OT: US Tennis Open...

[donalddoowop]

I think of the Williams sisters the way I think about UConn. From the mid nineties through the past two seasons they dominated women's tennis doing their own thing their way, with power and a greater athleticism than the other players. Therefore, other players had to adjust their games. Many players were intimidated by them, but no longer. Also, a number of present players are just as talented. In WBB, UConn has dominated in the same manner. However, more teams have started adjusting and are starting to get the kind of players who are just as talented and who are not intimidated by UConn. What has not caught up to UConn's level is the coaching, with few exceptions.

 

[eebmg]

I think of the Williams sisters the way I think about UConn. From the mid nineties through the past two seasons they dominated women's tennis doing their own thing their way, with power and a greater athleticism than the other players. Therefore, other players had to adjust their games. Many players were intimidated by them, but no longer. Also, a number of present players are just as talented. In WBB, UConn has dominated in the same manner. However, more teams have started adjusting and are starting to get the kind of players who are just as talented and who are not intimidated by UConn. What has not caught up to UConn's level is the coaching, with few exceptions.

The only reason the Women's Tennis Players of today are not intimidated by the Williams sisters (and I guess I mean Serena really), is that she is not as good as she was in her prime and she can be beaten even if she is playing reasonably well. You can not convince me that her movement is significant;y less than it was early in her career. In her prime, the combination of physical power, good speed, sublime serve and competitive spirit was unmatched. The players of today's generation may have some of her gifts but not all 4 but that does not mean, a player cannot aspire to reach that level of greatness. There is no apriori reason it can't happen again and you would not have the situation of today where no player can win more than 1 grand slam and the second they have some success, they regress. Chris Evert was making this point very clearly in the Serena match and I agree.
There always seemed to be a true generational player from Evert, Navratalova, Seles, Graf, and S. Williams but no one else has revealed themselves yet.

On the other hand, I agree with the UConn assessment that the playing field is much more even than ever with multiple teams able to win a Championship in any year because multiple programs have gotten as good as UConn has been and that is here to stay

 

[triaddukefan]

I maybe the only one.... but I'm rooting to see a Serena/Stephens Keys/Osaka semi-finals. That collectively would be one of the powerful ball-striking final 4 in US women's history.

Last week read an article about Osaka in the New York Times...... its a fascinating read if you have a few minutes Naomi Osaka’s Breakthrough Game

 

[VAUConnFan]

I maybe the only one.... but I'm rooting to see a Serena/Stephens Keys/Osaka semi-finals. That collectively would be one of the powerful ball-striking final 4 in US women's history.

Last week read an article about Osaka in the New York Times. its a fascinating read if you have a few minutes Naomi Osaka’s Breakthrough Game

You are not the only one.

 

[eebmg]

You are not the only one.

Beat me to it. I saw the interview with Osaka after her match in Studio. She is a bit shy but very appreciative. I hope she has staying power.

 

[wire chief]

We awake this am with news of Roger's demise at midnight. John Millman had never beat a top 20 player, but now that's history. Apparently handling the NY heat and humidity was too much and resulted in uncharacteristic double faults and unforced errors.

Double faults, as well as her weak running side to side, doomed Maria S last night. Carla Suarez Navarro was steady, in contrast.

Our John Isner is still in play, as he meets del Potro at 1:30. Nadal at night.

Our Sloane at noon; Li'l Sis vs. Pliskova at 7

 

[eebmg]

Millman in 4 set tiebreaker upset of Federer. I have never seen Roger play so poorly in the important points of a match. I like that Millman kept a level head and did not do a crazy celebration which seems to be the norm now.

 

[CamrnCrz1974]

Venus probably should have retired a couple of years ago as she probably won't win another major.

Venus made the finals of the 2017 Australian Open, the finals of 2017 Wimbledon, and the finals of 2017 WTA Tour Finals, plus the semifinals of the 2017 US Open. 2017 was only last year.

If the viability of winning majors is the only reason to stay on tour, over 50 percent of the tour should quit.

 

[eebmg]

Sloane Stephens looking very listless and defeated imho. Sloane had 7 break points on Sevastrova in first few service games and could not convert any.
Loses set 1 6-2. Sevastrova likes to do alot of off speed stuff

 

[triaddukefan]

Ugh... Stephens should have drunk more chocolate milk

 

[wire chief]

Sloane gone in 2, apparently another heat casualty. Isner/del Potro now taking the court.

 

[eebmg]

Serena off to a slow start against Pliskova. Missing alot of easy shots. Down a break 3-2.

 

[EricSD]

Serena was down 4-2 before going on a 7-0 run. She finished the first set winning 4 games in a row and is now up 3-0 in the 2nd set. Go Serena!!

 

[eebmg]

'Serena's service game was dynamite. Into the semis's and if she can play like today, she will get #24

 

[triaddukefan]

Darn it.... I was hoping for Thiem to pull it out

 

[eebmg]

Naomi Osaka wins 6-1 6-1. Tsurenko was clearly drained and could not put up any fight. Adorable interview after game.

What is she most proud of? " Not breaking her racket".

