US Open, FSU and more about Federer

Posted on September 3, 2013 by admin

Well, after the sad result of Mr. Federer losing to Tommy Robredo, there are some other results from last night.  Nadal dropped the first set to P. Kolschreiber (6 – 7) but then rolled 6 – 4, 6 – 3, 6 – 1.  Ferrer advanced in four sets over Tipsarevic and R. Gasquet outlasted M. Raonic in a tough and grueling five set match.

Now about Roger Federer…hate that he lost, really wanted to see him play Nadal on Wednesday evening in a US Open quarterfinal match but hey, it is not going to happen.  I don’t always agree with Chris Evert but after the match, I thought she made some very interesting points.  She says Roger is not struggling physically, it is mental.  I believe she is right.  There is nothing wrong with Roger’s game.  He is just as talented as ever, still has the most complete game in men’s tennis and more variety of shots than anyone else on the men’s tour.  BUT…he is not mentally consistent and focused in his matches.  That may have something to do with being 32, having been on tour for fourteen years, holding 17 Grand Slam titles and being married and traveling with his wife, two twin four year old daughters and the rest of his entourage.  Non the less, the confidence factor, which he addressed in his post match interview is a real problem for Fed.  Don’t change racquets in mid season, do it in the off season..don’t hit the panic button and announce it to the world.  At any rate, I really believe Roger Federer can win again, and yes, win Majors if he can get his mental toughness restored.  He had hoped to do that by building up his confidence by making the quarters against Nadal, hopefully winning and moving on.  It did not happen.  Does not mean the end is here, or even near.  So buckle up Fed fans…there is more to come!

Now to College Football:  Quite an impressive performance by FSU and their redshirt freshman QB, Jameis Winston last night in a 41-13 beat-down of Pittsburgh (welcome to the ACC, Pitt).  He was 25 of 27 with 356 yards passing and one rushing TD.  Looking good Noles.

AP Rankings are out:  Top ten is as follows: 1 Alabama, 2 Oregon (love that Quack Attack!), 3 Clemson (WOW!), 4 Ohio State, 5 Stanford (has not played yet, so wait for it…), 6 South Carolina, 7 Texas A & M, 8 Louisville (QB Teddy Bridgewater is a stud and a legitimate Heisman candidate), 9 LSU and 10 FSU.

OK folks, I am worn out so over and out for now!

P.S. 2 Azarenka over Ivanovic in three tough sets today to make it to the quarterfinals at US Open.  Great match!  Andy Murray and Serena Williams are the headliners tonight on Ashe Stadium.


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So much for Fed vs. Nadal on Wednesday…

Posted on September 2, 2013 by admin

Happy Labor Day!  That being said, I am not happy…Roger Federer shockingly lost to Tommy Robredo today in three straight sets, 6 – 7, 3 – 6, 4 – 6 on Armstrong Stadium (first time Roger has played a US Open match on Armstrong Stadium since 2006).  Also, first time Roger has lost in the fourth round at the US Open since 2002.  Roger never seemed to be on his game and Robredo was superb.  Roger had never lost to Robredo (10- 0 prior to today) and this is just hugely disappointing to myself and all Federer fans.  I so badly wanted to see him play Nadal at the US Open (has never happened) and one has to wonder if it will ever happen?  Strong words coming from me as I always believe in Federer.  He seemed unsettled from the start, likely not happy to be moved to Armstrong as the four hour rain delay today caused all kinds of scheduling problems.  The Azarenka – Ivanovic match which was supposed to be played prior to Federer and Robredo on Ashe Stadium was cancelled and moved to tomorrow morning.  The achilles heel for Federer remains failure to convert on break point opportunities, 2/16 in this match, 0/6 in the second set.  He had his chances, but failed to convert.  Really a shame.  Wednesday could have been magical.  Alas, it will not happen.  So, meanwhile, Kolschreiber and Nadal are in action, Ferrer is in a battle with Tipsarevic and Raonic is one set up on Gasquet (7 – 6).  For me, Federer is out and it is hard to take in.

Meanwhile, the Deutsche Bank golf tournament finally was completed after it’s own set of weather issues.  Henrik Stenson won at -22 as the day’s leader Sergio Garcia faded.  Steve Stricker finished in second at -20 and Graham Delaet was third at -18.  Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth (20 years old) and Kevin Stadler all finished at -17.  Phil Mickelson came in at -8, Rory Mcilroy at -7 and not a good tournament for Tiger Woods, -4.  Cute shot of Tiger walking off the course with daughter Sam.

