Tennis Thread

[Ohwell]

Is it my imagination or have the ladies' skirts gotten even shorter?  I'm by no means a prude but when some of these women bend over I'm seeing some ass cheek.

[Ohwell]

I fell asleep last night only to wake up this morning and find out that Djokovic lost to some guy named Chung, and the last American I'd never heard of named Sandgren goes to the quarterfinals by beating Thiem.  Can't wait to watch the replays.

[mojoween]

46 minutes ago, Ohwell said:

Is it my imagination or have the ladies' skirts gotten even shorter?  I'm by no means a prude but when some of these women bend over I'm seeing some ass cheek.

That was part of what I was noticing with Hseih (Hsieh?).  She didn’t even have to move and you could see her underpants.

I like Fed.  I’m not a Stan or anything, but I do root for him.  However, even I thought the way McEnroe and Drysdale started his match last night was complete and utter bullshit.  Yes, Fed won in straight sets, but the way they were talking, that kid might as well have just stayed in his hotel room. I know Fed is good.  Everyone knows Fed is good.  But give some damn respect to his opponent for cod’s sack.  That kid acquitted himself pretty damn well, I think.  It was absolutely not a breeze for Fed to win that match, he had to work for it.  And I know I keep calling him the kid, but I can’t remember his name or how to spell it because they were pronouncing it much differently than it was spelled.

I mean, during a point on Fed’s serve, we didn’t even see it because they were replaying highlights from his 2003 Wimbledon run.  WTF, why was that even relevant?  

[truthaboutluv]

4 hours ago, Ohwell said:

Is it my imagination or have the ladies' skirts gotten even shorter?  I'm by no means a prude but when some of these women bend over I'm seeing some ass cheek.

Considering we lived through the Kournikova years, I'd say, "no, the skirts aren't any shorter than they've been at times in the past". While I'm happy for Chung, as well as Sandgren (admittedly he's more of a mystery to me than Chung who I actually knew prior to this Australian Open), all these upsets have done is make me more convinced that Federer is going to cruise to another final and quite possibly win and yeah I'm not sure I'm excited to see that. Oh who am I kidding, I have zero excitement for that.

I'd like to see Rafa make the finals but not if it means getting there and losing a fifth straight time to Federer. Thanks, no thanks. Dimitrov looks good but Dimitrov hasn't always done well under the weight of pressure and expectations. I mean yes, I know there is a Quaterfinal and Semifinal to play but you'll excuse me if I'm not exactly confident in Berdych's ability to upset Federer and then he's in a semifinal against Chung or Sandgren? Okay, sure... I mean I guess crazier things have happened. 

Happy to see Simona recovered from her almost four hour battle and had a relatively drama-free, straight sets win. Always rooting for her to get that first Slam. My emotionless bot Plishkova is also still there so interesting to see if she can finally win her first one. Kerber/Keys should be pretty good. I'm tentatively calling it for Keys but who knows. Kerber definitely seems to have found her self-belief again. 2017 Kerber would have for sure lost that match against Hseih. But instead she stayed confident, held her nerves and dug deep. That win might have been a good test to propel her to the end. 

 

Quote

 However, even I thought the way McEnroe and Drysdale started his match last night was complete and utter bullshit.  Yes, Fed won in straight sets, but the way they were talking, that kid might as well have just stayed in his hotel room. I know Fed is good.  Everyone knows Fed is good.  But give some damn respect to his opponent for cod’s sack.  That kid acquitted himself pretty damn well, I think.  It was absolutely not a breeze for Fed to win that match, he had to work for it.  And I know I keep calling him the kid, but I can’t remember his name or how to spell it because they were pronouncing it much differently than it was spelled.

And that's why I don't listen to the commentary and watch most matches on mute. About the only commentator I can tolerate is Darren Cahill and this despite the fact that he's the coach for one of the top women players. And yet I find he tries to be very fair when talking about the other female players. And I love his commentary on the men's matches. I loved his acknowledging that Rafa didn't blow his breaks in the second set but instead Schwartzman took it back and elevated his game, essentially acknowledging the effort Schwartzman put forth rather than the whole match was solely up to Rafa. 

