Friday 29 July 2011

Kim hits the gym.


Fanatic Omes:

I'm so excited that Kimmie's back. I love this woman's game too much. Well, aside from the double faults. Actually actually no - double faults included. Please keep your ankles safe and well Kimbo.

(Pic: Kim's twitter)

Thursday 28 July 2011

The State of American Tennis

(Pic: AP)
Neutral Omes:

John McEnroe, Arthur Ashe, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Jim Courier, Andy Roddick - that's a mighty impressive tennis resume for the United States. Indeed America has enjoyed the view from the top of men's tennis for some decades now. Perhaps this extensive list of greats is the reason why a current top-tenner, two current top-twentiers and a few promising young things will not suffice for a nation who's used to excelling. 

There are plenty talented male American players at the moment but no champion of champions; and the land of the free is feeling that sting. The USTA has invested $1.3million into a youth programme, "10 and Under Tennis" to encourage more American youngsters to take up the sport, with legendary tennis couple Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf keenly lending a hand. The equally legendary John McEnroe describes the comparative lack of success as "frustrating" and cited that fact as fuel for the launching of his John McEnroe Tennis Academy with which he aims to "get the buzz back in tennis".

Perhaps that's why the U.S's recent defeat to Spain at their Davis Cup quarterfinal was that much more painful. Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish unfortunately failed to fly the flag despite all the promise they showed going in. Furthermore the event just highlighted the fact that the last of their greats - Roddick, is perhaps closer to the finish line than they'd like. What was highlighted more though, is the current Spanish/European dominance. And that's a part of the problem - Europe has stepped up over the years. In fact there are only three non-European tennis players in the top 20 - Mardy Fish, Andy Roddick and Juan Martin del Potro. 

But despite all this I'd like to reassure the U.S. (doubtful that it would be of any help,) that there's no need to panic. They're just having some down-time; and to be able to say that with Fish, Roddick and Isner in the mix is surely a privileged position for them to be in. Furthermore, they've got the explosive Ryan Harrison on which to pin future hopes. In the meantime, it’s Europe's turn to shine.

Wednesday 27 July 2011

Omes Tennis debuts a new logo!


Both Neutral and Fanatic Omes are proud to finally be portayed by cartoon.

Wonderful wonderful illustrations by Laura Godfrey.

Who run the world?



Fanatic Omes:

LOVE this.

(Vid: NikeWomen)

No. Way.


Fanatic Omes:

HOLY SMOKES, ERNIE WON A MATCH!!!

It felt like news...

(Pic: Getty)

Monday 25 July 2011

Simon's da mon.


Fanatic Omes:

Gilles Simon was a happy bunny yesterday after defeating clay prince, Nicolas Almagro to win the bet-at-home Open (yah, that’s actually what it’s called :/). I’m not sure what that’s going to mean for him seeing as we are currently in the HARD court season (that was said loud enough for Hamburg to hear).  But he’ll certainly take away some serious confidence. Believe it or not it was actually Gillou’s first ATP 500 title (...I know). The win has propelled him to no. 11 and he is now perfectly poised to once again settle into the top ten where he belongs.

Baby G was even there to support – Gillou now considers him his lucky charm. Here is a video of Lil’ Gilles giving Big Gilles a high five. All together now: AWWWWWW.

My womb has now turned into rose-infused chocolate and it's in a puddle on the floor.

(Pic: Getty)