It’s all about Rafa…Rafael Nadal wins US Open, will regain #1 ranking

Posted on September 9, 2013 by susan

Well folks, (as a Federer fanatic, this is difficult for me…but) it is all about Rafa!  2013 is the year of Rafael Nadal in men’s tennis.  Last year, Rafa was home nursing a very sore knee, watching the US Open on TV.  He missed the Australian Open.  Then he came back on his beloved clay courts and won, and won, and took his 8th French Open title.  Then he took on the hard court swing.  He is now 22-0 in hard court play this year, has won his 2nd US Open title, his 13th Grand Slam and regained the #1 world ranking, wrestling that and the match away from the current #1 Novak Djokovic, 6 – 2, 3 – 6, 6 – 4, 6 – 1.  Djokovic will be kicking himself all the way back home to Monte Carlo that he lost that third set.  He had over 50 unforced errors in the match, Rafa a mere 20.  All in all there were 10 breaks of serve, Rafa broken three times, Novak seven (count them, seven!) times.  This is a new kind of tennis, big boy tennis where the rallies are long, fast, hard and furious.  (Yes, I lament the absence of the beauty and grace of Roger Federer’s style of tennis)  There was one rally that lasted 54 strokes, unbelievable!!  The average rally was a mere 30 strokes, two fighters matching each other stroke for stroke with incredible power and will.  It was another huge battle between these two tennis titans.  It was so special, even Queen Sofia of Spain was in attendance.  (Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue was notably absent.  It is after all fashion week in NYC and Roger is her “boy”).  But all hail Rafa.  Incredible performance and comeback from nine months off the court with his tender knees.  No evidence of any knee trouble tonight.  He played like a bull, and he ran like he was running with the bulls.  Congratulations to Rafael Nadal, well deserved win and he deserves to once again be #1 in the world of men’s tennis.

Meanwhile, NFL has a double header going on for opening night of MNF.  The Philadelphia Eagles are currently leading the Washington Redskins at the half, 26 -7.  It appears new head coach Chip Kelly and QB Michael Vick are going to mesh together very well.  Later tonight, Houston will visit San Diego.  We know it will be beautiful in San Diego.  How the Chargers fare against the Texans, we shall just have to wait and see.

For tonight…over and out and enjoy your evening.


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It is Serena over Azarenka in three sets for US Open title

Posted on September 9, 2013 by admin

Great women’s final yesterday at the US Open.  You had to feel Serena Williams was going to win, but Azarenka was not going down without one heck of a fight!  Kudos to Vika!  Serena prevailed 7 – 5, 6 – 7, 6 – 1.  That makes it number 5 for Serena Williams as far as US Open titles (hey, she has the same number as Roger Federer!) as well as her 16th Grand Slam title.  It was the longest match for the women’s final since 1980.  Hated to see Azarenka lose, she fought back over and over but in the end, Serena is just so tough and so good!  After the match, Vika was spent, had her head in a towel with tears streaming down her face.  Serena was dancing and so happy…that new coach and apartment in Paris seem to really agree with her!  Congrats!

Men’s final will air today at 5:00 pm EST.  Nadal vs. Djokovic.  Just like the women’s final, it will feature #1 vs. #2.  Hard to pick a winner…most are going with Nadal but I think Djokovic really wants to stay at #1.  One thing is for sure, it is likely to last for hours and they will both pound the you know what out of the tennis ball.

In later NFL action from Sunday…San Francisco defeated Green Bay, 34 – 28.  I do believe those 49ers are for real and looking to return to the Super Bowl.  We shall see…it is all just  getting started.  Beautiful views in the bay area for those watching that game.  In the first SNF game, the Cowboys finally defended their home turf against the boys from New York, Eli Manning and company, winning 36 – 31.  I do believe those six (yes, that would be SIX) turnovers by the Giants played a roll in that win.

