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I’m back…Federer wins and more!

Posted on August 18, 2014 by susan

At last, I am back (keyboard fixed, oh, what a relief it is!) and so let’s get to it..Roger Federer wins Western and Southern Open title yesterday in Cincy for the 6th time! Three set win over the always fighting David Ferrer, 6-3, 1-6 (?), 6-2. That second set was a puzzler for sure, but Fed got it done and won his third title of the year as we head into the US Open next week. Looking really good, Mr. Federer! He is having such a great year this year, if only that Wimbledon final had gone his way…but with Djokovic appearing to struggle a bit this hard court season…who is now the favorite in New York? Likely the pundits will say Djokovic, with Federer right there with him. Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the US Open due to the lingering right wrist injury. So…who ya got at Flushing Meadow? I think the elusive #18 for Mr. Federer is looming on the horizon!!

Serena Williams took out Ana Ivanovic in two sets, 6-4, 6-1. Serena looks ready for the US Open for sure. She has yet to win a Major this year so you know she is gunning for this one. Great tournament for Ana, she took out Sharapova in a tough three set match in the semifinals (yes, always happy to see Maria lose, her actions when Ana called for the trainer were indicative of who she really is as a person and a player) so Ivanovic is definitely in the mix heading into the action from Flushing Meadow!

Now, for our entertainment, the latest CFB AP Preseason Rankings are updated and out! I always love these preseason rankings! 1. FSU 2. Alabama 3. Oregon (go Ducks!) 4. Oklahoma 5. Ohio State 6. Auburn 7. UCLA 8. Michigan State 9. South Carolina 10. Baylor 11. Stanford 12. Georgia (I am a GT fan!) 13. LSU 14. Wisconsin 15. USC 16. Clemson 17. Notre Dame 18. Ole Miss 19. Arizona State 20. Kansas State 21. Texas A&M 22. Nebraska 23. North Carolina 24. Missouri and 25. Washington.

So, eight SEC teams (no surprise there) three ACC teams (although I really think of FSU as more of an “SEC type team”) and thank you, five Pac-12 teams. Really nice to see some love for west coast college football!

Glad to be back and blogging, computer issues are always such a hassle. Plus, that other little part-time job has been an adventure…hey, if you want some free clothes, just check my schedule as apparently I was not exactly cut out for “retail” and I tend to have sales that do not go through properly. What can you say, we all have our talents and our weaknesses(?)!

Anyhow, enjoy your Monday!

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Next post is coming…when

Posted on August 17, 2014 by susan

Next post is coming when I get this keyboard fixed! Apologies for the technical difficulties! Fed and Serena win in Cincy! YES! Latest AP CFB preseason poll out to entertain us (Ha Ha) and much more. Hopefully back in action tomorrow. Happy Sunday everyone!

So happy Federer won…looking good Mr. Federer with US Open just over a week away!

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Federer in semifinals tonight in Cincy

Posted on August 16, 2014 by susan

Federer is into the semifinals tonight in Cincy and will face M. Raonic of Canada. This opportunity comes virtue of a great win over Andy Murray last night in the quartersfinals. Fed won the first set and then trailed 1-4 in the 2nd set only to even the match and win in two sets, 6-3, 7-5. Great match! Now, tonight Ana Ivanovic vs. Sharapova up first (Maria won over S. Halep in three sets last night…Halep is always so close but does not close the deal) and that match had so many breaks of serve you really lost count. Also, earlier today, D. Ferrer defeated Benneteau in straight sets and he will await the winner of tonight’s match for the title tomorrow in Cincy. Roger has won it five times, going for number six.

Serena Williams won her match earlier today over good friend Caroline Wozniacki in three sets, Serena lost the first but came back to win the second and third set. So she is ready to play the winner of tonight’s match (Sharapova – Ivanovic)!

So, settle in an enjoy some great tennis tonight! Missed today’s matches but did run the DVR. There is that pesky other part-time job and my keyboard is ill…will be getting it fixed Monday I hope! Apologies…but it nearly impossible to write my blog until I get this fixed.

Enjoy your Saturday night!

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Federer into the quarters in Cincy!

