It's now the second week of Wimbledon......

[a kennedy]

Serena going against Marion Bartoli. Did I just hear Marion is considered a genius?? and then Venus going against Tsvetana Pironkova. Should make for some great tennis.....I hope. Looks like the royals, Kate and her man showed up for Murray's match.....

[joeybee12]

1. Gawd! I turned to the set when everyone started applauding and figured someone made a great

shot...no, it was the inbreds attending...shit like this makes me hope Murray loses.

[a kennedy]

2. ha ha, inbreds......

now that's funny. :rofl: but it's not to funny Serena lost, and Venus is having quite a time.....dang.

[joeybee12]

3. It looks like venus is going to lose...Fish will be the only american left...

although he'll probably lose to Tomas...American tennis is certainly at a low point.

[ChiciB1]

16. Murray Is Really A Sour Puss, But He Can Play. He Drips Sarcasm But

he really doesn't care. I've often wondered why his mother always looks so smug. I don't think I've ever seen her smile. Apple not far from tree, maybe?

But, I don't want him to win this one. It's time for Nole. Really! He's worked so hard and has been in the shadow of Roger and Rafa for such a long time. He's playing the Aussie wonder Tomic next, so I have my fingers crossed because his newness may be bothersome.

I know what shots that bother Roger and Rafa, not the ones that would be a problem for Tomic. Roger is his one hand back hand for sure.

Anyway, I won't be able to watch it the first time around, I have to wait until it's over then watch it on the Tenis channel later. I get TOO NERVOUS!

[bigwillq]

4. Sad to see

both Venus and Serena lose. :(
Don't know who I will root for now on the ladies side.

[joeybee12]

5. Caroline's out...4th is the highest seed left, Roger and Raf-roid being pushed...

weird day.

[bigwillq]

6. yea, saw that about Caroline.

Was rooting for her as well.

GO RAFA!!! :bounce:

[joeybee12]

7. She blew it...i don't know why she falls apart like that...

I'm beginning to think she'll never win a big one...you gotta figure maria is the favorite now.

Let's go ANYONE BUT RAF-ROID!!!!

[bigwillq]

8. Caroline needs to be more aggressive

especially on grass.
I think she will win the big one, most likely on a hardcourt.

Yup, Maria is prob the fave. :thumbsdown:



Rafa, Rafa, Rafa..........

[tishaLA]

9. The fact that she's so weak on clay is what's most astonishing to me

I mean, when you think of players who've played her type of game--Evert is the classic example, I suppose--clay was a natural choice. I didn't expect Woz to win Wimbledon, but I'm perplexed by her constant folding. I refuse to accept that it's the fact that she plays a baseline game or a defensive game; baseliners have won the tournament many times and defensive players have won it many times.

On the men's side, I'm still a huge Roger fan, but I'd kind of like to see someone unexpected slip through. Like Tsonga. But that's cuz I think he's so cute. Or Feliciano Lopez for the same reason. :P

[joeybee12]

10. Roger is through, as are your other picks...looks like the fraud will

win also.

[bigwillq]

11. I think Jo-Willy is cute too!

:bounce: :hi:

[a kennedy]

12. I see your down thumb, and raise ya two more down thumbs...

I've got no one to root for now..... :cry: :cry: :cry: D*mn. No one.

[ChiciB1]

17. NOLE, NOLE, NOLE! Can't Help Myself, Just Really Like "Gumby" A LOT! n/t

[Awsi Dooger]

13. Today was like Duke and Florida losing on the same day of the NCAA tournament

I'll be thrilled when the part timers are finished, period.

[joeybee12]

14. it was ruined by that fraud nadal faking another injury and getting that essential

medical time-out...of course, today there's nothing wrong with it...why does the media keep buying this roid-ed out asshole's lies?

[ChiciB1]

15. NOLE, NOLE, NOLE! I Want NOLE! I Do Happen To Like Rafa, But

DelPo is one of my favorites too. Mardy Fish is doing great so far, and I love seeing him get so far. I'm SICK of Roger though.

