Clijsters Finally Wins A Slam
While the men put on a good show, Kim Clijsters showed the huge heart so many thought she lacked coming back to beat Wimbledon champ Venus Williams in three sets to advance to the semifinals. It was the way she did it though that showed that this major would have a different result.
Clijsters came in as the hottest player on the WTA Tour, winning six titles after returning from wrist surgery, which sidelined her a good portion of last year and the Australian Open. She won three titles this summer to claim the U.S. Open Series and win first prize: $1.1 million. Entering the Open, the 22-year-old Belgian had never won a slam, losing in four previous finals at one Open, one Australian and two French. Hinting that she would retire in two years due to her injury history and the grind of the schedule, Clijsters was the overwhelming pick to win here. But she had to overcome Venus to do it and face top seed Maria Sharapova in the semis.
With Venus up a set and a break, Clijsters stormed back and put herself in position to level the match. But Venus broke and looked like she'd regained the momentum. However, a determined Clijsters had other ideas breaking back. With a chance to square the match, she fought off break points that would have forced a tiebreaker. In the same game, Venus saved a few set points but in the end, Clijsters finally forced an error to take the set. It seemed to break Venus' will. Clijsters easily won the final set 6-1 to move on to a showdown against Sharapova.
In another ultracompetitive match, Clijsters took the first set and had five match points late in the second. But the resilient '04 Wimbledon champ wouldn't go down, saving one with a gutsy drop shot winner and another on a ridiculous backhand winner. Sharapova stormed back to win the tiebreak 7-4. Despite the momentum swing, Clijsters cameback to win the third set 6-3 and make her fifth career final against Mary Pierce.
Pierce cameback to defeat Dementieva in three sets, using two straight injury timeouts at the end of the first set for a 12-minute break, which swung the match. She played flawless tennis the final two sets, slugging winners from both sides and drawing a rash of doublefaults and errors from a confused Dementieva. Afterwards, she questioned the timing of Pierce's moves. It didn't matter. The 30-year-old Pierce was in her second slam final of the year.
She had been a great comeback story getting into better shape and boosting her ranking back into the top 15. At Roland Garros, she easily lost to Justine Henin-Hardenne. Now, the former two slam winner ('96 Australian, '00 French) was in another final. But against Clijsters, none of Pierce's tactics worked. Overmatched from the very beginning, she took a four and a half minute timeout to get her thigh rewrapped after dropping the first set. But with an eye of the tiger look, Clijsters overwhelmed Pierce early in the second set winning 12 of the first 13 points to erase any doubts. When Pierce netted a return, Clijsters finally got the monkey off her back and won a major. She did it in relative ease 6-3, 6-1.
Unbelievably, the hardest thing for her was climbing into the stands to celebrate with her Mom, coach and boyfriend. She balanced herself along the railing with help from fans. It completed a great finish to the summer. Clijsters doubled her U.S. Open prize money, coming away with $2.2 million and a brand new Lexus. Not bad for one of the nicest players out there, who donated $20,000 to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
Agassi And Federer Advance To Dream Final
Earlier that Super Saturday, Agassi and Ginepri battled for five grueling sets. They split the first four sets. But in a match just as unpredictable, when you thought one player had seized control, you were thrown for a loop. After Ginepri took his first set off Agassi in four career meetings to even it, Agassi immediately broke and rode the momentum to take the third set, putting him one set away from becoming the oldest Open men's finalist since Ken Rosewall 31 years ago when he lost easily to Jimmy Connors.
With Ginepri clearly fatigued, Agassi gave him an opening in one service game late in the fourth. Ginepri took advantage and earned the break. Having regained form on his serve, he easily served out the set, finishing it off with a backhand winner down the line to force another five set match. It was Ginepri's Open record fourth consecutive five set match. That had never been done before in the Open era. For Agassi, it was his third straight.
At the end of the last set, Agassi looked tired. But after saving break points in the opening game, Agassi summoned up the energy to play one of his best sets, producing 17 winners and just three errors. He finally broke Ginepri to lead 4-2 when he hit his favorite shot of the tournament; a go to backhand drop shot winner which the hustling Ginepri played on two bounces. Agassi then backed up the break with a love service game that included an ace and a couple of service winners. After Ginepri held to stay in the match, Agassi closed it out in fine fashion with his 17th ace to advance to his sixth career Open final.
His body had held up. He took his traditional four bows to the crowd and basked in the glow thanking everyone. He even admitted to CBS on-court reporter Mary Joe Fernandez that he contemplated during the fifth set if it was his last one there, which the knowledgable crowd gasped at.
With Agassi set, it left just one opening. World number one and defending champion Roger Federer took on Aussie Lleyton Hewitt in the second semifinal. A rematch of last year's uncompetitive final which even saw Federer bagel Hewitt twice, this time Hewitt wasn't going down that easily.
Though Federer claimed the first set easily, Hewitt twice in the second set cameback from breaks down and even had five set points on two of Federer's service games late. But like all great champions, Federer came up with unbelievable shots to deny Hewitt. One in particular saw Hewitt do everything right including come into net and be in winning position only to see the slick Swedish maestro glide to the corner and rip a forehand winner just inside the baseline. It setup a tiebreak. In it, an almost angry Federer took out his frustration, producing several ridiculous shots to bagel Hewitt 7-0 and lead by two sets.
Surely, the match was over. Not so fast. The gritty former '01 champion had other ideas breaking Federer late in the set and held twice to force a fourth set. However, Federer pounced early breaking Hewitt. Taking advantage of two doublefaults, he earned the break he needed. But Hewitt wouldn't go down without a fight, even earning some break points in one game but Federer came up with the goods. When Hewitt sailed a backhand long, Federer had won for the ninth straight time over him and ensured a dream-like final against Agassi on Sunday.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
A U.S. Open To Remember Part II
Wednesday Night Quarterfinals To Remember
With the American men continuing to win, it setup a possible dream quarterfinal between Agassi and Blake. When Blake cameback from a set and 5-3 down against Tommy Robredo to win in four sets, the match-up most wanted to see was set. While it was way hyped, nobody could predict the night of tennis that was in store.
First, Lindsay Davenport took on Russian Elena Dementieva. Though the match was error-filled, it didn't lack drama. Particularly in the final set when Dementieva twice broke Davenport but couldn't hold on. Trying to serve it out, the enigmatic server doublefaulted to send the match to a tiebreak.
In a seesaw breaker, Dementieva went from leading 5-2 to trailing Davenport 6-5. Facing a Davenport second serve on match point, the 23-year-old '04 Open finalist ripped a clean forehand winner to stay alive. On the very next point, in an extended rally, she used a perfect drop shot winner to reach match point. As if that wasn't daring enough, in another lengthy rally, she ripped a backhand crosscourt winner on match point to survive the two and a half hour quarterfinal.
With the crowd still buzzing, Agassi and Blake took center stage past 10 PM. But what ensued was a quicker and stronger Blake pushing his childhood idol all over the baseline. He easily took the first two sets and seemed in complete control up a break in the third set. Three games away from winning, Blake tensed up and Agassi took full advantage. More aggressive, he took it to Blake and started dictating points. He won the final four games to take the set and get the crowd back into the match.
When he ripped an unreal forehand return winner down the line in the opening game of the fourth to break Blake, fans erupted. But Blake regained some momentum breaking back a few games later, putting notice that it could be his night. However, a relentless Agassi broke Blake twice and claimed the set 6-3. Suddenly, a match that looked like it wouldn't live up to the hype was in a final set.
Agassi-Blake Final Act A Classic
Past midnight, fans that stayed were full of energy ready to see a classic unfold. Right before their eyes, it did. When a rejuvenated Blake broke Agassi, it looked like he would prevail. But after Agassi served notice in a Blake service game, fans knew they were in for something special.
With Blake serving for a spot in the semifinals, a determined Agassi pounced. With Blake three points away, Agassi ripped a forehand return inside the line for a winner. Then he stepped around a second serve and slugged a forehand right at Blake jamming him into an error. When he reached break point, the hustling Agassi kept a rally alive and watched Blake go for too much, floating a forehand wide. The match was leveled. When both players held, it would fittingly go to a tiebreaker.
In a scene eerily reminiscent to the last great quarterfinal Agassi played at Ashe against Pete Sampras four years earlier, fans gave them a standing ovation before the tiebreak began. When it did, both players got into extended rallies, going for broke to win points. Blake took control early and was two points away. But Agassi stormed back to earn the first match point when Blake missed a forehand down the line. Undeterred by the miss, Blake ripped an Agassi second serve down the line with the same forehand to square it at six, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Sudden death. What would happen? Only two more unreal points that ended on winners. With much riding on the line, as they traded shot for shot moving each other around, Agassi hit a dropshot. Blake ran it down and hit into Agassi, who somehow had enough room for a perfect backhand winner down the line. With the crowd on its feet, he ended the match with another forehand return down the line on a Blake second serve.
The two hour 51-minute match was over. Both hugged at the net and said words of encouragement. Blake admitted if he was going to lose, he didn't mind that it was to a legend. He had nothing to be ashamed of, having played admirably and still was the biggest story of this epic tournament. But in the end, Agassi took his bows and advanced to a final four showdown with Ginepri.
Ginepri Outlasts Coria To Reach Final Four
Ginepri came off a terrific quarterfinal of his own, besting Guillermo Coria to win his third straight five setter. The match featured some great rallies, producing several spectacular points including a dropshot by Coria, which Ginepri countered with his own only to see Coria finish off the point. Each slapped five out of mutual respect when it ended. This was in the fifth set no less.
Remarkably, Coria fought off five match points in two games against Ginepri, even dodging one when he hit an overhead that hit the let cord and went over, making Ginepri cringe in disbelief. Unfortunately for Coria, his achilles heel was his serve. When he doublefaulted twice in a row, the match was over. Ginepri had advanced.
With the American men continuing to win, it setup a possible dream quarterfinal between Agassi and Blake. When Blake cameback from a set and 5-3 down against Tommy Robredo to win in four sets, the match-up most wanted to see was set. While it was way hyped, nobody could predict the night of tennis that was in store.
First, Lindsay Davenport took on Russian Elena Dementieva. Though the match was error-filled, it didn't lack drama. Particularly in the final set when Dementieva twice broke Davenport but couldn't hold on. Trying to serve it out, the enigmatic server doublefaulted to send the match to a tiebreak.
In a seesaw breaker, Dementieva went from leading 5-2 to trailing Davenport 6-5. Facing a Davenport second serve on match point, the 23-year-old '04 Open finalist ripped a clean forehand winner to stay alive. On the very next point, in an extended rally, she used a perfect drop shot winner to reach match point. As if that wasn't daring enough, in another lengthy rally, she ripped a backhand crosscourt winner on match point to survive the two and a half hour quarterfinal.
With the crowd still buzzing, Agassi and Blake took center stage past 10 PM. But what ensued was a quicker and stronger Blake pushing his childhood idol all over the baseline. He easily took the first two sets and seemed in complete control up a break in the third set. Three games away from winning, Blake tensed up and Agassi took full advantage. More aggressive, he took it to Blake and started dictating points. He won the final four games to take the set and get the crowd back into the match.
When he ripped an unreal forehand return winner down the line in the opening game of the fourth to break Blake, fans erupted. But Blake regained some momentum breaking back a few games later, putting notice that it could be his night. However, a relentless Agassi broke Blake twice and claimed the set 6-3. Suddenly, a match that looked like it wouldn't live up to the hype was in a final set.
Agassi-Blake Final Act A Classic
Past midnight, fans that stayed were full of energy ready to see a classic unfold. Right before their eyes, it did. When a rejuvenated Blake broke Agassi, it looked like he would prevail. But after Agassi served notice in a Blake service game, fans knew they were in for something special.
With Blake serving for a spot in the semifinals, a determined Agassi pounced. With Blake three points away, Agassi ripped a forehand return inside the line for a winner. Then he stepped around a second serve and slugged a forehand right at Blake jamming him into an error. When he reached break point, the hustling Agassi kept a rally alive and watched Blake go for too much, floating a forehand wide. The match was leveled. When both players held, it would fittingly go to a tiebreaker.
In a scene eerily reminiscent to the last great quarterfinal Agassi played at Ashe against Pete Sampras four years earlier, fans gave them a standing ovation before the tiebreak began. When it did, both players got into extended rallies, going for broke to win points. Blake took control early and was two points away. But Agassi stormed back to earn the first match point when Blake missed a forehand down the line. Undeterred by the miss, Blake ripped an Agassi second serve down the line with the same forehand to square it at six, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Sudden death. What would happen? Only two more unreal points that ended on winners. With much riding on the line, as they traded shot for shot moving each other around, Agassi hit a dropshot. Blake ran it down and hit into Agassi, who somehow had enough room for a perfect backhand winner down the line. With the crowd on its feet, he ended the match with another forehand return down the line on a Blake second serve.
The two hour 51-minute match was over. Both hugged at the net and said words of encouragement. Blake admitted if he was going to lose, he didn't mind that it was to a legend. He had nothing to be ashamed of, having played admirably and still was the biggest story of this epic tournament. But in the end, Agassi took his bows and advanced to a final four showdown with Ginepri.
Ginepri Outlasts Coria To Reach Final Four
Ginepri came off a terrific quarterfinal of his own, besting Guillermo Coria to win his third straight five setter. The match featured some great rallies, producing several spectacular points including a dropshot by Coria, which Ginepri countered with his own only to see Coria finish off the point. Each slapped five out of mutual respect when it ended. This was in the fifth set no less.
Remarkably, Coria fought off five match points in two games against Ginepri, even dodging one when he hit an overhead that hit the let cord and went over, making Ginepri cringe in disbelief. Unfortunately for Coria, his achilles heel was his serve. When he doublefaulted twice in a row, the match was over. Ginepri had advanced.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
A U.S. Open To Remember Part I
It started out with the first round shockers of former champions Svetlana Kuznetsova and Andy Roddick. Right away, the U.S. Open had a special feel to it that this year could be different. Let's take a look back at what made it the best major of 2005.
Blake Comeback Biggest Story
When the tournament's best story Yonkers born James Blake outslugged 19-year-old French Open champion Rafael Nadal in an ultracompetitive third round match, it gave the men's draw some juice. Especially with the Open's poster boy Roddick out so early. Blake was the quintessential comeback story. Someone who experienced a brutal 2004 where he broke his neck accidentally colliding into the net post in an Italian Open warmup with ironically, the other big American surprise to be at Flushing Meadows, Robby Ginepri on the other side. He was Blake's best friend on the ATP Tour.
He lost his Dad Thomas to cancer two months later and then battled shingles which temporarily paralyzed part of his face and gave him dizzy spells. Unable to do much, Blake watched his favorite grand slam tournament on TV last year with friends wondering if he'd ever pick up a tennis racket ever again.
But a year later, a more focused Blake was back on tour. Rededicated, physically and mentally stronger, Blake showed signs in an Open tuneup winning his second career title close to home at New Haven. He took that confidence into a first round match with Greg Rusedski and soon showed that he could be a legit threat in New York.
Ginepri Arrives
While Blake was captivating tennis fans, Ginepri took advantage of Roddick's first round dismissal against Gilles Muller. In a twist of fate, Ginepri easily disposed of doubles partner in a second round meeting. Having played very well entering the tournament, upsetting Roddick enroute to winning at Indianapolis and pushing Roger Federer in Cincinnati, the 22-year-old Georgia native was finally fulfilling some of his potential.
Earlier this year, Ginepri was dumped by Nike and had seen his ranking dip out of the top 50. Once ranked as high as 22 in the world, he finally got more serious this summer and brought a renewed confidence into the Open. Gutting out five set wins over Tommy Haas and French riser Richard Gasquet proved that he was serious about contending for his first ever slam.
Agassi Returns For 20th Open
Meanwhile, everyone's favorite adopted son Andre Agassi made his 20th and possible final appearance in Queens. The fans let him know right away how much they appreciated his dedication. Earlier this summer, Agassi was eliminated in the first round at Roland Garros by Jarkko Nieminen when his sciatic nerve problem acted up, causing him to be helpless on the court. It forced the 35-year-old eight-time slam winner to miss his second consecutive Wimbledon and sit out two months.
He reconvened with longtime pal and trainer Gil Reyes, working on strengthening his legs and back so it wouldn't act up when he returned. In his first tournament back at Los Angeles, Agassi won his 60th career title defeating Muller. In Montreal, he made it all the way to the finals before losing to Nadal in a competitive three set match.
With renewed confidence, Agassi entered Arthur Ashe Stadium feeling he could win his third U.S. Open. Though the draw wasn't kind, a sharp Agassi got through Croatian bomber Ivo Karlovic in three tiebreaks and then beat Czech talent Tomas Berdych in four to make the Round of 16. His next test against Belgian Xavier Malisse would prove that fitness wasn't a concern.
After leading Malisse by two sets, Agassi watched his younger opponent storm back on a barrage of aces and forehand winners to force a fifth set on Labor Day. With supporters concerned that this could be it, Agassi came out and played a crisp fifth set, finishing it with a slice backhand pass to the delight of the crowd.
Blake Comeback Biggest Story
When the tournament's best story Yonkers born James Blake outslugged 19-year-old French Open champion Rafael Nadal in an ultracompetitive third round match, it gave the men's draw some juice. Especially with the Open's poster boy Roddick out so early. Blake was the quintessential comeback story. Someone who experienced a brutal 2004 where he broke his neck accidentally colliding into the net post in an Italian Open warmup with ironically, the other big American surprise to be at Flushing Meadows, Robby Ginepri on the other side. He was Blake's best friend on the ATP Tour.
He lost his Dad Thomas to cancer two months later and then battled shingles which temporarily paralyzed part of his face and gave him dizzy spells. Unable to do much, Blake watched his favorite grand slam tournament on TV last year with friends wondering if he'd ever pick up a tennis racket ever again.
But a year later, a more focused Blake was back on tour. Rededicated, physically and mentally stronger, Blake showed signs in an Open tuneup winning his second career title close to home at New Haven. He took that confidence into a first round match with Greg Rusedski and soon showed that he could be a legit threat in New York.
