La primera década de este siglo está acercandose a su fin, y a modo de balance, les ofrecemos este repaso por las que consideramos que son las 25 victorias más resonantes logradas por tenistas argentinos en estos últimos diez años.

01. Juan Martín Del Potro a Roger Federer – Final del US Open 2009 – 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 y 6-2.

Ante el mejor tenista de todos los tiempos, Del Potro cumplió su sueño, ganó su torneo favorito y se metió en la historia grande del deporte argentino. Antes de él, sólo Vilas, Sabatini y Gaudio le habían dado a la Argentina un título de grand slam.

02. Gastón Gaudio a Guillermo Coria – Final de Roland Garros 2004 – 0-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 y 8-6.

En el 2004 se bailó tango en París. Gaudio le ganó una final de película a Coria e insospechadamente levantó el trofeo de campeón. La pregunta es: ¿Cuánto tiempo volverá a pasar para que dos argentinos vuelvan a jugar la final de un grand slam?

03. David Nalbandian a Roger Federer – Final del Masters de Shanghai 2005 – 6-7, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 y 7-6.

Federer no perdía una final desde mediados de 2003 y el karma con Nalbandian ya estaba superado (el historial pasó de estar 0-5 a 4-5). Cuando el suizo ganó el desempate del segundo set por 13-11 parecía que la historia estaba sentenciada. Pero Nalbandian no se rindió, remontó el partido con la temple que siempre lo caracterizó y se recibió de maestro.

04. David Nalbandian a Xavier Malisse – Semifinales de Wimbledon 2002 – 7-6, 6-4, 1-6, 2-6 y 6-2.

Nalbandian no se conformó con ser el primer argentino en semifinales de Wimbledon (superando a Vilas, que había llegado dos veces hasta cuartos), y fue por más. En dos días le ganó a Malisse y se ganó su lugar en el partido cumbre ante Hewitt . El cordobés nunca volvió a la final de un grand slam.

05. Juan Martín Del Potro a Rafael Nadal – Semifinales del US Open 2009 – 6-2, 6-2 y 6-2.

Jugando uno de los mejores partidos de su carrera, la Torre de Tandil borró de la cancha nada menos que a Nadal y le propinó su peor caída en torneos de grand slam. De yapa, Del Potro se convirtió en el primer latinoamericano desde Vilas en alcanzar la final del US Open.

06. Mariano Puerta a Nikolay Davydenko – Semifinales de Roland Garros 2005 – 6-3, 5-7, 2-6, 6-4 y 6-4.

Después de Vilas, Sabatini, Nalbandian, Coria y Gaudio, Puerta era, en toda la historia, el sexto argentino en alcanzar la final de un torneo de grand slam. El cordobés resurgió de las cenizas y tocó el cielo con las manos.

07. Guillermo Cañas a Roger Federer – Segunda Ronda de Indian Wells 2007 – 7-5 y 6-2.

Federer llegaba a Indian Wells no solo a defender su título sino a estirar su racha de 41 victorias consecutivas, la mejor de su carrera. Si ganaba el torneo, superaba la marca de Guillermo Vilas de 1977. Pero apareció Cañas, otro argentino, en pleno proceso de recuperación y le puso fin a su ambición.

08. Agustín Calleri a Juan Carlos Ferrero – Semifinales de Copa Davis 2003 – 6-4, 7-5 y 6-1.

Argentina partía como favorito pero pasó a ser punto a partir de las ausencias por lesión de Coria y Nalbandian. Como si esto fuera poco, Gaudio fue a pasear (lástima que jugó dos singles) y Zabaleta se lesionó cuando ganaba dos sets a cero. Con todo esto en contra la serie se estiró hasta el quinto punto por exclusiva responsabilidad del “Gordo” Calleri. Inolvidable su triunfo ante Ferrero.

09. Guillermo Coria a Andre Agassi – Cuartos de Final de Roland Garros 2003 – 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 y 6-2.

Coria confirmaba con esta resonante victoria que estaba para cosas grandes. A pesar de su sorpresiva caída con Verkerk en semifinales, la gran posibilidad se le iba a presentar un año después.

10. Guillermo Cañas a Andy Roddick – Final de Toronto 2002 – 6-4 y 7-5.

Semana mágica de Cañas, ganandole a Federer, Kafelnikov, Safin, Haas y Roddick, y cediendo solamente un set. En ese momento, el logro más importante del tenis argentino desde el Masters de Sabatini en el ‘94.

