Men's 1st Marquee Matchup: US Open Semifinals

We've finally arrived at our first men's Marquee Matchup of the US Open and it's a rematch of last year's final. Second seeded Roger Federer, who's looking to make it five straight championships, will face third seeded Novak Djokovic for a place in the final Sunday.

An emotive Roger Federer got past qualifier Gilles Muller in 3 tight, high-quality sets defeating the lad from Luxembourg 7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (5). The Swiss stylist hit 42 winners to 19 errors, won 86% of his first serves, and made 15 of 24 net approaches - gawdy stuff.

A smack-talking Nole schooled a frustrated Andy Roddick dismissing the former US Open champ 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (5). The Serb managed 53 winners against 28 errors, matched A-Rod with 15 aces, and was perfect on break point chances going 5 for 5.

The last time these ballers met was at this year's Monte Carlo Masters when Nole pulled out of their semifinal match with a sore throat, dizziness, and fatigue. Something tells me we won't be seeing any withdrawals in this semifnal showdown.

Here's Fed on meeting up with Nole again:

Only played twice since, Australian Open and Monaco. We haven't played that much really. He gave up in Monaco, which was only one set on clay. Really the only one we can look back at is almost the Australian Open.

But there I didn't think I did my really very best. I hope this time around it's going to be something similar to the US Open, you know, hard‑fought tennis from the baseline.

You know, if we were to play, he's definitely gained in experience. You know, he's played in bigger matches and, you know, deep into the tournaments he's been very consistent with his young age and won his first slam.

So things have changed for him, no doubt.

Nole had this to say about facing Fed in the final four:

As I said on the court, he's absolute favorite in that match, and for him, it's a big challenge now to win another Slam, and to at least stay in the race with Rafa to be No. 1 player of the world and end of the year, still big chances, of course.

It's a bit strange, though, to see No. 2 next to his name, you know. He was so dominant in last couple of years, and I lost to him here the finals last year. I took some, well, necessary thoughts, and things out of that match, so I can improve in the next challenges, and/or next encounters, and I won against him this year in Australian Open. That was my best tournament of the career, and against him, that was one of my best matches.

Hopefully I can do the same. I just need to be myself and need to be aggressive.

Outlook: Fed's form has definitely improved over the last month or so since Wimbledon. He was able to claw his way out of his 5-setter against Igor Andreev and has become much more outwardly expressive, pumping himself up on big points and celebrating his wins. However, his forehand is still shaky, particularly when running out wide, and his footwork has seemed slower than in past years.

These issues are worrisome against a baller like Nole who will run everything down forcing his opponents into low-percentage shot making. Nole has much more experience on the big stage now and has already defeated the former no. 1 in a major this year.

Nole seems like a man on a mission, with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. I think this attitude coupled with his growing game will push him past Fed and put him through to his second consecutive US Open final.

(images via Getty)

Women's 1st Marquee Matchup: US Open Quarterfinals

Venus + Serena Williams will be facing off for the 17th time today in the first Marquee Matchup of the women's draw when the sisters meet in the US Open quarterfinals. This matchup was eagerly anticipated after their high-quality battle in the Wimbledon final but disappointing because the Sisters Sledge are playing the best ball in the draw and only one can possibly make it to the final Saturday. Oh well.

V completely outclassed Agnieszka Radwanska crushing the ninth seed 6-1, 6-3 by hitting 33 winners to 11 for Aggie and 4 aces to none for the Polish baller. ReRe followed her sister's lead by dismantling Frenchie qualifier Severine Bremond 6-2, 6-2 hitting 24 winners to only 11 errors.

Their head-to-head stands at 8-8 and 2-1 at the US Open in favor of V. Their last meeting was in the Wimbledon final this year where older sis' broke a streak of five straight Grand Slam final losses to ReRe. V came back from a break down in the first set to grab her fifth Wimbledon title and seventh overall.

Here's what V had to say about ReRe:

I think more than anything she likes to win. She loves her job and loves what she does and loves the competition and all that comes with being able to be at the top of what you do, best in the world. Ultimately that's what it boils down to, I think, for both of us.

