Can I just say that I first read title of this thread as 'The Hitler in Harrison..' and thought, oh dear - if we thought the last few threads were bad, THIS is going to be WAY worse.

Whew!!!

now to actually read the post.

second :-(

"Granted, Harrison's win in Fribourg was a dead rubber (against No. 249 Michael Lammer, a stand-in for Roger Federer), but it was Harrison's first Davis Cup match and just his second tie. It would be foolish to discount the emotional fuel Davis Cup success can pump into the tank of a youngster"

It would also be foolish to discount how much pressure there is in one's first Davis Cup match, too, especially in an away match, even if it was a dead rubber. With Harrison at +/- #95 and Lammer at 249, it'd be easy to think it should have been easy. 7/6 7/6 ain't easy, but a W is a W, and it should bode well for Harrison.

Yeah - I actually like Ryan's game a lot. I see some real promise there. He is very young and it is much too early to start placing bets, (Courier and PMac is/was wise in their attitude toward him. But I am very much looking forward to seeing how young Ryan gets on.

(BTW - and speaking of young'ns, I was so pleased to read that Milos Raonic's injury was a mis-diagnosed and was no where near as serious as thought. Boo on the docs, but yay for Milos.)

CL - OMFG, that's how I've read it at first, too, and wondered WTF.

Anyway, relieved, I like young Ryan, and would be very curious to see how he improves.

Or - well, I guess its good that it wan't just me. :-) My new Mac let's me make the page/type size bigger...I think I need to use that facility more often.

I find Harrison nearly impossible to like.
Maybe his hot headed, arrogant manner will change, so i will wait.

I much prefer the even younger American, Jack Sock. he is competitive yet likable, not at all appearing arrogant.

Yes, CL, I saw it at first as you did. Maybe it was some kind of subliminal message meant to test us:-))))

That is one nasty misreading, I must say....what was I thinking? Maybe Pete will have to change it, ha....

Guys seem to mature so much later now. At around Harrison's age Fed was winning 3 live rubbers for Switzerland and ranked in the top 20. And he's always been considered a "late bloomer".

I wish Ryan well - he stands out from the crowd.

*Can I just say that I first read title of this thread as 'The Hitler in Harrison..'*

heh. me too. them silly eyes...

@Marti,

Nothing wrong with a little competitive, fiery arrogance now and then. After all, this is a competitive sport.

I like Ryan and I like his attitude. Let's see him get through tonight

Pete

You really are having a fun time with these titles of late arent you?

Your sense of humour is killing me somewhat:)

I admire Ryans game and I hope he keeps improving...though I cant see any similarity to Hitler at this present time:).

Well, AM, they both have a "competitive, fiery, arrogance".:-))))

"I admire Ryans game and I hope he keeps improving...though I cant see any similarity to Hitler at this present time:)."

well, Ryan is probably also not a very good painter

so there's that

Count me in with the misreading group. :)

Hot headed and arrogant isn't always a bad thing. I like some spice in the tour. It's all relative anyway. He's not exactly J-Mac or Jimbo. :)

monterey

Well thank goodness Ryan hasnt murdered anyone on court as yet:)

Grant

Again you make my day:)

Harrison has blond hair, and we know what mr. Bodo thinks of people with blond hair...nothing good.

If Raonic can get by Anderson he will have a rematch with Harrison in the semi's. It will be interesting to see how Milos' improved return of serve works against Harrison since Raonic lost to Harrison in Indian Wells last year.

Colour Me Surprise

Sherlock is awake and joins us......

Harrison has blonde hair? Huh.

Hi, AM. How are you?

It's Friday afternoon at 3:15. Most everyone has left the office but me. Awake is a very relative term. :)

Sherlock

I am loving it as we are on the same page where young Ryan is concerned:)

haha I'll be quiet as to how I read the title,unbelievable so many people did...

also, "arrogant and hot head" are a pass for some, no big deal huh?,you only have to stay out of that option if you're SERENA WILLIAMS,fortunately she doesn't care what she's called! she goes by her business regardless of who gives a green light to whom...joy!

the hitler in harrison..has he started goose stepping his way around court then ?.

Yet another person who read the title wrong.

I am morbidly fascinated by Ryan's terrible hair cut. It is so 7th grade boy in 1987. And then he has this deep voice that does not go with his dorkalsicious hair.