11. Franco Squillari a Albert Costa – Cuartos de final de Roland Garros 2000 – 6-4, 6-4, 2-6 y 6-4.

Histórico triunfo de “Toto” Squillari, el tercer argentino en clasificarse a la semifinal de un torneo de grand slam en toda la era abierta (Vilas y Clerc los dos anteriores, por supuesto). Junto con la final de Zabaleta en Hamburgo ‘99, fueron los dos primeros golpes de La Legión.

12. David Nalbandian a Lleyton Hewitt – Cuartos de final de Copa Davis 2005 – 6-2, 6-4 y 6-4.

No muchos años antes de esta serie, era impensado que Argentina pudiera ganarle a Australia, de visitante y sobre césped. Pero esto fue posible gracias a la descollante actuación de Nalbandian, que ganó el viernes, ganó el dobles con Puerta el sábado y arrasó a Hewitt el domingo. Sublime.

13. Juan Martín Del Potro a Rafael Nadal – Cuartos de final de Miami 2009 – 6-4, 3-6 y 7-6.

Del Potro, si bien ya era 5 del mundo y tenía cinco títulos y demostraba regularidad en los torneos grandes, todavía no le había ganado a ninguno de los denominados “Big Four”. Ante Nadal, la Torre de Tandil dio la sorpresa y se metió por primera vez en las semis de un Masters Series.

14. Gastón Gaudio a Lleyton Hewitt – Semifinales de Barcelona 2002 – 6-4 y 7-5.

En Barcelona 2002 Gaudio por fin saldó su cuenta pendiente de ganar un título. En el camino se dio el gusto de dejar afuera al número uno del mundo y vigente campeón del US Open, Lleyton Hewitt. Por ese entonces, no era para nada usual que un argentino le ganara al número uno.

15. Juan Martín Del Potro a Igor Andreev – Semifinales de Copa Davis 2008 – 6-4, 6-2 y 6-1.

Argentina no se podía permitir dejar pasar esta chance de estar en la final y la serie contra los rusos pasó de estar 2-0 a 2-2. Ante la incógnita de cómo respondería Del Potro ante tamaña responsabilidad, el tandilense borró de la cancha a Andreev y gracias a él Argentina se clasificó por tercera vez en su historia a la final de la Copa Davis.

16. David Nalbandian a Roger Federer – Final de Madrid 2007 – 1-6, 6-3 y 6-3.

Menos mal que Nalbandian no perdió aquel partido en segunda ronda ante Berdych (set abajo y 4-0 abajo), sino nos habríamos privado de uno de los mejores momentos en la carrera del unquillense. El viernes se cargó al número dos, el sábado al tres y el domingo al uno. Brillante.

17. David Nalbandian a Rafael Nadal – Final de París 2007 – 6-4 y 6-0.

Nalbandian pasaba por arriba nuevamente a Nadal, se aseguraba terminar la temporada dentro del Top Ten por quinto año consecutivo y se convertía en el primer jugador en ganarles una final tanto a Federer como a Nadal.

18. Guillermo Coria a Agustín Calleri – Final de Hamburgo 2003 – 6-3, 6-4 y 6-4.

Primer Masters Series ganado por Coria, que cortaba una racha negativa de cuatro finales perdidas. Hamburgo 2003 es hasta la fecha el único torneo de Grand Slam o Masters Series en la era abierta en el que los cuatro semifinalistas fueron de la misma nacionalidad. Qué tiempos aquellos!

19. Guillermo Coria a Rainer Schuettler – Final de Montecarlo 2004 – 6-2, 6-1 y 6-3.

El “Mago” Coria ratificaba su favoritismo en Montecarlo, donde había perdido la final en 2003, y se postulaba como el mejor jugador del mundo sobre canchas lentas. Daba la sensación que nadie podía arrebatarle Roland Garros.

20. Guillermo Cañas a Roger Federer – Octavos de Final de Miami 2007 – 7-6, 2-6 y 7-6.

Por segundo torneo consecutivo, Cañas se transformaba en el verdugo del suizo, imbatible por aquel entonces. Por tercera vez en su carrera, el de Tapiales volvía a la elite del tenis mundial después de una larga inactividad.

