Sports - Tennis #18: Because we love the new Centre Court roof at Wimbledon! - Page 7

Ms X · 06-09-2009, 01:18 PM

The beautiful, beautiful grass

My favourite surface no doubt about that.

Glad Roddick went through

christallh24 · 06-09-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hot Rod (View Post)

What a beautiful sight that is, especially after having to look at all that damn clay for the last month and half.

I agree, HotRod. I don't have anything against clay, but even I am glad to see the back of it. Oh, the grass looks soooooooooooooooooooo pretty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***Catherine*** · 06-10-2009, 08:48 PM

Ooh..Gulbis. shame he lost.

Anyhoo..read a little wrap up of RG..with grades and everything

Quote:

RG: Witnesses to History
by Steve Tignor

This year’s French Open will live in the forefront of our collective tennis memory. Roger Federer’s victory, the sight of him falling to the clay with his mouth open and hair flying back as he won the only important tournament that he had never been sure of winning, is enough to earn it a chapter in the sport’s history books. Add to that the sight of Rafael Nadal walking off Court Chatrier a grim loser and the last two weeks begin to take on a dreamlike quality—did all that really happen? Yes, it did. Here's a look back at the other players—and the one idiot—who filled out the last two weeks of our TV-watching lives.

Gael Monfils

His career is beginning to seem quixotic. Get better, get hurt. Win matches with power from way behind the baseline. Use your bounding athleticism not to take over points, but to pull them out with spectacular gets at the last second. Make yourself both the most entertaining and frustrating player in the world. The bottom line is, we’re lucky to have him. I’ve upped the Frenchman half a grade for eating at McDonald’s after his late-evening win over Andy Roddick. Awesome. A-

Victoria Azarenka

Like del Potro on the men’s side, she’s moving up the ladder one sure step at a time. This time she steamrolled Ivanovic, but stumbled just when I thought she was ready to make an even bigger leap. After outclassing Safina in the first set with both velocity and touch, she ran into unexpected double-fault trouble in the second and gave it all away. Azarenka doesn’t seem to get nervous, but the evidence from that match says otherwise. Like Safina in the final, she should beware of getting too intense early and then having no way to rev herself up again later. B+

Rafael Nadal

Seeing Nadal leave Roland Garros not a winner was like peering into an alternate universe. As I said at the time, I don’t think he played all that badly, even though he thought he did. Soderling forced him back, and then forced him to go for too much when he did try to dictate the points. What’s the trouble with Rafa? A bum knee, pressure and scrutiny, too much tennis, the difficulty of finding your highest motivational gear after winning an event four times, a strong player who didn’t fear you—all of those things. He seemed down the whole tournament, and surprisingly matter of fact in his press conference after his loss. I expected more sadness, but we got a shrug instead. As Federer said, the thought of Nadal not playing Wimbledon after last year’s final is “frightening.” I assume he’ll play; after that, we’ll see. I think even the staunchest anti-Nadalite realizes the game is better with him.

Six weeks ago he owned the sport. In Paris, his aura was pulled away and he was left looking smaller and more ordinary than he ever has at Roland Garros. Now we’re talking about a prolonged absence from the tour. I know things can change quickly in sports, but this is absurd.

Upped half a grade for the pink shirt. At least he went out in typical Rafa fashion: Bold and loud. B

Sorana Cirstea

The Romanian’s unique quality is the quick release she has off both ground-stroke wings. She’s through the swing before you know it, and the ball is through the court before the opponent knows it. Great to watch, great when it’s working, but it also sounds like a recipe for inconsistency. Still, it worked in the final game against Jankovic, in which she came through with a winner to clinch the upset 9-7 in the third. That can’t be a bad sign. B

Tommy Haas

He left one shot just a little short against Federer after two scintillating sets. It was enough to send him home (again, it's a cruel sport). But the testy German had only classy comments when the tournament was over. “When I watched him celebrate yesterday and I saw all the historic moments . . . I don’t really have any regrets. I’m happy I gave him such a tough battle.” B