Edited January 22, 2018 by truthaboutluv

[Ohwell]

2 hours ago, truthaboutluv said:

Considering we lived through the Kournikova years, I'd say, "no, the skirts aren't any shorter than they've been at times in the past".

I think Kournikova, and maybe one or two others whose names escape me, were the exceptions back when she played.  Now, it seems it's more prevalent among the women.  And I don't recall seeing ass cheeks because at least the shorts under the skirts covered them.  

[caracas1914]

3 hours ago, mojoween said:

 

I like Fed.  I’m not a Stan or anything, but I do root for him.  However, even I thought the way McEnroe and Drysdale started his match last night was complete and utter bullshit.  Yes, Fed won in straight sets, but the way they were talking, that kid might as well have just stayed in his hotel room. I know Fed is good.  Everyone knows Fed is good.  But give some damn respect to his opponent for cod’s sack.  That kid acquitted himself pretty damn well, I think.  It was absolutely not a breeze for Fed to win that match, he had to work for it.  And I know I keep calling him the kid, but I can’t remember his name or how to spell it because they were pronouncing it much differently than it was spelled.

I mean, during a point on Fed’s serve, we didn’t even see it because they were replaying highlights from his 2003 Wimbledon run.  WTF, why was that even relevant?  

Welcome to tennis commentary where all roads lead to Federer and his greatness.    When NFL fans moan about the Brady gushing from the football commentators I realize they’ve never watched a Federer match on  TV.  They fucking preempt matches to move over to Federer on a practice court  or walking through a corridor.

 

Federite fans are even worse, any match he loses is because he was only playing at 30 or 35 percent , therefor  no Fed losses really “count”.    Now that he’s won a few matches in a row against Nadal, SUDDENLY head2head matters, WTF?

Anyways back to the tennis, I’m actually pumped up for the women left standing.  For different reasons I wouldn’t mind Pliskova, Keys, Halep, Wozniaki or Kerber holding up the trophy.  With no Coco or Sharapova in sight, I’m good.  

It’s funny, I don’t find the women’s competiveness in that there is no overwhelming top player other than Serena as a sign of weakness, I think it’s more the rackets/strings  have leveled the field as far as the power from the ground being the big equalizer.  Serve is another mattter, there are few women who can dictate a match with their serve,and only 
Serena has THE serve, plus power, speed and finesse.  

[khyber]

I'm thrilled that we've got some unusual guys moving on in the tourny. It makes it fresh and exciting.

[Ohwell]

1 hour ago, khyber said:

I'm thrilled that we've got some unusual guys moving on in the tourny. It makes it fresh and exciting.

Yes.  I'd never heard of Chung or Sandgren before, but I'm delighted that they made it this far and I'm looking forward to the two of them playing each other.  I guess I'm rooting for Sandgren the American, but I wouldn't mind at all if Chung won.  

[NUguy514]

Sandgren is basically a male CoCo, but...worse.

[BitterApple]

44 minutes ago, NUguy514 said:

Sandgren is basically a male CoCo, but...worse.

Really? Do tell. I've never heard of him before. 

[Ohwell]

1 hour ago, NUguy514 said:

Sandgren is basically a male CoCo, but...worse.

Can you explain?  He seemed pretty likeable in his interview after the match with Thiem.

Edit:  uhhh...alrighty then.  I just did some googling.  I'll be rooting for Chung. 

Edited January 22, 2018 by Ohwell

[TVbitch]

I was thinking some of the skirts looked shorter too. I first thought Halep was wearing tiny shorts and didn't even realize it was skirt.

Not convinced Pliskova is not a fembot.  

I was happy for Chung, but sad for his idol. Hope Nole is 100% again soon. 

[NUguy514]

4 hours ago, BitterApple said:

Really? Do tell. I've never heard of him before. 

Just google him.

[mojoween]

Wow.  All I did is type in “Sandgren” and the first link that popped up...wow.  

I mean, I suppose there is a way for him to explain himself but I'm not here for it.  

