With Ike about to bring it on, this could be my "Out of Office" Reply for a time. I'm as prepared for a ####slap as I can be here in Houston. But we might run out of juice, a foreign concept to Jose Canseco.
Though I'm a scrapper, you just can't take it to a Himmicane. So like Tina, I plan on surviving... and wearing short skirts when I clear 50.
If you can't already tell, I'm keeping a sense of humor about the whole thing.
Currently I am petsitting, and have decided to make my stand here in the dogs' house. My brother is at our apartment two miles away, with my two nephews -- a French mastiff and an Amazon parrot. Though my brother & the mastiff paid us a visit this morning -- a whirlwind of its own, since combined they easily clear 300 pounds.
Things will probably get even more surreal, but I already have to laugh at the following:
* I am a staunch bike commuter. And I spent 15 minutes in line at the gas station to fill up someone else's car.
* Riding the storm out doesn't make me nervous. However, when I stopped at the apartment yesterday for some supplies and found the Amazon loose outside of his cage, my heart jumped into my throat.
Hey... that one-pound featherneck has scarred me several times over!!! This round, however, went without bloodshed.
*When I stopped for those supplies -- which mostly consisted of non-perishable food items -- I also picked up my Marat Safin buttons.
* As I said, I am as prepared as I can be. The dogs & I won't be hurting for food, water, shelter, entertainment or escape plans. My years as a Girl Scout are serving me well.
But I still had to call my mom for advice on how to cook a meal in the slow cooker!!! Even though that is one appliance I can usually manage. I couldn't bear to think about the power going out with my Hatch chili chicken sausage in the fridge! But I couldn't find a quick & dirty recipe online, so... after consulting both my best friend and my mom, I managed a hot lunch.
Yeah, I was a Girl Scout and earned a sash of badges... but I don't remember earning the cooking badge. I was the scout whose pancake rolled down the hill, right along with my Buddy Burner.
One of the homeowner's mothers called to express worry over my situation. It was very sweet, and I hope I reassured her.
But my family, like me, seems to be taking things in stride. When my brother stopped by, we couldn't resist the Ike & Tina jokes. Then he imitated weather patterns, and I pointed out how the Saucony logo on my runners resembles the symbol for a hurricane. (They actually have a shoe called the Hurricane, but I sport the Triumph... take that, Ike!)
And when my mom called to make sure I wasn't food poisoning myself with undercooked sausage, she finished with, "If I don't hear from you for a few days, I'll assume the power is out."
I'm saving one of those tailgate-worthy Hatch chili brats for my brother. And I'll try to update when I can. But if you don't hear from me for a few days... assume the power is out! :)
Tennis in 2008 has gone to the flip side! Topsy Turvy! Inside out! What was once ineffable is now fallible. A little tunage might not turn things right, but here’s a suggested mix to make sense of the upside-down nature of this year’s pro season as it affects Flushing Meadows.
Brethren in Battle:Who Wants to Live Forever? - Queen
This song crafted by Queen for the movie The Highlander has its
own immortality, with renditions done by several, including Katharine
McPhee and Sarah Brightman. Sure, this soaring arrangement tucked into
the shmoopy, emotional heart of the film, but the Queen original
harkens you back to the plot, which is about kicking #### when you have
to. Even when that #### belongs to your bud.
The trickiest countrywoman matchup matters most to France. Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo faces Nathalie Dechy, who was points away from taking out then (and current) number one Ana Ivanovic in the second round of Wimbledon. Mauresmo is seeded 32nd, but Dechy just ousted her last week in Cincinnati.
Across hemispheres, Argentina will be watching intense veteran Guillermo Canas try to tame 19-year-old Juan Martin Del Potro, the hottest player on tour who didn’t go to Beijing. He’s won the last four tournaments he’s entered.
Bracket Busters:Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash/Social Distortion
Accept it, they’re both good. Ring of Fire: n. what happens when unseeded talent -- aka a dangerous floater -- gets plugged into the draw alongside a top seed. Twelfth-ranked Richard Gasquest starts out against German Tommy Haas, who has made it to the quarterfinals in New York the last two years. If you tap the Frenchman to live up to his rank, play Cash. If you pick the upset, go punk. Expect to hit replay, because this could be a marathon.
Blake’s Block:Till I Collapse - Eminem
Another countrymen duel. James Blake takes on former number one junior Donald Young in the first evening marquee match on Arthur Ashe. This is a matchup of speed. Which is good preparation for the Harvard man for what he’ll need to make it through his quadrant. Technically, it should be called Rafael Nadal’s quadrant, but Blake has a winning record against the new world number one. Blake would probably tell you that he’s not looking that far ahead. But I am. He's done two things this year he's never done before: a) come back from two sets down to win and b) beat Roger Federer. While you’re at it, go play the 8 Mile soundtrack; Eminem is one of Blake's faves.
