Sorry People, that I Was Missing Your Posts!

I apologize for not having gotten your posted comments, kind people! I have it set up that all posts should get emailed to me, so then I know and love to respond. I have no idea why I didn't get them. I am technologically challenged, but this is a new problem that I will look into. Thanks people, for posting comments on my blog. It makes me super happy.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Spain Wins!

Rowan here again, following up.

So Spain won. They weren’t the favourites going in but they pulled it off, and they always had a chance didn’t they. They’re a talented bunch those Spaniards, it’s a good group. Paula will be a little disappointed, she is a big David Nalbandian fan after all. But I know she likes Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco so I imagine she’ll be happy for them. That was the cool thing about this tie for me, the emergence of those two as heroes. Davis Cup makes heroes more than any tour event does, with the whole individual effort for the team’s sake thing. For Lopez and Verdasco this has got to be like Christmas, on par with a Grand Slam even. They must be feeling very, very buena.

So not much tennis for a while right? I know the players deserve the time off, heck, everybody knows they deserve a longer off season than what they get. Still, it will be a quiet few weeks without tennis. On the plus side, the 2009 season is going to be fascinating. I’m hoping for Roger Federer and New Zealand’s Marina Erakovic to win a lot of tournaments, one of which is slightly more likely to happen than the other. But, like the Spain Argentina tie proved, nobody knows what's going to happen. That’s why we watch the matches.

Davis Cup

Rowan here, doing some guest blogging again.

How about that Davis Cup huh? Pretty intense. Spain is 2-1 up after the good looking team of Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco beat the slightly less glamorous but still good looking in their own way team of David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri. The tie could go either way I think, but Spain have got to be feeling pretty buena.

I’m a little disappointed that Juan Monaco isn’t playing. He’s my favourite Argentine. Actually Gaston Gaudio is my favourite Argentine, but he’s not playing anywhere because he is nuts. Speaking of Argentines (Argentineans? No, it’s Argentines right?), I saw that Juan Ignacio Chela got married recently, and all his buddies were there, Nalbandian, Gaudio, Monaco and the rest. Good for Chela.

By the fact that I’m talking about everything but the tennis you can probably tell that I haven’t actually watched any of the Davis Cup matches. But tennis is good like that, you don’t really have to watch it to enjoy it. I won’t be able to see the action tonight, but I am excited about what’s going to happen. Will Argentina play del Potro or Acasuso? Acasuso is a good player but it’s not a stretch to say he’s a clay court guy. Del Potro can go on any surface but he does look a little tired. Maybe they will call Chela on his honeymoon and get him to suit up and come in. Or maybe Chela is at Mar del Plata already, I don’t know because I haven’t been watching. So I admit there are definite benefits to watching tennis matches. Go Argentina.

Lopez Defeats Del Potro!!!

Oh MY! That is an upset. What a tight match. Heavens. My stomach feels all wierd. Sigh. I love Feli- I play with his raquet! He's really handsome. I belong to one of his facebook fan groups. I have seen him up close in Canada on a number of occasions (five years I've been going to the Canada Open...). He's ..a sight to behold. But I never thought he could pull this off. I am now impressed with his tennis, not just his fineness.

Also, Rowan, I leave tomorrow for the week. Blog away if you are able and willing!

Yours Truly,
Paula

Davis Cup Final 2008

Well, I am dumb. I had no idea that Nadal wasn't playing? Was he supposed to play and then had to withdraw? I thought he didn't play Shanghai because he was saving himself for Davis Cup. But why did I think that? It wasn't based on anything I read, it was based on my own mind thinking things. Wrong things, apparently.

Nalbandian just took the first set by breaking Ferrer, after playing a shitass game to try and serve it out and being broken himself. But what matters is- HE TOOK THE FIRST SET!!!!! I am so happy. I love him. I love Ferrer, but not as much as Nalbandian. I love Nalby more. My man, in baby blue. Man, he is hitting some great angles.

I will say that without Nadal, I feel like Argentina's chances to win have gone way up. Which is great! They've NEVER won this. Spain has twice rather recently. So, I sit here, shoving a meatball sub (why? why not a salad? oh well) in my face, being very happy. The sun is shining in through the windows, and even though it is butt freezing out there, I am all warm and cozy and content, thinking Argentina could win.

Ferrer just really fucked up an easy shot. This is a bit ugly, but I'll take it. I sat in the front row at the Canada Open two years ago and watched Nalby and Ferrer play a great, tight three-setter. (Nalby did win). This is different. This is-Ferrer can't handle the Davis Cup thing- it's too loud and too crazy and too hard for him. Sorry, Ferrer. I'm sorry you are sucking, but it is Argentina's turn to win. It is! I hope. It's not over yet, and by that I mean the whole thing. I really shouldn't count my blessing before they're hatched. Or chickens or whatever.

YES! Did you all here that cheering??! "Ole, Ole, Ole, David, David!!" How awesome was that!? I wish I were there. Really. I HEART Argentina!! Oh My God! I am so happy. I wish it were cocktail hour, but it's not. Fuck. Maybe I'll save the rest of the day's matches for cocktail hour. I want to celebrate and get all emotional.

Yours Truly,
Paula

People, I Suck

I am so sorry I have not posted. I suck. I thought Shangai was boring and I barely watched it. I feel like a tennis traitor. I'm sorry. No Nadal, no Nalbandian, Del Potro and Roddick out somewhat early- and then Stepanek? Anyway, I think the real problem is that the ATP moves it to a City where no one really seems to care about tennis. The atmosphere was less festive than my grandmothers' funeral. Wow. That sounds rough. But- it's true.

Tomorrow is Davis Cup!!!! I will be blogging. But. I leave Saturday for a week, and so will not be able to blog, (most likely) about the rest of the tie. Rowan, if you are out there watching hte Davis Cup or any other tennis, starting on Saturday, blog away if you can!

Yours Truly,
Paula

Simon Defeats Federer!!!

Simon just played the most ass kicking game to take the second set! My house stinks like cat- farts! One of my kittens has really bad gas. Isn't that wierd?

Federer is a bit nervous. Shit, Leif just said that Simon seems like he is "part Kenyon" and that he could "run forever". That was funny. But now there is this really long silence, like, oops, maybe that was racist? Anhwho, I am just glad that Fed won the US Open. Oh wait, is this Justin Gimmelstob? He is the man who always says the wrong things. This could be- besides good tennis- interesting commentary. I did just like how Gimmelstob said that Federer is now the victim of "unrealistic expectations." That is so true. People want to hate on him and talk about how he is over, but the reality is -- how great and dominant he was?- it was abnormal and bizarre and out of league with most any other tennis players that ever players. Notice I say most. Not all.

Whoah. Simon played SOOO well to win that match. Mr. Pipsqueak! The young up and comer! Awesome tennis.


Yours Truly,
Paula

Venus Williams beats Zvonareva for the Year-end Title

Rick Rock here -

Sometimes, when I play tennis, after a long point, I like to lay down on the court. Ahh.... a little rest. It's surprisingly comfortable! A little weeping, too, adds to the moment. I thought I was the only one - but apparently Vera Zvonareva knows about this too!

Actually, the match isn't over yet. But I'm taking a wild guess as to the outcome.

To be fair, Vera has played so well this year, and so well here in Doha (Doha?? WTF!) to get here. And somehow, she snuck off with the first set. That's not really fair - she played great. But Venus is super sharp and Vera is progressively losing her shit. OK now it is match point. Venus has never won the year-end before. Whoops, she just did! Lost the first set, then a bagel and a pretzel. (it goes, bagel, breadstick, pretzel, croissant, then no more breakfast foods).

So go Venus! I am happy for her. What a great year she's had.

And I will go out on a limb and say, a great year for women's tennis. I like change and unpredictability in the field, and we got a lot of that! Henin was fantastic, but watching her pretty much beat everyone got a little old! (BTW Lindsay Davenport said she'd be back, we'll see. My prediction is that she will re-emerge as the CEO of a major multinational corporation. What am I talking about??)

Well there you go - the ladies 2008 is sealed. What will happen in 2009? Hmm maybe I will make some dumb-ass predictions! I'll save it for another post...

Signing off - Rick Rock

Paula here:
No one- NO ONE- especially not Tracy "I'm sort of an annoying beeach" thought Vera would get to the final. I loved watching her play such great tennis, until the end of the final, where she lay down and started acting --uhhh- NO VERA! If you were my two year old? I'd pick you up and give you a stern talk about tantrums in public.

My favorite match was JJ and Venus--those two? They don't like each other. I like them both! And it was a great match. And I have a sweet spot for JJ cause of our co-blogger, Rowan, who is her most articulate, and loving, fan.

Also, that match between Venus and Serena? It was rough but also interesting. Serena was not feeling well, but she did the honorable thing and played it out. But man, the handshake between the sisters after that match? Never have I seen one like that. These two LOVE each other, I have no doubt about that. But it was a wet fish handshake. ROUGH. Serena doesn't like getting bagelled! Can you blame her?

I should say something about Leni and her thighs (that would be Elena Dementieva). The whole week? Lots of talk about her thighs in this house. I should also reiterate how sad I am --blowing my nose into my hankie, weeping, falling on the ground - oh no! that wasn't me, that was Vera, about something else, called losing-- that Verdasco is in Ana Ivanovic's box in Doha, when he should be in my box. MY BOX. Oops. That was not only vulgar, but bitter. Uh, I'm happy they have each other? Wait, that was disingenuous. I'm jealous. I'm his flipping facebook group leader! What about ME??!! MEEEEeeee! Me me me. Sigh.

