tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28201751420456752082024-03-06T01:34:03.860+00:00Omes TennisTennis from a neutral point of view...naat.Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-18335437137429387932012-03-09T00:14:00.000+00:002012-03-09T00:14:35.643+00:00I still love you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jyzcT7TxbE/T1lKoTaeiuI/AAAAAAAAAjk/xawbixk8AXg/s1600/deep-down-i-still-love-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jyzcT7TxbE/T1lKoTaeiuI/AAAAAAAAAjk/xawbixk8AXg/s400/deep-down-i-still-love-you.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><br />
</b></u></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ok I've been M.I.A for so long that Bucky Dun Gun keeps coming up on my ipod. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Truth is I found it really hard to recover from what Tennis did to me at the Australian Open final. Tennis broke my heart, stomped on the pieces then fed them to a lion. And so I needed my space. But I'm willing to give Tennis a second chance. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'll be waiting at Indian Wells; don't let me down. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Emo out.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic: troll.me)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-91186720404296597582012-01-31T12:04:00.002+00:002012-01-31T16:53:40.886+00:00Why Rafa's fans should smile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GA-S69FdrNs/TyfYH4aKWmI/AAAAAAAAAjU/cQ-jFUm9isI/s1600/rafael-nadal-australian-open-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GA-S69FdrNs/TyfYH4aKWmI/AAAAAAAAAjU/cQ-jFUm9isI/s320/rafael-nadal-australian-open-2012.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Fanatic Omes</u></b>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">7-5 for the first set,</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">0-40 down in the fourth set - 2 winners, 2 un-returnable serves and an ace,</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">7-6 for the fourth set having been down 3-5 in the tiebreak, </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the fifth, break point saved at 4-4 and 5-5,</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Break point when Djokovic served for the title,</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">67% first serves, 10 aces, 5 sets, 5 hours 53 minutes.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Longest Slam final in history. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Novak Djokovic is out of Rafael Nadal's head.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Smile. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic: AP)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-67913393088196826262012-01-30T00:18:00.002+00:002012-01-31T12:11:35.868+00:00Vika takes it all<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RTUbz1xXio/TyPi0c5VmFI/AAAAAAAAAjI/v26Ul2P8YOU/s1600/vika-azarenka-australian-open-2012-winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RTUbz1xXio/TyPi0c5VmFI/AAAAAAAAAjI/v26Ul2P8YOU/s400/vika-azarenka-australian-open-2012-winner.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Neutral Omes</b></u>: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">It was an unsurprisingly nervy start from Vika, broken in her first service game by Maria. For those few minutes it looked like a case of "well done for making it to the final, Vika, but the stage is too big for you". Besides, in this particular case the last person you want to see opposite you is Maria. But when Vika finally did get on the board, the nerves disappeared and I don't think anyone was prepared for the way she was going to take it to Maria. From then on the Belarussian, never looked back.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Both women have similar game styles, looking to be the aggressor all the time – all shots were attempted winners, but Vika's landed in more often than Maria's. And with a 71% break point conversion, she clearly took every opportunity.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vika has been the form player throughout the tournament, blitzing everything and everyone in her path early on, and when adversity was thrown at her - in the form of Radwanska, she held her cool. Her semi-final against Clijsters was another turning point - after a roller-coaster of a match, she took control of her nerves to serve out the win - it was here that she showed she had what it takes mentally.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSBl4MRgGx2Gm9BPEHNSIkaxMIfyooNzD8oZ-L4FUh3Bt1QlXTKc1ayX-djrYiwihj_ZVHVI9Kq_NVRCob6qsvVycK6vi2JLbXXMJX1JV7XQBwCn5AROQWr8AOWogyfF-tQS4fBmjF7LF/s1600/vika-azarenka-australian-open-2012-win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSBl4MRgGx2Gm9BPEHNSIkaxMIfyooNzD8oZ-L4FUh3Bt1QlXTKc1ayX-djrYiwihj_ZVHVI9Kq_NVRCob6qsvVycK6vi2JLbXXMJX1JV7XQBwCn5AROQWr8AOWogyfF-tQS4fBmjF7LF/s400/vika-azarenka-australian-open-2012-win.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">That mental temperament was there for the final– the occasion didn’t phase her. And when your mind shows up your body follows. It was almost surprising just how sharp she was (her off-court work clearly paid off) – moving Maria around, playing with variety and dictating everything. Like it <i>wasn't</i> her maiden Slam final and it <i>wasn't</i> Maria Sharapova at the other side of the net. It must be said it wasn’t Maria's day, but Vika took advantage of that and played her into submission and failure. She took Maria's game away, and in that 2nd set, she took Maria's <i>games </i>away. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When Maria netted that final ball, Vika sank to her knees in disbelief, coming to the realization that she actually has what it takes to win a Slam. And with her first major title and being crowned the new number 1, she’s taken it all. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic: AP)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-66936574711817599342012-01-28T12:29:00.001+00:002012-01-28T12:30:03.717+00:00Quick semifinal thoughts<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qAP2Gn2NqcI" width="560"></iframe></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to make this quick as I am quivering at the thought of the final, I can hardly keep my food down, much less type.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Fedal Fireworks</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What can I say? Rafa DEF has his swagger back. He was unpredictable changed direction of the ball nicely - something he was majorly lacking at then end of last year, no? His mind was there in the clutch moments. And hello passing shots! (See video above.) Roger was always there but his ball found the net far too often at far too important moments. He did everything right, but when your guy hits a frankly ridonkadonk MISS-HIT lob and it lands on the baseline, break point down, only for you to smash it into the doubles alley, it's just not your day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was naturally some exceptional tennis from the pair of them – this wasn’t a Fedal that was over-hyped. It was thrilling, riveting and truly lived up to expectations. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh and SQUEEEEEEEEE.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Novandy...wait no I prefer Andak</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The match started so slow, I actually aged. There seemed to be 4 players and 3 matches out there. Nole vs Nole, Andy vs Andy and Nole vs Andy. At times the match turned cray (for lack of a better word), with questionable shot selections all over the shop - we litch didn’t know what was happening – whether one or both was suffering physically and mentally or d) all of the above. