Paris; Tennis

So right now I'm checking in on the scoreboard to see just how much of a smackdown Nicolai Davydenko will dish out to Hrbaty en route to his first Masters Series shield. Bravo, Kolya--but will some clothing company give him a sponsorship, already?

I'm contemplating now whether I can do the blog justice...as you can see it's been pretty touch and go over the last couple of weeks. I really love doing it, BUT I'm trying to find a way to justify (and schedule in) the effort that it requires, as school and other things take precedence...Hmm. Anyway, I'm going to think it over tonight and post either way.

Federer def. Nalbandian 6-4 6-0

...in under an hour. Nalbandian looks sluggish out there; probably still tired from a tough week; and Federer just demolished him in the last set. Oh well. Star Sports is showing the second set of Nadal-Berdych to fill the time until the Berdych-Gonzalez semi (via http://watch-for-free.atspace.com/; the TVU Player link).

Madrid Semis

I'm watching Fed Nalbandian, courtesy of http://watch-for-free.atspace.com/, and Nalbandian is just about to throw away the break he won (ETA: or maybe not? Is he really coming back from 0-40 down?! WOW HE DID IT. 4 ALL.) I'd speculated that Fed would win in 2, but was thinking Nalbandian would make it close. Does anyone think David has a chance against The Immaculate Federer?

Also, shame about Nadal yesterday. I saw the last point and Berdych's shushing of the crowd did seem rude...but who knows how rabid the fans were in support of Rafa. Did anyone see it? And did Rafa really dis Berdych in the post-match interview?

Ooh, I'm an Arse.

Yes, I've been away too long, and thanks, Federated Sucks; indeed I suck. Anyway, how thrilled was I to check back in with tennis in time to see Federer and Nadal heading for a collision at Madrid (maybe), pending a rematch of Berdych-Nadal (you'll recall that Tomas laid a beatdown on Rafa in Canada this past summer) on the Nadalean home turf? Wait, Berdych took out the Resurgent Roddick today 7-6 6-3? Federer squeaed by Soderling in 2 tiebreak sets?

David Nalbandian half-assedly blogging (a man after my own heart) from Madrid and facing Marat Safin tomorrow's QF? And young gun Djokovic def. young gun and bff Andy Murray for the chance to face Fernando Gonzalez, who advanced after Joachim Johanssen (!) withdrew from the round of 16 with laryngitis? Damn.

Martina Hingis blogging Zurich? What a great week of tennis.

Be sure to check out the Madrid audio interviews here.

Federer Blogs Japan

Roger's blogging from Japan, people. How excited am I?

Blake def. Ljubicic for Bangkok

And it was a beatdown, 6-3 6-1. That's Blake's 4th title of the year, and his first career win over Ljubicic. After rallying from a set down to take out Marat Safin in the semis, looks like James has hit his stride again. Maybe James was getting as irritated with the J-Block as the rest of us during the US Hardcourt Swing. Good to see him in form again.

Here are audio interviews with both of them, and here's a match report.

The WTA in Seoul & Guangzhou

At Hansol in Korea, Martina Hingis won her first match while yesterday saw a couple of seeded casualties (adios, Maria Kirilenko, Gisela Dulko and Lucie Safarova). She'll have a rematch with Sania Mirza in the 2nd round, whom she beat so soundly last week in the semis in Kolkata.

Over in Guangzhou, top seeds Jelena Jankovic and Na Li are through the first round.

The WTA at Luxembourg

Wow, talk about some brutal first round matches: Daniela Hantuchova v. Tatiana Golovin (Hantuchova won in straights); Venus Williams (in her first tournie since Wimbledon) v. Ana Ivanovic, and Schiavone v. Michaela Krajicek. Here's the draw.