I love tennis. I am sad the end of the season is coming and - for the ladies- is here. But HEY! Davis Cup? Shanghai? I got some more tennis. I do. Thank goodness.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Jankovic vs. Ivanovic in the year-end championships: Cave GIrl vs. Space Girl

Rick Rock here -

We're watching Jankovic vs. Ivanovic in the WTA year-end championships - early round robin. First of all, it's probably been said but Doha? I think the WTA is too greedy. Clearly they got a ton of money to help prop up the Gulf state's image, but... first of all, it's insanely hot - Ivanovic looks like she is going to barf. Second, there is no atmosphere, the stands are half empty so far as I can tell! Not enough fans! It's like the Kremlin cup - all the seats seemed to be reserved for people with connections who don't show up - the place is empty during the final! Between two Russians! WTF?? Contrast with the Paris event which just finished up - 15k French people going absolutely apeshit!!! So anyway - what was wrong with Madrid? Other than money for the WTA and it's execs of course...

So here we are and Ivanovic is wearing like a kind of Pebbles-y purple dress with like tattered edges... like a cave girl! Meanwhile, JJ is wearing a tight, gray dress with a Star Trek-y block pattern - like an Space girl! Cool! Still Halloween in Doha...

BTW there is a rumor on Facebook in the Verdasco group that he is hooked up with Ivanovic... and there he is in the stands. watching her Go figure...

Signing off - Rick Rock

Tsonga defeats Nalbandian

I hate it when they show the linesmen after a touchy call. They should only show the linesmen with a halo photo-shopped over their heads. They really do their best. This isn't Romania vs. the US in the 80s for Fs sake. Thank God for shot spot.

Really nice lob from Nalby here down 3/5. Now two poopy shots. Now a great shot by MY GUY. Ag. This is awful. No one cares about my guy but me and two other people. HE HELD.

Here it is. Can he serve it out? Oh shit. He did. Great tennis. Congrats to Tsonga. What a fun match. Even though I love Nalby almost more than life itself, I am happy for Tsonga. He deserved his excellent win.


Yours Truly,
Paula

Nalbandian defeats Davydenko and is going to the FINAL!

OH MY GOD! He played so solidly in the third. And that handshake? No one is a bigger gentleman than Nalby. No one. If he wins tomorrow, he's going to Shangai for the year end championships. I feel like he could beat either Tsonga or Blake, or he could lose to Blake or Tsonga. Because- you never know! Not with David. No, he has his moments. He can beat anyone on any given day, and he could lose to number 342 the next day. But man, I love him.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Tsonga DEFEATS Roddick

That was a fun match. But it's halloween, and I was sort of busy and didn't get to watch it with much attention. Perhaps my brain was overheated from all the other tennis. TENNIS! HALLOWEEN! NALBANDIAN! SEMIS TOMORROW!

Yours Truly,
Paula

Nalbandian defeats Murray

Nalbandian against Murray! AG! The quarters! Woohoo! I don't say this often, but I have said it to myself before, and perhaps not shared it here. Or maybe I have. But I watched too much tennis yesterday. Now, one can also argue there is no such thing as watching too much tennis. But what happens is (and I think Rick Rock talked about this once more amusingly than me) - all the matches start blurring together. But maybe that's not the tennis's fault, but the vodka's fault? Hmm. Or the combination.

Nalbandian looks so handsome. I love his yellow Yonex shirt. See, and Murray (not a favorite here) has the decency to make eye contact at the net here, during the coin toss. Unlike the immature Del Potro.

Nalby breaks, Murray tosses a raquet. Murray breaks back. Waah.

Wow. Fantastic point won by my man. He covered so much ground, played such great defense, and then won with a dropper. NICE. But then, what does he do? Doube faults. Maybe he was tired after that last point.

Tiebreak time. If I don't eat something soon, I may faint. But it's a tiebreak! Minibreak for Nalby. They keep showing the concerned, very pretty face, of Murray's ladyfriend. Be concerned, ladyfriend. My intense love for Nalby is somehow being channeled toward Nalby and helping him win. Yeah, I'm not there like you, offering my concerned face to my man. But my vibes are so strong and powerful and, like, move through the universe, and land right in Nalby's heart. I love it- Murray's talking to himself. Yes, talk to yourself. Berate yourself. Get all grumpy. Murray can really be mentally not-tough. Nalby has a set point. Oops. Didn't do it. Now he did! YEAH!


Second Set. Up a break. Man, I need something to make me happy today. Please Nalby, pull this off. For me? Cause I've had a tough week. And today is halloween which my boys love, but is stressful for me. You see, we live in a neighborhood where some teenagers can be very very rude on Halloween. And I saw this skit once on Saturday Night Live about some woman in the Bronx talking about grown-ups with no costumes ringing her bell and asking for candy. Now, in the skit, everyone laughs at that. The audience laughs. But I didn't laugh. It happens in my hood. And it's not funny. It's sort of awful. And a bit infuriating.

But I digress. Nalby is up a break here! I am so happy. I'm not going to worry about mean teens and inappropriate grown-ups.

Nalby is having trouble serving it out. Thank God he has two breaks. I will bet some small change that he has better luck breaking Murray rather than serve it out? There goes it. He done got broken. Effing F. Nalby is playing well here, though. Good. Match point. Damn, Nalby played that last point well. OH YES! What a point. Did you see how great Nalby was at the net? SUCH A GENTLEMAN. Man, I am so glad that all my love shooting through the universe to Nalby's gorgeous soul worked.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Nadal versus Monfils

I love Monfil's hair. I love his biceps, too. I also love Nadal. This is fun, watching this match.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Blake beats Kohlschreiber

What was up with the limp-wristed fake ass handshake?

Yours Truly,
Paula

Tsonga defeats Djokovic

It is the beginning of set three. I have no problem with Tsonga's, or anyone's, leg rub. Being a professional athlete is very bad for one's health, ironically, because professional athletes are also in great shape, you know? But man, they wear their bodies down. I am not a professional athlete. But just this week, my hip flexor pain, which I've been experiencing for a few weeks, got worse. And last week, I threw out my shoulder. Also, hip flexor and shoulder? Same side of the body. Also, on that side, my knee had been bothering me. I am not a professional athlete, but I am a gym rat. And, I get these niggling injuries, cause I work out too much. So, man, get a rub! Right?

Which reminds me of Agassi. All those cortisone shots and his almost inability to move at the end of his career? That really bummed me out. I mean, I don't want to see him in a wheelchair at 42 years old, you know?

Anyway, Tsonga is feeling much better here at the beginning of the third set. I sort of love seesawing sets- where one wins easily, then loses the next set easily, and then- you know, it's tough. Three sets? Five sets is even more exciting. I love how complicated mentally and physically tennis can be. Tsonga is up a break here. See? After going down 1/6 in the last set.

Oh yes, great third set. It really looks like Tsonga is going to pull this out. He's hitting so well. He just slammed a return that was UNBELIEVABLE. Djokovic managed to hold. So now, let's see if Tsonga can manage to serve it out. HE DID IT! Great tennis. Great handshake. Nice sportsmanship. Great match. Aaaah. Love it.


Yours Truly,
Paula

Andy Roddick defeats Giles Simon

Well, the crowd support that helped Simon against Andreev is not helping him against Roddick on this fast court. But hey, it's only the first set. I have not given up yet. We call Simon the "pipsqeak", because he weighs, like, 132 pounds. Anyway, I want the pipsqueak to win.

LATER:
Well, I guess it doesn't matter what I want, does it? That said, if Nalby gets to beat an exhausted Del Potro, perhaps it doesn't matter if all of my other picks and desires and so on, go unanswered. You know? Like, I'm grateful. Really.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Nalbandian Defeats Del Potro, Paris Masters 2008

I am so happy Nalby beat Del Potro last week in Basel. Watching Nalby lose in Madrid was a bad day for me. And remember how I blogged how there was no love lost between these two, according to the announcers, and witnessed by me when Del Potro went STRAIGHT at my love-of-my-life? And hit him? The commentators in Madrid stated that Del Potro wouldn't look at Nalby during the coin toss. So you know what? I paid special attention to the coin toss just now. Del Potro did not- WOULD not- make eye contact. And you know what? There was Nalby, looking straight at his Davis Cup teammate, and honestly, I think Nalby looked forlorn. Like, what is the problem? Why are we not friends?

I say this cause Nalby is such good friends and has such great sportmanlike relationships with so many of the players- Ferrer, Ferrero, Moya, Nadal, an so on. Honestly, I think this is a sign of Del Potro's youth. Nadal even- the wonderful Nadal- did some stuff when he was eighteen that he doesn't do anymore, like take injury time out when the other dude has a break point against him. He grew up.

Anyway, Nalby is up a break here. And I guess what I am saying is that these two wonderful Argentine guys were friendlier.

Also, Nalby's raquet that I demoed? I didn't buy it. I wonder if Nalby tricks his out. I found it a bit light. I bet he lead tapes it. I hear all the pros trick out thier raquet. I bought Feli Lopez's Wilson. It's a lot heavier than my old Wilson. I hope my arm can handle it, cause it gets nice pop.

LATER:

Nalbandian Wins the First Set! With an ace, no less. This is a pretty subdued match, after Tsonga's freaking-out last night. But, man, it's my Nalby.

LATER:
Oh yes, this second set is going quickly. I feel that Del Potro is burned out, and possibly, his toe injury is really truly affecting his play. Man, getting toenails removed? That's what they say is going to happen. Gross. Tennis players' feet? Gross. I hate it when they do a close up on their feet. I try to look away.

Good Lord, the dreaded bagel. Del Potro looked exhausted. And Nalby at the net? So kind, so wonderful. I worship him. Really. I have a shrine with a candle.


Yours Truly,
Paula

The Battle of the Baldies

The Nadal v. Serra was just - uh- quick.

Now, they are showing Ljubicic versus Davydenko. I like Luby, as we affectionately call him here. I don't have anything against Davy, as we affectionately call him here, either. (Although I have a perhaps stupid suspicion that his brother, Eduard, was the one at fault during that betting scandal.)