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But the dreadful start was blitzed by the titanic end – there was so much tension, heart and guts. And there was no clear winner till that last game.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andy has definitely grown - it's safe to say he's arrived mentally. What let him down was that he didn’t take his chances earlier, but he did take some and that's a step up. He is proud and so are we. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And damn you Nole. You're brilliant.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Closing remarks</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's rare and a privilege to have titanic back to back semis between the world’s best players. It was fun. Now excuse me while I check into Vomitville.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vid: ESPN on YouTube)</span></span><br />
</div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-35244655418572544602012-01-26T00:47:00.000+00:002012-01-26T00:47:02.916+00:00Aussie Open quarter-final musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3RaumAya1s/TyCiFCsx08I/AAAAAAAAAio/Pkf7CH7ngq4/s1600/australian-open-quarterfinals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3RaumAya1s/TyCiFCsx08I/AAAAAAAAAio/Pkf7CH7ngq4/s400/australian-open-quarterfinals.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Fanatic Omes</u>: </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lopsided quarters</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With important seeds being booted out in Petra, Masha and Andy's draws, there were three cases of heavyweight/lightweight match-ups.The great thing about this? It allowed for some much coveted sleep time. Sleep is for the me.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How Rafa got his groove back</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It took Tomas Berdych, a bad call from Carlos Bernardes and a lucky break in the second set to ignite el pasion in Rafa. He acknowledged he started nervous and that at times he stood "20m behind the baseline" and for a while it looked as though Tomas was going to pull off the upset. Tomas played excellently, he was so solid, error free and tactically sound for most of the match, I wanted to punch him in the face. But when Rafa's gets as animated as he did, it's tough to get past him.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Having been robbed of the 1st set (shhh, I'm a fan) but catching a break in the 2nd - it was like he was battling his 2011 demons in that moment and managed to break free of the mental prison that Novak threw him in last year. He then when on to play how he should for the next two sets- stepping up on the baseline; hitting flatter and harder. Credit to Tomas who by no means disappeared for the rest of the match, but listen to what Rafa said:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"The most important thing I had the calm".</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You guys.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>No. 1 no more</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Kim (who's ankle thankfully held up enough) showed Caro how it's done. The defending champ just had too much game for Caro, who even Hingis, urged to "step forward". Caro remained optimistic afterwards though, remarking that time was on her side. Whether that was a dig at Kimmie or not, we'll never know. Caro's now Slamless and no. 1-less. Who knows, maybe the loss of her beloved no.1 will spark the necessary change in her game.</span><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ferrer's disbelief</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daveeed had us going there for a minute. With his unrelenting brand of tennis he was able to make Nole look human for the first 2 sets. He could and should have made Djokovic play at least 4 sets, but when it came to the crunch - i.e. 4-2 up in the second set tiebreak, he just didn't believe in himself nearly enough. Ferrer, please don't believe those who underestimate you.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nole should take solace in how he played in the 3rd set - he can't afford to go for anything less when he plays Andy. (I should probably win an Obvious award for that statement).</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">(Pic: Getty)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-82376378624218999222012-01-23T19:17:00.000+00:002012-01-23T19:17:06.360+00:00Aussie Open 4th round blatherings<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HaCskl4KtdE" width="420"></iframe><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Fanatic Omes</u></b>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Comeback Kim</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coming back from 4 match points down in a second set tiebreak with a rolled ankle to win a match - that's boss. Kim C managed to pull that off much to her surprise. And no doubt Li Na's as well, who was just in shear disbelief that she could throw away a match that was on her racquet. 4 times. Poor Na was unsurprisingly in hysterics in her post match presser. It's a shame - she was finally finding her form after her maiden Slam slump, only to throw such a crucial match on the stage where her career year begun. Let's hope she bounces back nicely and can once again be a force for the rest of the season. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kimbo will go on to play Caro and I'm praying her ankle is ok, because THIS, I want to see. I'm always up for student v master scenarios. Yes I believe compared to an "on" Kim, Caro's still a student.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rafa report</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rafa's doing good - he's still serving B52s. He's playing Mr Baby (Berdych) next which will be a step up in terms of competition/quality but I expect him to come through nicely - provided I stay up to watch the match and only take my eyes off the screen to blink and tweet. Experience tells me that you shouldn't leave Rafa unsupervised. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tourney faves</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andy is comfortable y'all. He said so. I mean I'd be comfy if I knew I had a spot the semi-final. Not to take anything away from Nishikori - who is a fine, fine player and has pulled off a mighty fine win (more below), but we all know he's not going to trouble comfAndy. Jo Willy on the other hand could've if he didn't decide to leave his form in Doha.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Novak is still looking great. I'm not going to say much about Hewitt as I'm bitter I missed the end of what I thought would be a routine match to take a Power Pump class at the gym (bad decisions). So read <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/djokovic-beats-hewitt-in-four-sets-20120124-1qecy.html">this </a>for sentimental Hewittness. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Am I seeing things, or does Nole look a little bit less impervious than his usual 2011 self - he's <i>got </i>to be feeling the pressure from the weight of expectation that last year gave birth to - and I think its manifesting in his game. Or is it just wishful thinking? (Rafa fan, remember). Only time will tell - I still have him as a firm favourite for this tournie though.