I think Rafa is very, very humble and can not deny that he's really one of the best, but I'm with "the djoker" all the way. Been a HUGE fan of his since 2007 and think he's really gotten a raw deal much of the time. Roddick bothers me as a blow hard, but he has given credit where's it's due lately.

Ryan Harrison may be America's next best hope, he looks very impressive. Ferrer is such a scrapper and I do like him a lot because of it.

As a female and a Floridian and one who has met one of the greatest women players of ALL TIME, I prefer to watch men's tennis. Sharapova has really been impressive lately. There are a lot of tennis players who live right around where I live. My son worked for the one I spoke of above, but she moved from this area. I visited 3 of her houses a lot because he worked for her, and I did get to spend Thanksgiving at one of her homes several years ago. Yeah, I'm bragging but the new has worn off.

I LOVE TENNIS!

GO NOLE!

[joeybee12]

18. Humble? Raf-roid is a roid-ed out cheater who fakes injuries just

when things weren't going his way...he's a worthless piece of sh*t...on a good day.

[ChiciB1]

19. Just Recently Seeing THIS Side Of Rafa... I Do Agree He DOES Seem To

be doing this more often, which I really don't understand. Then I MUST add that when Djokovic beat him in Miami and Australia he was NONE too happy and didn't seem all that gracious. I chalked it up to embarrassment given that he was KING OF CLAY. Maybe there is something to what you're saying though since he did take that loooooong time out with DelPo. I think DelPo coming back will be another one to look at. I really do like him a lot and he never seems to give up. I've seen Novak come back when I thought he was a goner quite a few times, oh please let it happen!

What I noticed about Roger, and what REALLY made me lose a lot of respect for him was when Nole beat him several times. He walked off the court and barely even congratulated Novak. Then of course, there's the CRYING.

Not watching right now... too nervous because Tomic beat Novak, 2nd set, Novak came back and I CAN'T watch. Got the jitters, but knew that an up and comer might be threat because of the "unknowns" about his game.

So wish Tsonga would take Fed out, didn't look it was going so well when I looked about an hour ago. OMG, do I get nervous. Funny though, when I was playing some competitive tennis I rarely got nervous... just had to visit the "loo" a lot before a match. But that was some time back before my back got out of whack! I sure miss playing a lot!

Do you play?

[joeybee12]

20. I'm rooting for Rgoer, but the tide has turned...Djoker is in trouble also...

but I think he'll pull it out. Anyone but Raf-roid.

As for the women, I don't think i've ever had this little interest in the outcome. I usually like to see someone who hasn't won win one, and except for Maria, they all haven't gotten a Grand Slam, although there are plenty others who are better players and haven't won, so...

Have not played in years...used to havea Stan Smith signature racket, then a Bjorn Borg one...tells you how old I am!

[ChiciB1]

23. Borg Was My Favorite Way Back When. I Was Young Then, But LOVED

him always! Stan Smith, WOW! I did start out with a wooden racket though so I'm not a spring chicken. When Borg re-emerged a while back he had is wooden racket with him and McEnroe was shocked!

Maria lives up the road in Bradenton and several other big names. I like her though, seems like she's been around FOR-EVER and was shocked when I checked her stats. She's really young!

I haven't played for about 5 years myself, but have tried. My scoliosis has gotten worse since I've gotten older, disk compression will do it. "Maybe" if I would exercise, exercise, exercise I "might" be able to get through a couple of games... I MISS it!

Pulling For Jo-Willy though!

[bigwillq]

21. Let's GO Jo-Willy!

:bounce:

[ChiciB1]

22. YES, YES, YES... Go Jo-Willy... GO, GO, GO! NOLE IS THROUGH!

I was so, so NERVOUS! My gut was telling me Tomic would be a challenge even though I knew "the djoker" played a set with him earlier this week and it was a walk over for Nole. But good showing for Tomic!

Now, I'm so nervous for Jo-Willy! He has been playing VERY, very well lately! Another "real" guy and it's TIME for him too!

