare in the 2nd set, 1-5 with Czech Rep serving for the set.

Whilst over in Lyon the French have one foot in the final. A set to the good and on serve in the 2nd, 3-2.

UPDATE 4

France are nearly there. 2 sets up against Argentina, 7-5.
1 set a piece in Belgrade and the Czech's are getting ahead with a break for 4-2.

UPDATE 5

The match has now swung in favour of the Czech Rep as they have taken the 3rd set for a 2-1 lead.

Still on serve in the 3rd in Lyon.

UPDATE 6

France are the first team into the final as they now have a 3-0 lead over Argentina. The doubles team have just wrapped up a 3-0 win, 6-4, 7-5,
6-3.

It looks like they will be joined by the Czech Republic as they are now 2-1 with a double break. Serbia are serving at 1-5.

UPDATE 7

And the Czech win the match in 4 sets and go into tomorrows Singles rubbers with a 2-1 lead.

Davis Cup Semi Finals - Day 1

Just got home and Serbia are 1 down against Czech Republic. Stepanek beat Troicki in 4 sets. Llodra also beat Monaco in 4 sets to give France a 1-0 lead over Argentina.

On court now for France is Gael Monfils and he is playing David Nalbandian. Current score is France 1 set up but Argentina have a break in the 2nd.

Soon to start in Belgrade is Tipsarevic v Berdych.

UPDATE

Quick update from Belgrade & Lyon.

Belgrade - 4-3 to Serbia with tipsy serving @ 15-0.

Lyon - 5-4 to France with Gael coming out to serve for a 2-1 set lead.

UPDATE - 2

1st set to Serbia, 7-5.
Argentina had a break but France get it straight back.

UPDATE - 3

France are in the driving seat in Lyon. Monfils has just beaten Nalbandian in 4 sets to give France a 2-0 lead going into the Doubles Rubber tomorrow.

UPDATE - 4

Serbia are on course to level the tie 1-1. They are 2 sets up on the Czech's with Tipsy playing some great stuff.

UPDATE - 5

Ok i will keep my opinions to myself on this match as the Czech's have just taken the 3rd set.

UPDATE - 6

Serbia win!!!! Tipsy gets the 4th on a TB to level the match at 1-1. doubles match is going to be key tomorrow. Will Novak come into the team and play doubles with Nenad? It will be interesting to see what happens.

Rafa @ Real Madrid

Davis Cup Semi Finals

Time to step away from the main ATP tour and concentrate on the Davis Cup.  We are at the semi final stage with matches due to be played Friday 17 - Sunday 19 September.

France v Argentina

http://www.daviscup.com/ties/tie.asp?tie=100014708

A bit of history between these 2 nations though Argentina have never won against the French.  Can they break their duck and reach their 4 final?

Serbia v Czech Republic

http://www.daviscup.com/ties/tie.asp?tie=100014709

Can Serbia reach their 1st ever final or will the Czechs repeat their run of last year?

Rafa @ Niketown

Sorry it is only a link, i cannot get the video in embed :(  The video actually only starts at 01.21.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9573051

Times Square Photos

Photos from the match

Full List

Press Conference

Here is a link to the PC with transcription

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2010-09-13/201009141284439013666.html

He Did It!!!

Final Game



Trophy Ceremony

US Open Final

The final shall be played today (weather permitting) at 4pm US time (9pm UK)

Let's hope the weather stays dry and we get the match completed.

The Final Has Been Postponed

Due to the ongoing bad weather play has been postponed until tomorrow

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2010-09-11/201009111284215130089.html?promo=twitter

Rafa's SF press Conference

Original Link

US Open Final Preview

Not the final that the media and allegedly tennis fans wanted but it is the final I wanted. My 2 favourite players both going for their first US Open title.

Let’s compare the 2 players:

(Not including today’s match)
Rafael Nadal – 10 Grand Slam Finals, 8 Titles

Novak Djokovic - 2 Grand Slam Finals, 1 Title
Rafael Nadal – 33 other career Titles including 18 Masters

Novak Djokovic – 16 other career Titles including 5 Masters

H2H

Currently 14-7 to Rafael but the last 3 meetings, World Tour Finals; Paris Masters & Cincinnati in 2009 were all won by Novak, all straight sets and rather comfortable wins. They have met 3 times previously in Grand Slams with Rafael the winner in all. Funny enough only 1 match has actually been completed, the 2007 Semi Final @ Roland Garros. The other 2 matches, Semi Final @ Roland Garros in 2006 & Semi Final @ Wimbledon in 2007 have each ended with Novak retiring injured.

Recent Form

Both players form coming into the US Open is very similar. Both played decent tennis to reach the Semi Finals @ Toronto and both struggled slightly in Cincinnati and lost in the Quarter Finals against players most expected them to beat.

US Open Form

Novak has had the harder route to the final, having to overcome a very tough 5 set match in the heat against fellow Serbian Viktor Troicki in Round 1. It was then straight set wins against Petzscher, Blake, in form Mardy Fish & showman Monfils until the Semi Final v Roger Federer. A massive match, a fantastic match and an incredible 5th set with some “lights-out” tennis. Saved 2 Match Points and was almost in shock when Roger hit long for him to reach his 2nd US Open Final.

The form of Rafael Nadal has been equally impression mainly due to the improved serve. Whilst I don’t think the speed has been as fast in the recent matches the fact that he has lost just 2, yes 2 games on serve is where the change is paying off. Unlike Novak Rafael has got here with no great difficulty. Gabashvili, Istomin, Simon, Lopez, Verdasco & Youzhny have all been dismissed in straight sets.
So put all that together and what do we have. We have 2 young guys who have been playing, for me personally, their best HC tennis. For me this is the best I have seen from Novak since his Slam win in Australia 2008 and from Rafa this is the best EVER! Will the fact that he played 2nd and had a massive match with Roger prove too much for Novak? I really hope not, I hope he can take all the adrenaline from the match and use it to push himself today. For Rafael this is his day of destiny. Wrote off by many after the torment of 2009 he has come back and swept all before him, 3 Masters & 2 Slams have been added to the collection since April and today he can join 6 other players who have won all 4 Grand Slam titles. Will this weigh on his mind, I don’t think so. Rafa is a very focused player, he plays 1 point at a time and he will be thinking about winning that, not the title, until the very last shot.

What Do I Think?

Oh God, how can I decide. I am rather torn on this. I so want Rafa to win, I just want the title in the bag then other people can shut up about him not being able to play on HC blah blah blah. Whilst the career slam may not be important to him I think deep down it is and if he can get that out of the way today he will then be able to get on with playing the tennis, 1 less question for the media to bug him with! For Novak a victory will take him out of that “1 Slam Wonder” category and prove a few people wrong who have said that the Australian Open win in 2008 was a “one-off” and that he doesn’t have the stamina/fitness or ability to be a multi-slam winner.