Ginepri Arrives
While Blake was captivating tennis fans, Ginepri took advantage of Roddick's first round dismissal against Gilles Muller. In a twist of fate, Ginepri easily disposed of doubles partner in a second round meeting. Having played very well entering the tournament, upsetting Roddick enroute to winning at Indianapolis and pushing Roger Federer in Cincinnati, the 22-year-old Georgia native was finally fulfilling some of his potential.
Earlier this year, Ginepri was dumped by Nike and had seen his ranking dip out of the top 50. Once ranked as high as 22 in the world, he finally got more serious this summer and brought a renewed confidence into the Open. Gutting out five set wins over Tommy Haas and French riser Richard Gasquet proved that he was serious about contending for his first ever slam.
Agassi Returns For 20th Open
Meanwhile, everyone's favorite adopted son Andre Agassi made his 20th and possible final appearance in Queens. The fans let him know right away how much they appreciated his dedication. Earlier this summer, Agassi was eliminated in the first round at Roland Garros by Jarkko Nieminen when his sciatic nerve problem acted up, causing him to be helpless on the court. It forced the 35-year-old eight-time slam winner to miss his second consecutive Wimbledon and sit out two months.
He reconvened with longtime pal and trainer Gil Reyes, working on strengthening his legs and back so it wouldn't act up when he returned. In his first tournament back at Los Angeles, Agassi won his 60th career title defeating Muller. In Montreal, he made it all the way to the finals before losing to Nadal in a competitive three set match.
With renewed confidence, Agassi entered Arthur Ashe Stadium feeling he could win his third U.S. Open. Though the draw wasn't kind, a sharp Agassi got through Croatian bomber Ivo Karlovic in three tiebreaks and then beat Czech talent Tomas Berdych in four to make the Round of 16. His next test against Belgian Xavier Malisse would prove that fitness wasn't a concern.
After leading Malisse by two sets, Agassi watched his younger opponent storm back on a barrage of aces and forehand winners to force a fifth set on Labor Day. With supporters concerned that this could be it, Agassi came out and played a crisp fifth set, finishing it with a slice backhand pass to the delight of the crowd.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Anson's Walk Off Lifts Baby Bombers To Championship Series
STATEN ISLAND- With one swing, the Staten Island Yankees advanced to the New York-Penn League Championship Series. Third baseman Kyle Anson's dramatic one out two-run home run in the ninth inning off Williamsport's Ian Heisel made a winner out of Joshua Schmidt (6-1) in a thrilling 5-3 victory to sweep Williamsport in the best-of-three series, touching off a wild celebration at Richmond County Ball Park Monday night in St. George.
A half inning earlier, Schmidt was one out away from finishing off the Crosscutters when they rallied to tie the score at three. First, pinchhitter Steve Lerud's blooped a single to left just out of James Cooper's reach. Then second baseman Reegie Corona booted a grounder. When Andrew McCutchen dropped a single in front of left field replacement Jordan Devoir, the game was tied in front of a stunned crowd.
"I got a couple of outs pretty quick," said Schmidt. "He [McCutchen] hit a pretty good pitch. The next guy we did what we wanted."
In a game Staten Island led three times only to see Williamsport battle back, Anson made sure there wouldn't be a deciding game Tuesday. With Devoir on first, he drove the ball to deep right pushing Brad Corley to the wall. When Corley failed to retrieve the ball, it caromed off the top and over, sending the entire Baby Bomber dugout out to mob Anson at home plate. It was Anson's first homer of the year in 39 games including the postseason.
"No, I didn't think I had it," said an excited Anson after the game. "I thought I got under it a little too much."
All season, Staten Island pulled games out in their last at bat. During one stretch, they won four straight games in that fashion. "Well obviously, we feel pretty much invincible. We've done this every game," Anson pointed out. All throughout the year, I don't know how many games we won in the ninth inning here, away and I mean it doesn't really matter.
"This is the best group of guys I've ever played with."
"That's a great kid," said manager Andy Stankiewicz of Anson, who earlier this season missed close to a month with a bad knee. "He's worked so hard to comeback. ... He's just a grinder. He works his tail off and you know, I'm excited for him."
Regarding his ball club's bounceback ability, Stankiewicz noted, "They've been doing it since we started. We just keep fighting back. ... Our guys just always always battle up there."
Early on, Staten Island's David Seccombe and Williamsport's Todd Redmond were sharp. Other than an infield single by Brett Gardner, each didn't allow another baserunner thru three innings. But in the fourth, the Baby Bombers struck first when Redmond loaded the bases with no outs. He induced Jon Poterson into a 4-6-3 double play, scoring Anson, who ledoff with a walk. But Redmond limited the damage when Cooper flied out to center.
Meanwhile, Seccombe took a no-hitter into the sixth before Jermel Lomack broke it up with a bunt single. With one out, Cameron Blair also beat out a bunt to put runners on the corners. Steve Pearce's sac fly tied the game. It was the only run Seccombe allowed in six and a third, giving up just the two infield hits along with a walk and three strikeouts.
With Redmond out of the game, DH Felipe Garcia untied it with two outs in the seventh when he crushed a first pitch fastball off Derek Antelo 400 feet to left center for a homer giving Staten Island a 2-1 lead. But it was shortlived when the Crosscutters scratched across a run in the eighth against Cory Stuart on a two out Pearce single. After another single to James Boone, Stankiewicz brought in Schmidt, who struckout Corley to end the threat.
They inched ahead 3-2 in the bottom half when Williamsport reliever Kevin Miller's errant throw home allowed Eduardo Nunez to score. It wouldn't last. On this night, Anson made sure it didn't matter.
Baby Bombers Take On Auburn For League Championship
The Baby Bombers will face Auburn for the league championship beginning Wednesday on the road. They won two of three games against the Doubledays earlier this year.
Auburn is coming off a sweep of Oneonta in which they outscored them 33-9.
"That's impressive," Stankiewicz said. "Oneonta, we faced them earlier in the year and they beat us two out of three and they [Auburn] made a statement beating up on [Oneonta] like that."
"Hopefully, we'll able to continue to pitch the way we have and we can keep their offense in check."
Jason Stephens (5-1) pitches Game One for Staten Island.
A half inning earlier, Schmidt was one out away from finishing off the Crosscutters when they rallied to tie the score at three. First, pinchhitter Steve Lerud's blooped a single to left just out of James Cooper's reach. Then second baseman Reegie Corona booted a grounder. When Andrew McCutchen dropped a single in front of left field replacement Jordan Devoir, the game was tied in front of a stunned crowd.
"I got a couple of outs pretty quick," said Schmidt. "He [McCutchen] hit a pretty good pitch. The next guy we did what we wanted."
In a game Staten Island led three times only to see Williamsport battle back, Anson made sure there wouldn't be a deciding game Tuesday. With Devoir on first, he drove the ball to deep right pushing Brad Corley to the wall. When Corley failed to retrieve the ball, it caromed off the top and over, sending the entire Baby Bomber dugout out to mob Anson at home plate. It was Anson's first homer of the year in 39 games including the postseason.
"No, I didn't think I had it," said an excited Anson after the game. "I thought I got under it a little too much."
All season, Staten Island pulled games out in their last at bat. During one stretch, they won four straight games in that fashion. "Well obviously, we feel pretty much invincible. We've done this every game," Anson pointed out. All throughout the year, I don't know how many games we won in the ninth inning here, away and I mean it doesn't really matter.
"This is the best group of guys I've ever played with."
"That's a great kid," said manager Andy Stankiewicz of Anson, who earlier this season missed close to a month with a bad knee. "He's worked so hard to comeback. ... He's just a grinder. He works his tail off and you know, I'm excited for him."
Regarding his ball club's bounceback ability, Stankiewicz noted, "They've been doing it since we started. We just keep fighting back. ... Our guys just always always battle up there."
Early on, Staten Island's David Seccombe and Williamsport's Todd Redmond were sharp. Other than an infield single by Brett Gardner, each didn't allow another baserunner thru three innings. But in the fourth, the Baby Bombers struck first when Redmond loaded the bases with no outs. He induced Jon Poterson into a 4-6-3 double play, scoring Anson, who ledoff with a walk. But Redmond limited the damage when Cooper flied out to center.
Meanwhile, Seccombe took a no-hitter into the sixth before Jermel Lomack broke it up with a bunt single. With one out, Cameron Blair also beat out a bunt to put runners on the corners. Steve Pearce's sac fly tied the game. It was the only run Seccombe allowed in six and a third, giving up just the two infield hits along with a walk and three strikeouts.
With Redmond out of the game, DH Felipe Garcia untied it with two outs in the seventh when he crushed a first pitch fastball off Derek Antelo 400 feet to left center for a homer giving Staten Island a 2-1 lead. But it was shortlived when the Crosscutters scratched across a run in the eighth against Cory Stuart on a two out Pearce single. After another single to James Boone, Stankiewicz brought in Schmidt, who struckout Corley to end the threat.
They inched ahead 3-2 in the bottom half when Williamsport reliever Kevin Miller's errant throw home allowed Eduardo Nunez to score. It wouldn't last. On this night, Anson made sure it didn't matter.
Baby Bombers Take On Auburn For League Championship
The Baby Bombers will face Auburn for the league championship beginning Wednesday on the road. They won two of three games against the Doubledays earlier this year.
Auburn is coming off a sweep of Oneonta in which they outscored them 33-9.
"That's impressive," Stankiewicz said. "Oneonta, we faced them earlier in the year and they beat us two out of three and they [Auburn] made a statement beating up on [Oneonta] like that."
"Hopefully, we'll able to continue to pitch the way we have and we can keep their offense in check."
Jason Stephens (5-1) pitches Game One for Staten Island.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Federer Dismantles Nalbandian
They refer to him as The Maestro for a reason. Thursday night, world number one Roger Federer showed why making 11th seeded Argentine David Nalbandian look very pedestrian in an easy straight sets win 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 to advance to a semifinal showdown with Lleyton Hewitt.
In front of a disappointed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, Federer made short work of a very good opponent who just two years earlier knocked him out of Flushing Meadows in the Round of 16.
Though he got an early wakeup call when Nalbandian broke to start the match, Federer quickly responded by breaking back. It didn't take long for Federer to put some distance between Nalbandian, dropping just one other game in a 27-minute uncompetitive first set.
When Nalbandian beat Federer two years ago, he also dropped the first set. Stepping up his game early in the second, after fighting off break points in the fourth game, Nalbandian stuck a forehand volley to break Federer for a 3-2 lead. But a determined Federer imposed his will, moving Nalbandian all over the court, producing some of his 31 winners from every conceivable angle. Breaking back right away, he killed any momentum Nalbandian had enroute to four straight games claiming the set when Nalbandian netted a volley. A frustrated Nalbandian slammed his racket.
It only got worse. On a remarkable run where he couldn't miss, Federer won the first five games of the third set (nine straight dating back to second set) to erase any hopes of a comeback. So tough was it for Nalbandian that he struggled to avoid a bagel, even hearing some boos when Federer reached match point. But Nalbandian fought it off and eventually got some solace. At least he wasn't bageled like Hewitt twice in last year's Open final.
With the match all but over, USA Network tennis analyst John McEnroe muttered, "This is painful."
To his credit, Nalbandian fought off two more match points but Federer finally cashed in on the fourth when Nalbandian netted a backhand volley to end the misery.
"When he plays like this, it's really tough to beat him,'' Nalbandian said afterwards.
After the hour 40-minute match ended, Federer entertained the crowd with some candid remarks about the All-American semifinal between Andre Agassi and Robby Ginepri. "It will be a very interesting [match] because they play similar games," said Federer.
The witty Swiss number one also made fans gasp with his next remark. "This doesn't happen every day so you better enjoy this moment."
Even when he dominates, Federer gives people something to talk about.
He's trying to become the first Open champ to repeat since Patrick Rafter ('97-98). Federer has made at least the semis in all four majors this year. He lost to eventual champ Marat Safin at the Australian Open and lost to French Open champ Rafael Nadal, both in semis on their birthdays. Federer defeated Andy Roddick to win his third straight Wimbledon in July. Now, he'll try to beat Hewitt for the ninth straight time on Super Saturday in an attempt to play in Sunday's final and win his sixth slam title.
Can anyone stop him?
In front of a disappointed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, Federer made short work of a very good opponent who just two years earlier knocked him out of Flushing Meadows in the Round of 16.
Though he got an early wakeup call when Nalbandian broke to start the match, Federer quickly responded by breaking back. It didn't take long for Federer to put some distance between Nalbandian, dropping just one other game in a 27-minute uncompetitive first set.
When Nalbandian beat Federer two years ago, he also dropped the first set. Stepping up his game early in the second, after fighting off break points in the fourth game, Nalbandian stuck a forehand volley to break Federer for a 3-2 lead. But a determined Federer imposed his will, moving Nalbandian all over the court, producing some of his 31 winners from every conceivable angle. Breaking back right away, he killed any momentum Nalbandian had enroute to four straight games claiming the set when Nalbandian netted a volley. A frustrated Nalbandian slammed his racket.
It only got worse. On a remarkable run where he couldn't miss, Federer won the first five games of the third set (nine straight dating back to second set) to erase any hopes of a comeback. So tough was it for Nalbandian that he struggled to avoid a bagel, even hearing some boos when Federer reached match point. But Nalbandian fought it off and eventually got some solace. At least he wasn't bageled like Hewitt twice in last year's Open final.
With the match all but over, USA Network tennis analyst John McEnroe muttered, "This is painful."
To his credit, Nalbandian fought off two more match points but Federer finally cashed in on the fourth when Nalbandian netted a backhand volley to end the misery.
"When he plays like this, it's really tough to beat him,'' Nalbandian said afterwards.
After the hour 40-minute match ended, Federer entertained the crowd with some candid remarks about the All-American semifinal between Andre Agassi and Robby Ginepri. "It will be a very interesting [match] because they play similar games," said Federer.
The witty Swiss number one also made fans gasp with his next remark. "This doesn't happen every day so you better enjoy this moment."
Even when he dominates, Federer gives people something to talk about.
He's trying to become the first Open champ to repeat since Patrick Rafter ('97-98). Federer has made at least the semis in all four majors this year. He lost to eventual champ Marat Safin at the Australian Open and lost to French Open champ Rafael Nadal, both in semis on their birthdays. Federer defeated Andy Roddick to win his third straight Wimbledon in July. Now, he'll try to beat Hewitt for the ninth straight time on Super Saturday in an attempt to play in Sunday's final and win his sixth slam title.
Can anyone stop him?
Hewitt Erupts Late To Edge Nieminen
Australian third seeded Lleyton Hewitt usually plays with a lot of fire during his matches. In a quarterfinal against unranked Finn Jarkko Nieminen at Arthur Ashe Stadium, he was more subdued until the fifth set when he took control to come from behind to beat Nieminen 2-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. It was his second comeback from a set down in three matches. Two rounds earlier, he beat Taylor Dent.
The lefty Nieminen gave Hewitt fits in the first set with deceptive but accurate groundstrokes that included a lethal two-handed backhand which produced several winners. After Nieminen saved five break points in his first two service games, he took advantage of a flat Hewitt to get the first break of the match at 3-2. Surprisingly, Nieminen took the last five games to claim the set. Hewitt made an uncharacteristic 16 unforced errors to boost his opponent's confidence.
But in the second set, Hewitt stabilized from the baseline (9 unforced errors) breaking Nieminen to go up 2-0 and took control of the set with another break for 4-0, cruising to level the match.
After an off set, Nieminen steadied, especially on his first serve where he won all 17 points in the third set. In one particular game, he served three of his eight aces. After Nieminen held for 4-3, Hewitt tightened up in the eighth game, making a couple of his 45 unforced errors which included a netted forehand and misfiring long on a forehand volley to suddenly setup break point. On it, Nieminen benefited from a line call when his backhand winner was ruled good. Replays showed it a foot out. Hewitt didn't complain. Nieminen closed out the set to pull within one of the upset.
However, in the fourth set, Hewitt got the early jump with a break in the second game and made it stand up. Though Nieminen made a push to get back on serve 3-5 down, Hewitt held him off to force a final set. Shockingly, at this point of the match, Hewitt had not uttered his trademark, "Come on." But he did give a slight fist pump when a Nieminen shot went long to conclude the fourth.
That's when suddenly Hewitt came to life in the opening game of the fifth set. Applying pressure on Nieminen's serve, Hewitt was able to break him with one of his 54 winners. After setting up break point, he converted when he hit a running forehand down the line past an outstretched Nieminen at the net. Finally after getting the crucial game, he screamed, "Come on," pumping his fist and talking to his corner.
It was the beginning of the end for Nieminen as Hewitt continued to hit winners and dictated play, even converting 41 of 55 points at the net. The more aggressive Hewitt also drew several of the Finn's 39 unforced errors. When Hewitt ripped a backhand return for a winner yelling another, "Come on," he had a second break for 3-0. After pulling within two games of his third slam semifinal this year, Hewitt tried to finish off Nieminen in a long fifth game. But after a battle that included nine deuces, Nieminen finally held.
Hewitt's opponent wouldn't go away easily, even forcing him to save a break point in the next game. But once he held for 5-1, the writing was on the wall. When Hewitt finally recorded his sixth break in 18 chances with a forehand volley putaway on match point, he shouted one last, "Come on."
So what could await Hewitt after all that hard work? Another possible showdown with his nemesis top seed Roger Federer, whose only beaten him eight straight times including the last three times they met at majors (Wimbledon Semi-'05, U.S. Open Final-'04, Wimbledon Qtr-'04). Federer will face Argentine David Nalbandian (11) later tonight.
Hewitt has now advanced to at least the semifinals in the last four grand slam events he's entered- '04 U.S. Open Final (Lost to Federer), '05 Australian Open Final (Lost to Safin), '05 Wimbledon Semifinal (Lost to Federer), '05 U.S. Open Semi (Result ???).
Will he finally change his recent luck and capture his third career slam? Find out on Super Saturday.
The lefty Nieminen gave Hewitt fits in the first set with deceptive but accurate groundstrokes that included a lethal two-handed backhand which produced several winners. After Nieminen saved five break points in his first two service games, he took advantage of a flat Hewitt to get the first break of the match at 3-2. Surprisingly, Nieminen took the last five games to claim the set. Hewitt made an uncharacteristic 16 unforced errors to boost his opponent's confidence.
