Tsonga and Aga walk away winners, Venus' game goes retro at the Rogers Cup

"I'm super stoked to win and all but what IS this?!"

I just got back from some time away last week and wouldn’t you know I missed some tremendous matches at the Rogers Cup. I was keeping up with most of it by reading the news and watching some highlights, but I was able to see some of Maria Sharapova’s loss to Carla Suarez Navarro and Novak Djokovic's shockingly easy defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga live on Delta. When I noticed this particular flight had satellite TV and access to ESPN2, I was more than thrilled. Like a kid in a Sugarpova pop-up. THANK YOU GAWDS FOR THE TECHNOLOGIES.

It was a fantastic week for Jo-Willy and Agnieszka Radwanska, who won their first titles of the season at this Masters 1000 and Premier 5 event, respectively. Jo-Willy was already out of the top 10 but he strung together wins over the likes of Nole, Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov, and Roger Federer in the final to vault himself back inside. The Frenchie, with his power game and aggressive play, has always been the kind of baller that could beat anyone on any given day or go on a streak like he did in Toronto. This quality is what's separated him from his countrymen. While they have always seemed to prefer to entertain rather than win matches, Jo-Willy went about the business of brutal execution. But, he’s never been able to sustain excellence like Nole, Fed, Muzz, and Rafael Nadal; it’s what separates the “Big Four” from everyone else, including the Frenchman. This week he was focused, determined, and healthy which made all the difference. Let’s see what Cincinnati, which kicks off this week, will bring.

"MWAH"

Aga’s summer was utterly forgettable up until she lifted the Rogers Cup trophy. In fact, she seemed to have hit a plateau after her all-court clinic over Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open back in January. It’s like she blew her wad so early in the season that the Pole had nothing left to give. But in Montreal she got her game back on track, notching a win over a resurgent Venus Williams in the final, and proving that she still has the game to trouble the elite lady ballers. This hard-court stretch has never been favorable to Aga’s game, so grabbing a title should give her a huge lift. But the question remains – can her old-school finesse game stand strong against the modern power ballers over seven matches?

"I'm taking you back for a minute."

For me, one of the biggest story lines around is the play of Venus. When I saw the score line to the Venus-Serena match, I could only selfishly think of one word: FINALLY. I’ve always been a Venus fanboy. When she first burst her way into the tennis consciousness, it was mesmerizing to watch her cover the court like a gazelle during one point, and then regally walk to the other side, completely self-contained, to serve or return with a steely gaze. If there was a WTA award for the least amount of fuss or pretense on court, V would’ve owned it. Seeing her play in Stanford and then watching the highlights and other videos of her matches in Montreal, including the insta-classic against Angelique Kerber (see V’s reaction after match point if you don’t believe me), was like stepping back into the Venus Era when no one, not even her precocious little sister, could push her back from the eventual win. Those days are, naturally, few and far between; but we have all been given a chance to relive those moments. Perhaps there are a few more in the cards. We should be so lucky.

If you missed the semifinal between the Williams sisters, here you go. It’s the entire match. YOU’RE WELCOME. Oh yeah, one more thing: as I mentioned a while back, we're relocating to LA and the timing of it couldn't have been worse. During the first week of the US Open, we'll be driving cross country to our new digs. Super excited since it's our first time doing the cross-country thing, but sad to miss the tennis. My postings from now until we finally land out west may be somewhat sporadic. I'll try to tweet as much as I can, but the posting here may be slow.



[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Stanole takes Toronto

We've had Fedal, Rafole, and now we can add Stanole to the mix. Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic have had EPIC (and I don't use that word lightly 'round these here parts) battles on-court, which is a prerequisite for a tennis portmanteau. They've also created a social media storm in Toronto together, posting pics of their bromance before and after their first round doubs match. Speaking of that match, Stanole beat Juan Sebastian Cabal and David Marrero 6-3, 7-5 in a rain delayed match, which means we should get more photos. Thank you tennis.

It's not their first time playing doubs together. Stanole first got together in Beijing last year reaching the semifinals. But they seem to have developed quite the friendship this time around, at least by the looks of the pics. Plus they both love using social media, interacting with other ballers and fans, and posting hiiiiilarious pics. THEY WIN THE INTERNET AND SO DO WE.

Late but fun doubles tonight with @DjokerNole !! Good start here in @rogerscupto ! pic.twitter.com/GACXQAWtRF
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) August 5, 2014

I really love this shot from @nidssserz. The bromance in full bloom!