Who will win?

Can’t they share? Seriously I have to go with my man Rafa in 4 tight sets unless Novak has no energy left then it could be straight sets but I think if Novak wins the 1st set he could sneak it. In other words I have no idea!
Whatever happens we will have a new US Open champion.

Good luck boys!
xx

And He Will Play Novak

Wow, just Wow at that match between Roger & Novak.

I thought after the first set that it would be all over for Novak as he came so close to winning it. But no, back he came to give Roger a breadstick! 3rd set was tight and again i thought Novak was down and out. Once again he proved me wrong and served like a demon to get the breaks and the set 6-2. Some fantastic tennis played in the 5th, in fact the whole match but when Roger got the 2 MP that was it. Who beats Roger @ the US Open, only Delpo in recent years, but wait, Nole ain't finished yet!!! Not only can Roger not take the MP's but Nole then breaks him in the next game and comes out and serves for the match. His nerve holds and finally Novak beats Roger at the US Open.

Brilliant match!

He Has Done It!!

GET IN!!!!!

6-2, 6-3, 6-4

Sorry for the lack of posts but i wanted to concentrate on the match.

Slightly disappointed with Mikhail as he didn't play his best match but i guess nerves and just awesome play from Rafa was too much for him today.

And onto the next match, do i want Nole or Roger in the final?

Nole - I like this guy and if it is not to be Rafa than i want Nole. I think Nole could give Rafa a tougher match than Roger.

Roger - This guy already has 16, share them out Rog, lol. Only kidding. He has been in great form of late and will be tough. If it is to be Roger in the final and Rafa wins he will then have beaten Roger at ever slam. As a friend called it not only will Rafa have the Career Slam he will have the GOAT slam too.

Whoever it is it will be a good match, but first we need to play this match now.

I will be back later to give a round-up.

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Nick Bollettieri preview of SF

Original Source

Semi Final Preview: Nadal v Youzhny

As most people expected Rafael Nadal has made it to the semi final stage of the 2010 US Open. On the other side of the net will be, not Andy Murray but first-time Grand Slam semi finalist Mikhail Youzhny of Russia.
Let’s concentrate on the new guy. Currently ranked 14 in the world but soon to move inside the Top 10 for only the 2nd time in his career (reached #8 in January 08) Mikhail has had a up and down 2010. Reached 3 finals at the start of the year, Rotterdam (l. Soderling), Dubai (l. Djokovic) and Munich (d. Cilic) but has been on a recent run that saw him fail to progress beyond the R32 at both recent ATP Masters 1000 events.

So what of Mikhail at the US Open.

Well he has not had an easy ride here too. 5 matches played and only 1 won in straight sets (Rd 1 v Golubev) All other matches have been 4 sets with the exception of the great match in the QF v Stanislas Wawrinka. So can he hurt Rafa, can he be the 2nd man this year to reach his maiden Slam final? Looking at the match stats from his QF match he will need to improve 2 things to have a chance. Firstly the % of points won on his 1st serve will need to be higher than 68%. He will also need to up the break point conversion percentage from 47%. Rafa will get balls back into play and is giving barely anything away on his serve so break points will be minimal & must be taken to have any chance of getting a set off Rafa never mind 3.

So what of Rafael Nadal. Can he reach his first US Open final? A brief look at 2010 tells us that after a shaky start Rafael has pretty much swept all before him. 1 loss occurred between April-July (Queens Club l. Lopez) and whilst some will see the campaigns of Toronto (l. Murray) & Cincinnati (l. Baghdatis) a failure the decision to not push his serve have proved extremely rewarding.

So what of Rafa at the US Open.

First up WOW with the serve! Fastest so far is 135mph (217kph) v Lopez. Up to the 2nd service game v Verdasco Rafa had not lost his serve and after this slight blip never faced another break point for the rest of the match. Comparing the same stats as Youzhny Rafa won 84% of his 1st service points and converted 44% of break chances. Whilst the break point conversion is just lower than Mikhail I feel that his superior serving and ability to get balls into play from all over the court will put the pressure even more on Mikhail and prove successful.

All that being said what do I think the score will be?

I can’t see Rafa losing this match, I just can’t. I can maybe see Mikhail gaining a break but I see Rafa gaining more. I would not be surprised to see a tiebreak but I also expect to see a slightly one-sided set.

I cannot seem to make up my mind regarding the score line but if Mikhail wins the 1st set I predict a Rafa victory in 4 as he has the “big match” experience & an extra gear to slip into. If Rafa wins the 1st set I see nothing other than another 3 set victory with the 3rd set having 2+ breaks of the Youzhny serve.

Let’s hope we have a cracking match.

Sorry :(

Sorry for no post during Rafa v Nando.  I had a power nap between matches and i was so comfy on the sofa that i just rolled over and watched the match curled up so i had nowhere for the laptop.

All i can say about the match is that i didn't expect Nando to win more than 12 games and that is how many he won, 12.  7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to Rafa.  Youznhy in the semi final so i fully expect Rafa to be to there on Sunday contesting the US Open 2010 final.

GO RAFA!!!!!

Stan v Misha

Here we are with the 3rd QF of 2010, Stanislas Wawrinka v Mikhail Youzhny.

The match has started with a break a piece.  Who do i want to win.......... It would be great for either player but as i have gone for Stan in the Suicide game on MTL i have to go with him.

The next break goes to Stan!!!  He is now going to serve for the 1st set, go Stan!  Not bad play from Mikhail in this game, had chances to break back but was just unable to take.  A BH into the nest from Mikhail and the set is Stan's 6-3.  2 more Stan, woohoo!

2nd Set

Initially 2 BP to Mikhail in game 2 but both are hit long.  He then got a 3rd after a unsuccessful challenge from Stan and he takes it.  He leads 2-0.

My God it is hard keeping track of all the breaks in the this match.  Stan got the break back then got one himself.  Decided that like Mikhail he didn't want it so gave it back.  Now on serve at 4-3.  Looking very windy out there too.

Well whoever broke got broke back as we are into a TB for the 2nd set.

And at the 4th time of asking Mikhail has levelled the match at 1 set all.  I have a feeling i will be dozing on the sofa tonight if this goes the distance.

Slight deviation from the tennis - WHAT THE FUCK HAVE GOOGLE DONE TO THEIR SEARCH ENGINE!!

The autocomplete cannot be turned off, HORRIBLE!!!!  Bye bye Google!!