[truthaboutluv]

Bummed for Rafa but honestly, my expectations were very low for the Open, considering he pulled out of all his scheduled warm-up tournaments and lost his one exhibition match. Good for Cilic but can't say I'm exactly waiting with bated breath for him and Edmund. Speaking of, you'd think this would teach McEnroe and company to not count their chickens before they've hatched but they wont' learn. Everyone was so sure it was a done deal for Dimitrov and Rafa heading to the semifinals. 

Quote

I mean, I suppose there is a way for him to explain himself 

Really...how? As the kids would say, dude is officially canceled. I can maybe (and that's a strong maybe) look past the support of that guy but seemingly supporting Alt-Right propoganda - yeah no. Get him Chung and at this point, make it a straight sets annihilation. 

Edited January 23, 2018 by truthaboutluv

[crimsongrl]

Chris McKendry spoke with Tennys Sandgren today...

So it was a misunderstanding and he wasn't raised that way. Oh and he's a good Christian boy who deleted his twitter for a fresh start.

Whatever dude. Go Chung!

[Ohwell]

In the past week, I did think it was strange that there was very little talk about the only American remaining on the men's side.  I saw Sandgren's name in the draw but didn't know anything about him.  Now I understand the silence.  Even last night, McEnroe was talking about Chung in the upcoming match, but said little about Sandgren.

[truthaboutluv]

14 minutes ago, Ohwell said:

Even last night, McEnroe was talking about Chung in the upcoming match, but said little about Sandgren.

Interesting. Correct me if I'm wrong but McEnroe's Jewish right? If so, not surprised by his response (or lack thereof).

Edited January 23, 2018 by truthaboutluv

[NUguy514]

No, McEnroe is of Irish descent and was raised Catholic.

It’s always a good day when Nadal loses.

Grigor...Grigor’d. I wouldn’t mind seeing Edmund somehow win the whole thing. He’s a cutie patoots.

[SuburbanHangSuite]

20 hours ago, NUguy514 said:

 

Sandgren is basically a male CoCo, but...worse

 

Well, damn.  I saw the post-Rafa interview and had no idea what was so controversial about this guy until I heard "alt-right" mentioned.   So I just Googled him and I hope Chung whoops that ass right back into obscurity on the challenger tour.  

 

41 minutes ago, NUguy514 said:

It’s always a good day when Nadal loses.

Let the church say, "Amen!" 

I love how the hobbling injury correlated directly to the ass whooping Cilic was delivering.

[truthaboutluv]

Just now, SuburbanHangSuite said:

I love how the hobbling injury correlated directly to the ass whooping Cilic was delivering.

Except the ass whooping was happening because he wasn't moving very well and was basically just letting balls go. It's not like Cilic came out and was dominating Rafa from the start of the match and suddenly an injury popped up out of nowhere. Rafa won the first set, was up a break in the second and looked ready to cruise through the match, until his level dropped and yes, he got outplayed for the rest of the second set.

But then he still won the third set he had no business winning because of the number of times Cilic had him on the ropes. It's not like Rafa hasn't had plenty of losses in the last few years that he suddenly needed to fake an injury because he was losing to Cilic. Hell this wouldn't even be his worse loss - the losing to Fognini after being up two sets and a break, still wins. Or the five blown break points against Muller in the fifth set at Wimbledon. YMMV. 

Edited January 23, 2018 by truthaboutluv

[NowVoyager]

Watching Rafa limp around for a couple games was PAINFUL! Just awful!!! Thank God he retired. Whew!!! Hope he feels better soon. SMH. Wow. These folks really put their bodies through a lot... what happens when you get older & wear & tear pains start to creep in?!??! My God....

[KFC]

5 hours ago, crimsongrl said:

Chris McKendry spoke with Tennys Sandgren today...

So it was a misunderstanding and he wasn't raised that way. Oh and he's a good Christian boy who deleted his twitter for a fresh start.

Whatever dude. Go Chung!

I was rolling my eyes so hard at Sandgren's defense. And I've always disliked John Isner, but it's so ridiculous seeing him jump to Sandgren's defense on social media without him actually seeing some of the truly vile stuff Sandgreen has tweeted/retweeted.

How exactly does Sandgren defend posting a picture of Serena Williams with the caption "disgusting"? Hopefully Chung can continue his run and make the SFs.

