2008 US Open: What I Learned From The 2008 US Open

September 9, 2008
Federer Runs New York, Son!

Federer Runs New York, Son!

- Roger Federer didn’t go anywhere. His critics just happened to have someone else to take up some ink for a while. Nothing feels better than being the one to have the very last say. Just ask Pete Sampras six years ago when he won his fifth US Open. And the true champion’s heart is one who, despite all the naysayers’ constant use of energy to bring you down, you turn a deaf ear, concentrate and get in the last word.

- Rafael Nadal is human (plus, one heck of a summer season doesn’t make a fully realized legacy.) Roger Federer has had four of the most dominant seasons of tennis ever in the open era and this year when he had to overcome a few sudden obstacles, everyone’s breath and ink was used to basically write him off. Despite Nadal’s incredible four consecutive French Open titles, this is only one (hopefully of many) great season that exceeded Nadal’s favorite clay. Then what happened? He burned out.

Nadal is still a young guy with several more years left in him. But like I’ve said so many times, it hurts me just to watch Nadal run with those heavy steps and taped knees. Those have a much shorter shelf life than we probably realize.

- The immediate future of men’s tennis seems to remain in the European nations. Despite a fairly impressive showing by Donald Young, he’s still got a ways to go and definitely too young in his career to know if he’s in it for the long haul. But Gael Monfils, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal… these guys will be battling it out for the next few years.

- The World Series of Poker and Grand Slam Tennis. Both will be on ESPN starting next year and both will be heavily watched by CAP.

- Just like the last four years, the grand slam season officially comes to an end with another Federer grand slam win. Suddenly you stop hearing about all this “end of an era” BS.

cap

2 Comments | life, tennis | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: Roger Federer Wins!!! Roger Federer Wins!!!

September 8, 2008
6-2, 7-5, 6-2

Switzerland's Roger Federer Defeats Scotland's Andy Murray: 6-2, 7-5, 6-2

In a year that started off with mononucleosis at the Austrailian Open, the most lopsided loss in his current career at the French Open and the single greatest loss of his legendary career at Wimbledon, Roger Federer got the very last word in on all his critics and detractors who all but wrote off the former world number one.

In a match that may not have seen the most dominating of Federer’s title wins (that distinction goes to his first 2004 US Open title win against Lleyton Hewitt 6-0, 7-6(3), 6-0), it certainly made up for in the gravity and weight of being the “comeback kid” who never really went anywhere.

And in the finals of the final grand slam of the season, Federer’s greatest nemesis, the replacement champion, the new king… wasn’t even there.

When the dust settles and the smoke clears the 2008 tennis year will be always known as Rafael Nadal’s year. The statement was wholly solidified with the Olympic Gold. However with Federer playing into the final grand slam championship of the year, he got to lay down the final punctuation with a bold typed exclamation point.

CAP Notes:

- Match Stats

- Post match press conference.

- Roger Federer retains his title at the US Open. Five consecutive at Flushing Meadows and his 13th overall grand slam title (Five Wimbledons, Five US Opens, Three Australian Opens). One away from tying Pete Sampras’ 14 grand slam titles (Six Wimbledons, Five US Opens & Three Australian Opens).

- Andy Murray looked slightly overwhelmed by the occasion as much as the opponent across the net.

cap

No Comments » | tennis | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: It’s a Federer vs. Murray Final; There will be no Grapple in the Apple

September 8, 2008
The Scottish Bulldog Triumphs

The Scottish Bulldog Triumphs

There will be no “Grapple in the Apple”. There will be no third straight Grand Slam Final match-up in a row. There will only be the re-emergence of The Federer Express.

On the other side of the net is this Scottish Bulldog Andy Murray. Head to head, Andy Murray has a winning match record against the former world number one Roger Federer. But they’ve never met at a final and they’ve never met in a grand slam.

So now, what then?

CAP Notes:

- Despite the old cliche that Andy Murray has nothing to lose, I don’t agree with that. He can still lose the final match on the verge of his first grand title. If Murray is to congratulate himself for arriving this far, it won’t be until well after the match if he loses. Until then, he’s another champ looking to achieve his greatest goal. This is his favorite tournament after all.

