ATP and WTA rankings..World Cup!

Posted on July 8, 2014 by susan

Latest ATP and WTA rankings are out..and World Cup semifinals are underway.  Currently, Germany is raining down on home team Brazil, 6-0.  First half almost complete.  Tomorrow, Argentina vs. Netherlands.  I am kind of pulling for Argentina…I really like Messi, would like to see him and Argentina win a World Cup at last!  Di Maria is out and they will miss him for sure!  Many I know are all on board for the Netherlands.  Stay tuned…looks like Germany is headed to the finals right now.

Latest ATP and WTA rankings came out on Monday after Wimbledon (oh, still getting over Fed losing in that fantastic five set match to Djokovic!).  Men’s rankings: 1 Novak Djokovic, 2 Rafael Nadal, 3 Roger Federer, 5 Stan Wawrinka, 6 Thomas Berdych, 7 David Ferrer, 8 J. M. Del Potro, 9 Grigor Dimitrov, 10 Andy Murray.  Big mover..Dimitrov.  Lowest ranking for Andy Murray in six years.

Women’s rankings: 1 Serena Williams, 2 Li Na, 3 S. Halep, 4 P. Kvitova, 5 A. Radwanska, 6 Maria Sharapova, 7 E. Bouchard, 8 A. Kerber, 9 J. Jankovic and 10 Victoria Azarenka.  Big movers…P. Kvitova after that Wimbledon win, from #6 to #4 and E. Bouchard from #13 to #7.  Azarenka has work to do for sure after her early exit as she still fights her way back from three month lay off due to a serious foot injury.

OK, tonight some good TV!  Chasing Life on ABC Family Network.  Also, Perception on TNT.  Tomorrow…Argentina vs. the Netherlands!

Happy Tuesday!

Update: Record 8th World Cup final appearance for the powerful team from Germany…7-1 defeat of home team Brazil!


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Match for the ages..Djokovic over Fed in five sets at Wimbledon

Posted on July 6, 2014 by susan

Instantly, a match for the ages today as Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in five sets (just under four hours) today in the Wimbledon final, 6-7. 6-4, 7-6, 5-7 (this was awesome by FED!), 6-4.  This match is currently being reaired on ABC and I am watching for the second time.  The first time, I could not sit down…now I know the outcome and it is a bit different, but no less painful.  First, congrats to Novak Djokovic.  He wins his second Wimbledon title (interesting to note that he won in 2011 as did P. Kvitova on the women’s side, a repeat in 2014), he will be ranked #1 in the world tomorrow in the ATP rankings overtaking Rafael Nadal, he will marry next week and welcome his first child this fall.  All that being said, I am SAD!!!  I wanted this for Roger Federer!  I always pull for Roger Federer (does not almost everyone on the planet?) and when he won that fourth set…oh my, I thought it was going to happen.  Alas, credit to Novak, it did not.  BUT, and I do mean BUT people, Roger Federer will contend again…perhaps at the US Open, perhaps at the World Tour Finals in London.  While Novak will again become #1 in the world, I believe Roger will move from #4 to #3 ahead of fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka.  (Have to wait until tomorrow to be sure on that one).  Update: Just confirmed..tomorrow’s new ATP rankings, Djokovic #1, Nadal #2 and Federer #3.  Anyhow, what a performance by 32 year old Roger (soon to be 33) and a father of four.  The speech Novak gave after the match, talking about becoming a father, well it brought Roger to tears. I truly believed he was moved…not tears of loss but tears of “I know” and congrats to you…GOD SPEED!  Roger’s twin daughters were held by his mother and wife Mirka to watch the ceremony, they smiled and clapped and pointed at their Daddy, and Roger later remarked..”I don’t think they really know what is going on”!  Well, best performance by a father of four in a tennis match EVER!!!!!!

