Australian Open Forum

[coach tom]

Lets keep this thread going for the entire two weeks.

My first two days observations, in no particular order:

Jelena Dokic needs to find a coach and learn how to close out a match. She has the skills, but not the head. Dokic also wears the new FILA outfit much better than Jenny Capriati.

Linday Davenport has not improved her game enough and although the Dokic win was good, foreshadows a tough road and most likely she will not win here this year.

Monica Seles got a good and bad break. The almost walkover is good in that she saved a matches worth of energy. Its bad because she could use some practice on the Rebound Ace, which in my opinion bounces way too high this year.

The Australian Tennis Association should stop dicking around with the court surface. Some of the balls I saw so far bounce higher than on clay and there is little or no ability to play touch tennis on the surface this year. Pick a surface, pick a set of characteristics, and stick with it forever guys!

If the temp and weather hold, this surface favors Agassi, and hurts Sampras. Should Pete and Andre meet in the quarters as the seeding has it, Andre wins in four.

With the exception of Sampras and Tauziat, doesn't anyone play serve and volley anymore? (The Aussies may not have invented that style but they sure as hell perfected it over the years.)

ESPN's coverage sucks so far. about one hour of tennis per day. The only thing they got right is the Davenport-Dokic match.

I think I've said enough for today. What do you guys think?

[tennis4you]

A 2 week thread is going to get a little big for me, but I am game. I will be posting a lot in these 2 weeks, if you can keep up, cool. :)

Here is my favorite so far...

Carlos Moya, Spain, def. Marcelo Rios, Chile, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.

Not looking good for a guy who claimed 2 weeks ago he could regain his number 1 ranking in the world. He did become #1 in the ATP champions race after the first week, but to prove to me he is any good he will have to be the real #1, not just in the race, especially not just the first week!!! You can garuntee he wil lbe far from #1 in the race after this tournament!!!

As far as everyone else, they seem to be on track. I am suprised that Jan Michael Gambil lost in his first round!!! I am sure that is more than disappointing for him!!!

Henman still volleys. :)

I was not impressed with Capriati's play the other day, she looked horrible, I am suprtised she even won! She just claimed she could hang with the Williams sisters if she was in better shape. If If If, not my favorite word. Her play looked horrible in round 1, if she keeps up that level she will be out the forst site of a good opponent!!!

[Marc]

Good luck in keeping this thing going for two weeks. :) Sorry, but I'm not watching the Open now, so I can't really add much - blame it on mid-terms. Keep it going and invite some of your tennis friends to help out!

[coach tom]

Well, you are right, Tim Henmen still volleys. Okay, that makes it three.

Capriati looked better last night, but not because she was playing better. Oremans was pathetic. She waited until the last few games of the second set to change her game (always change a losing game, never change a winning one) and start coming to the net on every opportunity. When she did, she won the majority of the points. Had she awoken a few hours earlier she probably would have won in three easy.

Although I cannot pronounce it, Seles opponent last night looked to have promise. And yes, she was quite attractive. I must say that the WTA tour may have the best looking players it has ever had and is one of the most marketable commodities if you are willing to sell it with looks and sex. Best of all, these "girls" can play tennis!

I don't know what all the hubbub is about with Venus outfit. Did everyone miss the fact that she is a women and has a chest? I personally think her design doesn't work on an aesthetic level. Interesting, but not a great looking or functional outfit. Martina Hingis one long one short sleeve thingy is interesting but looks like crap in white. Maybe if it were in black or red...

Jan Michael is going to be another Clark Graebner. High ranking Yank, never a real contender. Like a predicessor (Gene Mayer) his two sided two handed style will not stand up to the overall men's singles competition.

Andrew Ilie. Need I say more?

I noticed that the Rocket plays with a Pro Kennex. Wouldn't you think that a higher profile company would have signed him on?

Just when you think she's on the verge, Chanda Rubin does something to bring us back to earth. I would love to be her traveling coach and manager. Lots of potential which will probably never be realized.

ESPN coverage is a littel better. At least they are showing the matches which are the most interesting at the time. Three hours last night, which is pretty good.

No one bashed me on any message board this week. Big accomplishment so far.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi...

[tennis4you]

O, do you need a bashing? lol

I still want to see Capriati play someone good!!! I want to see how she holds up. My guess is she will get to the round of 16 and stop there. Of coarse this is coming from a guy who didn't look at her draw. :)

I missed the Seles match, I always miss the good looking ones, I also haven't seen Venus' outfit, but by what you say, maybe I don't, lol...

I agree that Jan-Micael Gambill will never be a great. I am not a fan of the 2 handed style. I don't think it will ever get anyone far except Seles.