- Federer is coming in on a season that saw for some unexpected losses to many unexpected opponents. Fish, Blake, Simon, Stepanek and Murray to name a few. So his vulnerability is at a career high since taking over the game four years ago.

- There’s no doubt that Nadal (for the first time all summer) looked a step slow and a level below his unbelievable standards throughout the summer of 2008. He is human afterall. But that’s not to say that Murray didn’t take the semi-final from the world’s number one player. Murray’s groundstrokes very often looked like little green bullets as he often hit them flat to take time away from the sluggish Nadal. And though Federer hasn’t yet had the match that fully makes him look like he’s back to top form, he seems to be peaking at the right time both mentally and physically to, if nothing else, impose his champion’s will on the younger Murray later this afternoon.

- This is the best way for Federer to have his final say on the season. And if anyone loves to deliver on a stage like this, it’s Federer.

Federer has not looked this pumped in a while

Federer has not looked this pumped in a while

All signs point to Roger Federer winning his fifth straight US Open. But for this week, it certainly looks like Murray will be a tougher foe than Nadal might have been. We can only wonder.

The final match will begin at 2pm PST and will be streamed live on both the US Open official site as well and CBS sports.

to be concluded soon…

cap

No Comments » | tennis | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: Roger Federer in the Finals Again! Rafael Nadal Hangs on by an RCH

September 6, 2008
Gracias, Dios!

Gracias, Dios!

With Rafael Nadal down two sets to none in his semi-final match against the Scotsman Andy Murray, the rough and tough Spaniard and the “Grapple in the Apple” dream re-match hangs on by the thinnest of RCH.

CAP’s Notes:

- With his win today against Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer is one match away from giving the last word to all his critics. Though Federer has yet to play the kind of match that has made him look invincible on a tennis court for the past four plus years, I believe his champion spirit returned to it’s brightest point in his match against the Serbian Terminator, Novak Djokovic.

- Speaking of Novak, not only did he come off sluggish and without spark during his match against Federer, I truly believe that his misunderstood comments from the other night after defeating Roddick which saw him get booed off court really deflated the young player. It never feels good to get booed anywhere. But add to that the fact that Djokovic is still young, impressionable, generally a class act and booed in front of a global audience, I challenge anyone to prove to me to not be affected and deflated by that. The last couple of games of the match, he just wanted to end it all and go home with his parents. End of story. It was a great learning experience though.

- Andy Murray not only is looking for his first win over the world’s number one player but going up two sets to none in his best grand slam showing sure isn’t a bad way to make your mark. Showing all the talent, speed and total youthful disregard for the magnitude of the moment, Murray is growing into a champion before our very eyes. I think when the dust settles, five years from now he, Djokovic, Gael Monfils and hopefully our own homegrown Donald Young will be battling it out for future US Open titles.

- Rafael Nadal looks like this dream year has finally worn him down a little. Perhaps the combination of the humidity, the summer wear & tear and the talented Scotsman across the net may prove to be too great a combination to overcome. But if anyone knows how to recover from a much needed rain delay, it’s got to be Rafa. I think that there is every reason imaginable that Rafael can come back to win in five tomorrow. It would be great for tennis.

By the power of Grayskull, bitches!!! I have the power!!

(sniff sniff) Is that an "F-U Haters" I smell in the air?

to be continued…

cap

No Comments » | tennis | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray Set Up Final Four

September 5, 2008

Plus, for all you fiber conscious fans out there, the final four players all share their “poo face” (yes, the faces they make when they poo).

First things first:

CAP Notes:

- Well no one can say that the top four players in the world at this moment didn’t make it to the final weekend. Despite the seedings before the tournament started, when all the dust settled the top best players in the world made it to the final four. Unless I’m mistaken by the calculations, I believe that these four guys will be ranked one through four in the world when the new rankings emerge.

- The Grapple in the Apple remains alive. Not only for the hardcore tennis fans but for sports fans alike and for the sport itself. A Federer vs. Nadal final post “The Match” would really help our favorite sport out tremendously gain more fans. Everyone wins.

- There truly are so many variables in the air that will make this Saturday truly “Super Saturday”. Anything can happen and anyone can win to find themselves playing in the Sunday final.