Let’s start at the beginning…Roger won the first set in a tie break.  Then Novak broke Roger (who had only been broken once the entire tournament by Wawrinka) to win the second set 6-4.  The third set goes to a tie break, Novak 7-6. In the fourth, I thought it was over.  Djokovic was serving for the set at 5-3, but WAIT…Federer breaks and holds and then breaks again and serves out the fourth set to take it 7-5.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME???  The fourth set was a “break fest”, not to be confused with “Breakfast at Wimbledon”.  Roger had 29+ aces in the match (Djokovic about 9 or 10, not really sure) and that incredible serving kept him in the match.  The fifth set cruised until Novak broke at 5-4 and then served it out for a fifth set win, 6-4.  It was one to be remembered for the awesome level of tennis for sure.  But after getting my nails done after the match, and talking with the men and women in the nail salon (yes, both men and women in the nail salon), everyone wanted Roger Federer to win!  So people, if you do not pull for Roger Federer, I have to say it…you need help!  Perhaps a shrink, a minister, I do not know?  Everyone loves Roger Federer, it is not just me!!  Great match, not the outcome I wanted, nor millions of others worldwide, but it is the outcome and we have to accept it and move one.  Next, rest and then the US hard court swing.  I am exhausted and I know both these guys are as well!!

Hope you all watched this match and enjoyed it.  I wish it had gone to Federer, but congrats to Djokovic!

Until tomorrow…or later?

P.S. For a change of pace, new episode of Unforgettable airs tonight at 10:00 pm EST on CBS!


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Kvitova wins Wimbledon title in 55 minutes!

Posted on July 5, 2014 by susan

P. Kvitova won her second Wimbledon title, defeating Eugenie Bouchard 6-3, 6-0 in 55 minutes!  It was one of the most impressive and commanding performances of power tennis on grass seen since the days of Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova!  She was completely flawless in her execution; winning points quickly, very few long rallies if any, and Bouchard who like to play right at the baseline was not prepared for the power shots coming at her.  She could not react and/or adjust her game and when all was said and done, Kvitova won her second Ladies Wimbledon Championship.  Well deserved and well done.  Kvitova won in 2011 and afterwards went through a bit of a slump.  She has worked on her game, and her mental toughness and it really showed today.  The three set match she had earlier in the tournament with Venus Williams was a precursor of what was to come.  I predicted Kvitova would win today and yes, I was right.  I expect Bouchard will be gracing us with her wonderful game in many more finals to come, but I also expect Kvitova will be a force on both hard court tennis tournaments as well as the grass.  Wonderful win for an extremely sweet and talented player from Czechoslovakia.  Her parents were in the stands along with her coaches and her idol, Martina!  Now, if only Roger Federer can make the dream come true tomorrow…win his 8th Wimbledon and 18th Grand Slam (over Novak Djokovic).  I believe!! GO FED!

Later..


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Mr. Federer to serve..in Wimbledon final!

Posted on July 4, 2014 by susan

Mr. Federer to serve (music to my ears!) in the Wimbledon final on Sunday!!  Roger advanced today in a clinical display of precision tennis today over young Canadian M. Raonic, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.  The hard serving Raonic was one of two young guys breaking through into the semifinals (the other, Dimitrov also lost to Djokovic) but he was broken on his first service game to start the match, and well, folks, from there on, it was all about Mr. Federer.  Old acquaintances should not be forgot…and it is a joy to see Roger back into the final at Wimbledon.  The stars have certainly aligned (as I so hoped they would) with Nadal and Murray both being dismissed and now, only Nole remains on Sunday to keep Roger from winning his 8th Wimbledon (a record) and claiming his 18th Grand Slam.  I want it to happen and I am feeling it folks!!  Love the wave he gave to Rod Laver sitting in the stands as he walked off the court along side Raonic!! Very cool!

