the big apple - backwards, I can deal. Backwards plus plus and minus, challenging.

Good morning, AM.

As on cue, I'm going to retire now because I'm really tired. Not the best way to start work tomorrow or to follow Wimbledon. I know is my time zone but I'm not going to watch all the matches 'live'.
Good night, everyone.

I watched the Australia game but missed the sending off..I think I was in the rest room or digging around for some coffee. No idea what happened.

Ok, this time really my last football post.
About time they had instant replays for crucial calls such as penalties and fouls causing expulsions! Not happening, I know :)

Bye Zengii see you at Wimby!!!

the big apple It was for a delberate hand ball by Kewell thats what the commies were saying

There is so much play acting from players these days, all designed to get another player yellow carded or sent off.

Kaka can be sneaky.

He has angelic looks but knows how to hurt you and keep an innocent face. He played in Italy for years.

Further, when he played in Sao Paulo (?) at the beginning at his career, I think he was assigned to that exact role. "Drive the opposition guys crazy with all kinds of sneaky things but use your baby face ( and middle-class backgroung and religious reputation) to con the ref."

Guys in futbol will pinch their opponents when the ref is not looking. Just annoy them into a foul.

No to instant replay.

Futbol must be allowed to flow. If you have to stop to look a replay,then the game stops while the refs argue. No flow. The game is about process and it must evolve btw the guys on the field. Actually I would rather get rid of coaches. Let the process unfold.

No, no, no, no, noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Lynne Exactly.Still cant get over that Italian player from last time in the World Cup against Australia who had the greatest fall ever

He should have got a academy award for it lol!

CL, do not count out the plus time.

Can you imagine you arrive nearly dead at the Pearly Gates in the Big Sky. St Peter is preparing your check-in papers. Then the haevenly time keeper...come by with a sign saying..."Added Time: 4 more years for CL".

You would apprecaite it, no?

AM, deliberate get the red.

Sometimes the player is just clumsy. Also sometimes they see the ball heading into the goal and they instinctively stick their hand out...without conscious thought. Still red...just that the hand was faster than brain :)!

aussiemarg,

Yep, I remember that too. They're such a sneaky lot ...

You have got to be kidding me! Play stops anytime harsh fouls, penalties, yellow cards, expulsions, etc. happen. The stops are way longer than what an instant replay would take!
But no need to worry the referees will continue to be allowed to do as they like :)

the big apple lol! Kewell said it wasnt deliberate of course

Us Aussies are going for a hat tick 3 matches,3 sends offs lol!

I think we deserve some kind of award.

CL, you're confusing me, the clock NEVER stops or goes backward in football/soccer, play can be stop but the clock keeps going, and they can ad extra time at the end of each half, or even over time if necessary, 2 15 mins OT.

Anyone know what Wimbledon coverage we'll have on tv tomorrow? (In the US...)

the big apple - depends. On many things. ;-)

lurking - well I will totally take your word for it. this is all pretty new to me. As is, apparently, the concept of 'time.' ;-)

Back to golf, where time stands still. Phil still in and out of trouble. so much more fun to watch then an actual rational golfer.

CL You are a multi sports watcher

How is Tiger doing by the way,he sort of came back into conention yesterday

Pete Sampras at his classiest. All-time great. Federar KADS will appreciate this article, one hopes.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rogerfederer/7840429/Wimbledon-2010-Pete-Sampras-tips-Roger-Federer-to-win-10-Wimbledon-titles.html

ESPN2 has Wimbledon coverage from 7am to 4.30pm

TT: here's the tv schedule courtesy of GoToTennis blog -

http://www.gototennisblog.com/2010/06/15/2010-wimbledon-tv-schedule/

Tiger's putting is failing him. He just missed two near birdies. He mus make those if he is to make a serious run. Plus hope the current leader has a hellish time.

CL,
Average OT in football could be anywhere from 2-4 mins and it's completely up to the umpire and very subjective.

With no disrespect to Roger, I hope the 7 Wimbledons is a record that Pete will hold on to, and am rooting for Rafa to win his second 2 weeks from today! Vamos.

Fed will not win 10 Wimby.

Fangoria I like your thinking Vamos!!

Also coming from a Pete Sampras fan too lol!

As my hubby says Still is the Greatest Grass Court Player Ever lol!

the big apple lol! Hey

We Gonna See No?

AM: your Peter knows his grass-court champions! And I am part of what I think may be a small group of Pete/Rafa fans.

Fangorina: someone posted Fed's pre-wimby presser (don't recall the page) where he says that going after all of pete's records is not a priority for him.

So much for me not talking about football anymore, haha!!