PLEASE, PLEASE... GET FED!! P-L-E-A-S-E, screw him up. Want to seem him CRY again. Boy do I ever get worked up about this stuff! Just so sick of Roger! When I signed up at the ATP site they asked to enter my favorite player and since he's the Prez there, he commented "think Swiss!" Not happening!

[bigwillq]

24. Do that dance!

YAY! Jo-Willy!! :bounce:

[ChiciB1]

25. WHOOPEE!!! GOT HIM!! Now, We Are On Different Sides My Friend

I'll be with my heart for "the djoker" who I must admit is flailing a bit! This promises to be a good one since Jo-Willy is doing so well! WHAT A COME BACK!

Reminds of when DelPo beat Federer and won in 5 sets a while back. Was that the Us Open? I forgot, but loved it. I was on pins and needles and made the mistake of counting DelPo out!

NOW, let's GO Mardy! This is going to be ROUGH, really ROUGH! I simply can't watch it! I WILL watch REPLAYS tonight on TENIS CHANNEL!

[bigwillq]

26. I'm rooting for Rafa.

Although I like Fish.

[ChiciB1]

27. Rafa WILL Probably Win... But It Would Be NICE To See Mardy Get Through!

I was talking about The Djoker/Rafa match though, if that's what it ends up to be in the finals! But, will be pulling for Mardy right now. Won't ever choose anyone over Nole right now, but he's been giving me the heebee-jeebees! Jo-Willy looked GOOD!

[joeybee12]

28. I'll have to root for the Djoker now...

Roger's problem is always been lack of focus...in his prime it didn't matter because he was so much better...today it dfoes matter because while I still think he has the game to win the big ones, he loses concentration and lets others into the match...he should have won in 3...he let himself get sloppy on his serve a few times.

[ChiciB1]

29. He Also Seems To Have A Slight Achilles Heel That I've Noticed Of Late...

If you watch him closely, his one handed backhand, especially in the back corner of the court, he pulls his racquet up and many times the ball flies OUT!

I saw Nole attack him there a lot and if I'm noticing this, I'm SURE the big players are too. I heard one announcer say recently that he might do well to get a good two-hander going. It's probably too late to finesse it though. However, he's won for so long with it I wonder if he would even consider it.

I've also heard some say it's because of his twin daughters that have caused him to lose some focus. Not sure I'm buying that one though. I do think he'll be around for a while, but he has begun to show cracks that my keep him in 3rd place for a while. He may have to watch Murray too because I really think Murray has a VERY GOOD GAME.

He's not my cup of tea and I know he and Nole are good friends, but I've never been able find myself wanting him to win. But he does have the ability and when he's on he's really on. He almost got Novak in the finals in Australia and THAT was a blistering long match. I thought Murray was going to win quite a few times during that one. But my guy pulled it out, a testament to his determination.

I don't see how his match with Jo-Willy won't be pressing down on him because IF he reaches the finals, he goes No. 1. A lot of pressure for anyone to withstand and Jo-Willy has been playing very well lately. He could take Nole and I'm sure I wouldn't place any bets if one were to ask me.

But... my heart is with "the djoker" and he's just so, so close! PLEASE, PLEASE!! Of course, Murray "could" do Rafa in and then Nole goes No. 1 anyway. I would love to see a Murray/Djokovic final! And Murray could win that one given that it's his home turf.

I love tennis and miss it when it's not front and center, but my stomach churns with each match when my guy is still in the running. Drives me crazy.

EVERYONE wants to win WIMBLEDON! It's the biggest of the big ones, still!

[joeybee12]

30. We agree on one thing...Wimbledon is the tournament still...

I think Roger is losing focus simply ebcause he's getting older...seen it happen with so many players, with so many atheltes...when you're young all you want to do is play, no distractions.

I don't know if Murray has it...he has the game, but in the finals he has faded...I hope he beats raf-roid...the crowd will be going crazy for him.