New College Football AP Poll is out: 1 Alabama (57), 2 Oregon (1), 3 Clemson(1) , 4 Ohio State (1), 5 Stanford (what, was their season debut under appreciated? no first place votes for them as well?), 6 Texas A&M (gonna be a good one this weekend with Alabama coming to town!), 7 Louisville (can you say QB Teddy Bridgewater!), 8 LSU, 9 UGA (courtesy of that big win over South Carolina), 10 FSU.

OK guys…over and out for now.  By the way, the season finale of Unforgettable with Poppy Montgomery was really good!


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College Football final and NFL Sunday…

Posted on September 8, 2013 by admin

Let’s put a bow on week two of college football with a few more scores!  Michigan led by QB Devin Gardner (wearing #98 in honor of Tom Harmon) and WR #21 Gallon (177+ yards receiving and 3 TD’s) took care of Notre Dame and bid them adieu as this was the Irish’s final visit to the “Big House” for the foreseeable future.  Final score, 41 – 30.  It was close, Notre Dame had a chance in the fourth quarter to make the outcome really be in question, but that was not the way it happened.  All hail the victor…and so on (Michigan fight song!)

Stanford made their season debut and it was a strong one, defeating San Jose State 34 – 13.  QB K. Hogan had over 200 yards passing in his second season as the starter and RB Tyler Gaffney rushed for 104 yards and two TD’s.  The Cardinals look good and are my pick (along with maybe Oregon, longshot Clemson?) to unseat the SEC as National Champions.

Johnny “football” Manziel and the Texas A & M Aggies simply ran all over Sam Houston, winning 65 – 28.  That defense continues to give up some points however so…next week College Gameday will be live in College Station as Manziel and the Aggies will welcome 1Alabama.  That is a game that has been circled on many calendars since last year, not the least of which is likely Nick Saban’s calendar!

A couple of upsets, one mild, Washington State over 25 USC, 10 – 7 and one big and embarrassing, BYU over 15 Texas, 40 – 21.  It is tough to play at BYU (and GT will have that to look forward to later this year) but still, number 15 Texas was humbled by this loss.  Anyone still think Mack Brown’s future may not have some questions swirling around it?

OK, now it is NFL Sunday.  My TV options are the Atlanta Falcons in the Big Easy to face New Orleans with Sean Payton back on the field coaching the Saints.  I think we could call this a “rivalry game”.  Should be a good one, GO FALCONS!  Later, Green Bay visits San Francisco (that lovely city on the bay!) and also Tennessee at Pittsburgh.  Tonight, SNF features Eli Manning (the one with the really great hair) and the NY Giants against the Dallas Cowboys in the house that Jerry built.  Giants seem to win this game everytime it is in Dallas.  Will tonight be a different story?  Other action on as well of course, full slate of games as first Sunday of NFL action gets underway.

Also today, at 4:30 pm EST following the telecast here of Tennessee and Pittsburgh, Victoria Azarenka takes on Serena Williams in the women’s final of the US Open.  #1 (Serena) vs. #2 (Azarenka).  Lot’s of choices today and tonight.

One choice for me is certain…watching the season finale of Unforgettable on CBS at 9:00 pm EST.  Enjoy your day folks!!!

Here are a few finals!!  Falcons fall to the Saints in New Orleans, 23 – 17.  Typical Saints – Falcons game, but still, bad loss for the team from the ATL.  Had a chance to win it with a go ahead TD,  1st and goal from the seven yard line, then 3rd and goal from the 3, dropped pass, and so fourth and goal, ball tipped (intended for Tony Gonzalez, who was spectacular as always), and an interception.  Really a bummer.  Not the way Falcons wanted to open the season, especially after a pretty bad preseason record; I know it is practice, but still.  Elsewhere, Detroit over Minnesota, 34 – 24.  A. Peterson did his part however for the Vikings, how about that 78 yard TD run to start play in the game…Could AP break the record this year?  Nice day for Megatron and Stafford for the Lions in winning effort.  Tennessee over Pittsburgh, 16 – 9, and New York Jets over Tampa Bay, as Tampa Bay makes a stupid rookie mistake, out of bounds hit which allows the Jets to kick a game winning field goal.  (Never a bad day in my mind when the Bucs lose anyhow!)  So, Packers and San Francisco in action and it is a beautiful day in the bay area.  However, I must switch over to NY, where Serena will take on Azarenka for the US Open title.  Hope you all are enjoying your Sunday and whatever you are watching!!  Later….