An Argentina-Russia Final; Fed: "Novak is a Djoke"

I love how Boris Yeltsin always elbows in on the action. So Andy Roddick essentially choked--2 df's in his last service game, folks--after a valiant fight back from 2 sets down v. Dmitri Tursunov. Here's the official match report.  Here's the AP report. Also, Safin lost to Blake in the dead rubber in two close sets.

As expected, Argentina smoked Australia; the final will be played in Russia. (Lucky mofos! Two-time home court advantage!)

Federer had some choice words for the injury-prone Novak Djokovic post-their tie-deciding match today--which have been censored from the Davis Cup site. The original 3 minute interview that was posted has since been cut down to 1:19 minutes. Listen here to the original version; here's the new Davis Cup site's version. *Ouch*--and for shame, DC staffers!

Here's the Davis Cup radio round up. Tons of pictures here.

Mauresmo vs. Kuznetsova in Beijing

ETA: Kuznetsova 6-4 6-0 actually. Well done, Svetlana! What's up with Amelie, though? ANOTHER bagel? It must be said: that's no way for a world Number 1 to go out, no matter how well Sveta's playing right now. Here's a match review, with quotes from the players.

I'm gonna go with Mauresmo in three. This is live right now...I hear it's on CCTV5...will look for a stream...

ETA: There are lots of options here. Just scroll down.

ETA: ...none of which seem to work. Anyway, there's a rain delay at 4 all in the 1st set.

Davis Cup Sunday: Live Streams

In addition to the excellent quality Max TV stream for Switzerland vs. S&M (download required; on channel TSR Sport), check here for other viewing options.

ETA: Hmm, seems like the TSR Sport link was removed; anyway, you all maybe know that Federer won in straights by now. I'm gonna go try to watch the end of Tursunov-Roddick.

ETA: Why the hell did the Russian captain play Tursunov on clay? He himself has said he's a joke on clay. Now the Americans are about to tie things up 2-2. Roddick just broke Tursunov at 5-5 in the 5th.

ETA: Russia's through! Tursunov wins 17-15 in the 5th over Andy Roddick!

ETA: Scratch that! Tursunov just broke back, 6 all in the 5th!

Doubles at the Davis Cup

Well, the Bryan Brothers took out Tursunov and Youzhny quite comfortably (6-3 6-4 6-2) to keep American hopes alive; and who knows, maybe they've got a shot at a win? Sure it's unlikely, but anything can happen in Davis Cup.

Watch Switzerland v. Serbia and Montenegro Live on MaxTV Online (get it here: http://www.max-tv.be/maxtvonline.php ). It's on channel TSR Sport. INCREDIBLE quality, french commentary.

ETA: Fed/Allegro won (duh); really funny seeing Federer jump into Yves Allegro's arms and then be subjected to a congratulatory bump-and-grind post- the win.

The WTA in Beijing; Mauresmo d. Davenport

My new favorite WTA player Jelena Jankovic (don't miss her Beijing blog) continues her spectacular run by defeating Nadia Petrova in the quarterfinals; she joins Chinese qualifier Peng Shuai (d. Sugiyama) and Svetlana Kuznetsova (di. Li Na) in the semis. ETA: Amelie Mauresmo def. Lindsay Davenport for her 4th career win v. Lindsay to make the semis, 6-4 6-3.

In other Chinese tennis news, Yan Zi and Zheng Jie have become the first Chinese players in history to qualify for the year ending championships (to be held in Madrid this year).

The Davis Cup Ties: Friday

I'll be checking scores all weekend. If anyone's watching (or listening to) ties, please post your thoughts!

Here's the worldwide TV schedule. There's live scoring at the official site http://www.daviscup.com, and you can also listen to updates and player interviews at Davis Cup Radio. Be sure to listen to Thursday's preview, with interviews with Federer, Roddick, Hewitt, Youzhny and Nalbandian.

Already 3 big upsets: Volandri def. Robredo 6-3 7-5 6-3; and Safin def. Roddick 6-4 6-3 7-6(Only one tiebreak, and Danai Udomchoke def. Tommy Haas in 5 sets. So far Russia's gamble has paid off. Davydenko, by the way, may be playing on Sunday. Seems he needed more rest.