[ChiciB1]

33. Yeah, I Want To See Murray Do It Too, But His Game Is A Lot Like

Novak's. Murray really played well in Australia, but I know he DOES have trouble finishing. And he's been sitting at No. 4 for a long time now. He plays some of the tournaments that others don't so gets points for it.

You might be right about Fed, but he was much more friendly with Jo-Willy today than I've ever seen him with Novak. Each time Novak beat him he barely shook his hand and walked off. I haven't heard anything about a bad blood between them, but body language says a lot.

Need to check out the ATP standings to see how close Murray is to him, Fed could drop to 4 if Murray wins. That would be a shocker.

Tenis channel just did highlights and I missed out on the long play of today, but I pace back and forth if I have to watch it live. My husband says I need to get over it because I miss out on so much. It's true, but my brain just can't take it sometimes.

[joeybee12]

34. I don't think anyone could have beaten Djoker at the Australian...

He was just playing too well...I hope Murray beats Raf-roid tomorrow, though, then I can just enjoy the final and the tennis and not worry about raf-roid winning again!

I think Djoker becomes #1 no matter what happens going forward because he's picking up points after only making it to the quarters last year...that's why he's always driven me crazy...his head has never been on right and he sometimes shows up to play, sometimes doesn't.

[ChiciB1]

35. I Thought He Had To Make It To The Finals To Go No. 1... IF Rafa Didn't

drop a match going in. I will agree with you about Nole, but this year he seems much calmer and more focused. He's not going off as much as he used to, but did see it earlier this week ONCE!

You can't say he's not a quality player though. From my perspective he HAS stayed within the top 3 for a long time. I can't remember when he ranked below that. I know when he first came on scene I asked Martina what she thought of him and she said she felt he could go No. 1 if he didn't get a "big head."

I've heard some of her most recent comments about him and she has been praising him. I do KNOW some of the players she favors because I was lucky enough to have had some talks with her. There I said it, she's the one my son worked for so I guess it's safe to mention her now since she moved out of my area. I know she still has residency here in Florida, but she also has a home in another state, if not more than one.

I did see the interview with Rafa about his foot... I must say it left me confused. You know Roddick used to call Djokovic out for his ailments all the time too! But since he's changed his diet and his serve has improved I'm hoping he can get WIMBLEDON this time. Jo-Willy is powerful and has a huge serve, but Nole is a great returner. Still, I feel antsy right now.

I have a son-in-law who has gone to the gluten diet and he lost 70 lbs. He was overweight, but didn't need to lose THAT much. I think there IS something to being gluten free. I myself would do it but I can't afford to lose anymore weight. No, I'm NOT being smug here, it's just that some of the stuff that you can eat on the diet isn't chock full of calories and you have to eat A LOT of it! My son-in-law had to start gorging a little himself because he looked so gaunt.

But, I'm seeing more and more products out there that are gluten free and I highly recommend it, even for those who may not have a weight problem.

Got my fingers crossed for Nole... not the religious type so praying might not do it for me. I'm spiritual, in that I believe in what I can see. So perhaps I could talk to a tree or something! A psychic once DID say I was a tree, and THAT was weird! I have pet squirrels that I feed every day, I'll could talk with them.

Okay, now you see I have an ability to simply rant on and on! I'll stop now.
:crazy: :silly: :toast:

[joeybee12]

36. Yeesh, I was at the gym, 4-2 Tsonga in the first, now it's 7-6, 5-1, Djoker...

That's what gets me about Tsonga, he falls apart...I really don't think he'll ever win the big one, he starts well in tournaments, can beat the big guys, but at some point he loses it...oh well, better since I think Djoker can beat raf-roid, which is what all decent people want!!!!

[ChiciB1]

37. OOOOOH, I Just Checked The Site... Just Can't Watch! The Last I Saw Was

3-1 "the djoker" so PLEEEEEEZE NOLE, find your game!!!

