Tennis

I would think Djoker would repeat on grass, and the women...hell, anything could happen there. Anyone in the Top 10 except Wozniacki could win. I'm glad someone else besides me actually watches tennis, though.

Rooting for Serena and Andy Murray!! Hoping for a Serena vs. Sharapova final. Shocked that Venus lost to Vesnina 1 and 3 :(.

I think the Williams Sisters are done winning majors. And poor Murray needs a time machine to go back 10 years. There's no way he's getting past Nadal or Djokovic in a 5-setter. To me only Tsonga could do that on this surface. At the Open I'd pick Del Potro if he's totally healthy and stinging that forehand down the lines.

Regarding Murray- one can always hope :). As for the Williams sisters, I think Venus is done winning majors but I really hope she can find a way to get more energy for her matches. She rushed back in her attempt to qualify for the Olympics so I'm hoping she eventually figures out a way to deal with her health issues. But Serena on the other hand, I don't think she is done winning majors. Obviously Sharapova has established herself as the one to beat by winning the French, a major on her least favorite and weakest surface. Serena losing to Razzano in the 1st was a shocker, but clay is also not her favorite surface. Bad excuse, I know, but I think this tourney will paint a better picture of whether or not she can still contend for majors.

[QUOTE=Help Desk;309149]I think the Williams Sisters are done winning majors. And poor Murray needs a time machine to go back 10 years. There's no way he's getting past Nadal or Djokovic in a 5-setter. To me only Tsonga could do that on this surface. At the Open I'd pick Del Potro if he's totally healthy and stinging that forehand down the lines.[/QUOTE] I think Serena is going to win a few more grand slams. When she's on, no one can beat her! Her lost on French Open was just a fluke, because she won 17 straight clay matches (beating Sharapova & Azarenka easily), and was the favorite to win the French. Venus can make a comeback! My mom has auto-immune disease, and the first year or two were really tough, but now she's living life like there is nothing wrong. I'm not saying she will be dominate or great as before, but she can be a wildcard on grass in the future. LOL I said the same thing about Murray. Talk about wrong place at the wrong time! I also agree Tsonga & Milos Raonic have the best shot at break the trio dominance.

[QUOTE=DomDom7;309139]Rooting for Serena and Andy Murray!! Hoping for a Serena vs. Sharapova final. Shocked that Venus lost to Vesnina 1 and 3 :(.[/QUOTE] I know it's sad seeing Venus down, especially watching her as a small kid growing up, and how amazing she was. That's my drean final as well Serena v. Sharapova, that would be an epic match! Those 2 could have a great rivalry, a la Nadal v Djokovic

[QUOTE=Help Desk;309134] I'm glad someone else besides me actually watches tennis, though.[/QUOTE] I used to be a big tennis fan but have lost interest over the years. The biggest reason probably being the homogenization of the playing surfaces which favors a handful of power players. Wimbledon used to be special, but with the changes made to the grass you can now have 50 shot rallies and [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon10/news/story?id=5322284"]138 game sets[/URL]. This leads to long, long, long matches (Boring level: Paint drying.) Maybe I am just old school, but I'd much prefer strategy, speed and precision over a baseline slugfest. I looked at the ATP rankings and the only American in the top 100 I've ever heard of is Andy Roddick (25) - so I guess that also explains my waning interest. Tennis is definitely in decline in America.

[QUOTE=producer88;309154]I think Serena is going to win a few more grand slams. When she's on, no one can beat her! Venus can make a comeback! M[B]y mom has auto-immune disease, and the first year or two were really tough, but now she's living life like there is nothing wrong.[/B] I'm not saying she will be dominate or great as before, but she can be a wildcard on grass in the future. [/QUOTE] Agree about Serena! :victory: Good to hear about your mom! I hope the same happens for Venus. [QUOTE=producer88;309159] That's my dream final as well Serena v. Sharapova, that would be an epic match! Those 2 could have a great rivalry, a la Nadal v Djokovic[/QUOTE] Yes it would be an epic match! I'd love for their rivalry to grow into something great, like the ones on the men's side. But I'd love to see those two at the top of the game battling it out, both having overcome major health issues to get there. But Sharapova would need to start winning some for it to be a great rivalry ;).

