Annie

My husband is a very proud man and if I had someone to check on him I would cop it when I came home lol! He is a mans' man.I blame it on him going to boarding school at the age of five and being at sea for over 30 years and hanging out with men for most of his life.I could get one of his friends to ring him.I have thought about that.

Waltzing Wounded Memorial

Saturday Order of Play
3:30 AM: Victoria Azarenka vs Maria Sharapova followed by Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan vs Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek for ATP AO doubles title

Sunday Order of Play
12:30 AM: Elena Vesnina and Leander Paes vs Bethanie Mattek-Sands vs Horia Tecau for Mixed doubles title
3:30 AM: Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal

hi, turned the tv on this morning saw score murray 2sets to 1 but down 2-0 in the fourth, called murray a few choices name as i could tell where this was going, turned the tv off and went back to sleep

as for sunday we shall see,no? nothing else to do really! i'm sticking by my moniker either this sunday or by year end, it will be rafa!

my one true comfort in tennis this year is knowing djokovic has a titanic of points to defend, i doubt rafa had that much after his crazy good 2010 3slams yr! and rafa has already gained lots of points this AO just by bettering his quarterfinal showings from last 2 yrs

Bodo if u can hear me: I have just been to Tignor's blog piece on the Murrole SF match and some were accusing him of bias in a rather objective article.
The more I read you, the more I come to be less offended by what u say, especially by that "Fed defeated by his own genius" gem yesterday. I understand the sentiment behind it (though it would be appreciated if u could recognize the admirable effort from a man who is less of a genius; sometimes the storyline of the common man or bricklayer who can get it done against a supergenius is enjoyable).

Thank you Assiemarg again most kindly. Such honor for me is unlikely to last long with you however, so allow me to cherrish the moment, as a que, to check-outta-here while the sentiment at its best, and of course to wish you well. It has been a pleasure both jousting and sharing notes with you. I enjoyed both. Cheers.

Completely OT: Yahoo is so schlocky but/therefore can always be relied on to provide the headline of the day..

"How the Etruscan Pygmy Shrew inspired a bewhiskered disaster…"

I didn't read the actual story because nothing could top the headline.

Srbija - Croatia 26-22! Handball finals of European chapmionships in Belgrade >) Today a very good day for our sport! 3/3 (in Netherlands waterpolo European semi today we beat Italy too)

I am so happy and so proud. Also very exhausted

AM you should try to go, like you say its only for one day, i feel rafa needs you there ,you could be like his good luck charm down under, please don't let him down if there's a possibility not to do it!

plus i'd feel much more "colm" knowing you're there live but if you can't well i guess rafa will have to figure it out like a grown-up and try his best after all they're both alone on court!

hahah,I never realised that Muhamad Ali had once said this:

"if you ever dream of beating me you better wake up and apologize"lol!

I must say I'm pretty sure that's what THE HURRICANE is thinking...

M=Life

Is that because we are cheering for different players in the womens final by any chance?

Gee that was a fast new freindship down the drain:)

Aube,

Speaking of dreams, I had one about Rafa a few weeks before the Open holding the winner's trophy. I usually don't read too much into my dreams especially this one because that is my hearts desire but I also had a dream the Alabama was going to beat LSU a week before they played. I don't even like college football let alone watch it so, I don't know, our boy might have something special planned for us ;)

CL - I love Roger too, he is one of the most beautiful players to watch, ever. In any sport. I personally love his matches with Nole and would rather watch the final of two of them.
Andy and Rafa are great fighters with great baseline game, lot of long rallies (like Nole but Nole is most offensive minded of the 3, for sure. Fed brings much needed variety and flair.

But just feel that the real rivalry of the tennis in the near future (battle for no1 and majors) will most likely be not Fed Nadal or even Novak - Nadal but Nole - Murray. Tennis has become brutal physically and so much more mental, it's draining just to watch but also so interesting

Eclipse Girl

Well I was sitting a few rows back from Uncle Toni in Rafa's s/final match

I still havent got my photo with Toni.D.

I thought I may of been seen on TV as my hair was 'extra incredible'.D.

My cousins were seen on the big screen with their Rafa Banner by the way and when I looked up I just chuckled to myself.

Decisions,decisions.If I go it will be just there and back.Though Peter said to me stay for a few extra days.I was originally coming back Tuesday night from Melbourne.The reaction he has been having to this drug is feeling very lerthargic and he has feel asleep in meetings.Seeing he is Chief Engineer he has to be on call 24/7 though he gets time off during the day for sleep.Also he has felt light headead.The dr said to me there is no concerns really this is just a normal side reaction to this drug.

photo of the quickly growing Fed babies.
http://www.tennis.com/spotlight/2012_01_27_aussie_semis/index.aspx?photo=03

Geez, for all the work Mirka did carrying them, u would think those 2 babies would have the decency to look just a bit like her?!

