""I feel sorry for poor Roger ;so vilified ""

Oh before I go, Nam1...I wouldn't bother feeling sorry for a 16 major winner, multi millionaire, proud papa etc. Jajaja...I doubt he gives a crap what random ppl on the internet think ;-). One might feel sorry for the random ppl, but that's another story.

Lurking, I agree on the surprising lack of talk on Djokovic -- and also very little of his matches have been aired on ESPN and NBC in the US. The only match I really got to watch was the end of his protracted affair with Rochus, which obviously is not indicative of how he's playing now.

I think the experience in Paris will probably help Berdych, as this won't be his first GS semi. Miguel Seabra tweeted that Berdych reminds him a bit of Stich who made his first SF in RG and then went onto to win Wimbledon. That would be quite something if Berdych wins the tournament.

AmyLu,

I like that bit from Seabra. I'd forgotten about Stich.
I don't have a particular favorite but a Berdych win here would be great!

Of course I have reasons to say the same about the other three semi-finalists :)
Murray because he's Brittish.
Djokovic because of his drought since AO'08
Nadal because he wasn't able to defend the title last year.

Anyone buying a one-way ticket to Colombia without serious connections (and security details) evidently didn't see "The Two Escobars" or any footage of Medellin's hillside barrios.

Lurking, I'm a huge Rafa fan, but if he can't win, I'll be happy regardless of the winner.

Need to go make dinner -- hope everyone has a great night! :)

Wow. Great comparison to Stich. Physically, the way they carry themselves, other than Stich's S&V, their games. Very interesting.

Agree, Lurking. Great story for each one. Either one besides Nadal could take this and a great hardcourt run to catapult themselves to #1 soon.

Well, I guess Berdych is too far away right now, but if he gets this, who knows later on.

Coming back -- Matt, that's not very representative of Colombia today. I had a Colombian student in my class last semester who gets so discouraged that that's the representation most people still have of the country. Most of the cities are much safer now. JJ's dad has traveled there often for business, and he loves the country. I'm sure the barrios are still there, but sadly, that's a reality in most South American cities, and not unique to Colombia.

Now really off to make dinner. :)

There is still a long way to go

We have not played the mens semis as yet

Lets just focus on that

Before anyone has anyone in the final

AmyLu,
Enjoy dinner!

I agree about Colombia. The first assignment I had there I was a bit uncertain because of all the negatives I'd heard but it turned out to be much better than I expected.

Hi, AmyLu.:)

The only time I've ever heard about Colombian food was on Anthony Bourdain's tv show, "No Reservations".

It looked great, although the most extraordinary thing was the *quantity* of food on his breakfast plate. I guess it was a typical traditional breakfast of mostly different kinds of meats, and Bourdain couldn't even move after he'd finished it.

He did a show about the food of Ecuador as well, but unfortunately I missed that one.

Bye Amylu always great to see you post here

Sherlock,
With Mr. Federer falling to #3 we may be indeed ready for a complete change a the top? A new #1 in how many years?

AmyLu:

Given that the Uribe government - at least a few years ago - had a clash with Chavez and Venezuela (maybe I'm mistaken), I thought the situation in Colombia was still unsettled.

Good to know it's substantially better. Thanks for the information and perspective!

"As for Nadal-Murray, I'll put it this way: Whom would you trust with your life in a situation like this?"

So you're saying their pending match-up Friday is higher stakes than their AO10 QF and USO08 SF matches? ;)

Nah, I hear ya. Because of past history and seasonal form, Nadal is obviously the favorite of the remaining four. But then again, this is not the red clay of RG; i.e., no sure thing. Guess I wouldn't be shocked if Wimbledon 2010 still had a mild surprise in store for us.

Regardless, shall be interesting.

I don't know why I think this is revenge time for Nadal. He got his revenge over Soderling a couple times over and it may be Murray's time next.
I'm thinking he goes through but I can see Djokovic beating him if they both reach the final (not that my predictions have come to pass with any sort of consistency, but....)

Fed at #3. That is bizarre. I'm sure someone mentioned this ten pages ago, but we're getting to the point where even the powers-that-be might not be able to prevent Fedal ending up in the same half of a draw at a major. Then again, the way Fed's playing he may end up in Rafa's quarter.

As the Stones once sang, "What a drag it is getting old."

If Murray beats Rafa on Friday, I will be devastated and I'm a Roger fan.

Kwaku: I was in mid-post to you and got called away. Wanted you to know that I did see your 5:16 about meeting up with other twibers. I went to IW this year and met lots of twibers and they were all great. It was a wonderful time. Any chance you could make it to IW some year? (I'm trying to get mina to come but I don't think her schedule will allow it)

Q. In his post‑match interview, Jo Tsonga is backing you to win the Championships. Can you talk about what he said to you at the net and what that means to you?