Rabbit is talking to you, James.
Bookended:What Do You Go Home To? - Explosions in the Sky
Over in the Novak Djokovic quadrant, the two highest seeds face similar first round quandaries, crafty veteran Frenchmen. Even though Arnaud Clement fared much better at Wimbledon than the Djoker, expect the Serbian to win.
On the other hand, an injured Andy Roddick must battle magic -- Fabrice Santoro in his final US Open. If the American makes it through, he could see rising Latvian Ernests Gulbis next. The draw has often been kind to Andy. It doesn’t seem to be the case this time. The swirling instrumentals of his fellow Austinites Explosions in the Sky could be interpreted as soothing... or chaotic. At any rate, Roddick’s luck seems to be holding in the romance department, which helps, at least, who he goes home to...
Balls and Butterflies:Sleeps with Butterflies - Tori Amos
A limited edition US Open organic cotton tee designed by supermodel mom, Heidi Klum. Is it turnabout for Serena’s forays into fashion? Or perhaps encouragement for Ashley Harkleroad to keep her shirt on. Actually, a portion of the profits go to Unisphere, Inc., the non-profit organization that maintains and preserves Flushing Meadows Corona Park. I’m all for that, but for some reason I am boggled by the tennis ball-butterflies. The song selection is self-explanatory. The title to this entry is all kinds of wrong... You're welcome.
PSYCHED UP OR PSYCHEDELIC?
Big Brother’s Big Shadow:Killer or Crazy - Seal
How poetic to follow up Heidi Klum’s creative effort with her husband’s. And perhaps Marat Safin’s younger sister Dinara Safina will follow up on her US Open Series win with her breakthrough Slam -- at the same site her older brother won his first major eight years ago. Poetry. The women’s silver medalist is looking good for it; she has momentum, health and a pretty good draw.
... I tried. I really did. But I just had to name Marat* first. I would naturally be quite delighted with a sibling tandem championship two weeks from now. Symmetry. Delighted is an understatement. Mr. Klum may not be referring to biological brothers and sisters in the former song, but it works. And in the latter, he means the good kind of crazy. That works for the mercurial Safin clan too.
Battered:Sympathetic - Seether
Safina has a good draw, even though she is in Ivanovic’s quadrant, because the number one seed is nursing a thumb injury. The Williams sisters never seem to be completely healthy. Jelena Jankovic styles strapping as much as eyeliner. Maria Sharapova withdrew from the tournament due to a shoulder injury. As the song says, I’m feelin’ ya, ladies. The WTA ranks are unpredictable these days, which makes me long for months gone by...
Belgian Waffling: Almost anything by Tim McGraw
Dear Justine, you are still defending champion here. Doesn’t it seem weird to be retired? And Kim, Lindsay Davenport is back after giving birth. Does that give you any ideas? In hopes that the young Belgians would take a page from Brett Favre’s many books, I am recommending the oeuvre of his favorite musical artist. Except for I Like It, I Love It, which got more airtime than Favre’s unretirement.
Bean-Stalking:La Tortura - Shakira & Alejandro Sanz
Lacking the consistency the Belgians brought to the majors has left me undecided on a new favorite female player. However, one measuring stick has been met. In a time during which the women’s top ten averaged taller than the men’s top ten, Justine Henin proved she could, at 5’6”, power up with the statuesque. Currently, Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova, at 5’3” is ranked 18th in the world and has scalped Venus Williams, Elena Dementieva, Jelena Jankovic and Anna Chakvetadze this year. And Cibulkova cites Clijsters as her role model. The petite Shakira can belt it out, too. I suggest the duet because Sanz is sexy... for a non-Russian, non-ATP Pro.
Bottoms Up:Lost - Coldplay
But arguably the most mindbending upending is Roger Federer at the bottom of the draw. This eventuality has long been announced and prepared for. Yet it’s still difficult to grasp, at least for people with leanings toward the Swiss. Could this in fact be what the maestro wanted, even if just subconsciously?
He had been alluding to the so-called monster he created, the expectation to win everything. Now he is echoing those comments in reference to Nadal. After all, only the world number one has that unique pressure, and nobody ever had it like Fed. I’m not saying that’s the only thing at work, but I have to wonder...
Just because I'm losing, doesn't mean I'm lost...