Back to tennis. I'm looking forward to seeing Mr. Federer tomorrow.
Once again Mr. Falla gets the distinction to play Federer (they've met twice in the past month: RG & Halle)

Annie: I bet Roger wants that 7th Wimbledon this year to tie Pete. :)

Fangoria Hubby still hasnt got over when Roger beat Pete at Wimby lol!

I was cherring for Roger so much,ok please dont kill me ok

I fell in love with Roger and his game that day.Sorry again

Dont shoot me please

Fangoria Of course Roger wants to tie with Pete

Hey who would not in his postion hey?

Roger has done most things

To tie with Pete would just add to his great record on Grass

Fangorina - Count me in as a fellow Pete/Rafa fan.
Although I liked Agassi as well (unless he was playing Pete).

Chicklet lol! I love your way of thinking

I too a big Agassi fan

AM: That was a sad day in this house, but we have always appreciated the beautiful game of Roger's even though we never watched the video recording again as we usually did with Pete's matches. Millions fell in love with Roger that day I suspect. The Bastl disaster the following year was the blacker and bleaker day by far.

Fangoria Well my hubby has had it in for Roger ever since lol!

He has Never,Ever got over that game.

Yes he bears grudges too lol!

He has seen Pete play live at Wimby and the USO

He has every tape known to man on Pete and book as well.

I rest my case ok lol!

Greetings Chicklet! I confess that I first starting really watching tennis in 1988 when Agassi was burning up the USO. Andre fell to number 2 for me when I saw Pete at the USO in 1990; I got hooked on that serve and running forehand. When Roger broke through beating Pete in 2001 it felt like it would be the laziest thing in the world to change my loyalty to a player that seemed too similar to Pete, like Pete 2.0 (with a prettier back-hand.) Pete is a better sport than I am about all the broken records. ;)

Thus concludes the Pete Sampras hour. LOL!!!!!!!!!

Fangorina Yep over for another day lol!

Rafa and his girlfriend before he went to Wimby
Beautiful couple

http://www.gototennisblog.com/2010/06/16/rafael-nadal-and-girlfriend-xisca-perello-spotted-strolling-in-mallorca/

Carol Thanks for the photo

You know she is banned for attending Rafa's big tournaments lol!

I love this program about Pete on TTC.

Fangorina: Thanks for the link. It seems like Pete shows that perfect combination of graciousness and honesty without ever feigning it.

Fangoria - I didn't really see Agassi's first go-around considering that in 1988 I was...2

Started watching Pete at Wimby and the USO and then Agassi during his climb up the ranks mainly because they were American and that's all they showed on TV. I don't even remember watching a clay court Masters until the late 90s.
It was still enough to get me hooked on Pete until 2001 when I was introduced to the wonder that was Safin.

Well, I have to say that I NEVER change my loyalty - so it looks like Rafa is stuck with me right up until the end of his career, lol !

AM, hehe, I do lol!

Lynne Hell I have started with Rafa since day 1 on the tour

I am not getting off his band wagon now lol!

Yes he is also stuck with me now as well

Quite frankly at the moment for me,well I do have other players that I like.there is noone out there for me that does what Rafa does for me.

After Borg I thought there would be noone else until this young kid burst onto the scene.

He just got to me lol!

They look cute together.
If only Rafa would do something to his hair.

Good night all, Wimby it's finally here :D, Happy Wimby time to all!, probably will miss the 1st half hour of Feds match, meaning the 1st set if everything goes as plan. And of course WC continues, Spain is fighting for their live tomorrow.

Let's go *******!!!!

Vamos España!!!

cupcake lurker lol! We all wish that Rafa would do more with his hair

AM - Tiger not doing so good...several bogeys, and missed opportunities. Phil is also not doing so well but in a much more interesting sort of way. NOT however, as interesting as Dustin whathisname who launched his ball over a cliff and down onto the rocky, rocky shore. tsk. Yet another guy channeling Arnie.

CL Thanks for the update

Yeah I saw Phil with his pebble dilema yesterday on our news lol!

AM- I know, Roger could drop a hint or something. I watch last year Madrid final with a friend that know next to nothing about tennis, and her question during the trophy ceremony was what hair product does he use??? His hair is perfect and he was just running around and sweating who can that be??? It's totally unfair. LOL

Really off, talk to you all tomorrow.

YAY Wimby is here!!!!!!

Arun: I ran off to watch that TTC show about Pete. Thanks. Now they are playing a Destination Tennis and in the opening montage they showed the Phoenician in Scottsdale AZ. I live about 3 blocks away from it. Trippy. :)

That is some poufy beach hair in the Rafa/Xisca photos!

I feel like it's Christmas Eve and I'm 5 years old waiting for Santa to come, I'm super excited for tomorrow!!