ANDY MURRAY: It's obviously nice to hear that from the other players. Yeah, he said it would be a pleasure to see me win the tournament. Sort of like, yeah, Good luck from me.

Yeah, I mean, you know, he's been around for quite a long time at the top of the game. He's played some big matches and had good runs in the Grand Slams, so he knows what it takes to get to the latter stages. You know, it's nice to hear that from him.

Awww, I find this so sweet. Love when the pros are fans as well.

I'm listening to the yesterday's podcast. I'm sure Sarah Umke is a nice woman but there's a reason why some journalists are better suited for print media. Her voice is hard to listen to. Too high pitched for audio clips.

Kim If you are lurking I have sent you a email okay

Hugs!

Ok so lets get over todays mens matches and talk about the ladies semis tomorrow!

Dianne Hey I know your pain ok

Well Serena and Vera for me

Diane,
Expected finalists on Saturday will be Fierce Queen and Bepa. Bepa must find a way not to get frustrated when Tsvetana changes the pace from no pace to hard pace at times. Bepa must keep her error count low while Petra will have to play the match of her life to overthrow the Fierce Queen. Reports today had the Fierce Queen with a bandage over her right shoulder when she and the Elegant Queen played doubles.

The way things have been going this week, I hope Serena wins. She has to save the finals weekend for me. If she's not in the final I will not be watching.

http://dailychuckle.typepad.com/tennistoday/

A good friends tennis blog about tomorrows ladies semis

Master Ace

Can you really see any way that Serena will not be the winner?

Master Ace I too noticed the shoudler tape on Serena's shoulder in the doubles match though Serena still served ok.

Has anyone seen the new Wilson racquets ad with Roger that's been playing on Tennis Channel? Pretty funny.

http://tinyurl.com/264n5em

Papo

Yes I have seen it and I will sit on Roger's couch anytime and let him analyze me

Diane,
Serena will need to be off her game with Petra playing many levels above her head as Petra won a total of 3 games at the AO. Petra needs to serve well(Jamaica Karen said that was an issue on Tuesday against Kaia) and attack the net consistently.

Christopher: I was just referring to the 3 years that I spent on the NYT tennis forum brfore moving on to TW in the fall of 2005. I guess most of my scolding of fellow posters took place in my first year at NYT. How rude of me!

Matt Z: Thank you, you're very kind. BTW I looked at the men's draw one day and saw Federer #1 scheduled to play #16 (think it was Melzer); and even though we have 32 seeds now in tennis, the 1-16 image immediately reminded me of our perennial seeding discussion.

MasterAce - Petra is playing far better here than she was at the AO. There's more than one variable there. Although of course Serena is the odds on favorite.

Good answer Master Ace

What are the odds of any of that happening?
Serena will hoist the trophy on Sat. unless she rolls an ankle and has to default!

I'm fine with that, if Venus can't win, Serena is my next fav.

After Serena and Vee, I would have liked to see Maria win...please don't throw shoes at me, I know she doesn't have many fans here.

Nadal interview in a couple of minutes on TC

Texas tennis,
Agree that Petra is playing better. One player with 0 grass win and another player never played a 3rd round match in a Slam until 2010 Wimbledon.

Pironkova all the way. These other three has-beens are playing for second place. ;)

I did like all the junk she threw at Venus, though. Showed some craft and guile. But I often fall for anyone under-25 on the women's side who comes out of nowhere and gives momentary hope for a new generation -- yes, I stepped on the Oudin bus for a few days last summer as well.

Anyway, hopefully we get two competitve SFs. Still shocked the WS lost in doubles. Within present context, still think it's biggest upset of the entire tournament.

I thought I would come over here to say g-night to the (relatively) sane people! :-)

Congratulations to all the fans of today's winners and commizzes to all the fans of today's...um..NOT winners!

And may I just add that 1.) the VAST majority of Rafa fans have been wonderful today, and it is much appreciated, and 2.) its not the losses that are so hard to bear, it is the #$%^&*ing AFTERMATH!

Cheers!

Hidey Ho

I think I should of posted this here and not at the other thread.

Congrats to all winners and commies to all losers, I am especially happy that Flavia and Gisela didn't stuff up their doubles mach and got through to the semi final. Also big props to Melzer and PP for their doubles win also. Hoping both teams can go through to the final.

Hang in there, CL. The Maestro's given us a lot of moments. If he's ever lucky enough to win one again, we'll enjoy it all the more.