Davis Cup, Fed Cup & Myskina's Crush?

This weekend's semifinal tie, part 1, has a nice patina to it: old battle lines redrawn as (ex-) Soviets battle Americans in Russia. You can bet the Bryan Brothers have been salivating at the chance to get their own back against Misha Youzhny for kicking them to the curb in NY, and Misha's ready to get his back against Roddick who was so irritatingly emphatic in offing him in the US Open semis. Despite Davydenko's apparent fatigue and Safin's...Safinitis, it's hard to imagine Roddick and Blake, both allergic to dirt courts, making a real run in red country on even redder clay. So what if communism failed! Russia's got a good chance at the Davis Cup.

However, it seems that Pravda is back to playing mind games--suggesting that Anastasia Myskina is crushing on James Blake--are they trying to facilitate a hook up? Hmm. Could be an amusing couple--ever congenial Blake with Myskina's mouth (witness one of my favorite press conferences--her amusing but bitch-tastic comments re: Jelena Jankovic at Wimbledon).

It's unlikely that the Davis Cup tie will yield as big a surprise as last weekend's Fed Cup, where Italy took out Belgium in the final, basically when an injured Justine Henin-Hardenne had to retire from the doubles. What I don't understand is why they don't just sub someone else in as needed. I mean, come on, folks--it's team tennis. It just seems such a shame when this sort of thing happens. Before the Justine haters add their two cents, I want to say that it was impossible not to feel gutted for H-H when she forfeited; she had the most forlorn look on her face--the abject frustration of people who are often betrayed by their bodies. Hugs. Her knee injury will keep her out until November.

Anyway, Davis Cup starts on Friday. The other semi features Lleyton Hewitt and his armed guard taking on a Gaudio- and Coria-less Argentine squad--who else is hoping that David Nalbandian, who's been talking lots of shite re taking out the Aussies, finally finds his game, which has been missing all season?

Other interesting match ups: Federer is sweeping in to save the day to ensure Switzerland stays in the World Group. He'll be handing a beatdown to the Serbian and Montenegran team (Novak Djokovic and crew)--possibly in a near empty home stadium. Italy v. Spain (Nadal is playing despite the recent injury that kept him out of Beijing), and Germany vs. Thailand (Paradorn Srichaphan, literally the most zen player on tour vs. the player with the most nervous energy--that means you, Tommy Haas!).

How did this post get so long? Oh, right. That's what happens when you blog at 3am.

You can follow all the scores and catch Davis Cup radio at www.daviscup.com; I'll post live streaming links once the appear.

Mario, Mahesh...and yellow stuffed things.

Mahesh Bhupathi and Mario Ancic took Beijing...but WTF are these plush toys they are holding/wearing?

US Open Tidbits

For those of you who are still, like myself, going through US Open withdrawal, here's a great look back from the US Open site running down expected and unexpected moments. (Thanks for the tip, Catheryn!)

What moments did they miss? How about Serena joining the J-Block for a match, and the tackiness of Dick Enberg's Tiger question post-Roger's historic win?

Baghdatis and Kuznetsova Win!

Marcos Baghdatis took out Mario Ancic 6-4 6-0 (ouch) for his FIRST ATP TITLE! (yay!) It also moved Baghdatis up to number 8 in the rankings for the race to Shanghai. But what a great comeback from Mario--he did say that he was tired by that last set, and how can you blame him? Here's a match report. And here are interviews pre-the final; watch for post-final interviews to be added soon.

Props to Mario for shaking off the fatigue and playing the doubles final essentially right after losing his singles match--and winning it with Mahesh Bhupathi. Not a bad first week back, huh?