Anyhow, for me, Federer lost and it is not a good day.  Still Happy Labor Day to one and all.  FSU and Pittsburgh are currently airing on ESPN.  I need time to digest this disappointment.

Until I do…over and out!

Post note after post-match Federer interview:  He made no excuses.  He simply did not play well, had chances and did not  make it happen. In his own words..he self destructed.  He will go back to work and try to improve.  His shots clearly lacked zip on them and he just did not look like well…Roger Federer.  Such a shame…first time he has not made the final of a Grand Slam since 2002.  Hope he can do well enough during the indoor hard court circuit to make the year end final in London!


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Sunday golf from Boston, US Open and Happy Labor Day!

Posted on September 1, 2013 by admin

Round three from Boston was delayed but then resumed, sort of a start, stop and start day at the Deutsche Bank Championships.  Not a great day for Tiger Woods, finished at -6.  Really nice turn around for Rory Mcilroy, finishing up at -8, and a bit of a so-so day for Mickelson, also finishing at -8.  But Sergio Garcia is on fire.  He sits atop the leaderboard at -19.  He is followed by Henrik Stenson at -17, Graham Delaet at 16 along with Steve Stricker, Jason Dufner and Robert Castro, both at -15.

In tennis action at the US Open, Serena Williams schooled the younger American tennis star, Sloane Stephens, winning 6 – 4, 6 – 1.  She will next face Suarez-Navarro who upset A. Kerber.  Radwanska is yet to play and Li Na will face J. Jankovic after Novak Djokovic finishes up dispatching Sousa.  Novak is up 6 – 0, 6 – 2, 4 – 0 and cruising.  Also advancing today was Andy Murray over F. Mayer, 7 – 6, 6 – 2, 6 – 2.  Wawrinka won in fours sets and T. Berdych cruised through in three sets and they will face each other in the round of 16.

Tomorrow, Roger Federer will be in day time action against T. Robredo (we know what I will be watching) and Rafael Nadal will face off against P. Kolschreiber tomorrow evening.  Hopefully, they both win and then we can look forward to a very special Wednesday night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Rafa vs. Roger in the quarters of the US Open.  It never gets old, it never loses it’s magic, and I hope Roger wins.  But, first, they must win tomorrow.

So I want to wish you all a Happy Labor Day.  Enjoy and relax.  I plan to and I am going to sign off and watch one of my favorite TV shows, Unforgettable with Poppy Montgomery (9:00 pm EST on CBS).  Over and out….


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Gotta love those Clemson Tigers…and Roger Federer

Posted on September 1, 2013 by susan

Last night brought us one heck of an exciting football game, a great match up between SEC and ACC, UGA and Clemson, an old rivalry renewed, and this time, Clemson represented the ACC and themselves proud, winning 38 – 35 in Death Valley.  (Remember I picked Clemson!)  It was a great game, the muffed field goal by the Dawgs after Clemson had scored a field goal to go up by three in the second half came back to haunt them as three points was the difference in the final score.  As a GT fan, I pull for the ACC most of the time and I surely pull for them over UGA.  One of my favorite sayings…too bad, so sad, how bout them dawgs?  Well, UGA has precious little time to mull over this close loss as the other team from South Carolina, the Gamecocks and head coach Steve Spurrier will come a calling in Athens next week.  Should be very interesting to see how that game plays out as South Carolina took care of  North Carolina (ACC) fairly easily.  Clemson has put themselves right into the National Championship picture, but of course, it is week one, very early.  The Tigers look good, and Tajh Boyd is a stud as is Sammy Watkins and others.

Meanwhile, LSU survived TCU in Arlington, Texas, 37 – 27.

As for Mr. Federer, he put on a clinic last night to close out play yesterday at Flushing Meadow, defeating Mannarino of France, 6 – 3, 6 – 0, 6 – 2.  He appears on a collision course with Rafael Nadal in the quarters (something he said in the post match interview he truly wanted, his answer was “yes” with enthusiasm when asked).  Rafa and Roger have never played at the US Open.  Both have lost only 21 games in their matches played so far this tournament and they each have one more hurdle before such meeting would take place.  Nadal will face P. Kolschreiber and Roger will face Tommy Robredo.  Both Fed and Nadal will be favored in those matches.  Prior to Roger taking the court, Caroline Wozniacki was upset by Giorgi of Italy, 4 – 6, 6 – 4, 6 – 3.  Cute young twenty one year old Italian player with very engaging personality, enthusiastic father/coach in the stands, and a very powerful game for such a small woman!  Oh well, Caroline can head over to Boston to catch Rory Mcilroy play today and Monday as Rory made the cut (barely) at -1 at the Deutsche Bank Championships!