Rant over

Keep going Stan, a break up for 4-1.  Keep the pressure on!

EDIT

Get in Stan!!! 6-3.  Now come on and get the 4th set and the match!!!

WTF you doing Stan????  Down a break for 4-2 Mikhail.  I don't want a 5th set, i would like to get a little sleep even if it is only an hour before Rafa!!!

But a 5th set it is and Stan is already down a break, 2-1 to Mikhail.  FFS Stan you have been sooo good, don't throw it away now!  Come on!!!

My God, how many more twists are we going to have???  Trainer on for Mikhail and his horrible manky toe.  Stan down a break AGAIN!!!!

EDIT

Stan serving to stay in the match and he is 0-30 :(
A few wild shots from both players recently and that one is out from Mikhail 15-30
Long and it is 2 MP's to Mikhail :(
Into the net and Mikhail is the winner.

The wind

Last night during the Nole v Gael match the wind was pretty strong.  On a tennis forum (http://www.mytennislounge.com/) a few people were discussing the affect on the players.

One guy was getting pretty steamed that the weather was ruining the match for both players but a few others were disagreeing with him.

So the question is should play be stopped when it is "too windy" just like play is stopped when it rains?

For me if a player can serve, get the ball over the net and into play then the match should not be halted.  Being able to adapt to different conditions is part of being a tennis players.  It is no different from changing your game plan when you face a certain player.

Looking at the Nole v Gael match (i did not watch Roger v Robin) it was clear that Nole handled the conditions much better than Gael.  The poster's point last night was that it ceased to be a fair contest and became a "lottery"

What is the answer?

Articles

Here are a few articles worth having a look at.

http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2010/09/08/nadals-new-weapon-unbreakable-serve/

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/09/08/2209519/a-sharp-mind-is-beneficial-to.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-08/atp-may-shorten-men-s-tennis-season-to-give-players-more-time-to-rest.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-1310263/US-OPEN-2010-Rafael-Nadal-warns-rivals-isnt-best.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Novak Djokovic v Gael Monfils

First QF of the Men's Singles.  Ajde Nole!!!

LOL, what a first point!

First BP of the match goes to Gael and he gets it as Nole nets, 2-1.  I have a feeling this is going to be a good match.  I remember their last meeting in Paris in November, that was a cool match too.

At the 4th time of asking Nole gets the break back when Gael hits out.  4-4, 1st set.

EDIT

1st set to Nole on the TB.  Some nice play from Novak in that set, especially at the net!

Crazy rant from Novak, screaming at this parents in Serbian , lol.  Whatever he said worked as he has a break.  A little word in his ear from Carlos Ramos and a smile from Novak.  Gael better not let this match get away from him.

But he is :(  Novak is continuing to scream at himself and look downbeat but he is another break up, leading a set and 3-0.  Gael needs to try and get a break back now other wise i think that might be it for him!

Not looking good, Nole took the 2nd set 6-1.  The conditions are windy but it is the same for both players.

EDIT

This is a gonna for Gael.  Down 4-2 (1break) and not handling the conditions well.  I think Novak will be very happy with a straight set victory, this had the potential to be a difficult match for Novak.

EDIT

And we have out first semi finalist and that is Novak Djokovic!!  Another break gives Nole a straight set win.

I am off to bed now as the OOP for tomorrow is out and as expected Rafa is the night match.

Night all!

Rafa Nadal v Feli Lopez

Morning everyone (yawn)

Finally, the players are on court and it is a great start for Rafa has he gets a break at the first time of asking.  Rafa looks to be carrying off from where he left!  Nice and easy Rafa, let me get some more sleep before work!

EDIT

What are you doing Rafa???  0-40, get a move on!!!

Finally wins the game after saving 4, yes 4 break back points.  Stop it Rafa, just stop it right now!!!

Well no more breaks but he holds his serve and takes the 1st set 6-3.  2 more like that please Rafa but slightly quicker.  I know he is a fellow countryman but no mercy Rafa, crush him!!!!

EDIT

Routine 2nd set so far.  No breaks, can't remember any break points either.  No, Rafa has just got one, take it!!
didn;t take that one but got the next, woohoo!!!  3-2 Rafa.

Rafa had a chance to get another break and the set but missed.  He is coming out now to serve for the 2nd set, no messing Rafa!!!!

And no messing it is, gets it with an ace!!

0-40 to Rafa but Lopez gets it back to 40-40 and holds for the game.  COME ON RAFA!!!!!

EDIT

Not much happening. Rafa not getting any break chances and in his last service game Lopez decided to wake up. I think this is going to a TB.

I am now curled up on the sofa so I may fall asleep, lol!!

GOT IT!!!!!

Now serve this out Rafa.

And he does!!!! Quarter final against Verdasco here we come!

Get in!

Day 9 @ US Open 07-09-10

Hello again.  Here we go with Day 9.  OOP - http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/p_schedule15.pdf

Not sure if i will make the all Spanish affair of Ferrer & Verdasco as i am going to bed early to get up in time for Rafa's match, which will be around 2am UK time.

Currently watching The Colonel v Robredo.  First set to Youzhny 7-5 and 1-1 in the 2nd.

EDIT

2 bad service games from Tommy and Mikhail has a double break for 4-1.  tommy needs to get it toghter quick otherwise this match will be over soon.

6-2 and Mikhail is 2 sets to the good.

EDIT

More fight from Tommy in the 3rd set but i think it is too late.  Youzhny is playing very good and has some to spare too.  Currently 3-3 and i smell a break soon.

And the break has come but not to Mikhail but to Tommy.  Poor from Mikhail and the break point was also a set point.  Wild from Mikhail sent the ball out and it is 2-1 sets to Mikhail.  DO NOT IMPLODE NOW MIKHAIL!!!!!!

EDIT

Sky have now moved over the Big Sam v Stan and as i am upstairs on the Skyplayer i have to watch this match.  I have the scoreboard open to keep an eye on Mikhail v Tommy and will move downstairs if that goes to a 5th (better bloody not do!)

2-2 so far on Ashe.  Can Stan continue his good form?  I think he has a chance here, as long as the thigh strain does not cause too many problems.

Mikhail about to serve for the match.

Sam v Stan are into a TB

EDIT

Youzhny is through in 4 sets - 7-5, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4

Finally, Stan takes the TB 11-9.  He finally took the set at the 5th time of asking, Sam also had a SP.

EDIT

Hate Sky!!!  They moved to the "interactive Red button" as the football & cricket is on, can i find the tennis, can i fuck!!!!!!  Having to watch it on a dodgy stream on fromsport!  Stan has just got a break to lead 5-4 and will now serve for a 2 set lead.