ReRe had this to say about facing V:

It sucked that it can't be the final. At least the semis. It's so soon. Actually for me, I've been really working on playing more and getting my ranking together. You know, it's just disappointing to be so soon.

Outlook: This is truly a tough one to call. Clearly ReRe will be super-motivated to avenge the loss to V at Wimby. But she may feel more pressure to defeat her older sister, not to mention having the top ranking on the line, which could lead to tightness and errors. Morevoer, the 26-year old has struggled to close out big matches recently when the going got close - something to watch out for in this match.

V has looked outstanding - calm, cool, and collected on the court. She had the tougher fourth rounder and completely whitewashed Aggie, a very crafty and capable baller in her own right.

I'm thinking this match will most likely go the distance with V edging out ReRe again for a place in the final four.

(image via Getty)

Men's 1st Marquee Matchup: Wimbledon Semifinals

Oh! Finally I've woken up from my long slumber over this Wimbledon fortnight (yes, not the most thrilling of Slams this year) to arrive at the very first Marquee Matchup in either draw. Maybe this semifinal match will kick start this snoozefest: 5-time defending champion Roger Federer will take on a resurgent Marat Safin for a place in Sunday's final.

Fed made quick work of Mario Ancic, the last man to beat the top seed at Wimby back in 2002, defeating the Croat 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 and even out-acing the big server 15-9. The world no. 1 has been on a tear, not losing a set to any of the pretenders. Marat battled Spain's Feliciano Lopez and himself, of course, losing the first set but rallying for a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-3 victory.

The head-to-head for these two ballers is 8-2 in Fed's favor. Their last meeting was in the third round of last year's Wimby when the Swiss pulled out a 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (4) decision. But I'd prefer to reminisce about their classic, epic encounter in the '05 Aussie Open where the Russian giant saved a match point and defeated Fed 9-7 in the fifth set on his way to claiming his second Grand Slam title - oh, what a feeling!

Here's what the Swiss had to say Marat:

I never looked at Marat like No. 89 in the world. I mean, that's ridiculous. You know, he knows that himself. He's finally showing again what he can do. It's just quite surprising he does it here at Wimbledon in some ways, because he used to dislike playing on this surface. So it should be interesting, because last year I wasn't happy to see Safin in my draw. I'm never happy. He probably knows that. Just been disappointed with the way he's been playing lately, but hopefully he's got a second thing going here in his career.

Marat had this to say about facing the world no. 1:

You winning four matches and now you're starting to challenge the Federer. I don't think -- I'm playing semifinals, but that doesn't mean that I have a chance there, because the guy has won how many times already here? I mean, five, six times already, and he's on the way to win his seventh title. It's my first semifinal, so levels are a little bit different. To beat Federer you need to be Nadal and run around like a rabbit and hit winners from all over the place. But, yes, why not? It's another chance for me. But I think it's just a little bit too difficult it would be for me to beat him.

Outlook: Okay, so Marat is clearly playing his chances way down to beat Fed but I'm not sure he quite believes that himself. The Russian is a huge ball striker and has found his footing on the grass courts this year. More importantly, he has the experience of defeating Fed on the big stage with a lot on the line so it would be foolish to discount him.

But this is Fed's court and he's the king of The All England Club. His superior movement, forays to the net and his ability to improvise shots when the bounce is off kilter will be keys to winning this match. Though I like the Russian's chances to take a set off the top seed, I don't think we'll be seeing an upset this time around. I'll take Fed in four.

(images via Getty)

Men's 1st Marquee Matchup: French Open Semifinals

Okay y'all - the match of this year's French Open has finally arrived: 3-time defending champion Rafael Nadal will battle Novak Djokovic in the first Men's Marquee Matchup for a place in Sunday's final and the no. 2 ranking.

Rafa has barely broken a sweat or broken out his trademark kick/fist pump dance move getting to this round, losing only 25 games along the way - an open era record. The Mallorcan Matador completely outclassed and embarrassed compatriot Nicolas Almagro, no slouch in the dirtballing department himself, with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 scoreline. Nole had a more challenging time with friend Ernests Gulbis but used his superior experience on key points and knocked out the Latvian 7-5, 7-6 (3), 7-5. These two ballers most recent meeting was at the Hamburg Masters where the Spaniard pulled out a thrilling 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 win.