In more predictable news, Sveta Kuznetsova bested Marion Bartoli for her third Bali title. Bartoli claims that Sveta hit a ball straight at her in the warm up and it seemed to shake her up a bit. I find it hard to believe that the Kuze would do any such thing on purpose. She always seems so personable and sanguine in her press conferences, at least. Here's an article about the match.

In other news, lackadaisical Austrian Jurgen Melzer beat Italian Fillipo Volandri for his first career ATP title at the BCR Open in Romania.

Kuznetsova def. Davenport in Bali

Svetlana Kuznetsova's through to the final, taking out Lindsay Davenport in two tie-break sets. She'll face Marion Bartoli for the championship. Vamos, Sveta!

Here's a match report.

Mario's Back, Baby. He's Back.

Mario Ancic's been out for 2 months and has shaken off all the cobwebs in his first week back. He'll face Marcos Baghdatis in the China Open Final. Anjo Mario! (Though it's sort of impossible to root against Marcos, isn't it?)

Ancic is also in the doubles final with Mahesh Bhupathi, v. Beerrer and Carlsen.

Davydenko's Beijing Blog

Nikolay Davydenko gets no respect out there--witness the "Somebody get this man a hair contract!" heckler from the stands during the quarterfinals at the US Open; the endless jabs at Davydenko's bald spot over at MTF.com, his missing clothing contract, and the overshadowing of his status as the #1 Russian by the Passion of Marat Safin, the Dmitri Tursunov Comedy Show and even adorable and ebullient Misha Youzhny (his fizzy press conference post-beating Nadal was gold). Davydenko's derided (!) for working so hard--the man's played all but 2 weeks this year--as if his commitment to the game diminishes his spot in the rankings. "He's not a real top Ten player," his detractors say, in between potshots at his wiry frame, his comb-forward and his lack of charisma. (Fah, I say!)

Anyway, nice to see Kolya getting some attention; and even though he had to retire from his match against Paradorn Srichaphan today (all that tennis has finally caught up with him), I hope his rather entertaining blog translates into more love from tennis fans.

Live streams for ATP China and Bucharest!

Sorry I've been so MIA! I just moved and am about to start grad school, so it's been a little hectic. Anyway, back to tennis:

You can watch the China Open here, here (click "Beijing Live M/P") and the Bucharest Open here (click "Bucharest Live M/P").

Roddick v. Roger

Damn, Roger's passing shots are WOW. I can't believe I'm saying this, but come on, ANdy! Let's make a match of this. Two breaks down already? Come on, Andy.

Nice to see Tiger Woods in Roger's box. You can bet Federer wants to floss a little bit. I'm expecting some amazing shots.

Sharapova Wins it All; So Does Martina

Well, Shark-apova did it. As much as I prefer Justine's game and am irritated by the shriekiness, I've got to hand it to Maria for coming out, guns blazing. Sure she's a cash whore, but the girl's got a champion's heart and drive. Kudos!

But have you guys read/seen Maria's post-match press conference? I saw it on The Tennis Channel, but the transcript is up. Lots of banana and on-court coaching talk--apparently her hitting partner/coach Michael Joyce held up four fingers. Sharapova, clearly irritated, dodged the question several times. I didn't see the majority of the match, so I missed it. Did anyone catch this? And was it clear on-court coaching?

ETA: Pete Bodo has a great column on Sharapova's win over at tennis.com.

Martina Navratilova also went out on top, winning the Mixed Doubles title thanks to some clutch serving by Bob Bryan and her own deft touch. And so ends the career of possibly the greatest tennis player of all time. Bravo, Martina!

I miss Misha Youzhny. But am pleased for Federer-Roddick. Fed has looked a little shaky and Roddick has looked crisper and more obnoxious than ever...but may the best Swiss win. Can't wait til tomorrow!

Can Youzhny Do It?

I say if Roddick's serve is on, he'll be through in straights. Though a girl can dream; I've really been won over by Misha.

Still Stunned.