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US Open and College Football on Saturday

Posted on September 7, 2013 by susan

It’s just after 6:00 pm EST and the day/night is still young.  Non the less, there has been a lot going on so far in college football and in tennis action at the US Open.

First, the US Open.  Novak Djokovic, the #1 seed escapes 9 Stan Wawrinka in a grueling five set match, lasting over four hours.  Novak survived, 2 – 6, 7 – 6, 3 – 6, 6 – 2, 6 – 4.  Kudos to Stan Wawrinka who played his heart out, and then some.  Would love to have seen him pull off this upset, but alas, it was not to be and Djokovic moves on to face???? likely Nadal.  Nadal is up one set on Gasquet, 6  – 4 and they are on serve in the second.  Nadal was broken for the first time in the tournament in this set but I expect Nadal to advance.  (And he does, 6 – 4, 7 – 6, 6 – 2)  So we can expect a marathon slug fest on Monday night between #1 Djokovic and #2 Nadal.  Still, would loved to have seen Stan the man pull out a win.

In college football, 12 Florida traveled to Coral Gables to take on Miami for the first time since 2008.  I pull for the ACC (being a GT fan) but I really do struggle to pull for the U.  That being said, Miami beat the turnover prone Gators, 21- 16 and thus, chalk up another win for the ACC over the SEC.  Miami is projected by many to win the Coastal Division.  Will see what the Jackets can do about that!!

One Heisman Trophy favorite, QB Braxton Miller of Ohio State has gone down in the first half  with a sprained MCL but Ohio State is rolling over San Diego State, 42 – 7 in the 4th quarter.  So much for that “stiff test” the Quack Attack was going to face when Oregon traveled to Charlottesville to take on UVA.  Oregon currently leads 45 – 10 in the 3rd quarter.  Update: final score, Oregon 59 – UVA 10.  Too much DAT, DeAnthony Thomas and Marcus Mariota!!  Wisconsin rolled over Tennessee Tech, 48 – 0, and Tennessee took care of Western Kentucky 52 – 20.  Did some ESPN analysts predict Western Kentucky in this one?  Really?  Moving on, UGA and South Carolina are in a shoot out in Athens, GA, tied 24 – 24 at the half.  The dawgs are looking to rebound from that tough loss last weekend at Clemson.  (Clemson put up 52 points today on S. Carolina State Univ.)  South Carolina has defeated UGA three times in a row and are looking to make it four.  Stay tuned…this one is going to be really good!  Gurley is a beast.  Other RB Marshall is not too shabby either.  Louisville rolled over Eastern Kentucky led by QB Teddy Bridgewater, 44 – 7.  Many consider him to be the Heisman frontrunner (well, it is week two so take that with a grain of salt, but he is tremendous!)  Virginia Tech rebounded from last week’s loss to 1 Alabama with a  45 – 3 win over Western Carolina.  Later tonight, Michigan and Notre Dame will meet for the final time in the “Big House” (they will play next year in South Bend, and then the series will be suspended for who knows how long).  Hate to see such a great rivalry bite the dust but there is going to be a lot of that with all these conference realignments.  Anyhow, that is the featured game tonight on ESPN.  College Gameday was live from Ann Arbor, Desmond Howard was of course a star receiver at Michigan and also a Heisman Trophy winner himself.  He was in mourning.  Also, Special Agent Gibbs was in the house!  That is Mark Harmon of NCIS, son of former Michigan great Tom Harmon who was being honored.  (#98 being retired and will be worn by current Michigan QB Devin Gardner tonight)  Mark was the “guest” gameday picker (he played QB at UCLA before his acting days).  He did well, very quick with his choices.