I think I want it as bad as he does and I'm going to be a WRECK until this match is over. I wonder if Djokovic can get Rafa on grass? Seems his game isn't as strong as it has been, but then neither is Rafa's.

BUT FIRST, there's Jo-Willy, who I genuinely like, but not for this one right now.

Fingers and toes still crossed, but I can only check the web site for now. As my stomach churns! I do know that Nole starts slow at times until he gets a good feel for his game, and he has started sloooooow again. He NEEDS to pick it up RIGHT now. If he does it he CAN win. Fed on the other hand hasn't been much of a closer lately.

Which of course could be age or he's just off his game. Or BOTH! I still won't count Fed out just yet.

[joeybee12]

39. Rafa has trouble with Djoker's game, and with Federer's on grass...

those peds he takes for endurance don't matter so much because when a ball is smashed on grass, it's really smashed, and won't slow down on the bounce like on clay...I'm feeling good about Djoker mopping up the court with Raf-roid...alhtough he's not in the final yet.

[JonLP24]

31. Good job Djokovic

Did I spell his name right?

[ChiciB1]

32. Yeppers, Spelled It Spot On! So Now It's On To Tsonga... A Really

good guy with a lot of personality! He's beaten Nole 4 to 2 but I'm not sure on what surface. If it was hard court that's Djoker's best surface and could spell trouble for him. Grass is slow, but he did very well on clay this year, maybe he can up his game some. I'm kind of worried for him, but I know he wants this one and has never gotten it. Jo-Willy is really happy to have gotten through Fed in five, so we'll just have to wait it out.

I think I'm more worried that they are. Kind of stupid of me, but I do get wrapped up in this game. Most of my friends who have never played say it's hard to understand the scoring. Perhaps a little, but the REAL stuff is in the shots and placement and knowing how your opponent plays. But there's so much more to it.

Just know I would love to see Nole pull this one out.

[ChiciB1]

38. C'Mon... NOLE, THREE MORE GAMES!!! YIKES! Keep The Pressure On!

Don't fall apart... Jo-Willy has a mean serve!

[joeybee12]

40. OMG! He fell apart! Briefly. He needs to hold serve to win...

WILL HE DO IT?????

[joeybee12]

41. Yikes! This could make Roger's collapse look miniscule in comparison...nt

[ChiciB1]

42. Whoopee, Yipeeee, Oh Yeah! He's No. ! Now He Can Rolllll!

I couldn't believe the DRAMA! What happened in the 3rd set was just TOO MUCH!

HE DID IT, though! Actually I think he has a better chance of beating Rafa than Murray, but we will see!

WHOOOOPEEEE & YIKES... I'm so happy for him!

[joeybee12]

43. After that third set, I stopped watching...I was waiting for your next post to

see who won!!!!

[ChiciB1]

45. Well, I HAD to Stop Watching Too... The Tie-Break Almost Did Me In!

The rails came off, but it was good for the crowd! I'm SURE it was one of his happiest days, but he really wants one that much HAPPIER!

I'm just glad he didn't let it get to him. Now I can watch the replay because I KNOW they'll do the whole one again because they did it with the women's. I don't know how to convey how nervous I get about this, it drives me crazy watching in real time.

I am watching Rafa and Murray right now... I can do them because I don't have "skin" in the game. Not like moo-la, but my heart.

I KNOW it's Murray's home, but it's NOLE'S TIME!! We shall see on Sunday. One one hand I want Murray, but then I have seen Novak beat both of them. Nerves will be a big factor I'm sure, so the pressure might be on Murray more, and he can capitalize on it.
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[joeybee12]

47. Go Murray!

I'll root for Djoker no matter what Sunday, but I loathe Raf-roid and if loses today, I can relax and enjoy the tennis.

I have no idea who will win the women's. I think petra beat venus last year...didn't see any of her matches, so I don['t know if she's just a big server and got this far on grass because of that.

[bigwillq]

44. Congrats to Novak.

Nice win. :toast:

[ChiciB1]

46. Kind Of Had Me In Knots For A While Though! I Only Wanted Him To Reach No.1 To

show the critics that's he's serious and a complete contender, but I know with each Slam I'm going to feel the same way. Just one more match for now, just one more!