Also it's good that so many of the players of the new generation (Tomic, Dimitrov, Raonic, Harrison itd.) idolized someone like Sampras or Federer so hopefully they will bring much needed variety in the future.

Eri,last year I had a dream of Rafa hoisting the trophy and because my dreams usually are pretty "hinty" I thought it was in tne bank and swore then that Rafa was not going to go empty handed,hum,need I tell you how over my dream I am?

But really I wish yours don't desert you and stick to the image it showed you,oh how good and pleasant it would be,can you imagine 7 losses,it will definetely break him down further more...

I think Rafa's challenge this time is more how to start the match than how to win it,I mean how do you face someone who's denied you 6 times without being a little bit tentative?,you've got to have a lion's heart to be numb and go by your business...

PS:what's the preterite of "to dream"(I dreamt or I dreamed) *ashamed* hiding face into hands,hahah

Gamessetmatch

I saw those photos of the twins at Rogers match

My goodness both girls look like Roger in ways

They have beautiful skin and of course seeing both parents have Famous Hair I expect both girls to follow suit in the Hair Department.D.

cheers CL.
kinda thought so, but wasn't sure whether there was the option of watching but in a crabby state. or on mute. or something.
though all that is prolly against the point of the exercise - it should be fun.

interesting to see for whom the live audience's heart beats.

Aube,

Both are correct. "Dreamed" is more common in American English, while "dreamt" is more common in British English usage. BTW, you have nothing to be ashamed of, I take my hat off to and envy anyone who can speak more than one language.

Thank you Eri I thought I was right writing dreamt but then it sounded funny and I started to doubt myself,I was so good in english in high school I can't believe what american english has done to my british academic english I learnt back home,lol!thanks Eri

Gamesetmatch,yes these definetely have got THE MASTER's frimousse but that's what men like,their progeniture to resemble them...lol!they're cuties!

Assiemarg-

We're still friends.

My head said Kimmie and Petra. My heart said Kimmie and Maria, (not that I'm a Maria fan, but it would be a pity if we have already seen the best that Maria will ever be) My 2nd guessing told me to trust my instincts that Maria was tougher and more ready this time around more so than any moment since her surgery, and this time would get he. In the end my head won out (no small part because of you may I add) I had Petra 55/45 winning. Nowhere did I foresee Az beating Kim. I thought that was a done deal, she (Az) just wasn't ready. First real dead wrong error I've made during the AO. I'd have to say Azarenka is my biggest surprise, all the credit to her.

Final- Maria in... 3.

Okay- let me check myself. I was very surprised when Ekatarina Makarova beat Kaia Kanepi, even more than when she beat Vera Z. I thought Kanepi would bust some people updside the head and was a strong darkhorse to go quarters easy. That was my first week error.

m-life

Well I picked Azarenka and Petra in the final

After watching Vika in Sydney and her great calm and focus her results at the AO didnt suprise me in the least.I picked her to win in Sydney and she didnt let me down.She has tough matches though her new found calm and focued plus the hard off season work she has done in her fitnness has paid off for her big time.

I am staying with Vika to in in 3 sets and to get her 1st GS title and to become the new world no 1.

I think the only 100% positive I have this time around this AO was to witness Azababy see KImmie off,that indeed was a real pleasure!

Biz - jaja - sad for me, (do you think we could get Steffi and Gabby to come out of retirement and play instead? Steffi would win of course, but quietly. ;-)) but I hope everyone else enjoys the match and that it is a good one.

Methinks the crowd MIGHT be a bit in Maria's corner...struggles to come back and all that. Plus, they are prolly a bit more used to Maria's sound so might find relatively less jarring than Azarenka's. I mean, to those that acre about such things.

AM, I think your husband's health should come first.
So you FIRST see to him (which you have just done, no?) and THEN you fly and see the final, no ;-)
Specially if that's what Peter is asking you to do. Feeling guilty about this can be fatal for his recovery.
And Rafa will also need you there in person!

Zeljana - Čestitam! I usually think Croatia has the advantage in rukomet. They seem to sliding in most sports these days, and Serbia climbing.

Oh well, at least they still have Ivica Kostelić :)

Though I'd like to hope for Rafa to pull through, but I dont think he's adjusted his game enough to take down Novak, even if Novak has 50% of his lungs.

Kwaku

My dear freind I am now feeling more guilty LOL!

