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Queen City Diary, Day 3 08/18/2010 - 11:53 AM

103357700 [[Pete is on vacation from Sunday, the 15th, through today. He'll be back with a post tomorrow.]]
 
By Jackie Roe, TW Contributing Writer

Good morning, TWibe. Another day in Cincinnati at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters has come and gone, and I have plenty of stories to report, as usual.

Just as I did on Monday, I tried my best to catch as many matches and practice sessions as my aching feet would allow, but I'll give you a rundown of those in the Deuce Club this week or next. What I thought I'd focus on in today's update are my press conference impressions; the big four held their pre-tournament pressers on Tuesday and we heard from some of the Americans, as well. Sure, you could just look up the transcripts, but where's the fun in that?

Blake's post-match presser was up first, following his loss to Istomin. I wasn't present for either the match or the presser, but as he revealed quite a bit about his state of mind and his upcoming plans, I thought it was worth sharing with y'all.

- Throughout the presser, he noted that he was still feeling the effects of a number of injuries. He didn't attribute the day's loss to illness or injury, though - he just wasn't at his best.

- He plans to take a break for a little while after the Open.

- The last question asked was about Pam Shriver, and he let us know that he received a nice e-mail from her. So they've quashed their beef, I assume.

Federer's pre-tournament presser took place a few hours later. He arrived dressed in his training gear, as he was scheduled to practice for the first time in Cincinnati later that day.

- There was something slightly off about his demeanor during the presser; former TWiber CNote and I described him as "testy," as he demonstrated too much of the reflexive defensiveness that makes even the most ardent of Federer fans wince. Still, he was talkative and self-assured and responded to each question with that singular Federer openness.

- Generally, the presser was far more serious than the ones in Toronto, but there was one light-hearted interaction with a reporter:

Reporter: The perception is that your level has decreased ... I don't necessarily think that's the case ... what's the-"

Federer: Thank you.

- When asked if he preferred the men's and women's tournaments being separate or combined, he decisively chose the former, saying it's much more quiet and "everything is a bit simpler."

- Another reporter brought up his inconsistent results at the tournament - he either wins the championship or he's knocked out early - and Federer responded with, "Well, I prefer it that way than playing quarters every time." Is that how all players feel, I wonder?

Murray's presser was up next. (No transcript for this one. That makes me feel more useful.)

- I was happy to see his eye contact improve as the presser progressed; the public speaking instructor in me always emerges when I watch him speak because his discomfort is so palpable.

- He was asked about the role his mother plays, and he revealed that he doesn't actually speak to her before his matches, though she does try to scout his opponents. She's not fulfilling the role of a coach, really - he said it was just nice having someone in his family around.

- He fielded several questions about his coaching situation, and he stated that he wouldn't replace Maclagan anytime before the Open "for sure," and that in some ways it's nice to be on your own. More responsibility in figuring things out, more freedom.

- As for this tournament, he said he'd still feel confident going into the Open even if he doesn't have a great result here.

After a never-ending wait, Nadal arrived for his pre-tournament presser. (You'd think that pricey watch would help him manage his time a little bit better!)

- In contrast to the Federer and Murray pressers, the vibe in this one was much more light. Nadal was his usual good-natured self and smiled/laughed often. Instead of describing his responses to questions, I'll let him speak for himself. Notable quotes include:

I am not superstitious.
If you play well, you win, if you play bad, you lose.
I don't think if I am number one or number five. I am Rafa.
(after a reporter asked a drawn-out question) I do not understand nothing.
Physically I'm perfect. Remain two weeks to broke everything. (Even more hilarious in person.)

- Another insightful part of the presser was when he discussed his previous performances at the Open and how his disappointing (for him) results had less to do with his physical state than his mental one, contrary to what most observers argue. Particularly interesting was his comment about the '08 Open, when he said he was actually fine physically but "destroyed" mentally, following his dream summer. We see, then, that while winning is nice, it takes its toll, too.

- I had to mention that my understanding of Nadal's English has vastly improved from the first time I heard him speak in person. Have I just gotten used to it or is he getting better?

I missed Djokovic's presser, unfortunately, but ended my day at Isner's.

- This was a fun one, more like a conversation than any of the others. Isner in person surprised me a tad; he's quite serious and a thoughtful, polished speaker.

- He spoke at length about the after-effects of the Wimbledon marathon match, expressing that his win over Kubot was the best he's felt on court in a long time. He's been gassed for a while, and the fatigue hit him especially in DC, which prompted him to skip Toronto. He went home, didn't think about tennis, just hung out with his family (and his dog, a cocker spaniel!). He even turned off his cell phone.