Will I shut up? Probably not! I LOVE tennis too much and it's a GREAT distraction from my addiction to politics that keeps me in knots too!

L8R for now, but it's sure nice having someone to connect with too! Now back to Rafa and Murray.
:hug: & a BIG :toast:

[joeybee12]

48. And yet again Murray fades when the pressure is on...

idiot.

[RockaFowler]

49. He completely fell apart

The 2nd and 3rd sets he looked like he just gave up. WTF?

[joeybee12]

50. Amazing, wasn't it...

He obviously doesn't have "it."

[ChiciB1]

51. I KNOW... Just Finished Watching His DEFEAT To Rafa! Rafa Looked

good, but I'm not so sure whether it was that Rafa looked so good of if it was just that Murray's wheels came off! In the beginning I thought Murray had something going, but it soon became apparent that he just wasn't up to it.

I'm beginning to wonder how it is that he's maintained his No.4 level for so long, but it could be that he plays more "little" ones that gives him points. I will grant that Rafa made some very good plays and was pretty quick on the draw for a person who hurt his foot. Still I can't count him out against Novak.

Novak's on a cloud I'm sure and it must be a LOT to take in right now. He's come a very long way when you consider how long Fed & Rafa have dominated these past years. One reason why I've been so supportive of him. I mean REALLY! He's hung in there all this time and reached the top, even IF Roger has gotten older. And I'm sort of glad he got beat coming into Wimbledon because that would have been almost too much to handle, especially for me.

Still Murray didn't help himself much and seemed discombobulated (not a real word, don't think) and disjointed at best, so I'll just have to wait for my final comments about Rafa. There is one thing I remember from when I played myself. I found that when I was playing against someone who didn't play that well, then my game got worse too. And THAT didn't happen to Rafa, so he's a threat going in. But he's a professional and I never was.

Overall, I think Jo-Willy looked better than Andy given that Andy has had so many opportunities.

Well, I see they're re-playing some of Novak's match so now I can take a closer look at what my guy really looked like from the parts I missed.

Sunday looms!

[RockaFowler]

52. Jo-Willy (I love that name) is my new favorite player

He looked great today, but Djokovich was just better.

On a side note, I don't have a HD TV here at work. We still have the lousy 19 inch SD's. The scores on NBC are so unclear. I can't tell what the score is and what set we're in. Hey NBC not everyone has a HD set. On a side note I work at a NBC station, we really need to get HD sets all over the station. I mean come on!!

[Doctor_J]

72. No, just not up to it

Nadal and Joko are miles ahead of anyone else right now (well, maybe not Sir Fed). Murray didn't choke - he's a step below Rafa in skill.

[bigwillq]

53. Funny computers

Crazy that if Nadal wins the final, he won't be No. 1 despite having won (if it happens) five of the last six majors, and beating (if it happens) the player that leaps to No. 1. Insane.

[ChiciB1]

54. It's A Points Accumulation Game. My Husband Watches Nascar(????) & They

use the same kind of system. Murray and others play in some of the smaller events, like the recent Aegeon on grass and he won, so he got points. Roger, Rafa and Novak didn't play those. Each time they advance in an event they acquire points and that's how Novak became No. 1. Worked the same way as when Rafa took over from Roger.

THEY know what the spread is and you can log onto the ATP Tennis info and check out the weekly point gains. That's why on Monday Novak will be No. 1. He came into Wimbledon less than 100 pts. off the top (I think) and each gained points as they advanced. Had Novak NOT reached the finals he wouldn't have surged ahead. OR if Rafa had dropped ANY match before the finals, Novak still would have taken over No. 1.

Takes some getting used to, but it's the way it is. I don't know how many points Roger was ahead of Murray, but probably more than it would have taken for Murray to knock him out of No. 3, still had Murray reached the finals the numbers would have changed to show it. Check it out on Monday morning and you'll see who got what. Actually, you can check right now and then see how many points Novak got for reaching the finals.