But in the second set, Hewitt stabilized from the baseline (9 unforced errors) breaking Nieminen to go up 2-0 and took control of the set with another break for 4-0, cruising to level the match.
After an off set, Nieminen steadied, especially on his first serve where he won all 17 points in the third set. In one particular game, he served three of his eight aces. After Nieminen held for 4-3, Hewitt tightened up in the eighth game, making a couple of his 45 unforced errors which included a netted forehand and misfiring long on a forehand volley to suddenly setup break point. On it, Nieminen benefited from a line call when his backhand winner was ruled good. Replays showed it a foot out. Hewitt didn't complain. Nieminen closed out the set to pull within one of the upset.
However, in the fourth set, Hewitt got the early jump with a break in the second game and made it stand up. Though Nieminen made a push to get back on serve 3-5 down, Hewitt held him off to force a final set. Shockingly, at this point of the match, Hewitt had not uttered his trademark, "Come on." But he did give a slight fist pump when a Nieminen shot went long to conclude the fourth.
That's when suddenly Hewitt came to life in the opening game of the fifth set. Applying pressure on Nieminen's serve, Hewitt was able to break him with one of his 54 winners. After setting up break point, he converted when he hit a running forehand down the line past an outstretched Nieminen at the net. Finally after getting the crucial game, he screamed, "Come on," pumping his fist and talking to his corner.
It was the beginning of the end for Nieminen as Hewitt continued to hit winners and dictated play, even converting 41 of 55 points at the net. The more aggressive Hewitt also drew several of the Finn's 39 unforced errors. When Hewitt ripped a backhand return for a winner yelling another, "Come on," he had a second break for 3-0. After pulling within two games of his third slam semifinal this year, Hewitt tried to finish off Nieminen in a long fifth game. But after a battle that included nine deuces, Nieminen finally held.
Hewitt's opponent wouldn't go away easily, even forcing him to save a break point in the next game. But once he held for 5-1, the writing was on the wall. When Hewitt finally recorded his sixth break in 18 chances with a forehand volley putaway on match point, he shouted one last, "Come on."
So what could await Hewitt after all that hard work? Another possible showdown with his nemesis top seed Roger Federer, whose only beaten him eight straight times including the last three times they met at majors (Wimbledon Semi-'05, U.S. Open Final-'04, Wimbledon Qtr-'04). Federer will face Argentine David Nalbandian (11) later tonight.
Hewitt has now advanced to at least the semifinals in the last four grand slam events he's entered- '04 U.S. Open Final (Lost to Federer), '05 Australian Open Final (Lost to Safin), '05 Wimbledon Semifinal (Lost to Federer), '05 U.S. Open Semi (Result ???).
Will he finally change his recent luck and capture his third career slam? Find out on Super Saturday.
Agassi And Blake Put On Show
In one of the most anticipated U.S. Open matches in years, Andre Agassi gutted out a dramatic comeback quarterfinal victory over Yonkers native James Blake 3-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (6). The five set epic is sure to be replayed because of the tremendous heart, guts and athleticism both fan favorites exhibited. In one word for a match that lived up to its hype, riveting.
After both players came out jittery, the younger Blake started to impose his will on Agassi from the baseline. Pounding wicked forehands and backhands, he took control of the opening set when he combined a couple of deadly winners and drew errors from Agassi to break him at love to take a 4-3 lead. After holding serve Blake broke again to close the set.
After Agassi broke Blake for the first time in the match to begin the second set, the quicker 25-year-old who recently won his second career title at New Haven took charge from the baseline, running Agassi rampant to get back on serve. At one point, Blake's return of serve was so effective that he broke the eight-time slam winner four straight times spanning the end of the first and second sets.
On fire, Blake pounded many of his 60 winners to keep Agassi off balance. When he wasn't cracking them, he was tracking down so many Agassi shots that it forced his opponent to go for too much, resulting in 57 unforced errors. With Agassi off his game, Blake closed the set to take a commanding two set lead.
Never before had Agassi ever comeback from two sets down in his 20-year U.S. Open career. When Blake broke and went up 3-1 in the third set, there was little reason to think Agassi could pull it off.
But a determined Agassi never gave up hope. With Blake possibly getting nervous trying to go up 4-2, Agassi raised his level, turning the tables on Blake. He started hitting the ball cleaner and began getting errors from Blake. Suddenly with momentum, Agassi took the final four games of the set to get back in the match.
Clearly playing better, Agassi continued to attack a suddenly weary Blake in the fourth set, breaking him twice to level the match, giving everybody at a soldout Arthur Ashe Stadium what they came for.
Two fan favorites. One, an adopted son from Las Vegas who's been playing there since he was a 16-year-old teenager in 1986; recently declaring how much he loves New York. The other, a local product from the Harlem Junior Tennis League and nearby Connecticut, who was the best story coming into the match; having comeback from a broken neck in a warm-up for the Italian Open, lost his father Thomas to cancer two months later and was partially paralyzed from an illness that made it uncertain if he'd ever pick up a tennis racket again.
Fast forward a year later, here was Blake trying to become the first wild card to reach the Open semifinals since 39-year-old legend Jimmy Connors' magical run in '91. And he would have to beat a close friend who he looked up to as a kid to get there.
Nobody could script what would happen next. Not even Hollywood. With Blake desperate to win his first ever five-setter in his sixth attempt and Agassi equally as locked in on trying to advance one step closer to his ultimate goal of a third Open title (ninth slam), both players left their best out there in a grueling and thrilling 43-minute final set.
When Blake crushed a couple of forehand winners and pressured Agassi in the fifth game, he had his seventh break of the match in 17 chances. Agassi never got down though and kept going after Blake's serve. Blake fought his way out of a Love-30 hole to get to 5-3, within one game of a Super Saturday showdown with American Robby Ginepri, who Wednesday afternoon bested Guillermo Coria for his third straight five set win.
After Agassi held for 4-5, the crowd was on their feet because they knew what was coming. One last all out press by Agassi to get back on serve. With Blake three points from the match, Agassi stepped up his returns going for broke. It produced one of 56 winners and forced two of Blake's 46 unforced errors. When Agassi ran around a backhand for a huge forehand on a Blake second serve at 15-40, Blake went for too much and missed a forehand winner up the line to level the remarkable match at five. Agassi not only was tied with Blake on the scoreboard but in the number of breaks converted (7 of 13).
With Blake trying to break back, Agassi turned it up to hold putting the onus on Blake to push it to a frantic tiebreaker. After Blake led 40-0, Agassi wouldn't concede the game, getting the next two points on a forehand crosscourt winner and a perfect forehand topspin lob. With the Blake contingent antsy, he calmed them down with his 19th ace out wide to give the match the fitting conclusion it deserved.
The tiebreak would be even more unbelievable theatre for everyone that watched. With Blake up a minibreak leading 3-0, it looked like Agassi's last gasp would fall short. But digging deep, he won the next three points giving the crowd even more reason to gasp. After he missed a forehand down the line to give Agassi match point at 6-5, Blake made no mistake the second time slugging a forehand winner down the line to send the crowd into a frenzy. Afterwards, Blake looked up to his corner and maybe to the heavens talking to his Dad. What would happen next was even more incredible.
Needing to hold serve or put the match on Blake's racket, in an extended rally, Agassi went to his bag of tricks hitting a backhand drop shot. When the hustling Blake got to it and hit it into Agassi, somehow, he managed to hit a clean backhand winner for his second match point. With fans still standing and cheering as Blake stepped up for a second serve, Agassi ended the match the only way it could end. With a go for broke forehand winner down the line. He became the oldest player to advance to the Open semis since Connors 14 years ago.
To give an idea of how close the two hour 51-minute match was, Agassi won six more points- Agassi-162 Blake-156.
As the two embraced at the net, it still seemed surreal. A match that everyone talked about lived up to its billing and had it all. Grit. Guts. Hustle. Determination. Sportsmanship.
"At 1:15 in the morning for 20,000 people to still be here, I wasn't the winner, tennis was," said Agassi in the post match interview.
"It couldn't have been more fun to lose,'' Blake told CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson afterwards. Though Blake had lost, there were no losers on this night. Just two classy American tennis players putting on a show that no one who witnessed it will ever forget.
After both players came out jittery, the younger Blake started to impose his will on Agassi from the baseline. Pounding wicked forehands and backhands, he took control of the opening set when he combined a couple of deadly winners and drew errors from Agassi to break him at love to take a 4-3 lead. After holding serve Blake broke again to close the set.
After Agassi broke Blake for the first time in the match to begin the second set, the quicker 25-year-old who recently won his second career title at New Haven took charge from the baseline, running Agassi rampant to get back on serve. At one point, Blake's return of serve was so effective that he broke the eight-time slam winner four straight times spanning the end of the first and second sets.
On fire, Blake pounded many of his 60 winners to keep Agassi off balance. When he wasn't cracking them, he was tracking down so many Agassi shots that it forced his opponent to go for too much, resulting in 57 unforced errors. With Agassi off his game, Blake closed the set to take a commanding two set lead.
Never before had Agassi ever comeback from two sets down in his 20-year U.S. Open career. When Blake broke and went up 3-1 in the third set, there was little reason to think Agassi could pull it off.
But a determined Agassi never gave up hope. With Blake possibly getting nervous trying to go up 4-2, Agassi raised his level, turning the tables on Blake. He started hitting the ball cleaner and began getting errors from Blake. Suddenly with momentum, Agassi took the final four games of the set to get back in the match.
Clearly playing better, Agassi continued to attack a suddenly weary Blake in the fourth set, breaking him twice to level the match, giving everybody at a soldout Arthur Ashe Stadium what they came for.
Two fan favorites. One, an adopted son from Las Vegas who's been playing there since he was a 16-year-old teenager in 1986; recently declaring how much he loves New York. The other, a local product from the Harlem Junior Tennis League and nearby Connecticut, who was the best story coming into the match; having comeback from a broken neck in a warm-up for the Italian Open, lost his father Thomas to cancer two months later and was partially paralyzed from an illness that made it uncertain if he'd ever pick up a tennis racket again.
Fast forward a year later, here was Blake trying to become the first wild card to reach the Open semifinals since 39-year-old legend Jimmy Connors' magical run in '91. And he would have to beat a close friend who he looked up to as a kid to get there.
Nobody could script what would happen next. Not even Hollywood. With Blake desperate to win his first ever five-setter in his sixth attempt and Agassi equally as locked in on trying to advance one step closer to his ultimate goal of a third Open title (ninth slam), both players left their best out there in a grueling and thrilling 43-minute final set.
When Blake crushed a couple of forehand winners and pressured Agassi in the fifth game, he had his seventh break of the match in 17 chances. Agassi never got down though and kept going after Blake's serve. Blake fought his way out of a Love-30 hole to get to 5-3, within one game of a Super Saturday showdown with American Robby Ginepri, who Wednesday afternoon bested Guillermo Coria for his third straight five set win.
After Agassi held for 4-5, the crowd was on their feet because they knew what was coming. One last all out press by Agassi to get back on serve. With Blake three points from the match, Agassi stepped up his returns going for broke. It produced one of 56 winners and forced two of Blake's 46 unforced errors. When Agassi ran around a backhand for a huge forehand on a Blake second serve at 15-40, Blake went for too much and missed a forehand winner up the line to level the remarkable match at five. Agassi not only was tied with Blake on the scoreboard but in the number of breaks converted (7 of 13).
With Blake trying to break back, Agassi turned it up to hold putting the onus on Blake to push it to a frantic tiebreaker. After Blake led 40-0, Agassi wouldn't concede the game, getting the next two points on a forehand crosscourt winner and a perfect forehand topspin lob. With the Blake contingent antsy, he calmed them down with his 19th ace out wide to give the match the fitting conclusion it deserved.
The tiebreak would be even more unbelievable theatre for everyone that watched. With Blake up a minibreak leading 3-0, it looked like Agassi's last gasp would fall short. But digging deep, he won the next three points giving the crowd even more reason to gasp. After he missed a forehand down the line to give Agassi match point at 6-5, Blake made no mistake the second time slugging a forehand winner down the line to send the crowd into a frenzy. Afterwards, Blake looked up to his corner and maybe to the heavens talking to his Dad. What would happen next was even more incredible.
Needing to hold serve or put the match on Blake's racket, in an extended rally, Agassi went to his bag of tricks hitting a backhand drop shot. When the hustling Blake got to it and hit it into Agassi, somehow, he managed to hit a clean backhand winner for his second match point. With fans still standing and cheering as Blake stepped up for a second serve, Agassi ended the match the only way it could end. With a go for broke forehand winner down the line. He became the oldest player to advance to the Open semis since Connors 14 years ago.
To give an idea of how close the two hour 51-minute match was, Agassi won six more points- Agassi-162 Blake-156.
As the two embraced at the net, it still seemed surreal. A match that everyone talked about lived up to its billing and had it all. Grit. Guts. Hustle. Determination. Sportsmanship.
"At 1:15 in the morning for 20,000 people to still be here, I wasn't the winner, tennis was," said Agassi in the post match interview.
"It couldn't have been more fun to lose,'' Blake told CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson afterwards. Though Blake had lost, there were no losers on this night. Just two classy American tennis players putting on a show that no one who witnessed it will ever forget.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Ginepri Continues Amazing American Run
American Robby Ginepri grinded out another five set match to advance to his first ever slam semifinal. For the third consecutive match, he outlasted an opponent in front of many Ashe Stadium supporters. This time, the victim was eighth seeded Argentine Guillermo Coria. In another exciting match that lasted just past three hours, Ginepri bested Coria 4-6, 6-1, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.
After Coria took the first set, Ginepri fought back in the second with two breaks and coasted to square the match. That's when the level of play picked up. With both players striking the ball well from the baseline, producing long rallies, playing the kind of tennis that was crowd pleasing.
In a tipsy-tovy third set, Coria raced to a break lead up 5-3. In a sudden twist, Ginepri turned the tables on Coria breaking him twice, taking the last four games to claim the set.
But Coria wasn't ready to go home. Down a set, he made Ginepri work really hard to win points by chasing down balls and coming up with great shots on the run. The pressure finally got to the 22-year-old in the eighth game when he was broken at love after missing a couple of easy volleys. This time with a chance to close the set, Coria didn't wilt. Using aggressive net play that won him 32 of 39 points (82 percent) and nailing his 11th ace, Coria sent the match to a final set.
With both guys saving their best for last, several points were breathtaking. One included a Coria drop shot which Ginepri ran down, then countered with his own but Coria raced for a backhand into the open court. Afterwards, in a rare display of sportsmanship, the two slapped five out of mutual respect for the kind effort they gave. Another point saw Ginepri drawn in by Coria again and hit a lob volley which Coria recovered to hit at Ginepri, who stuck a forehand volley. But somehow, Coria sped to hit a forehand winner.
When Coria broke for 4-3 in the fifth, Ginepri dug deep to break back, taking advantage of a loose game that included a double fault on break point to get back on serve. As the seesaw battle continued with each struggling to hold, Ginepri saw Coria fight off three match points in the 10th game. It included an overhead that clipped the net to end a rally, resulting in Ginepri waving his arms in disbelief.
After serving his 10th ace to hold for 6-5, Ginepri forced Coria into a sudden death service game. Remarkably, Coria saved two more match points on a mishit forehand volley that landed in and a volley putaway to keep him alive. But his undoing was his serve. After overcoming 20 double faults in a five set win over Nicolas Massu in the previous round, Coria shockingly hit his 13th and 14th double faults in succession to give Ginepri the victory.
Looking spent after the match, Ginepri didn't know how he won. "I don't know what's going on right now," he said. "I'm a little foggy, a little dizzy. It's crazy. Crazy!''
At least he'll have three days to recover before he takes on Andre Agassi Saturday.
Dementieva Shows Heart In Win Over Davenport
In the final women's quarterfinal Wednesday night, Russian Elena Dementieva (6) overcame 12 double faults and a match point to eliminate second seeded American Lindsay Davenport in three sets 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (6). She'll meet Frenchwoman Mary Pierce (12) in the semis, who earlier in the day defeated Amelie Mauresmo (3) 6-4, 6-1.
In a match marred with errors, Dementieva ultimately was able to hit enough winners on big points to pull the upset. Taking advantage of a sluggish Davenport at the beginning, she raced out to a 3-0 lead, breaking Davenport twice. With the 29-year-old vet misfiring some of her 56 unforced errors and double faulting six times herself, the 23-year-old Russian broke Davenport all four times in the first set, dropping just one game in an easy 27-minute set.
But in the second set, the match swung when Dementieva started to have trouble on serve and began missing shots from the baseline, resulting in 43 unforced errors. Meanwhile, Davenport finally found the range from the ground, moving her younger opponent around. She even took advantage at the net converting 22 of 29 (76 percent). She broke three times in the set including the ninth game to square the match.
The final set which lasted over an hour would be even more unpredictable. With both struggling mightily to hold due to great returns of serve, they exchanged two breaks late in the set. Both times, Dementieva seemed in control of her destiny but couldn't handle the pressure. Davenport converted 35 of 47 (68 percent) on her wild second serve to gain her sixth break in 18 chances on what else; a double fault to send it to a tiebreaker. Astonishingly, Dementieva's seven breaks in 10 chances on Davenport's serve came from a similar result. She won 24 of 36 (67 percent) points.
The tiebreak was equally as wild. With Dementieva leading 5-2, Davenport stormed back winning the next four points to setup match point. On a second serve, Dementieva showed the heart of a lion, ripping an inside out forehand winner to save it. After reaching match point on a nifty dropshot winner, Dementieva sealed the victory with a crosscourt backhand winner, her 34th of the night.
A finalist in Flushing last year before she lost to countrywoman Svetlana Kuznetsova, Dementieva advanced to her second consecutive Open semifinal.
"It seems like a lucky place for me," said Dementieva referring to the Ashe Stadium court afterwards. "After last year I'm still dreaming about Saturday night every single day, so who knows."
She might not have to wait too much longer.
After Coria took the first set, Ginepri fought back in the second with two breaks and coasted to square the match. That's when the level of play picked up. With both players striking the ball well from the baseline, producing long rallies, playing the kind of tennis that was crowd pleasing.