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Golf, Tennis from US Open, and College Football

Posted on August 31, 2013 by admin

What a Saturday, and it is not done yet!  First of all, golf!  The Deutsche Bank Championships got in round two today and the leaderboard is as follows: Sergio Garcia – 13, Robert Castro and Henrik Stenson at -12, Matt Kuchar and Jason Dufner at -10, J. Rose, J. Spieth, and English at -9.  Phil Mickelson finished up at -8 (after that incredible round yesterday), Tiger Woods is tied for 20th at -7 and Rory Mcilroy made the cut at -1.  Sergio had five birdies on the first seven holes and an eagle putt on 18.  WOW!

US Open was full of action today on both the men’s and women’s side, and it isn’t done yet!  American A. Riske upset 7 Petra Kvitova in three sets; A. Ivanovic advanced in three sets over American C. McHale; 2 V. Azarenka got through a tough match over Cornet of France in three sets; 4 D. Ferrer struggled but came through in four sets as did M. Raonic of Canada; Rafael Nadal continued to roll, making short work of I. Dodig 6 – 4, 6 – 3, 6- 2; and finally, John Isner did not get his “revenge” as he fell to P. Kolschreiber in four sets, 4 – 6, 6 – 3, 5 – 7, 6 – 7.  Caroline Wozniacki starts off the night session against Giorgi of Italy (a qualifier) and then Mr. Federer takes the court for his first appearance at the US Open night session, facing Mannarino (his scheduled Monday evening match was rained out and played on Tuesday afternoon).  I am going to have a heck of a time watching Fed and UGA vs. Clemson!

In College Football action today, it has been jam packed.  Georgia Tech hung 70 points on Elon, had 49 points on the board with over 8 minutes remaining in the second quarter.  Looked good running, throwing, kicking, defensively, you name it, it was looking good for the Jackets today.  Yes, it was Elon, but anytime you put up 70 points, well enough said.  Hey, the Quack Attack (Oregon) only has 48 points going into the 4th quarter in their game!

Notre Dame won over Temple behind QB Tommy Rees, 28 – 6 (last year’s starter Golson is suspended and is sitting out this year but vows to return).  2 Ohio State took care of Buffalo, 40 – 20, but that is a lot of points to give up to Buffalo I think?  WVU survived William and Mary (and a whole lot of embarrassment), 24 – 17 as the game ended.  Wisconsin looks really good, putting up 45 points in their game.  Alabama is leading VT 28 – 10 but this game has been closer than the score indicates.  Alabama only has 95 yards of total offense.  Two of their scores have come on a punt return and a kick-off return for TD’s by #22 Jones.  Have to wonder if Alabama will pound them down in the second half.  Really looking forward to Clemson vs. UGA.  Do not expect this to be a repeat of the SEC beat-down of the ACC like occurred in South Carolina on Thursday night over North Carolina.  Also, LSU faces TCU..could be close, but then again, maybe not.

Excuse me, how could I forget?  Johnny “Football” Manziel…no I am not signing that…returned to action today, albeit in the second half.  He threw three touchdown passes but also got an unnecessary penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, running his mouth off at a Rice player.  The final score was Aggies 52 – Rice 31.  Texas A & M sure gave up a lot of points but they did have six players suspended, many on defense.  So…will have to wait a week or two to see just how Johnny and the Aggies measure up this year.

Well, I am going to enjoy the action so until later…


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Del Potro upset at US Open

Posted on August 31, 2013 by susan

The big upset on Friday at the US Open occurred when Leyton Hewitt took out the gentle giant, J. Martin Del Potro in five sets, 6 – 4, 5 – 7, 3 – 6, 7 – 6, 6 – 1.  Del Potro was simply spent in the fifth set, was perhaps bothered a bit by his wrist, but all in all a tremendous effort by Hewitt, turning back time and reminding fans of performances that had him in the Open finals in the early 2000’s.  Let’s hear for the old guys, Tommy Haas, now Hewitt, and of course, Mr. Federer.

Andy Murry needed four sets to advance over L. Mayer and he next faces Florian Mayer.  Serena Williams cruised in two straight sets over Y. Shevadova, 6 – 3, 6 – 1 and the other Swiss, Stan Wawrinka beat I. Karlovic in straight sets.

Today, Nadal faces I. Dodig (2nd match on Ashe Stadium) and this evening, Roger Federer will wrap up today’s action against A. Mannarino from France.  (final match on Ashe stadium)

In Boston, Tiger, Phil and Rory all playing golf, teeing off this afternoon…Phil at -8, Tiger at -3 and Rory at -2.