[QUOTE=Bacchus;309164]I used to be a big tennis fan but have lost interest over the years. The biggest reason probably being the homogenization of the playing surfaces which favors a handful of power players. Wimbledon used to be special, but with the changes made to the grass you can now have 50 shot rallies and [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon10/news/story?id=5322284"]138 game sets[/URL]. This leads to long, long, long matches (Boring level: Paint drying.) Maybe I am just old school, but I'd much prefer strategy, speed and precision over a baseline slugfest. I looked at the ATP rankings and the only American in the top 100 I've ever heard of is Andy Roddick (25) - so I guess that also explains my waning interest. Tennis is definitely in decline in America.[/QUOTE] It's funny because to me and my friends, we actually find today's game much more interesting. I love power play games, and high ace games. It could be, because we were expose to tennis during the William sisters dominance. They brought power to women tennis, and changed the game. I watch older matches, and find myself bored. Like it seems those athletes can't compete with this newer generation, and they don't seem to have that fire. I do have to say I love the old greats (Billie King, Evert, Agassi, etc), but Tennis today for me is far more exciting. [QUOTE=DomDom7;309166]Agree about Serena! :victory: Good to hear about your mom! I hope the same happens for Venus. Yes it would be an epic match! I'd love for their rivalry to grow into something great, like the ones on the men's side. But I'd love to see those two at the top of the game battling it out, both having overcome major health issues to get there. But Sharapova would need to start winning some for it to be a great rivalry ;).[/QUOTE] Thanks!! I do hope Venus recovers as well! LOL That's correct Serena has dominated Sharapova for a very long time. I think it's because both of them try to outplay each other with power, and the end result is Serena is just more powerful, when it comes to serving.

John Isner always keeps me worried!! Come on!!

haha no kidding! Let's go Isner and McHale!!! Congrats to Michael Russell, Sloane Stephens and Ryan Harrison for advancing! USA!!!

WOW!!! Isner out :(

[QUOTE=DomDom7;309187]haha no kidding! Let's go Isner and McHale!!! Congrats to Michael Russell, Sloane Stephens and Ryan Harrison for advancing! USA!!![/QUOTE] I'm so mad at Isner for losing -.- It's sad that as soon as the young American players start doing well, they crumble under the pressure, and the expectations get to them. Sloane Stephens and Christina McHale are the only ones that have been level headed lately. With Serena leaving in 3-5 years, who's going to carry the torch? American players need to step up their game! Although there's two juniors I have high hopes for, but they're too young to make any impact.

Wow another upset Berdych for sure thought he was going to go far! He's the highest rank seed to lose in the first round so far.

[QUOTE=producer88;309191]I'm so mad at Isner for losing -.- It's sad that as soon as the young American players start doing well, they crumble under the pressure, and the expectations get to them. Sloane Stephens and Christina McHale are the only ones that have been level headed lately. With Serena leaving in 3-5 years, who's going to carry the torch? American players need to step up their game! Although there's two juniors I have high hopes for, but they're too young to make any impact.[/QUOTE] I know, I think I'm more worried about the young American men to be honest. There is Ryan Harrison who I like and expect to keep rising, but then there is Donald Young who drives me crazy haha. Isner and Querrey should be solid for a while. I'm extremely mad about Isner though, beat Federer in Davis Cup on clay and then go and disappoint after that match. Hopefully Jack Sock can pick things up, and I have no idea what Bjorn Fratangelo's pro plans are. The women though, I think McHale will be solid, she has been very steady. I like Stephens game and look forward to seeing her as she continues to develop. She is still very young, but Taylor Townsend has been lighting up the Juniors. Then there is Madison Keys who also has potential. Coco Vandeweghe has a big game but she constantly disappoints me, if she can get in better shape she has a chance to be pretty good. Of course Junior Slam success does not always translate to the pro level, but I hope Sock and Fratangelo can make it, as well as Townsend and Vandeweghe. Jeez!! Considering the year Gulbis has had and the one Berdych has had (and Berdych's recent history here) I am shocked that Gulbis won! He has potential to be so good, maybe this is the win he needed to help him get there.

[QUOTE=DomDom7;309193]I know, I think I'm more worried about the young American men to be honest. There is Ryan Harrison who I like and expect to keep rising, but then there is Donald Young who drives me crazy haha. Isner and Querrey should be solid for a while. I'm extremely mad about Isner though, beat Federer in Davis Cup on clay and then go and disappoint after that match. Hopefully Jack Sock can pick things up, and I have no idea what Bjorn Fratangelo's pro plans are. The women though, I think McHale will be solid, she has been very steady. I like Stephens game and look forward to seeing her as she continues to develop. She is still very young, but Taylor Townsend has been lighting up the Juniors. Then there is Madison Keys who also has potential. Coco Vandeweghe has a big game but she constantly disappoints me, if she can get in better shape she has a chance to be pretty good. Of course Junior Slam success does not always translate to the pro level, but I hope Sock and Fratangelo can make it, as well as Townsend and Vandeweghe. Jeez!! Considering the year Gulbis has had and the one Berdych has had (and Berdych's recent history here) I am shocked that Gulbis won! He has potential to be so good, maybe this is the win he needed to help him get there.[/QUOTE] It's funny how you mentioned the two young Americans I'm putting a lot of faith in Jack Sock and Taylor Townsend. Something tells me those 2 will be HUGE! As well as Ryan Harrison & Bjorn. So far American showing at this Wimbledon has been dismal.