4 SP's later and Sam breaks back, FFS Stan!!

Right i am leaving it there, 5-5, 2nd set.  I am going to bed and will set my alarm for 01.30.  I will wake up and check the WTA match on my phone then either rollover and have a bit more kip or get up and watch Rafa kick Felicity's ass :)!!

Catch you all later :)

My First Post on Rafaholics.com

http://www.rafaholics.com/2010/09/versatility-pace-defense-and-serve.html

My first article, yeahhhhhhhhhh

:)

Day 8 @ The US Open 06-09-10 - Part 2

And we are off with the 3rd match of the day, Soderling v Montanes. 

Robin serving first and no problems as he holds to love.

EDIT

First blood to Berty, crap from Robin and he is broken to love.  Berty leads 3-2.  Come on Robin, get it going!!

No more breaks and Berty serves out the 1st set to love to take it 6-4.  WAKE UP Robin!!!!!!

Can't watch anymore as I need sleep. Rafa is the last match tomorrow that will be another day where my body clock is screwed up so I need my bed now.

Current score is 1-0 Sod with Berty serving.

Good luck to Roger later.

Night all

Day 8 @ The US Open 06-09-10

Morning, afternoon, evening :)

I am concentrating on Novak today as i have yet to watch any of his matches.  I shall also be keeping an eye on Gasquet v Monfils, that is into the 3rd set.  Still to come is Soderling v Montanes then the night match of Melzer v Roger.

EDIT

Gael is through, woohoo!!!!  Straight set win after saving SP in both the 2nd and 3rd sets.

Nole had an immediate break but Fish has got it back, 2-1

A another break to Nole in the next game gave him 3-1.  No more breaks and Nole served out the 1st set 6-3.

EDIT

1 break of serve in the 5th game was enough for Nole to take the 2nd set 6-4.  Mardy did have 3 chances to get it straight back but was unable to take.

A early break in the 3rd set has Nole 3-1 and crusing into the QF v Monfils.  And he is through, 6-1 in the 3rd set.

Final Round-up From Day 7

WOW - Murray is OUT!!

Sorry for wandering off but i went to bed with the laptop to watch the end of the Andy v Stan match and it is hard to post at the same time.

It was a very funny match from what i saw but i had been following a match thread on http://www.mytennislounge.com/ so had an idea of what was going on.  MTO from both players, Stan having 2 and i believe they were all for cramp.  Both players were a bit all over the place but Andy let his head go and Stan came through in 4 sets 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 and to think that Andy served for a 2 set lead!

In the other match i was following whilst watching Rafa Robredo is through after Llodra retired with what i thought correct, dizzy spells.  Very sad way for his campaign to end.  Most people had him going home in the 1st round after he drew Berdych but he has done fantastic to make it this far and it's sad it ended how it did :(

Big Sam didn't have many problems v Almagro and made it through in 3 sets

The same cannot be said for Isner, he is out!  Beaten in the night session match by Youzhny in 4 sets.  Mikhail coming through 6-4, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4.

So the 4th round match-ups are complete

Nadal v Lopez
Ferrer v Verdasco
Wawrinka v Querrey
Youzhny v Robredo
Gasquet v Monfils
Fish v Djokovic
Soderling v Montanes
Melzer v Federer

Rafa Nadal v Gilles Simon Part 2

I didn't expect a break this soon into the set but Rafa has it, 2-1, Go Rafa!!!

Stayed on serve and Rafa has just took it 6-4.  2 more sets Rafa.  You need to up your play a bit, the serve not as good today.

Time violation from Rafa in game 4.  To be fair it has been coming a while.  I do wish Rafa would speed up his play, he can take the piss on some occasions and all it does is give his haters another stick to beat him with.

A sloppy game from Simon gave Rafa the break for 4-3. Rafa backed this up with a hold to love. No more breaks and Rafa has the 2nd set 6-4

I think Gillou is already on the plane back to France, 2 breaks to Rafa, 2 pretty easy breaks and it is 3-0 Rafa

EDIT

Rafa wins!!!!!  Non-event in the final set from Simon apart from a BP in the final game and a comfortable win for Rafa, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.  The serve was not as good as in previous matches but i don't expect him to be able to hit the serve @ 130+ consistantly just yet.  I guess that shot is still a work in progress.

Overall a good win, straight sets again, 2 hours on court and a bunny in the next 2 rounds.  Looking very very good for a semi final slot!

Day 7 @ The US Open - 05-09-10 Part 2

Nearly Rafatime!!!!

Lopez v Stakovsky is currently on Grandstand.  Still in the early stages at 1-1.

Not far from its conclusion is Querrey v Almagro with Sam looking the winner.  It looks like Almagro is having a bit of bother with some people in the crowd.  2-3 times now i have seen him giving a hard stare in the direction of the same section of the crowd.  I know Sam is an American but that really pisses me off when the crowd do not show respect to the other player.

EDIT

Murray v Wawrinka has just started on Armstrong

Lopez is in control of his match.  Got the 1st set 6-3 and is 3-0 up in the 2nd set.  Winner of this match plays Rafa/Simon.

And that will be Lopez who plays the winner as Stakhovsky has retired whilst down 4-0 :(

EDIT

Not sure what Andy is doing but he is a break DOWN against Stan, 5-2!!

Seems to have found his head and it is back on serve at 4-5 Stan.

Andy seems to not only have found his head but is using it.  The set went to a TB and Andy won it 7-3.

EDIT

Robredo v Llodra has just started on Grandstand

Michael is 5-2 up in the 1st set, go Michael!!!

Andy & Stan are back on serve in the 2nd - 2-3 with Stan serving.

EDIT

Ok i now have my attention turned to Llodra v Robredo.  Tommy seems to be fghting back a bit here.  Down a set but 4-1 up.

Still on serve in the other match, 5-4

EDIT

TB time again on Armstrong and MTO on Grandstand for Llodra.  Not sure what the problem is.  I thought vision/dizzy spell but no medication has been given and when the trainer came back at the next change of ends he got Michael to lie down (missed what else happened as the tv went to a break)

Ok the 2nd set on GS has gone to Robredo after a TB, now 1 set all.
2nd set on LA went to Stan after and TB.  A swap of breaks right at the start of the 3rd gives us 1-1 with Stan serving.

Day 7 @ The US Open - 05-09-10

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/schedule13.html

Fantastic day of tennis coming up and i can't wait.

Nalbandian v Verdasco will hopefully be a cracker, goodluck David, do it!!!

EDIT

Not great serving from David so far.  Faced numerous BP's and finally, in the 5th game Nando has taken his chance and leads 3-2.  Fight David, come on!