In a tipsy-tovy third set, Coria raced to a break lead up 5-3. In a sudden twist, Ginepri turned the tables on Coria breaking him twice, taking the last four games to claim the set.
But Coria wasn't ready to go home. Down a set, he made Ginepri work really hard to win points by chasing down balls and coming up with great shots on the run. The pressure finally got to the 22-year-old in the eighth game when he was broken at love after missing a couple of easy volleys. This time with a chance to close the set, Coria didn't wilt. Using aggressive net play that won him 32 of 39 points (82 percent) and nailing his 11th ace, Coria sent the match to a final set.
With both guys saving their best for last, several points were breathtaking. One included a Coria drop shot which Ginepri ran down, then countered with his own but Coria raced for a backhand into the open court. Afterwards, in a rare display of sportsmanship, the two slapped five out of mutual respect for the kind effort they gave. Another point saw Ginepri drawn in by Coria again and hit a lob volley which Coria recovered to hit at Ginepri, who stuck a forehand volley. But somehow, Coria sped to hit a forehand winner.
When Coria broke for 4-3 in the fifth, Ginepri dug deep to break back, taking advantage of a loose game that included a double fault on break point to get back on serve. As the seesaw battle continued with each struggling to hold, Ginepri saw Coria fight off three match points in the 10th game. It included an overhead that clipped the net to end a rally, resulting in Ginepri waving his arms in disbelief.
After serving his 10th ace to hold for 6-5, Ginepri forced Coria into a sudden death service game. Remarkably, Coria saved two more match points on a mishit forehand volley that landed in and a volley putaway to keep him alive. But his undoing was his serve. After overcoming 20 double faults in a five set win over Nicolas Massu in the previous round, Coria shockingly hit his 13th and 14th double faults in succession to give Ginepri the victory.
Looking spent after the match, Ginepri didn't know how he won. "I don't know what's going on right now," he said. "I'm a little foggy, a little dizzy. It's crazy. Crazy!''
At least he'll have three days to recover before he takes on Andre Agassi Saturday.
Dementieva Shows Heart In Win Over Davenport
In the final women's quarterfinal Wednesday night, Russian Elena Dementieva (6) overcame 12 double faults and a match point to eliminate second seeded American Lindsay Davenport in three sets 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (6). She'll meet Frenchwoman Mary Pierce (12) in the semis, who earlier in the day defeated Amelie Mauresmo (3) 6-4, 6-1.
In a match marred with errors, Dementieva ultimately was able to hit enough winners on big points to pull the upset. Taking advantage of a sluggish Davenport at the beginning, she raced out to a 3-0 lead, breaking Davenport twice. With the 29-year-old vet misfiring some of her 56 unforced errors and double faulting six times herself, the 23-year-old Russian broke Davenport all four times in the first set, dropping just one game in an easy 27-minute set.
But in the second set, the match swung when Dementieva started to have trouble on serve and began missing shots from the baseline, resulting in 43 unforced errors. Meanwhile, Davenport finally found the range from the ground, moving her younger opponent around. She even took advantage at the net converting 22 of 29 (76 percent). She broke three times in the set including the ninth game to square the match.
The final set which lasted over an hour would be even more unpredictable. With both struggling mightily to hold due to great returns of serve, they exchanged two breaks late in the set. Both times, Dementieva seemed in control of her destiny but couldn't handle the pressure. Davenport converted 35 of 47 (68 percent) on her wild second serve to gain her sixth break in 18 chances on what else; a double fault to send it to a tiebreaker. Astonishingly, Dementieva's seven breaks in 10 chances on Davenport's serve came from a similar result. She won 24 of 36 (67 percent) points.
The tiebreak was equally as wild. With Dementieva leading 5-2, Davenport stormed back winning the next four points to setup match point. On a second serve, Dementieva showed the heart of a lion, ripping an inside out forehand winner to save it. After reaching match point on a nifty dropshot winner, Dementieva sealed the victory with a crosscourt backhand winner, her 34th of the night.
A finalist in Flushing last year before she lost to countrywoman Svetlana Kuznetsova, Dementieva advanced to her second consecutive Open semifinal.
"It seems like a lucky place for me," said Dementieva referring to the Ashe Stadium court afterwards. "After last year I'm still dreaming about Saturday night every single day, so who knows."
She might not have to wait too much longer.
Baby Bombers Rally Falls Short
Trailing by two runs against the New Jersey Cardinals in the ninth inning, the Staten Island Yankees last ditch effort to tie the game fell short Tuesday night in a 5-3 loss at Richmond County Ballpark. With the bases loaded and two outs, Kyle Larsen swung at Daniel Stevens' first offering, grounding out to second to end the game.
The Cardinals jumped out early plating two runs in the first against starter Dave Seccombe when Calvin Hayes singled home Daniel Nelson and a batter later, Aaron Rogers doubled in Hayes after he stole second.
Staten Island had a chance to tie it right away when they loaded the bases but with one out, Jon Poterson grounded into one of two inning ending double plays to kill the threat. This would be a common theme all night.
"We grounded into three double plays to end innings," noted skipper Andy Stankiewicz. "That's why usually when we do okay, we haven't done that that often. We hit some ground balls right at them which killed opportunities to get something going."
After Staten Island Yankee Player of the Year Brett Gardner got a run back with a second inning single, things got testy in the fourth when backup first baseman Felipe Garcia plowed over catcher Craig Newton to break up another potential inning-ending double play and tie the score. Newton was knocked out of the game replaced by Scott Madden, who had an RBI single later. After the inning, the New Jersey dugout was fuming.
Not willing to risk an injury in his ball club's final regular season game before the playoffs, Stankiewicz pulled Garcia out of the game subbing in Larsen.
"It was a play that he thought he had to do to score and that's fine but part of what we're trying to teach our fellows is professionalism," pointed out Stankiewicz. "You don't want to get up and taunt [opponent] in any way, be disrespectul or unprofessional."
"He's young, an aggressive kid and that's his mentality," said the manager regarding Garcia. "Part of the learning process is not only learning baseball skills but along with that comes professionalism as well."
With the game tied at two, lefty reliever Toni Lara struggled in the sixth and seventh allowing three runs to score. He took the loss to drop to 2-5.
"He was one of our starters earlier and we took him out of that rotation cause he struggled a little bit," Stankiewicz said. "We're trying to help him get his confidence back."
The baby Bombers had another threat in the seventh. Though Jon Poterson's RBI walk cut it to 5-3, Gardner struckout with the bases loaded to end the inning.
That was the kind of night it was.
Stankiewicz still liked his team's chances to bounceback in the postseason. They finished with the best record in the New York-Penn League at 51-23 and will have home field advantage at RCBB, where they finished a league best 29-9.
"We've played well here," he said. "The guys are comfortable here and have routines. So I think it would be to our advantage if we can play a couple of games here."
It should be an interesting ride.
The Cardinals jumped out early plating two runs in the first against starter Dave Seccombe when Calvin Hayes singled home Daniel Nelson and a batter later, Aaron Rogers doubled in Hayes after he stole second.
Staten Island had a chance to tie it right away when they loaded the bases but with one out, Jon Poterson grounded into one of two inning ending double plays to kill the threat. This would be a common theme all night.
"We grounded into three double plays to end innings," noted skipper Andy Stankiewicz. "That's why usually when we do okay, we haven't done that that often. We hit some ground balls right at them which killed opportunities to get something going."
After Staten Island Yankee Player of the Year Brett Gardner got a run back with a second inning single, things got testy in the fourth when backup first baseman Felipe Garcia plowed over catcher Craig Newton to break up another potential inning-ending double play and tie the score. Newton was knocked out of the game replaced by Scott Madden, who had an RBI single later. After the inning, the New Jersey dugout was fuming.
Not willing to risk an injury in his ball club's final regular season game before the playoffs, Stankiewicz pulled Garcia out of the game subbing in Larsen.
"It was a play that he thought he had to do to score and that's fine but part of what we're trying to teach our fellows is professionalism," pointed out Stankiewicz. "You don't want to get up and taunt [opponent] in any way, be disrespectul or unprofessional."
"He's young, an aggressive kid and that's his mentality," said the manager regarding Garcia. "Part of the learning process is not only learning baseball skills but along with that comes professionalism as well."
With the game tied at two, lefty reliever Toni Lara struggled in the sixth and seventh allowing three runs to score. He took the loss to drop to 2-5.
"He was one of our starters earlier and we took him out of that rotation cause he struggled a little bit," Stankiewicz said. "We're trying to help him get his confidence back."
The baby Bombers had another threat in the seventh. Though Jon Poterson's RBI walk cut it to 5-3, Gardner struckout with the bases loaded to end the inning.
That was the kind of night it was.
Stankiewicz still liked his team's chances to bounceback in the postseason. They finished with the best record in the New York-Penn League at 51-23 and will have home field advantage at RCBB, where they finished a league best 29-9.
"We've played well here," he said. "The guys are comfortable here and have routines. So I think it would be to our advantage if we can play a couple of games here."
It should be an interesting ride.
Schmidt Takes League By Storm
Josh Schmidt has quickly impressed Staten Island Yankee fans with his ability to shutdown opponents.
Drafted out of Pacific University, the 6-4 closer has been a thorn in the side of opposing batters. In 25 appearances, Schmidt's dominated allowing just a run along with a microscopic 0.28 ERA, fanning 46 in 32 innings. On whether he considers himself a strikeout pitcher, he didn't seem to think so but 'sometimes they happen.' Schmidt has also posted a 5-1 record with 12 saves holding opponents to a paltry .132.
The sinkerballer attributes his success to execution. "I think I've been making some quality pitches," said Schmidt. "Staying down in the zone and keeping the ball on the infield pretty much. I try not to give up long fly balls because once in a while, long fly balls go out of the yard."
Schmidt considers himself a ground ball pitcher who relies on movement to retire batters which makes it harder for them to be successful. "A lot of guys don't want to swing at anything down in the zone because it can chip their bats," he added. "I try to get two strikes more often and obviously keep moving the ball in and out. Change speeds."
With the playoffs coming up, he seemed excited about the challenge of being called on in pressure situations to finish games. "I feel ready," said Schmidt. "My arm feels good. I feel ready to go."
Schmidt didn't mind having to pitch three straight days either if manager Andy Stankiewicz needs him to in the playoffs. "My arm hasn't felt tired yet," he said. "I'm at least willing to try it if they'll let me do it."
If the 22-year-old Californian continues to pitch well, he could climb up the ladder of the Yankee organization rapidly. He's watched the best closer in the business Mariano Rivera dominate for a decade. Could he be the future Yankee closer? Keeping things in perspective, Schmidt didn't get ahead of himself.
"Obviously, that would be fun but I'll do whatever they want me to," noted Schmidt. "It's not my call. It's theirs. Everyone keeps saying that. It's a little for that. This is A Ball here."
Until then, Schmidt will continue to do whatever it takes to win ballgames for Staten Island.
Drafted out of Pacific University, the 6-4 closer has been a thorn in the side of opposing batters. In 25 appearances, Schmidt's dominated allowing just a run along with a microscopic 0.28 ERA, fanning 46 in 32 innings. On whether he considers himself a strikeout pitcher, he didn't seem to think so but 'sometimes they happen.' Schmidt has also posted a 5-1 record with 12 saves holding opponents to a paltry .132.
The sinkerballer attributes his success to execution. "I think I've been making some quality pitches," said Schmidt. "Staying down in the zone and keeping the ball on the infield pretty much. I try not to give up long fly balls because once in a while, long fly balls go out of the yard."
Schmidt considers himself a ground ball pitcher who relies on movement to retire batters which makes it harder for them to be successful. "A lot of guys don't want to swing at anything down in the zone because it can chip their bats," he added. "I try to get two strikes more often and obviously keep moving the ball in and out. Change speeds."
With the playoffs coming up, he seemed excited about the challenge of being called on in pressure situations to finish games. "I feel ready," said Schmidt. "My arm feels good. I feel ready to go."
Schmidt didn't mind having to pitch three straight days either if manager Andy Stankiewicz needs him to in the playoffs. "My arm hasn't felt tired yet," he said. "I'm at least willing to try it if they'll let me do it."
If the 22-year-old Californian continues to pitch well, he could climb up the ladder of the Yankee organization rapidly. He's watched the best closer in the business Mariano Rivera dominate for a decade. Could he be the future Yankee closer? Keeping things in perspective, Schmidt didn't get ahead of himself.
"Obviously, that would be fun but I'll do whatever they want me to," noted Schmidt. "It's not my call. It's theirs. Everyone keeps saying that. It's a little for that. This is A Ball here."
Until then, Schmidt will continue to do whatever it takes to win ballgames for Staten Island.
Larsen Making Name For Self
First baseman looks to have a bright future. The 22-year-old former First Team Pac 10 Washington Huskie has been impressive with the Staten Island Yankees. Before going hitless in three at bats Tuesday night versus New Jersey, he entered the final regular season game hitting .317, tied for ninth in the New York Penn League and his 49 RBI's tied for fifth.
Signed by the Yanks this summer, he's made a smooth transition from college to pro ball. "There always is [transition] just cause you're using aluminum bats but one thing about the Pac-10, there's a lot of good players in that league," Larsen said. "Playing in that great league really helped."
Not too bad for a small town kid from Seattle, Washington who candidly observed, "I've been to the city a couple of times. It's definitely an experience. It's no Seattle. It's definitely a lot bigger, more people. It's been a great experience with the press and all the fans and everything."
Ironically, Larsen was originally selected by the crosstown rival Mets in the 14th round back in 2001. "It was an honor getting drafted out of high school but I wasn't ready to play pro ball," he said. "I wanted to go to college and get that experience and grow up; mature."
The first year player has helped lead Staten Island to the best record in the league at 51-23. "This team's been awesome all year and hopefully we can keep it up in the playoffs," he said.
Regarding the prospect of his first ever minor league postseason, Larsen noted, "It's going to be a real fun experience but luckily for us we get home field advantage playing in front of home fans."
With a busier schedule compared to playing weekends in college, Larsen hasn't had much free time. "It's been kind of a grind because you're not used to it," he said. "But it's a lot more fun because you're getting paid to play baseball everyday."
Though he grounded out with the bases loaded to end the game Tuesday, things are looking up for Larsen. "It's great," he added. "I'm glad I'm where I'm at."
Signed by the Yanks this summer, he's made a smooth transition from college to pro ball. "There always is [transition] just cause you're using aluminum bats but one thing about the Pac-10, there's a lot of good players in that league," Larsen said. "Playing in that great league really helped."
Not too bad for a small town kid from Seattle, Washington who candidly observed, "I've been to the city a couple of times. It's definitely an experience. It's no Seattle. It's definitely a lot bigger, more people. It's been a great experience with the press and all the fans and everything."
Ironically, Larsen was originally selected by the crosstown rival Mets in the 14th round back in 2001. "It was an honor getting drafted out of high school but I wasn't ready to play pro ball," he said. "I wanted to go to college and get that experience and grow up; mature."
The first year player has helped lead Staten Island to the best record in the league at 51-23. "This team's been awesome all year and hopefully we can keep it up in the playoffs," he said.
Regarding the prospect of his first ever minor league postseason, Larsen noted, "It's going to be a real fun experience but luckily for us we get home field advantage playing in front of home fans."
With a busier schedule compared to playing weekends in college, Larsen hasn't had much free time. "It's been kind of a grind because you're not used to it," he said. "But it's a lot more fun because you're getting paid to play baseball everyday."
Though he grounded out with the bases loaded to end the game Tuesday, things are looking up for Larsen. "It's great," he added. "I'm glad I'm where I'm at."
Monday, September 05, 2005
Blake Sets Up All-American Quarterfinal
The storybook comeback of American James Blake continued Monday afternoon when he advanced to his first ever slam quarterfinal by coming back to beat Tommy Robredo (19) in four sets 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3. It was far from easy for the 25-year-old Yonkers native.
Trailing 5-3 to a sharper Robredo in the first set, Blake broke back to give himself a chance. Instead of taking advantage, he donated the first set to Robredo with a double fault.
With Robredo outplaying Blake, combining solid groundstrokes with an effective net game where he converted 26 of 28 points, he had Blake in a huge hole up 5-2 in the second set. After Blake held for 5-3 though, the entire complexion of the match changed when Robredo couldn't finish off the set. Blake saved a set point and then started dictating play with heavy forehands, forcing errors from his nervous opponent. When Robredo tossed in his second double fault (7 for match), Blake was back on serve.
After he held for five all, Robredo again had difficulty holding. A more confident Blake worked his opponent from corner to corner, outhitting him to break for 6-5. With his first serve percentage picking up, Blake finished the set with ease to square the match.
With the momentum his, Blake didn't let up in a relatively easy third set where Robredo struggled. With his serve percentage continuing to climb, Blake had easy holds. This allowed him to put more pressure on Robredo's serve. With blistering groundstrokes pinning back Robredo, Blake took full advantage at the net winning 28 of 34 points. He also punished Robredo's second serve winning 55 percent of the points. It didn't take long for Blake's increased level to get to Robredo. He broke him twice and won the set going away.
With a packed Ashe Stadium crowd filled with Blake's contingent anticipating an All-American dream quarterfinal showdown with Andre Agassi, the charasmatic Blake saw the finish line in the fourth set. He continued to ratchet up the intensity on Robredo's games to get that one break he needed. It finally came in the seventh game to put him two games away.
After another easy hold, Blake decided to finish the match in style with his seventh break in 15 chances rather than wait to serve it out. Robredo did fight off one match point but when a Blake backhand down the line forced a long forehand, the dream quarterfinal against Agassi was set.
Before the match concluded, CBS broadcaster Dick Enberg wondered if the match came down Wednesday night who the crowd would root for. "Neither guy is boo-able," added CBS analyst Mary Carillo. That summed it up best.
Pierce Avenges French Open Loss
In the featured women's night match, Mary Pierce (12) avenged her French Open final loss knocking out seventh seed Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-3, 6-4 to make her first U.S. Open quarterfinal since 1999. Pierce took advantage of 10 double faults and enroute to the straight set win. She especially made Henin-Hardenne pay on the Belgian's second serve winning 69 percent (25 of 36) of the points.