In the first match, G. Dimitrov (with girlfriend Maria Sharapova in his box, she having been dismissed from this year’s tournament by A. Kerber in the quarters) came out ready to upset the apple cart.  He dropped the first set 4-6 but came back to win the second set, 6-3.  Djokovic looked frustrated and downright beside himself at times in this match, it was windy and he was struggling, but Nole came through in the third 7-6.  Dimitrov had five set points in the third set tie break but failed to convert.  In the fourth set, another tie break set, 7-6 Djokovic.  So Djokovic survived the onslaught of the up and comer and will face Federer in the final on Sunday.  Roger has a nice record so far this year against Djokovic, winning in Dubai, falling to him in a third set tie break set at Indian Wells (I was there, so beautiful!) and then ousting him in Monte Carlo in the semifinals (with Novak nursing a sore wrist and forearm).  So Sunday…Federer vs. Djokovic.  I am going with my guy…Mr. Federer!!

Tomorrow, the ladies final..E. Bouchard vs. P. Kvitova.  Many are saying it is Bouchard’s match to lose.  The twenty year old from Canada seems poised to finally win that Grand Slam title but I think Kvitova is the favorite.  She won the title at Wimbledon in 2011 and while she can be a streaky player, her lefty serve and forehand play are very problematic and when she is on, she is very tough to beat on grass.  Should be a great ladies final..I am picking Kvitova.

Happy 4th of July everyone!  I saw Tammy at the theater near me!  It was hilarious, love Melissa McCarthy and she is wonderful in this funny movie.  Just what the doctor ordered.  Great cast, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Sandra Oh to name a few.  Go see it, you won’t be disappointed.

Until tomorrow…enjoy that barbecue!


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Kvitova and Bouchard into Wimbledon final

Posted on July 3, 2014 by susan

P. Kvitova and E. Bouchard both advanced today and will meet on Saturday for the Wimbledon women’s title.   I picked Halep (missed on that one!) and Kvitova.  Bouchard took out S. Halep 7-6, 6-2 in very impressive fashion.  Halep did appear to suffer an ankle injury in the first first set so hard to tell if that affected her performance.  It was a great first set, and a commanding second set performance by Eugenie Bouchard of Canada..the first Canadian to make a final at Wimbledon.  Congrats to her.  Petra Kvitova took out fellow Czech, Lucie Safarova, 7-6, 6-1 and despite the pundits, I say Kvitova looks like the one to beat.  She is a former Wimbledon champion (2011) and with her lefty serve and forehand, she looks to be at the top of her game.  Twenty year old Bouchard, with Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons in her box, is a gamer, and you never know..she could get it done.  I think it should be a great final if both women play well and am looking forward to “Breakfast at Wimbledon” throughout the July 4th holiday weekend.

Tomorrow…the one that matters to me…Mr. Federer vs. another Canadian, Milos Raonic in the second semifinal on the men’s side.  Djokovic will face G. Dimitrov in the first semifinal.  It could be very interesting..but have to think both Djokovic and Federer will find their way through into the final.  I really like Raonic, seems like a nice young man in addition to being a huge server and tremendous talent but this is all about Roger Federer for me.  I have seen the stars beginning to align, with Nadal and Murray out, and Roger is on form and I want to see Grand Slam title #18 and Wimbledon title #8 for my favorite, Mr. Federer.  Without a doubt…best performance in a tennis tournament by a father of four!  GO FED!

Hope to get to the theater near me to enjoy the movie Tammy with the wonderful Melissa McCarthy as well this holiday weekend.  Also want to catch a movie I missed, now out on demand, The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July…until tomorrow!  Again, ROGER FEDERER!!

P.S. Here are a couple of pics from World Cup soccer match between USA and Belgium taken at Padriac’s (my blog sponsor) where popular radio sports station 680 The Fan was broadcasting!  Enjoy!PadsWorldCup2PadsWorldCup1


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Order has been restored..Federer back in semis at Wimbledon!