Not that I believe Roger purposefully lost, but I think he eased up a bit. He was forced to in the beginning of the year. He needed some sort of break & his body delivered that in the form of mono. Since then, he hasn't found his highest level. Something he made look easy to maintain for several years, though it obviously is not.
A Wimbledon official admitted yesterday that the twilight hour impaired the ability to see and what ultimately decided the championship was Rafael Nadal’s flop.*
“This was such an incredible match... no one on Center Court except for the players ever wanted the tennis to end,” the anonymous source said. “But when flashbulbs from the stands revealed Nadal prone on the grass at the conclusion of the fifth set, we had to give him the win.”
But this new revelation in London has given cause for investigation. It has been well-documented that flopping can affect the outcome of an athletic event.
Flopping in the NBA is so prevalent that it has practically been elevated to a contest itself. And while known by alternate names, this questionable tactic is pervasive in other team sports as well.
It is referred to as “diving” in hockey, an activity more suited to water that is not frozen. Another matter of enthusiastic escalation in this already contact-heavy sport: when one cannot connect with jawbone, hit the ice.
But this form of acting perhaps finds its greatest stage on the pitch. So much so that FIFA, the governing body of soccer, has taken a stand against what it calls “simulation.” The new rules can apply to embellishment on-field, as well the unique symbiotic relationship between soccer players & porn stars.
At first glance, Nadal’s hammy back-smacker seems contrary action for a man who likes to test the authenticity of his trophies like a Deadwood prospector.
However, further inquiry shows the young Mallorcan star is influenced by both the theatrics of his countrymen and the man he had -- until that tumble to the earth late Sunday in London -- lost to in the finals at Wimbledon.
DID FELICIANO LOPEZ OF SPAIN WIN HIS FOURTH ROUND FIVE-SETTER AGAINST MARCOS BAGHDATIS WITH HIS POST-MATCH FLAILING?
HAVE CHAIR UMPIRES BEEN GLORIFYING ROGER FEDERER'S FIVE-TIME CRUMPLE?
So while the flop in the non-contact sport of tennis has yet to come under great scrutiny, it too may explain some results, as well as lack of, in recent years...
SAFIN'S MISSION: Marathon Marat's superior position on
hardcourts could be too suggestive for Roland Garros & The All-England Club.
POOR FORM: Andy Roddick dared to drop
after only winning three sets at the U.S. Open Men's Final in 2003.
The breach of unwritten netiquette may have cost him since.
*This isn’t meant to paint me a Fed apologist. When the going gets tough, the tough blog absurd.
For me, the Men’s Final in action was cause for joy; the outcome a bit of pain. I expected to wake up today feeling like I did the morning after Peyton Manning won his Super Bowl ring. However, I now suspect the latter sensation was actually a hangover.
New Wimbledon Champion? Yes. New Number One? No. For the calendar year thus far, true... it is the Spaniard.
But given so little betweenFederer and Nadal over the long course of Sunday, I think we need to see the follow-up before we label Rafa the best. I don’t think Federer could have asked for a better challenge to his career. His response -- on-court & off, both yesterday and onward -- will help define his legacy.
Now for the more obvious... Contrary to popular speculation, I did not commit jigai after Safin’s semifinal loss, or the threat of competition for his affection. As a matter of fact, I am practicing my flop in expectation to win over Marat myself!
Even rarer than the eclipsing of the Sun is the forthcoming quarterfinal match between two bright stars of the ATP circuit: Marat Safin and Feliciano Lopez. Indeed, this stellar event has only occurred five times in the last six years.
Please heed this dire Public Servicing Announcement!
Such a collision of exquisiteness is hazardous to your health. The simultaneous impact of the imposing, rakish Russian and the suave Spaniard in the same orbit is unfortunately too much sensory stimuli for most #### sapiens to endure!!!
Particularly those that described Tuesday’s 25 degree Celsius (77F) temperature in London to be “boiling.” Hmmm... royalty unfamiliar with cauldron and oil? Surely, they jest!
Bah! They've yet to know HOT until Safin and FeLo grace the grass!
The athleticism of this masculine pair of celestial bodies has potential to render you sightless! Deafen your ears!! Outright SLAY you!!!
In the self-interest of philanthropy, I have agreed to take on the burden of your Court One tickets, whilst you instead fortify your vision with vitamin C & manganese-rich strawberries. Cream if you desire.
My bravery will afford you the opportunity to lay eyes on the green lawns of the All-England Club once again. Even as soon as the Arnaud Clement-Rainer Schuettler match, which is a more humanly sufferable amount of charm on one court.