A lot of people struggles last night, Safin, Sampras, especially Ferrero, he struggled himself right of the the tournament. I was suprised to see him lose so soon!!! But i liek to see the top player eliminated to give Sampras a better chance.

What do you think about Sampras having the best odds to win this tournament? I was suprised to see he was favored. I don't think he is going to do it. I think Agassi, Safin and Kuerten all have better chances, but again, I hope I am DEAD wrong!!!

Agassi squished Paul last night, he had no mercy!!!

[tennis4you]

Sampras has Kraijeck, Kuerten had Rudeski... Kuerten is something like 1-6 again Rudeski now.

Greg Rusedski defeated Kuerten 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7 in a second-round match. I am suprised the the number 1 player in the world fell in a second round on a surface that should somewhat favor his game. Heck, he won the FO twice.

Well, with him out of the game that makes the draw more interesting. I figured he was a straight shot through to the semi's.

[coach tom]

I predicted (on another site) yesterday that the Big G would beat Guga. Yes, this rubberized French Open should favor Guga, but Rusedski's serve is not nullified on this court and the fact that every ball is sitting up gave Greg more than a fighting chance.

I didn't realize that Guga's record against this cannon was so poor...

Everyone acts like Venus had no clue about the outfit. Hell, like every other outfit she wears, she helped design it! I'm also surprised that people didn't realize she had boobs before. It's not like you would have missed them in last years bikini/dress/spandex thing.

Why is it that all the great American men are in the same quarter of the draw? Todd and Pete must play, then Todd or Pete Play Andre. What the hell is that?

The more I see of the Nike pink, the more I think that I want next years WTA calendar to be a player per day. I have never seen this many good looking female athletes in one place ever (not even in figure skating, which may not even technically be a sport.)

Hingis/Seles vs. Capriati/Dokic will be one hell of a doubles match. Assuming the two M's beat the two J's, that will be a great warmup for the two M's vs. the Sistas. The rest of the doubles draw, on both sides ain't worth the time (and I love doubles.)

Whats all the hubub about Anna's outfit? If you saw the Chase, its the same outfit only instead of all black the top is bright yellow. I like it in the black better.

Kim Clijsters could wind up in the semi's. She's playing well and her only big test will be Lindsay in round 4. If Kimmy beats Lindsay, that opens the way for my long shot Anna to make the semi's and possibly the finals.

Did I miss something, or did ESPN switch to NHL 2nite and hockey in the middle of a Williams match? If King Richard finds out, look out!

Time for me to take more Lithium...

[tennis4you]

That does suck that the Americans are on the sma ehalf of the draw. I really liek to see Todd Martin do well. I wish he woul dwin a slam so that some day he can say he did. He has worked hard! But there is no way he can get past the wall of Sampras and Agassi.

The Hingis/Seles vs Dokic/Davenport will be a great match, but I give it to Seles and Hingis. They may not have played much doubles together previous, but I think they can win this one. Heck, I didn't even know Davenport played doubles!!! I think that Dokic will be the weak link in all of that.

As far as Venus' outfit, she toned it down a little in er last match, there was barely a slit where before there was a large one. I could care less, I just want to see tennis.

Good job on your Guga prediction, I was predicting the opposite!!!

I don't see how Clisters will beat Davenport. I think the only one who will eliminate Hingis, Davenport, or the Williams sisters is one of the 4 i just mentioned.

pass me some of that Lithium!

Scott

[tennis4you]

Pete's matches so far (3 of them) have all been longer than 3 sets, last nights was a 5 setter. I don't think he is ion the same shape as he used to be, I hope he can hang in there. We have seen him faulter due to exhaustion before in matches.

However, Agassi says he doesn't buy it, he says Sampras will still play good tennis. Injured, sick, tired, Agassi is quoted saying "you still have to beat him".

Next up for Pete is Todd Martin which should be a tough match. And I don't see a 3 setter out of that one either. I am not too worried about exhaustion there, it is his next challange if he gets to it, Agassi. Agassi's last opponent defaulted due to exhaustion. Agassi is the master at killing your legs and making you run. I hope that the adrenaline from playing Agassi will keep Sampras alive! That will not be a 3 setter either if Sampras is to win.

It will not be an easy road for Sampras if he is to win this AO! I hope he does though!!!

[tennis4you]

Uh oh, Capriati is making me look bad, I saud she wasn't looking good and that she would lose if she didn't pick up her play. Looks like she is on cruise control now...

Jennifer Capriati (12) def. Virginia Ruano-Pascual, 6-0, 6-2

That was the 3rd round, and her second round looked about the same.