Tonight, late (so results will come in tomorrow), two Pac 12 games…Washington State at 25 USC and 5 Stanford makes their season debut at 11:00 pm EST against San Jose State.  Lee Corso and me both predict Stanford as the favorite for the National Championship.  Didn’t know Mr. Corso and I were on the same page but apparently we are!

OK, a whole lotta action to keep up with today…so until later…enjoy!

P.S. If you are not a sports fan, Hallmark Channel is running the Mystery Woman series marathon starring Kellie Martin, one of my favorite guilty pleasures!  Unfortunately, I will not get to enjoy much this go round, well perhaps a few clicks of the DVR?

Final alert:  Big win for the Dawgs as UGA takes care of South Carolina in Athens, GA, 41 – 30.  Impressive bounce back by Georgia from last week (loss to Clemson).  Four TD passes thrown by Aaron Murray and over 130 yards rushing by Todd Gurley.  RB Marshall went out with an injury (they were already without WR Mitchell who is out for the season after being injured in the Clemson game) but #22 Douglas came in and their rushing game did not miss a beat.  Gamecocks went for TD on fourth and less than a yard and failed to convert with 8 minutes left in the fourth.  Disappointing loss for Coach Spurrier and the Gamecocks.  Both still have many SEC games to be played and this year, UGA has the tougher schedule.


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US Open and College Football on Saturday

Posted on September 7, 2013 by admin

It’s just after 6:00 pm EST and the day/night is still young.  Non the less, there has been a lot going on so far in college football and in tennis action at the US Open.

First, the US Open.  Novak Djokovic, the #1 seed escapes 9 Stan Wawrinka in a grueling five set match, lasting over four hours.  Novak survived, 2 – 6, 7 – 6, 3 – 6, 6 – 2, 6 – 4.  Kudos to Stan Wawrinka who played his heart out, and then some.  Would love to have seen him pull off this upset, but alas, it was not to be and Djokovic moves on to face???? likely Nadal.  Nadal is up one set on Gasquet, 6  – 4 and they are on serve in the second.  Nadal was broken for the first time in the tournament in this set but I expect Nadal to advance.  (And he does, 6 – 4, 7 – 6, 6 – 2)  So we can expect a marathon slug fest on Monday night between #1 Djokovic and #2 Nadal.  Still, would loved to have seen Stan the man pull out a win.

In college football, 12 Florida traveled to Coral Gables to take on Miami for the first time since 2008.  I pull for the ACC (being a GT fan) but I really do struggle to pull for the U.  That being said, Miami beat the turnover prone Gators, 21- 16 and thus, chalk up another win for the ACC over the SEC.  Miami is projected by many to win the Coastal Division.  Will see what the Jackets can do about that!!

One Heisman Trophy favorite, QB Braxton Miller of Ohio State has gone down in the first half  with a sprained MCL but Ohio State is rolling over San Diego State, 42 – 7 in the 4th quarter.  So much for that “stiff test” the Quack Attack was going to face when Oregon traveled to Charlottesville to take on UVA.  Oregon currently leads 45 – 10 in the 3rd quarter.  Update: final score, Oregon 59 – UVA 10.  Too much DAT, DeAnthony Thomas and Marcus Mariota!!  Wisconsin rolled over Tennessee Tech, 48 – 0, and Tennessee took care of Western Kentucky 52 – 20.  Did some ESPN analysts predict Western Kentucky in this one?  Really?  Moving on, UGA and South Carolina are in a shoot out in Athens, GA, tied 24 – 24 at the half.  The dawgs are looking to rebound from that tough loss last weekend at Clemson.  (Clemson put up 52 points today on S. Carolina State Univ.)  South Carolina has defeated UGA three times in a row and are looking to make it four.  Stay tuned…this one is going to be really good!  Gurley is a beast.  Other RB Marshall is not too shabby either.  Louisville rolled over Eastern Kentucky led by QB Teddy Bridgewater, 44 – 7.  Many consider him to be the Heisman frontrunner (well, it is week two so take that with a grain of salt, but he is tremendous!)  Virginia Tech rebounded from last week’s loss to 1 Alabama with a  45 – 3 win over Western Carolina.  Later tonight, Michigan and Notre Dame will meet for the final time in the “Big House” (they will play next year in South Bend, and then the series will be suspended for who knows how long).  Hate to see such a great rivalry bite the dust but there is going to be a lot of that with all these conference realignments.  Anyhow, that is the featured game tonight on ESPN.  College Gameday was live from Ann Arbor, Desmond Howard was of course a star receiver at Michigan and also a Heisman Trophy winner himself.  He was in mourning.  Also, Special Agent Gibbs was in the house!  That is Mark Harmon of NCIS, son of former Michigan great Tom Harmon who was being honored.  (#98 being retired and will be worn by current Michigan QB Devin Gardner tonight)  Mark was the “guest” gameday picker (he played QB at UCLA before his acting days).  He did well, very quick with his choices.