Andy Roddick

This was his best French Open, and a product of his continued professionalism. Unfortunately, it will be remembered for his complaints to the umpire and the referee that his match with Monfils should have been stopped because of darkness. He essentially took himself out of it. It was a fact that he seemed to realize afterward, when he admitted, too late, that the conditions were the same for both guys. B-

Marat Safin

How else was he going to leave the place where he dropped his shorts? Safin gave us one last torturous clay-court loss to remember, to the smooth welterweight Josselin Ouanna. What was sad was that the big guy really fought for this one. Let the farewell tour of pain roll on. B-

Lleyton Hewitt

Still punching the ground after all these years. He really must not want to help out around the house. It was good to see him make it all worthwhile for a day by surviving 55 aces in a five-set win over Karlovic. B-

Andy Murray

Things reportedly got “far from convivial” between clay coach Alex Corretja and Murray by the end of the tournament, which is a pretty funny of choice of words. But you would still have to term his dirtball season a success. More troubling is that while he's asserted himself in various Masters events, Murray has now been overpowered in two straight Slams, by Verdasco and Gonzalez. The Scot is the king of the regular season, but can he play playoff tennis, when everyone is dialed in and has three full sets to find their games? Right now, his let-the-point-develop style gives the erratic big hitters of the second-tier too much time and space to find their grooves. C+

Novak Djokovic

His face was red, his movement was sluggish, his shots lacked conviction. Plus, the fourth seed had been shunted off the two big show courts and into the wild wilderness of the Bullring, where anything can happen (see Safin, pants-dropping, 2004). From the opening games of his loss to Kohlschreiber, you could see this wasn’t going to be Djokovic’s day. We’ve all been there, but we all aren’t ranked in the Top 5 in the world. Federer found a way out of his nightmare against Haas; Djokovic never even seemed to try. One is now immortal; the other remains merely good. C+

Ana Ivanovic

Another Slam debacle, another coaching change. What’s next for last year’s girl? It’s no fun to watch a stylish game like hers drift out to sea. C-

Serena Williams

She’s always good copy and theater, and usually good tennis. But telling an opponent that she's “going to get her in the locker room” is no one’s idea of sporting entertainment. C-

NBC

What was their reason for not showing any of Federer’s semifinal? Whatever it was, it couldn't have made sense. The French semis on U.S. TV is always a mess, but this time it robbed us of a piece of history. F

Jimmy Jump

In case you're not aware, this is the chosen name of the red-hatted dope who jumped Federer in the final. Creepiest moment in tennis history? It’s up there. Fortunately, it wasn't enough to ruin one of the best. F

Have to agree with NBC's grade

They always screw things up. I hope they get some grief over it.

**NikNak** · 06-10-2009, 09:14 PM

Aww, that grass is so pretty. ::sighs::

Thanks for the pics and the updates.

christallh24 · 06-12-2009, 12:18 PM

I saw Nole play at Halle today! I missed him (and Rafa). I thought he played well. 6-1 6-4. He allowed himself to get broken by Melzer in the second, but otherwise, he was good. I hope he will win the tournament! He'll need to play better during Wimbledon, though.

**Hot Rod** · 06-12-2009, 01:32 PM

I`m also pleased with Nole`s win today, which was a nice improvement from his previous match where he almost lost in straight sets.

Meanwhile at the Queen`s Club, Andy Murray defeated Mardy 7-5, 6-3. This wasn`t much of a surprise with Andy Murray losing only five points on his serve. Mardy`s good buddies fared much better as Andy defeated Ivo Karlovic 7-6(4), 7-6(5) and James defeated Misha 7-6(5), 6-3. Good wins for Andy and James.

I`m especially pleased with James` win, which is much needed.

Lastly in Birmingham, Maria defeated Yanina Wickmayer 6-1, 2-6, 6-3. Good win for Maria.

I`m very pleased that she reached the semifinals in her third tournament back. Hopefully she can keep it going.

So that`s the story on today`s matches. The semifinals will be tomorrow. Andy will take on James in the highlight match of the day. I`m very torn about this match. Hopefully we`ll get a nice competitive match between Andy and James.

Anyway here are some pics from today`s matches.

Good job Nole.

Good job James.

Good job Andy.