We will see when the real competition comes though. I wish her the best, I just don't think she has what it takes to win it. :)

[coach tom]

Watching Pete play last night just confirms that he will announce after winning his eight Wimbledon that 2001 is his last full year of tennis. He had zero fire in his eyes, and he made more backhand mistakes than I have ever seen him make, even as a junior! Pete looked happy just to be sitting down on the changeovers.

I think that Pete may have to change rackets. Unlike me, Pete plays for big money, so using his 15 year old design racket won't cut it any more. Pete's backhand, never his strongest shot, has no crunch anymore. Pete could really use the boost of some of this hyper technology at Wilson (seeing as he has a super long endorsement contract and will be using Wilson till long after he retires) or maybe some of the new Rollers technology. Pete was raised on wood and aluminum, so his fundamentals are sound. All it will take is some adjustment to the new trampoline cannons, which Pete could do well before the French starts. Hey Pete, I suggest the Hypercarbon Pro Staff 7.6 Rollers, customized to your weight and balance specs. You will still get some of that old time feel, but you will be amazed at how all of your shots and serves are untouchable, like in your "youth" (I can't believe that a guy who's not over 35 is out of his "youth". That makes me a senior citizen I guess.)

Kim Clijsters looks amazing (tennis that is). Hey, you heard it here first, Kimmy will beat Lindsay, in two. It may be 4 and 4, but Clijsters will register her first huge major tournament win. Then with any luck she'll lose to the beautiful Anna and the Russian bombshell will make it to at least the semi's.

Chela? I thought that was some kind of red wine...

Hey everyone, wake up. Lleyton won't win it. Enjoy it now while it lasts...

Go Yevgeny, Go Yevgeny, Go Yevgeny, Go!

The British Lawn Tennis Association toasting Rusedski? That's like the Queen shopping at Kmart...

What the hell does the UTA on Barbara Schett's dress stand for?

Hey, did I just cheer for two Russians? I was raised during the Cold War. They are my mortal enemies. CCCP and red stand for beat them at any cost. If you cheer for them, you must be a commy...

Am I going insane or does Damir Dokic kind of remind you of a younger George Steinbrenner mixed with a large dose of the Iron Sheik...

Why hasn't ESPN or NBC called me yet to work with Cliff "You all forgot I'm from South Africa" Drysdale and Bud "he's my idol but you won't catch me in those pants" Collins?

Dick Enberg, where are you?

Oh, and Pam Shriver and Mary Joe Fernandez together as commentators is as boring as Pam and Mary playing doubles. They are both jealous of Anna's "Portfolio".

Yes Dr. Laura, I'll take that Prozac now...

[tennis4you]

Just pass it along, I can use some.

I am not sure if Pete will announce any retirement. I am almost doubtful to say he will win Winbledon again. He better strike now and win this AO or you never know what might happen. As far as his racquet, I think what he has works good. If he wanted more power he could string it at less than 82 pounds. Don't forget, it was that backhand that took down Cedric Pioline in the U.S. Open final back in (92?). So it is a weapon, it just doesn't compare to his bomb of a forehand. If I recall correctly, he knowed 2 backhands for winners in the second set of the Wimbledon final against Rafter last year to make his comeback. However, I did not get to see him play yesterday, O si iwll stop here on the backhand praise. I just wish mine was that good.

Clisters vs. Davenport, I still say it will take a Hingis or Williams to beat Davenport here! Hingis is just killing her opponents, this is like a vacation for her so far!!!

No Yevgeny, No Yevgeny, No Yevgeny, No! I liek the guy, but I don't see him winning. Then again, I didn't see Kuerten lossing.

"Hey everyone, wake up. Lleyton won't win it. Enjoy it now while it lasts... " No kidding!!! I don;t think he has what it takes to win a major yet, and I wonder if he ever will.

ESPN hasn't called you yet because they called me first, lol.

Pam Shriver and Mary Joe Fernandez, try the mute button, it may help. :)

[lmanchur.]

Well, to be honest, I usually NEVER look at this board because tennis doesn't really appeal to me that much, but since I had some time, I thought I would check it out.

2 things I wanted to say:

1) A while ago, I noticed, there was a thread saying, "Kournikova still can't win." Well, she's still in it and going into the fourth round (or fifth?)!... could this be it!?

2) I need to find some pics of that Venus outfit, because I heard about it on a sportscast, but I was just catching the end of it, an someone mentioned it here, but I still haven't seen it!!... what did it look like? :(

[tennis4you]

Kournikova is headed into the 4th round I believe, and (in my opinion) there is no way she can win this one. She is not ready mentally or physcially. The post you saw the heading for was because she got to the finals of what wasn't even a WTA tour event and she still lost...

As far as the outfit Venus is wearing, it just has a horizontal slit across the chest that is somewhat revealing.

