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]

Let's not talk about 'The Big Four' anymore

I think it was last week when I heard something that made me spit my soda. It was during some live coverage of some ATP match (clearly a very innnnteresting match) on the Tennis Channel when I heard one of the commentators remarking on "The Big Four" - Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray. THE BIG FOUR??! Cue the spittage. 

C'mon guys. We're living in a post-Wimbledon 2011 world where Nole owns three majors and the top ranking. And we know all the hardware Rafa + Fed have hauled over the years. So how the hell can anyone think Muzz fits into this group anymore, especially after today's 6-3, 6-1 loss to Kevin Anderson at the Rogers Cup in Montreal (as a 2-time defending champ no less)? He was barely hanging on by a ginger thread before Wimby and even less afterward. And now this loss. I'm stunned by the 'The Big Four' talk, which is kinda the way Muzz looked today. So let's not.

P.S. Is it my uber-critical eye or is he starting to lose his locks? If he is, nobody mention it. He's probably not going to take it well today. Just a thought.


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

Ana Ivanovic gets the final say in Montreal brouhardyha

Shot. Dead.

The Rogers Cup made the fatal mistake of coughing up a wild card at the eleventh hour to a lady baller they royally pissed off - that being Ana Ivanovic - and now they're eating their own foot whole.

With Serena Williams pulling out, Venus Williams not a sure bet to show up after injuring her knee and homegirl Stephanie Dubois almost guaranteed a WC as the Canadian No.2, the Montreal tourney made the super smart move of going back on their decision to deny NaturAna and offered the Serb direct entry into the main draw this past Tuesday. Can you guess what she decided? No really, take a guess. Exactly.

The former top lady baller had already made her disappointment known publicly but went into more detail, even accusing the tourney of "stepping over the line" with the comments to the Montreal Gazette and "misrepresenting" their discussion. (via AnaIvanovic.com):

"I would have loved to have played in Montreal, but I was quite hurt by the comments of Mr Lapierre that I was shown in The Montreal Gazette recently. I don’t think his comments were necessary, and they contradicted everything he had told my management previously: that I was not getting a wild card because I am not Canadian.


"The fact that my original request was turned down isn’t really an issue. I would have been happy to play qualifying, but I felt that they kind of stepped over the line with this interview, making public our correspondence and even misrepresenting it. Unfortunately I don’t feel welcome at this tournament.


"Even though I haven’t played many matches, the training and travel take their toll, and I think this is the right decision to make, for several reasons.

Talk about dumb-dumb. You've already made your decision and made public (though, allegedly, not quite as accurate as you claimed) the reasons why you came to that decision, drawing ire from the baller and her loyal fans. And then you do what? Insert tail between legs and crawl back when you realize you may be lacking in star power or you had one to spare? Pretty pathetic.

I still think they had the right to deny the WC and explain it honestly if asked, but this re-approach was just an embarrassing move by Lapierre and the rest of the Rogers Cup officials. You should've just left well enough alone. The damage was done. And now you may have lost her FOREVAH. Sucks to be you.


[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Muzz makes move towards World No. 2 ranking - can he pull it off?

So the time has finally come for Andy Murray.

The Brit baller is one match away from becoming the world's second-ranked baller after defending champ Rafael Nadal was beaten by Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(5), 6-1 in their Montreal quarterfinal. Muzz will battle Jo-Wilfried Tsonga today for a chance to take that coveted spot in the rankings which has been held by either Roger Federer or Rafa since July 18, 2005. Pretty incredible.

Ah, yes - Muzz on his fave surface against a baller he has a 1-all H2H record against at the moment. I'm feeling pretty good about his chances though I was feeling good about him taking the spot a while back.

But can he handle the moment better than Novak Djokovic did last year? Stay tuned.

(image via getty)

Jo-Willy shocks Rog in Montreal, will face Muzz in the semis

"I know, I know. You've been out for a while, had twin mangoes, blah blah. But a win's a win RF."

