[wonderbang]

Nadal was just too good

And props to Vera! She's been playing well and consistent but just haven't gotten a big title lately. Guess she's coming well into her own.....speaking of which, look out for Pavlyuchenkova (and the spelling ) ....she seems like the next breakout star.

[dOotsiez]

Actually I remember towards the end of last yr, a friend of mine asked me who got into the YECs for the girls, and I rattled off 7 names. Vera was the only one I missed. But she had a run of finals towards the end of last year, and seems to have matured a lot. I always saw her as a "tier II" player at best, but it's certainly nice to see some level-headedness up the top, esp since Ana and JJ have lost it mentally.

The only worthwhile player Ana beat was Pennetta, who's not all that impressive on hard court, and even that wasn't by much, so I don't know if it should be read as a stroke of luck or inspired tennis.

[wonderbang]

^Totally agree with you. I'm not convinced Vera is grand slam material (though I wouldn't put it past her with the state of the WTA these days...) but I do believe she's the type of player that can take out any of the top players if they aren't playing their best.


And finally Miami! No offense to Indian Wells but I always seem to prefer Miami over it for some reason....

[dOotsiez]

^ LOL in my mind, I treat them as two parts of the same tournament.

This is exciting news - Kim Clijsters seems to be seriously considering a comeback to tennis. Rumour has it that she's asked for the possibility of a wildcard to Cincy, Toronto, and the US Open. Kim's only 25, and though I don't expect her body and her movement/athleticism to remain at the same level as a few years ago, a comeback to professional tennis is still viable, particularly given Dokic's success at the AO this year.

And what about her compatriot? She's the one that I'd really like to see back.

[leftys_rock]

Should be interesting to see how Kim's comeback goes. Even if she's not as mobile, I don't see many people on tour that could beat her really. Plus with the tour the way it is these days, she could sneak in a slam or two I think. Best of luck to her if she does actually come back!

Dunno about Justine coming back since apparently she's going to be starring in a comedy show called "The Twelve Jobs of Justine Henin"

[wonderbang]

We already got a hint of this when news came out that Kim talked to Lindsay about coming back after giving birth. I think Kim gained a lot of confidence seeing how Lindsay (after 30) was able to come back so quickly after having a kid. At 25, Kim is a lot younger in tennis years and should be able to make that transition. Plus, if I were her, looking at how the WTA is in shatters right now, this is the perfect time to test a comeback.

[Lindt]

I have a question about tennis racquet..
ok, first of all I'm a high school senior and I have never play tennis before,
now this year, I decided to join the team and I'm in the process of buying the racquet and stuff
BUT I don't know which type or brand or whatever kind of racquet should I get!
I don't mind with it being expensive or cheap..
I just need some suggestion that will help me buy the right one.
Is there any racquet that will suit me from Wilson, Prince, etc.?
oh and I'm a female.

Thanks everyone!

[wonderbang]

Since you're just a beginner, I would recommend a cheap racquet (doesn't matter what the brand but I would stick with the major names like Wilson, Prince, etc..) and start playing with that. Since you're still learning, it doesn't make sense to buy an expensive racquet since it won't make a major difference in how you play. Buy a cheap one, practice hard, and upgrade later when you become a better player. Good luck!

[dOotsiez]

Sound advice from wonderbang. I remember when I first started back in high school, I just used my school's racquets. In fact, I err kinda forgot to return them when I graduated, by accident I swear! But I really don't think it matters to an absolute beginner which racquet she uses. Its really about the getting a feel for the game to start with. Racquets only really come into play when you're starting to build on your game. Mind you, I'm no racquet expert, but I would recommend going into a shop and having a chat to a sales assistant about it. Ask them what they think is a good racquet to start off with. Good luck!


JJ lost to Dulko. Back to back opening match losses. Eeeeek... dont know what's going on with her really...

[wonderbang]

Oh JJ....she's not gonna go on another 20something match losing streak again is she? I wonder what's wrong...injury? mental?

[souslesun]

I couldn't see any of the matches today, but I caught like two minutes of Roger being intro'd to the stadium, and I just have to comment how hilarious I thought it was when they blasted "Sexyback" by Justin Timberlake when Roger came out onto the stadium. XD

[dOotsiez]

^ Yeah I remember at the 07 USO, they blasted the star wars theme when Fed walked on in his all black outfit. That's where "Darth Federer" came from
I completely missed the match though - it started at 4AM in Australia. So .. I love Fed, but I don't love THAT much.

Oh JJ....she's not gonna go on another 20something match losing streak again is she? I wonder what's wrong...injury? mental?