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The student and the master</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Roger showed Tomic how it was done. Tomic got a lesson in how to do it and hopefully has learned a lesson in humility. Nah, who are we kidding. Of Federer, Tomic stated:</span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"It's tough. I can't use my shots the I way I need them against him ... because he knows, he's a little bit smarter and he understands where I'm going to go." </i></span></blockquote><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">See I kind of feel that as time goes by this will be the case with everyone else. Yes the <strike>beauty of</strike> thing about Tomic is that you never know what you're going to get next, but did you know that the shuffle feature on your ipod actually has a formula? Once the other players figure out Tomic's formula, he'll be just like everybody else. He's welcome to prove me wrong though. (By the way I still think he's a great player and the future of men's tennis).</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Giant killers</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">56th ranked giant killer Ekaterina Makarova has gone ahead and slayed three fire-breathers - all in straight sets - in her run to the quarters: Kanepi, Zvonareva and fiery-est of all Serena. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Serena played in that same sluggish manner she employed at the US Open final last year. She divulged that her ankle still wasn't 100 % (said if it wasn't a Slam, she wouldn't have played; exact sentiments were: "no way"), but made no excuses for losing, acknowledging that Makarova just played better. Well done Mak, that is some feat. I'm kind of mad at you for not letting me see a Masha/Serena quarter though.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nishikori also pulled off a stunner, beating Jo Wills in a five set thriller to make his first Slam quarter-final ever. Jo Wills was up and down, but when he was up, Kei just hit everything back. Simples. Wells done Kei. Try not to run out of steam Jo, you've been doing so well recently.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Closing remarks</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I still resent Power Pump.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vid: tennisclipsonline on Youtube)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-53779771298818016132012-01-21T19:31:00.001+00:002012-01-23T00:17:48.455+00:00In the thick of it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnP-mB0qTnwd9n8E3Qn1LAfTKZ3b3_2-DmqWu7061bt8bPzAHKH3Z4wfHtLmEsTDHsIeCQRBfQbESD2Sz_UBYOiFQyIEKZGjChZLAV0mioSbEuifCxuvz2P4OdlotCgmJUg5hW9dyj-6Bw/s1600/australian-open-day-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnP-mB0qTnwd9n8E3Qn1LAfTKZ3b3_2-DmqWu7061bt8bPzAHKH3Z4wfHtLmEsTDHsIeCQRBfQbESD2Sz_UBYOiFQyIEKZGjChZLAV0mioSbEuifCxuvz2P4OdlotCgmJUg5hW9dyj-6Bw/s400/australian-open-day-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">16 people left in each draw. 1 for every hour I slept last week.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ladies' match of the day: <b>Lisicki </b>vs <b>Sharapova</b>; 1st night match on Laver</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Men's match of the day: <b>Djokovic </b>vs <b>Hewitt</b>; last night match on Laver</span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic: Getty)</span></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kimmie and Na; Roger and Tomic - is it getting good, or is it getting good? And as you've probably inferred, they're my matches of the day. Kim/Na are last day session on Laver. Rog/Tomic are right after them. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Best get that bag of fresh corn kernels ready for sticking in the saucepan! Or you know, a ready made bag of popcorn.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/schedule12.html" target="_blank">Order of play</a>.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-73451299465919893242012-01-21T19:08:00.002+00:002012-01-22T02:50:13.144+00:00Aussie Open 3rd round thoughts<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2Waj9jk5LgI" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Fanatic Omes</u>: </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tournament faves</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andy Murray was on another level somewhere in space against his EXO against Llodra. The shotmaking from both was CRAY but literally everything Llodra, - who had to serve so many hotdogs, you'd think he had his own stand - everything Llodra hit at Muzz came back with, as Serena would say, aplomb. There were outrageous volleys, lobs, passes and even a backwards roll from Muzzard to claim the 2nd set. Guys Andy was enjoying himself out there. Uh oh.<i> </i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nole is still crushing it. Keep the line moving, nothing to see here. Ditto for all my women faves.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rafa Report</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rafa's serve is giving me happies.<b><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">81 % first serves in, during the match against Lacko? Yes please, I'll have fries and a coke zero with mine. And he still hasn't dropped a set. All is well.</span> </b></span> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Future of Men's Tennis</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you were ever wondering what the outcome of two of the most idiosyncratic characters on the tour playing each other was like, you got your answer in the 3rd round Dolgo/Tomic clash. And that answer was probably the most thrilling match of the tournament so far. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know I'm probably in the minority but I'm down with the current men's game. It's strong, it's fast, it's powerful - that's how I like my sports. I like muscle (both figuratively and physically.) Don't get me wrong variety is <i>just </i>as important, but are you saying Roger, Rafa, Nole, Andy Tsonga - I could go on - don't have variety in their game? Exactly. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I do prefer Dolgo's game to Tomic's - there are more "out-of-nowhere" shots and there's a lot more creativity. Tomic on the other hand doesn't hide the fact that he plays junk tennis. It may be skilled, but it's messy, sleepy and not as pretty. Don't get me wrong - he's going to grow up to be fantastic (lest he stops the cheating), but if he's the future of men's tennis, count me out. Junk tennis belongs in the trash. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Regardless, I'm looking forward to his showdown with Roger.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sneakers</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Nico Almagro is in the 4th round guys, and according to <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/caropaquin80" target="_blank">caropaquin80</a>, has made it this far at the AO for the past 3 years! I know. He defeated Stan in straights, the sneaky mofo. Another character trundling along nicely is Berdych who no one seems to be talking about. They play each other next so one of them will be sneaking their way out.