Posted on July 2, 2014 by susan

At last, order has been restored, the earth has shifted back into it’s proper place, Roger Federer has advanced into the semifinals at Wimbledon!  It is his ninth appearance in the semis at the All England Club.  Thank heavens for normalcy!!  It was not easy for Federer, playing against his fellow Swiss buddy Stan Wawrinka as Fed was broken for the first time in the tournament and dropped the first set 4-6.  Stan was on fire, hitting sizzling backhand winners but in the second set, they battled to a 6-6 draw and Federer prevailed in the tie break to even the match.  Wawrinka was playing for the third day in a row, and it began to take its toll as he asked for the doctor to come out after the second set, complaining of “general sickness”.  Roger, playing his second match in two days, broke Stan in the third set and would go on to serve it out 6-4.  The fourth set would be the same, 6-4 Federer, but it would take Roger lucky number five (five match points) to seal the deal!  Welcome back Mr. Federer.  Even better news…it will not be Mr. Nadal awaiting you in the semifinals, instead it will be the big serving Milos Raonic of Canada, who outlasted nineteen year old Nick Kyrgios (who took out Nadal in the quarters), 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6.  Roger served up ten aces and had only fourteen unforced errors, and won an astonishing 71% of points on his second serve.  Oh what a relief it is!!!

There was royalty at Centre Court today, not just on court (Mr. Federer, of course) but also Kate and Wills were in the royal box.  They were on hand to watch the earlier match, Andy Murray vs. G. Dimitrov.  Hope they had something to go along with that “afternoon tea” they had in between matches as Dimitrov took out Murray, 6-1, 7-6, 6-2.  Murray has played very well so far in the tournament, but today it was not even close.  Dimitrov has been poised to breakthrough, especially after winning the warm up tournament at Queen’s Club and today he was in complete control.  Novak Djokovic battled a determined M. Cilic for five sets before emerging as the victor and advancing to the semifinals.  Final score line for Nole…6-1, 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2.  So, semifinals are set on the men’s side…Friday Federer vs. Raonic and Djokovic vs. Dimitrov.  I am liking this…don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but could the stars be aligning for Mr. Federer…#8 at Wimbledon (a record) and 18th Grand Slam.  I hope so!  ROGER THAT!

On the women’s side…E. Bouchard defeated A. Kerber, 6-3, 6-4 and S. Halep took out S. Lisicki 6-4, 6-0 to complete the rain delayed ladies quarterfinals.  Tomorrow the women’s semifinals will look like this: Bouchard vs. Halep (should be a great match) and P. Kvitova vs. L. Safarova.  I am going to pick Kvitova and…?  I don’t know, Bouchard and Halep are a toss up…I am going to go with Halep.

On the men’s side..I am picking Djokovic and Federer and Mr. Federer to win it all!!

We shall see…

Oops, I almost did it again.  It is Wednesday and that means Surviving “Paradise” the book day.  Please check out this entertaining and funny story about a southern woman who relocates to a new town full of great expectations – only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  It is available at Amazon.com for $8.99 in paperback and $3.03 in kindle edition.  Please check the Home page at this website for more info and also visit the Buy the Book option on the menu bar.  Thanks and let’s all get ready for a glorious and happy 4th of July!


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Wimbledon..Nadal and Sharapova out on Tuesday