21. Mariano Zabaleta a Xavier Malisse – Octavos de Final del US Open 2001 – 6-4, 7-6 y 7-5.

Con esta victoria, Zabaleta se convertía en el segundo argentino en alcanzar la instancia de cuartos de final en el US Open en toda la era abierta. Con el correr de los años, lo igualarían (y superarían) Nalbandian, Coria, Chela y Del Potro.

22. José Acasuso a Lleyton Hewitt – Semifinales de Copa Davis 2006 – 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 y 6-1.

Con la mejor versión de Acasuso en Copa Davis (lástima que no apareció en Moscú o en Mar del Plata), Argentina puso 2-0 la serie contra Australia. A diferencia del match del 2002, esta vez sí vino Hewitt, pero no fue de mucha ayuda.

23. Guillermo Cañas a Lleyton Hewitt – Octavos de Final de Roland Garros 2002 – 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 y 6-3.

“Willy” Cañas, en uno de los picos de su carrera, le ganó un partido increíble al por entonces número uno del ranking mundial, frente a quien había perdido el año anterior en el mismo torneo y la misma instancia. Aquella vez, Cañas estaba para campeón.

24. David Nalbandian a Roger Federer – Octavos de Final de París 2007 – 6-4 y 7-6.

Segunda victoria de Nalbandian sobre el número uno del mundo en apenas once días. En aquel momento le sirvió para igualar el historial entre ambos a ocho victorias por lado.

25. David Nalbandian a Robin Soderling – Cuartos de Final de Copa Davis 2008 – 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 6-4 y 9-7.

Soderling venía de pintarle la cara a Acasuso el viernes a la vez que ratificaba los dichos de Wilander, el capitán del equipo sueco, que había anticipado una serie peleada. Nalbandian se las vio negras pero pudo remontar el partido con el apoyo de la gente. Soderling dejó en claro en aquella oportunidad que estaba para hacerle frente a cualquiera en polvo y vaya que el tiempo le dio la razón.

Nick’s Picks is back for the US Open and we are in New York City for the entire tournament to provide live coverage! Once again, we’ve partnered with Tennis Week for even more coverage and you can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr!

Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)

Federer has looked extremely comfortable and confident in his first two wins. He is looking for his sixth consecutive US Open title, a feat that no one has accomplished before. It seems like the only thing standing in his way right now is his own self. If he continues to play like he has been over the last couple of months, there is a very good chance he will be the last man standing!

The first big moment of Hewitt’s career came on this stage back in 2001 when he upset four-time champion Pete Sampras in straight sets. At the age of 28, he is still a dangerous player who is capable of beating the top guys on the tour. Whenever Hewitt takes the court, there is always excitement in the air!

Match-Up:

Federer and Hewitt have a long history of playing against one another. They have faced 22 times previously, and Federer is 15-7 in those matches. Federer has also beaten Hewitt the last 13 times they have played, including just a couple of weeks ago in Cincinnati. These two men know each other well, and there won’t be any surprises out there! Hewitt will give everything he has and then some more to win this match. He moves extremely well laterally, loves to hug the baseline and has great groundstrokes. He cannot get into long rallies, especially with Federer, and expect to win because Federer will just wear him down. Hewitt has to get out of his comfort zone and go for big shots and winners more than he is accustomed too. He has no chance of winning if he doesn’t take advantage of every single opportunity he has. Because of the injuries that have slowed him down over the last couple of years, he isn’t the same guy he was five or six years ago, but he is still someone I would want in my foxhole. Hewitt can certainly take a set, but I look for Federer to advance.

Nick’s Pick – Federer in 3 or 4 sets

Andy Roddick (USA) vs. John Isner (USA)

Roddick has cruised in the first two rounds and really relaxed on the court right now. He loves playing in front of the home fans and this is a great chance for Roddick to recapture the glory of 2003, when he won his first and only Grand Slam title. Everyone is looking forward to a potential Roddick/Federer semi, which would be a rematch of the great Wimbledon final we saw earlier this summer.

Isner had a nice run this summer, reaching the semis in Indianapolis, the quarters in Los Angeles, and the semis in Washington. He comes into the tournament ranked #55 in the world, and seems to be really coming into his own. Isner is also a former collegiate champion and was the #1 ranked player in the NCAA’s for much of 2007.