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Chicas in pain</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Anabel Medina Garrigues after the long wait for Dolpo/Tomic retired in tears during her match against Li Na, after taking a step wrong and twisting her ankle. Eurosport of course didn't fail to replay the moment over and over - thanks guys. Kiri after a highly anticipated 3rd rounder with Kvitty also had to bow out with a groin injury. Both ladies showed courage and tried to play on for a bit but their bodies just didn't let them. Get well soon girls.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Aussie glory</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Bet you didn't think there'd be two Aussie heroes flying the flag this far, or at least you didn't think one of them wouldn't be Samantha. Hewitt showed a somewhat flat Milos how it was done in 4 sets, and I'm sure is really pleased that he's making this comeback on home soil. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tip</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Go ahead and watch the video above if you haven't yet - oh, it's worth it. At least from 2:46 minutes in.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vid: WilsonRacquet on YouTube)</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-11635458337533382942012-01-20T23:27:00.002+00:002012-01-20T23:39:41.793+00:00Onwards and upwards and all around.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHoq0p3Io51-p6ND0MARjy9VXaKP4Vl87QXXKZCyqpmITQ-j59vV2GnCJRVfdFK_pWtvZnZ5GJAhvcffBuvTEjOAC8DOcPxIV9VjSAv6FYNKqigmQ9yNONz6KEU-jaCtJtAESEnhmIfC9/s1600/australian-open-day-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHoq0p3Io51-p6ND0MARjy9VXaKP4Vl87QXXKZCyqpmITQ-j59vV2GnCJRVfdFK_pWtvZnZ5GJAhvcffBuvTEjOAC8DOcPxIV9VjSAv6FYNKqigmQ9yNONz6KEU-jaCtJtAESEnhmIfC9/s400/australian-open-day-5.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Between Nalbandian's challenge controversy/alleged water throwing, Baghdatis' racquet demolition, Vika's line judge tantrum and Tomic's cheating, there's been so much drama at this Aussie Open, that I really didn't need to watch that episode of Revenge.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html" target="_blank">Order of play.</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ladies' match of the day: Kirilenko vs Kvitova; 1st on Laver</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Men's match of the day: Raonic vs Hewit; last on Laver</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic: Getty)</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-41422044947387188112012-01-20T12:19:00.000+00:002012-01-20T12:19:15.888+00:00Aussie Open 2nd Round Report<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Uv7gAhhcb24" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Rafa Report</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The hypercritical fan in me still wants him to hit the ball harder. I guess it's good that he's been stretched well enough early. (Taking what I can get here.) </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Tournament faves</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nole and Andy and are doing really well - nothing to see here, keep moving. Kvitty had her first scare coming from a break down in the 2nd set against Suarez-Navarro but good thing is that she can win when she's playing ugly. She's gonna need that skill if she wants to play with the cool kids.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Crusing ladies</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There's obviously a massive gap between the leading ladies and the rest of the field. With just 28 games lost between the lot of them after the 2nd round, Kimmie, Na, Vika, and Serena are just steamrolling ahead. This makes me very excite.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Angry men </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fish has been exhibiting some unpleasant behaviour of late and he brought along the bad attitude to the Ausso. Apparently dear Mardy was so irate at one point during his match against Alenjandro Falla (which he lost in straights) that he actually spat at fans! It's such a shame - it's like his 2011 season never happened. What's going on witchu Mardy?</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've all seen <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHCQcTEptYA&feature=related" target="_blank">that video</a> of Baghdatis breaking 4 racquets in a row after his 4 set loss to Stan (hey, 1 for each set!). <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2012/01/19/did-loss-of-sponsorship-spark-tennis-stars-tantrum/" target="_blank">But was it all a dig the racquet manufacturers</a>? Probably not. But a good effort from Forbes on that story.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then there was the whole Nalbandian challenge controversy where... oh do I really need to explain it again? Just click <a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/18012012/58/furious-nalbanian-requests-referee.html" target="_blank">here</a> to watch the video. Anywhoo it was most unfair. The call didn't lose Nalby the match though - it just robbed him of an opportunity to win it. But before we crucify Kader Nouni let's remember that he just made a mistake at work. If we had to be investigated every time we made mistakes at work... well we'd just be being investigated a lot. Yeah.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Closing remarks</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peace out.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vid: CardCollections on YouTube)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-9954038902410477692012-01-20T00:28:00.000+00:002012-01-20T12:20:41.776+00:00Let's keep it moving.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaitKSuYllab6skHr_KKBizaTcDolSHzequSjcgDFuCLUdjIW3b6C6Zs7Tys145PB3HznwoSnV9oAEA5j3gV7_nJATI8vVPE1KBVSt84feminGfE4e5f05QhwGNJR5oUfAmWEAh-l3GK5Y/s1600/australian-open-day-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaitKSuYllab6skHr_KKBizaTcDolSHzequSjcgDFuCLUdjIW3b6C6Zs7Tys145PB3HznwoSnV9oAEA5j3gV7_nJATI8vVPE1KBVSt84feminGfE4e5f05QhwGNJR5oUfAmWEAh-l3GK5Y/s400/australian-open-day-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Competition heats up with seeds sprouting up to play each other. It's still really weird that someone is definitely going to win this thing. Sorry that didn't make much sense, I'm a wee bit sleep deprived. But you get it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html" target="_blank">OOP</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Ladies' match of the day: <b>Clijsters </b>vs <b>Hantuchova</b>; 4th on Hisense </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Men's match of the day: <b>Dolgopolov </b>vs <b>Tomic</b>; 4th on Laver</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic:Reuters)</span></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Oh no, it's day 4! Which means it's basically day 5. Then 6. Which is basically 7, which is so close to 8. Then 9 is just round the corner; meaning 10 is already here. Which will basically merge into 11 with 12 on the horizon. That's almost 13, then it's THE FINAL DAY. SLOOOOOW DOOOOWWWNNN AUS.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html" target="_blank">OOP</a>.