Good job Maria.

christallh24 · 06-12-2009, 02:42 PM

Really?! Nole almost lost?! Today was the first time I've been able to watch a Halle match or have seen any scores from the tournament. I really, really, really hope he can win this thing.

What in the world is Maria wearing? Is it cold there or something?

**Hot Rod** · 06-12-2009, 05:04 PM

Yeah it`s pretty cool over in Birmingham, which is why Maria has been wearing those tights this week. Personally i think that the tights is a good way for Maria to keep warm, but it obviously takes away any view of Maria`s great legs.

Hopefully the weather at Wimbledon will be warmer so that we can see that beautiful sight of her legs again.

**Hot Rod** · 06-13-2009, 03:44 PM

Here`s an update from the first grass court tournaments.

First of all at the Queen`s Club, Andy Roddick and James meet up for the first time in nearly three year. Unfortunately the match was a brief one as Andy had to retire due to a right ankle sprain, which he suffered after chasing down a lob shot, tied at 4-4. What a disappointing end for Andy.

I really hate that this injury happened, especially since he had been playing well throughout the tournament and we were about to get a pretty good match between him and James. Hopefully this injury isn`t serious and Andy will be ready for Wimbledon.

In the other semifinal match, Andy Murray defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-4, 6-2.

Over in Halle, Nole had to put in some work against Olivier Rochus, but he came out with a 7-6(7), 6-4 win. Good win for Nole. He has played well throughout the week in some tough matches.

Also in a matchup between the hometown favorites, Tommy Haas defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6(5), 7-6(3).

Finally in Birmingham, Maria was defeated by Na Li 4-6, 4-6. Disappointing result there for Maria, who had her share of opportunities in the match.

I`m pleased that she made it to the semifinals in her third tournament back, which is a good progress, but at the same time, i really would`ve loved to seen her win the title.

So that`s the story on today`s matches.

Tomorrow will be the finals in Halle and the Queen`s Club.

First of all in Halle, Nole will take on Tommy Haas. Obviously this is a very intriguing matchup. I think that Nole will need to come out strong against the resurgent Tommy.

Meanwhile at the Queen`s Club, Andy Murray will face James. Obviously this will be quite an uphill battle for James. I think that he needs to show variety and attack Andy`s second serve if he wants to have a chance tomorrow.

I hope that we`ll get pretty matches in Halle and London tomorrow.

Anyway here are some pics from today`s matches.

This is where Andy hurt his ankle a couple of seconds later.

Right here.

I hate that Andy had to retire, especially since it looked like he and James were about to have a pretty good match. Hopefully we`ll see them meet again during the hardcourt season later this summer.

Good job Nole.

buffy4ever · 06-13-2009, 03:46 PM

Thanks for the info and the pics Hot Rod!
Go Nole

christallh24 · 06-13-2009, 10:13 PM

Nole!

Go get'em today!

ETA: Oh, Nole!

Is it odd that I'm more worried about Nole than I am about Rafa, HotRod?

When he lost he rank to Andy, I thought it wouldn't take him that long to get it back. Now,...now, I'm concerned. About his and Rafa's.

And congrats to Andy. I'm sure he's going to get to, at least, the semi's of Wimbledon.

**Hot Rod** · 06-14-2009, 12:50 PM

Yes it odd Chris, especially with Rafa`s knee troubles.

As for Nole, i have to say that i`m not surprised that Tommy Haas beat in the final at Halle today. Tommy really played well throughout the tournament and capped it off with his win over Nole to win his first title in a couple of years. You can`t help but be happy for Tommy, especially with all the injuries he has had in the last year and a half.

Meanwhile at the Queen`s Club, Andy Murray defeated James 7-5, 6-4 win his first career grass court title. The match was pretty competitive, but Andy was too much in the end. Obviously the hometown fans are very happy to see Andy winning the title at Queen`s Club, but at the same time, this is going to put even more pressure on Andy at Wimbledon.

So that`s the story on this week`s tournaments. Next up will be the AEGON International in Eastbourne, England and the Ordina Open in Rosmalen, Holland. Those tournaments will be the final warmup for Wimbledon.

Anyway here are some pics from today`s matches.

The organizers should be a shame of themselves that they gave James a little runner-up trophy. That`s not right.