- Regarding the renovations, he said that the locker room is the best part, that it has more space that any other he's been in.

- We all had a good laugh when he said the following, of his doubles success with Querrey: "We really don't know to play doubles. We have big serves."

After the presser officially ended, I mustered up the courage to ask Isner a couple of questions about wrestling. He was gracious enough to humor me and chat briefly about the WWE pay-per-view event on Sunday and his affinity for WWE Raw ("I never miss it!") as he was on his way out of the interview room. And here I thought I was the only one who appreciated both tennis and wrestling. That was a fun cap to a whirlwind day.

That's all for now - time to head out to the courts. This is my last day here, so I have to make it count! I'll be back with some final words about my experience in Friday's DC, and you can also track my movements via Twitter (@JackieRoe).

As always, use this space to call today's matches.
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Posted by Caroline 08/19/2010 at 12:31 PM

Help - is anyone else having a problem logging on to tennistv?
Posted by Master Ace 08/19/2010 at 12:32 PM

Aussiemarg,
Marion was not "high" on sugar today. She is saving it for Victoria tomorrow unless Na rally from 3-6,2-5. As you know, Marion has never won against Victoria.
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:32 PM

CI Agree with the f/hand
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:32 PM

Ernie, come on, enough with the dropshot.
Posted by CherryNYC 08/19/2010 at 12:33 PM

Goodness Ernie, why the scruffy look? Not particularly flattering -- looks like he woke up hungover on the floor of a strange hotel room. (which may in fact be the case).
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 12:33 PM

MA,

I wish I could watch my girls :-). I will watch Dinara's match though

It's sad that on men's side there is only lonely Kolya and he's struggling too...

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:33 PM

Master Ace Hmmm methinks she may of had a little sugar before the match.I dont trust her.
Posted by linex 08/19/2010 at 12:34 PM

Isn´t tennis tv going to show nalbi and nole's match in grandstand? it is not announced at the moment.
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:34 PM

Phew good hold Earnie
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 12:34 PM

"Marion has never won against Victoria"

really? good... :-)
Posted by Master Ace 08/19/2010 at 12:35 PM

Will Victoria serve for a date with Marion tomorrow? She serves 6-3,5-3
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:35 PM

Earnie another break would be good
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 12:35 PM

serve it out, Vika
Posted by TeamNadal 08/19/2010 at 12:35 PM

Taylor Dent and Marion were just spotted at Burger King
Posted by Vie 08/19/2010 at 12:35 PM

ATP physio Novotny now Ernie's?

Posted by Master Ace 08/19/2010 at 12:36 PM

Sokol,
Yes, think it is 4-0 with the last one being a 3 set battle in Stanford where Victoria rallied from a set and a break deficit to win the match. That match helped propel her to the winners circle as she won easier against Samantha and Maria.
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:36 PM

Vie: yes to Novotny.
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:36 PM

Team Nadal lol!

Behave please
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:38 PM

Andy 2nd serve is just woeful at the moment
Posted by CherryNYC 08/19/2010 at 12:38 PM

appears we have Pissy Muzz today. Love it!

Posted by Rafadoc Good Stuff 08/19/2010 at 12:38 PM

Ohhhh...that is frustrating Andy. Gulbis' timing on his serve is just amazing right now.

Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:39 PM

Ernie, why'd you hit straight back to Murray when you had a whole open court?!?
Posted by linex 08/19/2010 at 12:39 PM

A pity that Gulbis missed that cute volley.
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:39 PM

Bad luck Earnie thought was good

Dont take your eyes down off the level of the ball
Posted by Vie 08/19/2010 at 12:40 PM

Thanks C1.
I like how he's playing.
Posted by beth 08/19/2010 at 12:40 PM

Sherlock - I know Fish is good friends with the American guys - Roddick , Gimelstob , Blake
But , I have no knowledge of his popularity among the other guys

does not seem to be well liked among the French - not that he cares

Posted by Arun 08/19/2010 at 12:41 PM

I know Murray's 2nd serve is weak and all.
But I've never come across a stat sheet that shows his 2nd serve being destroyed so thoroughly.
Comeon , Muzz!

There, he doubled that 2nd serve winning percentage.. to 20%
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:41 PM

Ernie's playing SO well. I just love to see this. the flick down the line...
Posted by sblily (Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!/We gonna see, no?) 08/19/2010 at 12:41 PM

Sauce looking smooth (and uncharacteristically light-handed w/ the product): http://tinyurl.com/28ukugs
Posted by Kristy 08/19/2010 at 12:41 PM

Oh Murray. It's just not there today.