Please bequeath all tickets to:
The Ever-Obsessed Ambassador MCLioness
Solo Inhabitant of the Safinfatuated Solar System
Allsaid paper tokens shall be duly recycled.
Those with Ground Admission tickets, please refrain from alms, though your intent is appreciated. I’ve no aspirations to be a jill on Henman Hill. (Lo, I cannot touch the lately christened Murray Mound... though begging for punnery, I favor the more Middle-Ages Brit to the Scot Brat!)
To further proffer my body in the names of both Science and Deity, I shall bear witness to this heavenly event at the risk of losing ALL my senses! I will do so without the projection of a camera obscura! Without shield for my orbs! No plugs for my ears or nose! I shall even deny myself garments as inspiration to the combatants!!!!
I have been training myself for ages, hardening myself with the virtual countenance of Safin more than any body has thus far or shall again.
The afterimage of his visage already engulfs my brain, an affliction I do not wish to share with my worst enemy, nor any other soul. What remains to be tested is my forbearance to withstand his entire physical, sweaty, screaming, ball-pounding presence. I even dare to measure his luminosity in foot candles!
Please, please, Peasants... You marvel at my generosity and sacrifice, but reassure yourselves that my personal gratification is well in hand.
The 187 cm (6’2”) Lopez has less of an influence on my involuntary and voluntary responses. However this lefty, whom flirts on the verge of pretty, moonlights as a model for a reason.
Though it pales in the shadow of the Virginia Tech tragedy, Monday totaled to quite a loss with the deaths of both Boris Yeltsin and David Halberstam. These two larger-than-life men were never before linked in my head. Now they will be so forever. Despite the sad circumstances, I am grateful for this juxtaposition.
Yeltsin's political legacy had been debated before yesterday's obituaries and rememberances. And will no doubt continue to be a matter of opinion afterwards. However, his impact on tennis -- especially in Russia, is clear. And still riding its powerful momentum.
In a November profile of Shamil Tarpischev (at one time Yeltsin's personal tennis coach and current captain of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams), Christopher Clarey of the International Herald Tribune wrote on the rise of the sport's popularity in the post-Cold War era:
The key moments were tennis re-entering the Olympics in 1988 and Yeltsin's discovering a passion for the game during his tenure as Russia's first president from 1991 to 1999. "At that stage, the middle level of tennis was not bad, but when Yeltsin came out in a tennis outfit on court, at that moment the whole thing took a leap," Tarpishchev said.
Today, as Clarey notes: You can make a strong argument that Russia, with its combined strength in the men's and women's game, is now the world's leading tennis nation.*
If Tarpischev is the lone link between Russia’s 21st century tennis explosion and its dark, structured Soviet past, then (Gene) Scott, along with the Anna Kournikova phenomenon, Marat Safin and Maria Sharapova must share much of the credit with Boris Yeltsin for enabling tennis to look soccer and ice hockey in the eye as this vast nation’s most popular sport.
Kournikova, Safin and Sharapova. Three names that will endure. Three athletes among many of their compatriots that acknowledge the importance of Russia's first freely elected president to their opportunities and careers.
Evans continues:
...None of it would have happened quite so soon without the flamboyant support of President Yeltsin, who wielded his tennis racquet with almost as much enthusiasm as the political whip he used to shepherd his bemused nation to a new, entrepreneurial dawn.
If President Eisenhower made golf a necessity for anyone wanting to get close to America’s leader in the fifties, then Yeltsin’s deep love of tennis required Kremlin insiders to start working on their backhands in the last decade of the century.
It's no coincidence that these two articles were published at the end of last November, for it was the eve of the Davis Cup final in Moscow, with Russia facing a strong team from Argentina. Most fans tabbed the South Americans to win.
Of course, Boris Yeltsin was there. Just as he had been in Paris to witness Russia's first-ever Davis Cup title in 2002.
Yeltsin's passion for tennis was unmistakable & infectious. Pictured with Safin & Dmitry Tursunov, winners of the doubles rubber on Day 2 of the Davis Cup Final 2006.
Those three dramatic days in December left everything to the fifth rubber. Safin cliched the series by defeating Jose Acasuso in four sets. Russia won their second Davis Cup!
In February, the defending champs survived a first round against Chile -- on clayinChile!! -- that virtually noone expected them to win. Three of the four best Russian Federation players were not in attendance, yet they prevailed 3-2 with Igor Andreev playing a pivotal role.