- Based on the quarterfinal matches, I would say that Djokovic looked the most confident and dominating in the end but man, he really pissed off a lot of folks with his post match interview.

- Murray certainly has the least to lose as he’s gotten further than he’s ever before in any slam. That’s what might just make him go for broke and play some fearless ball on Saturday.

- Nadal has had maybe the only single season that may be better than any of Federer’s previous years simply because of the Olympic gold medal in singles’ competition. The cherry on top to go along with his first Wimbledon and first Gold would be his first US Open.

- And Federer… more important than his fifth consecutive US Open title, more than his first slam of the year would be the last word he gets to have on this year’s dialogue regarding his current status as potentially history’s greatest tennis champion. This title would mean more than many many previous grand slams in my opinion.

To borrow a phrase from Jimmy Connors a few years ago: “This is what they came here for. This is what they want.”

And now… Poo Faces!!!

AHHHHHHH!!! YES, MATE!!!

AHHHHHHH!!! YES, MATE!!!

COME ON!!!! POO COME OUT!!!!

COME ON!!!! COME OUT, POO!!!!

A Triumphant... Poo!

A Triumphant... Poo!

WHEW!! I thought that last cling-on would never release!

WHEW!! I thought that last cling-on would never release!

to be continued…

cap

No Comments » | tennis | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: What Roger Federer Could Learn From The Karate Kid Part 3

September 3, 2008
COME ON, FEDERER! YOUR TENNIS IS A JOKE! YOU'RE A JOKE! I OWN YOU!

COME ON, FEDERER! YOUR TENNIS IS A JOKE! YOU'RE A JOKE! I OWN YOU!

I'm scared Mr. Miyagi! Let's Just go home!

I'm scared, Mr. Miyagi. I'm scared! Let's just go home!

Come on, you know you’ve thought of it. If Roger Federer’s current professional status was a movie, what would it be?

Well, wonder no more.

Obviously The Karate Kid Part III.

Now try to indulge me for a moment on this:

- Roger Federer is Daniel-san, former champion who must overcome the new “Bad Boy of Karate” (Rafael Nadal anyone?) Only Nadal isn’t really a “bad boy”. More like another dude who prefers no sleeve shirts. The dude still lives with his parents in Majorca for Pete Sampras’ sake!

- Mr. Miyagi’s speech right here is exactly what Federer needs to hear. Except it would be less about karate and more about tennis. (clear throat)

- Federer needs to forget his fear and let out his best tennis. “Now time, let out!”

- Federer must get his ass up and rock a sick tennis kata like the one Daniel-san rocks in the end here. Except less fey and more masculine.

Come on, who’s with me on this Karate Kid 3 metaphor?

Huh?

Anyone?

Bueller?

By the way, check out the entire film on my favorite time waste site: Hulu. It actually plays pretty well even after all this time. Berry nice! Berry nice! =)

cap

2 Comments | DO NOT CLICK HERE, films, life, tennis | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: Federer Struggles, Still Advances to Quarters

September 2, 2008

Did anyone else watch the Federer - Andreev on the USA Network? Did anyone else notice these two little shit kids who were seated next to some mics? They couldn’t stop screaming for Igor Andreev. “GO ANDREEV! COME ON, ANDREEV!”. I wanted to wring these two little runts by the neck. It didn’t matter that they were cheering for Igor, the point is that they were so close to one of the USA courtside mics that their every breath was amplified, like nails on a chalkboard.

If ever there was a case for the return of good old fashioned American corporal punishment for little shits, this had to be it. =)

Children of the night, SHUT UP!!

Children of the night, SHUT UP!!

Okay, had to get that off my chest first.

So there’s good, bad and etc. to take in from this fourth round win for Roger Federer against Igor Andreev 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

The Good:

- He struggled but ultimately Federer still triumphed in the end. The ability and knowledge of knowing that you can play well below your best standard of tennis and still come out on top in the end is invaluable not only to advance in the tournament but more importantly for your own confidence and pure mental toughness.

- Federer won nearly 70% of his net points. He’s obviously comfortable at the net, he’s obviously successful there, he should come in more often, even if it’s just to switch things up and keep his opponents off guard and shorten their reaction times.