What a pair of insane matches today. Kudos to Justine for fighting back on a bad day; and welcome to the big time, Jelena Jankovic (incredible groundstrokes!). But what in god's name happened to Amelie Mauresmo out there? I just...I'm speechless.

Us Open 2nd Thursday

I'm still not over the shock of Youzhny def. Rafa--and Youzhny/Freidl def. the no. 1 ranked doubles team the Bryan Brothers. Can Youzhny keep it up against a resurgent Roddick on saturday? We'll see. Either way, I'm a Misha fan.

Is anyone else annoyed that Golovin couldn't hold her nerve v. Sharapova last night? She threw out that first set on several occasions. And what was up with that Eat a Banana moment from Yuri? Sort of cute in a father-daughter way, but also sort of weird in a Mind Control way, too.

Also, what happened to Murray and Berdych? The young guns have really had their asses handed to them in NY. I'll miss the ever-engaging Safin and Safina, who were both adorable in their press conferences. Hugs, guys!

Anyway, THURSDAY. Blake v. Federer in a match that should be awesome in terms of shotmaking and atmosphere; and who else is playing? Oh, right Haas and Davydenko; and two doses of Navratilova on center court, in doubles and mixed doubles. Let's hope she gets through ok.

WOW. YOUZHNY DEF NADAL 6-1 in the 4th!

Mikhail Youzhny played out of his f-ing mind and broke Rafa's spirit. Incredible. Extremely well played.

Video: Gasquet's MP Winner; Other Highlights from Monday

Eurosport's got a great video wrap of yesterday's action, with interviews as well with Mauresmo, Henin-Hardenne, Jankovic, and more.

US Open 2nd Tuesday

Well, yesterday was just balls out tennis, folks. Mauresmo's incredible comeback after losing the 2nd set to Serena 0-6; Tommy Haas' marathon win over Robby Ginepri (whose ranking will now take a steep tumble into oblivion); the resurrection of Marat Safin, as well as Lleyton Hewitt prevailing over Richie Gasquet in a 5-setter that seems to be an instant classic (I wouldn't know, of course. Silly me fell asleep at 3-1 in the 5th and missed the 2 matchpoints Gasquet saved that seem to have converted all of NYC into Francophiles. Damn. It.). Also Kuznetsova falling to the charismatic primadonna Jelena Jankovic, Davenport squashing Schnyder, and Justine Henin-Hardenne making a bid for her own Federer-like H-H Express with a comprehensive beatdown of Shahar Pe'er. Who can stop that train?

Hmm, that's all yesterday stuff, isn't it. On to tuesday, which should be another stellar day of match play:

How much fun will Tommy Haas v. Marat Safin be? I mean, these guys can turn up the court crazy like nobody else. The two of them together? I'll need to take a valium just to sit through it. I'm picking Safin over Haas, mostly because I want a few more press conferences from the gloomy and ever quotable Russian.

I'm going to pick Blake over Berdych in the trickiest 4th round match; Murray over Davydenko in a very very tight one, Federer over Giquel (duh). I think Jankovic is ready for her close up and will upset Dementieva; and sorry, Lindsay, but Justine's unstoppable. Just like the Citizen Eco-Drive watch and the people who wear it. Unstoppable.

US Open Monday

Amelie Mauresmo v. Serena Williams, people. This is going to be good. I'm torn on who to vote for. I want Mauresmo to take her third grand slam next week, but I can't help but think that Serena's got this. She just steamrolled Ana Ivanovic yesterday and Mauresmo has been wobbly.

Poor Mary Pierce, double bageled by Na Li after taking the first set. I hope we don't wake up one day and find her gone from the game. Here's to one more great run, Mary! HOWEVER, I am excited to see Na Li v. Sharapova. This could be Maria's first real test of the tournament, and I'd love to see Na Li bring da noise, as they say.