His game can be fun to watch- but he is still too much of the entiteld brat to me. I hope he can mature because as of yet- I can't warm up to him.

Ha. Harrison's greatest assets are desire and mental toughness. But I think his game - as you can tell from the drawn out matches with Rochus and Ginepri - his decision making is terrible. I think he'll be top 15 - probably even top 10. I can't see him as the top U.S. player - or if so, for very long. Harrison to me is the Michael Chang of his generation. He may be the first to breakthrough in his cohort, but he will not be the best.

He has the heart of a lion. But not the game of a lion - not yet. Roddick was vastly better at 19 - better serve, better forehand, better game. I think if Harrison wants to make the most of his tennis, he needs to smooth out that rough forehand, develop a better court sense, develop some shots no one else has.

Thankfully he has time and desiire and a willingness to work - that you can't teach very well. But his tennis - how he hits the ball, plus other factors - all of that has to improve if Harrison's going to go deep at slams or lead a U.S. Davis Cup.

Right now I'd say Harrison's about the level of a Jan-Michael Gambil. A good player who became the threat to the top U.S. players and got to #14 early on. To be better than Gambill, Harrison needs to improve. A whole lot. Totally possible. But a tall order.

The hilarious thing was, when I realized I was reading it wrong I sort of mentally face-palmed and was like "Okay, you've proven you're a Jewish girl from Israel, seeing Hitler everywhere"

So, good to know it wasn't just me.

@FlameYO: Whats the big deal about being first in make a comment? PLEASE PEOPLE GRUW UP!! (or go back to the Justin Bieber webpage)

Yeah, I agree with Andrew Miller - I like Ryan's heart, but in his generation alone I see guys with more weapons and skills. Tomic, for starters.

I think we're going to have a couple of years to worry about how he's doing in the Slams, though. Guys peak much later, unless you are a giant like Delpo who basically won his first Slam a little early then expected. Murray/Djoko will rull the roost, Rafa and Roger aren't gone yet, afterwards there are Delpo and Raonic and guys a little more advanced. He has time to develop, still.

Aussiemarg,
Your comment is as tasteless as your moniker

Now what about Sam Querry? that one I was getting used to in his wonderful run in 2009 but it sounds like shortly after his horroble cutting I don't know what on his coffee table no more sparkle,why?

Come back bouncing Sam!

Mike attacking a poster is forbidden in this blog,moderator attention please

geez why don't we all respect each other even while not liking each other?

This article is typical of most in the tennis world. The person with the knowledge and expertise who has gotten him to this point 100% is his father. Just doesnt show up to take the credit. Watch him teach as I have and you will see one of the very best in the world for the professional level.

Mike, it was nice knowing you. I see a ban coming your way. Enjoy.

"I am morbidly fascinated by Ryan's terrible hair cut. It is so 7th grade boy in 1987"

Lol, Carrie. Yes, Ryan doesn't seem too concerned about these things. :) But he's a handsome lad. The hair will come in time. Maybe AM can work with him? :)

Andrew Miller, nice post. As a Ryan fan, while I would love to disagree with the Jan-Michael Gambil comparison, sadly, I think it may be quite accurate. :)

Fernando knows Harrison and touted him during the off season. With reppect, mr. Bodo is behind Fernando's curve. And another thing...

Mr. Bodo's Vamos Syndrome article regarding the Humble Bull is an insult disguising as satire. Fernando is not fooled. Rafa is 25 and is enjoying his life. Yet he is a true sportsman that comports himself with humulity and grace.

What about that bothers you Mr. Bodo. Envy?

Sticks and Stones May break My Bones

But I am afraid Names will Never Hurt me Mike

Have a Nice Day wont you:)

Sock and Harrison play 1st rd in Memphis. Ought to be interesting. Tons of pressure on Harrison there. Zero on Sock

Well, I rather like Ryan in spite of his little tantrums. He is one to watch ... and it's nice to see in a young American.

Well seeing I have more time up my sleeve now

I suppose I could work with young Ryans hair

As you all are aware he wont come anywhere near the Best Hair In Tennis aka
Roger Federer...I mean noone holds a candle to Roger...Ever!

Raonic-Anderson on serve in the first. Interesting matchup.

I see Nalby lost to Volandri. Ouch.

Is Volandri on drugs now:)

Come on Milos

Aussie Matt Ebden had many fits yesterday playing Kevin

Hell has the whole world gone mad now?