In the other match Ferrer had a SP against Gimeno-Traver but was unable to take.  That set is now into a TB and DGT has got a mini-break with the 1st point.

Oh David :( Lost the 1st set 6-2.  not looking good at all.  Not serving anywhere near good enough even against someone like Verdasco. 

Ferrer won the TB out on Court 11

EDIT

Somehow David is keeping in this set.  He got an early break to go 2-0 but was soon pegged back to 2-2.  Currently 4-4 but David's serve is still looking shit :(

On court 11 Ferrer is in control having taken the 2nd set 6-2.

Venus is on court so hurry up love, Rafa is waiting!

GAME ON!!!!  David took the 2nd set 6-3, DO IT DAVID!!

Ferrer is a winner in his match, 7-6, 6-1, 6-2

Big Sam v Almagro is on LA with Sam up a break already for 4-1.

EDIT - Big Sam has taken the 1st set 6-3

EDIT

David :( :( He has lost.

Big Sam 2 sets up on Almagro now

Rafa Nadal v Gilles Simon

Want to post this before the match - Taken from the Canandian Press

PROUD PAPA: Rafael Nadal's third-round opponent at the U.S. Open, Gilles Simon of France, got his wish: an afternoon match Sunday, rather than a night match.


Simon had a son born Thursday back home in Europe, and he's eager to go see the baby. After winning in the second round, Simon said he hoped he would face Nadal during the day, so that if he loses, he can make it to the airport in time to catch a flight. Playing at night wouldn't have allowed that.

When Simon's concern was relayed to Nadal, the U.S. Open's top-seeded man said: "Really? If he wants, I'll buy him the tickets."

Simon and Nadal — whose first two victories in the tournament both came under the lights at the end of the day — were scheduled for the third match in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, when play starts at 11 a.m.

Congratulations to Gillou and what a lovely man Rafa is!

EDIT

Just found this - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/sports/tennis/05simon.html

The baby, Timothée, is 4 weeks early, i hope everything is ok.  Love to Gillou, Carine & Timothée xxx

Bad me

Oops sorry everyone. I set my alarm for midnight to watch Novak but I was having such a lovely sleep that I rolled over and went back to sleep lol!!
I will go have a look at the news to find some reports.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68402F20100905

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/sports/tennis/05night.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Day 6 @ The US Open - 04-09-10 Part 2

I am being very naughty today and not really concentrating on the tennis :(

I have sat down again and i am watching Gael v Janko, again.  Now into a 3rd set and it is 1 all.  Both sets have been won on the TB.  Also in progress now is Richard Gasquet v Kevin Anderson on Court 11.  The score in that match is 4-2 to Gasquet.

Maria has just started her match on Ashe then it will be Roger time.

EDIT

Richard has taken the 1st set v Anderson, 6-4 and Geal is to serve for a 2 sets to 1 lead over Tipsy.

Trying to think of a subject to have a rant about.  Not had a rant yet!

EDIT

Breaks all over the place in the Gael v Janko match.  Janko got the first but loses it straight back to Gael.  Janko is having another MTO, this time for his right foot.  Having some spray put on it and tape.

In the other match Richard was up a break but managed to lose it and is still on serve with the score 5-5

Gael is through in 4 sets - 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4
Gasquet took the 2nd set on the TB for a 2-0 lead
Fish v Clement has just started

EDIT

Gasquet is through in straight sets v Anderson.  6-4, 7-6, 7-5
Fish is down a set v Clement
Roger has taken the 1st set 6-4 v Paul-Henri Mathieu

EDIT

Roger nearly home and dry, 5-2 in the 3rd set
Clement v Fish is into the 3rd with Mardy having just got a break for 2-1
No other men's match in progress but we still have Melzer v Ferrero to come on GS and then the night session match on Ashe, Djokovic v Blake (which i shall do my best to stay awake for)

And in order to do that i am off to bed for a few hours sleep.

Bye

p.s Roger won!

Day 6 @ The US Open - 04-09-10

Here we go again!  Another full day of tennis http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/schedule12.html
with 8 Men's Singles matches scheduled for today.

I am currently watch Robin Soderling v Thiemo de Bakker.  Robin is up a break 3-1.  I shall also be keeping an eye on the other matches in play at the moment, Gael Monfils v Janko Tipsarevic & Albert Montanes v Kei Nishikori.  I shall keep you up to date :)

Super quick from Robin, wins the first set in 27 minutes - 6,2

Kei is down 2 breaks with Berty serving @ 4-1

Gael V Janko is on serve @ 3-4

Gone to a TB after 2 consecutive breaks got us to 6-6.  Gael had a mini break but now back on serve 4-3.

EDIT - Gael takes the set 7-6(4)

Berty is through as Kei has retired :( :( :( :(

Robin is cruising @ a set and 5-3 and serving for the 2nd.

Oops, sorry i have not been concentrating on the tennis.  I am looking at a new blog i have been given access to

http://www.rafaholics.com/

It is a fantastic website run by the lovely Sofie.  I highly recommend that you take a look for all the latest Rafa news.  I shall be sharing any news/pics i find of Rafa with this website along with the thread i run on the BBC 606 webiste in the UK.

EDIT

MTO for Tipsy :(  - right upper thigh.  He went off court for treatment so i presume he had to drop his pants, lol.

Robin is through in 3 sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-3.  Looking good today and could give Roger a good match if they meet in the QF.

Gasquet v Anderson is about to get underway on Court 11 so i will keep you posted with that.

Rafael Nadal v Denis Istomin

What good timing.  I have just finished my match round up and Rafa gets the 1st break of the match for a 3-2 lead.  Not a bad player is young Denis.  Of course there was the recent meeting with Rafa at Queens where he pushed Rafa only to lose 7-6, 4-6, 6-4.  Match report -  http://www.lta.org.uk/Watch/AEGON-British-Tennis-Series/AEGON-Championships/News/2010/Nadal-battles-past-Istomin/  Add in Denis' recent form in New Haven where he reached his first ATP tour final i am hoping for a good competative match and a good workout for Rafa.  And so far so good for Rafa, he has the break and he has backed that up with a hold to love.  That serve is working a treat again so far tonight :)

Easy so far for Rafa.  2 breaks of serve and he has the 1st set 6-2 after 34 minutes.  Some nice stats from that set too.  His 1st serve % is 76%, won all points on his 2nd serve (4) and hit another serve at 133MPH.

2ND SET

On serve so far but a sloppy service game from Rafa, the first i think of the whole tourny gives 2 BP to Isomin.  Lovely CC FH winner saves the first a shot wide the other.  Come on Rafa, no lapses please!!!!  Another shot hit out by Denis and Rafa has a game point but nets!  Finally takes his chance and holds for 3-3.  No messing now Rafa, come on!!!