Posted on August 15, 2014 by susan

Roger Federer is into the quarterfinals in Cincy! Just in…had to watch his match against the always entertaining G. Monfils on ESPN3 on the computer! Very disappointed in the lack of TV coverage!! Anyhow, Federer prevails in a great match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Some really entertaining tennis and again, what a shame it was not televised! Earlier today, Djokovic went out early again (went out early last week in Toronto) to another ageless guy, Tommy Robredo, 6-7, 5-7. Nole is struggling on the hard courts as we approach the US Open. Andy Murray prevailed in thee sets, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 over John Isner. Murray is in Federer’s portion of the draw! Stan the man Wawrinka won in three sets over M. Cilic, coming back after losing the first set 3-6 to win the last two sets, 6-0, 6-1. J. Benneteau defeated Janowicz (the Jerzy boy) in two sets. David Ferrer and M. Youzhny have yet to play their match.

Serena cruised in a two set win, 6-2, 6-2 over F. Pennetta. Sharapova outlasted her opponent, 6-4, 7-6. A. Radwanska won an easy two set match, 6-1, 6-1. S. Halep continued to impress, winning 6-4, 7-6 over L. Safarova. Caroline Wozniacki still up later tonight.

So, happy to see Federer make it through into the quarters in Cincy. Really wish we could have all enjoyed watching the match on the big screen. More tennis action tomorrow…until then…enjoy the rest of your night!!

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Surviving “Paradise” on Wednesday, and Federer wins!

Posted on August 13, 2014 by susan

It is Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day and also, Roger Federer won his first match (second round) in Cincy at the Southern and Western Open. So, a GOOD day!

First up tennis action! Roger advanced in three sets today over a tough opponent, V. Pospisil (big serving Canadian), 7-6, 5-7, 6-2. Good match for Fed. Next up, winner of G. Monfils vs. Bautista-Agut. Federer vs. Monfils could be very entertaining…will have to wait and see! So glad to see Federer continuing to look really good on the hard court swing as we approach the US Open! 300 career wins for Mr. Federer in Masters 1000 events (a record, of course)!

Andy Murray made short work of J. Sousa earlier, 6-3, 6-3. Grigor Dimitrov went out at the hands of the Jerzy boy in three sets and Thomas Berdych was upset in three sets as well. Yesterday, Djokovic struggled a bit but advanced in three sets and Wawrinka prevailed in two tight sets. Serena Williams took the court and won a two set match today over Sam Stosur, 7-6, 7-6. P. Kvitova went out again early (she was upset early in Montreal last week) falling to Svitolina in two sets. Last week’s champion in Montreal, A. Radwanska won in two sets. Making early exits yesterday, J. Tsonga (winner over Federer in Toronto) and Venus Williams. Hate to see that for Venus, such a great tournament for her in Montreal, moving back into the top twenty after that great win over little sister Serena. World #2 S. Halep returned to action last night and looked very sharp, winning in two sets over Flipkens of Belgium. Halep is the real deal. With Azarenka pulling out due to her knee injury and Li Na already out and also out of the US Open, the women’s field is a bit depleted. E. Bouchard of Canada and Ana Ivanovic will take the court tonight in Cincy. The men’s field is full (except for Rafa, remains to be seen if he will play US Open due to wrist injury) and Murray, Djokovic, Federer, Wawrinka all move on into the third round of play. Federer has won this event 5 times and is looking for #6! ROGER THAT! Post match interview with Fed was so cool…Funny to hear him talk about his night plans, press, massage, sponsor commitments, changing diapers, baths, reading bedtime stories, maybe catching some tennis on TV. What can you say…Fed is the best! Also, important stat in today’s match…Roger won 81% of points on his second serve. (All tennis experts know, this is the most important and telling stat in tennis!)

Now…it is Wednesday and that is the day I promote my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver. Please check out the HOME page at this website for more info and also the BUY THE BOOK option on the menu bar. It is funny….and I hope it makes its way to the “screen” in the not too distant future! Try it, I think you will really like it!

Meanwhile, in addition to continuing coverage of tennis from Cincy on Tennis Channel, the best detective show on TV, Motive airs tonight with a new episode. 10:00 pm on ABC

LATER!!!