Edited January 23, 2018 by KFC

[NUguy514]

4 hours ago, SuburbanHangSuite said:

Let the church say, "Amen!" 

 

4 hours ago, SuburbanHangSuite said:

I love how the hobbling injury correlated directly to the ass whooping Cilic was delivering.

Yes, I'm just shocked by it, SHOCKED I tell you!

[truthaboutluv]

2 hours ago, KFC said:

How exactly does Sandgren defend posting a picture of Serena Williams with the caption "disgusting"?

Wow...

[mojoween]

So I assume Sandgren’s match started around 9:30...?

[truthaboutluv]

10 hours ago, mojoween said:

So I assume Sandgren’s match started around 9:30...?

lmao...good one and probably accurate. Also, as this is my first time really taking a look at Sandgren and not for nothing but he looks like he's damn near pushing 40 instead of his supposed 27 years and that pseudo-mullet hairstyle is the first indication of his rather questionable choices. 

In other less unpleasant tennis news, damn, go Kerber. That was a beat-down on Keys. Was not expecting that. Interesting to see whom of that three (Kerber, Plishkova and Halep), comes out of that section to make the Finals. Will also be interesting to see if whoever it is will be unstoppable in the Finals or have nothing left by that point. I really can't call this right now for the women. I'm going to tentatively say that I think Wozniacki will make the Finals and it will possibly be against Kerber. But yeah I'll probably be wrong. 

Edited January 24, 2018 by truthaboutluv

[galaxygirl76]

Chung wins!

Edited January 24, 2018 by galaxygirl76

[NUguy514]

Sandgren lost.

[shok]

10 hours ago, SuburbanHangSuite said:

Let the church say, "Amen!" 

I love how the hobbling injury correlated directly to the ass whooping Cilic was delivering.

What is it with the anti-Rafa fans that they are so uncouth? Cheering that a player has been injured is really low. Ass whooping? Who was ahead two sets to one? Whose ass got whooped in Acapulco? I hope the injury isn't serious and Rafa can get back soon and continue to prove why he's #1.

[truthaboutluv]

So much for Simona would have nothing left after her marathon third round match (mostly looking at you Chris Evert). That should be an interesting semi-final match up between her and Kerber. I like Kerber and I'm happy to see her looking like she remembers how to play but I really would like to see Simona win her first Grand Slam so I'm rooting for her in this one. 

Oh and I guess Federer/Berdych's Quarterfinal match took place and...yeah, that happened. 

eta: And thanks Chung for taking care of business exactly as I'd hoped. Three straight sets - the tool never even had a chance. 

Edited January 24, 2018 by truthaboutluv

[SuburbanHangSuite]

8 hours ago, shok said:

Cheering that a player has been injured is really low.

For the record, I wasn't cheering that a player was injured.  I was commenting on how Nadal's "injuries" seem to always occur when he is not at the top of his game.  It's called an opinion.

[Ohwell]

Yaaay Chung!  Thank you for that beatdown.  

Sandgren looks about 10 years older that his supposed real age.  There was some old guy in the stands cheering for him with long braids who looked like Willie Nelson. 

[NUguy514]

4 hours ago, SuburbanHangSuite said:

For the record, I wasn't cheering that a player was injured.  I was commenting on how Nadal's "injuries" seem to always occur when he is not at the top of his game.  It's called an opinion.

Didn't you know that Nadal's injuries are very, very real??  Always!!  "Injury" is not a euphemism for "excuse," and how dare you insinuate such an unsportsmanlike thing!!  He is the best sportsman the world has ever seen!!  You must never, ever, EVER criticize Nadal!!  Apologize now!!!

Feel free to criticize any other player, though.  That's completely fine and not hypocritical at all.

[SuburbanHangSuite]

54 minutes ago, NUguy514 said:

Feel free to criticize any other player, though.  That's completely fine and not hypocritical at all.

Hee!  So, my mom HATES Djokovich and she was livid when he called for the trainer during his match with Chung.  "Oh, I can't stand him!  Did you see him strip down to his shorts courtside while he's faking his injury?!". Her outrage was palpable!   