The Nose lost the 1st set to Leonardo Mayer....not not the painter Grant:)

Interesting that Bellucci comes up in an article about Harrison, discussions about expectations, etc. Thomaz certainly hasn't fulfilled the potential that many talked about. He's still only 24, so we'll see. I always thought he could be a consistent top 20, maybe even top 10, kinda guy.

There's something Sampras-like about Raonic's ability to cruise along in a set and all of a sudden break serve in a pivotal 4-4 or 5-5 game. Not to mention the serve, which is the spitting image of Pete's...

Well said, Del Pony. Milos seems to have a knack for that, doesn't he?

I think the biggest Difference what sets Milos apart from the Younger Players is his mentality to play the right shot on those 15-30 or 30-all Points.

That you can't learn. Either you have it or you don't.

I knew it was "hitter" right away.
OMG...my pants are on fire! LOL

arbiter: I'm curious...is someone paying you to post something silly and outrageous on every thread? I can't even remember what you said on the other thread, just that it was as strange as your comment on this one.

hey TennisFed have you heard about your girl teaming up with Mr Vaidisova for a shot of the Gold in England in mixed doubles?!

I wonder if Ryan's spine stress fracture is fully recovered. Anyone knows?

Aussiemarg,

I don't like the Idea Petra playing Mixed with Radek.

Well The Nose woke up in the 2nd set 6-2

Tennisfed

Well I dont mind the pairing at all

Steps is a good doubles player

Petra might even learn how to do The Worm Impersonations on court....if they win:)

Well its my afternoon nap time

Go Milos and The Nose see if you can win in 3 sets ok

Later everyone

ok I try again and this time look at the one asking you the question TennisFed,lol:)

why not is it because you don't like Radek?lol!

enjoy your nap Madame President!

AM:

Since Stepanek is a lady-killer with a reputation for girlfriends - and now his wife - retiring after hooking up with him, I think the joke is that Petra ought to know what she might be getting into... if she falls under his spell, will her career fall off the rails?

That Harrison-Lammer match was the best of that DC tie, played in a great spirit. The Kid has every reason to be proud, dead rubber or no. I like his spunk. A lot.

This is more interesting about Ryan that all this crap bodo brings to this blog...

Harrison: Some teach grunting to distract
Ticker - Friday, February 17, 2012
Ryan Harrison believes that new junior players can be taught not to grunt, but doesn’t believe that established players can tone down the volume of their shrieks. Harrison’s father Pat is a longtime teaching pro who told his kids not to be noisy.

Ryan Harrison told reporters at the SAP Open in San Jose said that some kids at the Nick Bollettieri Academy, where he occasionally trains are "a lot more [noisy] than they need to be. If you have a 7 year old girl grunting louder than I can scream in my entire life, that’s not really necessary. If you make some sort of exhaling noise, that’s fine, but whenever you hear a loud scream, I don’t know if it’s necessary at all times. There are some women pros who can’t stop because they have been doing it for so long, if you tell them to stop if will mess with their game. At that point they’ve gotten in rhythm and they are in their comfort zone. You can’t tell someone like Maria Sharapova to stop grunting because she's been doing it since she started playing. For her it’s not a distraction technique for her opponent, that’s just what she always done."

Harrison added that some coaches are culpable. "There are younger kids at academies like Bollettieri's that are taught to do things like that to mess with their opponents. My dad is OK with some sort of exhaling or some sort of noise, but if he starts getting the feeling some distraction for an opponent… The guy I was playing today [Dimitar Kutrovsky] was trying to dance around during my second serve and I’ve never been one to do anything, from bathroom breaks to grunting to trying to dance during someone’s service motion to try to mess up another player. Anything I’ve ever done is to try to control my side of the court. That’s how I was brought up. My dad never taught me to take bathroom breaks like you see other coaches trying to tell people to do that to try and disrupt rhythm. I always have had the approach that my game is better than yours and I don’t need to disrupt yours because I’m going to do what I can do and that’s going to be good enough." – Matt Cronin

I think it's good that Harrison shows his passion and some emotion on the court. He'll need that edge to start beating the elite players. Hopefully, his strong serve helps to get the rest of his game going and he's able to be a contender at some of the bigger tournaments this year.

Well, Cronin can't very well give Maria a pass on the grunting just because
she's "been doing it since she started playing" and yet penalize others for doing it.