In Roland Garros, Pierce only won two games. She had more than that by the third game jumping out to a 5-0 two break lead but tightened up when Henin-Hardenne got one back and cut it to 5-3. Trying to serve it out, Pierce even had to save a break point that would have put the set back on serve. But she didn't wilt finishing out the set by forcing Henin-Hardenne into an error.
The second set was a little more of a battle lasting almost an hour. After the two traded breaks, Pierce broke in the fifth game. She tried to finish off Henin-Hardenne up 5-3 but the former 2003 champion fought off three match points on her serve. They battled for several minutes. One rally saw Henin-Hardenne on the attack lobbing a shot over Pierce but the former two slam winner ran down the ball and hit a highlight reel backhand winner down the line, drawing loud cheers and smiled. Henin-Hardenne eventually won the game to stay in the match.
With Henin-Hardenne two points from leveling the set, Pierce buckled down and boomed one of her four aces and then recorded a service winner to get to her fourth match point. This time, she cashed in when Henin-Hardenne dumped a backhand into the net. Pierce will next play third seed Amelie Mauresmo, who defeated Russian Elena Likhovtseva (19) 6-1, 6-4.
Ginepri Caps Off Banner Day For American Tennis
In the second night match at Ashe Stadium, American Robby Ginepri became the third American male to make the quarterfinals, coming back from two sets to one down to defeat 19-year-old French riser Richard Gasquet 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-0. The match took exactly three hours to complete. It's Ginepri's first ever slam quarterfinal. He'll next meet Argentine Guillermo Coria (8) for a chance at the semifinals.
Both players traded breaks to split the first two sets 6-3. Gasquet took a third set tiebreak 10-8, which lasted almost an hour to lead two sets to one. Down 3-1 in the fourth set, Ginepri bounced back breaking Gasquet twice to claim the set 6-4 pushing the match the distance.
With momentum clearly on his side, he carried it through to an easy final set bageling Gasquet 6-0. He finished the match winning 11 of the final 12 games. It capped off a great day for American tennis with Lindsay Davenport also advancing on the women's side.
Tuesday features Round of 16 men's action with defending champion and top seed Roger Federer taking on German Nicolas Kiefer while third seed Lleyton Hewitt battles Dominik Hrbaty (15). Also vying for quarterfinal spots are David Nalbandian (11) against Italian Davide Sanguinetti while Spaniard Fernando Verdasco takes on Finn Jarkko Nieminen.
The night session highlights the first two women's quarters when top seed Maria Sharapova plays Nadia Petrova (9) while Kim Clijsters (4) takes on Venus Williams (10).
Trailing 5-3 to a sharper Robredo in the first set, Blake broke back to give himself a chance. Instead of taking advantage, he donated the first set to Robredo with a double fault.
With Robredo outplaying Blake, combining solid groundstrokes with an effective net game where he converted 26 of 28 points, he had Blake in a huge hole up 5-2 in the second set. After Blake held for 5-3 though, the entire complexion of the match changed when Robredo couldn't finish off the set. Blake saved a set point and then started dictating play with heavy forehands, forcing errors from his nervous opponent. When Robredo tossed in his second double fault (7 for match), Blake was back on serve.
After he held for five all, Robredo again had difficulty holding. A more confident Blake worked his opponent from corner to corner, outhitting him to break for 6-5. With his first serve percentage picking up, Blake finished the set with ease to square the match.
With the momentum his, Blake didn't let up in a relatively easy third set where Robredo struggled. With his serve percentage continuing to climb, Blake had easy holds. This allowed him to put more pressure on Robredo's serve. With blistering groundstrokes pinning back Robredo, Blake took full advantage at the net winning 28 of 34 points. He also punished Robredo's second serve winning 55 percent of the points. It didn't take long for Blake's increased level to get to Robredo. He broke him twice and won the set going away.
With a packed Ashe Stadium crowd filled with Blake's contingent anticipating an All-American dream quarterfinal showdown with Andre Agassi, the charasmatic Blake saw the finish line in the fourth set. He continued to ratchet up the intensity on Robredo's games to get that one break he needed. It finally came in the seventh game to put him two games away.
After another easy hold, Blake decided to finish the match in style with his seventh break in 15 chances rather than wait to serve it out. Robredo did fight off one match point but when a Blake backhand down the line forced a long forehand, the dream quarterfinal against Agassi was set.
Before the match concluded, CBS broadcaster Dick Enberg wondered if the match came down Wednesday night who the crowd would root for. "Neither guy is boo-able," added CBS analyst Mary Carillo. That summed it up best.
Pierce Avenges French Open Loss
In the featured women's night match, Mary Pierce (12) avenged her French Open final loss knocking out seventh seed Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-3, 6-4 to make her first U.S. Open quarterfinal since 1999. Pierce took advantage of 10 double faults and enroute to the straight set win. She especially made Henin-Hardenne pay on the Belgian's second serve winning 69 percent (25 of 36) of the points.
In Roland Garros, Pierce only won two games. She had more than that by the third game jumping out to a 5-0 two break lead but tightened up when Henin-Hardenne got one back and cut it to 5-3. Trying to serve it out, Pierce even had to save a break point that would have put the set back on serve. But she didn't wilt finishing out the set by forcing Henin-Hardenne into an error.
The second set was a little more of a battle lasting almost an hour. After the two traded breaks, Pierce broke in the fifth game. She tried to finish off Henin-Hardenne up 5-3 but the former 2003 champion fought off three match points on her serve. They battled for several minutes. One rally saw Henin-Hardenne on the attack lobbing a shot over Pierce but the former two slam winner ran down the ball and hit a highlight reel backhand winner down the line, drawing loud cheers and smiled. Henin-Hardenne eventually won the game to stay in the match.
With Henin-Hardenne two points from leveling the set, Pierce buckled down and boomed one of her four aces and then recorded a service winner to get to her fourth match point. This time, she cashed in when Henin-Hardenne dumped a backhand into the net. Pierce will next play third seed Amelie Mauresmo, who defeated Russian Elena Likhovtseva (19) 6-1, 6-4.
Ginepri Caps Off Banner Day For American Tennis
In the second night match at Ashe Stadium, American Robby Ginepri became the third American male to make the quarterfinals, coming back from two sets to one down to defeat 19-year-old French riser Richard Gasquet 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-0. The match took exactly three hours to complete. It's Ginepri's first ever slam quarterfinal. He'll next meet Argentine Guillermo Coria (8) for a chance at the semifinals.
Both players traded breaks to split the first two sets 6-3. Gasquet took a third set tiebreak 10-8, which lasted almost an hour to lead two sets to one. Down 3-1 in the fourth set, Ginepri bounced back breaking Gasquet twice to claim the set 6-4 pushing the match the distance.
With momentum clearly on his side, he carried it through to an easy final set bageling Gasquet 6-0. He finished the match winning 11 of the final 12 games. It capped off a great day for American tennis with Lindsay Davenport also advancing on the women's side.
Tuesday features Round of 16 men's action with defending champion and top seed Roger Federer taking on German Nicolas Kiefer while third seed Lleyton Hewitt battles Dominik Hrbaty (15). Also vying for quarterfinal spots are David Nalbandian (11) against Italian Davide Sanguinetti while Spaniard Fernando Verdasco takes on Finn Jarkko Nieminen.
The night session highlights the first two women's quarters when top seed Maria Sharapova plays Nadia Petrova (9) while Kim Clijsters (4) takes on Venus Williams (10).
Agassi Holds Off Malisse In Five
What started out great for seventh seeded American Andre Agassi almost turned into a gutwrenching loss. After blowing a commanding two sets to none lead to dangerous Belgian Xavier Malisse, the 35-year-old eight time slam winner found something extra in the tank to regroup and pull out a well fought fourth round five set victory 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-2.
With Malisse coming out a little unsteady from the baseline, Agassi took full advantage breaking him for the second time in the sixth game of the opening set after he had relinquished an earlier one. The more consistent American made that second break stand up claiming the first set on a forehand putaway.
Malisse started to find his game in the second set but had a loose seventh game, which allowed Agassi to earn the only break of the set and ride it to a 2-0 lead.
But in a competitive 51 minute third set, with his head finally into the match and his game finally on, Malisse battled Agassi with an improved serve (10 aces in set) and began to raise the level from the baseline crushing some of his 67 winners. Each player traded body blows in lengthy rallies. Agassi had one chance to break Malisse late in the set but the resilient Belgian fought it off and forced a tiebreaker.
In the tiebreak, Agassi seemingly was in control two points from the match a minibreak up 5-3 but a determined Malisse wasn't ready to bow out. After he cut it to 5-4, Malisse aggressively attacked two Agassi second serves producing a volley and winner both off the backhand side to suddenly pull in front 6-5. He won his fourth straight point with another winner down the line to take it to a fourth set. Malisse had already comeback to win his third round match from two sets down against Mikhail Youzhny. He must have figured why not again.
With the momentum suddenly in his favor and Agassi's groundstrokes producing more unforced errors, Malisse began to apply heavy pressure on the Agassi serve by taking huge cuts at the ball. Though he didn't break right away, it showed that he had enough fuel in the tank to comeback. Meanwhile, Agassi couldn't make a dent on Malisse's big serve. In one particular game, Malisse served four aces in a row. He finished the match with 26 aces.
Finally in the fifth game of the set, Malisse broke through on Agassi's serve playing a solid game that included a nifty volley winner. Malisse was 22-for-33 (67 percent) at the net. Continuing to get a high percentage of first serves in and pin a weary Agassi to the baseline during rallies, Malisse forced Agassi into several of his 39 unforced errors. Never threatened on his serve, Malisse easily served the set out to level the match.
Malisse had never beaten Agassi in the previous four times they met. Until their fifth match on Labor Day, he had never even taken a set off him. Now he had a golden opportunity to pull off his second straight comeback from two sets down and finally defeat Agassi. But the popular American wasn't willing to cooperate.
Regaining energy from the Ashe Stadium crowd and a second wind, Agassi started playing cleaner tennis. After struggling on his serve and from the baseline the last set, he quickly found the range.
After holding twice for a 2-1 lead, a desperate Agassi finally went for the jugular in Malisse's second service game of the set. With Malisse a point from squaring the match, Agassi hustled from corner to corner drawing two of Malisse's 66 unforced errors to get to Deuce. After Malisse fought off two break points, he got another game point but Agassi again was able to get an errant shot to take it to Deuce. After another loose shot from Malisse, Agassi earned the break when he ripped a backhand winner down the line to lead 3-1.
After each held for 4-2, Agassi sent a message to Malisse that he had plenty left to complete his 24th career five-set win. Taking a cue from one of Malisse's games a set prior, Agassi reared back and fired three consecutive aces all down the tee. He had 11 for the match but none were bigger than those. For good measure, he ripped another serve down the middle that resulted in a long return from Malisse to pull within a game of the quarterfinals.
When Malisse looked like he would force him to serve it out, Agassi ran down more shots producing a running forehand winner and forcing two errors. At match point, he completed his fifth break in 12 chances when on the full run, he hit a topspin backhand pass that Malisse couldn't handle.
A relieved Agassi smiled as he approached the net and congratulated Malisse on a good match. "He played too good in the fourth set," said Agassi in a post match interview with CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson. "I was just hoping for something different."
The victory was his 75th all-time at the U.S. Open, second to only Jimmy Connors (98). Agassi will meet the winner of Tommy Robredo-James Blake.
In another heated Round of 16 match, eighth seed Guillermo Coria overcame some controversial antics by Nicolas Massu to outlast him in five 6-4, 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2. The match took four hours thirty-two minutes to complete and is now the longest of this year's event. Davide Sanguinetti needed 4:26 to beat Paradorn Srichaphan the night before. It included an 86-minute third set and one heated exchange during the final set between the players with a U.S. Open official standing in the way just in case.
Coria takes on the winner of tonight's Richard Gasquet-Robby Ginepri match.
In women's Round of 16 action, second seeded American Lindsay Davenport easily advanced to a quarterfinal meeting with Elena Dementieva. Davenport lost only three games in a 6-0, 6-3 rout of Nathalie Dechy (15) while Dementieva (6) bested Patty Schnyder (11) 6-4, 6-3.
Fourth round action continues tonight with Justine Henin-Hardenne (7) battling Mary Pierce (12) in a French Open final rematch. Henin-Hardenne won easily 6-1, 6-1 in Roland Garros.
With Malisse coming out a little unsteady from the baseline, Agassi took full advantage breaking him for the second time in the sixth game of the opening set after he had relinquished an earlier one. The more consistent American made that second break stand up claiming the first set on a forehand putaway.
Malisse started to find his game in the second set but had a loose seventh game, which allowed Agassi to earn the only break of the set and ride it to a 2-0 lead.
But in a competitive 51 minute third set, with his head finally into the match and his game finally on, Malisse battled Agassi with an improved serve (10 aces in set) and began to raise the level from the baseline crushing some of his 67 winners. Each player traded body blows in lengthy rallies. Agassi had one chance to break Malisse late in the set but the resilient Belgian fought it off and forced a tiebreaker.
In the tiebreak, Agassi seemingly was in control two points from the match a minibreak up 5-3 but a determined Malisse wasn't ready to bow out. After he cut it to 5-4, Malisse aggressively attacked two Agassi second serves producing a volley and winner both off the backhand side to suddenly pull in front 6-5. He won his fourth straight point with another winner down the line to take it to a fourth set. Malisse had already comeback to win his third round match from two sets down against Mikhail Youzhny. He must have figured why not again.
With the momentum suddenly in his favor and Agassi's groundstrokes producing more unforced errors, Malisse began to apply heavy pressure on the Agassi serve by taking huge cuts at the ball. Though he didn't break right away, it showed that he had enough fuel in the tank to comeback. Meanwhile, Agassi couldn't make a dent on Malisse's big serve. In one particular game, Malisse served four aces in a row. He finished the match with 26 aces.
Finally in the fifth game of the set, Malisse broke through on Agassi's serve playing a solid game that included a nifty volley winner. Malisse was 22-for-33 (67 percent) at the net. Continuing to get a high percentage of first serves in and pin a weary Agassi to the baseline during rallies, Malisse forced Agassi into several of his 39 unforced errors. Never threatened on his serve, Malisse easily served the set out to level the match.
Malisse had never beaten Agassi in the previous four times they met. Until their fifth match on Labor Day, he had never even taken a set off him. Now he had a golden opportunity to pull off his second straight comeback from two sets down and finally defeat Agassi. But the popular American wasn't willing to cooperate.
Regaining energy from the Ashe Stadium crowd and a second wind, Agassi started playing cleaner tennis. After struggling on his serve and from the baseline the last set, he quickly found the range.
After holding twice for a 2-1 lead, a desperate Agassi finally went for the jugular in Malisse's second service game of the set. With Malisse a point from squaring the match, Agassi hustled from corner to corner drawing two of Malisse's 66 unforced errors to get to Deuce. After Malisse fought off two break points, he got another game point but Agassi again was able to get an errant shot to take it to Deuce. After another loose shot from Malisse, Agassi earned the break when he ripped a backhand winner down the line to lead 3-1.
After each held for 4-2, Agassi sent a message to Malisse that he had plenty left to complete his 24th career five-set win. Taking a cue from one of Malisse's games a set prior, Agassi reared back and fired three consecutive aces all down the tee. He had 11 for the match but none were bigger than those. For good measure, he ripped another serve down the middle that resulted in a long return from Malisse to pull within a game of the quarterfinals.
When Malisse looked like he would force him to serve it out, Agassi ran down more shots producing a running forehand winner and forcing two errors. At match point, he completed his fifth break in 12 chances when on the full run, he hit a topspin backhand pass that Malisse couldn't handle.
A relieved Agassi smiled as he approached the net and congratulated Malisse on a good match. "He played too good in the fourth set," said Agassi in a post match interview with CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson. "I was just hoping for something different."
The victory was his 75th all-time at the U.S. Open, second to only Jimmy Connors (98). Agassi will meet the winner of Tommy Robredo-James Blake.
In another heated Round of 16 match, eighth seed Guillermo Coria overcame some controversial antics by Nicolas Massu to outlast him in five 6-4, 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2. The match took four hours thirty-two minutes to complete and is now the longest of this year's event. Davide Sanguinetti needed 4:26 to beat Paradorn Srichaphan the night before. It included an 86-minute third set and one heated exchange during the final set between the players with a U.S. Open official standing in the way just in case.
Coria takes on the winner of tonight's Richard Gasquet-Robby Ginepri match.
In women's Round of 16 action, second seeded American Lindsay Davenport easily advanced to a quarterfinal meeting with Elena Dementieva. Davenport lost only three games in a 6-0, 6-3 rout of Nathalie Dechy (15) while Dementieva (6) bested Patty Schnyder (11) 6-4, 6-3.
Fourth round action continues tonight with Justine Henin-Hardenne (7) battling Mary Pierce (12) in a French Open final rematch. Henin-Hardenne won easily 6-1, 6-1 in Roland Garros.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Federer Holds Off Rochus
In his second consecutive night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, world number one Roger Federer held off pal Olivier Rochus in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (6), 6-2 to advance to a Round of 16 match-up with German Nicolas Kiefer.
Though he won in three, Federer wasn't sharp for the second straight match and challenged by the likeable but smallish Rochus. After dropping a quick 24 minute first set, the 24-year-old from Belgium hustled all over the court in the second to make it a contest. His penchant for keeping rallies alive got tons of support from fans who were hoping for a competitive match.
Despite being just five foot five, the scrappy Rochus made Federer work hard in the second set, even giving him something to think about breaking early on. But Federer returned the favor. The rest of the set was a battle of wills as Rochus matched Federer shot for shot even getting another break chance that would have put him two games from the set. But the Swiss number one fought it off. Getting some break opportunities of his own, Federer couldn't convert due in large part to his opponent's determination. The set would go to a tiebreaker.
In the tiebreak, Rochus continued his impressive play taking 4-1 and 5-3 leads. Within two points of leveling the match, with the crowd behind him, Rochus was replied by Federer's best. As great champions often do, they rise up to the challenge. Faced with that prospect, The Maestro increased his level taking the next three points to reach set point but Rochus saved it to tie the score at six. That's when Federer went for the kill, playing an exceptional point on Rochus' next serve resulting in a winner. On his second chance to close the set, Federer came up with an ace out wide to silence the crowd.