Match-Up:

Roddick is 2-0 against Isner, and just beat him earlier this summer in Washington DC. It is always fun when you get two Americans together at the US Open. The crowd will be rooting for both guys and this will be a fun match to watch. Isner is a big guy with a huge serve and powerful groundstrokes. He moves fairly well for somebody his height (6’9”) and he is always a threat. Right now though, it is tough to pick against Roddick. He is calm, cool, and collected and playing excellent tennis. He is placing his serve well and is in great physical shape. I commend the job that Larry Stefanki has done with Roddick and I see him winning this match in four sets.

Nick’s Pick – Roddick in 4 sets

Taylor Dent (USA) vs. Andy Murray (GBR)

It was absolutely fantastic to see Taylor Dent win what was one of the best matches of the tournament thus far. Both he and his opponent, Ivan Navarro, play a serve-and-volley style which reminded me of the game 20 years ago! Dent, who lives and trains at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy, is making one of the greatest comebacks in sports and it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. This is the first time he has been into the third round of a Grand Slam since the 2005 US Open!

Murray needed four sets to beat the pesky Paul Capdeville in the second round. After dropping the second set, Murray quickly refocused and pounced all over Capdeville, losing only two games in the next two sets. If Murray continues to play like he did in the last two sets, there may be no one that can stop him from winning this title.

Match-Up:

Murray is 2-0 against Dent with both of those wins coming back in 2005. I want to say again how happy and excited I am for Taylor to reach this point. He is one of the few serve-and-volley guys we have left on the tour, and it is wonderful to see him winning consistently. It will be interesting to see how Dent recovers after such a long match in the second round. Against Murray he will have to have a big-time serving day, continue to come into the net whenever he can, and just give it all. Murray has an excellent return of serve, which will not making things any easier for Taylor. Murray has all the tools and can hit just about any shot in the book. The longer this match goes, the more it favors Murray because of his strength and endurance. If Dent is going to win, it has to be in three sets. This match is going to be extremely fun to watch, and in the end I have to give the edge to Murray.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 4 sets

Gael Monfils (FRA) vs. Jose Acasuso (ARG)

Monfils beat Andreas Beck in straight sets to advance to the third round of the US Open for the second straight year. Monfils has been to at least the fourth round of the last four Grand Slam tournaments he has played in. He is one of my favorites to watch because of his eccentric style on court and his ability to run down just about every ball.

Acasuso picked up a big win, knocking out 18^th-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer in the second round. This is the first time in nine attempts that he has been to the third round of the US Open and it is only the second time he has ever been to the third round of any Grand Slam tournament.

Match-Up:

Monfils is 1-0 against Acasuso, with that win coming earlier this year on clay. If you want to be entertained, than this is the match for you! Monfils’ unpredictability on the tennis court makes him a crowd favorite and a joy to watch. He can hit the ball from anywhere and there is talent just oozing out of him. Acasuso, who prefers clay, has a big serve, a killer forehand, and a very nice one-handed backhand. Monfils cannot go off track in this match and start making crazy amounts of unforced errors. He has to keep focused and play his game because if he does that he will be fine. Acasuso certainly can win this match and who knows this could be a five-setter. I have to go with Monfils, but strap in because this could be a wild ride!

Nick’s Pick – Monfils in 4 sets

You have to hand it to Sam Querrey. While everyone was still milling around going, “Really? Sam Querrey won the US Open series? … Huh,” he went out and scored what was probably the second biggest win of his career, coming from behind (heh) to beat Nikolay Davydenko in three sets. Nice.

Is success making him more attractive, or is it just me? Serious q.

Verdasco trampled over Jurgen Melzer and Andreev overcame Horseface in three sets for the win.

Sadly the best photo I could find to recognise a true NB hero. Also the only one.

But all is not lost! Everybody’s least favourite-ish Argy, Chucho, took out Florent Serra 75 64 to book his spot in the semis. All you people who have in the past called him a useless sack of crap should be ashamed of yourselves. *wags finger*

Has his uses.

And on the vaginal side, Caroline Wozniacki and Flavia Pennetta progressed in straight sets to set up a nice semi-final clash. The other semi-final will be between Elena Vesnina, who dismissed translucent fish Anna Chakvetadze, and one Momo, who may or may not have been awesome in a three-set win over Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Yep, she was definitely awesome.