Two weeks ago at the quarterfinal against France, the Russian team looked stronger though Safin was hobbled by a foot injury. Yet when the decision again came down to a live final rubber, Tarpischev called on Safin -- who had not played the first two days... who had not even practiced those days!! -- to win the pressure match, and he did.
perhaps... just perhaps bordering on irrational at times...
But when it comes to his athletic ability, not unfounded! In the IHT article, Clarey refers to Safin as "the most gifted men's player not named Federer." In my opinion, the difference between the two men is in the mental game. Federer maintains a level of consistency and self-belief that is probably not found in most people, let alone athletes.
When Safin believes, he can beat the best on their best days. Including Federer. See the epic four-and-a-half hour semi between the two in the 2005 Australian Open. Yes, Safin's 2005 Australian Open.
Though Safin has not won a singles title since then, his Davis Cup play has been clutch. Of his latest heroics, he says, “I felt I was going to win, and with such confidence I felt there was no chance it would go five sets.” Marat won in straight sets.
It seems there's something about the team play that brings out the best in the mercurial shotmaker. And I can understand why, since Davis Cup is my Super Bowl... one of the most exciting events in all of sports!
I know that, to a degree, I have Boris Yeltsin to thank for the mere presence of my favorite athlete and my favorite men's tennis players (aka The Rest of the Russians).
But I also think he deserves a measure of credit for the motivation that Safin brings to the Davis Cup. The mental edge. If it's possible there was one spectator more excited than I when Russia won in December, that person would have to be Yeltsin.
Will the champs repeat? I believe they will. Though they have a tougher route than likely co-finalist, the United States. The teams are a contrast. One criticism levied against the US team -- who was ousted by Russia in the semis last year -- is that they don't care about Davis Cup enough. Another is that there seems to be a void of talent after the current crop of players.
Should this final come to fruition, the US would host the event. But passion breathes on the side of the Eastern World and there would be a heavy pro-Russian contingent in attendance. I, for one, will crawl on my lips if I have to in order to get there!
I'm glad to know that Tarpischev and the Russian squad gave Yeltsin one more title before he died. That he went out knowing they were defending it.
And though he probably didn't know it, there is at least one fan who will carry on his fervor for the Russian Davis Cup team.
*Note that all emphases are mine!!
What does this have to do with David Halberstam? There is a segue, believe it or not! While Yeltsin gave me a gift as a sports fan, Halberstam gave me a gift as an athlete... more on that in a second installment.
The Melbourne fortnight went by too quickly, so now is time for pavlova, Australian shiraz and a little reminiscing.
Heavens Above! Sublime... the semi-final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. In the third game of the second set, the world number one broke the American at love with a series of passing shots. One included a miraculous get at the Swiss' feet while on the run for a crosscourt winner. By the third set, Roddick was so frustrated that he fired off a near-expletive that had him immediately apologizing to the deity he evoked.
Things are looking a little fuzzy... While the newest "New Balls Please" campaign was just launched featuring some of the hottest youngsters in the ATP's Top 50, three out of the four semi-finalists were originals from the old "New Balls Brigade." Roger Federer, Andy Roddick and Tommy Haas were part of the 2000-1 promotions. Fernando Gonzalez, at age 26, is also of their "veteran generation." Since the old balls still have it over the new balls, they may have to bring back the "These balls still bounce." slogans as well.
Kimmie still wins. "Aussie" Kim Clijsters has been a fan favorite Down Under and was one of the favorites to win the championship after her fast start in Sydney. The Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup would have been a nice trophy to add in the Belgian's final year on tour, but Maria Sharapova stopped her in the semis. However, the WTA launched a new initiative called ACES Race 2007, which rewards players for promoting the sport. It's no surprise that Clijsters, who won the ITWA's Ambassador for Tennis Award in 2005, was the early leader as of January 15.
Going the Distance. Several athletes, such as breakthrough player Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic, embodied the Australian spirit by sporting the host country's colors of green and gold. But fashion-foward Serena Williams knows the value of accessories and added a pair of earrings perhaps inspired by the dot paintings of Papunya Tula. This style of comtemporary Aboriginal art has been popularized by painters including Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri.
Get Some Guts, Girls! I'm tempted to credit the earrings plus Serena's sheer talent for her title win. But it also seemed the ladies cowed to Serena's reputation and competitiveness. The exception being Shahar Peer, who pushed the American in the quarterfinals only to lose, 6-3, 2-6, 6-8. The Israeli player is also working off her mandatory military service and excels at sharpshooting tests. Nadia Petrova and Nicole Vaidisova should consider training that will teach them how to pull the trigger.
Speaking of guts. We don't have to miss Hardenne, but we missed Henin.