Tonight, late (so results will come in tomorrow), two Pac 12 games…Washington State at 25 USC and 5 Stanford makes their season debut at 11:00 pm EST against San Jose State.  Lee Corso and me both predict Stanford as the favorite for the National Championship.  Didn’t know Mr. Corso and I were on the same page but apparently we are!

OK, a whole lotta action to keep up with today…so until later…enjoy!

P.S. If you are not a sports fan, Hallmark Channel is running the Mystery Woman series marathon starring Kellie Martin, one of my favorite guilty pleasures!  Unfortunately, I will not get to enjoy much this go round, well perhaps a few clicks of the DVR?

Final alert:  Big win for the Dawgs as UGA takes care of South Carolina in Athens, GA, 41 – 30.  Impressive bounce back by Georgia from last week (loss to Clemson).  Four TD passes thrown by Aaron Murray and over 130 yards rushing by Todd Gurley.  RB Marshall went out with an injury (they were already without WR Mitchell who is out for the season after being injured in the Clemson game) but #22 Douglas came in and their rushing game did not miss a beat.  Gamecocks went for TD on fourth and less than a yard and failed to convert with 8 minutes left in the fourth.  Disappointing loss for Coach Spurrier and the Gamecocks.  Both still have many SEC games to be played and this year, UGA has the tougher schedule.


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Azarenka and Serena advance to US Open final

Posted on September 6, 2013 by admin

It will be #1 vs. #2 for the US Open women’s title on Sunday.  2 Victoria Azarenka took out Pennetta of Italy, 6 – 4, 6 – 2.  1 Serena Williams dispatched of 5 Li Na in the second semifinal match, 6 – 0, 6 – 3.  So…again we have Victoria vs. Serena.  Should be a great match, have to feel Serena is the favorite although Azarenka did beat her in the last meting between these two in Cincinnati.

Tomorrow, amongst the college football action, at noon the men’s semifinals will commence.  First up, 1 Novak Djokovic vs. 9 Stan Wawrinka.  I am pulling for Wawrinka.  Next,  2 Rafael Nadal vs. 9 Richard Gasquet.  Have to think Nadal all the way.  So it would appear we are headed for another pound the ball will it ever end match between Nadal and Djokovic on Monday evening for the men’s title.  Surprises could happen tomorrow, but that match up seems most likely.  Nadal is playing a little different hard court tennis, trying to end points quicker, but still, they (Nadal and Djokovic)  both slug it out like two boxers when all is said and done.

So until tomorrow…tennis, college football to look forward to…but for now…to all a goodnight!


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Djokovic takes out Youzhney, and then there is Peyton Manning and the Broncos!