Here's what Rafa had to say about battling the Serb:

Q: Playing Djokovic is always difficult and dangerous. On clay you have an added value, so you walk on the court knowing that you have an advantage as compared to other surfaces.
A: As I said, all matches are different and open. This is what we saw in Hamburg. Of course, I prefer playing on clay in the semifinal rather than playing on hard surfaces, but he can play very beautiful tennis on clay. He won at Rome; semifinal in Hamburg; semifinal in Monaco, and he lost to me or to Federer. He also reached the semifinal here in Paris. That's the second time in a row, so he's a very good player on clay, quite clearly.

Nole had this to say about taking on Rafa:

Q: Is this the ultimate challenge in tennis, playing against Nadal on clay?
A: Well, yeah. In this position, yeah. In this period of the year when he's so dominant in last couple of years on this surface, he's never lost a match on the center court in the French Open, you know, he's ‑‑ all to his favor. But it's a big challenge for me, I think, as the third player of the world and Grand Slam winner this year. He has, you know, things have quite changed since the last year playing on clay. I think I have more quality in my game and more variety, so hopefully I can use it against him.

Outlook: The Serb won't make an impression on this match if he stays at the baseline. He'll need to use variety and come in when the opportunity hits. But Rafa can hit incredible passing shots on the run and his defense is tops so Nole's approaches will need to be accurate and aggressive. But to do this time and time again against the Spaniard is exhausting physically and, more importantly, mentally.

You'd be a fool, a fool I say, to pick against the "Muscles from Mallorca". He seems more determined to than ever to win for the fourth straight time and make a statement about his place in the game. But Nole will come in with his motivations to claim the no. 2 ranking a challenge for the top.

But it's Rafa and it's clay and that combination is deadly. So I'll take Rafa in three tough sets to make his fourth consecutive Roland Garros final!

(image via Getty)

Women's 1st Marquee Matchup: French Open Semifinals

The women's draw hit the serious skids during this year's Roland Garros with Maria "Shriek"apova and Venus + Serena Williams doing their best slide out of the tourney (were they ever really there?) But, alas, we've arrived at our first Women's Marquee Matchup and it pits the "swinging Serbs" - Ana Ivanovic + Jelena Jankovic - against each other for a place in Saturday's final.

Second-seeded Ana made quick work of a hair-y Patty Schnyder 6-3, 6-2 cracking 39 winners against 19 errors and 69% success on her first serve. Brown-nosing JJ, who flew home to Serbia for treatment on her sore arm after her fourth round match, looked all but recovered in dismissing Spain's rising star Carla Suarez Navarro by the same scoreline of 6-3, 6-2. The last time these countrywomen met was at Indian Wells in the semifinals when Ana took a 7-6 (3), 6-3 decision on her way to grabbing her first title in the desert.

Here's some of what Ana had to say about JJ:

Q. When you have played Jelena you've had the better of the results. Why do you think that is?
A. Well, it's hard to say, you know. Against some players who just do better than against the others. She's a tough opponent and she defends really well. You know, I try to, you know, step in and be aggressive and play my game. You know, every match is a new match, a new experience, and I just have to keep playing like I played so far.

Q. How would you describe your relationship with her?
A: Well, obviously, you know we come the same country, so we know each other for a long time. When she was younger she went to America and I went to Switzerland, so we didn't really have chance to practice together or to hang out much. So that's how we develop, as well. Now, you know, traveling, she has her own team and I have my own team. You know we don't ‑‑ yeah, we don't just hang out.

JJ had this to say about facing her compatriot:

Q. In your matches with Ana, she's had the upper hand most of the time. Why is that?
A: : I don't know. You know, she plays a different game. For me, it has been hard to follow. I didn't ‑‑ you know, it's hard to read what she's going to hit, because she likes to play short points. She just goes for broke most of the time. You know, I had troubles in the past against her, but we never ‑‑ I don't think we played on clay many times. So it's a different game and it's different circumstances, so I think it will be a completely different match. So we will see how it will go this time.