Davy won. Hmm. Not sure if I care one way or the other? Maybe I sort of wanted Luby to win.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Nalbandian Defeats Kiefer !!!!

If Nalbandian looses to this chowderhead I'm gonna be furious.
It is 4 all in the first here. Please, God of Argentines and the world, let Nalby win.

LATER:
Thank you, God of Argentines, for showing your hand and letting Nalby win the first set. I understand if you make him lose the second- he is a very frustrating man and may need to be punished- but please, if you do have him lose the second, please God, let him win the third.

LATER:
Oh my GOD! Nalbandian didn't even have to drop a set. He is my hero today.


Yours Truly,

The Dejected Baby versus McCain's Secret Love Child

Rick Rock was out of his MIND last night. Whoah.

Now, I'm trying to have a tennis nap, but I am so annoyed with Feli slumping around the court like someone took his cookie. I love the man, and would gladly cut off my left pinkie finger to touch his body, but he's being a big baby right now. Man up, Feli! For God' s sake.

And my title here says everything I want to say about Roddick.

Off to nap, or try to, again.

LATER:
I had a gorgeous 45 minute nap. Thank you tennis, for being so soothing.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Pussy Battle

Rick Rock here:

We are watching Roddick and Feli and... it's a pussy Battle! Like, who gets more pussy. Roddick is like, Me. and F-lo is like, not me. (Feli gets more.)
In reality, that is not the point. For there is pussy, and then there is pussy, my friends. Quantity is not the whole story. And F-Lo is surely netting the finest.

Rick Rock is DRUNK.

Stepanek defeats Giquel

Here is something I wrote about earlier- Stepanek is not nearly as unattractive in person as he is in real life. Really. I walked by him on more than one occasion in Canada. He's actually somewhat attractive-no, he is attractive. It doesn't come across on the TV. Go figure.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Del Potro defeats Ancic

This is the match I've been waiting for. I wonder if Del Potro is going to crush Ancic. Now, Ancic can play tennis, but he hasn't been playing to his best ability lately. Anyway, two REALLY tall dudes. Ancic, walking out, his face all unshaven and his hair all mussed- damn. He's very, very attractive. He's a Croat, which like the Serbs, mean they really are Greeks that went mountain climbing and didn't come back. Hence- dark haired and sort of easy going. Also, both these guys are Catholic and blow kisses to God and wear crosses and I love that about both of them. Really. I do.

LATER:
What is up with the bagels? I mean, it's after 6pm, I have a martini sitting next to me, and people are serving up breakfast. Boo. That's what I say. I hate bagels. In tennis. At breakfast- pretty tasty, but I am more of an english muffin person, or banana, or if going to the gym, Cliff bar. So there you have it. Oh, and on Saturdays and Sundays? BACON. Like, six pieces. Bacon and I have a special relationship.

LATER:
Del Potro won. Did you know that Ancic got a law degree lately? Anyway, Del Potro is sooo on a roll. I joined a facebook group about him. Great handshake between these two wonderful young me. And, did you see Del Potro do the sign of the cross. God bless.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Monfils defeats Monaco

I think Monfils should win this easily, but then again, I would have said the same for Safin and I would have been wrong in the way of the BAGEL. Speaking of bagels, they are just showing that the last time these two played Monaco bageled Monfils! Whoah! It was on clay, and clay is Monaco's best surface.

Rasheed is Monfil's new coach. I find him hard to look at. When Rasheed and Hewitt were together? It was like doubley hard to look at either or them. Those two multiplied their obnxiousness together. Something just really smug comes steaming off Mr. Rasheed. Smug turd steam.

LATER:

Monfils took the first set. Monaco looks nice in green. As everyone here knows, I have a thing or two for Spanish and South American dudes. In fact, I want to find this one post I wrote and stick on the side, where I sort of go deeply into why. But Monfils is a very handsome professional athelete. I find him attractive, too. Also, I sort of want him to win in his hometown, you know? Looks like he might do it.

LATER:
He did it! Nice.

Now they are showing Kohlshreiber beating up on Youzhny. I would rather have Youzhny win- he's cute. Oh well. They are playing on the back courts, which are not very nice, just like the back courts of Madrid. But the ball sounds really good whacking around- indoor tennis has such clean striking and clean sounds.


Yours Truly,
Paula

Marat Safin has Lost his Mind

OK, the beginning of the second set here but OH MY GOD! Safin got bageled in the first set? By famously no-underwear-wearing hottie Argentine, Monaco? Honestly, all of the earlier matches rolled by while I - spaced out. No one was hot enough for me today to actually pay attention. These guys? Safin? Monaco???!!! SMOKING.

And yet the tennis they are playing is deeply confusing. I guess, sometimes, it take awhile to wake up. For instance, today, it took me AGES to wake up. Like, I wasn't really awake until 2pm. So, perhaps, Safin was, you know, basically asleep there for awhile. Yes, I think so. I relate.

Murray Defeats Simon

After the Simon/Nadal match, this was a snoozer. They both seemed to be hitting so carefully. Nerves, I guess. Also, I was not in party mode at all, so I sort half-assed watched it. I was so tired from my big Simon/Nadal party! I guess it's a big deal because, like, no other English dude has won two Masters? And now Murray has? I think that is so. I wanted skinny Simon to win. But there was a nice handshake. Alright, off to scoop the cat litter.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Simon Defeats Nadal

HOLY CRAP! Rick Rock said that already. Last night, I was in tennis heaven watching that match. It was one of the best matches I've seen in quite some time. Unbelievablely fun time staying up late watching that match. Of course, I feel like shit now from a late, booze and smoke filled night. Screaming at the TV. Fun, fun, fun-- now, Ug. Tonight, Sunday night, there is no party happening. Early bed. BUT- I get to watch the final when they replay it Oh my. Maybe just a tiny party.

I hope Simon beats Murray. Murray cursed out the ball kids in Binghamton four years ago- I think it was four years ago- and I'm still angry at him for that.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Rafa Vs Simon - holy crap! Not over but Simon won the second.

Rick Rock here -

Wow - Simon, after failing to serve out the second set on his first try succeeded on his second! Simon is a pipsqueek b y professional athlete standards - he looks like Joaquin Phoenix left too long in the dryer and shrunk up a bit. But he's good at tennis! It;s kind of neat - another guy who makes the most of his gifts Across from Nadal, he looks comical, but he is holding his own.

The ball girls are really hot. The ball girls are really hot. Did I say that already?

Paula and I played today in Binghamton, New York - about 2k feet above sea level, indoors, very fast, not unlike the conditions in Madrid, so we are having a little extra appreciation for the play today. Just clean, hard hitting tennis - no sun, no wind, kind of brings out the best in everyone.

We are demoing new racquets - I am trying the Head Extreme Pro, used by Gasquet, (beaten by Nadal just a bit ago), also Ljubicic, Youzhny - all one-handed backhands. I am digging it.

Mmmm.... the ball girls!

This is turning into a real battle between Rafa and Simon. Last year was so special because of the amazing performance of Nalbandian, but this has been a great tournament. Paula has been, someday we are all going to go. The Fed-Murray match was great - hard fought, close,and Murray coming through, to general disappointment in the household. We are not crazy about Murray but to see another real challenger to the top 3 emerge, is interesting.

More when the match is done - we love the indoor season...

Rick Rock

The Quarterfinals of The Madrid Masters 2008

Today was a day when I should have watched tennis- there are only four matches?! - but I was really out of it and hungover and distracted. Also, I think I was a little sad inside still about Nalby's loss to Del Potro.

Right now, I am watching Nadal v. F-Lo. Nadal took the first set, and it is the beginning of the second. This is the best surface for Feli - fast surfaces are really his thing -- but Nadal is too tough.

Soon, I will be driving upstate. We are taking the kittens with us-- last time we did that, it was fun. The big old cats hate to travel- our trusted cat sitter will take care of them for a couple of days.

Right now, what is freaking me out, is Nadal's amazing concentration. He, like Fed, is so inside of his own head. Nothing rattles him. Feli, on the other hand, you could see worrying about, like, how his hair looks. Anyway, maybe that's not fair, but what I really mean to say is, most people- me, for instance- -do not have that insane concentration. Nadal IS focus. It's cool to watch. Also, these dudes? Good friends. I've seen them out for dinner in Canada (with Ferrer and some others...)

Yours Truly,
Paula

Del Potro defeats Nalbandian

I was having a really nice tennis nap during the Simon v. Ginepri affair ( I don't know who won yet) and when I woke, Nalbandian, my hero, was playing Del Potro.

Now, I know that Del Potro can beat Nalbandian. But I also know that Nalbandian can beat anybody on a good day. So, in my raquet bracket, I picked Nalby.

And here he is, down a set and a break. These guys are Davis Cup teammates. The Spanish and Argentine tend to be close, friendly. (Except for Coria, supposedly, who no one could deal with, but that could be a lie.) But according to the announcers, these two are not friends. And I saw Del Potro NAIL Nalby at the net- went right at him. This is legit play, of course, but Nalby gave him a bit of a look afterward. And then the announcers mentioned that Del Potro wouldn't even LOOK at Nalby during the coin toss.

Now, I don't care if they like each other or not. I just want my long nosed, close-set eye, love of my life, to win, like I know he can, even though he is down a set and a break. Sigh.

Oh, poo. And they didn't show the handshake. They only showed the tale end of it- it looked OK? I like the way Del Potro thanks God- blows a kiss the heaven and/makes the sign of the cross. But beyond my raquet bracket being totally screwed beyond all repair, I am so sad for my guy. My guy! He lost. Waaaah.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Lopez Defeats Ferrer

Ok. Two Spaniards. I love them both. I'm smashed. I just watched the debate, that is my excuse. But I cannot for the life of me, remember who I picked. If I look at the ATP site, then I ruin my watching this. Go Spain?