BUT, we all know what is also happening today…College Football…the first Saturday action of this 2013 season!  Some really great games on.  I think Alabama beats VT, Clemson “upsets” UGA  and of course, Georgia Tech beats Elon!!

Going to be hard to keep up with all of this today, especially when UGA and Clemson face off (8:00 pm EST) and Roger Federer is in action late.  Oh well, what can you say but just ENJOY!!


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Del Potro upset at US Open

Posted on August 31, 2013 by admin

The big upset on Friday at the US Open occurred when Leyton Hewitt took out the gentle giant, J. Martin Del Potro in five sets, 6 – 4, 5 – 7, 3 – 6, 7 – 6, 6 – 1.  Del Potro was simply spent in the fifth set, was perhaps bothered a bit by his wrist, but all in all a tremendous effort by Hewitt, turning back time and reminding fans of performances that had him in the Open finals in the early 2000’s.  Let’s hear for the old guys, Tommy Haas, now Hewitt, and of course, Mr. Federer.

Andy Murry needed four sets to advance over L. Mayer and he next faces Florian Mayer.  Serena Williams cruised in two straight sets over Y. Shevadova, 6 – 3, 6 – 1 and the other Swiss, Stan Wawrinka beat I. Karlovic in straight sets.

Today, Nadal faces I. Dodig (2nd match on Ashe Stadium) and this evening, Roger Federer will wrap up today’s action against A. Mannarino from France.  (final match on Ashe stadium)

In Boston, Tiger, Phil and Rory all playing golf, teeing off this afternoon…Phil at -8, Tiger at -3 and Rory at -2.

BUT, we all know what is also happening today…College Football…the first Saturday action of this 2013 season!  Some really great games on.  I think Alabama beats VT, Clemson “upsets” UGA  and of course, Georgia Tech beats Elon!!

Going to be hard to keep up with all of this today, especially when UGA and Clemson face off (8:00 pm EST) and Roger Federer is in action late.  Oh well, what can you say but just ENJOY!!


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Tennis, Golf and a bit of pop culture

Posted on August 30, 2013 by admin

Well, US Open rolls on and so far today, A. Radwanska, Li Na, the ageless Tommy Haas, Thomas Berdych, Novak Djokovic and Sloane Stephens have all advanced.  Still to play, Andy Murray, J. Martin Del Potro vs. Leyton Hewitt, Stan Wawrinka vs. I. Karlovic and Serena Williams.

In golf, Phil Mickelson shot a sizzling first round of 63 at the Deutsche Bank Championships.  Tiger Woods got an up close and personal look as he played along side Lefty, shooting a 68 himself.  Phil is at -8, Tiger at -3.  Play is still in progress.  Rory Mcilroy is at E thru 14 holes.  (Now at -2!)  Will need a round of seventy to advance today.

How about a bit of pop culture/celebrity news to change things up a bit!!  Apparently it must be something in the water?  Clint Eastwood has separated from his wife, Dina.  They have a sixteen year old daughter.  There is a seventeen year age difference between these two.  This comes on the heels of confirmation that Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have separated, spending some time apart but planning to work on their marriage.  Best to all of them, life is never simple!

On a positive note, Fergie and husband Josh Duhamel welcome a baby boy, Axl Jack.  Congratulations to the proud new parents.  You just know this boy is going to be adorable!

I have not had time to watch the two hour season finale of Motive yet, but I will.  I hope ABC renews this slick cop drama, originally broadcast in Canada!

Later…


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College Football and US Open results from Thursday pm

Posted on August 30, 2013 by susan

Well, college football returned last night (YES!) and at least one of the featured games was very exciting, well both offered excitement but for two different reasons.  6 South Carolina took care of North Carolina fairly easily, prevailing 27 – 10 in a game that saw a very long lightening delay in the fourth quarter.  I have been through one of those experiences, in Tallahassee when Georgia Tech beat FSU during Bobby Bowden’s last year as head coach.  It was 2009, the year GT won the ACC Championship (never mind what the NCAA says).  At any rate, as a GT fan and an ACC fan, I was disappointed as many have predicted North Carolina as the co-favorite to win the Coastal Division along with Miami.  Based on what I saw last night, really?  Perhaps Georgia Tech will show up this year and prove the media wrong (as usual).  The Gamecock’s offensive line outweighed the Tar Heel’s defensive line by about 50 lbs. to a man.  It was unreal, but perhaps there is the difference between the SEC and the ACC in a nutshell.  However, I do think the ACC vs. SEC game on Saturday from Atlanta, 8 Clemson vs. 5 Georgia is going to be a very different story!

