Well, if no one else will say it, I will. Happy Birthday, Dad.

hey Andrew,wish your dad a happy birthday and another 100 years full of joy and happiness :)

Relating to previous thread...

'I'll be drooling over Willy'

Rachael - you'll be too young to know about this but if your Father is at all a cricket fan he may remember the famous commentary gaffe 'The batseman's Holding the bowler's Willy'!!

Posted on May 21st thread also.

The stars during the US HC season in February lost out in qualies today. Kei Nishikori and Kevin Anderson.

http://tinyurl.com/96gfa

happy birthday David John Burton.

May certainly is the month to be seen birthday-ing in.

haha Kirsty - hmm, he's not really, but that is still the type of thing my Father would know about anyway. I blame any purile sense of humour I display on him. and love him for it!

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CASABLANCA?!

Happy birthday, Andrew's father!

Andrew,
Happy Birthday to your father.

Happy Birthday to your old man Andrew. Hope you go and have a beer with him. I think the Wall of Canas is crumbling.

Still no live action in Casablanca and Blake is having a total collapse against Soderling.

Rachael - as an immigrant hearing that on a 'funny moments' radio show was one of the first times I appreciated that Brits aren't as stuffy as their image perhaps suggests!!

Attention all Henin fans! (Second notice)

There was an article/appreciation of Justine Henin on the New York Times tennis page yesterday. It's really a link to the International Herald Tribune. Thoughtful comments by five international sportswriters.

Here's the url:

http://tinyurl.com/5zwnwa

Apologies. My computer doesn't want to hyperlink this morning. Pls cut and paste.

You can comment on the comments. Samantha, where are you?

If I may quote: "Go Justine! World's real #1."

Oh! That's how to make a hyperlink! Post to TW!

Blake just got bagled int he third set by Soderling. :(. he has an unfortunate way of doing that to the boys I support. stupid Wolf face (well done Sweden though)

Kirsty - y'know, instances like that aren't too hard to come by. a lot of British is humour is, er, 'slapstick' shall we say.. lots of toilet humour and innuendos if you know where to look.

Ange - just flicked onto Canas/Berdych. Willie looks wrecked!

in Casablanca I saw El Ayanoui address the crowd, then head back off court, and people booed a bit and everyone left. :S

Morning, all.

Aussie Ange, my Dad is on a 50th wedding anniversary two week trip to Jersey, where he and my mother spent their honeymoon. Given that I'm in Calgary, it'll have to be a virtual beer.

Sorry that Kei Nishikori is out of RG.

My daughter Cathleen thinks the Couch Potato is "freaky!"

My snarky comment for the day-I just love it when Lames gets bageled, talk about underachiever!

I really think James is an overachiever -- he has all these faults and still is in the top 10 in the world.

Andrew virtual beer will be just as good.

Kirsty I had a telephone call so I missed the 1st set and my streaming is totally crap. Maybe he is having a very good time with german beer.

C'mon Willy pull your finger out.

Morning!

Andrew, happiest of birthdays to your father!

Rachael, did you finish???

Sue B,
That was an interesting read discussing Justine. El Jon had plenty to say in that discussion.

Poor Lames

Andrew - I agree with your daughter, I have to scroll past it fast. it makes me feel a bit sick.
there must be more suited photos. eg. http://techrepublic.com.com/i/tr/gallery/slouch.jpg

Has anybody got any thoughts on the FO qualifying match between Schwank and Ignatik? Schwank just won a challenger and with Ignatik the 2007 FO junior champion that looks on paper like an interesting match up.

Jackie - yesss I did, and it may be the worst essay anyone has ever written. I have to go through it all again for another deadline on the 29th. most likely, that will then take the title of new worst essay anyone has ever written. ah well ey? worse things happen at sea.

and I thought I was being treated for my 'hard work' with the Calleri match, but it turned out that I was being punished with the false promise of Calleri. disaster.

The Wall has been temporarily erected.

Rachael: Hey, the important thing is that you're DONE. Well, for now, anyway. And I so admire how you were still able to post whilst you were suffering through paper-writing hell!

Yeah, I just checked the scores to see how our Agustin was doing, but he's nowhere to be found. Wha happen (a la Ricky Ricardo)?

Oh Rachael I laughing very hard at you. I am so sorry I feel terrible laughing.

Andrew that picture of so scary but true.

Jackie - I think El Ayanoui withdrew. he was on court by himself talking to the crowd, and he looked pretty gutted about something, and then the match never began. sucks, for him, and for my Calleri viewing needs.

Ange - thank goodness you started that sentence with 'The Wall' and not his nickname ;)

Thanks for the update, Rachael. I need to be more "with it" on these "off" weeks.

