Well after a fortnight of tennis, the stars in the finals are set to shine.
In just under an hour's time, Kim Clijsters will look to defend her improbable Open title against Vera Zvonereva of Russia. Clijsters pulled off an amazing victory over Venus Williams yesterday in three sets. She looked out of it for the first set but came back with her powerful forehands and acrobatic slides to win the second and third. Of course, she will be the prohibited favorite when she takes the court at 8 PM but don't overlook the Olympic bronze medalist. She's been in this place before, losing to Serena Williams at this year's Wimbledon final in July.
A few minutes ago on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Roger Federer, who I still think is the greatest player ever to step on a tennis court, went down in defeat to No. 3 seed Novak Djokovic. It was appropriately a 5-set match, with Djokovic coming on top 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5. Federer had the match IN THE BAG, wasting two match points before being broken by hitting three unforced errors. The match took over 3 hours and 30 minutes. The result was hugely disappointing for me and I think for most people, they did want to see a Federer-Rafa match up in the final.
Well, I think this match and Federer's overall performance this year shows us that the Maestro is on the decline. He's only won 2 singles titles all year long, one down in Australia and the one last month in Cincinatti. He's consistently losing matches that he had sealed up. He's committing way too many unforced errors (almost 70 today) and just overall looks old and tired. Only rarely does he flash his former form (like against Robin Soderling the other night). After what happened here tonight, I have some slight doubts about whether he will ever win a major again. But of course, this is the great Roger Federer and don't count him out until he retires.
On the other hand, I do think Rafa Nadal will earn a career Grand Slam tomorrow in New York. Djokovic is undoubtedly exhausted after his marathon effort. Rafa went through earlier in straights and has had 4 extra hours of rest. I will be very surprised if he doesn't win.
-D
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Tennis Tennis
I've been playing a lot of tennis. I've been watching a lot of tennis. It's all tennis tennis tennis!
We're through the first week here at the US Open and it's been a wild one at that. I don't think I've ever seen so many bagels at a Grand Slam tournament. It seems like everyday, especially on the women's side, somebody is winning 6-0, 6-1. For God's sake, Caroline Wozniacki has only dropped 3 games and she's already into the 4th round!!
My hometown girl Li Na lost in the first round in New York. That was rather disappointing. But still, it's amazing how she is in the Top 10. I can tell you, Chinese sports fans are very proud of her and Zheng Jie.
Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters slammed their way through to the women's quarterfinals earlier today. Rafael Nadal beat Gilles Simon in straight sets on Ashe. Fernando Verdasco looked good today, beating David Nalbandian in straight sets. Sam Querrey also went through to the Round of 16 in straight sets. Andy Murray's in a battle against Stanislas Wawrinka right now, 7-6, 6-7, 1-2, on serve in the third.
My pick for the final, Tomas Berdych, lost in the first round. I think Murray might have a good chance of making it to the final. Though I do admit Nadal's playing really well right now, I still think he's just too worn out from the year with his intense style of play. The Americans keep on saying Mardy Fish or Sam Querrey could have a breakout major here in NYC. I think they need to improve on aspects of their game other than their serve before they can break into the Top 10. What do you think?
-D
We're through the first week here at the US Open and it's been a wild one at that. I don't think I've ever seen so many bagels at a Grand Slam tournament. It seems like everyday, especially on the women's side, somebody is winning 6-0, 6-1. For God's sake, Caroline Wozniacki has only dropped 3 games and she's already into the 4th round!!
My hometown girl Li Na lost in the first round in New York. That was rather disappointing. But still, it's amazing how she is in the Top 10. I can tell you, Chinese sports fans are very proud of her and Zheng Jie.
Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters slammed their way through to the women's quarterfinals earlier today. Rafael Nadal beat Gilles Simon in straight sets on Ashe. Fernando Verdasco looked good today, beating David Nalbandian in straight sets. Sam Querrey also went through to the Round of 16 in straight sets. Andy Murray's in a battle against Stanislas Wawrinka right now, 7-6, 6-7, 1-2, on serve in the third.
My pick for the final, Tomas Berdych, lost in the first round. I think Murray might have a good chance of making it to the final. Though I do admit Nadal's playing really well right now, I still think he's just too worn out from the year with his intense style of play. The Americans keep on saying Mardy Fish or Sam Querrey could have a breakout major here in NYC. I think they need to improve on aspects of their game other than their serve before they can break into the Top 10. What do you think?