So, it's not just who lifts the trophy, although it really is to some extent because if you DON'T win enough you DON'T GET ENOUGH points!

Hey, you've got to give Novak credit for winning all those matches up until his loss to Roger... he earned it the hard way!

Jo-Willy will advance too. That's why Fish surged ahead of Roddick. And that's the way the rules were set up.

[JonLP24]

56. Sounds a little like golf

for the FedEx cup. Really good golfers can skip quite a few tournaments because they rack up enough points to qualify for the FedEx cup.

[bigwillq]

57. I am familiar with the system.

I'm just saying I don't agree with it in this case if Nadal happens to win the final.

[ChiciB1]

61. But He Has Played One More Tournament Than Novak This Year...

So the fact that Novak has more points is important too. I do understand what you mean, but I'm 110% behind Novak no matter what.

[JonLP24]

55. Good job Djokovic

My post is a little late because I was posting in other forums.

[ChiciB1]

60. Been Trying NOT To Post At Other Forums, But Still Do. I'm Just Really

fed up with all that has been going on for so long now. It's just so depressing for me, and I have yet to figure out how "we the people" are going to be able to make much difference.

Just want Novak to bring his A-game tomorrow because if he does I know he can win. Just ONE Wimbledon please... and then he can say he did it! It's THE ONE to win, just once in a career! And he's so very close.

[a kennedy]

58. TV is now on mute.....

the screamer Maria is going down, lost first set..... Petra Kvitova will be the champion.

[ChiciB1]

59. Kind Of Late Here... But Yes, The Screaming Is Weird. I've Often Wondered If That

doesn't actually take some extra energy away from those that scream and holler like this Men have yet to get a loud as women and I myself don't enjoy it.

Guess I'm going to HAVE to watch the match "in progress" tomorrow because it seems it won't be replayed. I wonder if I can stand it. I prefer to watch it AFTER I know who wins because of my jangling nerves. Please let it be Novak!

Kvitova really did a very good job today. I've seen Sharapova come back so many times from way down, but I guess it just wasn't there today. A good win, but I wasn't that "into" it myself. Don't really have a favorite female right now. The Williams' have dominated for a long time and are great players, but I still prefer men's tennis. I have liked seeing some new women winning though.

[joeybee12]

62. Congrats to Petra...out all day didn't see any of it...nice to

see new faces win.

[ChiciB1]

63. Yes It Is... And Last Night I Got A Call From A Friend Of Mine In St. Louis

and she wants me to pick her up at the airport at 10:00 AM. Good for my nerves I guess, but by the time I get back the finals may be over. I wonder IF they're going to replay the match. I didn't see any reply of the women's yesterday, so I may miss it all.

So I may just have to settle for the final scores, and PLEASE, PLEASE... GO NOLE! My heart is with you!!!
:scared:

[Doctor_J]

73. Very gracious and poised afterward too.

A worthy champ.

[Doctor_J]

71. The rules folks need to smack down her and Venus

there is no reason for that level of noise.

[bigwillq]

64. First set to

Novak. This is gonna be good.

[ChiciB1]

66. HE WON! HE WON! HE WON!! Just Got Back Home & Had My Fingers Crossed

the whole way up to the airport! Now, I will see the aftermath!

WHOOOOOOPPPPPPPPEEE!!!
:ounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Botany]

65. Great final

And in the end Djokovic was the stronger


Novak Djokovic (2)
6 6 1 6
Rafael Nadal (1)
4 1 6 3


I know few care but to me the men's final is like the super bowl, college football, and the Winter Olympics Men's Downhill.

[ChiciB1]

67. Oh I KNOW That Feeling Too! So Many People Kid Me About My "Ping-Pong" Watching!

They just don't understand, but to each his own! I'm so very happy for him, he's worked so hard!

Now, if I can only get to see it in a replay, but probably not! Going to check out the web site to see the comments though! Just so happy for him.