I didn’t see almost all the first set (turned it on just in time to see Momo awesomely save a set point and then go on to take the tiebreak), but it’s safe to say that throughout the match Kuznetsova had her chances to win it. I just never felt like she would, though. It’s odd, but even after Momo lost her way in the second set, I was certain she’d win in the end.

Maybe it’s just that her notoriously fragile mind is in fact a steel trap compared to Sveta’s, I don’t know. Still it’s so good to see her win a tough match, as always.

Marry me, Momo.

Results

Singles – Quarter-finals
[6] S Querrey (USA) d [1] N Davydenko (RUS) 63 36 64
[2] [WC] F Verdasco (ESP) d [11] J Melzer (AUT) 63 61
[7] I Andreev (RUS) d L Mayer (ARG) 64 67(4) 63
J Acasuso (ARG) d F Serra (FRA) 75 64

Doubles – Quarter-finals
M Melo (BRA) / A Sa (BRA) d [3] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) 63 64
[4] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d P Hanley (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) 62 36 10-6

Doubles – First Round
P Hanley (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) d [WC] D Martin (USA) / R Ram (USA) 62 63

Singles – Quarterfinals
(8) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (1/WC) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 76(9) 26 63
(2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 64 63
(3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (Q) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 62 62
Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 61 75

Doubles – Semifinals
Benesova/Hradecka (CZE/CZE) d. (4) Bondarenko/Bondarenko (UKR/UKR) 64 20 ret. (K.Bondarenko: left thigh strain)

OOP:

Stadium (from 12.00hrs)
1. Flavia Pennetta vs. Caroline Wozniacki
2. ATP: Andreev vs. Verdasco
3. Querrey vs. Acasuso (NB 15.00hrs)
4. Amélie Mauresmo vs. Elena Vesnina (NB 19.00hrs)
5. ATP: Damm/Lindstedt vs. Soares/Ullyett

Grandstand (from 12.00hrs)
1. Llagostera Vives/Martínez Sánchez vs. Craybas/Raymond
2. Knowle/Melzer vs. Melo/Sa (NB 13.00hrs)

Tattoo watch: TSF spent some time watching Nadia Petrova work on her serve at the Pilot Pen Tennis tourney’s show court yesterday morning (she fared well with it during her match against Anna Chakvetadze; too bad the rest of her game didn’t click), and for doing our homework we got a treat in the form of Jose Acasuso, who practiced after the Russian.

Scoreline: The Argentine faces compatriot Maximo Gonzalez in the first round of the Pilot Pen Tennis tournament (they play today).

Gstaad

Yeah, I need to move there. NOW.

The scoop: Stanley el Manley moves on, but recent Hamburg finalist Paul-Henri Mathieu is OUT, after a close match with Marcos Daniel of Brazil.

Chucho is also out.

Typical Chucho-ian antics

[1] S Wawrinka (SUI) d [Q] F Del Bonis (ARG) 64 75
[4] V Hanescu (ROU) d I Minar (CZE) 62 62
[5] J Chardy (FRA) d [Q] T Ascione (FRA) 63 63
[6] N Kiefer (GER) d J Acasuso (ARG) 76(5) 62
M Daniel (BRA) d [8] P Mathieu (FRA) 76(3) 76(6)
I Navarro (ESP) d [Q] F Dustov (UZB) 76(2) 46 62
J Benneteau (FRA) d [WC] S Bohli (SUI) 76(4) 75
F Serra (FRA) d M Vassallo Arguello (ARG) 63 62
[Q] T Bellucci (BRA) d *[LL] S Lammer (SUI) 67(5) 76(5) 64

Doubles – First Round
[2] M Kohlmann (GER) / S Prieto (ARG) d [WC] A Sadecky (SUI) / R Valent (SUI) 62 75
[4] C Kas (GER) / P Kohlschreiber (GER) d J Hernych (CZE) / I Minar (CZE) 61 57 10-4
L Arnold Ker (ARG) / L Friedl (CZE) d D Martin (USA) / A Motti (ITA) 64 62

I’m really cheering for Stan to win this tournament … I feel he’s earned his keep.

Umag

le Boss continues on in his quest for world domination, defeating Rochus 62 63. Unfortunately, none of my questions were picked for his “Chat” on the Umag website today. Curses.

On the Doubles side, the Djoko-bros were ousted by los Italianos, Fabio / Potito (great first names.) To make matters worse, Djo-bros received a lovely bagel in their first set … OUCH.