A big congrats to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who overcame an apparent arm injury and a 1-5 deficit in the decider to defeat top seed Roger Federer 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (3) in the quarterfinals of Montreal. The Frenchie baller won the match on an unfortuately timed double fault on match point from Fed. He" ll face Andy Murray for a spot in the big final.

After the loss Fed told the press,

All in all I thought it was a decent match. I didn't think it was bad, but it wasn't great, either. It's one of those matches I can live with.

I've had a lot happening the last few months and so it's not a complete disappointment, because I still thought I played all right.

I guess it's not a huge surprise the Swiss lost today since I'm sure the prep time was cut short big time. But Jo-Willy deserves props for fighting back and creating an opportunity to win the match - and then he did. It's the biggest win for him since he shocked Rafael Nadal on his way to his first major final at the Aussie Open last year.

Sign of good things to come Frenchie?

(image via getty)

FASHION FIX: Nole mutes Misha, goes red + khaki for adidas

Ever the entertainer, Novak Djokovic not only dropped trou this week but he also made a wardrobe change mid-tourney in Montreal from his Wimby duds to what we have here. Gawd, can he BE anymore talented?

The Serb defeated Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-4 and will attempt to break a 2-match losing streak to Andy Roddick when they meet in ANOTHER highly-anticipated quarterfinal.


Nole also debuted some new adidas duds for his match including the Men's Edge Top Djokovic ($47) in red + orange featuring a mesh back and Nole's falcon logo on the right shoulder.


The shirt is paired with the Edge Bermuda Shorts ($39) in brown + white though the brown is definitely mixed with grey as well. More of a khaki I say.


Although it's basically the same style he's been wearing, it's good to see adidas give him some fresh color combos especially since the Nike boys 1 + 2 have been working some new gear themselves. This outfit is my fave of the year for him so far because the red is a beautifully deep shade and the pairing with the khaki compliments nicely. Plus, no one else on the tour is wearing anything similar at the moment - what a crazy concept!

His Aussie Open look comes in second for me now.

(images via getty, prodirecttennis)

PHOTO OP: Nando + A-Rod's MOMA moment

Fernando Verdasco + Andy Roddick shared some lovely MOMA after their entertaining and well played third round match in Montreal.

There was nothing between these two ballers but A-Rod played the key points better and edged out Nando 7-6(2), 4-6, 7-6(5). The American will next face a possibly coach-changing Novak Djokovic in the next round whom he's beaten the last two times they've played.

Me thinks someone may have revenge on the noggin.

(image via ap)

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: A coaching switch for Nole in the works?

Rumor has it Novak Djokovic will have a new coach soon - former ATP baller Todd Martin.

According to the ESPN boys, the former Aussie Open + US Open finalist was spotted with Nole and his entourage on Wednesday in Montreal when speculation began to surface of a coaching switch. The Serb has been coached by Marián Vajda.

I guess this decision, if it becomes official, has been coming especially since Nole's game has clearly plateaued and he's moving in the wrong direction on the rankings ladder.

Stay tuned!

UPDATE: Thanks to reader vw for tipping me off what Nole had to say about the rumors of a coaching change. Via BLIC:

It’s been speculated a lot that I will be changing my coach, but I’m not considering the option at all. What’s true is that I will soon be reinforcing the coaching staff – currently composed of coach Marian Vajda and fitness coach Gebhard Phil-Gritsch – with an advisor-coach. I cannot disclose the name now, but the public will find out all about it within a few weeks.

Hmmm - seems he's beginning to follow Andy Murray's lead here. A new tour trend perhaps? I mean, if you can afford it and all.

(image via getty)

(UPDATED) FASHION FIX: Rafa wins when Ferru retires, debuts polka-dotted Nike polo

Rafael Nadal made his highly-anticipated return to the ATP World Tour last night in Montreal.

The former top baller, who hasn't played an official match since going down to eventual finalist Robin Soderling at Roland Garros, faced compatriot David Ferrer in the second round. The match was short but not sweet for Ferru who had to retire, ironically enough, because of a knee injury with the first set at 4-3.