The Wall? Who's that? All I can think of is the wrestler. :)

And we are going into a 3rd. Woohoo Willy.

Rachael - look on the bright side, Callieri gets to play another day so there's a potential treat tomorrow.

(I've turned blue briefly because you mentioned that your essay involved human rights and if it would help, or be of interest to you, I could put you in touch with a couple of friends who've worked at Amnesty International for many years email me if you think it would)

Wall of Canas I just shortened it.

Dudi lost to Seppi, not unexpected considering it is clay, but he was 0/9 on BP and had like 5 SP in the first set.

Sigh.

Ange: Oh, oops. This is when I need to pay better attention. Thank you.

Come on, Robby!

aww Kirsty - thanks for the offer, but it wouldn't be of much use now. essay is done and dusted, and I dont think I'm pursuing the human rights side of Soc much further - as interesting as it was.
for one thing I don't think I'm made of strong enough stuff to deal with it day-to-day (my essay was on FGM/FGC for anyone who knows what that is - will refrain from actually saying it here because it is pretty grim and controversial. research was a bit of a shocker to say the least).
really appreciate the offer though.
the TWibe really are too sweet. I'd get you all cupcakes if I could.

+ very good point on the Calleri front, just hope it doesn't clash with my Bolelli treat tomorrow!

Or look at the bright side at least hes only has to play two matches today instead of 3.

this tournament is starting to look like a disaster with players playing multiple times in one day. This could be a blessing in disguise for gasquet for not getting a wild card that he wanted.

I think I bring Robby bad luck by score board watching.

Rachael if I was you I would watch Caleri as Bolleli will get more air time at another tournie.

Happy Birthday Andrew's Dad!

I don't know if anyone saw this, but there's a pretty neat cover story about Rafa and the FO in USA Today: http://tinyurl.com/5usuah

I loved this comment (and I sometimes doubt that he actually combs his hair):

Asked if he ever looks in the mirror and pinches himself over his unbeaten record in this major, he says, "No, I only look at the mirror … to comb my hair. I have had a good run in Roland Garros, and I feel privileged. I know it is not easy."

Well Willy looked like he was playing back in Hamburg on that last point.

Robbyfan - don't worry his pattern this week is to lose the first set 4-6 then go on to win the match.

Rachael - no wonder you didn't want to be thinking about the essay.

Ange - easier said than done. if you can resist any oppurtunity to watch this http://i29.tinypic.com/fa3595.jpg - especially as he's playing so well this week - then you're a stronger woman than I could ever be, and I salute you

(clearly I am a hormonal young lady, not quite a woman yet)

off to play tennis. my housemate needs to 'realise some pent up aggression'. she has the scariest backhand I've ever come up against, so I'm terrified what this rage will do to it :/

good luck to Canas - hope he gets the win, he's fighting hard!

Well I am a hormonal older girl. Have fun playing tennis Rachael. You deserve it.

"The Wall? Who's that? All I can think of is the wrestler. :)"

And here my first thought was of Pink Floyd...

And Canas looks to be going down to defeat, grrr.

Vamos Canas!!

Abby Road: Gotta say, I flove the moniker.

Sigh, Robby lost the first set. Lluby's having some trouble, too (can I add that while I don't really care to watch him play, he seems like SUCH a nice guy ... I can't root against him - unless he's playing Rogi, of course ;)).

go nole!!!

come back on fire robby!

Jackie- Thanks! Whenever I post someone comments on it, so I guess I chose a good one.

I agree with Lluby being a guy I can't root against, but I have to with Monaco on the other match. Although I hope Ginepri puts in a good showing.

Bad luck Willy but you played a lot better today. It's up to you now Chela. Wonder if Snoo is watching somewhere in NYC.

The World Team groups have started to shape up a bit more after today. The Blue Group is up for grabs, although Russia and Spain have moved to the top with their wins today (the two winners of this round will be decided by matches or sets won since both will be 2-1). Sweden has all but clinched the top spot in the Red group, and I think the US would have to win both of their remaining matches in straight sets just to tie.

And it's weird for me to say this as someone who's not really a fan, but I have to give credit to Feliciano Lopez for keeping Spain in the mix. He's in good form heading into RG.

And Canas has lost to bird brain. sighhh...

thanks for the article amylu.
It was wonderful. Rafa's character and outlook has been described well.

Jackie - I'm with you on Luby. I remember him losing to Blake in a final a couple of years ago and during the trophy ceremony Blake made a point of saying how much Luby's done as a 'player rep'.

His contribution to tennis is maybe underestimated - Croatia's DC victory was largely down to him and Ancic has cited him as an inspiration.