Posted on July 1, 2014 by susan

Wimbledon action on Tuesday, from the rain on Manic Monday to Tumultuous Tuesday…world #1 Rafael Nadal and #5 Maria Sharapova suffered devastating losses!  I have to smile…that means Nadal is not there to meet Mr. Federer should Roger defeat fellow Swiss player Stan the Man and make the semifinals and because, well to be honest, I never pull for Sharapova.  So..what happened?  Well, Sharapova fell to world #7 (but seeded #9) A. Kerber of Germany in an incredible three set match, 5-7, 6-4, 4-6.  This was more like a boxing match than a tennis match, an absolute slug fest and when all was said and done, Kerber was left standing!  Nadal fell to the “qualifier” from Australia, Nick Krygios, nineteen years old and he packs a huge serve and a “can do” attitude!  Final score, Krygios, 7-6, 5-7, 7-6, 6-3.  What a performance by this young man.  In other men’s action…Nishikori fell to another big server, M. Raonic of Canada, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-3. Raonic will meet Krygios in the quarters.  Mr. Federer, well he simply sailed through his match with Tommy Robredo, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 and he will face Stan Wawrinka in an all Swiss quarterfinal as Stan defeated F. Lopez, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3.  This is Wawrinka’s first quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon.  As for Roger, well, he has yet to lose a set!!!  They will play tomorrow thanks to the rain and the havoc on the scheduling and that means Wawrinka will play three days in a row.

On the women’s side, of the top five women only #3 S. Halep remains, and the “Halep gallop” continues as she won 6-3, 6-0. Safarova defeated Makarova, 6-3, 6-1 and Kvitova defeated Strycova, 6-1, 7-5.  So a couple of the “ovas” continue on.  It is getting a bit difficult to keep up with.. and I feel like I have somehow wound up on Great Britain time..watching matches on two ESPN channels since 8:00 am.  I am not even sure if I have this exactly correct (World Cup is distracting me) but I believe Halep will face S. Lisicki and E. Bouchard will face Kerber.  This will complete the rain delayed women’s quarterfinals.

Men’s quarters I have got for you: Federer vs. Wawrinka, Djokovic vs. Cilic, Raonic vs. Krygios and Murray vs. Dimitrov.

Heartbreak for both the Swiss and Team USA today in World Cup action.  Swiss fall to Argentina in extra time…1-0, with L. Messi making the pass to set up the winning goal.

USA is falling as we speak to Belgium in extra time 2-0.  They played to a 0-0 tie in regulation and goal keeper Tim Howard should be MVP with 11+ saves.  Extra time just too much for Team USA and they now trail 2-0 and it looks bleak.  What a shame!  Hold on…SCORE USA!  Now trail 2-1 in extra time..stay tuned!  It is over…USA goes out 2-1 in round of sixteen just as they did four years ago in South Africa.  Belgium will move on to face Argentina.  Still, very brave performance by Team USA and kudos to Tim Howard, 16 saves, most in World Cup history.

Tomorrow…more Wimbledon.  Time to catch our breath!!  Have a great night!


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Down came the rain and washed…Wimbledon out?

Posted on June 30, 2014 by susan

Down came the rain and washed Wimbledon out…no surprise..I have been to Wimbledon, it rains, there are long “ques” and yes, there are great matches, celebrities, and strawberries and cream.  But still it is such a bummer when the rain plays such a big role in the action.  I did not go when there was a roof on Centre Court…so at least, that action does not get cancelled.  Today, all kinds of craziness!  Matches from yesterday were completed…Wawrinka advanced in three sets, Nishikori comes back from yesterday and wins in five, and Strycova takes out C. Wozniacki in two sets, 6-2, 7-5.  Then we get to today’s scheduled matches, but they could not all happen as down came the rain again.  Centre Court could not even get all three matches completed…Sharapova vs. Kerber will move to Tuesday.  Andy Murray won in three sets over Kevin Anderson, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 and Novak Djokovic advanced over J. Tsonga, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.  (Gee, look at that, same score line almost).  Meanwhile, Roger Federer vs. Tommy Robredo and Rafael Nadal vs. the young nineteen year old from down under, Nick Kyrgios, will both be moved to tomorrow.  Nadal on Centre Court and Fed on Court One (WHAT????).  Really a bummer…and a definite advantage to both Nole and Murray who got their matches in today on Manic Monday.  Dimitrov prevailed over L. Mayer in three sets and will face Murray in the quarters.  Should be a great one.  The rejuvenated M. Cilic won over J. Chardy and advanced into the quarters.  Also moving on into the quarters, F. Lopez over John Isner in four sets, 6-7, 7-6, 7-6. 7-5.  No Americans left, first time since 1911 (not good!)