A bromance I didn't expect. Stan/Nole. pic.twitter.com/etJQ3ES3a2
— Nida (@nidssserz) August 5, 2014

SIGHTING: Drake watching Serena Williams at the Rogers Cup

Well, this shot like these shots finally confirm what we've all suspected: Serena Williams + Drake are definitely doing it. And by 'doing it' I mean dating pervs. Isn't it obvious? In any case, I bet he enjoyed this, too.

[Photo(s) credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Feeding time

"Just a nibble, k?"

Li Na looks good dressed up as shark bait, eh?

The Roland Garros champ was swarmed by the media during the WTA All-Access Hour for the Rogers Cup in Toronto today. I guess I could handle it to if it meant I could snuggle up to $42 million in endorsements when I got home. And, before you laugh, I'll let you know I look good wearing a Rolex, stuffing my face with Haagen-Dazs and taking out life insurance, too. She's not the only one.

[Photo(s) credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images]

It's like old times with me and Andy Murray and yet it's not!

Dear Muzz,

You + me? We're good again. No, really. It's what I imagine the future Will & Grace reunion will feel like with you as the ginger-haired, flighty straight-as-an-arrow bestie to my neurotic, hard-ass-on-the-outside-with-mushy-insides raven-haired gaybie (though delete white boy and insert brown. That's just a fact. Deal.)

You know I always thought you had the goods to be the best yet somehow it just never came together. Maybe it was mental or maybe those others were finally onto you. But I was so thoroughly impressed and excited by the game you flaunted in Toronto which seems to have been given a shot of aggression and belief at the most opportune time.

I also wondered how you would deal without having a coach and all the talk and media attention surrounding your recent divorce from Coach Miles Maclagan (may his hawtness always be wet) and Alex Corretja (Spaniards are forever sexy - but how?) Then I saw Momma Judy a.k.a Coach for Now in your baller box being her usual stoic, tough-as-nails self, pumping you up and urging you on to one victory after another. She's the one constant in all of this change who probably knows your game better than anyone. I felt relieved.

And what about those victories over the likes of a resurgent David Nalbandian, whose 11-match winning streak you snapped by the way, top seed and the world's top baller Rafael Nadal and, in the final, Roger Federer, who won your last three battles? Fucking brilliant! Oh, and you didn't even drop a set. Crazy! It's like I don't even know you anymore, at least the Muzz of late who hadn't played any real tennis to speak of since the Australian Open in January when he got steamrolled by Fed in the final.

You seemed free this week. Free to play the game you kinda knew you could play but never believed in when it mattered. Free from too many coach's voices telling you this thing and that. Free to fail. That's right. You played like you weren't afraid to lose yet you showed such determination to win. And look - you even smiled that snaggle-toothed smile during the trophy ceremony (FYI - I hear Juan Martin del Potro has an awesome dentist.)

I'm glad we've come back together. It's giving me goose bumps just thinking about the great times ahead. Oh, and good luck on the rest of the U.S. Open Series and at Flushing Meadows, though by the looks of it you may not need luck. But it never hurts!

Yours,

RiCH

P.S. Ever think about giving your Coach for Now a raise? I think she may have earned at least a bonus for Toronto. And, she knows where you live. Just a thought.

FASHION FIX: Rafael Nadal returns in Nike solar red

Like Roger Federer a day before, Rafael Nadal made his return to the ATP World Tour last night, playing his first match since winning his second Wimbledon championship and eighth major title. And like Fed, it was a predictably rusty performance from the top seed who scraped through the first set of his match against Stanislas Wawrinka at the Rogers Cup (playing the longest tie-break of his career) before earning a tough 7-6(12), 6-3 win. He'll battle Kevin Anderson for a spot in the quarterfinals.

The Mallorcan Matador also showcased a new colorway in the Nike Vamos Lawn Crew ($65) he worked during his Wimby win. There was a bit of discussion over Twitter about what color this is (I was all for salmon pink while I also "heard" watermelon, bubble gum, neon + flamingo pink) but here's the official color name: solar red. Hmph.

It was paired with the same white Vamos Woven Short from his All England Club run.

I'm so not a fan of this style or colorway at all. It's like something borrowed from Tron's color-blind cousin. But, if I had to choose I guess I'd go with the white version from Wimby which looks like a basic v-neck tee. But please don't make me. I beg of you.

P.S. - Can you imagine a watching a Fedal final with these duds on display? I'm doing that right now and I still can't watch.