I dunno, the girls in the WTA these days tend to freak out over their own success, unless their surname is Williams. This is a little pathetic. Am I to understand that Safina, Ivanovic, JJ, Dementieva and Zvonareva are ALL out? R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S.

[souslesun]

LOL the Star Wars theme? And Darth Federer? OMG that's too funny! haha it's very fitting though ^___^

Ugh, it is nasty, isn't it? I can't believe Elena's out. I actually thought she might perhaps be one of the active female players to follow through with her success but I guess not. I knew Safina would be a big whole roller coaster like her brother, even though I love Marat. Damn, when that dude's in the zone, he's crazy good! He's also a very funny character despite his outbursts during matches. Safina's too wishy washy, and it's frustrating to watch her. Even more frustrating to watch than Federer these days... =/

Anyways, I like Maria Sharapova, but I'm not too crazy about her. I remember reading an article about her, and she said something like how she'd retire early if she could, especially after she wins a few more slams, like that was enough and she would need no more. My memory's a little fuzzy but if that was really the kind of attitude she has towards tennis, it's like, why the heck is she even playing then?

WTA is so boring. I can't stand it. >___< I feel like there aren't any consistent players... The only one I even like just a little bit is Venus. I hope she wins this!

[wonderbang]

I completely missed the match though - it started at 4AM in Australia. So .. I love Fed, but I don't love THAT much.

so your love DOES have limits? kidding i wouldn't stay up (or wake up) at 4am to watch tennis either....well at least not now

I dunno, the girls in the WTA these days tend to freak out over their own success, unless their surname is Williams. This is a little pathetic. Am I to understand that Safina, Ivanovic, JJ, Dementieva and Zvonareva are ALL out? R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S.

what's the point of seedings again? ....hmm.

[dOotsiez]

^ of course wonderbang, girl needs her beauty sleep.

Today's timing was perfect though, watched Roddick, Federer and part of Rafa's match. What a slug fest that one was, can't believe it almost went for 3 hours yet it was only straight sets!

Seedings mean nothing on the WTA side of things. Victoria Azarenka easily deserves to be in the top 5 right now, for example. I was hoping Caroline Woz could capitalise on her victory but it was not meant to be. Im starting to like the girl though. She just needs a tad bit of fine tuning.

[wonderbang]

3 hour straight sets match? Yeah....I'm not surprised. haha

[cecilia]

i happened to tune in during roger's match when he played that longgg service game of his with 8 break points
i was thinking, my god what's happening

[dOotsiez]

^ yeah that was fun in hindsight. Not so fun when you're watching it live. The rest of the match was great though. Taylor Dent is a bit like a more flare-y version of Mardy Fish...

Can Federer not go up 40-0 in his own service game, only to make SIX unforced errors in a row to lose serve and lose the set? But it's okay, he upped his game in time to win the match. Would've preferred less drama though ... should Mirka be watching these matches? She doesn't want to get overexcited with the baby and all.....

Venus v Serena tmr. Finally Serena plays someone who's NOT Chinese. LOL

[wonderbang]

^AMEN lol....what are the chances of 3 straight Chinese opponents? New Russia alright.....

And looking at form, Venus seems to be doing a bit better than Serena but if you've watched any of their matches in the past, you know ANYTHING can happen between these two. I can't say I'll be surprised either way if one steamrolls the other or wins 7-6 in the third. Good luck to both....I wanna see Serena break her tie with Graf to win 6 Miami titles but then I wanna see Venus win too since she last won it so many years ago.

[souslesun]

JUAN DEL POTRO BEAT RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!! O____O;;; I canNOT believe Rafa squandered a two break lead and lost four games in a row! I really didn't think Del Potro had it in him to come out after that second set loss. But he played fantastically in that 3rd set. I've never been so amazed by Del Potro's game. After his straight set loss to Roger at the AO, I was like, "Huh... Nevermind. What's the hype with this dude anyway?" But today, he made me feel like I put my foot in my mouth with that victory against Nadal of all players. His net play was near perfect despite his height. I never knew such tall people could volley so well... Lol, no offense to tall people, of course. And then they had a couple good, long rallies where both players hit the ball so hard and precisely to each other and I was seriously biting-my-nails-nervous for both of them. Del Potro came out the victor of both of these long rallies too which supremely surprised me!

I can't tell who he's going to play in the semis as it is either Andy Murray or Fernando Verdasco(who are both awesome possum players, by the way), so I hope he can get that high going. I'd love to see him to the finals.