Tie break in the second here, Lopez versus his buddy Ferrer. By the way, they brought out the gorgeous girls for these guys. YEAH! Go Lopez. I love both these guys.


Yours Truly,
Paula

Djokovic v. Hanescu

OK. I watched the debate, while following blogs on the debate. But I have Nole getting to the final. So why is Hanescu giving him so much trouble? Also, I just saw a ball-girl that looked NOTHING like the ball-girls during Nadal's match. Wierd. She was, honestly, very overweight. This is wierd. Someone share with me their opinions on this.

OK, Hanescu retired? What? Well, my ATP picks are happy, but I am confused.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Lopez v. Montanes and Many More Matches and NALBANDIAN WINS!!

Montanes looks like- Freddie Mercury!!! Right? I mean, he's a dead ringer for the fantastic, late lead singer of Queen. And then there is Feli Lopez, F-Lo, Feli, the poster boy for metrosexuals everywhere, a pretty boy who manages to not lose one ounce of his macho Spanishness while being so pretty. Damn, I'm just sitting here with my mouth wide open, bewildered by the fineness of Feli. Anyone know anything about Joma, his clothing line? I heard something about it, but I forgot.

OK, skip ahead to- Granollers losing to Tsonga. Man, that was a tough third set.

AND NOW!!!!----Nalbandian has to beat Berdych- he has so many points to defend! I played with his raquet today. I'm demoing his Yonex. Sigh. I love him.

Every time my huge ass TV screen gets close up to Nalby's face--it's just so intense and real and feeling--I get super happy. I also clench up, oddly, with all this emotion. I love his close set eyes, his huge nose. I will be frank- I most likely will not buy his Yonex raquet.

I feel like one of my cats peed on my chest. Where is it? The pee? We bought this blue-light urine finder thing on Amazon. I'll let you know how that goes. I also got a prescription for kitty prozac but my vet wasn't optimistic about that helping with the peeing. He said, "read whatever you want online..I would know." I sort of believe him. But I'll try anything.

Well, Berdych took the second set. But man, did Nalby come out firing in the third. He just missed a shot here in the third game and said "puta madre" which is a very nasty curse in Spanish. I wanted him to win it in 2- but that would be very un -Davidy! He likes to suffer, and I like to suffer alongside him.

All David now. Oh YES! That final winner? Nice handshake. David always gets the nice handshake- or almost always. Man, I am so happy. Maybe I'll go post on the Nalbandian facebook group, you know, share the joy.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Bouncing Large Breasts at the Madrid Masters

I'm watching the night match between Gulbis and Nadal- a great match- but all I can focus on are the "ball girls/models" gorgeous, full, young breasts bouncing on my TV screen.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Day Two of the Madrid Masters

I sit now in front of 8 taped hours of tennis and feel overwhelmed. I think I need a tennis nap, a wonderful, fuzzy, happy thing, that can be read about here:
http://tennisisametaphorforlife.blogspot.com/2007/10/tennis-as-lullaby.html

Someone posted on my Fernando Verdasco fan group on facebook, "Is Nando going out with Ana Ivanovic?" Anyone with news on that, I'd love to hear from you.

Oh Man, Matthieu lost and I had him winning. Monfils won, which is great. Granollers is no joke, the man who beat Matthieu and this is the problem with the Masters: the dudes who qualify are usually really great players. It's because it's so much smaller than the Grand Slams. So I always stick one "quali" win at least in my picks. I do that during the slams, too, because it has to happen at least once during the over 100 matches played. Just a little insight into how I make my picks on the ATP site. Remember when I was NUMBER ONE??!! And then I wasn't.

MOYA v. Kohlschreiber!! I heart MOYA. Maybe I won't nap. Hmm. We'll see.

Well, that was quick. Moya looked postively ashamed. Man, I wish I could be there to make him feel better. He's so insanely gorgeous I could die thinking about it.

And then Blake going down to Simon? My raquet bracket is a mess.

Now, we have the aforementioned Verdasco playing Cilic, Please, God, the same God that made an Argentina/Spain Davis Cup final, please make Verdasco win. And I like Cilic, but still.

(Soon to come! A lengthy, descriptive review of the ATP Calendar and the various naked chests in it. )

WHAT THE F???!!!
Verdasco lost so quickly. Good lord. Barftastic. Cilic is no joke -- soon to be a top tenner-- but still. Bad day for Spain. I'm just full on sad. That's all there is to say about that.

Now, here is something wierd. My husband just explained to me that a man like Verdasco would not go out with "an Ana Ivanovic". To which I replied, "What? You mean she's not hot enough for him? She's beautiful!" And then he did this secret male, nod-his-head thing. I mean, I beg to differ. When Moya was going out with Pennetta, which went on for years, my husband never said boo about that. So I am confused. For some reason, I got wierded out.

Murray vx. Bolelli.
I think this is gonna be a quick one.

Also, my house smells like cat pee. Today, I took Jake to the vet. I want to put him on cat prozac, which I have read about online, to make him stop peeing everwhere. My vet gave me a prescription but warned me it doesn't help at all for many cats. Then we looked at X-rays that he took of Toby in August when I was in Alaska. Man, that stressed me out. But I sit here, with Toby very happy next to me. Yes, he is old and frail, like Jake (although Jake is hefty and Toby has been losing weight), but he does not seem in pain, even though he has some wierd thing next to, or attached to, his heart. OK, that made me sad. It might just be a wierd fat pocket, that's what the vet said. Anyway.

Quick is one thing, but a bagel? I hate bagels. Once, I liked one bagel in all my life- Davenport bagelling Sharapova at the year end championships. But otherwise, I hate bagels. I look away, disturbed and unhappy.


Ok, we have Bolelli retiring here. Where is the good match??!! HELP! My brain hurts.

Yours Truly,
Paula

The First Day of the Madrid Masters, 2008

Darcis v. Fish. Did Darcis qualify to play Fish? I think I would have picked Darcis over Fish and I would have been wrong, but I think it was just a blank "quali" on the sheet, so I picked Fish. I am washing sheets that were forgotten about, wet, in a washing machine, for two weeks. It's not pleasant. Also, I wish Fish would just close this out, so maybe some hot Spanish guy would come out and play and cheer me up. For some reason, I need cheering up today. It's not just the sheets, either. Hmm.

Bolelli v. Almagro. Thanks Fish, for getting your scraggly mug off the telly and letting the bull-like Almagro grace the screen. This should be a good match. I'm running the sheets through another cycle- they had brown stuff on them. I think it was mildew. I do think of Almagro as a clay courter and this is a very fast indoor hard court. Just seeing the stadium makes me all gooey and sad. I loved my weekend there, four years ago? I think it was four years ago. It's a lovely indoor stadium, the main court. (The other ones are not so great). The food is fantastic. The audience claps for winners, even for the opponent of their Spaniards (although there was that scandalous Nadal v. Berdych match...I think it can get partisan, but I'm speaking from my experience there years ago.)

Well, that was quick. Wow. Bummer. Bolelli beat him pretty handily there in the second set.

Now we have Andreev- who I think has the most fantastic spinny forehand next to Nadal- vs. Simon, who is no joke. Andreev is an honorary Spaniard- he studied tennis in Spain, speaks Spanish fluently, and I've seen him hanging out with Ferrer and others during my yearly Canada sojourns. I'm hoping for Andreev here, and so far, my hopes are being met.

Well, that second set was what the F? Here's goes the third. Come on Andreev! Pretty sleepy atmosphere there. Too bad I'm not there, drinking Spanish beer, singin "Ole, Ole', ole..."and causing scandal.

I like this tight third set. I do wish the TV did just a bit of justice to Andreev's crazy ass forehand. It does not. It is one of the wierdest, truly unconventional shots I've seen live. They are in a tie break. This is good. Andreev just hit a winner for a mini-break. Well, there goes that. That's why they call it mini. It's a tiny thing that can go away easily. Man, Andreev just STEPS IN. It's such a cool thing to see. Oops. But he missed that one. Oh, man, these last few points. Finally -I feel ENGAGED. 7/7 in the third set tiebreak. Love it. Napolean vs. The Tsars..oh wait, I mean a Frenchman vs. a Russian. Anyone read War and Peace? It was about Napolean and Russia. It is my favorite book in the world.

Oh, poo. Andreev lost. I'm going to go sulk and do housework for a bit.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Jankovic Wins the Kremlin Cup 2008

I am so impressed with JJ's TWELVE MATCH WIN STREAK! Unlike her fellow compatriot, she's not feeling crushed- at this moment- by the pressure of being Number One. Her win over Zvonareva (who's win over Safina was very impressive) was just great tennis. Comprehensive is the word that comes to mind.

Right now, I'm watching ATP tennis news regarding Berdych v. Del Potro (after Berdych beat Roddick in the semi) in the Japan final. Now, I filled out my picks for next week in Madrid, and I have Del Potro going realling far. Understandably. But WOW- Berdych. He's a bit hot and cold with his wins. He's an incredible athelete- he's reeeeaally hot- and tall and hard hitting and so on and so forth. But this is a big win for him. He's not been doing so well lately. Let's see if this win will give him confidence---- in MADRID! I am so excited about Madrid. I went one year. It's such a great end of the year Masters event in such a great city. And how fun to start the indoor hard court season- for me too! I played outside today, maybe for the last weekend. We'll see.

I have Djokovic beating Nalby in the final. Lord. I think Rick Rock has Del Potro and Nadal in the final.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Kremlin Cup Semifinals 2008

Rick Rock here:

So we are demoing racquets at the moment, and one of them is Leni's Yonex! Also the very same racquet Nalbandian uses, so needless to say Paula is excited to have it in the house. She hasn't had a chance to try it yet - tomorrow.