Posted in Blog, events, pop culture, sports figures, Surviving "Paradise", susan shaver, Susan Willoch Shaver, Tennis, tv shows | Comments Off

It’s all about Rory..Mcilroy wins PGA

Posted on August 11, 2014 by susan

It is all about Rory Mcilroy in the world of golf! Mcilroy won the PGA Championship today (tonight) with a score of -16, a final round of 68 and -3 on the day. It was dark and he got it done! This was in Kentucky, Valhalla Country Club, and there was an almost two hour “weather delay” to factor into this final round. Hey, it is the south, it is hot, humid, it rains, and basically it stinks! (Go west people, go west…another topic for another day!) Anyhow, what a performance by Rory Mcilroy, the undisputed #1 golfer in the world today. He bested a huge performance by Lefty, Phil Mickelson, who was -5 on the day and finished in second at -15. It was almost ridiculous that they continued play it was so difficult to see, they brought the last two groupings onto the 18th hole together to get it all done. Non the less, Rory has now won three tournaments in a row and has won the last two majors! Rory Mcilory finished atop the leaderboard at -16, Mickelson second at -15, H. Stenson and Rickie Fowler finished at -14, Jim Furyk and Ryan Palmer at -12, Ernie Els and others (H. Mahan and Steve Stricker) at -11. Playing along side Rory, Wiesberger faded to finish at -9. What an incredible final round of golf!

Now, if they delay programming on CBS, Unforgettable may not air. That does not make me happy…why not get rid of “Big Brother” and show Unforgettable. Quality over….well, again, another topic for another day. Stay tuned…60 Minutes is starting and we shall see!

Congrats to Rory Mcilroy!

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Federer and Venus come up short at Rogers Cup

Posted on August 10, 2014 by susan

Both Roger Federer (age 33) and Venus Williams (age 34) came up short today in their respective finals at Rogers Cup tennis action in Toronto and Montreal. Venus went down in straight sets to A. Radwanska, 6-4, 6-2. Venus did not look like the player that defeated her little sis Serena (world #1) yesterday and all credit to Radwanska, very crafty play! Meanwhile, in the match I really cared most about, Mr. Federer fell to J. Tsonga, 7-5, 7-6. Roger never looked comfortable, did not have his “A” game, and had to really scratch and claw his way to stay in the match. Way too many unforced errors, but some really incredible results when he came into the net (the Edberg effect). First match for Federer during the day, his previous matches were all night matches. Still, all credit to Tsonga, his power game was on full display and quite a tournament for him. Defeated Djokovic, Murray and then Federer to take the title. Not the result I was hoping for, but it is the one we got this afternoon. On to Cincy next week for the Western and Southern Open.

Meanwhile, final round of the PGA is well underway and it looks like it is going to go right down to the wire. Rory has faded just a bit, now at -11 along with Jason Day. H. Stenson and Rickie Fowler lead at -13 with Wiesberger at -12. A ways to go til play is completed…at least 7:00 pm EST. Should be one heck of a finish!

Also, a new episode of Unforgettable airs tonight on CBS at 9:00 pm EST (well, that of course depends on how long it takes for the final round of golf to finish!)

Later! (Time to go lick my wounds, bury my head in the sand, well, how about just get over it and move on!) I am sure Mr. Federer will be just fine!

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Tennis – Rogers Cup updates

Posted on August 9, 2014 by susan

Rogers Cup action continued today in both Montreal and Toronto! Tennis Masters 1000 event was blessed with the 25th meeting between the Williams sisters..Venus (big sis) vs. world number 1 and little sis (Serena)! A surprise result in this semifinal action as Venus got the best of Serena in three sets, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3. So happy for Venus, especially after all she has battled through in the past few years. This is the first victory over Serena for Venus since 2009, her first Rogers Cup final appearance, and her first victory on Canadian soil! Quite a day for Venus Williams! Serena served up aces, but some double faults as well and Venus was superb! Again, congrats to Venus, really happy for her! She will move back into the top twenty in next week’s rankings!

In the first men’s semifinal…a bit of a dud! Was expecting a great match but J. Tsonga continued his roll (first Djokovic, then Murray) and today he took out Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets with relative ease, 6-4, 6-3. He awaits the winner of tonight’s match between F. Lopez and Roger Federer. Have to think it will be a Tsonga – Federer final tomorrow!!

Federer was insultingly relegated to ESPN3 coverage last night in his quarterfinal match against David Ferrer (and on his 33rd birthday no less)! Federer prevailed in three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. The second set was a bit shaky and Federer was not quite as sharp as he had been in his first two matches, non the less he won (has never lost to Ferrer) and will face F. Lopez, winner over Canadian M. Raonic in three sets. ROGER THAT! Really hope Federer can win this event for the third time!

ESPN3 match today will feature A. Radwanska vs. Makarova for the right to face Venus Williams tomorrow in the women’s final. It will be on at around 6:30 pm EST. Federer vs. Lopez will be on ESPN2 at 8:00 pm EST.