The tennis coaches should certainly be stopped for teaching it to their pupils if that's what they are doing.

Lynne,good luck for reasoning with Matt Cronin when it comes to Sharapova,it's easier to get a droll bucket like manixdk will recommend it,lol!

Saturday Order of Play

ATP: Rotterdam at 8 AM - Del Potro vs Berdych
WTA: Doha at 10 AM - Stosur vs Bartoli followed by Azarenka vs Radwanska
WTA: Bogota at 10:30 AM - Babos vs Panova
ATP: Sao Paulo at 11 AM - Almagro vs Ramos followed by Bellucci vs Volandri
WTA: Bogota at 12:30 PM - Gallovits-Hall vs Arruabarena-Vecino
ATP: Rotterdam at 1:30 PM - Federer vs Davydenko
ATP: San Jose at 4 PM - Harrison vs Raonic
ATP: San Jose at 10:30 PM - Benneteau or Darcis vs Istomin or Roddick

Aube,

I should know better, shouldn't I ? As far as Matt's concerned Maria can do no wrong, lol !

CWATC - interesting - I hadn't thought about Ryan as being a relative oldster. But I guess he sorta is...sorta.

There you go Lynne when it comes to Matt just let him drool till he can drool no more,lol!

Must be a revolting sight, Aube ... the mind boggles.

Completely OT, but I just saw a terrific documentary on HBO on the making of 'Union' the Leon Russell/Elton John album from this past year. Is was a real love fest, and usually those are not so interesting....but this one shoots and scores courtesy of director, Cameron Crowe...some samples...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2MIi2yg_Bs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwS4kKeQbds&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfdPFubCJPY&feature=related

Nalby lost???!!!!! Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Not. ;-)

The Dallas Mavericks have come down from 14 at the half to take 2-Point lead.

WHEW...that was great.

Something with which to replace the much disliked Vamos Syndrome - courtesy of silly headline of the day from Yahoo..

http://news.yahoo.com/john-glenn-fever-grips-again-50-years-170634306.html

Symptoms of John Glenn Fever include, but are not limited to:

- An overwhelming desire to read Tom Wolf.

- An inexplicable desire to ride in a trash can while orbiting the earth.

- A sudden Eisnehowerian smile.

- Realizing that among your collaborators you count both Eddie Hodges AND Ted Williams.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Hodges

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Williams )

Vintage Dirk in this half.

Damn, SICK fadeaway by Dirk. Literally unguardable.

Hopefully Kobe will follow suit.

Well, the match du jour is obviously The Ent vs The Tbyrd, (which I think Juan will take - he was back to canon fire today...of course, Trotsky kept serving up perfectly placed balls for JMDP to hit, ... still, pretty impressive. ) But Milos/Ryan's Hope could be fun as well. And Go Zee Maid! (sorry AM). Hopefully a less grumpy and error prone Roger will show up tomorrow vs. DavyD.

now so random question, does Deuce Club still exist?? *i just haven't seen one up in while...

So looks like Lin tried to play the hero on an off nite. It was bound to happen.

He'll learn, esp with Melo coming back (apparently as soon as next week).

Ah, Ex-Tennis Fan, I'm putting a little something together now! Sorry for slacking lately... :(

Ryan's father is a tennis coach? That’s interesting.
A few times I have seen Harrison play, like last year at Cincy against Novak and bits of his match against Murray at this AO, no doubt that he is quiet impressive, he plays well and moves well around the court. Didn't seem in the least intimidated playing top rank players, and he seems really driven to do well. This davis cup outing with his team mates would have been great experience for him.

But there is no need to rush it, as Courier says, let him get his game in order, find out what he needs to fine tune and let him take his time. No point in pushing too hard and picking up some injury in the process.

Both veteran MVPs struggling. 2 TOs each so far (I think), and Nash can't knock down 3s while Kobe's failing to finish esp on fast breaks.

WAIT. I'm noticing now that we already have a weekend post ready and raring to go up in a few hours. Alas, I should hold off, then, so no posts get lost in the shuffle.

Will save this DC for next week though. Hope you guys haven't forsaken me!

No, Jackie, promise not to forsake you !

Thanks, Lynne. :( Promise to put something up next Friday! ON TIME!

Whoa, two 3's in a row by the Fakers. Pinch me.

Lots of swishes tonite. The LA-Phoenix games usually make for fun viewing.

Not so fast on the LA bench. The Suns' D is often woeful.