One of the good things about Roger's new ranking is that it may give idle minds other targets for their slings and arrows.

Meanwhile, I'm quite excited about Murray's prospects here and also very pleased for Nole, who seems to have found some A game at the right time. Though Nadal is justifiably the favourite here, there is no sense of a foregone conclusion.

Zvonareva winning would be a trip...just to see her winning celebration. What position will she cry in? Can't decide whether I want an underdog to win or Serena to continue her domination.

Everytime they showed Nole's match on ESPN today, the guy seemed to be serving bombs. If he's holding easily, with his return game, he'll be a beast. Should be a fun match against Charlize.

pspace- a bit of a coincidence i think that every time they showed him on TV he was serving well...I think he's definitely much better than recent times but he hasn't completely gotten it under control. serving a lot of second serves which I think Tomas could jump on.

lollipop, Bird's second serve jumping tactics won't quite work on Nole (or Rafa). They are both faster on covering the second shot than Fed...and Fudd was struggling a lot with his movement on that shot. Still, we'll see. I can't believe Nole is in the SF...would be crazy if he actually won it.

"One of the good things about Roger's new ranking is that it may give idle minds other targets for their slings and arrows."

Yeah, I don't know. I think he's already created too much of a monster for that; or I should say, I think it would take him a couple of Slam-less years and ranking of like sixth or seventh to turn that trick.

Tsevtana FTW. A new era of women's tennis dawns. ;)

Don't know, ActionFlunky, but it will certainly be DIFFERENT. Not just that the excitement at Wimby will be Roger-free, but for the first time since November 2003 we won't know where he will be in the draws going forward. And it is by no means inconceivable that he will fall out of the top 4 before the USO! Things change quickly ... just ask Nadal.

JohnC -- I mentioned that somwhere earlier too: the powers-that-be may not be able to prevent a potential Fedal half of the draw.

Here's Garber's piece from ESPN. It's a vultures-circling-the-carcass piece, too, but thought he got to the point Bodo may have been trying to make without being as snarky. My take at least. Decent read. *shrugs*

http://tinyurl.com/2wmmetj

Speaking of the top 4, three of the men are in semis but only one of the top 4 women. I honestly don't see how one can ascribe that to "depth" in the WTA rather than a symptomatic inconsistency in the top tiers of the women's game.

pspace- interesting thoughts. i find it unbeleivable too...coming into this tourney I had 0 expectations about Nole's form. Anxious about Berdy...dont want to get too ahead of myself in the Nole love. but we shall see, I guess. Regardless, good result for Nole--could mean good things to come in the HC season (hopefully)

Yeah, the Garber piece was okay. Certainly better than Pete "Sigmund Freud" Bodo's effort. I can see the "Roger's past it" narrative gaining a fair amount of momentum, which I guess was my original point.

Q. How was your left foot? You received some treatment at the end of the third set. Was that hampering you a bit?

ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I have a small blister on my toe. I won't die. I think I'll be fine.

This is exactly why I cant help liking even though he was the cause for Rafas only loss at FO. His attitude is amazing. Slowly and surely he is becoming my fav players.

Papo, LMAO at that tennis ball couch.

Hello all!
What an eventful day. Happy that Rafa and Murray won. Felt sorry for Roger. Very sorry. Just read his interview where he said he is not at his physical best. Hope he recovers soon. Good that he is taking a 2-week break.

Can someone pls tell me what went on in Nole's win over Lu? Did Nole play lights-out tennis?

Morning everyone. :)

I didn't see any of Nole, rg, but the radio suggested that he just did everything a bit better than Lu. *shrug*

As for writing Roger off...I know he's getting on a little, but he's still Roger Federer. I don't think he's going anywhere. :) Bit of rest and thinking and work and I am sure he'll come tearing back in late summer and early autumn. As quickly as things change in tennis - they can change back just as fast.

spacenox that is why I love Rockin' Robin everything is in perspective. It is such a shame he couldn't keep up level of his play that he displayed in the first five games of the match.

"As quickly as things change in tennis - they can change back just as fast. "

Jewell: Hola there. Wiser words have not been uttered. Completely agree with you! Roger will bounce back. Roger is Roger is Roger. I still stand by my estimate that he would win 18-19 slams or even more. With a bad leg and a bad back if he played like this, imagine how well he would have played if he were fit.

Is this where every1's at? Guess I'll need to copy and paste.

I caught most of the Bird-Fed match. Two things:

1) Fed really had no business losing in 4 sets. Surely he could see that Bird was no Edberg at the net, but he kept firing away and insisted on baseline slugging with him. Bad strategy. And if you're gonna dig it out from the baseline, why not mix up the pace with a little bit of junk here and there? Bird's movement is worse than A-Rod's (which is saying something), but Fed either could not or refused to take advantage.