Posted on September 6, 2013 by admin

First up last night, Novak Djokovic took out M. Youzhny in four sets, 6 – 3, 6 – 2, 3 – 6, 6 – 0.  Hey, at least Youzhny took a set.  Well, it appears we are headed for a Nadal – Djokovic final, but Stan Wawrinka may have something to say about that.  We shall see.  All I know is Roger Federer is going to get his tennis act together and make a mark as the year winds down and into next year as well.  For now, the US Open looks like another marathon between the two sluggers.  Nadal has modified his game on hard-courts to protect those knees.  He and Uncle Tony must have had plenty of time to work on that strategy when he was away from the game for nine months “rehabbing” those knees.  Perhaps one should mention Richard Gasquet who will face Nadal in the semifinals.  He has had a wonderful run at this year’s US Open.  However, do not see him halting the “run with the bulls” play of Nadal.  (Federer is more like watching a performance to Tchaikovsky).  OK, I said I would stop and I will.

Meanwhile, another class act in sports had quite a night last evening, non other than Peyton Manning.  He led the Denver Broncos to a resounding thrashing of the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, 49 – 27.  He tied a NFL record with his 7 TD passes, going 27/42 for a mere 462 yards.  I would say the Sheriff is back in control!!  Glad to see it as I am a big fan of all things Manning.  Interesting to see how Mr. Flacco and the Ravens fare this year, what with that big new contract and being the Super Bowl champs from last year.  Going to be interesting.  Things will get even more interesting on Sunday when the NFL season kicks off…Carrie Underwood set to perform Sunday evening as the Cowboys host the Giants.  Understand she had a little accident onstage, falling off in her 5″ heels.  Hope she is OK and ready to go.  And of course we cannot wait to see how Matt Ryan (with his new lucrative contract) and the hometown Atlanta Falcons get it done this year!

In CFB action tomorrow (Saturday), we have some interesting and important games on the schedule.  Stanford will finally play (vs. San Jose State University) and give us a glimpse into their potential greatness this season (I believe in the Cardinals!).  2 Oregon visits UVA and everyone seems to thing it is going to be a tough game for the “Quack Attack”.  I don’t see it but who knows?  Oregon wins without a problem as far as I am concerned.  My team, GT, will be resting before taking on Duke next weekend.  The dawgs (UGA) will host South Carolina and the old ball coach (I just love Steve Spurrier).  Georgia is getting a double dose of South Carolina this season, first Clemson (a loss) and now the Gamecocks.  Florida visits Miami, (can you say Duke Johnson, RB for Miami?) and this game should be a real litmus test for both of these programs.  And then there is a final game between Notre Dame and Michigan, a sad ending to a storied rivalry.  The last time Notre Dame will visit the “Big House”.  Heisman winner and ESPN analyst Desmond Howard will be especially moved on College Gameday this weekend, live from Ann Arbor.

So there you have it.  Women’s semifinals from US Open on today and tonight.  Then CFB tomorrow along with men’s semifinals from US Open.  NFL on Sunday, women’s final from US Open, and then Monday night, NFL and men’s final.  Gee, can anyone complain about what to watch…I think not!!

P.S.  One of these days I am going to see a movie, at the theater, not just on demand!!  Also, the season finale of Unforgettable starring Poppy Montgomery and Dylan Walsh airs Sunday night at 9:00 pm on CBS.  How  they cannot renew this great show is beyond me…let’s hope they do!


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All about the other Swiss guy today at the US Open (Stan Wawrinka)

Posted on September 5, 2013 by susan

WOW!  What a performance today by the other guy from Switzerland, Stan Wawrinka.  He took out #3 Andy Murray, the defending champion in three easy sets, 6 – 4, 6 – 3, 6- 2.  So happy to see this for Stan.  He is twenty eight years old, married with a young daughter and appears ready to break into the upper hierarchy of the men’s tennis world.  He has played second fiddle to this other guy from Switzerland, you may have heard of him, Roger Federer, but they are great pals, play some doubles and Davis Cup together.  (Don’t make the mistake of thinking that we have heard the last of Mr. Federer, the rest of this year and/or into next year!)  Anyhow, really happy to see Wawrinka get this win and make his first semifinal appearance at a Grand Slam.  He will play the winner of the Djokovic – Youzhny match.  I hope Youzhny wins that one.