In no real danger of losing, he broke Rochus in the fourth game of the third set and then again in the eighth, ending the match in style with a crosscourt backhand winner on the run. He finished with 38 winners to Rochus' 22. Both came to net 40 times in the match with Federer winning one more point- Federer-29 Rochus-28.
Finishing earlier that night was the Open's longest match this year when 33-year-old Italian veteran Davide Sanguinetti outlasted Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan in a four hour 26-minute five set thriller 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5).
Before a near capacity crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium, both players put forth a great show for spectators giving them the kind of tennis that brought back memories of Jimmy Connors' amazing run to the semis in '91 at the age of 39. In an epic battle with some extended rallies as long as a remarkable 34 strokes, the two players kept pushing each other to the limit in the fifth set.
The fun began when Srichaphan broke Sanguinetti twice to get back on serve. He was two games away from losing. Srichaphan and Sanguinetti had a memorable 11th game late where the popular 26-year-old from Thailand had a few looks at breaking again and having a chance to serve it out. But a clearly exhausted Sanguinetti wasn't ready to bow out, coming up with some unreal shots bringing the crowd to its feet and raising his arms when he held.
When a spent Srichaphan pumped in his 12th ace, it fittingly sent it to a third and final tiebreak as fans stood up and cheered. The crowdpleasing pressure packed tennis continued with each player working their opponents from side to side.
With Sanguinetti up 5-2, a desperate Srichaphan dug in and grinded out both points on the Italian's serve to put the contest in doubt. But on the very next point, Sanguinetti played another remarkable point, hustling down a Srichaphan drop shot with a lob. When Srichaphan tracked it down, Sanguinetti worked his way to net and came up with a great drop volley to earn two match points but Srichaphan saved the first. When Sanguinetti slammed an overhead into an open court, he raised his arms at the net, then fell to the ground in disbelief.
It was finally over. Both embraced at the net and got a thunderous reception.
"I think it's one of the best matches I've played," said Srichaphan later. "I think we both had fun and were enjoying it."
In the other late match, Argentina's David Nalbandian (11) eliminated Chile's Fernando Gonzalez (21) 7-5, 6-3, 6-0. He'll next meet Sanguinetti for a shot at a possible quarterfinal with Federer.
Labor Day, men's Round of 16 matches get underway with Andre Agassi (7) battling Xavier Malisse, Guillermo Coria (8) challenged by Nicolas Massu, Richard Gasquet (13) facing Robby Ginepri and Tommy Robredo (19) against James Blake.
Though he won in three, Federer wasn't sharp for the second straight match and challenged by the likeable but smallish Rochus. After dropping a quick 24 minute first set, the 24-year-old from Belgium hustled all over the court in the second to make it a contest. His penchant for keeping rallies alive got tons of support from fans who were hoping for a competitive match.
Despite being just five foot five, the scrappy Rochus made Federer work hard in the second set, even giving him something to think about breaking early on. But Federer returned the favor. The rest of the set was a battle of wills as Rochus matched Federer shot for shot even getting another break chance that would have put him two games from the set. But the Swiss number one fought it off. Getting some break opportunities of his own, Federer couldn't convert due in large part to his opponent's determination. The set would go to a tiebreaker.
In the tiebreak, Rochus continued his impressive play taking 4-1 and 5-3 leads. Within two points of leveling the match, with the crowd behind him, Rochus was replied by Federer's best. As great champions often do, they rise up to the challenge. Faced with that prospect, The Maestro increased his level taking the next three points to reach set point but Rochus saved it to tie the score at six. That's when Federer went for the kill, playing an exceptional point on Rochus' next serve resulting in a winner. On his second chance to close the set, Federer came up with an ace out wide to silence the crowd.
In no real danger of losing, he broke Rochus in the fourth game of the third set and then again in the eighth, ending the match in style with a crosscourt backhand winner on the run. He finished with 38 winners to Rochus' 22. Both came to net 40 times in the match with Federer winning one more point- Federer-29 Rochus-28.
Finishing earlier that night was the Open's longest match this year when 33-year-old Italian veteran Davide Sanguinetti outlasted Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan in a four hour 26-minute five set thriller 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5).
Before a near capacity crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium, both players put forth a great show for spectators giving them the kind of tennis that brought back memories of Jimmy Connors' amazing run to the semis in '91 at the age of 39. In an epic battle with some extended rallies as long as a remarkable 34 strokes, the two players kept pushing each other to the limit in the fifth set.
The fun began when Srichaphan broke Sanguinetti twice to get back on serve. He was two games away from losing. Srichaphan and Sanguinetti had a memorable 11th game late where the popular 26-year-old from Thailand had a few looks at breaking again and having a chance to serve it out. But a clearly exhausted Sanguinetti wasn't ready to bow out, coming up with some unreal shots bringing the crowd to its feet and raising his arms when he held.
When a spent Srichaphan pumped in his 12th ace, it fittingly sent it to a third and final tiebreak as fans stood up and cheered. The crowdpleasing pressure packed tennis continued with each player working their opponents from side to side.
With Sanguinetti up 5-2, a desperate Srichaphan dug in and grinded out both points on the Italian's serve to put the contest in doubt. But on the very next point, Sanguinetti played another remarkable point, hustling down a Srichaphan drop shot with a lob. When Srichaphan tracked it down, Sanguinetti worked his way to net and came up with a great drop volley to earn two match points but Srichaphan saved the first. When Sanguinetti slammed an overhead into an open court, he raised his arms at the net, then fell to the ground in disbelief.
It was finally over. Both embraced at the net and got a thunderous reception.
"I think it's one of the best matches I've played," said Srichaphan later. "I think we both had fun and were enjoying it."
In the other late match, Argentina's David Nalbandian (11) eliminated Chile's Fernando Gonzalez (21) 7-5, 6-3, 6-0. He'll next meet Sanguinetti for a shot at a possible quarterfinal with Federer.
Labor Day, men's Round of 16 matches get underway with Andre Agassi (7) battling Xavier Malisse, Guillermo Coria (8) challenged by Nicolas Massu, Richard Gasquet (13) facing Robby Ginepri and Tommy Robredo (19) against James Blake.
Venus Shows Serena Who's Boss
In an intriguing sister Round of 16 battle, Wimbledon champion Venus Williams (10) was too much for little sister Serena (8) 7-6 (5), 6-2, advancing to a quarterfinal showdown with Kim Clijsters (4), who later disposed of Venezuelan Maria Vento-Kabchi 6-0, 6-1.
Serena had won their previous five slam encounters (all finals) but Sunday in front of a packed Ashe house, Venus was the better player. Quicker to more balls, she was sharper and took control of the match after a tight first set that lasted almost an hour.
With both tight early, they each had chances to break in the opening first two games. Serena fought off triple break point winning the final five to claim the first game. Then Venus repelled a couple of break chances in the second game. The first set stayed on serve until the seventh game when Venus broke through with some thunderous shots to lead 4-3. After Serena fought off set point 3-5 down, she got the break back when big sis tossed in two double faults and two unforced errors.
With Venus' game falling off, she was forced to save a set point trailing 5-6 before pushing it to a tiebreaker. In it, they exchanged early minibreaks before Venus took control at five all putting away a forehand volley. With Serena serving to stay in the set, Venus moved her around finally drawing an errant backhand into the net to claim the set. Serena talked to herself afterwards and angrily spiked her racket in frustration.
The second set wouldn't be any kinder to Serena. She struggled with her movement and was broken again early. When Venus held for 5-2, she was a game away. Ending any doubt, she broke her sister for the third time in 13 chances to claim the victory. It concluded badly for Serena, pulling up on the last two points favoring her left leg. Not able to push off on match point, she dumped a forehand into the net.
As they met at the net, neither smiled and just embraced with Venus whispering something in Serena's ear. Both knew it wasn't their best tennis as the 29 unforced errors for Venus to Serena's 30 attest. Both also won less than 40 percent on their second serves. Venus finished with two more winners- Venus-19 Serena-17.
"I don't think I played my best today at all," said Serena after the match. "I don't think Venus did, either."
It summed up an awkward match.
In other fourth round matches, top seed Maria Sharapova made quick work of India native Sania Mirza 6-2, 6-1. Mirza hit the ball well but struggled on serve where Sharapova converted five of 13 chances. The difference was the 18-year-old Russian saved four of five on her own serve. She'll next face Nadia Petrova (9), who eliminated 16-year-old Czech Nicole Vaidisova (26) 7-6 (4), 7-5. Vaidisova blew a 5-2 first set lead and showed her frustration when she lost the tiebreak, tossing a bottle and slamming her racket. When she missed a forehand long on match point, the moody Czech slammed a ball into the stands in frustration.
Women's Round of 16 matches continue tomorrow on Labor Day with Justine Henin-Hardenne (7) battling Mary Pierce (12), Amelie Mauresmo (3) taking on Elena Likhovtseva (19), Elena Dementieva (6) facing Patty Schnyder (11) and Lindsay Davenport (2) against Nathalie Dechy (15).
Serena had won their previous five slam encounters (all finals) but Sunday in front of a packed Ashe house, Venus was the better player. Quicker to more balls, she was sharper and took control of the match after a tight first set that lasted almost an hour.
With both tight early, they each had chances to break in the opening first two games. Serena fought off triple break point winning the final five to claim the first game. Then Venus repelled a couple of break chances in the second game. The first set stayed on serve until the seventh game when Venus broke through with some thunderous shots to lead 4-3. After Serena fought off set point 3-5 down, she got the break back when big sis tossed in two double faults and two unforced errors.
With Venus' game falling off, she was forced to save a set point trailing 5-6 before pushing it to a tiebreaker. In it, they exchanged early minibreaks before Venus took control at five all putting away a forehand volley. With Serena serving to stay in the set, Venus moved her around finally drawing an errant backhand into the net to claim the set. Serena talked to herself afterwards and angrily spiked her racket in frustration.
The second set wouldn't be any kinder to Serena. She struggled with her movement and was broken again early. When Venus held for 5-2, she was a game away. Ending any doubt, she broke her sister for the third time in 13 chances to claim the victory. It concluded badly for Serena, pulling up on the last two points favoring her left leg. Not able to push off on match point, she dumped a forehand into the net.
As they met at the net, neither smiled and just embraced with Venus whispering something in Serena's ear. Both knew it wasn't their best tennis as the 29 unforced errors for Venus to Serena's 30 attest. Both also won less than 40 percent on their second serves. Venus finished with two more winners- Venus-19 Serena-17.
"I don't think I played my best today at all," said Serena after the match. "I don't think Venus did, either."
It summed up an awkward match.
In other fourth round matches, top seed Maria Sharapova made quick work of India native Sania Mirza 6-2, 6-1. Mirza hit the ball well but struggled on serve where Sharapova converted five of 13 chances. The difference was the 18-year-old Russian saved four of five on her own serve. She'll next face Nadia Petrova (9), who eliminated 16-year-old Czech Nicole Vaidisova (26) 7-6 (4), 7-5. Vaidisova blew a 5-2 first set lead and showed her frustration when she lost the tiebreak, tossing a bottle and slamming her racket. When she missed a forehand long on match point, the moody Czech slammed a ball into the stands in frustration.
Women's Round of 16 matches continue tomorrow on Labor Day with Justine Henin-Hardenne (7) battling Mary Pierce (12), Amelie Mauresmo (3) taking on Elena Likhovtseva (19), Elena Dementieva (6) facing Patty Schnyder (11) and Lindsay Davenport (2) against Nathalie Dechy (15).
Hewitt Outlasts Dent In Five Set Epic
In arguably the best match so far at this year's Open, Aussie Lleyton Hewitt (3) fought off another upset try by American Taylor Dent, edging him in a drama filled five set three hour 22 minute marathon, 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (2), 6-2, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Throughout the first week, six of the top 10 men's seeds had fallen by the wayside including Andy Roddick and most recently Rafael Nadal. The burly Dent made a strong charge to make Hewitt number seven but the gritty 2001 Open winner with the never-say-die attitude wouldn't give in.
Due to a quick start and a very sluggish one by his opponent, Hewitt jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening set. Finally, Dent showed some signs of life holding twice and getting a break back to force Hewitt to serve out the set, finally claiming it on a service winner.
With Dent finally serving well, the rest of the classic serve-and-volleyer's game raised immensely in the second set. Suddenly having no problem holding, he attacked Hewitt's serve more aggressively and finally applied enough pressure to earn an early break. He didn't run into trouble until he served for the set at 5-3 where Hewitt made Dent repeatedly work for it. In a desperate attempt to get back on serve, Hewitt kept repelling Dent set points with winners and hustle. Dent finally won the lengthy battle on Set Point number seven when he forced Hewitt into an error to even the match. That was just a hint of what was ahead.
With the pro-American crowd urging Dent on, a very strange 54 minute third set ensued with both players exchanging breaks. In the sixth game, Hewitt played well to earn a break and lead 4-2 but donated it right back with an awful service game that included one of an uncharacteristic eight double faults on break point. Serving to force a tiebreak, Dent saved two set points swinging the momentum. At one point, he won seven straight points spanning the Deuce game to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreak. Forcing a Hewitt miss, Dent was one set away from conquering demons of having never beaten a top 10 player at a slam. He entered the match 0-7.
True to the match's form, just when it looked like Dent had taken command, Hewitt regained momentum in the fourth set breaking Dent twice in an easy 6-2 frame sending it to a deciding set. It setup for an exciting finish.
In an emotional rollercoaster, the final set swung back and forth with both guys dictating play on the other's serve. Dent fought off early break points but serving to stay ahead in the seventh game, Hewitt dug in and broke him at love, punctuating it with a backhand pass down the line. Just two games away from victory, the fiesty Aussie yelled his trademark, "Come on." With the match looking all but over the unthinkable happened. With Hewitt a point from 5-3, he stunningly dropped the next four points. Two double faults and two of his 36 unforced errors including a long forehand helped square the match at four all, sending the Davis Cup-like crowd into a frenzy.
Interestingly, in the five games Dent broke, Hewitt double faulted. When Dent held for 5-4, he was a game away from improving his record to 2-4 versus Hewitt. But Hewitt solidly held to again shift the pressure on Dent's shoulders. In the 11th game, Dent's serve and volley game went off at a crucial time. He tossed in one of 10 double faults and missed two volleys just over the baseline. With a 16th opportunity to break, the scrambly Hewitt cashed in on number eight with a backhand pass that eluded Dent provoking another, "Come on."
The conclusion of the match was even more stunning. In a classic battle, Dent fought off three match points. On one, he stretched out on a Hewitt lob putting an overhead right on the baseline. On another, he aggressively approached the net and put away a clutch forehand volley. For the match, Dent came in 157 times winning 89 of the points (57 percent). He even got one chance to force a tiebreak but Hewitt was up to the challenge attacking the net for a put away volley. He again used the surprise tactic to setup a fourth match point. He won 76 percent at the net (35 of 46). When Hewitt finally served his eighth ace down the tee, the hard earned victory was his.
After it was over with fans paying homage to both players for their efforts, Hewitt handled a tough post match question with class from CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson. She speculated that he lost confidence and Dent exposed weaknesses asking if he was concerned. Before he could respond, the Ashe Stadium crowd booed loudly telling Wolfson what they thought of her question. Afterwards, an unshaken Hewitt politely responded, "I still was confident. I just had to hit my shots."
Hewitt plays Dominik Hrbaty (15) next in the Round of 16. Hrbaty eliminated David Ferrer (17) in four sets 6-7, 7-5, 7-5, 7-5 in another three-plus hour third round match.
In other action, German Nicolas Kiefer advanced to a possible meeting with Roger Federer, posting a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1 win over Frenchman Arnaud Clement. Spaniard Fernando Verdasco defeated Serbia and Montenegro's Novak Djokovic 6-1, 4-6, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-4. He'll next face Finn Jarkko Nieminen, who upset Belarus' Max Mirnyi (30) 6-3, 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-3.
Three other matches were still going on including top seed Federer against Olivier Rochus (27).
Throughout the first week, six of the top 10 men's seeds had fallen by the wayside including Andy Roddick and most recently Rafael Nadal. The burly Dent made a strong charge to make Hewitt number seven but the gritty 2001 Open winner with the never-say-die attitude wouldn't give in.
Due to a quick start and a very sluggish one by his opponent, Hewitt jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening set. Finally, Dent showed some signs of life holding twice and getting a break back to force Hewitt to serve out the set, finally claiming it on a service winner.
With Dent finally serving well, the rest of the classic serve-and-volleyer's game raised immensely in the second set. Suddenly having no problem holding, he attacked Hewitt's serve more aggressively and finally applied enough pressure to earn an early break. He didn't run into trouble until he served for the set at 5-3 where Hewitt made Dent repeatedly work for it. In a desperate attempt to get back on serve, Hewitt kept repelling Dent set points with winners and hustle. Dent finally won the lengthy battle on Set Point number seven when he forced Hewitt into an error to even the match. That was just a hint of what was ahead.
With the pro-American crowd urging Dent on, a very strange 54 minute third set ensued with both players exchanging breaks. In the sixth game, Hewitt played well to earn a break and lead 4-2 but donated it right back with an awful service game that included one of an uncharacteristic eight double faults on break point. Serving to force a tiebreak, Dent saved two set points swinging the momentum. At one point, he won seven straight points spanning the Deuce game to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreak. Forcing a Hewitt miss, Dent was one set away from conquering demons of having never beaten a top 10 player at a slam. He entered the match 0-7.
True to the match's form, just when it looked like Dent had taken command, Hewitt regained momentum in the fourth set breaking Dent twice in an easy 6-2 frame sending it to a deciding set. It setup for an exciting finish.
In an emotional rollercoaster, the final set swung back and forth with both guys dictating play on the other's serve. Dent fought off early break points but serving to stay ahead in the seventh game, Hewitt dug in and broke him at love, punctuating it with a backhand pass down the line. Just two games away from victory, the fiesty Aussie yelled his trademark, "Come on." With the match looking all but over the unthinkable happened. With Hewitt a point from 5-3, he stunningly dropped the next four points. Two double faults and two of his 36 unforced errors including a long forehand helped square the match at four all, sending the Davis Cup-like crowd into a frenzy.