So just picture my glee as I watch Nadal do THE EXACT SAME THING a mere 24 hours later!  I wanted to call her at 4 am just to make sure she was watching.   (Yeah, I can be petty like that.). But I waited until I spoke to her later that morn and I casually mention, " Soooo, did you see the Nadal match?  Please tell me the difference between what Joker did and his "injury?"  I mean, we even had the stripping down to the shorts!  She had nothing.  I dropped the mic.

[BitterApple]

7 hours ago, truthaboutluv said:

Oh and I guess Federer/Berdych's Quarterfinal match took place and...yeah, that happened. 

eta: And thanks Chung for taking care of business exactly as I'd hoped. Three straight sets - the tool never even had a chance. 

Chung seems like a pretty cool customer. I'm praying he can hold his nerve and pull the upset against Fed just so I can see the announcers lose their minds. 

[Harry24]

Quote

Chung seems like a pretty cool customer. I'm praying he can hold his nerve and pull the upset against Fed just so I can see the announcers lose their minds. 

That would be funny.  I mean, I'm totally rooting for Roger, who's my guy, but the worship is really OTT.  I can absolutely see Chung pulling off the upset, if only because Roger has been pretty forthright in the past saying that he finds it difficult to play someone for the first time.  And this isn't going to be some dude who's been toiling in the minors for ten years, but a brilliant, young potential champion.  That said, I can also see Chung struggling when facing the full Fed arsenal.  It should be a cool match.

I also think if Cilic makes it to the final, he will be absolutely AMPED to do well considering his crushing disappointment at last Wimbledon.

And, I'm sorry, but I have to roll my eyes hard at the idea that Rafa only came up with an injury because Cilic was playing so well.  Come on.  Yes, he's had a horrible run of injury-related luck at Oz over the years, but he's endured many a tough loss (six-hour final against Djoker ring a bell?), and has probably had more stellar comebacks than any other player, short of Serena.  You may not like him, but, please.  

[TVbitch]

Roger was kind of darling in the long post Berdych match on-court interview, giggling about the Nike capris or tank tops. He was right, he could never have pulled off sleeveless!  

[truthaboutluv]

That was a really good match between Simona and Kerber. It was interesting that for some reason, both of them did better when their backs were against the wall versus when they were in the winning position. But that third set was all kinds of crazy. Best part of the match was Simona yelling up at Darren when she lost the break and got down a break in the third set and his snapping back at her to focus. The commentators were cracking up at that. I guess based on H2H and Simona's history in finals, it would appear that Wozniacki has the edge but again, the fact that Simona made that final is a miracle in and of itself so who knows. 

 

9 hours ago, Harry24 said:

And, I'm sorry, but I have to roll my eyes hard at the idea that Rafa only came up with an injury because Cilic was playing so well.  Come on.  Yes, he's had a horrible run of injury-related luck at Oz over the years, but he's endured many a tough loss (six-hour final against Djoker ring a bell?), and has probably had more stellar comebacks than any other player, short of Serena.  You may not like him, but, please.  

For me, it just doesn't add up to what actually happened in the match. Listen, everyone has their fans and their detractors - to each his own. I have no issues with anyone not a fan of Rafa's celebrating every single time he loses. But when it feels like facts are twisted to fit some type of narrative, it kind of makes it hard for me to take it seriously. Using Djokovic against Chung is a flawed argument for the simple fact that Djokovic was getting his ass handed to him throughout that entire match. Djokovic was never in control of that match. He literally was fighting just to hang in there throughout. So when someone thinks he faked an injury because he was clearly losing and he knew it, I can understand that argument even though I'm not saying I agree that he was faking his injury. Since he is after all coming off an injury. 

Rafa was not losing to Cilic going into that fourth set. He wasn't getting solidly outplayed and destroyed throughout the match. In fact he went into the fourth set with a 2 sets to 1 lead. So the idea that it's inconceivable that he truly became injured during the match, despite his fitness being in question coming into the Open and he had an almost four hour match with Schwartzman in the previous round is a little silly to me. Again, since it's not like he hasn't had a number of losses in the last few years to many people he wasn't expected to lose to. A Quarterfinal loss to Cilic would hardly be the most shocking loss of Rafa's career. YMMV

My only hope for Federer/Chung is that if Fed is going to win, that we at least see a legitimate battle and get a good match. Please no one-sided three straight sets win. 