Hmph... anon at 12.56 yesterday in yesterday's thread: Next time you wish to quote me at length from my post at another site, kindly ask permission. *grr*

Abby Road, kirsty: Apparently I'm a good judge of character. :)

It's funny to see all the Canas love around here - at one point, wasn't he like Tennis Villain Extraordinaire? :)

anon 12.56 yesterday - or make sure which part is a quote, from whom and from where. Also give credit to people who spend time doing translations.

***Happy birthday to Andrew's father!***

Does anyone know how may ranking points the players will get in the Olympics?

where is master ace? How does robby do in tbs? I know I can't watch!!

Canas beat Federer, Federer questioned whether he should have even been allowed back that soon after his ban = villain.

As a mostly lurker this board is way more fun with a mix of supporters. At around 4.00pm on this board it seems to always revert to rafa/roger but early in the day there are some interesting discussions.

robbyfan: He can do it!!! Let me know if you've stopped watching and need score updates. :)

Happy Birthday, Nole!

only peeking at scoreboard now.

Sad day. Sorry, robbyfan.

Luby's in a breaker, too ...

aaawwww, hugs to robby. end of a good run. but a good tune going into the fo.

Jackie-thanks for the support!

I have never heard of daniel g-t. what a cutie from the ATP profile.

Olympic points information:

Men's ATP ranking points

Gold Medal - 400
Silver Medal - 280
Bronze Medal - 205
Loser 3rd/4th - 155
Quarterfinals - 100
Round of 16 - 50
Round of 32 - 25
1st Round - 1

Women's WTA ranking points

Gold Medal - 353
Silver Medal - 245
Bronze Medal - 175
Loser 3rd/4th - 135
Quarterfinals - 90
Round of 16 - 48
Round of 32 - 28
1st Round - 1

Robbyfan,
Just saw the score where Robby run ends 5-7,6-7(3) to Monaco. However, this should be an encouraging sign for Robby as he heads to the French Open today. I am at my day job trying to get some things wrapped up before the weekend. He is now 1-3 in TB for 2008.

Master Ace-Thanks for the info. I thought TW was your day job and night job and only job! You are always a fountain of information.

I am happy Monaco won, but hugs to Robby fans. Hopefully it was as good a match as the scoreboard showed.

And Ljubicic won! Yeay!!

Robby Fan,
If I hit the lottery, TW may be the only thing I do daily. But, until then, off to day job I go.

zolarafa- Not sure about the ranking points. I did a bit of research into it, but all I could find was how they would determine who goes and that there would be ranking points given, not how many. I guess it's top secret.

Robbyfan - big commiserations but at the FO hopefully he'll have a share of Jose.

Ok, so as soon as I wrote my last post, I come across this.

Men's ATP ranking points

Gold Medal - 400
Silver Medal - 280
Bronze Medal - 205
Loser 3rd/4th - 155
Quarterfinals - 100
Round of 16 - 50
Round of 32 - 25
1st Round - 1

Women's WTA ranking points

Gold Medal - 353
Silver Medal - 245
Bronze Medal - 175
Loser 3rd/4th - 135
Quarterfinals - 90
Round of 16 - 48
Round of 32 - 28
1st Round - 1

I guess I spoke to soon. Although as I am a bit confused, why do the ment get more points then the women?? Do they play less matches? Or is this the whole "they only play 3 sets to the men's 5" deal.

Kirsty-do you suppose Fed will share? How would that work out?

thanks jenni,

i cant believe their ranking points for the olympic's. whatever happened at having pride in representing your country as the highest level.

David Jose,
My guess is there will be incentive for the top players to play the Olympics except Roddick. Tournaments will still be played when the Olympics are going on.

Abby Road,
I think that the medal rounds could be best of 5 but I am not sure.

What happened to Blake in the last two sets? geez.

Tsonga's just won the first set against Ventura 6-3.

Happy Birthday to your dad Andrew!

robbyfan - my perception of Robby/Jose is that Robby went to him for and has benefited from the fitness regime he promotes. Fed getting coaching from Jose might give Robby opportunities to be on court with him and Jose.

I think Fed would only 'share' to the point of having Robby as a hitting partner in practice but that could still be beneficial.

Theme of this tournament: Deja vu all over again. Well, I guess it's good prep for those marathon RG matches ...

Hi, Whitney! I feel like it's been awhile (wait, just one day). :)

Kirsty,
Believe you are correct on the Robby/Jose relationship.

Jenni and abbey road,

thanks a lot for the ranking point information.

David Jose
***i cant believe their ranking points for the olympic's***

I can't believe that professional athletes are allowed to participate in the Olympics.

that was the most half-hearted tennis session ever. the promise of a trip to buy cheesecake afterwards couldn't even make me run for a ball.