PGA round three underway…Mcilroy, Rickie Fowler and Ryan Palmer currently tied at -10. Jim Furyk, L. Oosthuizen, B. Wiesberger, Jason Day and M. Ilonen at -9. Play is not yet completed and Lefty (Mickelson) is at -6 thru 12 holes. This one is going to go down to the wire…Rory started the day atop the leaderboard but has been joined by Rickie and Ryan! Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, I am also enjoying an oldie but goldie…The Presidio starring Meg Ryan, Mark Harmon and Sean Connery! Also, enjoying the beautiful scenery of San Francisco!! Later…

PGA round three completed…Rory Mcilroy and B. Wiesberger tied at -12, Phil Mickelson, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler in second at -10! Oops..not done yet…Finally! Rory -13, Wiesberger -12, Rickie Fowler -11, Mickelson and Jason Day -10. WOW! Until 2:00 pm EST tomorrow!

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Happy 33rd Birthday to Roger Federer

Posted on August 8, 2014 by susan

Happy Birthday to Roger Federer who turns 33 today (8/8/14). Fed celebrated a very tough three set win over M. Cilic late last night in Toronto on the eve of his 33rd birthday, winning 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 to advance into the quarterfinals. Federer had six break points that were match points in the second set on Cilic’s serve, (Fed up 6-5 with Cilic serving) and Cilic saved them all. Tremendous match, no breaks until the third set! Federer was 0-9 on break points until lucky number ten in the third and deciding set. Cilic only had two break opportunities on Roger’s serve and failed to convert them. Fed has won the Rogers Cup twice and is looking for number three. He will face David Ferrer in the late night quarterfinal match tonight. Other quarterfinal matches: F. Lopez vs. M. Raonic, G. Dimitrov vs. K. Anderson and Andy Murray vs. J. Tsonga. Let’s see what Tsonga has left after that huge upset of world #1 Novak Djokovic yesterday (6-2, 6-2)! A couple of other upsets occured late yesterday, Wimbledon champ P. Kvitova fell in three sets to Makarova and Thomas Berdych lost to F. Lopez in three sets, thus Lopez into the quarters to face Canadian favorite M. Raonic.

So, golf (PGA second round), tennis and it is FRIDAY! Enjoy!

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Upsets at Rogers Cup, PGA gets underway

Posted on August 7, 2014 by susan

There were huge upsets today at the Rogers Cup, both in Toronto on the men’s side and in Montreal on the women’s side. PGA Golf Championship got underway as well in Louisville, KY.

Let’s start with tennis! Novak Djokovic is out, falling to J. Tsonga 6-2, 6-2. That was and is a shocker! Also, Stan Wawrinka fell to K. Anderson in straight sets, 7-6, 7-5. I saw Kevin Anderson upset Stan at Indian Wells. This is the second Masters 1000 event where Anderson has gotten the best of Wawrinka. Meanwhile, Ferrer survived Dodig, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 and Dimitrov advanced in three sets over T. Robredo, 5-7, 7-5, 6-4. Murray advanced in a walkover, (Richard Gasquet withdrawing). So, that leaves Mr. Federer to serve tonight against M. Cilic. This is the eve of Roger’s 33rd birthday, tomorrow is the big day for Roger, 8/8/14. With these upsets, Roger has a clear path if he can stay the course and play his tennis! GO FED!

On the women’s side, it rained in Montreal, this one day after the power outage and it wreaked havoc on the schedule. Non the less, big upset as Maria Sharapova went out to Saurez-Navarro in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Not disappointed, personally! Serena won a tough two set match over Safarova, 7-5, 6-4.

Now we await Raonic vs. Benneteau before Mr. Federer to serve late tonight in Toronto.

PGA Golf Championship got underway today from Louisville, KT. Tiger Woods landed and played the course, shooting a first round of 74, +3 and a good bit off the lead of -6. Rory Mcilroy came cruising in on the back nine, after a bad start and had at least four straight birdies, finishing at -5. Lefty had a good day, finishing at -2. The Leaderboard: Lee Westwood -6, Kevin Chappell -6, Ryan Palmer -6, Rory Mcilroy -5, Jim Furyk -5, E. Molinari -5, H. Stenson, Luke McDonald and others at -4.

Been a long Thursday…time to kick back and relax and watch Mr. Federer! Enjoy your evening!

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Surviving "Paradise"