-D
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Baseball Baseball
The newest issue of Sports Illustrated has the pride of Toronto, Cincinatti first baseman Joey Votto, on its cover. What a wonderful sight that was when I looked into my mail yesterday. Read the article on him too, it was really really interesting!! It's so great to see Votto doing so well right now, batting .326 with 32 home runs and 91 RBIs.
Speaking of big sluggers, how about Jose Bautista? He's up to 42 homers now, 8 ahead of Albert Pujols, who is second in the majors. Bautista's also up to 99 RBIs now. Where would the Blue Jays be without him? Could he be a potential MVP candidate?
Jays have won two straight but barely...phew. Last night, Kevin Gregg blew another save, allowing the tying run to score in the top of the 9th. Thank goodness Aaron Hill came through in the 11th with a walk off single. Today, it was Scott Downs' turn to put the fans on the edge of their seats. In the top of the 9th, Detroit scored three runs to close the gap to 5-4 before Kevin Gregg shut the door on the Tigers.
Hoping to go to one more ballgame before school starts.
Can't wait for the US Open on Monday!!
-D
Speaking of big sluggers, how about Jose Bautista? He's up to 42 homers now, 8 ahead of Albert Pujols, who is second in the majors. Bautista's also up to 99 RBIs now. Where would the Blue Jays be without him? Could he be a potential MVP candidate?
Jays have won two straight but barely...phew. Last night, Kevin Gregg blew another save, allowing the tying run to score in the top of the 9th. Thank goodness Aaron Hill came through in the 11th with a walk off single. Today, it was Scott Downs' turn to put the fans on the edge of their seats. In the top of the 9th, Detroit scored three runs to close the gap to 5-4 before Kevin Gregg shut the door on the Tigers.
Hoping to go to one more ballgame before school starts.
Can't wait for the US Open on Monday!!
-D
Monday, 23 August 2010
Late August
Well, this summer has certainly gone by VERY fast. It's already August 23 as we speak. Although I wish this summer could last just a little bit longer, I am excited to begin the new school year come September. Nonetheless, I'll miss these past two months very much though.
It's been rainy here in the eastern part of the continent this week. Montreal's Rogers Cup semifinals and finals were delayed for more than 39 hours. Only this morning did sky clear for play. Caroline Wozniacki, the 2nd ranked female player in the world, took home the trophy this afternoon, beating Vera Zvonareva, 6-3, 6-2. Hardly a surprising result.
Roger Federer added to his illustrious resume with a win over Mardy Fish yesterday in Cincinatti in a three-setter. It's Federer's first ATP Masters Series title in 12 months and his 63rd career championship, 4th in Cincinatti. Is he going to capture his 17th Slam in New York in three weeks time? That's tough to say. I think he very well might. Nadal hasn't been in tip top shape these past two weeks. Del Potro withdrew from the Open today, due to his nagging wrist injury. So, he very well might win for the 6th time in Flushing Meadows.
However, I'm picking dark horse Tomas Berdych to make the final. Last year, I was right about Del Potro, so we'll see this year. Can't wait!
Jays dropped their second straight series, this time in Boston. But hey, that ass kicking of the Red Sox on Friday night, 16-2 was pretty amazing to watch. Jose Bautista might very well finish with 45 home runs this year.
-D
It's been rainy here in the eastern part of the continent this week. Montreal's Rogers Cup semifinals and finals were delayed for more than 39 hours. Only this morning did sky clear for play. Caroline Wozniacki, the 2nd ranked female player in the world, took home the trophy this afternoon, beating Vera Zvonareva, 6-3, 6-2. Hardly a surprising result.
Roger Federer added to his illustrious resume with a win over Mardy Fish yesterday in Cincinatti in a three-setter. It's Federer's first ATP Masters Series title in 12 months and his 63rd career championship, 4th in Cincinatti. Is he going to capture his 17th Slam in New York in three weeks time? That's tough to say. I think he very well might. Nadal hasn't been in tip top shape these past two weeks. Del Potro withdrew from the Open today, due to his nagging wrist injury. So, he very well might win for the 6th time in Flushing Meadows.
However, I'm picking dark horse Tomas Berdych to make the final. Last year, I was right about Del Potro, so we'll see this year. Can't wait!
Jays dropped their second straight series, this time in Boston. But hey, that ass kicking of the Red Sox on Friday night, 16-2 was pretty amazing to watch. Jose Bautista might very well finish with 45 home runs this year.