On the doubles side of things, not a good day for USA and the Bryan Brothers.  They fell to Paes/Stepanek in three sets, and therefore failed to continue in their quest to hold all four Grand Slam titles in this calendar year.  Non the less, gotta love those Bryan boys.  On the women’s side of doubles action, better news.  Venus and Serena Williams took out the #1 ranked team in the world, Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in two sets, 6 – 3, 6 – 1.  They continue on and I am especially happy for Venus!

Until later…

Well, I ‘m back and so is NFL football.  Opening game for the 2013-2014 season gets underway tonight.  The defending Super Bowl champions, Baltimore Ravens and QB Joe Flacco visit the Denver Broncos and another guy you may have heard of, Peyton Manning.  Pregame show features a performance by Keith Urban.  Also, Carrie Underwood will perform. (Oops. that is Sunday night before the Giants and the Cowboys, a little early on that performance!)  Anyhow..NFL, US Open tonight, what more could you ask for??


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More US Open results and Surviving “Paradise”

Posted on September 4, 2013 by susan

US Open rolled on this afternoon and evening…Pennetta took out 10 seed Vinci in the battle of the Italians, 6 – 4, 6 – 1 and she will take on the winner of the match just completed, Azarenka, the #2 seed.  Azarenka took out Hantuchova, 6 – 2, 6 – 2.  Azarenka always comes out with her iPod and hoodie on looking like a boxer getting ready for her match.  After her win, she was asked what she was listening to right now to get her ready for her US Open semifinal.  Love her response…Motown!!  Her boyfriend, Redfoo, lead singer for LMFAO is the son of Barry Gordy, one of the original Motown boys.  Pretty cool!

Also today, Richard Gasquet took care of David Ferrer in five sets.  Final score line, 6 – 3, 6 – 1, 4 – 6, 2 – -6, 6 – 3.  Impressive performance for Gasquet, the first Frenchman to make the semifinals at the US Open in twenty years.  Tonight, well, it was supposed to be the Wednesday night match circled on your calendar, Rafa vs. Roger (for the first time ever at the US Open), but we all know that it is not happening, as the “King slayer”, T. Robredo will in fact take on Nadal.  Have to expect Nadal to move on in this match.  (Remember, I said I would move on…)  Update: Nadal rolls over Robredo, 6 – 0, 6 – 2, 6 – 2.  Yawn..boring…see this is what happens when Fed loses a match he should not lose!!

Meanwhile, it is Wednesday, you all know, that day of the week I promote my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  It is funny, witty, entertaining, full of neighborhood chaos and drama and humor.  OK, what more can I say but go to Amazon.com and buy it and read it!  Coming soon, Kindle Matchbook, where if you buy the print version, you get a kindle version for $1.99.  Pretty cool, uh?  So look for that in the near future.  For now, it is $9.99 in paperback and $4.99 in kindle edition.  Also available at Barnes and Noble nook for $4.99.

Surviving Paradise


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Tuesday winners at US Open

Posted on September 4, 2013 by susan

It is great to be Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic for that matter.  Serena beat-down Suarez-Navarro, 6 – 0, 6 – 0 (that is what you call a “double bagel”).  Djokovic took care of Granollers, 6 – 3, 6 – 0, 6 – 0, joining the double bagel party.  M. Youzhny won a grueling five set duel with L. Hewitt and advances to face Djokovic in the quarters.  I love the “Youzhny salute” that he does after he match when he wins…tennis fans…you know what I am talking about!  Early in the day, Azarenka advance past Ivanovic in three sets, 4 – 6, 6- 3, 6 – 4 and she will face Li Na in the semis.  Na won in three sets over Makarova, 6 – 4, 6 -7, 6 – 2.  Andy Murray moves on, winning last night over Istomin in four sets, and the other guy from Switzerland, Stan Wawrinka took out T. Berdych in four sets.  Way to go Stan.  He will face A. Murray in the quarters.

Action continues today…and I will refrain from another Federer rant (I hope!)  Miss him already in NY.


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