On the men's side: Hewitt v. Gasquet in their first career match up! YAY. And for those of you in the U.S. who don't have coverage of the night session, you can view Serena-Mauresmo and Hewitt-Gasquet live at the US Open site here.

Also, be sure to check out the US Open site for post-match interviews (video and transcripts), and Taylor Dent's Off-court video interviews, too (he's got Justine Henin-Hardenne, Tommy Haas, Sania Mirza, James Blake, Jelena Jankovic, and more).

Audio: Stan Smith Talks Agassi, the US Open and More

Check out Eric's interview with former US Open champ Stan Smith  over at www.justmyshow.com (done during Agassi's match with Baghdatis).

US Open: Middle Saturday

So will we be able to actually see any tennis today? If not, damn you to hell, Ernesto.

Agassi def. Baghdatis!!!

I'll be honest, I didn't think Agassi had a snowball's chance in hell against Baghdatis' groundstrokes, heart and young legs. Was I ever wrong.

23, 000 rowdy fans, 3 3/4 hours, a tenacious Agassi, a resurgent Baghdatis. Agassi losing the 4th set after being up 2 breaks. Marcos cramping. John McEnroe shitting himself in the box. It was  spectacular. Bravo, Andre!

And bravo, Marcos, as well, especially for the impromptu speech about Agassi at the end. New York loves you, and so does everyone else.

Next up for Andre is the other Becker (youngster Benjamin, who took out French veteran Grosjean); and then Roddick potentially. Will Andy take out Andre in a symbolic baton pass? Or will Agassi smack an upstart bitch down? Hmmm.

*Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

The Women and Weight: the Obsession with Serena & Hantuchova

Good piece on the NY Times blog about the media's focus on weight re: the WTA. Sorry about the erratic posting; it's been busy over here!

Vince Spadea Rapping on My TV.

Oh the humanity. Dear God, make it stop.

In other news; Luis Horna played some inspired tennis v. Nadal earlier and was rewarded with a standing ovation as he left the court, defeated. And Serena WIlliams just came back in the first set to take out an unraveling Hantuchova.

US Open Blogs: Ana Ivanovic and the NYTimes

I'm kind of loving the NY Times' coverage of the US Open this year, and I am really enjoying the blog. Interesting tidbits: Andrei Pavel's emmy-worthy performance as foil to the American hero; TIF (The Immaculate Federer) was the one major player who came over to Donald Young to wish him luck in the locker room; Ljubicic's sorry support; and Federer = what musician?

Here's Ana's blog.

Wednesday's Insane OOP; LIVE STREAMS

Tomorrow is apparently Tennispalooza. I hate anyone who is going to be kicking it at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center tomorrow. Here's the line up. David McPherson at theworldoftennis.com is seeing red re: the American bias in scheduling.

Also, Lynn over at offthebaseline.com has a great page on live streaming options.

Tuesday at the US Open

I'm very curious to see if Michaela Krajicek, who's having a pretty good year, can trouble the single-mindedness and focus of Sharapova; and to see if Philippoussis' serve gives Nadal any trouble. Other matches I'd love to see: Santoro v. Verdasco, and Grosjean v. Thomas Johansson.

Here's the schedule for today, US Open radio (which isn't bad; though the guy I listened to during Lopez-Ljubicic/Baghdatis seemed to be having baseball flashbacks) if you want to listen at work, and live video streaming if you want to watch on your computer.

US Open Day 1: Ljubicic Loses; Agassi Wins

Match of the day? Agassi, Agassi, Agassi. From what I saw of it, Andrei Pavel was playing some great tennis; and Andre Agassi did well to dig out of  0-4 in the 3rd set. "You want to to be everything you hope it is," said Agassi. "It was perfect." Indeed it was. But can he take out Baghdatis, too? Here's a match review and Agassi's press conference.

Feliciano Lopez finally got his own back against Ivan Ljubicic and logged the upset of the day 6-3 6-3 6-3. LaLo had lost to Ljubicic at the Australian Open, and then again in a brutal 5 set match at Wimbledon. This win takes Lopez to 3-2 over Ivan lifetime. Poor Ivan is still getting no love from...well, anyone. This first round loss won't help.