Interestingly, in the five games Dent broke, Hewitt double faulted. When Dent held for 5-4, he was a game away from improving his record to 2-4 versus Hewitt. But Hewitt solidly held to again shift the pressure on Dent's shoulders. In the 11th game, Dent's serve and volley game went off at a crucial time. He tossed in one of 10 double faults and missed two volleys just over the baseline. With a 16th opportunity to break, the scrambly Hewitt cashed in on number eight with a backhand pass that eluded Dent provoking another, "Come on."
The conclusion of the match was even more stunning. In a classic battle, Dent fought off three match points. On one, he stretched out on a Hewitt lob putting an overhead right on the baseline. On another, he aggressively approached the net and put away a clutch forehand volley. For the match, Dent came in 157 times winning 89 of the points (57 percent). He even got one chance to force a tiebreak but Hewitt was up to the challenge attacking the net for a put away volley. He again used the surprise tactic to setup a fourth match point. He won 76 percent at the net (35 of 46). When Hewitt finally served his eighth ace down the tee, the hard earned victory was his.
After it was over with fans paying homage to both players for their efforts, Hewitt handled a tough post match question with class from CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson. She speculated that he lost confidence and Dent exposed weaknesses asking if he was concerned. Before he could respond, the Ashe Stadium crowd booed loudly telling Wolfson what they thought of her question. Afterwards, an unshaken Hewitt politely responded, "I still was confident. I just had to hit my shots."
Hewitt plays Dominik Hrbaty (15) next in the Round of 16. Hrbaty eliminated David Ferrer (17) in four sets 6-7, 7-5, 7-5, 7-5 in another three-plus hour third round match.
In other action, German Nicolas Kiefer advanced to a possible meeting with Roger Federer, posting a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1 win over Frenchman Arnaud Clement. Spaniard Fernando Verdasco defeated Serbia and Montenegro's Novak Djokovic 6-1, 4-6, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-4. He'll next face Finn Jarkko Nieminen, who upset Belarus' Max Mirnyi (30) 6-3, 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-3.
Three other matches were still going on including top seed Federer against Olivier Rochus (27).
Ginepri Shines In Five Against Haas
With a chance to make his first ever Round of 16 at Flushing Meadows, American Robby Ginepri outlasted German Tommy Haas (29) in five hard fought sets 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. The second night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium lasted three and a half hours and was one of the best of the tournament.
Both players traded powerful groundstrokes in lengthy rallies, running down plenty of balls and leaving everything on the court. It made for entertaining tennis, which had fans on their feet.
In the opening set, each traded early breaks as they tried to gain an edge in play. But as the set was closing, Ginepri came up with the goods in the 11th game to break Haas for a second time. Two points from a 6-5 lead, he ripped a forehand winner inside the line to setup break points and then flicked a backhand return right on the line for the break. He closed out the set with another backhand winner. For the night, he finished with 65 winners to his opponent's 55.
The second set took 57 minutes to play and saw both players again trade early breaks and then hold their serves until a pivotal tiebreaker. With Haas desperate to get back in the match, he was the aggressor forcing errors from Ginepri to claim the tiebreak.
With the match squared, the third set was again a seesaw battle with both trying to outslug the other from the baseline. With neither budging, Ginepri held for a 5-4 lead and then seized the momentum breaking Haas at love to take a two sets to one lead.
But the momentum was shortlived when a tired Ginepri was broken twice by a determined Haas in a lopsided fourth set that took just 27 minutes.
With the crowd amped up for a final set, Ginepri summoned whatever energy he had left to stay with Haas. The quality of tennis in the set was very high with both players hustling down balls to keep rallies alive and ripping shots until either someone blinked or one took control and ended a point with a winner. It was the kind of match that was easy to get into with both saving their best for last. Both players faced break chances against early on but they fought them off.
In the eighth game with Ginepri up 4-3, Haas finally caved. After a long point which Haas won with a lethal forehand to get within two points of leveling the match, he was still gased when he hit his seventh double fault. After he made two errors in a row, the match was in Ginepri's hands. Having never beaten Haas in three previous tries, he fired three unreturnable serves to get to match point. At 40-30, when a Haas backhand sailed long, Ginepri had finally advanced, improving to 2-1 in five set matches.
Ironically, not much separated the two. Ginepri made 56 unforced errors to Haas' 59. The deciding break of serve by Ginepri made him six of 13 while Haas was five of 14. To put in perspective how close this match was, Ginepri won one more point (157-156). If there was one noticeable difference, he outaced Haas 20-9.
"I don't know how I won," Ginepri said afterwards. "I wouldn't have without the support of these fans."
He'll next play 13th seed Richard Gasquet Monday for a chance to make his first ever slam quarterfinal. In the other late third round match, 19th seed Tommy Robredo triumphed over Sebastien Grosjean in four sets 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (3). He'll face American James Blake next in the Round of 16.
Sunday is Day Seven and will feature a Round of 16 sister showdown between Serena and Venus Williams. Lleyton Hewitt will also square off against American Taylor Dent. One match to keep an eye on is women's top seed Maria Sharapova battling Sania Mirza. Mirza is the first ever Indian woman to make it this far in a slam.
Both players traded powerful groundstrokes in lengthy rallies, running down plenty of balls and leaving everything on the court. It made for entertaining tennis, which had fans on their feet.
In the opening set, each traded early breaks as they tried to gain an edge in play. But as the set was closing, Ginepri came up with the goods in the 11th game to break Haas for a second time. Two points from a 6-5 lead, he ripped a forehand winner inside the line to setup break points and then flicked a backhand return right on the line for the break. He closed out the set with another backhand winner. For the night, he finished with 65 winners to his opponent's 55.
The second set took 57 minutes to play and saw both players again trade early breaks and then hold their serves until a pivotal tiebreaker. With Haas desperate to get back in the match, he was the aggressor forcing errors from Ginepri to claim the tiebreak.
With the match squared, the third set was again a seesaw battle with both trying to outslug the other from the baseline. With neither budging, Ginepri held for a 5-4 lead and then seized the momentum breaking Haas at love to take a two sets to one lead.
But the momentum was shortlived when a tired Ginepri was broken twice by a determined Haas in a lopsided fourth set that took just 27 minutes.
With the crowd amped up for a final set, Ginepri summoned whatever energy he had left to stay with Haas. The quality of tennis in the set was very high with both players hustling down balls to keep rallies alive and ripping shots until either someone blinked or one took control and ended a point with a winner. It was the kind of match that was easy to get into with both saving their best for last. Both players faced break chances against early on but they fought them off.
In the eighth game with Ginepri up 4-3, Haas finally caved. After a long point which Haas won with a lethal forehand to get within two points of leveling the match, he was still gased when he hit his seventh double fault. After he made two errors in a row, the match was in Ginepri's hands. Having never beaten Haas in three previous tries, he fired three unreturnable serves to get to match point. At 40-30, when a Haas backhand sailed long, Ginepri had finally advanced, improving to 2-1 in five set matches.
Ironically, not much separated the two. Ginepri made 56 unforced errors to Haas' 59. The deciding break of serve by Ginepri made him six of 13 while Haas was five of 14. To put in perspective how close this match was, Ginepri won one more point (157-156). If there was one noticeable difference, he outaced Haas 20-9.
"I don't know how I won," Ginepri said afterwards. "I wouldn't have without the support of these fans."
He'll next play 13th seed Richard Gasquet Monday for a chance to make his first ever slam quarterfinal. In the other late third round match, 19th seed Tommy Robredo triumphed over Sebastien Grosjean in four sets 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (3). He'll face American James Blake next in the Round of 16.
Sunday is Day Seven and will feature a Round of 16 sister showdown between Serena and Venus Williams. Lleyton Hewitt will also square off against American Taylor Dent. One match to keep an eye on is women's top seed Maria Sharapova battling Sania Mirza. Mirza is the first ever Indian woman to make it this far in a slam.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Hard Hits: Roddick Needs To Find Mojo
Andy Roddick came on the scene a few years ago as the future of American tennis. He was going to be the new star and win lots of majors taking the mantle from legends Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
As a 19-year-old teenager four years ago in an electrifying U.S. Open quarterfinal, he had Lleyton Hewitt on the ropes in the fifth set only to see a key line call go against him erupting in protest. Roddick would get broken and lose the match while Hewitt wound up winning his first ever slam title dismantling Sampras in straight sets. At that time, it was understandable that Roddick fell short because he was inexperienced but showed so much potential in defeat that you couldn't help but think he would be winning those types of matches in the future along with some big trophies.
In 2002, at 20 Roddick was one of the favorites to win his first ever Open. He served his way into a quarterfinal dream match-up with Sampras, who was only making one of the greatest runs to finish a brilliant career. Most expected Roddick to rip serves and forehands taking out Sampras. But a nervous Andy wasn't ready for a primetime night match against Pistol Pete and got blitzed off the court in three sets with Sampras on his way to a storybook finish winning his men's record 14th slam title in his final match against Agassi.
The next year, he fired his coach and hired Agassi's former mentor Brad Gilbert, who got great results with Andre turning around his career. Under Gilbert, Roddick netted similar results right away, making his first Australian Open semifinal after outlasting Younes El Aynaoui in a five hour epic prevailing 21-19 in the fifth. Predictably he had little left when he lost to Rainer Schuettler the next round. He carried the momentum into the summer making his first Wimbledon semi losing to eventual champ Roger Federer but avenged that loss at a Montreal semi on his way to a hard court title. It would be his only career win against Federer in 11 tries.
Roddick entered Flushing Meadows red hot along with trophy girlfriend Mandy Moore. Even with that distraction, he showed more guts than ever coming from two sets down against David Nalbandian in a great semifinal to make his first ever slam final. At 21, he dismantled then number one Juan Carlos Ferrero to finally win his first slam. The monkey was off his back. Things were falling into place. Roddick would become the number one ranked player at the end of the year and was at the top of the sport.
Fastforward to his first ever Wimbledon final in 2004 when he got the first set off Federer and had him on the ropes up an early break in the second set. Then the rain came and the defending champion adjusted winning the next three sets for his second crown. Though Roddick lost, the consensus was that he had never played better. That day, he left it all out there and got beat by the best in a very compelling match.
Entering his title defense in New York, he parted ways with Gilbert and Moore. He made it to the quarterfinals but lost in a tough five setter to Joachim Johansson. It was a match where he won more points than his opponent and cameback from two sets down to force a deciding set. But even with all that, Roddick blew chance after chance to break Johansson, eventually getting broken losing in stunning fashion because nobody saw it coming. There would be no repeat and no additional slams for the year.
In Australia this year, he made the semis and faced nemesis Hewitt. After playing a brilliant set and a half, Roddick lost his poise and ultimately the match in four sets to the fiesty Hewitt. It was supposed to be Andy's time. But he was outworked in sets two and three, then took a long break and never recovered for an uncompetitive fourth set. At Roland Garros, he bowed out in the second round on the unkind clay surface which has never suited his power game. At Wimbledon, he gutted out two five set wins to setup a championship rematch with Federer. But Roddick was out of ammunition and Federer played brilliantly winning in straight sets for his third consecutive Wimbledon crown. To his credit, he tried different tactics including going to the net but nothing worked. He was simply overmatched.
The year still couldn't be a loss with the Open around the corner. Right? Roddick had a strong summer winning two hard court tournaments to claim first prize in the U.S. Open Series. He even got some revenge on Hewitt in a semi at Cincinnati for just his second career victory in eight tries to jump over Hewitt to third in the rankings. In the final, he lost again to Federer. He had to be sick of it. You figured he'd take it out on his bracket at the final slam event of the year. Right?
Wrong. Shockingly, Roddick bowed out in the opening round Tuesday night, losing three heartbreaking tiebreakers to Gilles Muller from Luxembourg. Make no mistake about it, Muller played the match of his life in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium pro-Roddick crowd. Roddick didn't play badly but he was up 5-2 in the first set and lost his focus at 5-3 trying to serve out the set. Maybe if he doesn't make three unforced errors when he hadn't made one till that point, he closes out the set and cruises to victory. We'll never know.
By all accounts, Roddick has improved his fitness and is moving better. He also has made strides at the net and been coming in more behind his big forehand. I don't doubt his commitment to tennis. After the stunning match, he said he'd never felt this bad after a loss because he had never felt better coming into a slam. I'll take him at his word. Sometimes, your opponent just plays a great match and there's nothing you can do. But Roddick still could have adjusted to what Muller did and comeback. Mentally, he claims that he's stronger now than he was. It just wasn't evident Tuesday or in Melbourne when he lost his composure against Hewitt.
This isn't to say Muller was a bad opponent who just came off the street. He was a capable player who had wins over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon and Agassi at Los Angeles last year.
It just means that even with better fitness, Roddick still isn't all the way there yet as a player. He can still improve his backhand, which Muller worked over repeatedly with good results Tuesday. He can still get tougher mentally when things aren't going his way and is forced to change the gameplan.
Roddick entered the Open with much fanfare. America's posterboy with endorsements featuring him driving a Lexus, the official sponsor of the tournament. And of course, those funky American Express ads where Andy loses 'his mojo.' Only it wasn't supposed to happen so early at Ashe. Meanwhile, other Americans including Agassi, James Blake and Robby Ginepri are thru to the fourth round with Taylor Dent having a chance to join them when he plays Hewitt later today. It had to hurt a little seeing Ginepri easily dispose of Muller in the second round.
Roddick is still ranked third depending on what happens. A reporter after his loss pointed out that this sort of thing has happened before to favorites. Agassi was victimized at the same age by Thomas Enqvist 12 years earlier. The next year, he cameback and won the whole thing for his second slam unseeded. When they emphasized that, Roddick couldn't help but smile and candidly remark, "I hope I'm not unseeded next year."
He has a great personality and is one of the classiest players on tour. Maybe he needs more of an edge. Time to find the mojo.
Hitting Back:
-If anyone can explain this New York baseball season, please try without failing a lie detector test. One minute, the Yanks and Mets look like they're on the verge of being in the clear for the postseason. The next, each falls flat and looks as appealing as the Knicks.
-Whatever happened to Mike Jacobs being the next big prospect who takes the league by storm? Oh wait. He finally faced some real pitching instead of seeing those worldbeaters out west in Arizona. Well, he could still be the next Gregg Jefferies or Shane Spencer.
-Do you think just once the Mets could score more than two runs for Pedro and pay him back for all those games he kept them in?
-When do the Mets get a real second baseman or is Kaz Matsui really the reincarnation of Juan Samuel?
-He showed a lot of heart returning to the lineup a few weeks ago but now it's time for Carlos Beltran to earn his money.
-So Joe Torre takes Aaron Small out of the rotation and then when he puts him back in with Moose out, Small only tosses a shutout in the biggest game all year at Oakland. So, does Torre actually take credit for that?
-Now after all these months The Unit decides to show up and earn money for a change instead of stealing it.
-Let's see if I got this right. Alan Embree. Mark Bellhorn. What Red Sox castoff will be part of the Yankee roster next? Curt Schilling?
-If this is his last season in Pinstripes, Bernie Williams is sure finishing strong.
-Those earplugs are really working for Rafael Palmeiro. What's his excuse now?
-What happens if Eli Manning can't start next weekend against Arizona? I'd be more comfortable with Dave Brown than Mr. Elisabeth Hasselbeck at quarterback.
-And finally, our prayers go out to the families in New Orleans, Louisiana enduring some of the worst circumstances this country's ever seen. Nobody should have to go through that. God bless them all. Storms like Hurricane Katrina can't be prevented but couldn't President Bush have a quicker response to such a catastrophe. If only it was as dire as Iraq but anything to justify a war, right?
As a 19-year-old teenager four years ago in an electrifying U.S. Open quarterfinal, he had Lleyton Hewitt on the ropes in the fifth set only to see a key line call go against him erupting in protest. Roddick would get broken and lose the match while Hewitt wound up winning his first ever slam title dismantling Sampras in straight sets. At that time, it was understandable that Roddick fell short because he was inexperienced but showed so much potential in defeat that you couldn't help but think he would be winning those types of matches in the future along with some big trophies.
In 2002, at 20 Roddick was one of the favorites to win his first ever Open. He served his way into a quarterfinal dream match-up with Sampras, who was only making one of the greatest runs to finish a brilliant career. Most expected Roddick to rip serves and forehands taking out Sampras. But a nervous Andy wasn't ready for a primetime night match against Pistol Pete and got blitzed off the court in three sets with Sampras on his way to a storybook finish winning his men's record 14th slam title in his final match against Agassi.
The next year, he fired his coach and hired Agassi's former mentor Brad Gilbert, who got great results with Andre turning around his career. Under Gilbert, Roddick netted similar results right away, making his first Australian Open semifinal after outlasting Younes El Aynaoui in a five hour epic prevailing 21-19 in the fifth. Predictably he had little left when he lost to Rainer Schuettler the next round. He carried the momentum into the summer making his first Wimbledon semi losing to eventual champ Roger Federer but avenged that loss at a Montreal semi on his way to a hard court title. It would be his only career win against Federer in 11 tries.
Roddick entered Flushing Meadows red hot along with trophy girlfriend Mandy Moore. Even with that distraction, he showed more guts than ever coming from two sets down against David Nalbandian in a great semifinal to make his first ever slam final. At 21, he dismantled then number one Juan Carlos Ferrero to finally win his first slam. The monkey was off his back. Things were falling into place. Roddick would become the number one ranked player at the end of the year and was at the top of the sport.
Fastforward to his first ever Wimbledon final in 2004 when he got the first set off Federer and had him on the ropes up an early break in the second set. Then the rain came and the defending champion adjusted winning the next three sets for his second crown. Though Roddick lost, the consensus was that he had never played better. That day, he left it all out there and got beat by the best in a very compelling match.
Entering his title defense in New York, he parted ways with Gilbert and Moore. He made it to the quarterfinals but lost in a tough five setter to Joachim Johansson. It was a match where he won more points than his opponent and cameback from two sets down to force a deciding set. But even with all that, Roddick blew chance after chance to break Johansson, eventually getting broken losing in stunning fashion because nobody saw it coming. There would be no repeat and no additional slams for the year.