I will see how this day pans out and I will make my final decision later.

I'm not good at making predictions, but I hope Maria wins. I like Vika, but I feel she will return to a Final sooner than Maria.

Tina hvala. I thought we are going to lose. Hrvatska is the favorite and it was close but somehow today we just couldn't lose :)

Have you seen Divac in Novak's box? He said he was never this stressed and tennis is unreal and the most difficult sport

Actually I had a most wonderful thought

I could ask NP to come and check Peter for me

I mean my hubby has every tape of Pistol Pete and seeing he has watched Pistol Pete at Wimby and the USO and reads The Bible on a daily basis

Those two would get on like a House On Fire.

I would probably be asked to leave when I get home.D.

Hrvatska is not shining but not bad either - in Ivica they have a world class athlete and Blanka Vlasic is always there.

Football team managed to qualify in Euro and has played really well, handball they play Spain for bronze medal and sure have the chance to get another medal, but basketball is way down (it was their finest) and tennis has no greats like Pilic, Franulovic or Goran, Iva Majoli but Cilic, Karlovic, Ljubicic, Dodog and the rest are going to be there. I heard they have some really really good juniors coming in tennis

I hope the Bryan's can win another AO Championship. I suppose they have an advantage at the AO because many teams are in transition early in the year getting to know one another.

Just watch Sveta on fire on you tube on the doubles,Sveta I would so much appreciate it if you would o just this in single and stop being a headcase againt players you should not loose to!

Good job on the doubles!yeah!As for Vera congrats on the doubles but I personally don't see you getting better on the head department,too much frustration...

Roddick Fan

I watched the Bryans win the doubles at Sydney

They are just a great team to watch and may I say they draw the fans in.

Fingers crossed for them in the final at the AO

AM, on the contrary, I think Peter would be the one to feel guilty if you miss Rafa's final for him. He knows what it means to you. The guilt might even hamper his recovery...

"How the Etruscan pygmy shrew inspired a bewhisked disaster"

That's heavy. I could go anywhere with that. On a future
thread I just might. A short story, a poem, a straight parody
of it as a news report, an anthropological field study etc

I think I need to read that article for material

NP would be a terrific company for your husband, lol!
Anyway, I hope Peter feels better and you can go to the final in peace of mind.

well, well, well, it's that great student of poetry, Banana Peel, LOL!!!!!!!!!!

Don't know how I forgot Blanka, Draga Zeljana, I even met her in Split once.

Make that

"How the Etruscan pygmy shrew inspired a bewhiskered disaster"

Makes a difference. The devil is in the details.

I see Kirstie Alley as Mata Hari in this one.

Kwaku

Well as I said before I cant still go tomorrow.I will see how Peter is today.

AM

Jason Kubler has made the USA-F3 semis and meets Jeff Dadama tomorrow.

Jack Sock lost the 1st set to Go Soeda in Honolulu, but leads in the 2nd at the moment.

Perhaps to supplement AM's other contest, we should have a vote--go or stay--or predictions. :)

oops typo error

Kawaku

I can see go.I will see how Peter is today

Roddick Fan

Thanks for that news with Jason

Ross

I think that might work and just sway me no?

I do hope that the children were taken away before Daddy got even more of of focus..

http://tinyurl.com/6ugj9nd

What's the record for consecutive slam finals reached?

Looking forward to the final. My two favorite porn stars.

ok, so I got back from work and was skimming comments from around 8:00 this morning when I left home, fully intending to go through all pages of comments when I came to this just brilliantly profound Churchill-esque quote from ladyjulia and had to stop and post:

"So far, he isn't wrong. What remains to be seen is if he is going to be right."

ladyjulia - That belongs in a blockbuster movie with either Clint Eastwood or Morgan Freeman delivering that line in the last scene of the movie. :)

*** bows to ladyjulia's genius with words***

Now - Congrats to Nole fans and commies to Murray fans. Should be a great finals and fully intend to wake up at 3:30 for it. My bet is on Nadal winning his 11th. Can't put my finger on it, but feel Djokovic isn't where he was last year and Nadal will top him.

And what the heck is Vlade Divac doing in Australia watching tennis in Nole's box???

"What's the record for consecutive slam finals reached?" -
Isn't it Lendl with 9 consecutive USO Finals or something?

sorry, scratch that...misunderstood the question, and don't think the 9 USO were consecutive anyway...

CL

Tisk,Tisk,Tisk, on that photo

At least the Famous Hair didnt lose its Focus.D.

Kwaku:

Fed is at the top with ten consecutive slam finals (2005 Wimbledon - 2007 US Open) .