[Botany]

68. Tennis is a great game and it was played @ the highest

level @ Wimbledon .... Rafi v Novak :applause:

take anybody who talks down tennis to a court and have them try to hit the ball ... :puke:

as per "ping pong" watching ..... years ago I played ping pong against the very best
it is not a minor sport ...... although it will never be a sport in the USA very few have the
slightest idea on the skill level of top table tennis players.

[ChiciB1]

69. I Hear Ya On This One Too! My Husband Played A Really Top-Notch Ping-Pong

game for years and too many people simply laugh it off. It's such a fast moving game and you MUST have super reactions! I've watched many, many games.

Still, I think you know what I'm saying. At least with tennis you can "see" the ball most of the time. With Ping-Pong, it's amazing and takes super reaction.

I'm supremely happy that Novak won, not only because he has earned it this year, but also because had Rafa won, there would still be people saying that Rafa was still No. 1 because Novak lost. It was a MUST for NOLE and I'm one of his biggest fans.

My DVD player has been acting up and I was unable to see the match, even if my nerves would have let me. Too bad I won't get to see a replay. Been checking the web sites for comments, but the one generating much coverage is WHY did Novak use a "white towel?" Maybe the other towels were new and don't absorb enough. Who knows? But I thought it wasn't one of the best questions of the day.

No doubt, twists and turns will follow and Rafa will be right back up on his game, but for Novak to finally win THIS BIG one makes me feel very good for him! Rafa has such a HUGE following and Roger has dominated for a long time too, so I haven't felt Novak has gotten the praise he really deserves. It has taken a lot to climb the mountain he has climbed.

Tennis and "table tennis" are really not so easy to play. As you say, take anyone to the court and they will soon find out just how elusive a little ball can be!!

[Doctor_J]

70. I found the women's draw entertaining for a number of reasons

Reason 1:



Reason 2:



Reason 3:



and some others. Just kidding, mostly.

Even the hyperactive mademoiselle with the Italian surname was most entertaining. And the champion played exquisitely and gave a wonderful post-match speech. Excellent all around.

Two more changes would improve it even more:

1. The organizers tell Venus and Maria and a couple others that as of now they will not be allowed to make noises of jungle animals during the points

2. Mary Carillo has a sock stuffed in her mouth while the ball is in play.

[Awsi Dooger]

74. When does grass tennis begin?

Maybe at Newport. Sorry but Wimbledon no longer qualifies and I can barely pay attention. It's the equivalent of 3 point garbage in college basketball. You can tell it's a bogus final when the men's champion never serves and volleys until the next to last point.

Like McEnroe said, who could have believed when Ivanisevic won 10 years ago that baseliners would have control of Wimbledon within a few years. He blamed it on the new type of grass. I think it's lazy players. Regardless, it's perhaps 10% as compelling.

Two weeks ago several posters on this forum were denouncing the US Open golf tournament because it didn't resemble the typical set up. That was perhaps a 10% shift. Where is the similar outrage toward Wimbledon, which has declined to such absurdity that the grass is absolutely pristine at the edge of the service box?

[tishaLA]

75. I think part of the dearth of net play is because of technology

the new racquets just don't allow players enough time to get close enough to the net and the strings allow returners to get an incredible amount of spin on the ball. So serve and volley players have to either take the ball slightly inside the service line or they have to hit it off their shoestrings because it's coming back at them with so much topspin, which is abetted by the extreme Western grip so many players are using now, as compared to the relatively flat or continental grips players used 20 years ago.

But it's true that players don't pay enough attention to volleying. Even in doubles, you see teams that do things I was told never to do when I was a kid: one partner forward, one back throughout the rally; players standing in "no man's land" in the hopes they will get to go to the baseline; players moving as if they were playing singles with two people instead of being "tied together with an imaginary rope," etc.

I agree with McEnroe, though. I just watched the HBO documentary about him and Borg and I'd frankly forgotten how much Borg used to come to the net at Wimbledon.