When asked about the heat, she said in a sheepish way that she did not think it was that hot. She likes to sweat and she is used to Florida heat.

 

[eebmg]

Serena of to a slow start. Telegraphing all her shots. Down a break 2-0 in set 1.

 

[EricSD]

Serena of to a slow start. Telegraphing all her shots. Down a break 2-0 in set 1.

Not for long!! If I had to guess, I'd say it sometimes takes Serena some time to get the measure of an opponent. Some are power hitters, some like to change it up, some are in between. Kanepi and Pliskova are far different players from Sevastova...

I think after being down 3-2, Serena won 10 in a row 6-3, 6-0. Now go Madison!!

 

[eebmg]

Not for long!! If I had to guess, I'd say it sometimes takes Serena some time to get the measure of an opponent. Some are power hitters, some like to change it up, some are in between. Kanepi and Pliskova are far different players from Sevastova...

I think after being down 3-2, Serena won 10 in a row 6-3, 6-0. Now go Madison!!

Very impressive turnaround. Must be considered a heavy favorite.

 

[eebmg]

Osaka / Keys matchup is a lot of fun. Good clean powerful hitting on both sides

Edit #1 That turned quickly. Osaka up 5-2 with 2 breaks. Her return of Madison's serve is excellent and she is now so frustrated, she is beginning to make a lot of errors.

 

[triaddukefan]

Welp... got the women's final I wanted.

 

[eebmg]

That match was alot of fun. Keys was beginning to dominate on her serve but Osaka would not give up on her own serve. She fought of 13 break points including a second serve ace up the T that was phenomenal. After blowing a 5-1 lead to Keys 2 years ago, she showed incredible poise. And the depth of her shots was pretty amazing. I hope she has staying power.

And her post game interview was a classic of "cuteness" . I hope (and assume) it will be up on ESPNw soon.

 

[VAUConnFan]

Welp... got the women's final I wanted.

Same here. Come Saturday's final one would think that Osaka will have a great deal of insight into Serena's game given how much time Osaka's coach has spent in the opposing camp.

 

[triaddukefan]

Same here. Come Saturday's final one would think that Osaka will have a great deal of insight into Serena's game given how much time Osaka's coach has spent in the opposing camp.

Im not sure if they have played since, but Osaka beat her in Miami in straight sets. That was in the first round however..... this will be a whole different kinda animal... I expect Serena in a rout.

 

[eebmg]

Im not sure if they have played since, but Osaka beat her in Miami in straight sets. That was in the first round however..... this will be a whole different kinda animal... I expect Serena in a rout.

Osaka has some heavy duty hero worship for Serena but Serena has been getting off to some really poor starts. If that happens again, that should calm Osaka down alot and I think it will be very competitive. I will give it a 70-3o % chance in Serena's favor based mainly on the serve unless Osaka is just too overwhelmed by the moment

 

[triaddukefan]

Osaka has some heavy duty hero worship for Serena but Serena has been getting off to some really poor starts. If that happens again, that should calm Osaka down alot and I think it will be very competitive. I will give it a 70-3o % chance in Serena's favor based mainly on the serve unless Osaka is just too overwhelmed by the moment

Normally i take my customary saturday afternoon nap around 3:30pm..... but I'll have to get some caffeine or something in me so that I can watch it. Personally I miss the days when the US Open was on CBS.... but alas... those days are gone for good.

 

[wire chief]

Two Japanese in the semis of a Major is a first. Kei returned to an earlier time when he was top ten, but beating Novak was too much.
Ah, but the other Japanese is in the spotlight. When asked how she saved so many break points, she answered that she kept telling herself
that she wanted to play Serena. Quite a mantra, no?

 

[eebmg]

Osaka took set 1 6-2. On serve in the second. Osaka is handling the pressure beautifully If Serena is going to win, she will have to beat her.

Maybe the Judge just gave Serena a gift by accusing her team of coaching and was given a warning. She is steamed.

More steamed. Serena broke for a 3-1 lead after Osaka saved a slew of break points. Then Serena quickly gets broken again with 2 double faults and a careless back hand. Serena crushes her racket. Gets a second violation and loses a point on Naomi's serve.


Unbelievable composure by Osaka. Holds her serve at love with a top notch ace and then breaks Serena while the whole stadium is in Serena's corner.


OMG. I think the ref gave a 3rd code violation which is a game penalty. This is nuts.

Osaka serves it out beautifully. I hope Serena will take the high road and realize the better player won today and give her full props.

 

[Wbbfan1]

The Williams Sisters Dominance is officially over. While I believe Serena will get her 25th Major Win, don't know when it will happen. Today was set for her to win. IMHO its not that Osaka, played so great, it was Serena played so poorly. Especially her power game.

Great Win by Osaka, American Women's Tennis have some young stars that should dominate the game over the next couple of years. Now if only the men would get their act together.

Osaka's parents signed her to the Japan Federation, but she's really an American.

 

[HawkHusky]

I love Osaka and her game. It's unfortunate that the ump controversy will overshadow her amazing run and Championship win.