[Photo(s): TennisWarehouse.com, Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Roger Federer thinks pink in Toronto

Last night Roger Federer played his first ATP World Tour match since losing to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals of his beloved Wimbledon. The Swiss maestro defeated Juan Ignacio Chela 7-6 (7), 6-3 in the second round (his opening match) at the Rogers Cup Masters 1000. He'll face either Nicolas Almagro or Michael Llodra in the next round.

Fed also broke out a mostly new Nike kit for his play leading up to the season's final major, the U.S. Open. He's working the Victory RF Lawn Polo ($80) that he wore at the All England Club but this time in a new colorway: perfect pink. Right. More on that a little further down.

The polo is paired with the Victory Men's Tennis Short (about $39 - UK) that he, again, wore at Wimbledon but this time in dark khaki (I couldn't locate a specific name given to this colorway.)

Overall I'm liking this change in color direction for Fed's duds particularly the move away from black, navy and white for his shorts. You don't really see brown tones used much at all on the courts. And, while it's quite preppy it's absolutely refreshing.

That being said, I prefer my pinks brighter and not as dusty or as pastel as the shade he's wearing in Toronto. Perfect it is not in my book. What I'm really looking forward to, however, is his U.S. Open day outfit where he's slated to showcase a light blue polo with the dark khaki short. That blue looks on point. Yum.

BONUS: Does anyone know what these letters 'V S W' stand for on the World No. 3's practice tee? *scratches head*

[Photo(s): Nike.com, TennisWarehouse.com, Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Peter Polansky has skills apparently

"You. Me. And this. Are ya in?"

Peter Polansky, the homeboy holding a wild card, brought down the house after upsetting 13th seed Jurgen Melzer 7-6(6), 6-4 in the first round of the Rogers Cup last night.

So I keep wondering where I've seen that expression before? Ah, yes. On every first date I've ever had. Silly me.


[Photo(s): Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

VIDEO VAULT: Rafael Nadal draws a crowd wherever he goes

Over the weekend Rafael Nadal took part in the draw ceremony for the Rogers Cup in Toronto. The world's top baller rode an elevator to the top of the CN Tower to participate in the event which was broadcast live on LoveMeansNothing.ca, the new online home for Tennis Canada. He answered questions from the media about his game and his season so far.



Afterward the Mallorcan Matador was flown via helicopter to the Rexall Center where he took in a late hit with German baller Michael Berrer.



And, of course, the HAWTNESS factor at the Rogers Cup was taken to its ultimate limit with the highly-anticipated doubles pairing of the Rafa + Novak Djokovic aka Rafole. The two met up on the practice court over the weekend for some footie fun in front of fans. It's the first time the World's No.1 + No. 2 ranked ballers have come together for doubs duty since then top-ranked Jimmy Connors paired with second-ranked Arthur Ashe 34 years ago.

I wonder if Rafole's worked out a post-point celebratory dance a la the Bryan Brothers. If not, no worries. I've got a few body bumps they could use during their matches. But I'll need to teach them myself. Privately, of course.

[via RafaelNadal.com]

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Now that's more like it

"Can the court just open up and swallow me whole right now?"

Now it makes sense: Dinara Safina was waiting until Toronto to hide her face in shame.

The world's top lady baller and defending champ was stunned (as we were) by Frenchie Aravane Rezai 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the tourney's second round (her opening round match) after cracking 17 double faults. Yes, that's right - 17 DF's for a World No. 1. Embarrah.

Now Dinara doesn't have a shoulder injury that we know of so there goes that excuse - right Shrieka? I'm guessing all the pressure of defending the huge amount of points she accumulated last summer has gotten to her noggin. Her toss is way too high and you can actually see her thinking about her serve while serving as well. The kiss of death I say.

In fact, coach Zeljko Krajan was so moved by his charge's performance that he moved himself right out of the baller box. Well, at least he wasn't able to berate her during their friendly and relaxed on-court coaching moments.

There goes our entertainment. Boo hoo.

UPDATE: An explanation for the loss straight from the horse's mouth -

"It's so much. Ball toss disaster. I don't move my legs. I'm jumping backwards instead of jumping forwards. I'm kicking it too much instead of hitting it more. I drop my head. I don't hold the left arm.

I know this all, and I'm still so stupid that I'm continuing to do it.

It's my brain. I know exactly what I have to do, but if I'm not using my brain, I'm not doing the things my coach is telling me. Too disappointed with myself."

I think you're using your brain too much and not just playing the game you KNOW how to play.

(image via ap)