Interesting factoid: Lopez never faced a breakpoint all match and didn't lose a single point (!) on serve in the 2nd set. Here's a match review.

In other news, 2004 champ Svetlana Kuznetsova escaped an upset in her three set win against a German qualifier; Lindsay Davenport's shoulder is feeling ok; Elena Dementieva got through despite 30+ errors; and Andy Roddick radiated confidence all over the court in his win over Florent Serra. Serra's no pushover, but I'm very eager to see what happens when Roddick comes up against a tougher challenge.

Be sure to check out press conference video and transcripts as well as the daily highlights video at the US Open site. Shame on the US Open for not even including tWorld Number 3 Ivan Ljubicic's interview transcript.

So It Begins...

The last slam of the year. Slight rain delay, but here we go. Justine's up first; then Andy Roddick. If anyone's watching matches this afternoon, leave your thoughts here!

Here are live scores. Also, watch the Open for free online here.

US Open Previews

Here are a couple of good looks at the Open: Here's Eurosport's look at potentially exciting first week match ups, Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim's Mens and Womens seeds reports, The World of Tennis' look at the Mens' Draw and look at the Women's Draw,  the NY Observer on "The Boring Women of the Open" (Martina Hingis is crazy).

In other news: the BBC is crazy.

US Open Opening Day Schedule

Well, the USTA is nutty. They've got Lindsay Davenport playing Monday afternoon--and Justine Henin-Hardenne playing first on center court. Why not give them an extra day or two to settle in? I mean, come on, the first round is played over 3 days! Grrr.

Andre Agassi begins (and hopefully doesn't end) his farewell to the Open tomorrow night at 7pm EST on center court, against Andrei Pavel. Roddick, Ljubicic v. Lopez, Vaidisova, and Gasquet are all playing Monday, too. Here's the schedule.

Change Comes to the ATP

This year in particular there has seemed to be even more attention than usual paid to the scheduling issues on the tours with the injury and pull out epidemic, and the alleged TV-unfriendly nature of tennis. Last night at the player meeting, a couple of tweaks were made:

1. More Sunday starts to tournaments 2. Round Robin formats for the earlier stages of some smaller tournaments to guarantee more chances for the public to see marquee names 3. No more best of 5 matches outside of the slams and the Masters Cup.

It seems that the radical overhaul to the schedule that new ATP chairman Etienne de Villiers was gunning won't happen--he must have gotten a reality check when faced with the byzantine nature of  the tour. Which is a shame. The schedule remains the biggest issue, IMHO.

Read Chris Clarey's Take in the NY Times. There's also some stuff about the players' tribute to Agassi at the meeting.

Nice Nadal Article in the NY Times

Choice quote: Nadal [broke down in tears] inside the All England Club after beating Marcos Baghdatis to reach the Wimbledon final. “I don’t think it’s good to control it too much sometimes; I think if you need to cry, you should cry,” he said.

How can you not love this kid?

I love that Federer and Nadal are such crybabies and not afraid to show that emotion. Have there been other criers in tennis? I can't really think of any right now, except for Sampras' teary farewell a few years ago. Hmm.

Read 'Nadal Returns to NY with Big Goal'

Poor Lindsay...

I just watched Lindsay Davenport's post-match interview with Mary Carillo and it was really hard to watch. You can tell she's holding back tears...oh god, I hope she's ok for the US Open! ETA: Read 'Injured Davenport hopes to be fit for US Open'

But congratulations to Justine Henin-Hardenne who played just gorgeous, gorgeous tennis. I know I've said it before--I can't completely dislike her, despite the poor sportsmanship in the past. She's just got too much game in that tiny frame. David vs. Goliath(s) indeed. So Justine wins it 6-0 1-0 Ret.

