Well, I guess I am psychic! I woke up at 6:30 am today and knew, Roger Federer was losing. I cut on on the TV and alas, I was right! Federer went down today in Shanghai to G. Monfils, 4- 6, 7 – 6, 3 – 6. DARN! And you know I want to say it in another way. I have yet to see the full replay, more on that later. Another disappointment for Roger Federer in what has been a very bad year. All credit to Monfils who is a very entertaining and talented player, perhaps inconsistent, but when on, really amazing to watch. He had 15 aces to Fed’s 3. Roger was not at his best, as he has not been for this entire year. Really a shame, but I still think Fed will make it into the year end finals in London. There is the Paris Masters 1000 event and his hometown event in Basel still left on his schedule. So what does Roger need to do? Well, in my opinion just try to finish out this year to the best of his ability. I believe the back is an issue. Moreover, he needs to really look at making the change to a larger racquet in the off season, find one that he is truly comfortable with and really get up to speed with it. It will give him more power, but he will have to negotiate the precision he is so well know for and how it affects his ability to perform in that capacity. At the end of the day, Roger is going to have to become a bit of a “grinder” if he wants to make a mark in 2014. Nadal and Djokovic are grinders. Roger has not had to succumb to that in his illustrious career, he could rely on his artistry, his precise shot making and his mental toughness. The mental toughness has taken a beating and he will need to regroup and regain that confidence but he still has shots that make you look and make sounds that bring people form other rooms into the viewing area to see what you are watching. I believe he can make 2014 a better year, I really do and that has nothing to do with the fact that I am a Fed fanatic. He will not have the tremendous amount of points to defend next year, as he has had this year. All the victories he enjoyed in 2012 have come back to haunt him this year as he has not been on his game, perhaps suffering from a bit of an injured back, and he has not defended those points and it shows in his drop in the rankings. Do not despair, the end is not here! (making it even worse, Federer and Zhang lost in the double today as well)
Rafael Nadal advanced today in two sets over Berlocq, although he had to come back from being down 5-2 in the tie break in the second set. Still, Rafa is the player of the year this year. Djokovic advanced with ease and will next face the other Swiss guy, Stan Wawrinka who is enjoying the best year of his career. Del Potro is still in it, David Ferrer was upset, and Thomas Berdych is out as well. Likely looking at another Djokovic – Nadal final Greatness for sure, but do not enjoy the pounding of the ball to death that takes place in matches between these two. Really miss seeing the majesty of Federer tennis. Hoping it can return, sooner as opposed to later. I know all about father time, he has played 57 consecutive Grand Slams, has to have taken it ‘s toll, etc. Still, I believe he has another year or two in him, great champions only know one way…so come back to us Roger, we still want more!
In MLB news, the Oakland A’s and Billy Beane are still trying to win game5 (think Moneyball and Brad Pitt). I really want them to get it done tonight as they will face the Tigers in the fifth game of the ALDS in Oakland. Come on Oakland! Get it done! (Update: Tigers 3 – Oakland 0, Tigers advance to face the Red Sox. Verlander had no hitter going through the 6th. A’s had two men on base in bottom of the ninth with two outs and it did not happen, again)
Nashville was on last night and Liam and Rayna are currently a duo, both personally and professionally. However, the character of Liam, played by Michiel Huisman has to be coming to an end shortly as he has signed on to be a character in Game of Thrones. Supposedly, Jeff (played by Oliver Hudson) will be an on and off love interest for Rayna. Don’t see that now but you know how things change in these nighttime dramas. Deacon had a painful night at an AA meeting, revealing some of the history with his alcoholic father. Tough to watch…going to be interesting to see how his interaction with Maddie goes as the season continues. Juliette, well I have words for her but I just won’t use them. She is a mess, in more ways than one. Peggy continues to lie to Teddy (now officially divorced from Rayna). He thinks she is carrying his child, a son, but she has actually miscarried. My oh my, what women will do to get their man! Ha Ha Rayna has suffered damage to her vocal cords in the car accident with Deacon and she will try to hide that from Jeff for as long as possible…Good luck with that!
For today…still mourning another Federer loss….and I got a speeding ticket! First one in over eight years…I hate the expressways, hidden speed limits, being lost and so on and so on…just a bad day today! Hope yours has been better!