-D
Monday, 16 August 2010
Rogers Cup
Andy Murray is playing AMAZING right now and he just won the Rogers Cup over the weekend here in Toronto. Oh and he beat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer along the way!
It was an absolutely amazing experience volunteering at the tournament for the second year. I was part of the Pass Control and Outside Courts Committee, which means I was assigned to restricted areas to check for access passes and I also acted as usher on some of the outside courts on the grounds.
I got to watch a ton of tennis on my breaks and had a whale of a time socializing with other volunteers. I also got lucky on the last two days of my shift and was assigned to work near the players' entrance to Centre Court, checking passes in that hallway. There, I got to see RFed, Andy Murray, and Rafa up close. Those were moments I'll never forget. Just so exciting to see the greatest players walking right in front of you!
I was rooting for Roger Federer to win the tournament but honestly though, he didn't play his best at all. Only his first and second matches were breeze-throughs and even his second match I thought could have been better. Tomas Berdych came THIS close to knocking him out in the QFs while Djokovic also pushed him to three. Still though, he did regain his #2 ranking but by the looks of it, it will take a long time for him to climb up to the top again. He is just TWO weeks away from beating Sampras' old record of 286 weeks at #1.
My pick for the US Open...hmm, that's a tough one. I'd love to see Federer win back the title but I also love Juan Martin Del Potro. Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray are both playing amazing tennis right now so it will be another great fight for the trophy. Berdych will be one to watch as well after his performance in Toronto. I don't think Djokovic, with the way he played, will be too big of a threat but remember he is still world #3.
I gotta go with the greatest though. Pickin' Federer but if it's a Rafa-Fed, Murray-Fed, Djoko-Fed, Berdych-Fed, Del Potro-Fed match-up, don't be surprised if the Swiss Maestro's apparent fall from grace continues.
-D
It was an absolutely amazing experience volunteering at the tournament for the second year. I was part of the Pass Control and Outside Courts Committee, which means I was assigned to restricted areas to check for access passes and I also acted as usher on some of the outside courts on the grounds.
I got to watch a ton of tennis on my breaks and had a whale of a time socializing with other volunteers. I also got lucky on the last two days of my shift and was assigned to work near the players' entrance to Centre Court, checking passes in that hallway. There, I got to see RFed, Andy Murray, and Rafa up close. Those were moments I'll never forget. Just so exciting to see the greatest players walking right in front of you!
I was rooting for Roger Federer to win the tournament but honestly though, he didn't play his best at all. Only his first and second matches were breeze-throughs and even his second match I thought could have been better. Tomas Berdych came THIS close to knocking him out in the QFs while Djokovic also pushed him to three. Still though, he did regain his #2 ranking but by the looks of it, it will take a long time for him to climb up to the top again. He is just TWO weeks away from beating Sampras' old record of 286 weeks at #1.
My pick for the US Open...hmm, that's a tough one. I'd love to see Federer win back the title but I also love Juan Martin Del Potro. Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray are both playing amazing tennis right now so it will be another great fight for the trophy. Berdych will be one to watch as well after his performance in Toronto. I don't think Djokovic, with the way he played, will be too big of a threat but remember he is still world #3.
I gotta go with the greatest though. Pickin' Federer but if it's a Rafa-Fed, Murray-Fed, Djoko-Fed, Berdych-Fed, Del Potro-Fed match-up, don't be surprised if the Swiss Maestro's apparent fall from grace continues.
-D
Monday, 9 August 2010
So Close!
Two outs, bottom of the ninth, 1-1 count, Evan Longoria taps a ball by Aaron Hill. The entire stadium shrieks. The doors of history slams into Brandon Morrow's face.
It was THAT close. One more out and he would have tossed the 6th major league no-no this season. It would have been Tampa's gazillionth time being no-hit in the last two years. Well, it didn't happen, folks. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be. But surely it was still a HELL of a day for Brandon Morrow, who finished with a stunning total of 17 strikeouts.
Boy was he ever throwing some heat yesterday afternoon! And not to mention that with his one hitter, we swept Tampa, one of the best teams in the league, this weekend! The Jays are surely on a role right now and let's see what they can do with those Boston Red Sox! I say they take 2 of 3.
Going out to the Rogers Cup tomorrow night to enjoy some tennis-Roger Federer's playing!! Should be exciting!