I hope they can make it! We just have to be patient, everyone has their own pace-it took Azarenka 7 years after her Junior titles to win a major. I was impressed Bjorn won the Junior French title in '11. I think he was unsure of what he wanted to do though. Yup the American showing has been bad, hopefully Hampton and McHale can make it 6-6 for a .500 showing. Speaking of Hampton, she looks like she really packs a punch! She's only 22 as well.

[QUOTE=DomDom7;309198]I hope they can make it! We just have to be patient, everyone has their own pace-it took Azarenka 7 years after her Junior titles to win a major. I was impressed Bjorn won the Junior French title in '11. I think he was unsure of what he wanted to do though. Yup the American showing has been bad, hopefully Hampton and McHale can make it 6-6 for a .500 showing. Speaking of Hampton, she looks like she really packs a punch! She's only 22 as well.[/QUOTE] Yes Patience is key! Hopefully we'll be fine! McHale better bring her A Game tomorrow to finish! The first day was great, and I can't wait for tomorrow!

I think we will be alright. Sounds like we'll have Serena for a bit more (she says she wants to play the 2016 Olympics lol, we'll see) so we have time for the young guns to develop. Seriously, 2 chances to serve it out! She was making me so freaking nervous!! Ya it was a good first day, couple upsets, some American winners. I think there are 9 more scheduled to play singles tomorrow, 10 including McHale so hopefully we can have a bunch more make it to the 2nd round! I am so glad for espn3!!!! No cable for me so I'm so happy it's online :). I think we can win most of our matches tomorrow! (knock on wood) We could go 9-1: Falconi loses to Azarenka, Roddick beats Baker, Serena beats Strycova, Levine beats Beck, Odesnik beats Phau, Fish beats Hidalgo, Baker beats Machado, McHale beats Konta, Querrey beats Pospisil, Vandeweghe beats Errani. I expect Falconi to lose, Roddick, Serena, Fish and Baker to win. The rest- Levine and Odesnik were in qualies so have some matches and wins here already and Beck and Phau while in the top 100 are kinda having ehhhh seasons lol; McHale and Konta, wow it's a good match, Konta has surprised me with how well she hits from both sides, can go either way but I hope experience will pay off for Christina; Querrey and Pospisil are both big hitters and servers, and both are tall haha, but again I hope Querrey's experience helps him here; Vandeweghe I think will surprise recently turned top 10 Errani, Errani lost to Bonderanko in her only singles grass match but did win the doubles with Vinci, however I think Vandeweghe will overpower her.

[QUOTE=Bacchus;309164]I used to be a big tennis fan but have lost interest over the years. The biggest reason probably being the homogenization of the playing surfaces which favors a handful of power players. Wimbledon used to be special, but with the changes made to the grass you can now have 50 shot rallies and [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon10/news/story?id=5322284"]138 game sets[/URL]. This leads to long, long, long matches (Boring level: Paint drying.) Maybe I am just old school, but I'd much prefer strategy, speed and precision over a baseline slugfest. I looked at the ATP rankings and the only American in the top 100 I've ever heard of is Andy Roddick (25) - so I guess that also explains my waning interest. Tennis is definitely in decline in America.[/QUOTE] You get the right guys -- Nadal/Djokovic, for example -- and the slugfest is a sight to behold. But most anyone else in the Top 25...it can get depressing. FYI I know clay is not one of Roddick's fav surfaces but I saw him get bounced out by freakin' Nichloas Mahut at the French Open so he is done.

Baker made it to the next round!! Fisher is up 2 sets, but he isn't playing his best game, which I could understand cause it's his first major since his health issues. Tomic vs Goffin is taking too long!!!! I want to see Serena already!! Hahaha I think it's offensive they put her in Court 2 again. She deserves at least Center court or Court 1. Wimbledon said it's scheduling conflicts, but they put a match with lower rank women (Zvonareva) on Court 1.

