Which is more likely to happen: Roddick winning a second slam (U.S. Open maybe) or Federer winning the French Open?--Cupcake lurker
Cupcake, forgive the iffy answer: If Nadal remains healthy and doesn't miss the French Open with an injury (like he did a few times before he won his first in 2005), Roddick has a better chance of winning a second major than Federer does of winning the French (Roddick's chances for a second are better, I think, than most people suspect). If Federer finds himself at the French Open in the next couple of years without Nadal on the other side of the draw, he'll have the advantage.
What's going on with Federer's coaching situation? We know Jose Higueras is not around (he left with his other client, Robby Ginepri), but will he be back with Federer after Wimbledon or has he been sacked?--Anjali
I don't have a definite answer for you, but when a player's recently hired coach leaves the most important tournament of the year before it ends, and neither the player nor the coach seems to mind, I'm guessing something isn't clicking. And it's not as if Federer has been singing Higueras' praises (he hasn't said anything negative, either--he's been mostly quiet about it). Higueras and Federer are both nice guys, but the signs suggest this relationship isn't meant to be.
I would like to know how Aorangi Park (the area north of Centre Court) at Wimbledon got its name. Aorangi is a Maori word. The Maori people were the original settlers of New Zealand. They were here for nearly a thousand years before the first Europeans showed up. So, I am intrigued as to how and why this part of Wimbledon got this name.--Wayne Hawkins
Wayne, you're most of the way there (nice work). According to the ever handy Wimbledon compendium, the All England Club purchased the land in 1967 and leased it to the New Zealand Sports and Social Club, which named the place (Aorangi means "cloud in the sky" and is the Maori name for Mount Cook). The courts on the land were commissioned in 1980 and the club repossessed the area in 1982.
Do you just have a grounds pass? What kind of tickets do you have and what is the best match you have watched live so far?--afwu1216
Awful, I'm a lot luckier than that. The reporters have access to all courts, including seats on Centre Court and Court 1. The best match I've seen so far was Nadal's victory over Murray, not because it was competitive, but because it's the best I've ever seen Nadal play (by a long shot). Rainer Schuettler vs. Arnaud Clement win the best theater award, with Elena Dementieva and Nadia Petrova finishing a close second.
I am really curious to know who, in your opinion, looks like they are playing better tennis, Nadal or Federer?--achilles 190
Nadal's victory over Murray was the most impressive match of the tournament, but the Spaniard looked a bit defensive at times in the semifinals against Schuettler (I was surprised to see that). Federer played his best match against Ancic and was less explosive against Safin (but then again, he didn't have to do more than he did). Nadal, to me, has looked slightly better, but I don't think we can conclude much from form when looking at two men who are playing as well as these two are playing now. They are both healthy and rested. They are both extremely confident. They are both playing for history, not just the title (as if the title wouldn't be enough). It should be a great match.
Why is Justin Gimelstob still on the air?--carnap and FeFe
Gimelstob's awful remarks have been condemned by everyone, from the ATP (he's on the board) to the Tennis Channel (which employs him) to the players (who all know him). He's also been suspended for a game by the Washington Kastles of World Team Tennis (though, oddly, not for the match against the team that fields Anna Kournikova, at whom Gimelstob's remarks were directed). Why not more punishment, you ask? My guess is that all the parties above know the other Gimelstob, too, the one who is charming and fun to be around (I know that Gimelstob, too). From here on out you can be sure he'll be on a short, short leash.
What are your thoughts on the performance of the Spaniards in the men's draw? Seems as though the other-than-Nadal contingent has performed more than well at this tournament. Would be especially interesting to know your take on lessons for the Americans in light of this.--Andrew Miller
You can make a very convincing argument that Spain is the world leader in men's tennis at the moment (Nadal made that very point in an interview this tournament). They have 11 players in the Top 100. Nadal is unbeatable at the French Open and on clay in general and he has now reached the Wimbledon final for three straight years and also the Australian Open semifinals. David Ferrer reached the U.S. Open semifinal last year and qualified for the Tennis Masters Cup. Feliciano Lopez played great tennis to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals and Fernando Verdasco was games away from doing the same. If Nadal wins on Sunday, Spain, which won the Euro Cup in soccer last week, is going to one sleep-deprived nation. As for the U.S., if Spain can produce this many players, so can the U.S. The lesson is, get more kids to play tennis! The question is, is it possible with so many sports competing for the interest of young minds?
Real question: Any updates on Taylor Dent's supposed comeback to tennis?--Jerell
Real answer: Dent played a Challenger in California in May and lost first round; he was supposed to play in Winnetka this week, but withdrew with a minor injury. The good news: He has received a wild card into the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, R.I., which begins on Monday.
What is it (in your opinion) that distinguishes a good mover on grass, from a not so good one?--N.D.
N.D., I say short steps, no sliding, and balance, balance, balance. And also balance.
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