The Bad:

- Unforced errors. At 60 errors for this one match (against his 66 winners) Federer needs to cut down on these unforced errors. He might be able to squeak past an Igor Andreev but this is the kind of sloppy tennis that will hand him his ass against a Nadal, Djokovic or even a well playing Roddick.

The Etc.

- Federer’s quarterfinal will be against this year’s US Open cinderella story that is Gilles Muller who continued his unlikely run against the solid Russian and fifth seed Nikolay Davydenko. And you can best be sure that that proverbial clock will damn sure hit midnight come this Thursday.

Federer couldn’t ask for a better follow-up to this last tough match. Muller is a qualifier who made it all the way to the quarters and also played a very tough four setter against Davydenko. If Federer can beat this Luxembourg qualifier in straights on Thursday, no doubt this will help him tremendously for Super Saturday.

Though Federer should not and does not have the luxury of looking past his next opponent, we do. Most likely Federer will face Novak Djokovic in the semis and that will truly be the great challenge Federer must overcome to keep this conversation about the “greatest tennis player” to be an exclusive one between himself and Nadal. All the earlier losses to Roddick, Fish, Blake, etc. were in smaller tournaments compared to the US Open.

This is a grand slam. This is a tournament in which he has won the last four championships. Even if he gets to the finals and loses to Nadal (if Nadal even gets there), it’s still a two horse race. If Federer loses before the finals, then suddenly all the critics’ horseshit talk about the end of an era, etc. gains more momentum which will ultimately hurt Federer’s legend even more.

As Dick Enberg has spent a lifetime coining: “Oh my.”

to be continued…

cap

No Comments » | tennis | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: Roger Federer Advances to Fourth Round over Stepanek

August 31, 2008
I'm coming back, bitches!

I'm Coming Back, Bitches!

Looking every bit the player that has earned him 12 grand slam titles world number two Roger Federer quickly dismissed the Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 in the third round of the 2008 US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York.

Interesting Points:

- Federer looked the most relaxed and confident he’s looked in quite some time. Not only was he going for his “Federer-like” shots, he was making them and kept his level of play up.

- Solid movement. The last few big losses Federer has endured this season many believe that he lost a step in his movements which resulted in several upsets. Today he finally looked to be back in top mobile shape as he really did a great job tracking down balls while taking taime away from Stepanek.

- Though broken once, Federer’s serve was definitely on and had little troubles holding placing even more pressure on Stepanek’s own service games.

Is he at a level where he can take out Nadal? Not quite yet. For Federer to beat Nadal (if they meet) it’s going to be less about his physical abilities and much more about his mental recoveries. There’s no doubt that Federer’s confidence is the single greatest factor that needs to be improved to get back to the top of the tennis food chain.

On the other hand, it’s Nadal’s confidence that is at an all time high and is looking more and more like his dream season will continue past this long Labor Day weekend.

more to come…

cap

No Comments » | tennis | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: Roger Federer Advances to Third Round

August 29, 2008
Federer Advances to Third Round

Federer Advances to Third Round

Doing their parts to keep the “Grapple in the Apple” hopes alive, Roger Federer defeated Brazil’s Thiago Alves 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 Friday afternoon at the 2008 US Open.

Reversing roles of the first round, Rafael Nadal had an easier time in his second round match Thursday night against American Ryler De Heart 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

It looks like business as usual so far. But two matches don’t make a grand slam title.

With relatively a short turnaround time, both world top players are expected to play this weekend in the unforgiving New York hard courts.

to be continued…

cap

No Comments » | tennis | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

2008 US Open: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Don King and Nike’s Grapple in the Apple Begins

August 29, 2008

As reported before Nike has slowly began to distribute their massive new US Open timed tennis campaign titled: “The Grapple in the Apple” with a little taste to whet our palettes.

So far it seems that Nike is slowly establishing the players of this campaign with infamous iconic promoter Don King first.

More vignettes, global spots, development should continue to roll in the coming days but of course, as Ana Ivanovic’s loss reminds us, anything can happen at any time at Flushing Meadows.

More to come.

cap

2 Comments | life, tennis | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by cap

« Previous Entries