Heather lol! Yes its that time of the year again

Hell its come around soo quick.The year is already flying

For those one the Andy/Venus bus here's a great article about Andy from USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/wimb/2010-06-20-andy-roddick_N.htm

Thanks Heather I am on the bus for Vee at Wimby this year

If Rafa cant win it I hope Andy can

AM, for me if Andy can't win it, then I'd be okay with Rafa winning it too! No offense to Roger fans but he's a trophy hog :)

Heather lol! well in my eyes Rogers pretty good at hogging those trophies

His record at the USO not bad either.

oops I also forgot to mention his trophies at the AO too

Yep he has got it all

Though he still needs a Hair Trim for Wimby in my eyes

Just an interesting stat,cause you all know I love stats lol!

I dont want to Jinx our boy Rafa at all ok

Rafa if he wins Wimby will be the 2nd time he has completed the Channel Slam

Of course he did it 2008.Roger has also done it last year

My idol Borg still holds the record for the Channel slams though,yay just saying

lol is this the same Pat McEnroe who's such a Nadal hater, according to many on the other book excerpt thread? any which way the wind blows, I guess lol!

Rafa to absolutely whip Soderling again and wipe his soiled shoes with wet grass on them all over his SAAB & VIKING face until he quits tennis and works for IKEA.

Tim Hey how could anyone Hate my Boy?,just saying

He is soo adorable from his head down to his toes

Well I have to whiz up and get these horrid blood tests done

My CFS specialist has already been on the phone to me asking why he hasnt seen my results yet?

Oops ok Doctor I am a coming

Like Tennis is more important to me lol!

Back in a bit,with less blood.pfft.

mag, check the other Pat Mac thread marg, outraged Rafa kids in a tizzy as usual lol

I know im a little obsessive about comparisons and the media's take on all these stories, but i can only imagine if Fed was on the same Slam losing streak as Fed, how much crap he would be taking...as of now, he's on a losing streak of ONE Slam ... can you imagine?

Tiger is still so lauded as a golfer and he's gotta be on a 2 year Slam losing streak now, no?

That's a good point Tim. I was thinking about that too.

@Tim (SAVE_TENNIS.FED)
Unfortunately, the Tiger v. Fed slam drought is a really poor comparison. It's simply much, much more difficult to win a golf tournament than it is to win a tennis tournament. Golf may not be much of a sport (and I'm one who heels to that perspective), but it's an excruciatingly difficult game.

"Rafa to absolutely whip Soderling again and wipe his soiled shoes with wet grass on them all over his SAAB & VIKING face until he quits tennis and works for IKEA."

fighting words, eh?

ethan, if we whip rafa in the quarters, i don't want to hear any knee or glutes or arse problems, ok?

u can be sure that the viking warrior will fight (even with a broken arm, shoulder or ankle), and not make excuses should he lose.

Hopefully one can also be sure that he's going to fight without pointing to ball marks on the grass that are miles away from the original mark too.

Good morning,
LOL at the comment @ 11:43 quoted by sod'sfriend. "Saab&Vikings face".:)
Poor Robin!

Morning, everyone. :)

Rafa-Robin trash-talking already? Why not wait until we know they're actually going to meet? ;-)

Depressed by Brazil-Ivory Coast last night - some exaggerated diving, a double-handball goal allowed to stand, and a piece of really cynical cheating from Keita resulting in Kaka's second yellow card and sending-off. Shocking officiating. And not exactly fair play from the footballers themselves.

Good Morning Zengii and Jewell

Jewell I am still loving your comment about Roger and his waering of a white Sarong lol!

Gee I am a dificult person to draw blood from I have such small veins,any way I didnt drink enough water have to come back again tomorrow Pftt.

Though I met a wonderful guy from Newbraska in the USA named Tom he was delightful

Americans I just love and get on soo well with.

Morning AM and jewell,
I have to run. Talk to you later.

Are you giving blood, AM?

Sorry about Kewell, btw, but I guess there wasn't much choice.

Bye Zenggi

Jewell I have to get my blood levels tested every time I go back to my CFS specialist

Hmmmmm Harry Kewell? which Aussie will be sent of next in our game against Ghana?

We are going for a hat trick

Ah, I see. Hope the results are good!

I'll put £5 on Lucas Neill. ;-)

Jewell lol! ok your on

Though after paying up to Dear Pspace with Rafa's RG tee and a pair of Thorlo socks to boot,cause I upped the ante and said if Rafa won in straights in the final I would buy him those socks as well

I am broke lol!

That will teach me in future to zip my mouth

Though it dosent worry me,it was worth it.

LOL. Definitely worth it. :) I have not quite come down off my high from that yet.

Am so cross I'm going to be out this afternoon, I really wanted to see Robson vs. JJ. Will have to get as much as possible on "Today at Wimbledon", I guess. Oh - I do love Today at Wimbledon SO much.