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ladies' match of the day: <b>Stephens </b>vs <b>Kuznetsova</b>; 4th on Court 3</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Men's match of the day: <b>Hewitt </b>vs <b>Roddick</b>; 2nd on Laver</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-54592301124183361632012-01-17T22:30:00.000+00:002012-01-17T22:30:12.604+00:00Aussie Open First Round Blather<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RyhNk4O1Nbs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Fanatic Omes</u>:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My favourites</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nole is looking good enough to defend his title. His outfit however is not. Too many colours and patterns bro. My favourite part was when he got broken in the 3rd game and my twitter timeline started talking about his demise.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andy also came through nicely enough. I didn't watch the match but no eyebrow raising from me - Harrison ain't an easy first round opponent.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kvitty and Vika killed it. Dead. They be looking goooood, but we'll know more when they encounter more difficult opponents. (Obvious statement of the year.) Oh and I'm not a fan of Vika's shorts, she looks like she's in practice. Bring back the baby doll dress Viks.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rafito </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can Rafa please give his fans some peace of mind just once? Busted shoulders; crack-y knees. Jeez Louise. Please Rafa, do it for us. He totes rocked out his match though; and apparently was moving well in practice so you know, yay.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Shocks </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If it was noticeably darker in Melbourne Park it's because Verdasco, who proceeded to wear the Sun, went out to Tomic in 5 sets. Well we knew it would be interesting. Where he goes from here, I don't know but homie needs to make some changes fast - the demise is unnecessary. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ay nooo Samantha! Maybe Sam should see a sports psychologist because it's been downhill since the USO and frankly, she's better than this. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Other important observations</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What's up with the Brits? Five out at once in the 1st round, with no sets for any of them. Come on Britannia. Rule Britannia.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What are those gargantic bugs that keep landing on court? They're making me shudddder. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having shielded my eyes from Jo Willy's shoes, Masha's straps and Verdasco, I can safely say the theme for this Aussie Open is: BRIGHT.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vid: carlpcurran on YouTube)</span><br />
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</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-25262006831062030982012-01-16T00:10:00.003+00:002012-01-17T00:12:18.596+00:00Oi Oi Oi<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqi282mjD1yOrrRoFuaPuRc5TOM9Vci4o1xdDVdc4gIZQedtS7oSay2geXi3Kl29PxxJh_Lj2ozELkv3eYOrf6yyMae8aD7toxO9kHG7fKxiomapZVzaHVT4ylqmbZFRGVBIkdn0qVC7m/s1600/australian-open-day-2-blurb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqi282mjD1yOrrRoFuaPuRc5TOM9Vci4o1xdDVdc4gIZQedtS7oSay2geXi3Kl29PxxJh_Lj2ozELkv3eYOrf6yyMae8aD7toxO9kHG7fKxiomapZVzaHVT4ylqmbZFRGVBIkdn0qVC7m/s400/australian-open-day-2-blurb.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Hands up who feels like the blood has been drained from their body? And it's only day 2. Oh the life of a fan.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html" target="_blank">OOP</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Ladies' match of the day: <b>Stosur </b>vs <b>Cirstea</b>; 3rd on Laver</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Men's match of the day: <b>Murray </b>vs <b>Harrison</b>; 3rd on Hisense</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic: Getty)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3N0aAe1E6jqeXkhWfbOKUfEWZ_vNbAGe6u97_pmL111okIQzIAyL4AY1ra7BnxiWWec1kiGve6TrMcFa98ybCgG5r3SF01FFXS_ZQ6cMu_-MAHBPxksGP4luX3T0cqSBKvutxMj-RMKF5/s1600/australian-open-day-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3N0aAe1E6jqeXkhWfbOKUfEWZ_vNbAGe6u97_pmL111okIQzIAyL4AY1ra7BnxiWWec1kiGve6TrMcFa98ybCgG5r3SF01FFXS_ZQ6cMu_-MAHBPxksGP4luX3T0cqSBKvutxMj-RMKF5/s400/australian-open-day-1.jpg" width="400" /><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u> </u></b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Fanatic Omes</u></b>:</span></div><h2 align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b><span style="color: #336699; font-size: small;">Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,<br />
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,<br />
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,<br />
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.</span></b></span></i></h2><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's Christmas morning. Leggo.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html" target="_blank">OOP</a>. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ladies' match of the day: <b>Azarenka </b>vs <b>Watson</b>; 1st on Laver.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Men's match of the day: <b>Tomic </b>vs <b>Verdasco</b>; 2nd on Laver.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-70592096920034327392012-01-13T18:51:00.005+00:002012-01-14T19:32:57.466+00:00Australian Open 2012 Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrL2bEB2c08/TxB68INlnFI/AAAAAAAAAhU/6AdARc9toJw/s1600/australian-open-fans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrL2bEB2c08/TxB68INlnFI/AAAAAAAAAhU/6AdARc9toJw/s400/australian-open-fans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Men </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I agree with Uncle Toni's assessment: the two favourites for the Aussie Open are Nole - for obvious reasons and Murray because he's hungry to win his first Slam. You could argue that Nole has only had tournament practice in the form of a lowly exo some eons ago yadda yadda but that's only because you'd be a Rafa fan.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As for Murray there's the perpetual argument that he's hungry for his first Slam, but add to that the fact that he's acquired the Brisbane title, Ivan Lendl and another year of finals experience under his belt and he's looking stronger than he ever has. *Insert something witty and related about his shaggy mane here*.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now I would've considered King Rog to be a heavy heavy favourite coming in if he hadn't messed up his back. At the end of last year he was looking sensationnelle but we know what happened last time he played with a slight back injury - let's just hope Alejandro Falla isn't anywhere in sight. I guess I'm going to have to cap off Roger's progress at the quarters, but I could be wrong. And probably will be.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And now for our Bacardi champion. The good new is that the shoulder is in perfect conditions. The illusion is there; the passion is there. Things are looking good. I mean, Rafael Nadal is alwaysandforever going to be a contender and he seems to be practising well, but it's a matter of wait and see.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Someone that should definitely command your attention is the small matter of Jo-Willy Tsonga who has not put a foot wrong since the end of last year. You know how everyone keeps asking if there is anyone that could spoil the top 4 party? Yeah. This guy.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The last male player that springs to mind is the bombastic Milos who captured his 2nd title ever in Chennai. Expect him to go far. Well as far as Nole in the fourth round. Sorry Milos.