Most Dominant Player You've Never Heard Of. Esther Vergeer of the Netherlands, winner in Women's Wheelchair Singles & Doubles
Best Rivalry You Don't See. America's Bryan Brothers versus Jonas Bjorkman and Max Mirnyi. Where was the Doubles coverage, ESPN?
So where the bloody hell are you? Said in the nicest possible "No Worries!" way, of course! This controversial slogan is Tourism Australia's marketing campaign. As if I hadn't already wanted to go! They had me at 5,500 lbs. of curry consumed in a fortnight!
So what the bloody hell are you thinking? During the first round match between Marat Safin and Benjamin Becker, Ball Girl #111 was observed pinching Marat's used and discarded towels between her thumb and forefinger and holding them out away from her body as if she was afraid of boy cooties. I would have been stuffing all of those sweaty terrycloth treasures down my shirt... and my shorts -- I'd even be wrapping them around my head like a turban -- to spirit away after the match.
First of all, I'd like to thank Marat Safin & Benjamin Becker for the three hours, twenty-six minutes of suspense early this morning. That total should edge out the two-day premiere of 24 (minus commercials), which probably won't measure up in racquet abuse either.
Monday By the Numbers
But Safin's first round win wasn't the longest match of Day One at the Australian Open. Lukas Dlouhy of Czechoslovakia and Russia's Teimuraz Gabashvili were still playing their four hour, 48-minute five-setter out on Court 10 while a capacity crowd watched the 2005 AO champ in Rod Laver Arena. Talk about extremes: Gabashvili needed only 19 minutes to win the second set. The fifth set, which is not decided by a tiebreak, went to 16-14 and lasted 122 minutes.
For his efforts, Dlouhy now faces a second round against compatriot Radek Stepanek, who was off the court in just over a quarter of that time. Stepanek was one of 11 players -- nine men and four women -- to serve up a bagel.
Andy Roddick faced two tiebreaks in his first two sets of this tournament. In the first, 38 points were played before Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won on the tenth set point. While the athletic Frenchman was ousted, his home country brought the largest contingent of 28 athletes. Twenty-two of those players remain, which matches the number of Americans left. Both countries have legitimate title contenders.
Friction between two other countries led to the ejection of 150 spectators. Croatian and Serbian fans scuffled, though no injuries were reported. Security was beefed up for today's match between Marin Cilic (CRO) and Ilia Bozoljac (SRB).
Tuesday's Proportions
Day Two provides symmetry.
The two top singles seeds, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, each lost exhibition matches coming into this tournament. To strong favorites on the Rebound Ace surface: Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters. But neither of those match-ups could play out as the final in the Slam, since these pairings are seeded to meet in the semis.
Federer and Roddick are already into the second round, while Sharapova and Clijsters will be featured on center court today. Clijsters, an "adopted" Australian, has declared 2007 her last year on the pro tour. This is an ideal surface for the 2004 finalist and she proved her dedication to the year with her come-from-behind Sydney title win last week.
There's already "Tiki Talk" on the 23-year-old. Many believe she won't really retire. But she will be marrying American basketball player Brian #### this summer and she's ready to start a family. Sharapova, who also looks forward to motherhood, recently stated that she could see herself retiring at that relatively young age if she is no longer motivated to play at the top level.
The other matches on center court include a replay of a challenging Wimbledon 2006 match-up, American Robert Kendrick v Rafael Nadal. The night matches feature home crowd favorites: Alicia Molik, who plays Yung-Jan Chun; and Lleyton Hewitt, who has American Michael Russell talking some pre-match smack. Both Aussies have had recent career setbacks due to injury and are dark horses for this event.
More Next Door
Tournament organizers have an embarrassment of riches for this round. The center of entertainment today may not be center court, but Vodafone Arena. All four day matches there could be very competitive. Martina Hingis -- who has a streak of six finals here, winning three in a row -- will play another wily veteran in France's Natalie Dechy.
Top American James Blake matches up against 1997 finalist Carlos Moya, a repeat of last week's Sydney final. They played a competitive match and should again, but this one will also draw the eye candy fans. These two know how to rock the sleeveless look, and mercy... it's hot in Melbourne!
The other two contests on this show court should measure up even though a couple of the competitors don't... in one sense only. In an era where players hover near the six foot mark, American Vania King and Olivier Rochus of Belgium stand at 5'5". King faces thirteenth seed Ana Ivanovic, one of those six-footers. While Rochus' opponent, Australian Chris Guccione, is 6'7".