We missed the first set in which Leni bageled JJ - so we just saw the conclusion, in which JJ methodically dismantled Leni. Unbelievable defense, coupled with consistent depth and careful but effective approaching - very impressive. JJ has gotten a lot of flack for being number 1 without making a grand slam final. I think she is going to surprise people and hang around for a while. To me she is just gaining confidence and improving. I predict she will be #1 for the majority of 2009. Yeah! There you go - taking a stand.

Anyway very sad to see my girl go down but JJ clearly kicked her butt, so more power to her.

SO what the f is up with the Kremlin cup? No one is there. The entire arena or whatever you call it is empty. Now I have been to Moscow, and the first thing I saw getting off the airplane was a giant mural of Leni, Zvonareva and Myskina (at that time) - so these girls are stars there. I also picked up the Russian equivalent of Us magazine and there was a giant spread about Leni. So again, Russians seem to know and care about the incredible, practically incomparable dominance of Russian women in tennis - the sport is important there. The Russian folks I met all knew about the Russian players. But no one is there. So what is going on? You have to chock it up to some flavor of Russian corruption, I assume some equivalent to the corporate impact we see on stadium audiences in the US, but times 100. I guess all the seats are reserved for politically important people and oligarchs, who have better things to do, and no one else is allowed to buy them? Or can afford them?

Whatever the true explanation it's weird and bad and a very small but telling indicator of how subtly but importantly off and dysfunctional Russia is these days, despite the enormous surge in affluence. No city is more expensive (to the foreign visitor anyway) than Moscow. Oil fueled growth and inflation, the entire city under construction. So anyway, weird that no one is at the semifinals, and that the tournament organizers think that is ok.

Signing off - RR

Jancovic Defeats Petrova

The final was not as exciting as the semi-final against Venus, but as I commented, JJ is just a WALL. It's as if nothing can get past her. Petrova showed nerves- understandably- when was the last time we saw her with this result? It's been ages. Anyway, go JJ!!!! Nice Porsche! You're awesome!

Yours Truly,
Paula

The Shoulder Bump

Last night, I had the great pleasure of watching Venus and Jelena battle it out for a truly great semi-final. But man, the shoulder bump? There is THE famous shoulder bump from years and years ago, at the US Open I think, before Richard turned into the amazing man that he is- he was still amazing, but now he even more amazing, how's that (and I am being serious, I worship the man these days)- and refered to the woman Venus shoulder bumped as a "white turkey". Now, I may have that wrong. I'm working on memory, and my memory stinks. So, you know, go easy on me.

And then there is the famous FAMOUS shoulder bump between Hewitt and Nalbandian at the Australian Open about three years ago. It was a five setter that Hewitt ended up winning. Nalbandian had words with him. Those two hate each other. Also, I was joking when I said that it was a famous shoulder bump. It was not. But for me, a Nalbandian devotee, in the way that some people are, like, Hindu, it was a big moment and has settled into my memory in a way other things don't settle there.

I was going to talk about Serbia here because if JJ's great win and also- I have been reading about Serbia! And that area in general. Here is the most recent info I have: I read a book called Safe Area Gorazde by Joe Sacco (really really good book- it's a "graphic" book, so it's a comic book but with lots of good info instead of super heros). And I also read a tiny little bio of Tolstoy. A hundred years ago, the Serbs were attacked by the Turks, or the Ottoman empire. That is why there are so many Muslims in the area. During WW2, Serbs were massacred by Croats who sided with the Nazis. And more recently, in Joe Sacco's book's time, the 1990s, Serbs committed terrible atrocities against Muslims in particular. So here is the thing- what an incredibly messed up place from where JJ hails! And she's always SMILING?!! God bless her. I am really happy I did not have to come from such a troubled place. She's sort of amazing that she is soo good at tennis and smiley and stuff, and yet, like, she's from Serbia. That said, I realize that our country isn't perfect, but man oh man, it is not as messed up as Serbia is, or so that is my half assed opinion at the moment.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Me and Ted Robinson, and, JJ vs. Sveta in China

Rick Rock guest blogging, because....

Last week I sat next to Ted Robinson on a plane from SF to NYC! Ted Robinson is the commentator who usually is the straight man to Johnny Mac on NBC. And he's pretty straight - despite the immense quantities of tennis we watch, I wasn't sure it was him., or if it was, exactly what his name was. I was like, hmm this guy looks familiar... is that Ted Robinson? Er, is it Roberson? Tim? I can't remember! We call him "Fish Eyeballs" at home, which isn't nice. Now that I've met him I won't call him that anymore. Ted if you read this, sorry! Needless to say I didn't mention our little nickname, when I eventually spoke to him.

Which was right at the end of the flight. I was a little shy... and he was pretty busy. The guy read through 4 or 5 sports magazines, and was on the Internet (Wifi on the plane now!) reading sports blogs and following like 3 different baseball games! I was actually impressed. By the way no booze for Ted - just tea. Getting all wired and freaking out on baseball!!!

So eventually I break the ice... and he is really quite jittery. Is it the tea, or is he irritated that I am bugging him? I think the former, because seriously folks, this is Ted Robinson, not J Lo, I doubt he gets hassled by fans that much. But I tell him I am a big tennis fan, and have enjoyed his commentary on many occasions. I don't mention some of the negative things I might, like how he fawns over the American players and ignores everyone else. Partly out of politeness, but also let's just not go there people, enough with the negativity, I'm not going in for the Hater-net thing.

So we chat a little. Can Federer get back to number 1? Maybe - Rafa will have a lot of points to defend next year and Roger does seem healthy again, finally. He calls out Monfils as someone to watch (to which I reply, Del Potro). He lives in SF, which he calls "a great tennis town". I bring up Brad Gilbert, and he is visibly irritated - "he's the LOUDEST player from the area". He mentions another pro from the 90's who I don't know - Jared somebody I think. Have to look it up.

We talk about what a great year it's been, which he qualifies with "on the men's tour".
I don't agree by the way - the WTA is just wide open, and I think that's fun and exciting! You never know what is going to happen. Implicit is the whole ting about when JJ was number 1 and not deserving it. I'm watching JJ in another final as I write this, basically kicking Kuzy's ass. It's time for JJ to get the respect she deserves! And let's not underestimate her consistency, hard work and grinding it out. And she has game - Kuzy is a big server, and JJ is just destroying her on the return, despite an 80% first serve percentage.

JJ also does not get respect for hotness. Ana is so pretty, bla bla bla, but nothing about JJ. I think she's HOTTER than Ivanovic! There, I've said it. More fun, she's got a little more fire in her eyes.... mmm.... naughty!

Anyway, signing off - RR

The Final Day of the Davis Cup Semis, 2008 -- UPDATED!

Nadal is up 5/0 in the second. I am not surprised really, and Roddick can't invent a new game for himself to suddenly play good clay court tennis. He hits hard through the ball, the clay diffuses the power, and then Nadal hits the ball back, maybe Roddick is at the net, maybe just ready on the baseline, and Rafa hits a crazy spinny shot either past Roddick, or deep in the corner on the baseline.

I was gone all weekend and do know that my man NALBANDIAN won his first singles match, lost with Canas in the doubles, but Argentina and Spain look to be meeting in the finals- I'll know for sure later tonight. I just have to think this: if life is so perfect that Argentina and Spain would be in the Davis Cup final, than how come other great things like world peace and an end to global warming can't happen, too? You know? I mean to say, there is a God and he loves us. Otherwise, it would be a Russia/US final. So I just want God to show his love for us by doing other great things, like ending malaria in Africa. But I'm glad he's showing us he's there in SOME way. You know, burning bush- great show- but we are all waiting for some other God is miraculous and loves us stuff. (Also, I want Argentina to win the whole thing....not sure on that and how God feels about that, since Spain could easily defeat Argentina in the final.)

That said, my house STINKS of cat pee. I ordered a bunch of new products and also did tons of research and I am going to try all new stuff and more litter boxes and if nothing works- it'll be prozac for the old dudes. I did read something about a cat going from outdoor to indoor having real adjustment problems. But I'll put more of this mind boggling info on my other blog.

Well, Roddick got bageled in the Bull Ring.

MORE LATER:
Roddick is being amusing and even enjoying himself and I really, really don't like him in general, but I am very impressed with him right now. He's not naive enough (stupid?) to anger this crowd, so he can't pull off his nasty behavior to the chair stuff he does everywhere else. So, this is perhaps the best way for me to watch Roddick: on clay, in Spain, against a Spaniard, and knowing any crap he pulls will get him pelted with beer bottles.

AND:
Argentina did indeed win their tie and what the hell is wrong with my man Nalbandian??!! I hate all the gossip from the US commentators about his stomach being chubby, his fitness, his dedication, etc... You know, F you. I really think something else is going on. I think he is having a serious crisis (a la Gasquet). No one played better than David a year ago. No one. He beat Nadal, Federer and Djokovic- the 1,2 and 3 in the world- in Madrid, and then the next week, beat all three again, in Paris. And he had a new coach and was playing better than ever. So what gives? I feel it really isn't anything less than a serious crisis of faith- in himself, in tennis, in what he wants from his time on this earth. I do know he wants to win this Cup and I really, really hope they do. I hope he can find that strength everyone knows he has.

Rock on, DEL POTRO!! Damn, I love the Argentines. Did you see how psyched they were?! SO emotional.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Nalbandian Beats Andreev, Davis Cup 2008!

WOOHOOO!!!! Go David! I love you. I missed the match but will watch the replay. Right now, I am watching the very interesting golf carts drive around smoothing the clay in Argentina. Zamboni-esqe is right, said by Leif. And you know, I love hockey, too.