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Women </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim's hip and Serena's ankle are making it hard for me to place them - it really just depends on how they're holding up - there's a credible army of contenders these days. I am NAAT optimistic about MaSha at all though. Zero match practice since forever is just not going to cut it. You never know though. Although, you do. Why are all our veteran champs hobbling?</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vika's made her way nicely to the Sydney title and is definitely a top pick for me to get far. Her draw should certainly allow it up to the quarters. Petra's obviously a front-runner as well and I'm sure she won't allow her loss to Na in Sydney to phase her. Na on the other hand should definitely allow the win to phase <i>her.</i> Knowing she can take on someone like Kvittygoat will be a big consolation; and stepping back on the court where she'd made the finals last year as we all know, will be a huge boost. Na says "[she's] back" and I believe her.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As for Caro and her wrist - I'm not so sure. I don't think she's in the best shape ever to do some serious damage (well not after she gets to the fourth round anyway; have a look at her section of the draw - it ain't bad). There are far too many challengers in the mix for a full fledged Caro show.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So there's my take. Thank you and goodnight. I'm off to sleep for a full 48 hours.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Click <a href="http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/draws/pdf.html" target="_blank">here</a> for the draws. </span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span class="credit">Pic: Scott Barbour/Getty)</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="credit"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-28086777133682860232012-01-07T17:25:00.003+00:002012-01-07T17:30:45.366+00:00Zheng Jie is totally ballin.<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consider the dirt on Zheng Jie's shoulder...off.</span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qJYMQ4YNIRQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vid: ASBClassicvideo on YouTube</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-44223401558470095732012-01-07T17:12:00.001+00:002012-01-07T17:29:03.063+00:00A letter to 2012.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGZaPm_BUtsMWbwzZxC1_1ynodu64u6MeDMJ1TljIwQwHsrhe0yrtXhholt4ivZnvOzrcyg2Pe8SUKjXVTLnn9qve1PjmIH796qf1-6PUIstv4AFGe9e4I2V-YWr9xahL1s_-HHmfbrSF/s1600/tennis-2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGZaPm_BUtsMWbwzZxC1_1ynodu64u6MeDMJ1TljIwQwHsrhe0yrtXhholt4ivZnvOzrcyg2Pe8SUKjXVTLnn9qve1PjmIH796qf1-6PUIstv4AFGe9e4I2V-YWr9xahL1s_-HHmfbrSF/s400/tennis-2012.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi 2012, it's nice to finally meet you. As a Rafa fan, I've been willing you to arrive for some time. You signal so much for me - hope, dreams, wonder. You erase the ugliness of the past and allow for a clean slate. Because of you we can say "what 6 finals?" and "Novak who?". Indeed you let us dream of that 11th or 12th or even 13th piece of Slam silverware. It's you who can alter the path of our favourite Scottish GOATNTWAS (and encourage him to get back on Twitter).</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You bring forth hope of varied court speeds and minimal injuries. You allow the excitement of fresh faces, underdogs and up-and-comers to bubble under. And stories of heroes and heroines overcoming their obstacles to taste glory once again. It's you who could say to Kvitova - "new young one - go and reign" and you who can draw out the magic from Milos, Sabine and Anastacia. You allow us to dream of a time were Monfils plays like he has a brain.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You're even throwing in the challenge of the Olympics for good measure. Mixing things up like the cheeky chappy you are. The answer to whether Roger can retire a happy man with that gold medal under his belt lies in you.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's in you that tennis on Twitter could have its biggest and baddest year yet. With humblebraggers, oversharerers, controversy kings and the like. And no doubt more and more phenomenal superfans. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, you've got so much promise, 2012. But don't kill your players; don't be that guy. Spare Roger, Kim, Serena, Marin, Sabine and Julia G. Fulfil your destiny and shine. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shine, 2012, SHINE.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-31679110790559112042011-12-05T13:22:00.000+00:002011-12-05T13:22:43.909+00:00Rafa pranks Ferru<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xwgu814gQ8Q" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It must be love.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vid: RafaNadalOfficial on YouTube)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-1980462257964453102011-12-05T13:07:00.001+00:002011-12-05T13:14:41.100+00:00Davis Cup 2011 thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYF48iga2Bg/TtzAX4Jg-3I/AAAAAAAAAgo/3kaDUz88C4I/s1600/spain-win-davis-cup-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYF48iga2Bg/TtzAX4Jg-3I/AAAAAAAAAgo/3kaDUz88C4I/s400/spain-win-davis-cup-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can I just use this opportunity to say, um, WOOP. I'm so pleased - this is exactly what Rafa needed! After a tumultuous year full of darkness, anger and despair (#blameNovak) us Rafa fans at least got the end we were hoping for.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a rollercoaster-tastic match. In the first game when Rafa was getting broken left right and centre, that feeling of misery echoed in those 6 finals resurfaced and it was horrific (#blameNovak). I thought the unthinkable would happen. A loss in front of a home crowd final on clay after the year Rafa had had would have, at the risk of sounding dramatic, destroyed him. (Bearing in mind Abu Dhabi starts at the end of this month.) </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But that didn't happen and even though he final set had more breaks than holds of serve (was there even <i>one</i>??), I was confident that Rafa would take it in the tie break. I hope at that moment he too "let go of the fear" (#blameNovak) for 2012.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway if Rafa gets an A for his part in the DC final, Daveeeeed (Ferrer) get's an A+, MVP and Man of the Match because he really did pull it out the bag for Spain.* That win against Delpo was just courageous. And I'm just gonna go ahead and choose to ignore what the hombres were saying about retiring from DC next year. Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally let's just all give a cyber group hug to Delpo who fought his arse off out there - it's not easy to convince people that you actually had an extremely realistic shot at winning Rafael Nadal on an important best of 5 clay final in from on a home crowd. It really wouldn't have been surprising if Delpo pulled off that match. (Well, it would have but you know what I mean). And it must be gut-wrenching thinking you'd lost it (twice) for your country. I guess our B.F.G can take solace in the fact that he's hitting the ball cray cray and everyone should be very afraid next year. And Nalby, oh Nalby. Watching him rehabilitate himself on twitter is giving me sadz, but he knows what Argentina accomplished and what he accomplished for them and he and he seems fine.