2) That said, props to Bird for finally showing his mettle on the grand stage yesterday. The turning point of the match, as Cahill called it, came when Bird was trying to level the 4th set 3-all. He started horrendously, committing 2 DFs to give Fed 3 BPs, and that's when I thought, "Here we go again." But then he responded with the following:

- big service winner DTT
- 1-2 punch Fed couldn't do much about
- impressive stab volley off Fed's FH PS up the line that would've been a winner against most merely competent net players, including Bird himself. I recommend YouTubing it if you have yet to see it. It was not an easy shot, clearly more difficult than the OH he missed which led to his loss in that crazy '09 AO match against Fed, but he pulled it off. This was the turning point I referred to earlier, and it was indeed the most important point of the match and one would've pleased even Sampras or Rafter.

Bird did lose the next point and give Fed another BP, but he immediately erased it with an ace out wide. And he went on to hold. That's when I knew this could be his day, and it was. Like I said, props to him.

I didn't watch all of the match and so I didn't really see the ebb and flow - but for me, Roger losing that third set 6-1 was just stunning. That's when I thought Berdych might well close out the win.

NP: I saw that point. Could not/cannot believe that Berdy could volley like that. Text-book stuff! What do you think of his chances against Nole?

"but for me, Roger losing that third set 6-1 was just stunning. That's when I thought Berdych might well close out the win."

That's why you have no discernment whatsoever.

rg, yeah, it was great stuff, especially how considering poor his net play had been. As to your Q, I really can't say 'cause I haven't seen Nole play much at all. But his serve seemed pretty darn good yesterday. If he can keep serving like that he'll be tough to beat. I think Bird's limited mobility will bite him in the end.

I wished Sod was not in Rafas half and now I feel it more so as if not for Rafa I would want him or Nole to win it.

Good morning,
I was very impressed with Berdych back in Madrid 2006 against Rafa. He could play very well then, lots of pace, hard serves and volleys included. He wasn't as formidable physically as he is today and I remember those were the days when Rafa's biceps where in full flight and for the whole world to see.

Hi jewell (again), Angel, NP and rg.

spacenoxx,
Glad that read you are liking Robin more every day.

Glad to read that.... I write today like the Jedi.

Glad to read that...

zenggi, sup.

I remember when the last Census was done, there was a campaign to get everyone to write "Jedi" in the Religious Beliefs box, to get it recognised as an official religion.

LOL NP, you should know that by now. :) The scoreline just caught my eye, I was only catching points here and there while at work.

NP: Yeah. Berdy is a poor mover. In fact, on so many occasions yesterday he was slipping on the court too. Nole is the best when it comes to changing the direction of his shots. If Nole's serve is on, think he will win in 4 sets.

xenggi: Hi there. Good result for Berdy. Two slam semis in a row is a good feat.

Okay my post went into cypber space

Good Morning Zengii,Jewell,NP and RG

I had to make a dash up to see Joy in the Nursing Home just brusied thank goodnes

Just got home Phew!!!!!!!

j, I believe in the Jedi. Ergo Jediism is an official religion.

oops that didnt read right

She had another fall ok though

NP,
I'm not liking that I was right about Roger's health back when I saw him in Estoril at the beginning of May. When his serve percentage falls under 60% is a sure sign that his back is troubling him. His bad results in the small tournaments is seen as lack of motivation by the "experts". I think his pride in maintaining the most absurd record of all which is that he hasn't retired ever, prevents him also to take three months out of playing to prepare his body and mind for a leg of the season. He sees himself as a role model and the monster keeps growing on him.

Hope Joy is doing well, AM. :)

Thanks Zenggi,

But I said this already yesterday that if Sod wins against Rafa I want him to win the whole thing. Now Rafa has to win it or may be Nole. Infact anyone but the undead :-)

Nothing against him but if Muzz wins this then there wont be an end to it. Brit journos will start brushing Roger and Rafa aside whenever they have to play him and other on tour wouldnt even be worth mentioning ;-)

Jewell Thanks.Yes its the dementia thats is bad.Not muuch you can do but just offer support.

AM: Hi there.
Rafa or Murray for me.

Looks like LeMoron is seriously thinking about leaving Cleveland. Where's MSF to talk sense into him?

rg, that sounds about right. Personally I'm torn between Nole and Muzz. Would love to see Nole get that elusive 2nd Slam, but the sheer entertainment that would follow Muzz's win is enticing.

AM, sup.