Outlook: The clay surface is notorious for exposing baller's lack of mobility and between the two Serbs, JJ is the more fluid mover. But her serve is soft, especially the second delivery, and if Ana's forehand is on (which it's been this fortnight) she can run around her weaker backhand and make short work of this match.

There also something called the number one ranking on the line if either one of these ballers wins the whole she-bang. How great would it be to win your first Slam and become world no. 1 at the same time?

Ana has been to Grand Slam finals before (here last year of course) and has historically owned the mental edge on her Serbian sister. Nick Bollitteri is giving Ana the match in 3 sets and I agree!

(images via Getty)

Men's 1st Marquee Matchup: Australian Open Semifinals

Finally: Here's our first Men's Marquee Matchup of the Australian Open and it could be a great one. This semifinal pits World No. 1 Roger Federer, going for his 13th Grand Slam, against Novak Djokovic in a rematch of their US Open final battle from last season. The winner will take on a perfect-playing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the title on Sunday.

Fed took on a familiar foe in James Blake and closed the match with a familiar ending - a win for the Swiss over the American 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Nole battled World No. 5 David Ferrer and, with the exception of a slight shaky ending, easily defeated the Spaniard 6-0, 6-3, 6-4. The last time these two tennis ballers met was in last year's US Open final where Fed saved 7 of 9 break points en route to a 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 6-4 victory and 12th Grand Slam.

Here's what the Swiss Stylist said about playing Nole:

"He obviously had seven set points in the first couple of sets [of the US Open final] and hurt him big time. But I think level was very good. So actually was the level at Montreal when we played against each other. And we usually have always very good matches when we play. I look forward to playing my best tennis about Novak Djokovic. I look forward to playing to win. That's what my mindset is, really."

Nole had this to say about battling Fed:

"So I felt that after the win against Roger in Montreal, I had big chances in the [US Open] final, though I didn't use my opportunities that has been given to me, and now I look at the things in a different way. You know, every time I play with Roger or with the best players in the world, I learn something new, I have another experience. And I try to ‑‑ I try to watch matches, you know, speak with the coach and see what I need to do so I can ‑‑ so I can play better, save some energy, you know, improve my game, and win against the best players in the world.

This match is all about execution - who will keep focus and hit their shots when it counts. We know how the World No. 1 will play, but will the 20-year old Serb stay calm in the tight moments? He missed countless opportunities in the US Open final but has shown composure when it mattered most here. We're feeling an upset brewing - so we'll pick Nole in 5 sets to reach his first Aussie Open final.

(images via ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images + Rick Stevens/AP)

Women's 2nd Marquee Matchup: Australian Open Quarterfinals

We've arrived at our second Women's Marquee Matchup of the Australian Open and this one has 'classic' written all over it. No. 1 seed Justine Henin puts her 32-match win streak on the line as she takes on Maria "Shriek"apova under the lights of Rod Laver Arena for a place in the semifinals.

Though she was broken while serving to close out her 4th round match, the World No. 1 was never in any real trouble against Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Su-Wei, winning 6-2, 6-2. Maria was more impressive in her match, destroying 2-time Grand Slam finalist Elena Dementieva 6-2, 6-0 in 62 minutes. The last time these players met was in the classic final of last season's Sony Ericsson WTA Championships in Madrid, with Justine sneaking out a 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 victory - the longest match in the Championship's history.

Here's what Justine had to say about facing Maria:

"I always know to beat her I have to be at my best. She's a real fighter. She never gives up. Very talented. She's a champion. So I know that against her I will have to be a hundred percent all the time."

Maria had this to say about facing the Belgian:

"Justine's the one to beat, [...] She's on a pretty good winning streak, but every match is new. [...] The one in Madrid was tough but physically she got me in the end -- she was tougher than I was in the end. But I had many chances and I was very close to winning."

Their strengths are clear: Justine has the mobility, versatility, and court-craft while Maria possesses bludgeoning power from the baseline. There's also no mystery between these two - they know each other's games well. Craig Hickman's Tennis Blog is giving the edge to Justine, but Maria has been the sharper player. We think the Russian will play first-strike tennis, rocket her groundies to the corners, and take balls out of the air - which is the only was she'll win. And we think she will...in 3 sets.