BP to Rafa @ 5-5 but a lovely DTL from Denis wins the point.

TB time

Oops, not a great start from Rafa and he is down 2 breaks 1-4.  Another break with probably the best point of Denis' career, he out Nadalled, Nadal!  Beautiful defense with some fantastic shots.

Follows up with 2 bad one and we are back on serve.  A lucky netcord then a 134mph serve and Rafa has set point #1 on Denis' serve.  Long from Denis and Rafa takes the set.  Harsh on Denis but that is the reality of top tennis.  You get such few chances that when they do arise you have to take them otherwise you get punished.

3RD SET

1-1 0-40, wake up Rafa!!!!! Saves them all but then hits wide for another chance for Denis.  He goes long (after a challenge) and we are at Deuce again.  Gets the game finally.  Get into this set Rafa!

Chance here now Rafa 15-30 @ 4-3, come on so i can go back to bed!  Typical i press Publish and Denis wins the point!!

Back to deuce but way long from Rafa (WTF with the challenge) and a beauty of a passing winner gets Denis pumping again, 4-4.

EDIT

Lets get the break & the match now Rafa

0-15 to Rafa
15 all
Ace makes it 30-15
Long from Rafa and it is 40-15
Missed it but 40-30
Long from Rafa and it is 5-5

Rafa gets at least a TB

Well wide for 0-15 Rafa
Out 15 all
CC winner from Denis 30-15 - heading to a TB me thinks
Unlucky shot into the net from Denis 30 all
Awful shot and it is MP Rafa
Into the net for the win!!!!!

WOOHOO - back to bed now.  Well done Rafa and Denis.  If he had taken that 2nd set who knows what could of happened.  Most likely would of not won the match but would of been interesting to see how Rafa would of reacted.

Day 5 @ The US Open 03-09-10 Part 4

Morning everyone.  2am here in the UK and i am waiting for the warm-up to finish in the Rafa match.  In the meantime he is a a round-up of the rest of the Day 5 action.

Murray handed out a bagel in the 3rd to Dustin for a straight set win.  Next up in Round 3 is Stan Wawrinka as he beat Chela 7-5, 6-3 6-4.

Isner was the winner in the match on Armstrong in 4 against Chiudinelli 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 6-4.  He will now play Mikhail Youzhny after he fought through his match in 4 against Dudi Sela.  He won the match 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

No problems for Big Sam as he beats Granollers in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.  He will play the winner between Almagro & Garcia-Lopez.  This match is still in progress with Nicolas 2 sets to the good.

Nalbandian has set up a 3rd round match against Verdasco after overcoming Florent Serra in the straight sets 7-5, 6-4, 6-2.  Verdasco got through his match in quick style dropping only 5 games for a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win.

Lopez was the winner in the 5 set match against Frenchman Benoit Paire, 6-4, 6-7, 5-7, 7-6, 6-2 and will now meet Stakovsky who also came thtough a 5 set win v Ryan Harrison earlier.

David Ferrer v Gimeno-Traver is the final 3rd round match up after David won in straights v Becker, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 & Gimeno-Traver beat Chardy, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0, 7-6.

And finally Gillou has just come through against Kohlschreiber 4-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-1, 6-3.  WOOHOO.  The reward, a match against the winner of the current match, Istomin v Nadal.

Day 5 @ The US Open 03-09-10 Part 3

Isner takes the 3rd set on the TB
Sela takes the 3rd set v Youzhny to make it 2-1
Chardy seems to have wandered off Court 7 as he is 5-0 down in the 3rd set
Also going against it is Lopez, he has just lost the 3rd set 7-5 to Paire so 2-1 down now
Murray was crusing 5-0 in the 2nd set but is having a little brainfart as it is now 5-3
And on Grandstand we have a final set TB

EDIT

Oops, forgot Ferrer, he is 2 sets up now
Verdasco has just started his match too

EDIT

The 5 set club has a new member - Sergiy Stakovsky - he is though 6-3, 5-7, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6

FINAL EDIT

Ok here is where the matches are at as i need to get some sleep before Rafa's match around 02.00 UK time

Andy Murray has located his brain and is now 4-0 in the 3rd set and home and dry
Isner v Chiudinelli is on serve in the 4th with John 2-1 up in sets
Youzhny v Sela is into the 4th and on serve, Youzhny 2-1 up in sets
Chela v Stan is early days @ 2-2
Gimeno-Traver v Chardy is in the 4th set, David taking the 3rd with a bagel.  On serve so far
Lopez is in trouble, 2-1 down in sets and a break in the 4th
Verdasco is up 4-1 in the 1st set v Mannarino
Ferrer is 2 sets up against Becker with the 3rd going with serve

I shall be back later to catch up on these matches and watch Rafa.

Bye for now!

Day 5 @ The US Open 03-09-10 Part 2

Just home from work and catching up with what has been happening so far today.

I see Llodra has backed up his fantastic result against Berdych with a straight sets win over Victor Hanescu.  Next up for Michael will be Tommy Robredo who today beat Benneteau via retirement whilst playing the 2nd set TB.  Hope Julien is ok!

I do think that Michael has a great chance to make it to the 4th round and maybe even the QF.  Who thought that when he drew Tomas in Round 1?

Matches currently on court are

Isner v Chiudinelli which is currently 1 set a piece, both sets were 6-3
Ryan Harrison is currently up 2-1 against Stakhovsky with it on serve in the 4th.  Can Ryan cause another shock?
Youzhny handed a bagel to Sela in the first set
Lopez is a set and a break in his match againd Paire
Ferrer v Becker is in the early stages and on serve

OH SHIT, little rain and play is halted on Grandstand.  Players are still on court but under the umbrellas.

EDIT

Play has resumed, woohoo

After another rain delay, this time with the players leaving the court we are back underway.

Murray has just taken the 1st set 7-5 :(  No offense Murray fans but Dusty was playing some great stuff in that set, deserved a TB.

Other updates:  Harrison v Stakhovsky is into a 5th set and currently 3-3
Isner v Chiudinelli is on serve in the 3rd 5-6
Youzhny is 2 sets up but down a break @ 4-2
Chardy v Gimeno-Traver is in the 2nd set.  Chardy took the first 6-4 but is down 5-2 in the 2nd set
Lopez 2 sets up but on serve @ 4-3 in the 3rd
Ferrer v Becker is 6-3, 4-2 to David

Day 5 @ The US Open 03-09-10

OOP - http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/schedule11.html

Day 4 @ The US Open 02-09-10 Part 2

Ok onto the next set of matches, though this may prove to be a little difficult due to the fact that the Slamtracker is still NOT WORKING!!!!!