Hi Spacenox sorry I ddint see you

Havent been here for sometime

AM,
First: I hope that Joy's tumble doesn't discomfort her much.
Second: How is your eye today?
Third: Why couldn't you listen to me and gave the pins a day rest?. Robin is a mucho macho and he only complained about the blister (which everybody and his uncle saw on TV) but I know he was hurting in some other places too. I hope you are happy now. Poor viking!

NP,
If I'm allowed to make so many mistakes in English, I think I'll become a Jediist. No punishment ever after?

RG I am going to watch both mens s/final with interest

I will make up my mind then

I knew Rafa would win.He got off to a flat start then he just played great tennis

Can Murray not be asked this question after every match pls???:

"Q. How important was the support from the home crowd for you today?"

What is he expected to say anyway?

Jewell I am hoping Murray can win the whole thing just for his own sake more than anything.

zengii Joy is settled now thats the main thing

My eye is 100% better

I didnt need my dolls lol! I had 100% confidence in Rafa

Gee Rafa has played not well to in the past

If you take the court your fit enough lol!

zenggi, I do think Fed prolly has some health issues, but I'm pretty sure he served over 60% yesterday.

Zenggi oops meant to say Rafa has played injured in the past as well

zengii So soory for Roger I thought he could come back

I could see his movement was off

Though credit to Tomas he has had good results of late.About time too he has soo much potential

I spoke to him at Medibank he is such a nice guy

AM,
It doesn't suit you to lie. I've read your comments yesterday.
Glad to hear that Joy and your eye are OK.

"If you take the court your fit enough lol!" LOL indeed if you were Isner the day after THE MATCH.

Rog's first serve % yesterday was 77%.

Murray's dog's name is Maggie.

zengii Please you know I am joking

Gosh you should know me by now and everyone else lol!

zenggii You were the one that said Robin was injured not me lol!

Gosh cant compare what Isner and Mahut went through to Robins blister problem

zenggi, Jediists are just well versed in anastrophe. They aren't allowed to make linguistic mistakes.

"What is he expected to say anyway?"

A: "The 'home crowd" is indeed very important to me. I'm a Druid who derives immense inspiration and satisfaction from every fiber of nature."

AM,
Ditto back. Sarcasm. There were pages and pages last night written about and around that word. But I'll email you soon about the pins and darts you are using.

rg,
In the first 2 sets Rogers serve % was 77 in the fourth set 57%. Most annoying as it's become an issue was his BP conversion. Anyway, it doesn't help to talk about it anymore.

Good post NP.

I do think that Nole should handle Berdych comfortably in 4 sets. Djokovic's return of serve > Fed's. He's also pretty good at exposing the movement of taller guys by giving them different looks in terms of pace, direction and angles.

The other SF i.e Nadal vs Murray is tougher to call, not least because of Rafa's physical issues. Against Murray, Nadal will get into those long baseline tussles (unlike the opponents he's faced so far) and do a lot of running. The last time that happened, he ended up retiring with lame knees. I've not liked his movement and ROS so far, but his forehand, aggression and intensity have been great and have compensated for that aspect.

Given what we have left in the draw, I still think that the only one who can stop Nadal from winning the title is Nadal himself! His A game on grass is better than anyone else's remaining in the draw (Murray included). The only question is whether Nadal has enough in the tank. I hear he's functioning on injections and anti-inflammatories, which is not good. Murray will be looking to exploit the movement and grind Nadal down in the SF.

zengii Dont bother email me really this place really cracks me up

I am joking and if people think I am serious well ok let them think that

Like after Roger lost people were hoping Rafa would also lose?

Come on please.I just left.Rather watch the match in peace

Druids! I was reading something about the Victorian Druid craze the other day.

Speaking of reading, Rafa made an appearance in the latest trashy bonkbuster - as US Open champion, no less. *giggle*

imjimmy Good post and I agree with your thoughts on Rafa and his grass game

I will watch both s/finals with interest.

Good point only Rafa can beat Rafa

Did anyone else notice that Muzz has had his fangs filed down? They are not nearly as long as they used to be. Probably Mama took him to the dentist as she is pretty savvy about nicknames and what is being said in the tennis blogs. And vamos Rafa all the way!

imjimmy, my CB sez Muzz will S&V judiciously to catch Rafa off guard again.

zenggi I did ask AM to stop sticking pins into Robin's serving arm but she had gone off to watch in peace.

Hi AM,

How have you been :-)

Yeah I stopped posting here for a bit after the usual suspects starting getting on my nerves. Its one thing to occasionally trash talk a player and its quite another to make a career out of it.

I don't see Naughty T here either. Even though he would occasionally rile us Rafa fans he used to make quite a few funny posts.