Though he doesn't look that bad. It's just that Earnest is so bright.
Posted by TeamNadal 08/19/2010 at 12:41 PM

Go Ernie!
Posted by CherryNYC 08/19/2010 at 12:41 PM

Geez Muzz -- get your picture in Vogue and look at you. Sorry, Anna Wintour's only got one tennis playing BFF.

Posted by Master Ace 08/19/2010 at 12:41 PM

Marion vs Victoria tomorrow...
Posted by Vie 08/19/2010 at 12:42 PM

Liked that too C1.
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:42 PM

Yay Earnie

Gets the double break leads 4-1 1st setr
Posted by David 08/19/2010 at 12:43 PM

Am I the only one for whom the TennisTV website is completely screwed, all of a sudden? Please let me know if you're a subscriber - thanks.
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:43 PM

Arun great minds with the 2nd serve stat Ugh!!!!!!!
Posted by CherryNYC 08/19/2010 at 12:44 PM

Ernie to serve at 4-1. The empty seats!

Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:44 PM

David, it's working for me.
Posted by TeamNadal 08/19/2010 at 12:45 PM

OMG, Wild Boy is on FIRE
Posted by Rafadoc Good Stuff 08/19/2010 at 12:45 PM

Yep...I blame Anna Wintour. Rafa lost in Miami after his Vogue shoot. It is like the Sport's Illustrated curse.

Anna has one man (the giggly one)
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:45 PM

Richad and The Sock 4 games all 1st set
Posted by Rafadoc Good Stuff 08/19/2010 at 12:46 PM

David: Someone else was having trouble too.

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:46 PM

Earnie that was a bit Lame?
Posted by Lynne (Rafalite) 08/19/2010 at 12:46 PM

Wild thing is looking unbeatable today.
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:47 PM

ugh, DF on break point?
Posted by TeamNadal 08/19/2010 at 12:48 PM

omg, they're talking about Ernie acting....anyone ever see the movie he did with his mom when he was a kid? He's obviously had some orthodontic work done since then.....he was so cute, he still looks the same!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ety9EQnDUw
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:48 PM

Poor game Earnie

Dont let him get back in

Posted by Sherlock 08/19/2010 at 12:48 PM

" I know Fish is good friends with the American guys - Roddick , Gimelstob , Blake"

Thanks, Beth. :)

Hmmm. Roddick and Blake, a good sign. Gimelstob? Makes me think Fish must be a horse's arse. :)

Come on, Andy. Don't lose to this dude. Freakin' Melzer.
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 12:48 PM

frazzle time for me as 2 my favorite girls are to play next
Posted by linex 08/19/2010 at 12:49 PM

ARe gasquet and fish playing already? is someone watching that stream because I do not have access in tennistv to that court for the time being ...
Posted by TeamNadal 08/19/2010 at 12:49 PM

I posted the wrong one....Ernie as a child acting with his mom:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6aB2V4eG20
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:50 PM

sokol Dont tell me its Safina time again

Goes to get drugs and alchol
Posted by Carrie (typos are my freinds) 08/19/2010 at 12:51 PM

*does not seem to be well liked among the French - not that he cares
*

Yeah- I think in part because he tends to be assy to them. Example- telling Julian that he couldn't beleive he lost to a "journeyman" like him at the net a few years ago. He says crap to French players quite a bit it seems. I think during a doubles match he said something to Lodra or Fabrice remarking on their nationality. I may be mis-remembering but he does seem to be a real jerk to French players. What gives- did he have a bad experience with a beret as a child?
Posted by sblily (Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!/We gonna see, no?) 08/19/2010 at 12:51 PM

linex - http://tinyurl.com/296cu56
Posted by scoreboarding 08/19/2010 at 12:51 PM

Well that DF was totally unnecessary Ernie. Focus and take the set!
Posted by Rafadoc Good Stuff 08/19/2010 at 12:51 PM

Linex: Yes-Fish and Gasquet are playing...5-5 in the first set. Did you try the fromsport.com streams?
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:52 PM

c'mon Ernie, hold!
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:52 PM

Earnie that was wild and missed the court competley???

B/hand please
Posted by Arun 08/19/2010 at 12:52 PM

oh Reeshy.
Posted by scoreboarding 08/19/2010 at 12:52 PM

Ok what a silly to say! As if any DF was ever necessary. In my defense, I just woke up.