On the women’s side…A. Radwanska lost (and I mean LOST) to S. Lisicki 6-3, 6-1.  So, numbers 1,2,and 4 all out on the women’s side.  Only #3 S. Halep remains, and she could be a real threat.  She will also take the court tomorrow in a rain delayed match.  P. Kvitova won 6-3, -6-2 and I like her as the favorite along with Sharapova (also playing tomorrow on Court one, postponed from today against A. Kerber). In one of the “big matches” today, E. Bouchard won over A. Cornet of France, 7-6, 7-5 and she will face the winner of the Sharapova – Kerber match.  Genie is the up and coming player on the women’s tour.  Jim Parsons, aka Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory was in her box watching and cheering (he is a fellow Canadian)!   A whole lot of Czech’s and “ovas” left on the women’s side.  Still, really bummed for Federer, now he will play on Tuesday, and hopefully advance and play again on Wednesday.  Same for Rafa.

Meanwhile, for me…good news!  I managed to switch that all important “hair cut appointment” to Wednesday, so I will be ready to watch Team USA vs. Belgium tomorrow at 3:30 pm EST (after of course watching the tennis action, Federer is expected to play at 8:00 am EST)!  GO USA!

For a change of pace tonight, Murder in the First airs at 10:00 pm EST on TNT.  Really hated to bid farewell to Hank Moody and Californication last night, but you know what, they wrapped things up very nicely!  I will miss him!

Over and out!  A lot of tennis to keep up with today, on two different ESPN channels!  Same deal tomorrow, along with World Cup action.  Swiss vs. Messi and Argentina first, then Teams USA vs. Belgium!


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Manic Monday at Wimbledon and more!

Posted on June 29, 2014 by susan

Hope we have all rested today..tomorrow “Manic Monday ” at Wimbledon!!  I have watched Mystery Woman series on Hallmark and Delivery Man On Demand starring Vince Vaughn (gee, he never lets me down, always funny with feel good message!) and I think I am ready for Monday!!  Roger Federer vs. Tommy Robredo still showing as TBD on the schedule.  Anyhow, what a first week, the upsets, notably #1 and #2 on the women’s side, Li Na and Serena Williams and on the men’s side, David Ferrer and Thomas Berdych but not quite the topsy- turvy experience as on the women’s.  Fed looks great, Novak looks good as does Rafa but still some questions.  Once Rafa gets to the second week..look out!  Murray has looked really good as well, best he has looked since returning from back surgery.  Perhaps it is the “Great Britain” thing.  Still, when all is said and done, I am hoping the stars align for a Roger Federer win…#8 at Wimbledon, and 18th Grand Slam title.  Ways to go..but we shall see.  Definitely best performance at a Major by a father of four!!  ROGER THAT!

On Tuesday, Team USA faces Belgium in the round of sixteen…WIN or go home!!  It will air on ESPN at 3:30 pm EST (likely will not get underway until around 4:00 pm EST or so) and it will follow the Swiss match vs. Messi and Argentina.  Gee, as luck would have it, I have a haircut appointment…it takes me a month to get in to see this gal…I mean really..guess I will show up early and then head to the first TV I can find!! USA!  USA!

Tonight, Unforgettable returns to CBS for season three…10:00 pm EST.  It was cancelled several times and then brought back..GOOD DECISION!  Love this show.  Also, sad farewell to David Duchovny and Hank Moody on Californication on Showtime.  The series finale airs at 9:30 pm EST…seven years and it has been a raucous pleasure!  So, will Hank ride off into the sunset (in Venice, California, oh, how I wish I were there!) or will he and Karen ride off into the sunset together?  Love this show…but I guess sometimes, and I do mean sometimes. all good things come to their proper end.  Hope it is a great send off!!!