-D
It was THAT close. One more out and he would have tossed the 6th major league no-no this season. It would have been Tampa's gazillionth time being no-hit in the last two years. Well, it didn't happen, folks. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be. But surely it was still a HELL of a day for Brandon Morrow, who finished with a stunning total of 17 strikeouts.
Boy was he ever throwing some heat yesterday afternoon! And not to mention that with his one hitter, we swept Tampa, one of the best teams in the league, this weekend! The Jays are surely on a role right now and let's see what they can do with those Boston Red Sox! I say they take 2 of 3.
Going out to the Rogers Cup tomorrow night to enjoy some tennis-Roger Federer's playing!! Should be exciting!
-D
Saturday, 7 August 2010
Arencibia/Rogers Cup
Curtain call for JP Arencibia!!
How many rookies get that kind of treatment? Well, if you go 4-5 with 2 home runs, a double and a single, you would in any ballpark! That's what Jays catcher JP Arencibia got today at the Rogers Centre. On top of his 4 hit monster day, Arencibia hammered the FIRST PITCH he faced in the Major Leagues over the left field fence. It was simply incredible. Oh and the Jays won 17-7, with 20 hits, 8 of which were big bombs. Bautista slammed his 34th.
The Rogers Cup opened today in Toronto. I was there for my first shift as a volunteer this year. In addition to 4 qualifying matches, I was able to catch a glimpse of Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Andy Murray, and David Ferrer. It was people and celebs galore. I got lots of good paparazzi shots. I'll post up the pics later!! More fun out there on the courts tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll catch a glimpse of Mr. Federer.
-D
PS. D'you know Djokovic/Nadal are playing doubles together in this tournament?!
How many rookies get that kind of treatment? Well, if you go 4-5 with 2 home runs, a double and a single, you would in any ballpark! That's what Jays catcher JP Arencibia got today at the Rogers Centre. On top of his 4 hit monster day, Arencibia hammered the FIRST PITCH he faced in the Major Leagues over the left field fence. It was simply incredible. Oh and the Jays won 17-7, with 20 hits, 8 of which were big bombs. Bautista slammed his 34th.
The Rogers Cup opened today in Toronto. I was there for my first shift as a volunteer this year. In addition to 4 qualifying matches, I was able to catch a glimpse of Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Andy Murray, and David Ferrer. It was people and celebs galore. I got lots of good paparazzi shots. I'll post up the pics later!! More fun out there on the courts tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll catch a glimpse of Mr. Federer.
-D
PS. D'you know Djokovic/Nadal are playing doubles together in this tournament?!
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
It's About Time
After 13 games, more than 50 at bats, Alex Rodriguez has finally, on a sunny afternoon in New York, joined the 600 home run club!
It came against Shaun Marcum in the 1st inning, with Derek Jeter on first base, on a 2-0 count. He sailed it high and deep to centre field where the ball eventually touched down in Monument Park. A-Rod, at age 34, is the youngest player ever to reach that milestone and is just the 7th in MLB history to cross the 600 threshold. All my Congrats go out to him but here's my two cents worth on the situation.
We know A-Rod doped. That he admitted. This milestone is yet another tainted one, something we have seen too often in recent years. It may be true that he may very well break Barry Bonds' record of 762 home runs but there will be an asterisk there always. His home run pace is also slowing, not surprising considering he is now clean. Why else would there be so many no hitters this season in the MLB-it's because hitters are actually clean. I hope it remains that way because after all, it kind of bursts the bubble when you see the asterisk beside everyone's name in the record books.
-D
It came against Shaun Marcum in the 1st inning, with Derek Jeter on first base, on a 2-0 count. He sailed it high and deep to centre field where the ball eventually touched down in Monument Park. A-Rod, at age 34, is the youngest player ever to reach that milestone and is just the 7th in MLB history to cross the 600 threshold. All my Congrats go out to him but here's my two cents worth on the situation.
We know A-Rod doped. That he admitted. This milestone is yet another tainted one, something we have seen too often in recent years. It may be true that he may very well break Barry Bonds' record of 762 home runs but there will be an asterisk there always. His home run pace is also slowing, not surprising considering he is now clean. Why else would there be so many no hitters this season in the MLB-it's because hitters are actually clean. I hope it remains that way because after all, it kind of bursts the bubble when you see the asterisk beside everyone's name in the record books.
-D
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