Rafa was asked about the state of his knees after the match and he told the press:

My knees are OK. Maybe I need more days to do a real test, but good.

Phew. But with the US Open right around the corner let's hope former semifinalist Ferru has a speedy recovery!


The Matador also debuted his newest latest style from Nike's Fall 2009 collection - the Men's Fall Double Bold Polo ($60) in glass blue with white + black (the images here look more like teal unfortunately.) The most prominent design element here is the printed dot stripe graphic across the chest which adds some nice texture. I'm also loving the contrast yellow head and wrist bands he's wearing - nice touch.


I figured the sleeveless he wore for his doubles play wouldn't last. Drats.

UPDATE: Thanks to reader Tony for the info on the actual color Rafa's wearing here - Hyper Blue. You can find it here and here!

(images via getty, tenniswarehouse)

FASHION FIX: Fed makes winning return in Montreal, works glass Wimby polo

Roger Federer played his first match since his record-breaking win at Wimbledon and the birth of his twin mangoes and - guess what? - he picked up where he left off . With a win.

The 15-time Grand Slammer was understandably rusty but managed to defeat homeboy Frederic Niemeyer 7-6, 6-4 in his opening round in Montreal.


The Swiss stylist also debuted a new colorway in his Wimbledon Nike polo aka the Men's Fall Court Polo ($65) - glass + black. And, for all of you who rage at the typical sausage American sizing in athletic gear here in the U.S. you'll be thrilled to know the polo features a European cut with a slimmer body and slightly shorter sleeves. *cheers*


Make sure to check back for a preview of Fed's US Open duds later this month!

(images via ap, tenniswarehouse)

PHOTO OP: Rossie caught with his pants off

Okay - what the HELL is going on in Montreal? It's like a drunken frat party gone absolutely right.

The Bryan Brothers ran into a pantless Ross Hutchins in their hotel lobby today, snapped and then tweeted this photo.

So first Nole flashes his bikini line and now Rossie is caught running around in his boxer briefs. The BryBros said the Brit lost a bet (most likely to Team Muzz - did I say "thank you" yet?) but I'm thinking there's also something sneaky in the water and both ballers drank it. I say pass that shite around the locker room boys - cheers!

Whatever it may be doesn't change this fact: I need to book a ticket to Montreal and pack my zoom lens. Stat.

(image via bryanbros)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Nole keeps it (in the) brief

Novak Djokovic has finally returned to his stripping ways and that can only mean one thing: HE'S BACK.

The sexy Serb hit the runway again in Montreal this time for designer Yves Jean Lacasse and again offered up little (or big?) Nole with a side of sex.

No complaints here. I mean, NONE.

*scampers off for private Nole time*

UPDATE: Thanks to vw for sending the video link to Nole's strip tease. It's always so much hotter in motion...



(via craighickmanstennisblog courtesy of getty)

PHOTO OP: Bringing back the guns - drool much?

"Oh, how I missed thee. Mwah."

Rafael Nadal and traveling coach Francisco Roig teamed up for doubles action in Montreal, and the pair defeated the Serbian team of Novak Djokovic + Dusan Vemic 7-5, 6-4 in the first round.

Great win and all but what about the return of the sleeveless?! Are you dying??!

I'm pretty sure it's not going to last long so feel free to drool ALL over the screen. You know, in celebration and all.


(images via ap)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Peek-a-boo, we've missed (both of) you

As promised, Rafael Nadal and his abs have made their way to Montreal to begin training for next week's Rogers Cup.

So no knee tape = no knee issues? I guess we'll see.






UPDATE: Well, well. It looks like Rafa + I have more in common than our *cough* washboard bellies. *dies*


(images via AP)

Dominika downs Jelena, denies Serb top ranking

Dominika Cibulkova was all smiles today in Montreal after defeating Jelena Jankovic 7-5, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Rogers Cup. The win also prevented the Serb from attaining the coveted top ranking from compatriot Ana Ivanovic again.