Jewell I dont think I will ever come down off that high either from a long time.It was a Master Class performance from Rafa,twice now not dropping a set.He and Borg are equal noone else except Ille Nastase who did it once,come close to that record.

Yes should be a intersting match up

Though why JJ didnt play a lead up grass tournament has me a bit worried

Jewell I will miss some of the early matches,cause I am going out to dinner.Going to a great restaurant called the Spice Temple in the city.Its one of Peters fav restaurants he is going back to sea on Wednesday.I must remember not to get a chilli on my tongue like last time though

I thought my tongue was going to die and me too lol!

I'll see how well JJ does before I decide on whether or not that was the right decision. ;-)

The most impressive thing about RG to me was how Rafa seemed to feel so little pressure in the final itself, after he'd been so nervy in earlier matches.

Hope the dinner is good! Your poor tongue.

Jewell Yes good thinking with JJ

I didnt think Rafa was that nervy myself he was pacing himself well.Though when he started crying,well I was crying before him let me tell you.I understood the pressure that he was feeling.I wanted to run on court and give him a big hug.

I remember seeing Uncle Toni just stand up and clap him he was soo proud of Rafa and also understood.

Remember a lot of people were writing him off and never thought he could get back,even to no 1 position.

I must say I too had my doubts early on in the h/court season,though there were signs there.

When he hit the clay WOW is the the tonic he needed.To do what he did and win his own Rafa Clay Slam

Outstanding.

I might be thinking more of the SF - Rafa missed some shots at the end of that match that looked very nervy. Credit to Melzer for coming back, too. That TB!

I wanted to run on court too! Loved the double fall onto the clay.

I think everyone had some doubts, including Rafa, but it was always silly to write him off before the clay. And I thought he made progress on the US HCs too - felt good about the loss to Roddick, the signs seemed hopeful. :)

Jewell Yeah like I have said in the past with Rafa

Never write him off

I remember when he had that bad underfoot problem way back and he might not play tennis again

He as the mind like a Steel Trap lol!

That was back in 2006 when he had to miss the AO? I wasn't following so closely then.

Jewell Shame on you ok? lol!

Dosent matter you have made up for it then

Well I hope you have

Haha, yes, I hope so, I have just had to be extra-devoted and adoring for the past two or three years. ;-)

Jewell Hmmmm

We Gonna See No?

Well you do have 2 Merit cards now

Though dont push it ok

Okay why do Men leave things at the last moment like looking up bloody street maps?

Honestly like we have been there before

He yells at me to get ready,yeah I have been ready for ages

Being a natural beauty I dont need that much time ok {ok that is slightly pushing it}

Ok have to go

See you in Wimby later

Hmm dreaming of High Tea again

Cherrio!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bye AM, have fun! (sorry, went to wash my hair.)

Just over an hour to go...wish it would hurry up, I could do with some nice tennis to cheer me up a bit. :)

Tired of all the 2008 and 2009 finals recap. That's done. I'm looking forward to the great matches (I sincerely hope) of Wimbledon 2010.

Bummed that Federer didn't have a haircut for this championships. Does he only cut his hair when he wins a title and lets it grow if he's not winning? Hmmm.

Boy, if Roddick did that, he'd have an Izzy look by now. Just sayin'.

Hm...interesting comments in Murray's BBC column about the AO & just afterwards:

"Losing to Roger Federer in the Australian Open at the start of the year was difficult because I thought I was going to win, so that makes it tough, but also I'd put so much into it.

I'd prepared as best I could and worked really hard in Miami before I went over to Australia. From December through to the end of January I'd spent three days in this country and a lot of time away from my friends and family.

It was a tough one, but at the same time when you've given everything to it and put in everything you can, it sits with you a bit better. But it was difficult to recover because it's not just the tournament, it's the whole build-up, and then the two weeks is obviously mentally and physically demanding.

I didn't feel like going to the gym that much afterwards, and getting myself fitter and stronger is something that has helped me and made me feel really confident over the last few years. When I wasn't going to the gym I had a few more doubts going onto the match court and I lost a bit of confidence that way."

Morning All. Is everybody ready. Is it time yet? Yes it is. Man, the grass looks green. The sun is shining. Players all in white. Off to put on the coffee.

How can a player who is the defending champion, won this tournament 6 times be running out of time in the same way that a player who has never won Wimbledon. I just do not get these ESPN commentators. Phewt

Morning

Good morning.

Where is Fed's match?

Aw, it is 13:00 local.
Thought it was noon. French and all other Euro tourneys starts 11 local.
Got up a bit too early to catch Fed's gear and attire and all...

Hello all!
good morning.
Is Sabine Liscki around?