Sunday is a day of rest, and it is also the time honored tradition at Wimbledon, and tomorrow, we are back at it again.  Until then…Good day and good night!


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Federer sublime..Serena falls at Wimbledon

Posted on June 28, 2014 by susan

Roger Federer was sublime (again) today in his match at Wimbledon while Serena Williams is out again early in the third Major of the year!  WOW!  What is going on with Serena?  She fell to the feisty A. Cornet of France, 6-1, 3-6, 4-6.  Another Grand Slam, and no Serena around for week two…out in the round of sixteen down under, out in the 2nd round in Paris, and today, out in the 4th round in London.  Hard to explain…Meanwhile..Roger Federer continues to serve with supremacy and has yet to lose a game on serve winning today over S. Giraldo, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3.  The bummer for me…because Serena was in trouble, we were denied watching Mr. Federer wave his magic wand and look like the Swiss maestro we all know and love.  Kind of hate this coverage, maybe we can catch the match on Wimbledon Primetime on Tennis Channel???  Elsewhere, Rafael Nadal dropped the first set in his match to Kukushkin (again, Rafa has dropped the first set in every match so far at Wimbledon) but then came roaring back as only Rafa can to win 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in four sets.  Rafa and Novak Djokovic have stumbled just a bit throughout the first week while Fed and Andy Murray have cruised.  Still, into the second week and things begin to change.  For some players it is all about getting their game together on the grass and surviving into the second week.  Still, Roger looks really, really good!  ROGER THAT!

Federer’s opponent in the Manic Monday (depending on how the rain delayed matches today, play has just been suspended, factor in) will be Tommy Robredo who defeated Jerzy Janowicz in five sets.  (Apologies to Janowicz for any misspellings of his name in previous posts)!  Robredo took out Federer in the fourth round of the 2013 US Open…he better not repeat that in London!  I want Federer to win this Wimbledon!!  Roger has to be pleased as that now means he will get his match in on Monday and if he wins, will not have to play back to back matches on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Nishikori did not get through is tough match before darkness fell and therefore since there is no play on the “middle Sunday” at Wimbledon, the schedule on Monday will still get shaken up.  Raonic advanced in three sets over Kubot, 7-6, 7-6, 6-2.  Sharapova cruised over A. Riske of the USA, 6-3, 6-0 and with Serena out, she looks to be a strong favorite.  Do not rule out the young Romanian S. Halep!  Also Radwanska, E. Bouchard who defeated A. Petkovic today, 6-3, 6-4 and Kvitova are still very much in the mix, especially Kvitova with her unbelievable three set match and win over Venus Williams yesterday.  S. Lisicki is currently leading another strong contender, Ana Ivanovic, 6-4, 1-1.  That match was called due to darkness and will resume on Monday.  Ana lobbied hard for the match to be called and she finally prevailed…at least in that endeavor, not in the match at this point.

Really liking what I have seen from Mr. Federer so far..sure, he has not been tested but he looks strong and will face another 32 year old (old guy?) in Robredo on Monday.  Nadal will get stronger now that he is through the first week on grass, Djokovic has looked great as long as his shoulder is OK, and Murray has been very impressive.  Wawrinka was scheduled to get his third round match in today against Dennis Istomin…did not happen.

Moving to World Cup action, Chile over Brazil in sudden death, 2-1 in the first game of the round of sixteen.  Colombia currently leads Uruguay 1-0.

NBA news…mass exodus from South Beach??? Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh both announce they will opt out of their contract and join LeBron in free agency.  Will have to wait and see what this all means…

Until Sunday…two TV shows, one returns, one bids us farewell.  Unforgettable starring Poppy Montgomery returns on Sunday evening on CBS.  Meanwhile, Californication on Showtime bids us farewell after seven seasons.  I hate to see it go..but it will be really interesting to see if Hank and Karen ride off into the sunset..or to NY to daughter Becca’s wedding???  Stay tuned!


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