It's like God is toying with me hahaha, rain delay right when Serena should begin to play hahaha, oh well que sera, sera. So far 3 more Americans made it to the next round Fish, Baker, Levine

[QUOTE=producer88;309191]I'm so mad at Isner for losing -.- It's sad that as soon as the young American players start doing well, they crumble under the pressure, and the expectations get to them. Sloane Stephens and Christina McHale are the only ones that have been level headed lately. With Serena leaving in 3-5 years, who's going to carry the torch? American players need to step up their game! Although there's two juniors I have high hopes for, but they're too young to make any impact.[/QUOTE] With German players it's equally depressing, especially on the men's side. There are always talents on the rise, but they cannot handle the pressure. Kohlschreiber, Petzschner, Mayer and Stebe - they always show potential, but they always make one step forward and backward at the same time. At least it's a bit more interesting on the women's side - Kerber, Barthel, Lisicki, Petrovic (when not injured) and Görges are all pretty promising. I have hopes for Kerber or Lisicki to win this one, and finally get their first grand slam.

[QUOTE=OrangeStar;309262]With German players it's equally depressing, especially on the men's side. There are always talents on the rise, but they cannot handle the pressure. Kohlschreiber, Petzschner, Mayer and Stebe - they always show potential, but they always make one step forward and backward at the same time. At least it's a bit more interesting on the women's side - Kerber, Barthel, Lisicki, Petrovic (when not injured) and Görges are all pretty promising. I have hopes for Kerber or Lisicki to win this one, and finally get their first grand slam.[/QUOTE] For the men I was hoping that Daniel Brands and Tobias Kamke could make a splash but they haven't been doing well. Hopefully a younger crop comes up for the German men. Yes the women are great! I'm surprised Kerber is the top one though; it's strange for me a couple years ago I was rooting for her against Rezai at the French, and now that she's in the elite I don't find myself rooting for her much lol. If any win this slam I'd want it to be Lisicki. And another who might join them in the future is Beck, who just won the Junior French title.

[QUOTE=producer88;309261] So far 3 more Americans made it to the next round Fish, Baker, Levine[/QUOTE] And add McHale to the list!!! Way to go Christina! Also glad Goffin won, glad he is breaking through this year.

[QUOTE=DomDom7;309271]For the men I was hoping that Daniel Brands and Tobias Kamke could make a splash but they haven't been doing well. Hopefully a younger crop comes up for the German men. Yes the women are great! I'm surprised Kerber is the top one though; it's strange for me a couple years ago I was rooting for her against Rezai at the French, and now that she's in the elite I don't find myself rooting for her much lol. If any win this slam I'd want it to be Lisicki. And another who might join them in the future is Beck, who just won the Junior French title.[/QUOTE] Haven't been really rooting for any player on the men's side since Nicolas Kiefer, so that says something :) I agree with you, Kerber came out of nowhere (not literally, but her sudden success was still very unexpected), and I personally immensely enjoy watching her play, more so than Lisicki or Görges.

[QUOTE=OrangeStar;309274]Haven't been really rooting for any player on the men's side since Nicolas Kiefer, so that says something :) I agree with you, Kerber came out of nowhere (not literally, but her sudden success was still very unexpected), and I personally immensely enjoy watching her play, more so than Lisicki or Görges.[/QUOTE] I also agree with Dom I love Lisicki, and I still root for Kerber! Omg Serena is having problems with closing! What's going on with her clutch gene!?!?!

I'm happy Serena won 6-2 6-4 but I want US Open 2011 Serena back. The killer Serena that was calm, poweful, dominant, and a closer!! She just needs to loosen up, have faith, stay focus, and just be patient! She could beat anybody!

[QUOTE=OrangeStar;309274]Haven't been really rooting for any player on the men's side since Nicolas Kiefer, so that says something :) I agree with you, Kerber came out of nowhere (not literally, but her sudden success was still very unexpected), and I personally immensely enjoy watching her play, more so than Lisicki or Görges.[/QUOTE] Ya I guess I was used to her as an underdog and liked her that way and didn't like when she got to the top lol, weird I know but still. [QUOTE=producer88;309276]I'm happy Serena won 6-2 6-4 but I want US Open 2011 Serena back. The killer Serena that was calm, poweful, dominant, and a closer!! She just needs to loosen up, have faith, stay focus, and just be patient! She could beat anybody![/QUOTE] Yes that was tough to watch, I expected her to dominate this one. But I think as she keeps advancing her game will get better and better. Lepchenko advances too!

I hope so Dom!! Today was a good day! Unfortunately rain delays ruined a lot of games, but it was still good! Can't wait for tomorrow.