Fish with 3BPs
Posted by linex 08/19/2010 at 12:53 PM

Thanks sblily and Rafadoc! I hope tennistv is showing Nalbandian's match it would be a shame if they do not do it.
Posted by sblily (Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!/We gonna see, no?) 08/19/2010 at 12:53 PM

Bleh, Fish. Come on Reeshard!
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:53 PM

Pfft Richard

Come on Break him now
Posted by Lynne (Rafalite) 08/19/2010 at 12:54 PM

Amazing ... as soon as I say Wild Thing looks unbeatable, he goes off the boil.
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 12:54 PM

"Dont tell me its Safina time again"

not yet, AM, lol

it's Sveta and Vera next. Dinara will play later tonight
Posted by scoreboarding 08/19/2010 at 12:54 PM

ESPN2 switches to Fish-Gasquet
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:54 PM

Good service game please Ernests
Posted by Rafadoc Good Stuff 08/19/2010 at 12:54 PM

ESPN switches to the Fish match. Classic. *sigh*
Posted by Caroline 08/19/2010 at 12:55 PM

David - I was having a problem with TennisTV. I re-booted my computer and now it's fine.
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 12:55 PM

sokol Many thanks I need more time to get myself up for her game
Posted by linex 08/19/2010 at 12:57 PM

Carrie the one who used to get along with Fish is Delpo I remember that they played doubles together ...
Posted by scoreboarding 08/19/2010 at 12:57 PM

Lynne,
That's Gulbis for you. His matches should come with a warning for people who suffer from motion sickness due to the huge ups and downs.

Let's see if he can continue to hold serve which is all he needs to take the set.
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 12:57 PM

"I need more time to get myself up for her game"

I completely understand :-))
you have about 8 hours, I would say. What time will it be at your place?
Posted by Aube,politically correct?P- liizzzz! 08/19/2010 at 12:58 PM

Good afternoon everyone,is any women tennis on ESPN today and also at what time please?
Thanks in advance...
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:58 PM

I know Ernie had that sloppy game, but I'm still impressed at how much control he has on his FH in this match! He's going for his shots but making them almost every time.

Break!
Posted by TeamNadal 08/19/2010 at 12:59 PM

YES ERNIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Heather 08/19/2010 at 12:59 PM

Mardy and his "resurgance" is so overrated.

Posted by sblily (Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!/We gonna see, no?) 08/19/2010 at 12:59 PM

rafadoc - Get used to it. :( If Fish keeps winning, we'll probably be seeing a lot more of him in the USO coverage this year.
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 12:59 PM

haha, Andy tries to go right at Ernie and he hits a perfect reflex volley into the open court.
Posted by Texastennis 08/19/2010 at 01:00 PM

ESPN 2 is live now and still showing Murray-Gulbis where I am.
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 01:01 PM

sokol Its 3am in the morning here.That will make it about 11am depending on how the other matches go.
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 01:01 PM

Lets see if Gulbis can serve the set out
Posted by wilson75 08/19/2010 at 01:01 PM

"Mardy and his "resurgance" is so overrated"

Heather: I agree.
Posted by beth 08/19/2010 at 01:02 PM

Booo!!
Fish wins the first
pffff
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 01:02 PM

Now Earnie please steady and just serve out the set
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 01:02 PM

poor smash to start off...

c'mon, take the set!
Posted by scoreboarding 08/19/2010 at 01:03 PM

C'mon Ernie! That's better, more serves like those please
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 01:03 PM

Beth Extra Boo from me too

Lets hope Richard can take the 2nd set it was close in the 1st.
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 01:03 PM

"Its 3am in the morning here"

AM, I'm always amazed at your ability to follow tennis at crazy time like that :-). You need to get some sleep, oh wait, you can't, Rafa is next after Murray's match :-)
Posted by TeamNadal 08/19/2010 at 01:04 PM

GO GULBY!!!!!
Posted by linex 08/19/2010 at 01:04 PM

It is a pity that Fish won that first set ... let us hope for a Gasquet comeback in the second set

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 01:04 PM

sokol I went to bed early and got 6 hours sleep no worries.I am well organised lol!
Posted by Carrie (typos are my freinds) 08/19/2010 at 01:04 PM

linex- I had scrubbed that doubles pairing from my mind. I like to pretend it never happened.

I have already wanted the full Roger/Rafa Gigglefest 2010 clip four times. Good times..
Posted by crazyone 08/19/2010 at 01:05 PM

yay, keep it up!
Posted by TeamNadal 08/19/2010 at 01:05 PM

yeah that Rafa/Roger clip is HYSTERICAL!
Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners! 08/19/2010 at 01:05 PM

Yay he does it with a Ace

Earnie 1st set 6-4
Posted by Kristy 08/19/2010 at 01:05 PM

Is that Miles MacLachlan in Andy's box? Didn't Andy fire him?

Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 01:06 PM

"I am well organised"

good for you, lol
Posted by sokol 08/19/2010 at 01:06 PM

Gulbis serves it out. One more set.
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