Del Potro now is up against Davydenko. Del Potro really broke out this year as he was predicted by many to do so, except for me. I was wrong. But Davy has a ton of experience in high pressure situations. So we'll see. I'm rooting for the tall Argentine, of course. I was in Buenos Aires last March. I played at the Guillermo Vilas Tennis Club, which was just down the road from the one where this is all taking place. It was so incredible. I have never seen so many insanely handsome men in one tennis club in all my life. Coria came out and played on the court that my kids were on. Vilas was hanging out at the front desk, checking his cell phone. I was, uh, in heaven.

Oh my God, now they are talking about how Russia beat them a few years back. I saw all of that and was so SOOO Sad.

LATER:
Del Potro up 5/1 in the first set and they just showed Gaudio in the audience. And Zapaleta. I know Gaudio is a nut bar, but that French Open where he beat Coria in five- it was a stunner. Not in terms of great tennis, but great tension and excitement. I walked by him in Toronto that year and man, his ass is so wide and huge. Run, run run. A butt muscle to beat all other butt
muscles.

Now they just showed Chucho, also known as Acasuso, passing along a Mate cup with those funky straw like things- I think they call them keys?- to another Argentine. Mmm. I had some Mate yesterday, but not out of one of those cool Argentine cup/key thingies. I had mine out of a mug. In fact, I'm going to go make myself one now. Del Potro is just whomping away here. Nice.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Russia beats Spain to win the Fed Cup 2008

I just finished watching Kuzi beat MG and - koodos to MG for making a good match. But- in straights. Russia 3- Spain 0. The next two matches? I won't watch dead matches. Or maybe I will, it depends how desperate I am.

I had fun watching tonight.

Yours Truly,
Paula

P.S. I LUV Kuzi. I like MG, too. But God bless Kuzi. She's talking right now, and she sounds like a MAN. Her voice! I flippin love her.

Fed Cup Final 2008, Spain v. Russia and the ATP Calendar!!!!

OK, everyone looks orange on my TV. Zvonareva is not surprisingly whooping Medina Garrrigues's booty. Here is my question: how the hell did Spain even get to the final? Huh? We all know why Russia did. That said, man, I wish I were in Madrid right now, eating a huge almuerzo at El Lando and then going to the Prado and then having a nap (maybe Verdasco could join me for my nap? He's a Madrileno...) and then eating again, maybe some albondigas in the Plaza Mayor. I also would watch tennis. Yes, I would.

Well, it's over. Nice handshake. Poor Spain. Zvonareva cracks me up. No one had meltdowns like she did a few years back. Lately, she's calmed down. I sort of miss her crazy freaking out crying and throwing stuff and screaming in Russian. But probably, she's better off not being like that. So I am happy for her.

Suarez-Navarro v. Kuzi is next. This should be a much tighter match. Suarez-Navarro got to the quarters at the French. So. We'll see.

LATER:
So far, so bored. BUT- two things. The ATP CALENDAR??!!! Oh my God. I am so getting it right now. Now I can cancel my suscription to Playgirl. But here is another ad that is more interesting than the tennis but not as heart thumping: No one, I repeat no one, in my house gets the Billi Jean King and Caveman Geico Ad. So, she's beating him. And he didn't know. And then he knows and quits? I feel like we are missing something here.

I miss my cats, but not their stink. I am away without them right now.

Another thing- Kuzi is basically a Spaniard, so I am confused right now as to how she can be playing against Spain.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Roger Federer Wins his Fifth US Open Title!

First Set:
Well, it was All Federer in that first set. In fact, it went so quickly that I got a little sad. I like to savor my tennis.

Second Set:
Nice break and break back? What next??! Wow, Murray is stepping up his game. It's like all that crazy energy of the match and the moment is messing with his head in a good way. OK, there was a bad line call. OK, Murray didn't stop play. You know, and now the dumbest person in tennis, Carillo is getting all fussy. Barf. Yeah, the system isn't perfect, but it's NEW. Like, uh, not so long ago, it didn't exist? OK, this is not haternet. So I'll take a deep breath. Also, I'm really digging the tennis. These guys are good at tennis.

OK, again, Mary Carillo has a point. But it's NEW. I agree with her, but understandably, you have to make changes in increments. Now this is interesting, JMac talking about how things used to be in clay, where you could hit twenty more shots and then question a call, and you would win the point!?? Life is strange. They stopped doing THAT. Probably good, right? I know Rick Rock is a big proponent of all electronic line calls and in truth, so am I. But I do understand how a body of government, the APT and WTA in this case, has to take thing a bit slowly. But maybe that's me being too compassionate to peeps I don't really know or like. That could be.

Also, Flomotion? I like it!!!! Does that make me stupid? Oh wait, I may have been stupid even before I liked Flomotion, so perhaps my actually liking of flomotion isn't the actual reason I am stupid. BUT- it may be a symptom of my being sort of dumbish. Or just a jolly tennis watcher with a desire to be like a Will Ferrelll character, whithout the peeing on myself part (anyone see that on SNL? Dude really peed on himself is my analysis.)

WHOOOOAH! GO Rog. What fantastic aggressive play to take the second. I thought he should have come in earlier in that final point, but hey, perhaps Rog is better at knowing how to play tennis than me. So he waited- and than hit that great PASS! Nice nice tennis.

HE WON! He won by playing his best tennis. Murray did not choke, Rog just played so well. God, that was great tennis. Murray really upped his game to make it a good third set. I am so happy for Rog, the first man to win five US Open titles since Tildon??!! I feel so lucky to be alive to watch this great moment in tennis.

Yours Truly,
Paula

The Men's Final at the US Open 2008!!!!

Oh my God I am sooo looking forward to this evening! Although I also am already getting depressed about the Open being over. I go into a funk at the end of Grand Slams where I just don't know what to DO with myself. Like, where's th TENNIS??!! But hey, one great last moment. And then, the David Cup. And then, the European indoor season, which I love. I once went to the Madrid Masters! It was fantastic. Sigh.

Here are some of my new tennis blog projects:

Tennistard.com

Tenniswench.com (thanks JO, for calling me that, it gave me this great idea...wait I just checked- it's taken. WAAHH! That chick should give it to me cause she hasn't posted in a year. Oh well, I'll come up with other ideas.)

Haternet.com (thanks Rick Rock, for coming up with that- oh wait, it's not just for tennis people to get all hater, it's for all haters!!! Of which I am not one, I am a lover, a lover of compassion, although I did hate on Mary Carillo and feel a little bad about that. But she hurt me with her dumbness last night.)

Well, those are my new three projects. Now I'm going to go buy some wine for tonights activities of tennis watching and wine drinking. More later, people!

Yours Truly,
Paula

Serena Williams defeats Jelena Jankovic

I missed the men's semis cause I was out of town with friends who DON'T HAVE CABLE OR A DISH??!! I love them and I had a great great weekend. And, you know, I watch lots of tennis.

But I'm BACK!!!!! Rowan, I'm so happy your girl JJ won. And I am just about to watch JJ v. Serena!! I am a happy lady. Also, did you all hear the Eagles of Death Metal's amazing song "Speaking in Tongues" - go buy it NOW!-- during the opening bits of the Women's Final here??!!! Oh MY GOD! I love Eagles of Death Metal. In fact, one time, I saw them live, and I was all smashed up against the stage with all these, like, 2o yr olds and Jesse came out, looked at all of us and KISSED ME. Then he started his show. The rest of the show is a bit of a blur, cause I lost my mind.

Anyway, now Anita Baker is singing, and uh, she's much classier than Jess of EODM, but not as seeexxxxyyy.

They just showed Will Ferrell now, here at the end of the second set! He is my hero, in terms of tennis blogging! I try to imitate his tone, while blogging, meaning, his tone in the movies and SNL stuff he did.


What a great final! I wishCarillo hadn't had the mike. She fucked up in not letting them speak properly, But I love both these women. A great final.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Serena defeats Safina

Just saying that, Serena versus Safina, feels good. Good phrase. I am at the beginning of this match. But I will say this: I love their classy outfits. Serena looks great in the the red Nike dress and Safina is so cute in bright pink Adidas with matching pink hair thingies. Oh, man, Serena just went right at Safina at the net there. Ouch. I'm OK with that as play, but she screamed loudly while she did it. That is a bit intense. But, hey, she's here to win! Whatever it takes!

LATER:
One thing; windy tennis? Sucks. Playing it myself, watching on TV, too.

Serena just took the first set.
Wow. Go Serena- she won. I like that little apology, and moreso, I like Safina saying no worries.

More soon.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Jankovic Defeats Dementieva

Well, I watched the mens' doubles final. That dude Dloulhy won the BINGHAMTON final I saw against the wacky double-handled raquetbearers, the Battistone brothers. Then, a few weeks later, he is on Center Court in NYC???!!! Wow, different stages. Incredible. Paes's speech was my favorite.

Then I watched the first set of Leni v JJ. This will be tough. JJ is a fave of guest blogger Rowan, and Leni is a fave of Rick Rock, also known as RR. Hmmm. Maybe I can get you two guys to say a thing of two about your ladyfriends performances?

Then I showered, which I should have done before 4:30pm, but hey, I did it. Then, when choosing what to wear, I thought a thing I often thought, which is, what clothing option will feel most like pajamas? Man, I am just gonna lie around watching tennis! And then I thought, I haven't left the house today? Is that right? And then I remembered I went out this morning and got cash and an egg and cheese sandwich at Ziad's. But hey, pretty much a day of sitting around watching TENNIS!!!!!! Hence, the PJ like outfit. That said, I don't really dig the college-girl-in-real-pjs-like-flannels wallking around the mall look. I wear my PJ look at home.

Carillo and JMac are arguing about JJs antics. JMac thought the chair was out of line to call a time warning at set point and Carillo was on the chair's side. I side with JMac there. People often gather themselves a bit longer in set point. Seconds here, we're talking. But I'm a softy on those issues- with Rafa, Nole, JJ. I also don't think raquet abuse should be a violation. But, on the other hand, I think back talk to the chair and cursing should be more heavily punished.