Currently using http://www.tennis.com/livescores/index.aspx to keep track of everything whilst watching Soderling v Dent on TV.  Robin is currently a set and a break up, 3-1 and doesn't look like having the same problems he had on Tuesday.

Paul-Henri Mathieu is 2 sets and a break up on Rufin whilst de Bakker has taken the 2nd set v Dodig to square the match at a set all.

EDIT

Robin has taken the 2nd set 6-2
PHM is about to serve for his match v Rufin
Melzer v Berankis is into a 2nd set TB, Melzer took the 1st 6-4

Tracker now working.

Berankis has levelled at 1 set each v Melzer
Robin is up a break @ 2-1 in the 3rd v Taylor
de Bakker up a break v Dodig, 5-2 @ 1 set each

EDIT

Robin is through against Dent, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4
de Bakker took the 2nd set
Melzer at set point in the 3rd for a 2-1 lead

I am off to bed now, night night

Day 4 @ The US Open 02-09-10

Here we are again at the US Open.  Currently watching Gasquet v Davydenko with an eye on Nishikori v Cilic.  that match is into a 3rd set (1 set all) though Kei had a chance to take the 1st set but didn't manage it :(

I interupt my dinner to say that Richard has taken the 1st set 6-3 and Cilic has taken the 3rd set also 6-3.

Roger is on court now as is Rufin & Mathieu, trying to follow 4 matches!

I cannot see Roger being on court long, already 3-0 and barely having to break sweat.

EDIT

Schwank has retired v Clement :(
Beck has won a game v Roger :)
Then breaks him to love, lol, lol - come on Roger, no slacking!
Richard is 2 sets up now, just taken the 2nd 6-4.  Come on Davy, fight!!!!!!!!!
de Bakker v Dodig has started and is on serve

EDIT

Go Kei!!!!  Takes the 4th on the TB.
Richard is 2 games away from a straights sets win over Davydenko :-O
Make that 1 game away from the match

Frozen scoreboard!!!!

WOW, Gasquet wins 6-3, 6-4, 6-2!
Kei is up a break in the 5th!!!! Go Kei
Roger still cruising @ 6-3, 5-4 and about to serve for the 2nd set.

I am off for a shower now.  Be back for the Soderling match.  Could that be the 2nd shock result of the day?

Back from the shower and my Sky signal has decided to drop out of the Kei match on MATCH POINT!!!!  I presume he has won as the scoreboard is still frozen.  GET IT SORTED!!!!!

Roger wins in 3 sets

Update from Day 3 @ US Open

Another big seed has gone, Andy Roddick is OUT!!!!

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/match_reports/2010-09-02/201009021283403846547.html

Beaten 6-3, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 by Janko Tipsarevic.  So the draw has opened up nicely for Novak & Andy after the 2 shock results (Berdych out too)  You could also say that maybe Rafa's too as Lubby is out as the potential 4th round opponent for him.

Isner, Youzhny, Simon, Monfils, Wawrinka & Sela all made it through in straight sets.  Kohli needed 4 to get passed fellow countryman Kamke.

What will today bring?  Any upsets?  Here is the full OOP again:

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/index.html?promo=PhotoInNav

Davydenko v Gasquet is the match of the day.  Maybe Richard will nick a set off Davy but i cannot see another other than Davy in 3 or 4.

Soderling v Dent maybe one to watch.  Taylor was not bad in his 1st round match whilst Robin was all over the place.  The crowd will not be with Robin today and as the draw has opened up he knows if he can get deep in this tournament and passed Fed he has a chance.

Other matches to look for are the all French affair on Court 4 between old guard and occasionally bad tempered Paul-Henri Mathieu v young gun Guillaume Rufin & Kei Nishikori v Marin Cilic who has been in poor form recently, maybe another seed ready to fall?

Anyway whichever matches you watch today, enjoy.

Day 4 @ The US Open 02-09-10

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/schedule10.html

OOP for tomorrow.

Day 3 @ The US Open 01-09-10 Part 3

Ok a few more matches to sort out.

Murray won easy in 3, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Stan the Man is 2 sets and a break
Gilles (chicken legs) Simon is on court.  Won the 1st set very easy, 6-1 but on serve in the 2nd, 1-1
Chela v Lu is into a 4th set with Chela 2-1 up and has just broken and then held serve to lead 3-1 in the 4th

Still to come in the day session matches are

Frederico Gil v John Isner
Gael Monfils v Igor Andreev
Dudi Sela v Xavier Malisse
Tobias Kamke v Philipp Kohlschreiber
Mikhail Youzhny v Andrey Golubev (hoping for a good one here)
Jack Sock v Marco Chiudinelli

And of course the night session match is Tipsy v Roddick.  Not a chance in hell i will be awake for that.  The way i am going i will be lucky to catch any of the above matches!!

UPDATE

Stan is through very comfortably - 6-3, 6-2, 6-2

I can stay awake no more.

Chela has just won 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
Simon is looking good at 2-1 in the 3rd with a break
Kohli has won the 1st set 6-2 so looking good

Night all :)

The heat

Time for a rant/discussion.

What is the rule?  What has to happen before a match is stopped?  All i can find online is that when the policy is in effect and it allows the women to take an extra 10 minutes break after 2 sets and the men are allowed MTO when needed.  Seriously WTF use is that!  Why not extend the break at changeover, add another minute.  The players would maybe gain more benefit that way.

EDIT - Here we go

Under the tournament's extreme heat policy, players are allowed to request a 10-minute break between the second and third sets if the temperature was above 30.1 Celcius before the match started.

Seriously, that is BS!

I know you cannot help the weather, believe me i have been sat courtside during a rainlashed session last year at the USO, Monte Carlo & Toronto but i have also been sat, again in Toronto last month in extreme heat.  It was cooking at some points in Toronto, so much so that i put up my umbrella to get some shade so God knows what it was like for the players.  At least there it was BO3 not BO5 like it is here.

So what do you do?  Start the matches earlier, 10am like they do at some Masters events?  Change the rule to the point i made before, once a certain temperature/humidity is reached an extra 1 minute per change of ends and maybe an extra 2 minutes at the end of each set is enforced.

Hopefully what was witnessed on Grandstand court today will be an isolated incident and Vik is ok.

Day 3 @ The US Open 01-09-10 Part 2

Ryan Harrison - is he about to knock out the 15th seed, Ivan Ljubicic?  He is currently up a break, 4-3 in the 4th leading 2 sets to 1.