Who can stop her in NYC? Doubtful that anyone can.

US Open Glam Slam Photos & Video

The players glammed it up and got down at the US Open pre-party in NYC last night. Here are photos from Getty Images, here are photos from Abaca Press, and here's the ATP's video of the event.

There are photos of Federer, Nadal, James Blake, Carlos Moya, Fernando Verdasco, Sania Mirza, Serena Williams, Daniela Hantuchova, Elena Dementieva, Mardy Fish, Patty Schnyder, Tommy Haas, Tatiana Golovin, Nadia Petrova, Jelena Jankovic, Gael Monfils, a blonde Anastasia Myskina, and more.

Davenport v. Mauresmo Tonight at the Pilot Pen

Whoa, whoa , whoa. Lindsay Davenport vs. Amelie Mauresmo tonight at 10pm EST?  Kuznetsova v. Dementieva...really soon? Both on ESPN2? Wow. Where have I been? (Busy.)

I've been unjustly pre-occupied with the men's side of things, but the WTA field is insane.

ETA: Actually the Mauresmo-Davenport match is delayed; at 10pm on ESPN2. And Kuznetsova d. Dementieva.

US Open Draws are Out!

Here they are.

UGH, Feliciano Lopez v. Ivan Ljubicic in the first round AGAIN. They had a great 1st round 5-setter at Wimbledon that Lopez lost. My god, poor LaLo can't catch a break. His Annus Horribilis continues.

Agassi could face Baghdatis if he makes it past Pavel in the 2nd round; and I really can't see Andre beating a Grand Slamming Baghdatis. Nadal v. Philippoussis in the first round...if Scud is on, Rafa is by no means guaranteed a spot in the 2nd round.

Serena, Ivanovic and Hingis are in Mauresmo's quarter. Sorry, Momofan. That's a tough break. And Davenport is in Henin-Hardenne's quarter.

What are your thoughts on the draws?

Ivanovic's Breakthrough; Federer was Hingis' Ball Boy

Sure it's a bit late, but congratulations to Ana Ivanovic on her breakthrough Tier One win against Martina Hingis on Monday in Montreal. I saw the rain delayed finish of the Safina-Ivanovic match on Sunday and was impressed by Ivanovic's game. I think she's got a real shot at a Semi at the Open. (Also congrats to Martina Navratilova for winning the doubles w/ Petrova as she goes into her last tournament.)

And speaking of Hingis, these bits just makes me chuckle for some reason:

"We never played together during our younger days because I was always busy playing with girls and boys three years older than me when I was 14 or 15. However, I do remember that he (Roger Federer) was my ballboy at one of the Basel tournaments (laughs). That was funny."

"A lot of the great players have been injured. I used to play Lindsay, Monica, Jennifer, the Williams sisters -- all of us were beating Mauresmo. And now she's No. 1 and she's more confident. Sometimes in tennis it's about the last one standing."

That Martina.

The Pilot Pen

Wow. James Blake lost to Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo? A dude who apparently was 0-7 on hardcourts until hitting New Haven? Wow.

In other defending champ news, Lindsay Davenport's through.

In other upsets, Myskina went down to lucky loser Mara Santangelo (also, Patty Schnyder was ousted Monday by qualifier Sun Tiantian). Here's a wrap of the women's Tuesday matches.

Today sees the return of this year's biggest names on the women's tour: Justine Henin-Hardenne and Amelie Mauresmo are back. Yay!

Here are today's matchups.

*AP Photo/Bob Child

Roddick Wins, LaLo Blogs and I'm Having Tennis Dreams

I woke up an hour ago and just now realized that I hadn't seen the rain-delayed Ana Ivanovic-Martina Hingis final on TV yesterday, with Pam Shriver, John McEnroe and Feliciano Lopez "judging" (god knows what; I don't remember anymore), and with Patrick McEnroe commentating on the fact that Feli turns heads and