It's 3 All in the second and the way Leni hits the ball! Damn! My absolute FAVORITE groundstrokes. Flat hard deep.

Oh no. Leni just fell apart there at the end. DAMN. Well, JJ deserves the win. Not a great handshake, either. My bet is Serena wins hte whole thing. I'm sorry about Leni. JJ is talking right now and she has tears in her eyes! So emotional! I love Serbs.

More Later!

Yours Truly,
Paula

A Nice Djokovic/Roddick Fiasco Wrap-Up

http://www.tennis.com/news/news.aspx?id=144338

Djokovic says waaay too much

Well, it;s the beginning of the second set and I'm befuddled. This is not the match that Nole played against Cilic. Nor that Roddick played against..well anyone. What is going on here? Tentative shots. Bad tension instead of good tension. I stayed up waaay too late last night, too. Maybe that's it. It's gonna be a quick boring match, just for me, cause last night was TOO much great late night tennis!

More later.

And later-
Whoah. He was pissed. I hate Roddick. But man, Nole made a mistake being so frank. I read some interview with a - Lord help me- a fashion lady who was asked, "Do you ever lie'? She said, "all the time, it's called manners."

Let me say something about myself that maybe you will find funny or wrong. I am well travelled for a variety of reasons. People from Serbia? Different world. I haven't been there- but I've been all over Eastern Europe. It's- ahh- a wierd place. I wish he had an American PR person teaching him manners.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Nadal defeats Fish really really late at night after Serena gets the best of Venus

That's why I'm writing this the next day! Rafa just lawnmowered like Hewitt. Jonhnny Mac and Ted sounds half asleep. I stayed up reeeeeeeally late watching the sisters (I had it on the DVR) and man, that was awesome tennis. But I was half asleep and smokin and drinkin and I feel like crap. But it was sooo exciting! I think it was their best match against each other. I think I've seen them all. Although, many of them were a long time ago and people, my memory isn't that great. But, I will say that I THINK it was their best match.

Anyway, I've rolled out of bed to watch more tennis! Isn't that fascinating? Also, I am doing other stuff, like blogging.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Murray Beats Del Potro - John McEnroe, Like R. Crumb, is Obsessed with People's Thighs

RR guest blogging:

Holy Crap! These guys are good at tennis! I have to say, this is a really good Open. There have been a lot of really nice battles - this one, Djokovic and Cilic (I have never seen anyone smack the ball as hard as... both of them towards the end. Just absolutely all out), Fed and Andreev, etc., etc, It's cool at the open when it gets late and the crowd gets drunk and kind of crazy and the players are just strung out and desperate. It's like the match is being played in the the 14th street subway station at 4AM! Anything can happen...

We are on the ladies, that's right, Serena and Venus, and immediately Johnny Mac is talking about Venus' thighs. Interestingly, because actually Serena is the more thigh-tastic of the two. He never stops talking about the ol' thighs. Not just the ladies by the way - he was eagerly anticipating Cilic's thighs filling out the other night. He couldn't wait! Of course, I've heard him piratically fall out of his chair talking about Leni's thighs - understandably. He just used the word "discombobulated", which made Paula happy. Anyway, Johnny Mac probably believes that the name of tennis should be changed to "thighball". He may be right, by the way, he knows a thing or two about it... both tennis and thighs. Some of those old pictures of him in the short shorts?? The original Thighmaster.

Back to the match - everyone says it's a shame the William's girls are meeting in the quarters. I dissent, because I think in a quarter final the stakes are HIGHER than a final. In the final, one gets to win but the other is the runner up. Here, the loser is out and the winner could, and very well may, go all the way. So you know they both want to win. Makes it interesting, although I sympathighs (whoops!) with them, it must be tough.

Back to the action - signing off, Rick Rock

Safina defeats Penetta

OK, I didn' nap, but it is the first day of school and so it wasn' a relaxing afternoon at home. It was busy and lots of talking and run aroundy. Also, I love both these ladies, but I have a feeling from the little attention I did give the match, that it was a straightforward match and maybe a bit hohum. I thought the same, honestly, of Gonzo/Roddick. Just not exciting stuff after all that good exciting stuff of yesterday and the day before.

I am hoping that this evening, I will have some "mommy cocktail private time" and my husband will take over and I can watch Del Potro and Murray. It's starting now on my DVR and- well, I hope this is a good one. Del Potro is my man for this one although all the commentators say its Murray's match to win. Hmm. Also, they keep talking about Safina's future being brighter than her brother's. He won two grand slams. Let her win one or two and then I'll gladly chime in. Until then, I think it's premature.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Federer v. Andreev

Great match. I love Igor. I had a cat named Igor as a young girl. Now I have a cat named Rafa (and three others).
School starts tomorrow. I get sad when summer ends. Thank God for tennis.

And Muller is through? Tennis is so mysterious, like other things, like seasons changing and getting older.

And the Djokovic/Robredo match. GOOD stuff. I was hoping Robredo would pull through so I was a little sad. But man, there has been some good tennis. I napped, too. My son was tired and lying down and he said, "I'm going to take a tennis nap." I love that he said that.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Dkokovic defeats Cilic

That was the best tennis of the tournament so far by far. Unbelievable tennis. So hard hitting. Such focus. I think it may end up being the match of the whole tournament. That's what happens when you have two great players from two countries that were recently, uh, one. I am absolutely MAD for Cilic now, that is for sure. Cilic, Gulbis, Del Potro, Nishikoro. Exciting time in men's tennis, although , wierdly, none of them are crazy hot. But I say, give them a few years to fill out and stuff.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Day Seven of the US Open 2008

Guest blogger Rick Rock:

Where is Luxombourg? I know that's kind of embarrassing to ask, like of course stupid Americans don't know, but honestly I am not sure? My best guess is, between France and Germany to the North, maybe below the Netherlands? I could ask the Internet, but I am not going to. Anyway, I know where Gilles Muller is, he is in New York. 5th sets are fun to watch, to state the obvious, because each player is basically just freaking out! It's all risk taking, just going for it. It's fun! Muller/Amagro, ok whatever but a great endgame. Sometimes one player melts but not this time, they both battled to the end...

This part of the post is called, "Me and My Wrongness":

I had Stepanek beating Roger. Boy was I wrong. The worst part is, I actually want Roger to win, but I had my "clever" picks. Meanwhile, Robredo was supposed to have lost to Safin, yet somehow he crushed Tsonga. That I did not see coming. I had Tommy written off as too busy chasing models around. More than all the other dudes? I don't know what I was thinking. And again, I'm a big fan of his, but you know, "clever" with the picks...

Ha ha, I also had Karlovic beating Nadal, later. Perhaps in an alternative dimension. In this one, he lost to Querrey and will get no closer to Nadal than I will, with the security players have these days.

Leni at least is doing her part - I have her in the final, and she is looking pretty good against Na Li right now. Maxim Afenigenov in the audience, looking like a young, Russian, hockey playing Steven Tyler. By the way, I took this opportunity to explain to my 12 year old that Leni is really hot. He wasn't sure at first, but I think he gets it now.

However, it will probably be an all-Williams final, the way they are marching along. Very impressive. Of course, I had them both going out right about now, I forget the details, which is just as well. By the way, the Oreo Doublestuff ad - kind of weird!?!?? Because of the Oreo subtext? Which doesn't make any actual sense but has to come to mind? Or some kind of Williams, Manning, Manning (two white parts because it's "Doublestuff"), Wiliams stacking situation?? I'm not sure what to think.

Nishikori too is upsetting my plans. I had him written off just as someone who can beat Blake wen Blake is deciding to stink - like Granollers. Wrong wrong wrong - he's kicking butt!

Bammer also ruined my plans, but Bartoli was already supposed to have gone out, so whatever. And it's cool she has a kid! We saw Lindsay's baby at the Open the other night, he was sitting right behind us! He's a little baby! But Bammer's kid like ran up to her and said yay because she is 7, not a little baby! WTF?!?!? I think it's cool.

Ah well - maybe tomorrow I'll do better.

Signing off - Rick Rock

Day 6 of the US Open 2008

I am behind in my watching. I just finished watching Gulbis lose to Roddick not so long ago. Man, that bummed me out. I am not a Roddick fan. I really think the drunkenstein NYC audience got to Gulbis. He couldn't handle it. Yes, you can call that a lack of experience.

Now I an watching Serena doing good work on Sugiyama.

I am freaked out about a few wins today-
Karlovic going down to Querrey? That surprised me.

And I really like Meltzer doing well. But I think my fellow Austrian is good at losing when he is ahead. Yes! Win two sets, lose the next three!

More soon.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Ashley Harkleroad is Pregnant

I am drinking a margarita that my very kind husband made for me- with only fresh lime juice which sort of burns my throat cause I have a sore throat/cold/flu thing going on - and so I have finally stopped napping (I napped A LOT whilst tennis played earlier) and watched poor Kuzy ( we love her) hold back tears as she lost to Srebotnik. Now, I like Srebotnik a lot. She apologized for beating Venus at- the French? Australian? How cute is that?! And plus I think she's cute and I dig her serve and volley thing.

Now it's raining! Dude! The minute I wake up it rains? Now they are talking about Verdasco naked pics, which I have seen. Oh my! Ashley Harkelroad is having a baby?! Anyone see the nude pics of her in Playboy? I tried to google for it and got freaked out by all the porn stuff that came up on my computer and worried about viruses not to mention- uh, my kids are sometimes on the computer! So I stopped trying to find them. But I would love to hear some feedback on her- parts? Can that be said?