I see Chela is showing what Argentians are generally made of. bagels. niiiice.

oh, and Andy Murray has come on leaps and bounds in attempting to 'improve his behaviour'...
http://tinyurl.com/5ojudt

now, onto a quest to find cheesecake. keep it up Juan Ignacioooo

Hey Jackie!

Andrew: Happy birthday to your father!

Andrew, happy birthday to your father!

How did the WTA come up with "353 points" for the gold medal winner? Weird weird weird.

I see Tsonga is winning clay matches this week, but I the winner of Simon/Gicquel will give him hail in the next round.

Ljubicic in the semis of a clay tourney? Good for him-he's been struggling recently.

David Jose - just look at the Davis Cup. The only people who don't want that to have points seem to be the players who do take pride in it. Hewitt, Safin, Roddick all give their best when it's for their country but the Olympics is, within tennis, also played for personal glory.

Ok the models on this TC commerical that are wearing Serena's purple outfit from Miami and Maria's white outfit from Amelia Island do not do them justice. Just goes to show that if we bought that stuff we would not look like Maria either. I mean if it doesn't look good on the model...

"I think that the medal rounds could be best of 5 but I am not sure."

That still does not explain why the Men's Gold Medalist get's 400 pts and the Women's 353 (huh?). BUt then I never try to understand the reasoning of th ATP, WTA or ITF. They live in their own little world of fuzzy balls and road maps.

Zolarafa- No problem! Glad to be of service.

AmyLu - thanks for the Rafa article. It was great.

HB to Andrew's dad!

take a look at this article, a roundtable discussion by international journalists discussing the men for RG.

http://tinyurl.com/5jjlk4

and in this article they discuss the women:

http://tinyurl.com/69murq

It's the same roundtable of journalists that SueB mentions upthread.

Abby Road, have you ever looked at the tier 1 for wta?? for some of them you win 423.. and others 435??

i tried once to read the explanation how points are awarded and its felt like my head was going to explode. The atp point system is so much easier to understand.

the only thing i can come up with why the point system in difference for men and woman at the olympic. Is that the top 50 men are seem to be more competitive than the top 50 women.

ohh thanks for the links la piba.

"WERTHEIM: By the way, did anyone notice the top seed in the ATP event, sponsored by bet-at-home.com was - wait for it - Nikolay Davydenko?"

funny-ish snark. poor Kolya.

BOUIN: And where has Nalbandian gone, the Nalbandian who beat them all last year's end?

WERTHEIM: He and Gasquet are getting pedicures?

oh right, I was supposed to be going shopping.

Hello everyone.

happy birthday to Andrew's day and as his days are so shall his strength be.

AmyLu, thanks for the Rafa article but I am having problems opening it :(. But anyways I'll keep trying.

Whitney - Preach it sister :) "Just goes to show that if we bought that stuff we would not look like Maria either. I mean if it doesn't look good on the model..."

Lacoste must have had a mild coronary when Andy pulled out. Don't they help sponser RG? And then their other big name in the men's tour - Gasquet - might not be playing. Is he playing or no?

you're welcome Rachael!!

According to the RG site, 2 days, 16 hours and 28 minutes for Roland Garros to start!!! I can hardly contain myself I am sooo excited. Vamos Rafa!!

Master Ace - you are the only person to agree with me on Robby/Jose so far.

Whitney, Gasquet has been seen practicing at RG with a new coach so I'd say he's probably playing. I still think we'll see at least one more current seed withdraw, though. I'm a little concerned that we haven't heard anything definitive either way from the Almagro camp regarding the wrist injury that caused him to pull out of the World Team Championships.

David Jose- Actually I never really thought about it other than, "Wow, how interesting." Until I saw the points of the Olympics. Next tot he Men's points is just seemed VERY weird.

I can't believe that they actually brought up TMC in that roundtable discussion. And the quotes about Nalbandian and Davydenko were priceless.

Clarey thinks it's all in the head, too.

*That still does not explain why the Men's Gold Medalist get's 400 pts and the Women's 353 (huh?)*

the wta has a slightly different "baseline" in their points model.

in the atp you get 500 points for winning a masters event.
the wta awards 430 points for winning a "normal" tier1 event (the tier 1 events IW and miami award slightly more points cause the draw size is bigger there).

now look at the points for the gold medals:
the atp has decided it is "worth" 80% of winning a MS event.
the wta has it at 82% of winning a tier 1 event.
quite close, no?
maybe for the wta it is 80% too if you factor in the average tier1 points, ie taking into account the slightly higher points you get at two of the tier 1 events.
bottom line:
atp and wta award winning in beijing in the same way.

and:
only the men´s finals (singles and doubles) will be best of five if i remember it correctly.

Tsonga won - 6-3, 6-3

Thanks la piba - interesting articles.

Alright going to play outside now. See you all later. :)