André Agassi admits to use of meth

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There seem to be so many startling and interesting things to talk/blog about these days. I can safely say that I’m not suprised that he did it and now writes about it. André was always such an interesting tennis champion and player. In so many he seems an interesting man with a life full of philanthropy for kids things and his home town of Las Vegas.

 

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Not many tennis fans will forget this image of a belligerent Serena Williams at the 2009 US Open semi-final match with Clisters

Belligerent in a lost cause entirely of her own making. She was losing the tennis match and she lost her tennis focus when she was called on a foot fault by a linesperson a point away from Matchpoint for her opponent, Kim Clisters.

I have often felt put off by her excessive “exuberence” when she scored a big point or won a big match. Her in your face manners didn’t seem to fit the game of tennis. But then the game today is marked by very vocal grunts/groans and a lot of excessive on court celebration. That’s part of the “winner take all” culture we live in. So be it.

But I don’t think many will interpret Serena’s manifestly violent gestures and words to that linesperson in a very friendly way. Her mother and coach apparently felt that it was OK for Serena to say what she had to when she thought something wrong was happening to her. I think that in a week when a white Congress Rep shouted “You lie” during a presidential speech, it is very sad and very regrettable that a black tennis player should misbehave so badly in full public view and earshot.

Racism has all kinds of sides, doesn’t it. Did Serena’s highly vituperative reaction to this linesperson’s call on her have anything to do with the fact that she was manifestly an Asian American? Go figure!

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Federer and Nadal get bounced from Rogers Cup ATP tourney in Montreal

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I think that the Rogers Cup is living up to its rep of being a venue for up and coming tennis pros. The two top guys have been put down. I saw Nadal on TV the other night and he looked shaky, especially when he was getting ready to serve. And he didn’t seem so ready to chase down every ball. I guess the condition of his knees gives him a reason to throttle his power game.

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Nadal, Djokovic and Federer are back and in Montreal for the Rogers Cup

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It does seem peculiar that they should all choose this tournament to make their return to pro tennis. On the evidence of their two first games I would say that Roger Federer is ready to play but Nadal looks shaky. Rafy is the defending champion.

My own impression is that he will not repeat and his chances for the US Open don’t impress me!

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Pete Sampras said Roger Federer is the “best tennis player ever”!

After 5 sets with 30 games in the last set, Roger seemed subdued in triumph. As always low key and ever polite he took all kudos in stride, as if he knew that he was going to win all along, even when Roddick seemed in control of the match. If nothing else that makes him “great” I guess. Both players played a hell of a match and statistically Roger hit more winners than Andy so he deserved to win, but the margin was slim. After 4+ hours of play an unforced error by Roddick made the final difference and gave victory to Roger.

So I won’t question his greatness any more, whatever happens when Nadal comes back to possibly meet and beat Roger in the next US Open around 60 days from today. Way to go Roger!

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Photo: Cristophe Karaba, European Press Agency

This image was copied from an NY Times slideshow. It was titled “Evolution of a Champion” but IMHO it could have been “He ain’t physically right!”.

Now we have the confirmation of his not being physically right since he has pulled out of Wimbledon 2009 because of tendinitis in his knees. Yes, it’s a sad moment for all tennis fans.

Will he come back for the US Open? For the 2010 tennis season on whatever surface, hard, clay or grass?

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A year ago it was Raf and Roger. Now it’s Raf, Roger or Andy

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This quote from an NY Times article explains what has happened in Grand Slam Tennis matches:

Rafael Nadal is no longer the only hobgoblin in Roger Federer’s closet. Andy Murray has taken up residence after extending his winning streak over Federer, the former master of men’s tennis, to four consecutive matches.

. . .

Federer sat atop the world rankings for a record 237 consecutive weeks until his inability to beat Nadal bumped him to No. 2 in August. Nadal is 13-6 against Federer. But Murray is now 6-2, including those four consecutive victories since October. The assumption that Nadal and Federer will play for the championship of any important tournament no longer seems inevitable.

But Julian Barnes has written “There is nothing to be frightened of“. So take heart Roger, you are human  and you can be beaten on any given day, after all.

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If you stick to your passion long enuff, u 2 could be a world champion

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Lorne Main, a 76 yr old Canadian singles tennis world champ, is a legend in his own time and it’s now!

There he is behind the wheel of his convertible that he uses to criss-cross Canada in search of the next over 75 tournament. Wow, I vaguely remembered his name and was astounded to hear his story on CBC Sunday Night. A real story of tennis success in Canada!

And here is the link to the canada.com version of his story!

Lorne, I’m sure you don’t have the time to read my blog, but let me say for the record that envy you a ton and I’m 73. Just a great story!

Federer falls to Andy Murray’s tennis onslaught

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From BBC News text report of the 2008 Masters Cup match:

THIRD SET:

Murray 4-6 7-6 7-5 Federer
A double fault and a mis-hit brings up an eighth match point for Murray at 15-40. The Swiss world number two doesn’t look up for the fight this time – and he goes long. Murray wins the match and Federer is out of the Master Cup.

That’s it for Roger’s efforts in 2008. This time it seems that injury was a major contributor to his loss to Murray.

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Raf Nadal is not in Shanghai for the year end Masters Cup and now this

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He will not play for Spain in the Davis Cup!

Raf’s style of play is catching up with him and this is not a good sign for Men’s ATP Tour. But Andy Murray, Djokovic and del Potro will make hay while Nadal and Federer and Nadal seem to be unable to dominate in the way that Federer has over the past 5 some years.

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