Edited January 25, 2018 by truthaboutluv

[Spunkygal]

Although I am a Fed fan, I am sorry that Chung had to retire. I am enjoying the fresh, young talent that is emerging and was hoping for a good 5 set match. I will also be rooting for Wozniacki in the women's final. Gotta say, this time difference is killing me.

[truthaboutluv]

I called it. That with all those upsets, Federer was just going to waltz into the Finals. But hell even I didn't think he'd barely sweat to get there. So much for that nightmare draw everyone was going on about when the draw was released. I know they say anything is possible but yeah let's just say I'm not holding my breath on Cilic actually pulling off an upset in the Finals. At this point, I'd just take a half-way decent and competitive final. I don't think that's asking for too much. 

Really looking forward to the women's final. I like both women so I'm fine with either one winning, especially as they've both never won a Slam but if I had to pick one, I'm leaning towards Simona just because she's had to battle so much just to make it to the end. Granted, some of that was just battling herself, because girl cannot close matches out easily, but I just think it'd be a fitting end to this tournament for her. I also think she'll make history if she wins, as the first person to save match points in multiple matches and still win the title. 

Edited January 26, 2018 by truthaboutluv

[BitterApple]

A lot of people on social media were accusing Chung of bagging it because he was getting beaten so badly, but he posted a picture of the blister on his Instagram and it was huge and deep. I can't believe he lasted as long as he did.

I'm about as excited for Federer/Cilic as I am for my upcoming dental appointment. I have zero confidence that Cilic will win.

[truthaboutluv]

23 minutes ago, BitterApple said:

I'm about as excited for Federer/Cilic as I am for my upcoming dental appointment. I have zero confidence that Cilic will win.

Lmao...

[NUguy514]

I hope Chung can work on his physical toughness and Edmund can work on his mental toughness (seriously, he was bitching about everything during his semi) because I like both of them and I'd like to see a few young players actually ascend, not just pretend-ascend like Dimitrov, Zverev, Thiem, etc.

I hope Woz wins, but they're both going to be so skittish that it seems impossible to predict the winner with any confidence.

[dcalley]

I don't really want to go back to Sandgren, but he issued a statement that's a real piece of work. (Image from christophclarey on Twitter.) And yes, Isner was defending him like crazy, saying "social justice warriors" needed to "calm down" and that Sandgren's a "good dude." When asked what "good dude" would post racist and homophobic stuff, Isner said, "What did he post that was racist?" (Note the omission.)

Speaking of homophobia, I was surprised to see the Barilla (pasta) logo all over the courts, because I thought that company was pro-"traditional family." But it seems Barilla has changed and now supports LGBT rights.

[Ohwell]

Yeah I read Sandgren's statement and I called it victim word salad.  I hope I never see him again on my tv.  So does the USTA, I suspect.  

[NUguy514]

Sandgren is just a giant crock of shit of a human.  I don't think he understood 90% of what he said in that statement that someone else wrote for him to say.

[theatremouse]

While I think Simona is probably the better player right now, I think Wozniacki is better on hard courts, and she does have the head to head against Halep...so...I'm sort of guessing she'll win? But it could go either way. Hopefully it'll be super competitive.

[mojoween]

OMG Sandgren suuuuuucks as a person.  What the hell was that statement?  Dude, you said and did those things!  Own your shit and legitimately apologize, ass.

[Gurkel]

11 hours ago, theatremouse said:

While I think Simona is probably the better player right now, I think Wozniacki is better on hard courts, and she does have the head to head against Halep...so...I'm sort of guessing she'll win? But it could go either way. Hopefully it'll be super competitive.

Maybe I’m missing it on my on-screen guide, but it looks like the women’s final will only air tonight on the Tennis channel. The men’s final is listed the way I’m used to seeing it: initially on ESPN with replays on the Tennis channel.

Does—whoever decides these things—feel the women’s match doesn’t warrant a national broadcast on ESPN because it might not have the highest of ratings? If so, that’s not fair. But I hope I’m wrong altogether.