Quarterfinals day proved to be enormously difficult for some of the most beloved tennis players on the tour. Australia's Samantha Stosur was soundly whipped and knocked out of the women's draw, while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were both taken out easily on the men's side. I can still be totally interested in the outcome of the tournament without these megalo-superstars, but I'm certain that ESPN and the rest of the sports world will care about Cincy just a little less this weekend with these guys gone.
Still, some big names remain in the semi-finals on Saturday. World #1, Novak Djokovic, will try to extend his unbelievable hot streak in 2011. With a record of 55-1, he has amazingly lost only one match since last December (his completely unbeaten streak ended with a loss to Federer at the French Open). He's won EVERY other tournament he's played in this year. Tomorrow, Novak takes on top ten player Tomas Berdych. The other men's semi-final features world #4 Andy Murray taking on top-ranked American, Mardy Fish (who I actually picked to win it all earlier this week!). On the women's side, Maria Sharapova is the most exciting name left in the draw. She's had a long comeback from shoulder surgery a couple of years ago, so I'm hoping she can prevail.
Having featured only women players yesterday, the pictures included below are the top four men's tennis players in the world, with the most attention given to Roger Federer because, well....he is the greatest player in the history of the game. We were fortunate to see all of the top four ranked guys play today - and that is the miracle of tennis in Cincinnati (who woulda thought that, right? I mean this is reeeally close to Kentucky!).
On a personal side note, this week has also been extremely difficult for my butt ...which can only take so much sitting on metal bleachers. I broke down today and bought a stadium cushion for $9. I'm happy to report that the pain in my ass has subsided and that there will be no photos of this particular tennis injury.
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| Andy Murray from Great Britain. Paul and I saw him when his first big title in 2007 when he won here in Cincinnati. He is a notorious ass to work with, but he's a pretty phenomenal talent. |
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| Rafael Nadal (Rafa to those of us who know him so well) is the talented Spaniard who finally ousted Roger Federer from his post atop the tennis world. After an 18-24 month run of seeming insurmountability, Rafa has finally shown some weakness in his game, and he has now been toppled from the top spot by Novak Djokovic. |
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| Novak Djokovic, proud Serbian, has had a remarkable year. He has won a record-breaking five "masters" level tournaments (the most important tourneys other than the four Grand Slams), and winning Cincinnati would make six. He has also won two Grand Slams in 2011 (Australian Open and Wimbledon), and he is a favorite for the upcoming US Open. One thing I learned this week - don't piss off Serbian tennis fans. For them, tennis is not just a game, it's a matter of national pride. |
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| Roger Federer from Switzerland - finest tennis player ever, one of the greatest sportsmen in history, among the smartest athletes you could ever hope to meet (he speaks four languages), and all-around classy guy. |
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Fed's grace is apparent on the court as well as off the court. On the court, he floats elegantly from baseline to net. Fed tennis = sports ballet. Off the court, you'll never find a more gracious winner or loser.
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| Remember, take the racket back early, stay poised and balanced, keep your eye on the ball, and don't forget to look like a graceful Adonis while you do it. |
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