Rochus has already proven determination as a returner. He's had match points on Federer and has been known to frustrate (and defeat) a certain tall Russian who's as talented as the world number one. King, also a baseliner, has shown confidence that has her ranked highest of the upcoming American women.
Still, I don't think either will be a David and Goliath story. Not to slight the short, but Ivanovic and Guccione have too much firepower and momentum. Nadal says Gooch, last week's Adelaide finalist, has one of the best serves on tour. Ivanovic steamrolled Hingis in the Montreal final last year, and also beat Amelie Mauresmo on hard court. Both players are riding some confidence coming into this, but it would be folly for them to overlook their smaller opponents.
Christmas was three weeks ago. But it's today that's given me that little-kid, still-believing-in-Santa sleepless feeling of anticipation. One hour after the Australian Open begins, Day Six of life with Jack Bauer dawns.
The amount of energy I have right now could power a large metropolis.
My holiday wish book: 24 previews, Kiefer Sutherland sightings and the Australian Open draw.
The amount of effort I have put into pouring over those seedings and matchups could get me through CTU Academy training.
My preliminary intel report:
Day One
Men's Top Half, Top Quarter
Out of the 31 other men in Roger Federer's quarter, the only one to have a winning record against the top seed is his first round opponent. But the single win Germany's Bjorn Phau notched against the Swiss was in 1999, when both men were fresh faces on the ATP Tour. Since then Federer has won 45 titles; Phau none. Danger levels for the defending champion in this round are low.
Of the five men in that top quarter who have beaten the world number one, only Juan Carlos Ferrero has done so more than once. While the past is a strong indicator, it is the future may be Federer's biggest threat. Some of the best young talent tapped to be the future of the ATP lies in that portion of the draw:
Last week's Adelaide champion Novak Djokovic is seeded to meet Fed in the fourth round.
Marcos Baghdatis, who took the first set from Fed in last year's AO final, could be his quarterfinal opponent.
France's gifted "baby Federer" Richard Gasquet has the most recent win against Federer in 2005.
Two thus-far less accomplished youngsters, Gael Monfils of France and America's Sam Querrey, are long shots, but names worth noting. Veterans Mikhail Youzhny and Tommy Robredo could ride their momentum from last year.
Men's Top Half, Bottom Quarter
This section provides the first men's marquee night match on Rod Laver Arena: 2005 Australian Open Champion Marat Safin versus Benjamin Becker, aka the man who sent Andre Agassi into retirement. Safin himself is enough to warrant this honor. Whether he will let his German opponent into this match or not... well, that's part of the drama.
Safin could set up a repeat of the best match of his 2005 run, a semifinal against Federer. But while the Russian has finally regained a ranking that has him seeded in a Slam, it could pit him against Andy Roddick in the third round. Up side for the American: Roddick just beat Federer in an exhibition match. Down side: He will likely be without Jimmy Connors for the tournament, as Connor's mother just died. Mario Ancic will be a challenge for either player.
Perennial contender Ivan Ljubicic could have an engaging first round against Mardy Fish. But after that, the most likely to edge him is David Ferrer, who picked up the title in Auckland last week.
This tournament will be a litmus test for four unseeded players who had shortened seasons in 2006 due to injury. These sleepers could be dangerous. Starting with the most threatening: Joachim Johansson, Radek Stepanek, Thomas Johansson and Igor Andreev.
FINDINGS: I expect all the men highlighted to advance to the second round.
Querrey will provide the upset of the day for the men's side by defeating 27th seed Jose Acasuso. Djokovic's match against Nicolas Massu will be the most competitive and not without controversy. Stepanek v Michael Llodra will be entertaining. Two that will go the distance: Ivo Karlovic v Jurgen Melzer and Stefan Koubek v local hero Wayne Arthurs.
Women's Bottom Half, Top Quarter
This is the What If... section, the most unpredictable quarter of the tournament, women's or men's. The only sure thing is there will be surprises. There are many threat scenarios to run through.
The quarterfinal could just as easily be contested by former Grand Slam champions Svetlana Kuznetsova and Serena Williams, as it could "next best" players Nadia Petrova and Shahar Peer, as it could newcomers Victoria Azarenka and Julia Vakulenko.
Petrova and Jelena Jankovic, seeded to meet in the fourth round have had the best prep coming into the tournament. Petrova won all but one match -- including singles and mixed doubles -- on her winning Hopman Cup campaign. Jankovic won all but one match in her first two 2007 tournaments. She took the Auckland title and then beat Martina Hingis, Amelie Mauresmo and Nicole Vaidisova on her way to the Sydney final.