[Marc]

Originally posted by tennis4you
Kournikova is headed into the 4th round I believe, and (in my opinion) there is no way she can win this one. She is not ready mentally or physcially.
Oh, really? She'll never win if no one gives her a chance!

[tennis4you]

typically the opponents she plays doesn't exactly want her to have a chance. What do you mean?

[lmanchur.]

Originally posted by tennis4you
As far as the outfit Venus is wearing, it just has a horizontal slit across the chest that is somewhat revealing.

http://www.ausopen.org/news/photos/imagepages/2092bd4bfa5183be002569d80002ef68.html
..this is the only outfit of Venus I could find on the official Aussie Open web site... so is this it?

Also, I think Marc is referring to fans and media that say "she will never win a tournament" -- it has got to hit you mentally if you hear that and see that enough times.

[tennis4you]

Well, maybe. I think as a famous person you have to learn to disregard what the media says. If you can not, then you certainly are not ready to win a tournament mentally. I admit, going this long and not winning a tournament must be tough, but I am sure she has support from a lot of people!

I hope she does someday, and maybe at that point she will become a better player b/c maybe she won;t doubt herself. (Maybe she doesn't doubt herself now, ya never know.)

[Marc]

Just wanted to add that Lee was right in his assumption of what I meant.

And Lee, that page of pictures of Venus wasn't the one where she wore the "rather exposing" outfit. I think I'm right, am I Scott?

[tennis4you]

Marc,

U are 1/2 right. That is the outfit, but ut was adjusted... Previous she had a large slit between the blue and the black part of the outfit which was pretty darn revealing. She narrowed te slit to where you almost can't see it. :)

Scott

[lmanchur.]

Ahhhhh... like this!: http://www.ausopen.org/news/photos/imagepages/349a0e71c5d8c5dd002569d50080d4bb.html

...guess she sewed it up in between matches, eh!?

[Marc]

Now that's ... an interesting outfit. Lee, you definitely have too much time on your hands. :D

Now, let's get back to the Australian Open discussion...

[coach tom]

First, no Anna on the tube. Second, Elena Dementieva is out. Yes, she was beaten by another Ruskie, but why my Elena? I was just getting to like the new dress, and I was so hoping to see her whip Serena's butt...

Why of all the matches to put on do they skip Agassi-Ilie here in the US and go straight to Safin-Hrbaty?

Please oh please Mal Washington, go home...you too Pat Mac. You're better on IMUS than you are on the tube...

Well you heard it hear first ladies, "I was wrong!" I thought for sure Kimmy C. would beat Lindsay. And think, I bought a lottery ticket too.

Next week will rock. I can't wait to see Agassi Sampras, Sampras Martin, and Anna Lindsay.

Where oh where is Bud Collins when you need him?

Hey, pass me another Tequiza pleeeeeaaassseee!

[lmanchur.]

Originally posted by M. James
Now that's ... an interesting outfit. Lee, you definitely have too much time on your hands. :D

Now, let's get back to the Australian Open discussion...


He he.. thanks Marc -- I'll take that as a compliment!... yes... on with the Aussie Open discussion... you probably won't see me around here any more... I just wanted to get the info about that outfit! :)

[tennis4you]

Clisters was not even CLOSE, I figured it that way though. And I did buy a lottery ticket for that! I am going to stick to my guns and say that to beat hingi, Davenport or a Williams it will take one of those 4 to do it. Kournikova and Davenport next... Davenport in 2, maybe 3, but Davenport to win!

I saw the Safin match, wow Hrbaty was great!!! He gave it everything he had. However, I think Safin must be oblivious to the fact that some change up balls could of helped him A LOT instead of just exchanging missles all night long. They said that Saifn has never come from 2 sets down, I wonder why. ATTITUDE!

Sampras, well, what more can u say, he is 1/2 retired in my mind, should quit after Wimbledon, which I do not think he will win this year. But congrats to Martin who played well, I hope he can defeat Agassi!!! But I think Agassi will send Todd packing, but I hope I am wrong. Looks like Agassi's door is wide open to defend. Not a whole lot of competition. Kafelnikov is still alive, maybe he can give Agassi his plane tickets.

Rafter vs. Henman, I expected better. Henman was like Rafters little toy. 3 sets, wow. I bet the Australians loved that!

I can't wait to see the Agassi/Martin match, shoul dbe good. Predictable, but good. :)

[Marc]

What about Kournikova? Is she going to prove us wrong? Probably not, but she did advance. :)

[tennis4you]

She advanced, but next up is Davenport. I see no way through for Kournikova on this one.

[coach tom]

Hey, stop pickin' on my Anna. She looks absolutely the best she has ever looked in a slam (and I am not talking about her looks for a change) and I think she has the advantage against Lindsay. Anna is a ton smarter than in previous years and I know she will give Lindsay a run for the money. Don't forget, I picked Anna to go all the way...