Update: I found them here!!
http://sports.popcrunch.com/ashley-harkleroad-playboy-pictures/
So here is my reaction: uh, the part of NSFW my husband (now I hate him) explained to me means not safe for work. And then-- "prepare the lube"? That sort of bummed me out. Now, I love making love, thinking of making love, but lube and masturbating to the internet? WAAHH! I guess I'm old fashioned. And then- you know, Playboy, no joke. She had to be all slutty for it! Booty in the air. That whole leaning off the chair thing? Good lord. And showing her downstairs part. Oh goodness. But, I must say, she is a very beautiful woman and I like that her boobs are smallish and she still is sexy. I'm not a big fan of the boob-job look. So. Anyway, happy pregnancy Ashley! Your boobs are gonna change for good now, so it's great you had them documented before pregnancy changes them!!!!


Man, I hope it stops raining. My whole evening will stink if it doesn't.

It stopped raining! Yeah! Oh goodness, I'm watching Verdasco (who did not show his downstairs for the magazine he posed for, btw) and Machado! More soon.

Later:
Everything Tracy Austin just said about the now playing Bartoli v. Davenport match just made me think she might be slightly retarded. Uh, Bartoli isn't some strange accident. In fact, I love Lindsay, but I am picking Bartoli for this match. Mostly cause I am so pissed at Tracy. Man, I can't watch this with the sound off, but damn I wish Tracy had a gag in her mouth. Which makes me think of another post I wrote, hating on Tracy (and I really try not to be a hater, I do I do!!!!): where I imagine her dressed up as a dominatrix:
http://tennisisametaphorforlife.blogspot.com/2007/11/womens-year-end-championships.html

Yours Truly,
Paula

Last Night at the Open

It was a beautiful night, quite cool for NYC, and the 7 train out to Flushing Meadows was not so bad: we got seats and the car was air conditioned! Also, we caught the express which is much much better than the local, my friends. All of this is important, because a good start is always important to any evening. We then joined the throng of humanity as it attempted to enter the Bille Jean King Tennis Center. My husband had a bag and as we joined the "have a bag line" we started to worry his bag would be one of the bags that get people sent way far to a different throng of persons called the "bag check". Again, we got lucky, and they let him and his bag through. Because of our fortunate train experience, we were there nice and early. We headed straight to the back courts and watched the amazingly unique Bartoli play against super-buff, mainly doubles-specialist, Ruano Pascual. Watching Bartoli up close like that- man, it is so different than TV! Her raquet has an extra long neck/handle which is useful since she is tow-handed on both sides. But her control! It is so discernable up close like last night, to see her distinct control, which gives her not only the ability to hit amazing angles, but also these flat hard down the line shots.

Then we went to Arthur Ashe Stadium. Our seats were 7 or 8 rows up in the corner! Awesome. I had never seen Lindsay play (I mostly go to mens' events) and I love Lindsay and so enjoyed seeing her up close like that. But, her moodiness! She would play a great game, hitting deep and hard, serves and groudnstrokes, breaking her opponent, the also hard hitting youngster, Klebasnova (sp?), and then she'd play a really lose game, spraying balls, double-faulting, getting grumpy. What gives? Get it together woman! I mean, as if I could ever play tennis nearly as well as she, but still. It's as if her mental focus comes and goes. It was interesting to see. She commented that she needs to "play better", but I think it's all between the ears for Lindsay. Also, in real life, as opposed to TV, she actually covers the court well! I know she's not known for being the best "mover", but I was super impressed. That match was fun.

Then came the ass whomp of Roddick v. Santoro. Roddick's serving was fun to see. I have seen it before, this summer in Canada for instance, but it is always a revelation. But the match was lop-sided. And at the end, when Santoro stopped even trying to return? That was painful end. Just not fun to see. I would venture to say that it was "unprofessional", but maybe I'm being to hard on him. It cannot be fun to lose so badly and nearly get brained by Roddick's serve, and have the whole audience against you. Still, he' s a veteran, to put it mildly. I wish he hadn't behaved that way on the last point.


Now back to the TV today.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Day 3 of the US Open 2008

People, I have been napping. I am trying to wake up now. JJ, or Jelena Jankovic, is trying to close out the third set against Arvidsson. Weall know how mych guest bloggerr Rowan loves her, so we are wishing her well right now. I dig her yellow dress, too.

Tonight, I am going to the Open! I'll let you know all about it tomorrow.

Yours Truly,
Paula

Anna-Lena Groenefeld defeats Hantuchova now that she's not Underweight

Now, Anna-Lena is a former top 20 player and knows how to kick butt on the court so it is no surprise that she beat Danny Hanny. We are huge fans of Danny Hanny here, so I am sad to see her lose. Sometimes we call her Danny Hanny, and sometimes we call her HanTU, or rather hon TU, after the noise that the Sivinanda yoga people make during the certain breathing exersize at the beginning of each class there. I believe it is the breathe of fire. I forget what they call it, or wait, kalibati? Does that sound right? Anyhoo, Danny Hanny went down and we are sad, but. BUT! Anna-Lena was not really on the tour for a while and last time I saw her, she was quite thin. Now she's back to being the big girl she once was and so now she can win again! Interestingly, Danny Hanny has had her issues with weight, too, having gotten way too thin once. Now, Danny Hanny is by no means a big girl, but she's not nearly as slight as she once was. Which is great, because she was not doing well. And now Anna-Lena is back to her normal weight, which is a bit meaty, and now she can win!!! Yeah Girls! Eating is good! It makes you able to win and be less "crazy" too, is my guess.

Now I am watching Safin and Spadea. If I had to make a choice between Safin and Spadea in the boudiour (sp?), I would choose Safin. But I want Spadea to win, because I read his crazy book, Break Point, and I like him and feel sorry for him. But Safin? Piece of fine manliness. Heart throb. Other parts throbbing. Oh man is he hot.

Less "Hot" but actually very attractive, is Gasquet who they just switched to showing. He has that youthful Frenchiness. And the fragility he is known for makes me all warm in the face.He is playing Haas, who I do not like, even though he is attractive too, and I once had an erotic dream about, which I blogged about here:
http://tennisisametaphorforlife.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-strange-dream-about-tommy-haas.html

I'm still jet-lagged. I slept through a bunch of tennis today, which as you all know, is one of my favorite things to do, and something I have blogged about more than once:
http://tennisisametaphorforlife.blogspot.com/2007/10/tennis-as-lullaby.html

Lots of tennis people! Woohoo!

LATER:
Well Spadea and Gasquet lost. So that is sort of a bummer, but I'm not mad that Safin won, really. I am irritated that Haas won. Oh well. I entertained myself by finding this in the wonerdful land of tennis internetlandia:
http://www.tennisforum.com/showthread.php?t=138186&page=15
My vote there, btw, is Vinci.


Yours Truly,
Paula

The US Open Begins!!!!

We are watching Rick Rock's favorite female player- and by we, I mean, me, Jake, Penny and Rafa (Penny and Rafa are my new kittens, Jake is one of my old cats, one of two to be exact, which means I have FOUR CATS), Dementieva close out the second set against the very right-on butch Anandomadovoa (sp? I''ll try and correct it later) from Ubekistan.

I just got back from Alaska. I have jet lag. I have two new kittens, one who is named Rafa, after- you know who!!!! Alaska ROCKED. I wish I could be there now, but with my family, watching tennis.

Elena's dress is pretty cool here today. ( Rick Rock bought me a Yonex dress not so long ago, a blue one that is soooo Elena- indeed, one that Elena wore in pink a lot.) But what got my interest today about Elena's outfit was her clear crisscross bra-straps. My Yonex dress had boob cushions inside the bra area that moved around and bugged the shit out of me. So I removed them, which the dress is easily designed to make possible. So maybe Elena removed the boob cushions and opted for the fancy clear strap (Victoria Secrets? Maxim is a lucky man!) bra instead. And so! Elena and me! So much in common.

I'm brain damaged from jet lag but am so happy I have a week of tennis watching.


LATER:
My lover (in my fantasy life) Monaco is losing to the Japanese Nishikori. Nishikori is REALLY good. But Monaco is super HOT. I am brain damaged. So that is all I have to say right now. In Alaska, I saw bears, moose, whales, sea lions, otters, lots of salmon, uhhh.. I hiked, I biked, a boated....now I sit, wine in hand, watching Monaco lose. BUT! It's not over.
Yours Truly,
Paula

The LG&T Challenger in Binghamton.... we're a little behind...

Rock Rock on guest duty while Paula is in... Alaska!?!

Everyone is getting ready for the US Open here in NYC... but my mind is still on the Binghamton challenger we saw three weeks ago! Or was it four? I don't know, the end of the summer has become a blur. I don't know what;s going on.

This was our 3rd year going to the event, official site here, and the primary goal was to cheer on the pros from the local club, The Binghamton Tennis Center, Billy and Chris, who qualified for the doubles with 2 tough wins before going down to Zib and Dlouhy, 2 Slovakian guys who have been around on the tour.

But as a bonus, we got to see the Battistone brothers with their 2 handed racquets and the one with his crazy leaping volleyball serve. I got a pretty good picture:

Look how crazy high off the ground! And you can kind of see the 2 handles.

Carsten Bell and another guy beat the Battistone's in the final - I'm not a huge doubles person in general, but it was fun to watch. Paul Capdeville of Chile won the singles, and that was pretty interesting... all in all, challengers are cool, because a) these guys really care, and b) what separates number 125 in the world from number 200 is an interesting thing to ponder. Capdeville is a decent player, has spent time in the top 100, but you could be forgiven for not knowing who he is. But watching him wear down Rajiv Ram int he final, it's like, Damn! He's really good at tennis! But they all are! It's hard to even see how it is happening sometimes, but the outcome, after Ram took the first set, was decisive. It's kind of freaky to watch, like Capdevvile put some spooky hex on Ram and he just stopped believing he could win. Weird, and cool.

Anyway US starts tomorrow - my picks: Djokovic over Murray, and Safina over Dementieva.

Cheers - Rick Rock