Great win for the Slovak but JJ is a mess and clearly not ready for the big time. Isn't this the third time she's been on the brink and couldn't close the deal?

Get thee to a serving specialist!

(image via Getty)

Ana defeated by Tamira, top ranking up for grabs

Thursday was not a good day to be world no. 1.

Hours after Roger Federer was served out of Cincinnati by Ivo Karlovic, Ana Ivanovic was knocked out of Montreal. The Serb was defeated by big-hitting Austrian Tamira Paszek 2-6, 6-1, 2-6 in the third round, giving compatriot Jelena Jankovic a great chance to steal the top ranking by reaching the final.

According to Ana, the right thumb injury she sustained in practice almost two weeks ago hindered her performance last night:

It was very frustrating in the first set. I was really down by [the injury], really felt like I couldn't do anything. And then in the break after the first set, I thought to myself, 'you know what, you still can serve and play your backhand, so just imagine you have a terrible forehand and try to put ball in as you can, try to look for your backhand.'

It worked well for a while. But I guess it wasn't too hard to figure out what she had to do. In the third set, she started playing much more to my forehand. It was just so frustrating that I couldn't control the racket in my hand. I couldn't feel anything. It was very frustrating. I tried to fight as much as I could.

I really wanted to win this match. But obviously she's a very good player and she figured it out...I give her credit for taking her chances and winning this match.

Ana hasn't made any impression on the Tour since winning the French Open and becoming the top lady baller. It's almost as if she's a place holder, keeping the penthouse warm until the real no. 1 comes along. But, I'd chalk this up to a learning experience: learning how to deal with being the hunted and not the huntee.

Talented ballers will always look to play their 'A' game when facing the world no. 1 - something Ana has learned the hard way.

(image via Getty)

Injured Ivanovic + Sharapova win in Montreal, but Maria withdraws with balky shoulder

The injuries on the WTA Tour continue to worsen with the Olympics and US Open right around the corner.

Top seed Ana Ivanovic, who's been dealing with a sore thumb she hurt in practice 10 days ago, struggled in her first match since losing in Wimbledon's third round. The sexy Serb needed three sets to defeat Petra Kvitova 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 but refused to blame the injury for her scratchy play:

I went on the court and that means that I felt 100 percent ready to play. Obviously it takes some time to get in a rhythm. But I went through this match. It would probably be the same even if I was feeling 100 percent.

Maria Sharapova survived her opening round match then quickly withdrew from the Rogers Cup citing her lingering right shoulder injury and seriously jeopardizing her chances to compete in Beijing. The 21-year old was made to fight throughout her tight 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 win against Marta Domachowska, even calling the trainer in the second set.

During the presser announcing her withdrawal Shrieka told the media,

It's obviously unfortunate. You try to do every little possible thing you can. But at the end of the day when you go on court and you're thinking about aggravating things, you're thinking about an injury, it's not really the way to play.

It's tough to go on court and not be close to even 50 per cent. I'm too good of a player to go out there and try to fight through something that can eventually become something serious.

After yesterday's post concerning the WTA's new Roadmap 2010, I give full credit to both lady ballers for flying to Montreal and playing through injuries.

But you have to think the Russian's chances of salvaging the rest of her season are in doubt. No serve, no wins. Ana, well, she's still sitting pretty at the top...for now.

(images via Forty Deuce + Getty)

PHOTO OP: The lady ballers take in runway fashions at Rogers Cup

Ana Ivanovic joined Maria Sharapova and few of the other lady ballers from the WTA Tour for the Rogers Cup fashion show in Montreal. Why does it look like the Serb took two completely different styles - the top and the skirt - and made a big mess of it all? Even the colors are off. Seriously, if Ana is going to be photographed this much she needs to get a stylist.

Also making the show were Vera Zvonareva, in her frumpy best, Stanford champ Aleksandra Wozniak, Dominka Cibulkova and the Russian clique of Elena Vesnina, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Dementieva.





(images via Getty)