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So that's all from our overworked and overpaid tennis boys for what, 3 weeks? Tennis never ends.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>*Fernando also gets an A for being captain of cheer camp.</i></span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-56627575860895253752011-11-28T18:25:00.000+00:002011-11-28T18:25:38.047+00:002012 is for all of the Big Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTaVqjFJiEqB1jQc0vTD_GMABzdas3IYqG8enRemfnlSAk7NzlTKE-GzHHV75NQ1-y3gADSk2oz_ndilUQlAE1Juwl0NiP3eLszmj0iFRQHzAxKfeCRKva42eApOGbxNv2M003ddncnkO/s1600/djokovic-nadal-federer-murray-big-four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTaVqjFJiEqB1jQc0vTD_GMABzdas3IYqG8enRemfnlSAk7NzlTKE-GzHHV75NQ1-y3gADSk2oz_ndilUQlAE1Juwl0NiP3eLszmj0iFRQHzAxKfeCRKva42eApOGbxNv2M003ddncnkO/s400/djokovic-nadal-federer-murray-big-four.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8779203544972963" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><u>Neutral Omes</u></b>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8779203544972963" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2011 has been the year of Novak Djokovic - and with the results of recent months lest we forget. Of course it wasn’t long ago that we’d crowned Rafael Nadal king of 2010. With the great era of tennis we currently find ourselves in - the likes of the best of the best all competing in such rich form at the same time - monopolies may come as a shock, as it’s often points here and there that determine results. But because with so little, in terms of skill and will to separate the best, confidence has become the most coveted and necessary weapon; and confidence is the fuel for monopoly. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We are lucky to have a top four that is literally - in the literal sense of the word - a top four. They may shift amongst each other but it will be a huge ask for any outsider to penetrate that inner circle with audacity. Still it must be said that the remaining top ten is indeed worth boasting about and hardly comes as a surprise. But as long as Novak, Rafa, Roger and Andy are willing, it will be difficult to imagine a no.5 or higher next to any of their names.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s been Novak’s year, but it’s also been Rafa’s clay season, Andy’s Asian swing and Roger’s end of year. Even with the dominance of Novak this year, the rest of the big four never failed to remind everyone that they were still in the picture. I think 2012 will be a leveller. All have proven they have what it takes to take it. Novak’s gotten himself out of Rafa and Roger’s shadow, Rafa has shown everyone that in amidst of adversity, he still owns the clay, Andy has shown more of the kind of play that everyone wants him to adopt (remember 6-0 in the final set of Tokyo against Rafa?) and Roger has once again proven he’s not a decrepit old man descending into mediocrity. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So as we hit the reset button and look ahead to the new season once again, we need be aware that there is plenty to prove for the big four. Each knows what can happen when one man’s confidence is allowed to overflow and all will be looking to stem that flow should it begin. Competitiveness in 2012 may just reach unprecedented levels; and with the Olympics being a welcome addition to the year, should certainly make for nail-biting 12 months.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(Pic: Getty)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-40234549176852527072011-11-10T01:22:00.000+00:002011-11-10T01:22:54.667+00:00Andy Murray Tennis: The Most Hilarious Video of Life<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*DEAD*</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tg56itziNMI" width="560"></iframe></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Vid: Tomfoolery Central on YouTube)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-50645768519986316092011-10-27T13:07:00.002+01:002011-10-27T14:25:59.847+01:00Marat champions the funny.<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A winning Marat = a funny Marat. The beauteous creature scored his first ever win on the ATP Champions Tour, then continued to win at life:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Uv0UdjyI7Fb36ufy9dAz4OcuaZHO9Wc89XpyPmKMbnOSZDx_rstnZE1ewmJ3UnDUqMXl7rMtW5N8C91SHzZ1wfSqWq2ZPJWrPF5SkIGbCc0yYdiNMo0Zwy5Uo1jApgA5PKj93d7764D5/s1600/Marat-Safin-funny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Uv0UdjyI7Fb36ufy9dAz4OcuaZHO9Wc89XpyPmKMbnOSZDx_rstnZE1ewmJ3UnDUqMXl7rMtW5N8C91SHzZ1wfSqWq2ZPJWrPF5SkIGbCc0yYdiNMo0Zwy5Uo1jApgA5PKj93d7764D5/s1600/Marat-Safin-funny.png" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZXCdPer8Qg/TqlDyrSMFoI/AAAAAAAAAfA/TRqzqePokRo/s1600/Marat_Safin_funny_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZXCdPer8Qg/TqlDyrSMFoI/AAAAAAAAAfA/TRqzqePokRo/s1600/Marat_Safin_funny_3.png" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLV_wHMpHaWCkGkJc1lSLFvGkPwhZyv189xwrtLcp7Qsc2Dax4xqKMrAgGum8D_rSwDizq2-F5ivDhyphenhyphenD5xqfNprl4PkSj3jnp_Q2-LeFYI0PzlSrtK4OvNsfzDYdiuBKb13ZLZlDnO3Xh/s1600/Marat-Safin-funny-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLV_wHMpHaWCkGkJc1lSLFvGkPwhZyv189xwrtLcp7Qsc2Dax4xqKMrAgGum8D_rSwDizq2-F5ivDhyphenhyphenD5xqfNprl4PkSj3jnp_Q2-LeFYI0PzlSrtK4OvNsfzDYdiuBKb13ZLZlDnO3Xh/s1600/Marat-Safin-funny-3.png" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGBxLiy1Jb4/Tqk-gDJgR_I/AAAAAAAAAds/Spj738tSXwg/s1600/Marat-Safin-funny-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGBxLiy1Jb4/Tqk-gDJgR_I/AAAAAAAAAds/Spj738tSXwg/s1600/Marat-Safin-funny-4.png" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r2CPtntUFSvhSxD0AHfSDHNs_aTIbLiU50fK_yQrO7bTiCXchSYAei9OaGyT2Iwwwe9VH6Qj28opDJx1_KI3eoPnAzSEIDkDJEuFS5RR5RBr-D-cNbZ76pCdqjI9IIyhyphenhyphencZta9OLiOIG/s1600/Marat_Safin_funny_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r2CPtntUFSvhSxD0AHfSDHNs_aTIbLiU50fK_yQrO7bTiCXchSYAei9OaGyT2Iwwwe9VH6Qj28opDJx1_KI3eoPnAzSEIDkDJEuFS5RR5RBr-D-cNbZ76pCdqjI9IIyhyphenhyphencZta9OLiOIG/s1600/Marat_Safin_funny_2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE98k10RwEoA839L5poE6pv4QNEGVMZWsCbOXDiRc-MByxI2zsUURi_dVx8Ti7H5K6IqXys0XJpd4wPA4M2jvSyOi2GgNBY4pCCn4A-Hqnmk-KQ0JoZ9rzOloAfoBcMMENpSoOD0LtMpz/s1600/Marat_Safin_funny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE98k10RwEoA839L5poE6pv4QNEGVMZWsCbOXDiRc-MByxI2zsUURi_dVx8Ti7H5K6IqXys0XJpd4wPA4M2jvSyOi2GgNBY4pCCn4A-Hqnmk-KQ0JoZ9rzOloAfoBcMMENpSoOD0LtMpz/s1600/Marat_Safin_funny.png" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="goog_1328986272"></span><span id="goog_1328986273"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chortle chortle. Homeboy seems to be enjoying himself which is nice to see.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ps. I'm not sure whether to be exceedingly petrified or thoroughly amused at the thought of Marat in office. So I'm gonna go ahead and say petrifused. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-60616293342537025442011-10-17T21:08:00.000+01:002011-10-17T21:08:02.026+01:00Andy brings the LOLZ<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andy plays that game where you pick your favourite answer out of two related categories. Sounds <strike>bland</strike> simple enough but it quickly turns into one of the most intentionally/unintentionally hilarious interviews ever with our dear boy. Observe:</span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="324" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IFDRKsTCsiU" width="576"></iframe><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">(Vid: </span><b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">kikirikimiki2 on YouTube)</span></span></b></b>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-15969661138992126432011-10-17T19:46:00.000+01:002011-10-17T19:46:45.300+01:00Andy Believes<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FoEmjCpiI_4/TpxHjn_TaLI/AAAAAAAAAcU/m3ct3N4bvko/s1600/andy-murray-shanghai-masters-2011" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FoEmjCpiI_4/TpxHjn_TaLI/AAAAAAAAAcU/m3ct3N4bvko/s400/andy-murray-shanghai-masters-2011" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">Thumbs up indeed.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><b><u>Neutral Omes</u></b>: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">One thing I’ve always admired about Andy Murray is the belief he has in himself. Don’t let the grimaces and growls, shoe-lace attacks and sole-smacks on the court fool you – he doesn’t genuinely believe he’s rubbish. That habitual self-deprecation ensues because for every unforced (or indeed forced error) he makes, Andy strongly believes he could have, and definitely should have done better, <i>idiot</i>! </span><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">And that’s why he’s one of those guys that relishes a challenge. Whether it’s zapping Novak Djokovic’s winning streak - few players would have been as audacious as he was in taking it to red hot Novak (who was on match no. 37 in the streak at that time) the way he did in the semifinals of Rome (we won’t speak of the losing-despite-being-two-points-away-from-victory malarkey); or boosting the number on his side of a losing head to head battle against Rafa Nadal, bagel and all, to capture the 2011 Tokyo title. Andy Murray isn’t scared of playing anyone. This attitude is why after any loss the first thing you hear Andy say is how fast he’ll be back in the gym - as if to say “there’s always a way, I’m up for the next one”. When he takes to the court, he’s one of those few players that always believes he will win - whether he does is a different matter - but the self assurance is there.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">So then how can a guy who believes in himself as much as you claim struggle with aggressive play so much? I hear you say. Well kind fellow, lack of belief in your ability to pull out a win against any player on any given day is different from the lack of belief you have in a certain playing style that’s not necessarily your go-to one - Andy doesn’t suffer from the former. And sometimes, when you face the best defenders in the game, your just not allowed to be aggressive. While in these cases it may be more difficult to win playing defense, for Andy it’s never ever far fetched.</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ZuqcEy4QI/TpxFM1ToTNI/AAAAAAAAAcA/Bq2OXSK-c14/s1600/andy-murray-terracotta-statue-shanghai" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ZuqcEy4QI/TpxFM1ToTNI/AAAAAAAAAcA/Bq2OXSK-c14/s400/andy-murray-terracotta-statue-shanghai" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">Andy Murray may believe in himself, but I'm not sure he believes that statue </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">is</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"> himself.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">Much like Federer, Andy has what I would call a ‘decent reserve of natural confidence’ which stems from this deep rooted self-belief, and is different from the sort of confidence that grows and shrinks with form. Other guys like Rafa, believe it or not, need to keep reminding themselves they’re the best with match-play - without which self-doubt can easily creep in. I’m not saying Andy is immune from self-doubt (or indeed that Rafa lacks self-belief), neither am I ignoring the fact that Andy does tune out sometimes and never fails to post those resident questionable losses. But they never make him feel like he’s only as good as the matches he wins, and even when the big loss of 2010 in Melbourne Park saw him lose it for a while, I still maintain it never affected the underlying belief he had in himself.</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">It’s interesting, not to mention very revealing that the main reason Andy is happy with his new no. 3 ranking (surpassing Roger Federer for the first time) following a flawless Asian swing, is literally because that’s the best he can do this year due to Rafa and Novak’s stellar results. In his post finals interview with Sky Sports at Shanghai, he stated that he was always aiming for the no. 1 spot at the beginning of the year:</span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"> </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">“[The no.3] is not something that I aimed for at the start of the year – you want to try and finish no. 1 if you can - and after US Open that just wasn’t possible, so I just re-assessed my goals and wanted to try and finish the year no. 3.”</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">So he’ll take the no.3 but he’s hungry for better. Yes every top player aims for that no. 1 spot, but it just seems Andy genuinely can’t imagine<i> </i>it won’t happen for him. He’s king of the post-Slam season so far, and if he takes this form to 2012 there’s no reason why, much like Novak did this year, he won’t perform the way he believed he could all along. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">(Pics: Getty)</span></span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-21005637045589315932011-10-11T11:39:00.000+01:002011-10-11T11:39:45.428+01:00Rafa's other ball game.<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Per marca.com<span id="goog_646938176"></span><span id="goog_646938177" target="_blank"></span> Rafa will <a href="http://www.marca.com/2011/10/08/futbol/mas_futbol/1318110968.html">supposedly be playing football</a> for a third division Manacor team. He will play for the team when time permits and will be sporting the no. 9 shirt.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F7I0ahUp_GA" width="560"></iframe></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wait, what?</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Info courtesy of <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/onthegotennis" target="_blank">onthegotennis</a> on Twitter; Vid: <b style="font-weight: normal;">ksyuzi on YouTube</b>)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2820175142045675208.post-3609344728061303172011-10-07T22:40:00.000+01:002011-10-07T22:40:13.231+01:00Upon my word, this is cute.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHtB_xDG4wsBbZcnTUaO6-AnQNQBP6BS0TLBnDXZnytwgA2a7S3l9cbMgdyJgS0-rLgZuYNU7Ay149f3i9Mkeb8oAd9fUNGdJ1b2tSgGjkVmH4mZSfVNligwLGQEDmfM46eECLMt7H5i4/s1600/Federer-and-twin-girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHtB_xDG4wsBbZcnTUaO6-AnQNQBP6BS0TLBnDXZnytwgA2a7S3l9cbMgdyJgS0-rLgZuYNU7Ay149f3i9Mkeb8oAd9fUNGdJ1b2tSgGjkVmH4mZSfVNligwLGQEDmfM46eECLMt7H5i4/s400/Federer-and-twin-girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Fanatic Omes</b></u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Uterus is happy.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic: Tiurong Huatrust)</span></div>Omeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442440342735433775noreply@blogger.com0