After the 2008 AO final, Fed resumed for another 8 consecutive (2008 RG - 2010 AO)

Man, and people are already bored with Novak's "domination"?

The men I expected to see in the final before the tournament even started both got there.

I had no idea who'd make it to women's final - I never do.

Good luck Rafa and Maria.

TMFunk,

"That belongs in a blockbuster movie with either Clint Eastwood or Morgan Freeman delivering that line in the last scene of the movie. :) "

Thank you for the high praise. :-)

And thx to CL too earlier...

"Man, and people are already bored with Novak's "domination"? "

I am not.

tina - man, that's unreal, with Fed's finals streaks...especially considering the decline talk had already started in 2008!! Fed fans, myself included, don't have a whole lot to complain about...

Soeda defeated Sock in 3 sets. Jack was broken 5 times and had 9 double faults.

Sorry, Sock! (Didn't know Go Soeda was in the Juniors...) Those aren't encouraging numbers, Roddick Fan, but thanks. I dig that kid.

TMFunk:

Imagine if that Djokovic/Tsonga final weren't in there....

Ah Tina

End of Bouncing Roger thread. All is revealed.
I even apologise. I kinda should.

Sad for Sock.

tina: yup, and the geezer's still getting to the semis...23 straight semis and 18 of 19 finals...I can see how that may be a tad annoying/boring for non-Fed fans... :)

I'm trying to decide whether to watch Vika/Maria tonight or Rafa/Novak tomorrow. So many things on this weekend and can't watch both.

Thank you tina. I should have imagined it. Fed's accomplishments are indeed incredible.

Lynne: Your moniker gives the answer, no? :)

Man, and people are already bored with Novak's "domination"?

To be fair, I too quickly got bored with Fed's domination though he was spectacular. I dont think Nadal has really dominated like Fed, except at the FO. I prefer to see multiple titans vying for the prize. Im a fan of chaos. In fact, when Fed was in his prime, I dont even know why they called it a "competition". The rest of the boys should have stayed in the locker room.

just finished watching the Nole/Muzz SF on pvr, and as much as it makes me sad to say it, I have to: I think Murray's girlfriend's faking it. I don't think she cares for tennis that much. The proof for this atrocious allegation you ask? Watch her after Muzz broke back at 5-2. Therein lies the answer.

Leave the poor girl alone.Her Father is a tennis coach and she is probalby sick and tired of sweaty tee's and smelly socks and underwear

Though in my mind she has Great Hair.D.

TMFunk,

Yes, and that's probably just what I'm going to do.

Do you think Kim was too detached ?

haha TMFunk. But u cant fault her. Just b/c she likes Andy doesnt mean she has to like tennis. I think most WAGs (esp the pin up ones) care for the men not the sport. Maybe Kim would care for it more if Andy won one. :P

the only thing i'm happy about besides rafa vying for 11th is the fact that soon i won't have to be confused anymore as to what day it is, it sucks having one foot in yesterday and the other in tomorrow :)

off to watch HOMELAND its actually really good,i watched 3 episodes yesterday 9 to go, seeing what all the fuss is about and why it won GOLDEN GLOBES for best drama and actress for claire danes!

LOL Aussimarg as to Kim's hair I said the same as you upthread. And by the way I told my aunt and godmother (who is big Roger's fan) about your conversation Re: his hair and she says that she totally agrees with you, and that she always wanted to know who Roger's hairdresser is.

I hope that your husband is doing better, surely he feels relieved to have you by his side. When you do not feel very well is good to know that there is someone by your side that can help you just in case ...

And by the way, even though this semi of today was far more of a thriller because it went 5 sets, I thought that the quality of the Rafa vs Roger semi was much better as both of them played more focused and intense tennis with less unforced errors for four sets. Murray and Nole's match was a mess already by the second set with several changes of momentums and both players missing chances.

I hope that we can all view a great final on Sunday and that the best player is crowned a winner, I would like Rafa not to choke at the business end of each set as he did last year in every final starting from Madrid onwards against Nole.

Hi all

I'm lazy to look at the archives, so I need that someone with a good memory tell me what days the semis were played in the USO 11, what day Fed/Nole played and what day Rafa/Murray. I know that the final was on Manday.
Thanks in advance!

linex from your mouth to rafa's racquet!!!!!!!!!

There are really no words for how much I want maria to win. Though it feels kind of like Wimbledon in that a.) she's lucky to be in the final and b.) she's playing someone who hits big enough that it may not matter how Maria plays. However, azarenka doesn't have Petra's serve, and it's not a grass court, so I honestly believe Maria should win.