But yeah, good to see them making open shots for once.

Not Nash's best nite. But the guy can sure facilitate.

Hope he can pull off a Kidd someday. If there's 1 guy in the league today that deserves a ring more than any1 else, it's him.

Kobe has been whiny about non-non-calls all season long. He's gotta rein that in before long, 'cause those Ts could cost the Fakers big in the playoffs. And also get his rhythm going on the jumpers, esp from the arc.

Can't be even bothered to write decent sentences right now, which tells me it's time to retire. Later.

Saturday Order of Play

ATP: Rotterdam at 8 AM - Del Potro vs Berdych
WTA: Doha at 10 AM - Stosur vs Bartoli followed by Azarenka vs Radwanska
WTA: Bogota at 10:30 AM - Babos vs Panova
ATP: Sao Paulo at 11 AM - Almagro vs Ramos followed by Bellucci vs Volandri
WTA: Bogota at 12:30 PM - Gallovits-Hall vs Arruabarena-Vecino
ATP: Rotterdam at 1:30 PM - Federer vs Davydenko
ATP: San Jose at 4 PM - Harrison vs Raonic
ATP: San Jose at 10:30 PM - Benneteau or Darcis vs Istomin

Jackie: don't worry! i won't be forsaking you - though i am busy next friday so if i show up it'll probably be really late.

(btw, don't know if you knew, but this just horsen - changed the alias after the AO.)

Just waking up from my nap

Tina

Hmmm never thought about Steps and his 'voodoo' on women players:)

I will need to ponder further.....Meh I dont want Petra's future stuffed...

CL Hmmmm Sammy Oi,Oi,Oi, all the way......

Miss Jackie....No worries about the Deuce Post being late.If I can ever help you out.Please dont hesitate to email me.I wont be umpiring after all this season as my health as to come first and I need to get it back to 100%.

Ex Tennis Fan aka Just Horsen

Good to see you

Did you get Master Ace's message to you regarding putting up a bracket for RG this year?

MA said go ahead.I hope your still interested.

Master Ace

Thanks for the OOP schedule

I just need to check my time zones for the womens s/finals in Doha

"Hope he can pull off a Kidd someday. If there's 1 guy in the league today that deserves a ring more than any1 else, it's him."

I agree completely, but he refuses to demand a trade and the Suns don't seem interested in giving him up, so I don't know if it's going to happen.

Bvadr. Al Jazeera Sport on Hotbird 13E has decided that tennis and NBA in English from now on will be sent on +10, which costs extra. Sigh. Just sent my order off. Meanwhile, cardsharing is doing the job, with an occasional freeze.

They're giving blanket coverage to Doha, and the semis will be sent live at 4PM CET. the commentators are Robbie Koenig, Jason Goodall and Claire something. Sam Smith and some eye candy do the between matches analyses.

Because Eurosport International Nordic makes more money from German footy and skiing, only the second Doha semi will be sent live. The first one will be delayed at 1AM or 6AM Sunday CET. However, if you can see Eurosport France, they're sending both semis live, with the first one on French Eurosport 2, and the second on Eurosport 1. Eurosport Germany is keeping the same schedule as France.

British Eurosport 2 is sending both live.

Canal+ Sport 2 Nordic is sending both Rotterdam semis live. The first San Jose semi will be on Canal+Sport Extra, while Canal+Sport 2 sends Spurs-Clippers, and the second will be on Canal+ Sport 2.

French Sport+ will be sending either San José or São Paolo tonight at 22.30, the Sao Paolo final tomorrow night at 22.15, followed by the San Jose final.

The Italian Supertennis is sending Rotterdam and Sao Paolo live.

AM

Eurosport Oz is sending both semis live starting at 2 AM tomorrow.

AM

Looks like the final won't be live for you though http://tv.au.eurosport.com/

Manixdk

Thanks.I just checked with Eurosport better than midnight for me.I get my sleep.Though I would not mind watching Del Potro's match which is midnight for me.

Manxidk

Blah! I will just have to get a link then

Like I watch all tournament and they cant televise the final live?.Pfft.

AM

That's typical Eurosport. They're doing the same with Dubai, wall-to-wall coverage until the semis and finals.

Manxidk

Great the same with Dubai...

Hmmm, Robbie Koenig said that Caro looked off her game against Lucie, like there was something wrong. Interesting. I wish he's said more.