(images via Clive Brunskill & Rob Griffith/AP)

Women's 1st Marquee Matchup: Australian Open 2nd Round

Mixed bag of emotion: It's with great excitement and disappointment that we bring you our first Women's Marquee Matchup of this year's Australian Open: Maria "Shriek"apova vs. Lindsay Davenport in the 2nd round. We'd love to see Maria and Lindsay continue their paths through the draw and meet up somewhere around, oh, the quarterfinals. Alas, it wasn't meant to be - someone will be going home early.

Maria's 1st round match was a relatively routine affair, defeating journeywoman Jelena Kostanic Tosic 6-4, 6-3 in 89 minutes. In contrast, Lindsay struggled mightily in her 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 win over the pesky Italian Sara Errani. The last time these two Grand Slam champions met was in 2006, when the Russian won a 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 semifinal in Dubai.

Here's what Maria had to say about playing Lindsay:

"[Lindsay is] a completely different opponent than the opponent I played today. You know, [she's] a big hitter, has a big serve. You know, she's more of a 1‑2 ball combination type of player. It's going to be very important to serve well and return well and hopefully get a good hit on the first ball. [...] Yeah, I do [have a good record against her.] Yeah, I do. But this is a completely different match. We haven't played in a while. It's going to be a new match."

Lindsay had this to say about playing Maria:

"[Maria] will be the first grand-slam winner I've played since being back. [...] She's a great player. She's one of the few players I don't have a winning record against probably in the draw. We play very similar styles. She's outplayed me the last couple times we played."

Matt Cronin for FOXSports.com believes a high first-serve percentage and aggressive returning will be key for both players, whose styles are quite similar due to their tudorship under famed groundstroking coach Robert Lansdorp. We agree with Cronin and also think Lindsay's not quite ready for this level just yet - we'll take Maria in 2 tight sets.

(images via AP Photo/Rob Griffith & Andrew Brownbill)

THE LOW DOWN: Is Andy Roddick dating an SI swimsuit model?

Eye spy: Recently, tennis hottie Andy Roddick was spotted eating at uber-popular New York eaterie Nobu with a certain stunning Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, namely Brooklyn Decker. Previously, A-Rod dated star Mandy Moore (who watched him win the '03 US Open from the Player's Box) and has been linked to Russian Maria "Shriek"apova.

Apparently the pair went out twice last week and later hung out with coach Jimmy Connors, Dave Matthews Band violinist Boyd Tinsley, and Plum media’s Tom Scott.

Will Brooklyn be cheering A-Rod on during tonight's Marquee Matchup against World No. 1 Roger Federer? We'll be watching...

(via thehollywoodgossip; images courtesy of SportsIllustrated.com and Getty Images)

SIGHTING: Monica Seles takes in the US Open

2-time US Open champion Monica Seles was a spectator at last night's quarterfinal Marquee Matchup between Justine Henin and Serena Williams.

Mon is one of tennis' greatest champions and she is surely missed. And by the looks of it, she misses it as well...

Is she thinking about a return to the sport?

THE LOW DOWN: Sour grapes for Serena Williams

Serena "ReRe" Williams was thoroughly dismissed by World No. 1 Justine Henin in their quarterfinal Marquee Matchup at the US Open last night. Clearly chomping on sour grapes after the loss, ReRe was short and sarcastic in her post-match press conference. In typical fashion, she barely gave any credit to the Belgian's outstanding performance. Here are some outtakes from the interview:

Q. Can you explain what went wrong out there tonight?
A. No, I can't. I'm sorry. Any more questions?

Q. Can you describe your emotions after the match? Are you devastated by this loss?
A. No. I'm very happy.

Q. You fought pretty hard to get back into the first set. She played a good tiebreak. Second set, your level seemed to drop.
A. No, I just think she played better. I just think she made a lot of lucky shots, and I made a lot of errors. I don't think my level dropped.

Q. Are you saying that you lost the match rather than Justine won it?
A. I think that's usually the case with me, that it's for me to win or lose.

Q. How do you examine a loss like this? Do you go back and look at the tape?
A. Yeah, I got to go back and study and figure out how to beat her. That's it. Bottom line.

(image courtesy of AP Photo)