Go Yevgeny, Go Yevgeny, Go Yevgeny....

Let's all hope that Todd beats Andre, and gets a shot at a slam title before he retires...

A lot of people thought I was crazy when I said that the Aussie looks like a rubberized French Open, but if you didn't know better and someone asked you what tournament was being played based on the players still left in the tournament, wouldn't you have to say "French Open?" Clement, Agassi, Hrbaty and Rafter would and probably will be at the same position at the French. Only the defeat of Guga would be different. Rebound Ace = rubberized clay.

I hope Martina Hingis rolls both Williams, just so that I don't have to read any more posts anywhere saying that she wasn't the real number one.

Please oh please Amanda Coetzer, won't you be my valentine?


Hey, this topic is doing well...looks like we'll make it the whole tournament!

[tennis4you]

TOm,

I am sorry dude, but i see no chances in a freezing hell for Kournikova to beat Davenport, unless davenport has the worst match of her career. I think Davenport will be too tough, I will be suprised if it takes her more than 2 sets.

As far as Hingis, I hope she rolls both Williams as well!!!

Martin and Agassi? Agassi in 4. Agassi is too tough. Sampras was no big challange, Todd has his hands full if he is going to beat the defending champion. I pick Agassi to go all the way!!!

Kafelnikov, well, he thinks he can win it now that Sampras is out. Remember what he said when he won the AO in 1998? He thanked Sampras for not playing. But I think The big "K" is overlooking Agassi who pounced him last year in the finals!!! I see no threat to Agassi. But I would like to see Martin win a slam to, I really like him!

As far as Coetzer, nice Valentine pick!

[tennis4you]

Ok, maybe it was the time change, maybe I just didn't have all the sleep out of my eyes. But I just watched the last half of the Capriati/Seles match. Earlier in my posts I said that she played like crap in her first round and that she would be out quickly... She just played great!!! She was covering the court like a Chang and hitting the ball like Agassi!

Next up is the winner of the Davenport/Kournikova. The announces are predicting Davenport for this one, I am with them. But I think they predicted Seles too didn't they?

I am suprised Norman is out, I always liek to see him play.

Agassi/Martin is up next, have to watch, no matter how late. :)

[tennis4you]

Quick work was mae of Martin and Kournikova...

No one has ever beaten Sampras AND Agassi in a Grand Slam, and Todd Martin kept the record books the same. 10 attempts have been made, but no one can seem to do it. I would like to see the stat books and see who had tried and in which order they had to play the 2. I know Rafter tried at last years Wimbledon... As far as Martin is concerned, he played well (7-5, 6-3, 6-4) but he just doesn't have the stuff it takes.

Same goes for Kournikova. She may have beaten Davenport at their last meeting, but you could safely bet that Davenport would be all buisness today. I am sure she has studied why she lost, and knew what she had to do to advance. Straight sets, no prob.

Congrats again ot Capriati!!!

The Rafter Hrbaty match should be good, Rafter should win, but then again so should of Safin. Hrbaty is just sooo good!!! Either way, the winner has to play Agassi, so they are finished...

On the other half of the draw, Kafelnikov of Moya will be in the finals, should be some good tennis on that half too...

I thought Hingis and Serena were supposed to play last night, maybe tonight. I just realized that for Hingis to get to the finals she will potentially have to beat both Williams, and then possibly Davenport to win it all!!! Tough tournament!!!

[tennis4you]

Way to keep the Australian hope alive Rafter!!!

Rafter (12) defeats Hrbaty
6-2, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-0

[coach tom]

I am sad. Sad that Anna is gone. Sad that she still hasn't won a tournament. Sad that only Russian hockey players get to see Anna outside of tennis. Sad that Todd Martin played well but not well enough. Sad that Todd is only thirty and has more gray hair than me (and I'm older). Sad that we only got a few shots of Steffi in the stands. Sad that Jenny Capriati still has to share TV limelight with dad Stefano. Sad that Monica couldn't get over the hump. Sad that Elena now plays with a Yonex, not Prince. Sad that Amanda plays with a Wilson, not Prince. Sad that ESPN coverage still sucks. Sad that Pat McEnroe is actually Davis Cup captain and a poor commentator. Sad that no one remembers Cliff Drysdales two hander hit with an old Yamaha racquet. Sad that Pam Shriver hasn't done anything with her hair in 20 years, despite being a TV personality. Sad that everyone has pretty much forgotten Michael Chang...

My sadness is deep. I don't know if you noticed, but the junior draw, especially the girls, has few if any US players. The bulk are definitely from former communist block nations, and probably 97% are from the european continent. Hate to say it, but is tennis a few years from now going to be like rugby, or soccer, a mostly non-US sport? Where are all the US juniors?