Jankovic lost the Medibank International title to Kim Clijsters in an high-quality three-set match. This could have been a preview of the Australian Open final, and at the very least set the bar high for match of the year.
Both Jankovic and Petrova are nursing slight injuries, otherwise their advance would be more confident. Still, I'd bank on one of them to get through to the quarterfinal, though Marion Bartoli, Michaella Krajicek or Azarenka could make things interesting. Possible opponents would be the inconsistent Kuznetsova, Peer, Tatiana Golovin or Maria Kirilenko.
Women's Bottom Half, Bottom Quarter
In contrast to above, this may be the most secure quarter.
Defending champion Amelie Mauresmo got a nice draw... early. She should face progressive challenges in Shenay Perry, Jie Zheng and number fourteen seed Francesca Schiavone. Her possible quarterfinal opponents include seventh seed Elena Dementieva and tenth seed Nicole Vaidisova.
The Frenchwoman might prefer to see Dementieva, even though she double-breadsticked Vaidisova here last year. The last two matches between Mauresmo and Vaidisova have gone three sets and gone to the Czechoslovakian.
Dementieva is always shaky on her serve, and may even fall early to the likes of Kirsten Flipkens. Mauresmo could be tested by Schiavone. But Dementieva will pull through and the likely quarterfinal will be Vaidisova v Mauresmo.
FINDINGS: Women highlighted here will advance to the second round. Note that Hingis and Clijsters are in the other half, so I did not highlight them to avoid confusion. Even though I have them tabbed for their own quarterfinal match.
Mara Santangelo of Italy has a chance to upset Serena, much like Sybille Bammer did in Hobart a few days ago. Aside from that match, the closest Day One contests will be Giselo Dulko v Tiantian Sun and Maria Kirilenko v Karolina Sprem.
I believe that Marat Safin and Kim Clijsters will be 2007 Australian Open champions. I believe that Jack Bauer will save the world... and none of my favorite characters will get killed off this season.
OK, I don't really believe that last bit, because... well, that's part of the drama.
A few more hours of suspense before I get to see how it all plays out.
For a few years now, my recipe for success has been Hoppin' John. Eat some black-eyed peas on New Year's Day and you'll have luck all year. In 2006, tennis found its equivalent.
THE LAUGHING BUDDHA
Walking, Talking Talisman
At the US Open, two of the most dominant current athletes met for the first time. Roger Federer hung out with Tiger Woods just prior to his final against Andy Roddick. Woods and his wife Elin sat in Fed's player box and watched a quality match that gave the Swiss his third consecutive US Open title.
The schedules of the ATP and pro golf crossed paths early November in Shanghai, where the round-robin Tennis Masters Cup was held. So Federer watched Woods play a round at the HSBC Championship. Shortly afterwards, Rafael Nadal and David Nalbandian also met the golf phenom... Were they hoping for a little cross-pollination of success?
However, Federer cornered the market on that mojo, beating both Nadal and Nalbandian in an undefeated title run. Even Woods only finished second in his tournament, two strokes short of victory.
Something for everyone
A more diversified charm of fortune is the power of the blog.
Both the ATP and WTA official websites introduced player blogs at tournaments this year. Readership skyrocketed with Dmitry Tursunov's humorous entries, which included him blogging from his hotel bathroom on death-defying drivers in Estoril. He was later named the ATP's resident blogger and of course, detailed Russia's Davis Cup win.
While he holds that resident title alone, several players excelled in the tournaments at which they wrote their blogs:
Ivan Ljubicic kicked off the first blog at the Chennai Open and also began the winning trend.
James Blake followed suit the next week in Sydney.
At the World Team Cup, Croatian Mario Ancic won his three matches and Croatia won the whole event.
Spain's Tommy Robredo earned his first-ever Masters Shield in Hamburg and was so excited he pulled a Brandi Chastain, thankfully sans bra.
His compatriot Rafael Nadal defended his French Open title, with manpris.
Americans Bob & Mike Bryan completed a career Grand Slam with their first Wimbledon championship.
Federer, whose bear-likeness was asked to write before he was, found time to play pranks on his girlfriend and take home hardware in Tokyo.
Belgian Kim Clijsters wrote on her first tournament back from an injury layoff and won the event in front of a home crowd in Hasselt.
Doubles specialist Rennae Stubbs reached the Madrid final with partner Cara Black. The pair ended the year ranked third.
Nadia Petrova and Marat Safin were each singles' finalists in Moscow. Both finals were all-Russian events, with Anna Chakvetadze and Nikolay Davydenko the respective victors. However, only one of the bloggers included half-naked pictures.