In Australia this year, he made the semis and faced nemesis Hewitt. After playing a brilliant set and a half, Roddick lost his poise and ultimately the match in four sets to the fiesty Hewitt. It was supposed to be Andy's time. But he was outworked in sets two and three, then took a long break and never recovered for an uncompetitive fourth set. At Roland Garros, he bowed out in the second round on the unkind clay surface which has never suited his power game. At Wimbledon, he gutted out two five set wins to setup a championship rematch with Federer. But Roddick was out of ammunition and Federer played brilliantly winning in straight sets for his third consecutive Wimbledon crown. To his credit, he tried different tactics including going to the net but nothing worked. He was simply overmatched.
The year still couldn't be a loss with the Open around the corner. Right? Roddick had a strong summer winning two hard court tournaments to claim first prize in the U.S. Open Series. He even got some revenge on Hewitt in a semi at Cincinnati for just his second career victory in eight tries to jump over Hewitt to third in the rankings. In the final, he lost again to Federer. He had to be sick of it. You figured he'd take it out on his bracket at the final slam event of the year. Right?
Wrong. Shockingly, Roddick bowed out in the opening round Tuesday night, losing three heartbreaking tiebreakers to Gilles Muller from Luxembourg. Make no mistake about it, Muller played the match of his life in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium pro-Roddick crowd. Roddick didn't play badly but he was up 5-2 in the first set and lost his focus at 5-3 trying to serve out the set. Maybe if he doesn't make three unforced errors when he hadn't made one till that point, he closes out the set and cruises to victory. We'll never know.
By all accounts, Roddick has improved his fitness and is moving better. He also has made strides at the net and been coming in more behind his big forehand. I don't doubt his commitment to tennis. After the stunning match, he said he'd never felt this bad after a loss because he had never felt better coming into a slam. I'll take him at his word. Sometimes, your opponent just plays a great match and there's nothing you can do. But Roddick still could have adjusted to what Muller did and comeback. Mentally, he claims that he's stronger now than he was. It just wasn't evident Tuesday or in Melbourne when he lost his composure against Hewitt.
This isn't to say Muller was a bad opponent who just came off the street. He was a capable player who had wins over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon and Agassi at Los Angeles last year.
It just means that even with better fitness, Roddick still isn't all the way there yet as a player. He can still improve his backhand, which Muller worked over repeatedly with good results Tuesday. He can still get tougher mentally when things aren't going his way and is forced to change the gameplan.
Roddick entered the Open with much fanfare. America's posterboy with endorsements featuring him driving a Lexus, the official sponsor of the tournament. And of course, those funky American Express ads where Andy loses 'his mojo.' Only it wasn't supposed to happen so early at Ashe. Meanwhile, other Americans including Agassi, James Blake and Robby Ginepri are thru to the fourth round with Taylor Dent having a chance to join them when he plays Hewitt later today. It had to hurt a little seeing Ginepri easily dispose of Muller in the second round.
Roddick is still ranked third depending on what happens. A reporter after his loss pointed out that this sort of thing has happened before to favorites. Agassi was victimized at the same age by Thomas Enqvist 12 years earlier. The next year, he cameback and won the whole thing for his second slam unseeded. When they emphasized that, Roddick couldn't help but smile and candidly remark, "I hope I'm not unseeded next year."
He has a great personality and is one of the classiest players on tour. Maybe he needs more of an edge. Time to find the mojo.
Hitting Back:
-If anyone can explain this New York baseball season, please try without failing a lie detector test. One minute, the Yanks and Mets look like they're on the verge of being in the clear for the postseason. The next, each falls flat and looks as appealing as the Knicks.
-Whatever happened to Mike Jacobs being the next big prospect who takes the league by storm? Oh wait. He finally faced some real pitching instead of seeing those worldbeaters out west in Arizona. Well, he could still be the next Gregg Jefferies or Shane Spencer.
-Do you think just once the Mets could score more than two runs for Pedro and pay him back for all those games he kept them in?
-When do the Mets get a real second baseman or is Kaz Matsui really the reincarnation of Juan Samuel?
-He showed a lot of heart returning to the lineup a few weeks ago but now it's time for Carlos Beltran to earn his money.
-So Joe Torre takes Aaron Small out of the rotation and then when he puts him back in with Moose out, Small only tosses a shutout in the biggest game all year at Oakland. So, does Torre actually take credit for that?
-Now after all these months The Unit decides to show up and earn money for a change instead of stealing it.
-Let's see if I got this right. Alan Embree. Mark Bellhorn. What Red Sox castoff will be part of the Yankee roster next? Curt Schilling?
-If this is his last season in Pinstripes, Bernie Williams is sure finishing strong.
-Those earplugs are really working for Rafael Palmeiro. What's his excuse now?
-What happens if Eli Manning can't start next weekend against Arizona? I'd be more comfortable with Dave Brown than Mr. Elisabeth Hasselbeck at quarterback.
-And finally, our prayers go out to the families in New Orleans, Louisiana enduring some of the worst circumstances this country's ever seen. Nobody should have to go through that. God bless them all. Storms like Hurricane Katrina can't be prevented but couldn't President Bush have a quicker response to such a catastrophe. If only it was as dire as Iraq but anything to justify a war, right?
Blake and Agassi Prevail In Four
With America's best hope Andy Roddick out in the first round, other players have stepped up at this year's U.S. Open. One has been James Blake and another is 35-year-old legend Andre Agassi. Saturday afternoon in front of a soldout Arthur Ashe Stadium, both overcame tough opponents in four sets to move on to the Round of 16 within one match of a quarterfinal showdown.
The 25-year-old Blake from Yonkers took the court first and had overwhelming support in upsetting second ranked Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. The match was a toe-to-toe baseline battle between two of the hardest hitters in the game. But the 19-year-old Nadal, who won his first slam at this year's French Open was outslugged by a determined Blake in an exciting two and a half hours.
Often in lengthy rallies, both players took turns hitting big shots. But on this day, the elder Blake dictated more and made his opponent look like a normal 19-year-old. Nadal, who is a musclebound fitness guru usually is able to wear down opponents with his hustle and grit. On this day, Blake gave Nadal a taste of his own medicine finishing with 53 winners to the second seed's 29.
After the two traded 6-4 sets, Blake took control early in the third set when the match shifted on two critical games. With Nadal leading 2-1, Blake suddenly found himself facing triple break point but escaped the jam taking the final five points to level the match. With tons of supporters chanting "Let's go James," Blake seized the momentum playing an outstanding fifth game to break Nadal with a perfect topspin lob, pumping his fist. After holding serve easily, he wasn't done coming back from 40-15 down to claim the set on an exciting point. Even though he moved Nadal all over the court, the second seed still ran down a lob and overhead but Blake punctuated the set with a slam even Nadal couldn't reach.
With Nadal demoralized, Blake broke twice in an easier fourth set. In Nadal's first two rounds, his serve was only broken once. On this day, his opponent converted six of eight break chances to his two of 10. When he finally netted a backhand, Blake had his first ever Open appearance into the fourth round.
After the match, a clearly emotional Blake couldn't put into words how he felt telling fans, "I truly wish every single person in here could have the feeling I have now.''
Blake is the best story of this year's Open because of what he's overcome. Last year in Rome during a warmup, he fractured vertebrae in his neck when he slammed into a net post. As if that wasn't enough, he lost his Dad to cancer two months later and then battled the disease shingles which partially paralyzed his face for a brief period. At this time last year, he watched the tournament on TV with friends and didn't know if he'd ever return. Now, he's playing the best tennis of his career and will meet the winner of Tommy Robredo-Sebastien Grosjean for a chance at the quarters.
Agassi (7) had a struggle of his own against talented 19-year-old Czech Tomas Berdych (32) coming back to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (2).
Berdych's big game gave Agassi problems early on breaking him in the fourth game when the American served one of an uncharacteristic seven double faults. Outslugging the seventh seed with huge forehands that produced nearly half of his 50 winners, Berdych made the break stand up claiming the opening set.
With the crowd sensing that Agassi was in trouble, the crafty vet lifted his game by keeping many rallies alive resulting in several unforced errors from his unsteady opponent. He quickly shifted the momentum with an early break and held to go up 3-0. When he claimed another break to lead 5-1, Agassi served out the set to even the match.
Clearly rattled, Berdych dumped the opening game of the third set with some more loose shots. It turned out to be the difference because Agassi made the break stand up. As Berdych steadied himself, he made Agassi earn it by saving two set points. But Agassi finally captured the set on the third try.
With the first three sets taking just 94 minutes to play, Berdych had enough left to push Agassi in a highly competitive 56 minute fourth set. Pressuring him early, he forced Agassi to save a couple of break points with some fantastic shots in the sixth game. Amazingly enough, the player 16 years older was more fit and up to the challenge. With Berdych undeterred, he finally earned a break when Agassi sailed a forehand long to lead 5-3. With a chance to serve for a final set, he misfired three more of his 43 unforced errors and donated the break right back. Clearly frustrated, he slammed a ball afterwards.
Using several drop shots in the late stages which Berdych didn't run for, Agassi sent the set to a tiebreak. In it, Agassi served well and hit cleaner shots to put away the match 7-2. He finished with 15 aces to Berdych's 11 and 20 less unforced errors (23).
The victory was his 74th at the Open, passing Ivan Lendl for second most all-time at the event, trailing just Jimmy Connors, who won 98. Afterwards he told the crowd, "I'm still here for one more day," to cheers. He'll next face Xavier Malisse, who cameback from two sets down to defeat Mikhail Youzhny (24) 5-7, 1-6, 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (1).
Also advancing were Guillermo Coria (8), Richard Gasquet (13) and Nicolas Massu.
In third round women's action, seventh seed Justine Henin-Hardenne struggled in a 6-0, 7-6 (4) win over Korean Yoon Jeong Cho. She'll face Mary Pierce (12), who won 6-3, 3-0 when Jelena Jankovic (17) retired.
In a battle of Russians, Elena Likhovtseva (19) fought off a match point to comeback and defeat Anastasia Myskina (13) 0-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6). She'll next play third seed Amelie Mauresmo, who handled Anna-Lena Groenefeld 7-5, 6-3.
Also moving on despite 19 double faults was sixth seed Elena Dementieva coming from behind to eliminate Anna Chakvetadze (29) 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (5). She'll face Patty Schnyder (11) next. Nathalie Dechy advanced in three over Tatiana Golovin 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 and will play second seed Lindsay Davenport. Davenport had no trouble with Spaniard Anabel Medina Garriques (32) winning 6-3, 6-2.
In men's third round action, American Robby Ginepri was scheduled to take on German Tommy Haas (29).
The 25-year-old Blake from Yonkers took the court first and had overwhelming support in upsetting second ranked Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. The match was a toe-to-toe baseline battle between two of the hardest hitters in the game. But the 19-year-old Nadal, who won his first slam at this year's French Open was outslugged by a determined Blake in an exciting two and a half hours.
Often in lengthy rallies, both players took turns hitting big shots. But on this day, the elder Blake dictated more and made his opponent look like a normal 19-year-old. Nadal, who is a musclebound fitness guru usually is able to wear down opponents with his hustle and grit. On this day, Blake gave Nadal a taste of his own medicine finishing with 53 winners to the second seed's 29.
After the two traded 6-4 sets, Blake took control early in the third set when the match shifted on two critical games. With Nadal leading 2-1, Blake suddenly found himself facing triple break point but escaped the jam taking the final five points to level the match. With tons of supporters chanting "Let's go James," Blake seized the momentum playing an outstanding fifth game to break Nadal with a perfect topspin lob, pumping his fist. After holding serve easily, he wasn't done coming back from 40-15 down to claim the set on an exciting point. Even though he moved Nadal all over the court, the second seed still ran down a lob and overhead but Blake punctuated the set with a slam even Nadal couldn't reach.
With Nadal demoralized, Blake broke twice in an easier fourth set. In Nadal's first two rounds, his serve was only broken once. On this day, his opponent converted six of eight break chances to his two of 10. When he finally netted a backhand, Blake had his first ever Open appearance into the fourth round.
After the match, a clearly emotional Blake couldn't put into words how he felt telling fans, "I truly wish every single person in here could have the feeling I have now.''
Blake is the best story of this year's Open because of what he's overcome. Last year in Rome during a warmup, he fractured vertebrae in his neck when he slammed into a net post. As if that wasn't enough, he lost his Dad to cancer two months later and then battled the disease shingles which partially paralyzed his face for a brief period. At this time last year, he watched the tournament on TV with friends and didn't know if he'd ever return. Now, he's playing the best tennis of his career and will meet the winner of Tommy Robredo-Sebastien Grosjean for a chance at the quarters.
Agassi (7) had a struggle of his own against talented 19-year-old Czech Tomas Berdych (32) coming back to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (2).
Berdych's big game gave Agassi problems early on breaking him in the fourth game when the American served one of an uncharacteristic seven double faults. Outslugging the seventh seed with huge forehands that produced nearly half of his 50 winners, Berdych made the break stand up claiming the opening set.
With the crowd sensing that Agassi was in trouble, the crafty vet lifted his game by keeping many rallies alive resulting in several unforced errors from his unsteady opponent. He quickly shifted the momentum with an early break and held to go up 3-0. When he claimed another break to lead 5-1, Agassi served out the set to even the match.
Clearly rattled, Berdych dumped the opening game of the third set with some more loose shots. It turned out to be the difference because Agassi made the break stand up. As Berdych steadied himself, he made Agassi earn it by saving two set points. But Agassi finally captured the set on the third try.
With the first three sets taking just 94 minutes to play, Berdych had enough left to push Agassi in a highly competitive 56 minute fourth set. Pressuring him early, he forced Agassi to save a couple of break points with some fantastic shots in the sixth game. Amazingly enough, the player 16 years older was more fit and up to the challenge. With Berdych undeterred, he finally earned a break when Agassi sailed a forehand long to lead 5-3. With a chance to serve for a final set, he misfired three more of his 43 unforced errors and donated the break right back. Clearly frustrated, he slammed a ball afterwards.
Using several drop shots in the late stages which Berdych didn't run for, Agassi sent the set to a tiebreak. In it, Agassi served well and hit cleaner shots to put away the match 7-2. He finished with 15 aces to Berdych's 11 and 20 less unforced errors (23).
The victory was his 74th at the Open, passing Ivan Lendl for second most all-time at the event, trailing just Jimmy Connors, who won 98. Afterwards he told the crowd, "I'm still here for one more day," to cheers. He'll next face Xavier Malisse, who cameback from two sets down to defeat Mikhail Youzhny (24) 5-7, 1-6, 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (1).
Also advancing were Guillermo Coria (8), Richard Gasquet (13) and Nicolas Massu.
In third round women's action, seventh seed Justine Henin-Hardenne struggled in a 6-0, 7-6 (4) win over Korean Yoon Jeong Cho. She'll face Mary Pierce (12), who won 6-3, 3-0 when Jelena Jankovic (17) retired.
In a battle of Russians, Elena Likhovtseva (19) fought off a match point to comeback and defeat Anastasia Myskina (13) 0-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6). She'll next play third seed Amelie Mauresmo, who handled Anna-Lena Groenefeld 7-5, 6-3.
Also moving on despite 19 double faults was sixth seed Elena Dementieva coming from behind to eliminate Anna Chakvetadze (29) 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (5). She'll face Patty Schnyder (11) next. Nathalie Dechy advanced in three over Tatiana Golovin 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 and will play second seed Lindsay Davenport. Davenport had no trouble with Spaniard Anabel Medina Garriques (32) winning 6-3, 6-2.
In men's third round action, American Robby Ginepri was scheduled to take on German Tommy Haas (29).
Venus Sets Up All Sister Showdown
In the first match of the night session Friday night, Venus Williams (10) had too much game for Daniela Hantuchova (20) winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to advance to an all sister showdown against Serena in the Round of 16. She's lost the last five times they met in slams but this time could be different if her recent Wimbledon win and the early rounds here are any indication.
Breaking her opponent right away, Venus seemingly was in control early but let Hantuchova back in the set in the sixth game. When Hantuchova forced an error, the match was level at three. However, in the very next game, the talented 22-year-old from Slovakia donated the break back with some loose groundstrokes. From that point, Venus took the next two games breaking Hantuchova again at 5-3 when she punctuated the set with a forehand winner.
The difference in the match was Venus converted four of five break chances to Hantuchova's one for 10. When she had problems in the competitive 46 minute first set, Venus called on her big serve to get out of trouble. She won 74 percent of points on her first serve.
The second set, Venus held and broke Hantuchova right away with another crisp winner and never was seriously challenged on her serve. For the rest of the match, she lost just seven points on it, cruising to victory.
In other late afternoon action, fourth seed Kim Clijsters had little trouble against Ai Sugiyama (30) prevailing 6-1, 6-4. She'll next face Venezuelan Maria Vento-Kabchi, who defeated Israel's Shahar Peer 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. The winner of that will take on either Serena or Venus in the quarterfinals.
Women's third round action continues on Day Six featuring Justine Henin-Hardenne and Amelie Mauresmo. The night session will showcase American Lindsay Davenport while men's third round action concludes when American Robby Ginepri battles German Tommy Haas (29).
Breaking her opponent right away, Venus seemingly was in control early but let Hantuchova back in the set in the sixth game. When Hantuchova forced an error, the match was level at three. However, in the very next game, the talented 22-year-old from Slovakia donated the break back with some loose groundstrokes. From that point, Venus took the next two games breaking Hantuchova again at 5-3 when she punctuated the set with a forehand winner.
The difference in the match was Venus converted four of five break chances to Hantuchova's one for 10. When she had problems in the competitive 46 minute first set, Venus called on her big serve to get out of trouble. She won 74 percent of points on her first serve.
The second set, Venus held and broke Hantuchova right away with another crisp winner and never was seriously challenged on her serve. For the rest of the match, she lost just seven points on it, cruising to victory.
In other late afternoon action, fourth seed Kim Clijsters had little trouble against Ai Sugiyama (30) prevailing 6-1, 6-4. She'll next face Venezuelan Maria Vento-Kabchi, who defeated Israel's Shahar Peer 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. The winner of that will take on either Serena or Venus in the quarterfinals.
Women's third round action continues on Day Six featuring Justine Henin-Hardenne and Amelie Mauresmo. The night session will showcase American Lindsay Davenport while men's third round action concludes when American Robby Ginepri battles German Tommy Haas (29).
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