I am happy that Yevgeny is still on the track and may fulfill my pre-tournament prediction. Only time will tell.

Hingis will run both "Sistas", have no fear. If you can beat one, you know how to beat the other. You just have to be in good physical condition.

[tennis4you]

Need a tissue?

Has Hingis beaten both in a tournament before, I don't think she has... I would like to see it happen though!!!

[tennis4you]

I just read that MaliVai Washington thinks that if Rafter keeps up his level of play that he will win the Australian Open. Any comments on that? I would love to see Rafter win it in Australia. I am sure he might like it too!!! Anyone think he can take down Agassi? Tough call there.

[Marc]

Now that Sampras, Agassi, and Safin are eliminated, I think Rafter has a clear path to victory. Should be interesting!

[tennis4you]

Agassi is not eliminated. Agassi defeated Todd Martin in straight sets last night. :)

[tennis4you]

Moya is out, slammed by Grosjean, the tournament's 16th seed, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. I was suprised to see it over that quickly!!!

Hingis took out a winney Serena who says she had food poisoning and hadn't eaten anything in 2 days, uh, sure... However, Venus beat Coetzer, so Hingis will have to face Venus next, who is aiming for her 3rd slam n a row. My buck is on Hingis.

Agassi, Rafter tonight... WOW, The winner of this match will be the winner of the Australian Open. I do not see Kafelnikov beating either of these 2 guys. They should just call this the finals. :)

[coach tom]

First of all, to all of you women out there who were hoping that you would get an all hunk, Moya/Rafter final, get over it! Moya looked like he was somewhere else (maybe at Roland Garros already?) and Grossjean just continued to play as well as he has the whole Slam. I know you guys don't want to hear it, but its going to be Kafelnikov, 2001 Aussie Open champ! Too many tough matches in a row for Andre who will be spent, and Yevgeny is really hitting the best he has in years.

The Rafter prediction is interesting, if not premature. Pat is playing incredibly well, and seems to be the only serve and volleyer who has mastered playing on the rubberized clay. Pat looks quicker than he has the past two years, and he is not giving up on a point until it is over. Seems that he now knows that with his shoulder and past injuries he can't just assume he will hit winners and winning volleys, and he is playing well concocted points. Again, for all you girls out there (you know who you are) you better watch the tube tonight because this will be the last of Pat this fortnight.

Martina should run Venus too, although not as easily as she did Serena. The match wasn't as close as the scores made it look, and I think the Swiss Miss finally gets it. If you want to beat Venus and Serena, hit everyball deeeeeepppp (well past the service line), hit just about everyball back to the center of the court (cut down on the angles they can go for), and don't be intimidated by the number of winners they hit. The first set last night fit this perfectly, and Hingis had an easy time of it. Serena, girl, now you are starting to make excuses? All players of your caliber and money have their own chef or at least stay away from iffy food when they get this deep into a big tournament. I am sure you are no different. Just suck it up, Martina has your number.

I wish they showed the Coetzer/Venus match. I would have loved to cheer on the "Little Assassin" and maybe then she would have won! 8-6 in the third! My heart breaks for Amanda, who once again came so,so close but still no prize. Amanda has been playing fantastically this year, so don't take this as a slight, but if Venus had a problem with Amanda, she definitely will have big problems with Martina. Hopefully this time tomorrow I can say, "Bu-Bye Venus!"

Oh, and just for you Scott,

Go Yevgeny, Go Yevgeny, Go Yevgeny, Go!

[coach tom]

Ignore the Kafelnikov stuff. I just read my morning paper. What I meant to say is Clement will be the 2001 Aussie Open champ!

And what I really meant Scott was...

Go Clement, Go Clement, Go Clement, Go!!!

Geez, I can neve catch a break...

[tennis4you]

lol, no way. I still theink the finals is tonight. Agassi/Rafter. I just don;t think Kafelnikov will make it. I am hoping for Rafter, but he has more than his hands full tonight.

As far as Agassi being spent, no way!!! He will have more than enough energy for another week once this one is over. He is fit as hell, he reminds me of Jim Courier...

Watch tonight (if they choose to show it) My prediction is the finals are tonight. I think AGassi will take it, but I am on Rafter's side tonight!!!

Scott

[tennis4you]

Crap, iwasn;t sure by what you meant by ignoring your Kafelnikov posting there. I ust got wind of it too... 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3) in Clement's favor. What a win for him!!!

Watch tonight though, it should be the best match yet of the tournament! Agassi/Rafter

[iFroggy]

I just wanted to say... good job keeping this discussion going this long. Keep it up! :)

[tennis4you]

Thx I froggy, I bet you didn't know tennis coul dbe this exciting!!!