In the other SEC game, Ole Miss and Vandy put on a show.  Ole Miss came from behind and with 1:07 left in the game, Ole Miss RB Jeff Scott ran for a 75 yard TD and Ole Miss outlasted Vandy, 39 – 35 in Nashville.  Robert Nikemdiche who is from Gwinnett County, Georgia and was the number one recruit last year started for Ole Miss.  He is 6’5″ and weighs in at 300 lbs. and he can move.  Which brings to mind that Clowney for the Gamecocks looked a wee bit out of shape in that game.  At any rate, James Franklin has tried to change the culture at Vandy and he has done so.  It was close, exciting and the stadium was rocking.  Exciting finish, with Ole Miss the victor.

In Flushing Meadow, Rafael Nadal made quick work of Dutra Silva, 6 – 2, 6- 1, 6-0 and will face Dodig on Saturday.  Earlier, Caroline Wozniacki (after kissing b/f Rory Mcilroy good bye as he heads to Boston to compete in the Deutsche Bank Championships) dispatched her opponent with ease, 6 – 1, 6 – 2.  The fairy tale came to an end for young Victoria Duval as she fell to veteran player Hantuchova, 2 – 6, 3 – 6.  I think we will see a lot of Duval in the future.

But the real match of the evening was on Armstrong Stadium between G. Monfils and John Isner.  Isner took the first two sets, 7 – 5, 6 – 2, then Monfil came to life and took the third set, 6 – 4.  The atmosphere took on a Davis Cup feel as the crowd began to chant for Monfils, much to the dismay of the American, Isner.  John took the fourth set in a tie breaker, winning out 7 – 6 but you cold see he was a bit confused by the crowd not supporting him.  I really think they wanted to see more tennis, and Monfil is so entertaining, he is always a crowd favorite.  After all, imagine how Andy Roddick used to feel when the adoring crowd would cheer for Roger Federer.  But hey, who doesn’t love Fed?

Anyhow..tennis continues today on ESPN2 and Golf begins as well.  And tomorrow, College Football beginning with ESPN Gameday live from Clemson , South Carolina…buckle up, it is going to be a wild ride!


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Fed Express rolls into third round of US Open

Posted on August 29, 2013 by susan

It is Thursday and it is one jam packed day of sports!  US Open is well underway and then tonight, in about fifteen minutes to be exact, college football kicks off with the University of North Carolina visiting the University of South Carolina.  After that game, Ole Miss will come a calling on Vandy (both games on ESPN).

But first things first, and for me as you all know, Roger Federer comes first.  Mr. Federer rolled over Berlocq of Argentina today 6 – 3, 6 – 2, 6 – 1.  ROGER THAT!  Fed looked strong, excelled again at the net with his volleys and picked up his 66th career victory at the US Open, surpassing Johnny Mac.  He now awaits the winner of the Querrey vs. Mannarino match.  Surprisingly, Mannarino is up two sets to love having won two sets over the big serving American in tie breakers.  Will be interesting to see who prevails in that match and gets a date with Mr. Federer on Saturday. (It will be Mannarino)   Also in action, 2 Victoria Azarenka facing Wozniak of Canada (not to be confused with C. Wozniacki who will be in action tonight on Ashe Stadium).  Azarenka took the first set 6 – 3 and the second set 6 – 1.

Winners today include C. McHale in three tough sets,  Serena Williams in two very easy sets, A. Ivanovic in two sets, S. Lisicki in two sets, Richard Gasquet in three sets, A. Kerber in three sets and J. Jankovic in two sets (she is currently playing very well!)  4th seed Sara Errani was upset by her fellow Italian F. Pennetta in two sets.  Later tonight, Rafa will take the court after the Wozniacki match to face Dutra Silva.  Look for Rafa to get through that match and be featured on Saturday against Dodig.  Then perhaps looking ahead to round 4, a possible match up against the winner of the match between John Isner and G. Monfils (should be a very entertaining match tonight between those two).

Meanwhile, as mentioned above, college football kicks off tonight.  So, the TV remote will be getting quite a workout.  This will be a breeze however, compared to what I am calling “manic Saturday” as we will then have the privilege of enjoying some great tennis, golf from Boston (yes, Tiger Woods is going to play) and some huge college football games!

For any of you non sports enthusiasts out there, the two hour season finale of the ABC crime drama, Motive airs tonight at 8:00 pm EST.  My DVR is already set to record!

Until later…


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