Now the Gerry Weber Open knows how to do trophies.

Congrats on the title Tommy.

Looks like he`s going to have a special victory party later on with Sara.

welshgirlyUK · 06-14-2009, 02:14 PM

The pressure will really be on Andy Murray now at wimbledon. I dont think we'll expect a win, but i think the country will certainly expect him to get very far now. He's the first Brit to win Queens in over 70years, so this is a really sweet win. I think he's learning not to let the home pressure get to him in the same way i think it got to Tim a bit. We want Wimbledon a lot, no doubt, and i know the pressure will mount on him. Epsecially now. The press will really set him up only to tear him down again, inevitably. I just hope he can ignore it. This is one of the worst countries be a succesful sportsman in anyway because were so judgmental and harsh on them, but especially our Tennis players come wimbledon time with the ultimate tennis tournament being here and us being so bloody rubbish at it. I don't envy him at all, he'll have a lot on his shoulders.

**Hot Rod** · 06-14-2009, 03:50 PM

I`ve noticed that the press over in the UK has progressively put more heat on Andy in the last few years, starting with the "I`ll root for anyone but England" World Cup controversy in 2006. Obviously that was a big lesson for Andy in handling the media at Wimbledon. In fact he`s said that he`s going to become a recluse during Wimbledon.

***Catherine*** · 06-14-2009, 11:15 PM

Weeee...almost Wimby time....

10 important things to know about Wimbledon 2009

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1. Some important dates to remember:
Monday 15 June Wimbledon Qualifying begins
Thursday 18 June Wimbledon Qualifying finishes
Friday 19 June Wimbledon draw
Monday 22 June Wimbledon begins
Saturday 27 June Junior Wimbledon begins
Sunday 28 June No play scheduled
Saturday 4 July Ladies’ singles final
Sunday 5 July Men’s singles final

2. The roof over Centre Court

Should it rain this year it will take about seven minutes for the roof to close but 30 minutes before play can resume. The roof is made of a lightweight material called Tenara that is stretched over the court's opening by 10 trusses and is 16m above the court surface. The decision to close the roof is made by tournament referee Andrew Jarrett.

3. Tennis ball numbers

If you were to fill Centre Court with tennis balls while the roof is closed you would need 290 million.

4. New Court No2

Built at the southern end of the grounds, the new Court 2 can hold 4000 spectators. It was built 3.5m below ground level so it wouldn't obstruct the views across the ground.

5. New court names

Because of the new Court 2 all the courts have been re-numbered. The southern courts have been re-numbered in sequence so the old Court 2 becomes Court 3 up to Court12. There is no Court 13 – unlucky for some.

6. Blogs

This year Wimbledon.org is adding more blogs to our match report and feature coverage. Topping the bill will be a blog from writer and comedian Tony Hawks, who once travelled round Ireland with a fridge and played the Moldovan football team at tennis. The other blogs with cover comment & analysis, fashion and junior Wimbledon while the popular ‘As it happens’ live blog will return.

7. Wimbledon gets social.
Wimbledon is making an extra effort with its social media this year because we want to bring Wimbledon fans together from all over the world. Our Facebook page (www.facebook/wimbledon) has more than 100,000 users and our Twitter account (Wimbledon (Wimbledon) on Twitter) provides exclusive updates.

8. Watching Wimbledon online
You can watch live coverage from Centre Court, No.1 Court, No.2 Court and three other courts during Wimbledon with Wimbledon live, just follow the link to video from the homepage. (Please note this service is not available in some territories.)

9. iPhone App

Wimbledon has an iPhone app that will provide latest news, scores, draws and video highlights from The Championships. The app will be available from the AppStore during Wimbledon. Other mobile phone users can visit m.wimbledon.org.

10. Fred Perry at the museum

There is a new exhibition at the Wimbledon Museum celebrating the Centenary of Fred Perry's birth. The exhibition looks at his life and legacy, and includes his World table tennis trophy as well as pieces commemorating his three successive Wimbledon wins in the 1930s. There is also footage of Perry in action and photos of his life with the stars in Hollywood.

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especially with Rafa`s knee troubles.

Riiiiiight...the ones he's had for years now?