[iFroggy]

I didn't say it was exciting! lol

But, yes, Tennis can be exciting, but I haven't read any of the posts in this thread. :)

[tennis4you]

Come on now, we are not that boring, these are some good posts. maybe for the next slam you can join in!!! Not to late to join in now, things are about to get real exciting in this slam, especially tonight!!!

[tennis4you]

are the 1:00 pm ET time matches live in Australia or do they show previously taped matches? i have always been at work so I have no clue what is televised or what time it is in Australia

Scott

[tennis4you]

Wow, Hingis takes out both Williams as you predicted Marc, I am happy to see that!!! And Davenport lost to Capriati. So, I was 1/2 right, I figured it would take a Williams or Hingis to beat Davenport, but suprisingly Davenport did it.

It looks as so the Agassi Rafter match is still going on. I am not sure if it is raining there or what.

[tennis4you]

how can I forget to post the score between Hingis and Venus, 6-1, 6-1... LOL

[coach tom]

Dear Richard,

Despite your attempts to undermine the credibility of Martina Hingis and her choice as ITF world number one, Martina proved it again. Yes, your daughters are some of the best tennis players around, and although young already rank with some of the best the U.S. has ever produced. But please Richard, don't go on TV or the news and cry foul. Maybe Serena was sick, but not Venus too! Is Venus' Reebock contract guaranteed? Better hope so...

Regards,

"Coach Tom" Kosinski


Hingis is my new idol. Although I am a man, Martina and I are the same height, similar in talent, and although I come to the net much more than her, we both prove that shorter does not mean inferior. Randy Newman did not write his song with us in mind. I can't wait to see the match on tape delay this afternoon.

Is the men's winner in doubt? It's Andre. We can just end the tournament here. Don't need to play any more matches.

Jenny Cap? Never would have guessed this one. It will be great to watch her in the final, and I know it will not be the one and one Williams debacle. Hopefully, ESPN won't show a million shots of Stefano in the crowd. We already get it that he is her father and coach and biggest supporter. Show us more booty instead...

iFroggy should get a life. Tennis is the greatest sport ever. No "I won't play unless they give me billions" athletes, no Ricky Henderson's, no Bud Seligs et cet, and we have real heroes (Sampras, Martin, Agassi, Capriati, Seles) and real villains (Ivanisovic, Turango, even a little Hingis). Hey Froggy, you should just stop that baseball stuff and post here permanently. You could never keep a thread going for two weeks on your board!

My next column will certainly be very interesting...

[iFroggy]

LOL! This from a guy who posts a letter to Mr. Williams on a public message board. Too funny. :)

[tennis4you]

LOL, PAY NO ATTENTION TO HIM IFROGGY. :)

Like I said, last nights match was the finals, I see no way either of the 2 guys left in the semi's can beat Agassi...

Hingis is awesome. She is playing well and I hope she spanks Capriati off the court worse than she beat Venus. I am anxious to see Hingis own another slam again!!!

Speaking of short. Short isn't too bad. I got you all beat @ 5'-4". Granted I wouldn't a few more inches, but oh well. Wifey makes up for it, she is 5'-10" I sawre I used to date shirt girls!!! Oh wait, this is the tennis board, sorry!!!

Anyone watching doubles? Where do we stand on that? Reason i ask? B/c the the singles finals look pretty predicting from here. Although I will still watch both. :)

[iFroggy]

Hey Scott,

Don't worry, I won't. :)

I never said tennis was boring or that this thread wass boring. If you recieved it that way, I apologize. :) I actually play Tennis when I can (like a couple times a year), my favorite player in Agassi and once in awhile I'll watch it. I just don't keep up with it, thats all.

[tennis4you]

No No No, no offense taken, I just wanted to give you a hard time. :)

Glad you joined in the chat, even just to say nice thread. :)

[coach tom]

Unless the sky falls again, the "Sistas" will take the doubles. After they beat Martina and Monica, the competition gets a little easy. As for the men, I don't see one dominant team in the draw, so it will be interesting to see who makes it. I used to be a huge doubles fan (Flach-Seguso, Hewitt-McMillan, Roche-Newcombe, Rosewall-Laver, Sherwood Stewart and anyone, McEnroe-Fleming, Stolle-Davidson and of course the Woodies) but the teams are not as noteworthy. The last team I really enjoyed was the Jensens, and they lasted about a minute. Hell, I remember watching Connors-Nastase win Wimbledon once. That just doesn't happen anymore because of the $$$.