Murray is not having many problems on Ashe.  1st set 6-3 and 1-1 in the 2nd

Berdych on the otherhand is having a funny day.  As mentioned Llodra had a MTO on his ankle but came back out and now has a break for 5-4.  Remember this will take him 2 sets up on the #7 seed, interesting

Granollers v Seppi is another member of the 5 set club with Marcel looking to close it out, up a break for 4-2

UPDATE

Berdych will have to join the 5 set club if he wants to get through this match, just lost the 2nd set 6-4
Lubby has got the break back, 4-4 now
Murray up a break, 2-1 in the 2nd set

UPDATE

Hats off to Ryan Harrison, he has just knocked out the 15th seed Ivan Ljubicic in 4 sets - 6-3, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4
Granollers is also through in 5 sets - 2-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

UPDATE

I think Berdych is going bye bye here, down a break in the 3rd with Llodra about to serve @ 4-3.  I knew this would be a toughy but i didn't think it would be in straights to Michael.

Stan is underway and serving for the 1st set @ 5-3

UPDATE

Michael has done it!!!!! 7-6, 6-4, 6-4, Berdych the #7 seed is OUT!!

Day 3 @ The US Open 01-09-10

Ok first of all a message to Vik Azarenka.  I hope you are ok kiddo.  For those that have not seen Vik collapsed mid-point on Grandstand during her match with Dulko due to the heat.  Get better soon Vik.

Now we have a few matches going on at the moment.  Match of the Day for me is currently on Grandstand, Llodra v Berdych.  Funny incident, Berdy hit a shot that clipped the netcord and smacked Michael in the face!  So far on serve in that match.

Let's go for a look around the courts

Big Sam has dropped the 2nd set against fellow countryman Klahn.  1 set all and 3-3 on serve in the 3rd
Starace v Almagro is also into a 3rd set with the score at 1 set all but Potito has a 2-1 lead, on serve
Dustin is about to be pegged back to a set all v Ramirez Hidalgo
Lubby lost the 1st set against Ryan Harrison but is up a mini-break in the 2nd set TB
Hanescu is 2 sets and a break up and looking good for the win

Keep track at http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/index.html?promo=topnav

UPDATE

Sam has taken the 3rd set 7-5
Dustin took the 2nd set for a 2 love lead
Luby has levelled at 1 set all
Andy Murray is about to start his claim for the title

UPDATE (again)

Llodra has taken the 1st set off Berdy in a TB
Big Sam & Dusty Brown are 1 game away from winning their matches
Garcia Lopez is 2 points in the TB away from winning his match v Kubot

UPDATE (again)

DUSTIN BROWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woohoo 6-4, 7-6, 7-5, get in!
Big Sam is through as is GGL and Hanescu

OH SHIT, trainer on  for Llodra, turned his ankle :(  went straight to the chair :(

Zimbio pictures from yesterdays matches

Pictures of Rafa

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/A5csPI0JaOr/U+S+Open/CgDDEKY1A7t/Rafael+Nadal?pa=1&u=Q1Lj5rnPcew&tb=B&e=alert&l=img

Pictures of Novak


http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/A5csPI0JaOr/U+S+Open/zZ-mBmBnr9a/Novak+Djokovic?pa=1&u=Q1Lj5rnPcew&tb=B&e=alert&l=img

Round up from Rafa's match

He got there in 3 sets, phew. Final score 7-6, 7-6, 6-3.

According to a few reports (I missed the end) it was a good workout for Rafa. The main talking point today has been the vast improvement to his serve. He hit a few in the 130mph zone which is virtually unheard of from Rafa.

It was so good to see as his serving in Toronto and Cincy was poor and of course we learnt that he was holding back due to fear of another abdo injury that hurt his chances last year.

Next up is Denis Istomin who has shown some good form lately, final at New Haven. I am sure that if Rafa plays and serves like last night it will be another 3 set victory.

Here is a link to the Press Conference:

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2010-08-31/201009011283316427297.html

Here is Rafa having a haircut, lol

http://www.julienfarel.com/#

Other match round-up from Day 2

WTF Nole!!!!!  I understand that it was 42c on court today.  That is just ridiculous.  At the AO they have a "heat policy" as do the USO so why, WHY did they have to play in that temperature.  Somehow i hope he is given either 1st match @ 11am, last of the day after nice long matches or evening sessions.  He said himself in the courtside interview that to get in the shade was as enjoyable as "sleeping with my GF" so it must of been good, LOL.

A few more 5 set matches today.  Alas Baggy was a loser in his against Clement, Arnaud winning 6-3, 2-6, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5

Verdasco taken to 5 against Fognini, 1-6, 7-5, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3

Fish taken to 5 against Hajek, 6-0, 3-6, 4-6, 6-0, 6-1 - bizzare scoreline!

Schuettler out against Paire with the Frenchman winning 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 7-6(2)

The last of today's 5 setters was Mannarino beating Riba 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(1)

Gulbis Stepanek & Monaco are out but hardly surprising, Ernie has gone back to being a playboy and Radek & Pico have been injured for quite a while now.

EDIT

Nalbandian is through and the latest member of the 5 set club.  He has just beaten De Voest of SA 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4.  Go Daveeeeeeddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd

Rafa Nadal v Teymuraz Gabashvili

Well i have made it but not sure how long i will last as i got bugger all sleep before.  I have set myself a bedtime of 3am.  No messing about Rafa, 3 easy sets please!

I will update as the match goes but so far on serve @ 2-1 to Gab

Nothing else to report yet, still on serve @ 4-4

Heading to a TB, oh God, don't need this at 02.30!

Yep, TB it is.

Gab to serve first

Out, 1-0 Rafa with a break
FH winner, 2-0 Rafa
Long, 2-1 Rafa, mini break gone, back on serve
BH long, 3-1 Rafa with a break
Net, 3-2 Rafa
Long, 4-2 Rafa
Net, 5-2 Rafa
Long, 5-3 Rafa
Lovely volley, 5-4 Rafa
Unplayable FH, 6-4 Rafa - SP #1
FH winner, 7-4 Rafa

WOOHOO

1st set stats for Rafa

74% 1st serve
3 Aces
1 Double Fault
10 Winners
10 Unforced Errors
0/1 Break Points converted
5/6 Net points won.

2nd set

BP chance for Rafa in game 2 but he hit it out.  Easy service game next and it is 2-1.

Starting to feel tired now so i will watch for 2 more games, next change of ends i am off to bed.

Easy hold for Gab, 2-2

And the same for Rafa.  I am leaving the match now at 3-2 in the 2nd set.  It is on serve.

GO RAFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Night all.

(If you read please comment or at least vote in the poll, just so i know people are visiting and i am not talking to myself)