Which is why it will hurt so much if she doesn't.

Eclipse perhaps the extrapounds in the new Babolat help Rafa's wrist and arms to stay firm in those crucial moments. No more backhands into the net or wide at 4-5 or 3-4 of each set ...please.

Guillermo Coria commenting the Davis Cup final between Argentina and Spain in Mar del Plata in 2008 said that was is essential is for the player to hit his shots firmly ("firme" in Spanish). And when playing club tournaments I can perfectly realize what Guille meant. It is a simple concept but essential to suceed in a tennis match.

Helloooo everybody!!! does nobody know or remember what days of the week the semis of the USO 11 were played????
Thanks again in advance:-)

Well, I like kwaku's logic as far as AM going back to Melbourne :)

I'm about to rewatch Rafa/Fed since I missed parts of it. I'll keep a look out for you, AM, sitting somewhere behind Toni.

If you have any pics we'd love to see them!

Linex

Well you know its not about the tennis that matters to me most its the

HAIR.D.

Next question I will ask Mr Famous Hair is

Who is your hairdresser and what shampoo and conditioner do you use? by the way do you ever put mousse in your hair to give it that extra Bounce mind the pun please.

Annie

I didnt pick up my camera till I was leaving it had a button malfunction

If I go to the mens final its working fine now and I will take photos.

ok night people, good luck to those brave souls who are willingly watching the scream-a-thon between CRANKY victoria vs SHRIEKY maria!!!

ps: my deepest commies to everyone ears involved :)

carol, i have no idea as i've already put that match into my localized amnesia section of my brain's memory logs! but ask again later when the ladyies final is playing i'm sure someone will answer you

Carol amiga I think if my memory served me well both semis on Saturday and then the final on the Monday like you said,and Saturday was the 10th of September,I remember because Sunday when my baby SERENA was slaughtered was on 09/11

I hope I've helped you!

Observer

I am soo happy for you that Maria has reached the final

I was right wasnt I she has been playing great tennis from the start of the tournament and deserves to take her place in the final.

Aube

You Gotta let that GO no?

eclipserafagirl jolie filette,I'm sad it's almost over,I want more tennis!

I did Madame President and you know I love Samantha,that helped

Aube

OK just checking lol!

Aube, thanks so much, I was thinking that the TW was on strike LOL
Then I was right, I bet to a friend that the semis was on Saturday and my friend told me that it was on Friday
Also thanks eclipse22, I think my brain is in the same conditions than yours lol

Madame President you know that, plus there is you! I can't hate anything related to Australia knowing my Madame President lives there,come on now,lol!

After much contemplation(ha ha), I decided to switch to Maria for the win. After thinking about the arc of her career and the fact I love a good comeback story, how could I not. And since it will be my official last night with the AO, I will watch. I'm too chicken to watch Rafa play on Sunday. I'll just dvr match and watch only if he wins. Sad I know but I don't take his loses very well :( and I won't get any sleep if that's the case.

BTW, if I keep my TV volume up, I won't need an alarm to wake up tonight. Vika and Maria shrieks will be a fine substitute.

Aube

Good thinking!

Remember posters I will be handing out Specially Designed Ear Muffs By Chanel

Before the Shriek Of The Year Match begins later

Be Early ok they are bound to run out.D.

There you go Eri! that's the beauty of Maria winning, plus she trully deserves it,what a believer and a hard worker,to think she sleeps on dollar sheets and she needed no sweating for it,I have the uttermost respect for her!Kuddoss to her,she's real!,,,

That being said I'm stubborn in wanting my Azababy also not to get so close and not take it,like how many times would she be this hot, this focus, this determined?ah really tough,dilemma!

hahaha,I can use them for when Mouha is being cranky,please send me one!

Walker is on a hellish inferno. Just can't miss from the arc.

Well said Pete 'def comparable to the USO final, brutal and majestic'. It actually also reminded me of the Vika/Kim semifinal in a way because Vika/Murray's FH held up extremely well despite being the technically weakest groundstroke on court. And Kim/Nole weren't getting the same snap on their FHs through most of the match.

Nole was able to find his form and turn it around, Kim wasn't.

On the bad side of things, I set my DVR for 4.5 hours, thinking there's no way the match would go beyond that. And my recording crapped out at 3-2 in the 5th. SO I MISSED THE BEST PART OF THE MATCH ARRGH!

Aube,

You make a good case for your Vika. I really don't have a horse in this race so I'll just enjoy one more night of tennis and hope for a physical, competitive shriek fest. Who ever wins, it will be a win well deserved.