Hey iFroggy, everything I say you should take tongue-in-cheek. Nothing is meant to be serious. Just a little fun with ya. But I do believe that this is the greatest thread ever....
"Coach" Tom

[iFroggy]

Thats cool - its your opinion and I respect it. :)

[tennis4you]

I am going to go out on a limb and say that Hingis and Seles will beat the sistas again. Straight sets this time. That would defenitly be a match I want to see!!!

[tennis4you]

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Venus and Serena Williams completed a career Grand Slam in women's doubles Friday, beating Lindsay Davenport and Corina Morariu 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the Australian Open.

That was the headlines at ESPN... So they did get a title, and they now have completed the Grand Slam. I guess they did beat Hingis and Seles in the semi's, so I was wrong there, good prediction for you though Marc!

Clement and Agassi. Should we bother to watch? I would have to say yes considering what Safin did to Sampras at the U.S. Open.

[coach tom]

Ok, so the men's final is pretty much a done deal. I'll still be watching. I shut off the Clement/Grossjean match when they went to the tiebreaker in the third last night figuring at best it would be a four setter and at worst Clement was going home. Boy did I miss all the good stuff!

I will be watching the little Swiss Miss tonight, and cheering for her little 5'7" frame to dismantle our own Jenny Capriati, especially so that I don't have to hear or read anymore that Venus is really number one because Martina didn't win any slams last year. Well, she took out the "Sistas" in this one, and the mighty Venus took the worst whoopin' in her pro career from little M. Should she win, it just reinforces that she was and is the number one woman in the world.

Is it me, or is the sleeve thing starting to grow on you...

I wonder, does the sleeve work in places other than on the court?

(OK Coach, get your mind out of the gutter...)

[tennis4you]

Ok, quit putting my mind in the gutter. :)

I will be pulling for her too. He is so damn good and needs the recognition. I will be glued to the t.v. tonight. I think we should not get disappointed if Capriati wins the firt set. Hingis will win the last 2...

[tennis4you]

Well, Capriati couldn't of looked worse in her forst round match, but I am not sure she could of looked any better in the finals against Hingis. Straight sets and she never appeared to be in trouble! Congrats to Capriati for her first Grand Slam win!!!

[Marc]

Congrats from myself, as well. I am surprised Hingis didn't win, but good turn-around, Capriatti! And congrats to those who kept this thread going!

[tennis4you]

Well, Agassi did his job easily yesterday, didn;t even drop a set, and never looked to be in trouble of even losing a set. Agassi won 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

Clement said before the match that there are 2 Agassi's. One's the star and one's the player, he said he would be playing the player b/c he knows what Agassi likes and dislikes and he thinks he can beat him. LOL Ok dude, whatever. Nice try!

On a seceond note, I was a little pissed off that ESPN was 40 minutes late getting us the AO (first set was almost over) b/c of a basket ball game. Now I won't say that the basketball game was boring, it was a great comeback for Duke! But even if it didn't go into overtime it still cut into the AO. There are tons of Basketball games on, the the finals of the AO come once a year. Poor decisions by ESPN...

[coach tom]

First of all, let me congratulate all of us for keeping this thread going the entire two weeks, and for getting some other Sports Central celebs to visit with us over the same period. Way to go guys!

I agree Scott. The ESPN coverage sucked big time! First, they cut away from the trophy presentation for the women at 10:50pm. No need to go to sports center until 11:00, but they did anyway, and not only put on two pathetic quick stories, but they repeated them immediately at the start of Sports Center at 11:00 and then basically gave us zero real coverage of the presentation.

Then, to go to the final that late was inexcusable. They should have put it on tape delay. It wouldn't have mattered and we could have seen it all instead of only the quick part we did. I will be writing to ESPN about this and when I get their response I'll write a column for the site here. It will be interesting to see how they defend this one...

Way to go Jenny! She looked awesome. I don't think I have ever seen her play so well. Jenny deserved it. Did you notice that as I predicted they would cut to Stefano every three seconds? Jenny earned it, not dad. Nice to see he wore a US hat though...

Andre rules. I never expected him to go all the way here, and I did not expect him to play so matter of fact throughout the tournament. And think, he is the first to repeat since Courier in '92 and '93. Steffi looked a little out of place and uncomfortable in the stands. Think she's itching to play again?

The Sistas come home a second time with a doubles prize. Add this one to the Sydney Olympics. And Corina Morariu, who I swear is American, comes home with the mixed doubles crown. A very good tournament for us yanks!

Looks like it will be a great year for us ahead. I can't wait until May...

Coach Tom

[tennis4you]

Well, I think the most important part of the William's win in doubles is that is completed a Grand Slam!!!

Agassi was awesome, he deserves it, I hope he wins many more slams!!! But less than 13 cause Pete is the man!

[Marc]

Okay, now that everything that has been said has been said, this thread is closed.