[4] J Melzer (AUT) d B Dabul (ARG) 63 75
[5] J Ferrero (ESP) d C Rochus (BEL) 62 63
[7] A Seppi (ITA) d [Q] J Chela (ARG) 64 26 63
F Fognini (ITA) d [8] M Zverev (GER) 26 63 64
P Cuevas (URU) d [WC] I Dodig (CRO) 63 61
F Gil (POR) d S Roitman (ARG) 75 62
P Starace (ITA) d *[LL] G Zemlja (SLO) 61 63
S Bolelli (ITA) d [Q] R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) 76(7) 36 60

Doubles – First Round
[1] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) d S Stakhovsky (UKR) / L Zovko (CRO) 46 75 10-5
[4] J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) d D Koellerer (AUT) / C Rochus (BEL) 36 64 10-2
F Fognini (ITA) / P Starace (ITA) d [WC] M Djokovic (SRB) / N Djokovic (SRB) 60 75
P Cuevas (URU) / M Gonzalez (ARG) d [WC] I Dodig (CRO) / I Ljubicic (CRO) 64 62

Los Angeles

In one of the more anticipated matches of the night (… for me, anyway), Maratski finally came through and beat Robby Ginepri, 36 63 64. A sad early exit for Robz, especially after his victory in Indy, but as it’s Marat who won, I can’t complain too much.

Ernests, Isner, Baggy, Consumption, Querrey, and — THANKFULLY — Horseface are also through.

J Isner (USA) d [7] B Becker (GER) 76(8) 76(3)
E Gulbis (LAT) d Y Lu (TPE) 75 62
[Q] C Ball (AUS) d M Gicquel (FRA) 62 76(8)
[Q] R Sweeting (USA) d [WC] T Dent (USA) 64 26 63
[5] I Kunitsyn (RUS) d [Q] S Devvarman (IND) 75 62
M Baghdatis (CYP) d [SE] F Dancevic (CAN) 76(3) 63
[6] S Querrey (USA) d. D Istomin (UZB) 62 60
[8] M Safin (RUS) d. [SE] R Ginepri (USA) 36 63 64
L Mayer (ARG) d. [Q] J Ouanna (FRA) 62 63

Doubles – First Round
Y Lu (TPE) / D Vemic (SRB) d. [4] S Huss (AUS) / R Hutchins (GBR) 63 67(4) 10-6

Unfortunately, though, while browsing through pictures looking for photos of Horseface in action (sadly, none to report,) I came across this \/

[Young children should leave the room and the squeamish may want to shield their eyes ... ]

ARRRGHH! ANYTHING but the GIMELSTOB!

]]> http://newballs.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/atp-player-photos-enough-fun-to-last-a-lifetime/ Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:10:46 +0000 irefusetotellyou http://newballs.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/atp-player-photos-enough-fun-to-last-a-lifetime/

So I have a feeling that the ATP decided that they could increase their macho level by having players take tough, manly-man photos for their bio pics. Needless to say, they’ve failed miserably, although it has provided me much entertainment. Oh, the hilarity of it all!

Some players only succeeded in looking mildly pissed off:

Some managed to look smolderingly hot.

Rawr!

Tyra Banks called. She wants her "fierce" look back.

Others scared the bajesus out of me.

Sorry, Nalby and/or Sex lovers, but these pictures make them look like convicted criminals who are 1 second away from beating the shit out of you.

And some need a re-take. Like NOW.

These photos make them look about 50 pounds heavier than they really are.

Some looked so unbelievably goofy that I scared by cat by laughing so uproariously.

Well, with a nickname like "Chucho", I guess I shouldn't expect much.

All in all, though, a scary rapist-esque picture (I’m looking at you, Nalby) is better than no picture at all.

Leonardo Mayer, supposedly

Leonardo “Horseface” Mayer– perennial no-show, professional buzz-killer, and my archnemesis — STRIKES AGAIN!

Czech Republic 2 Argentina 1

If only for that photo, I’m glad Mayer is on the team. But it was a tough D Cup debut for the horsefaced Leo, as he and partner Chucho fell to Berdych and Stepanek in straight sets. Yes, amazingly this …

… didn’t quite get the job done against this …

So now Elf has to win his rubber against Berdych (who beat him the only time they met) just to keep the tie alive for probably-Pico to face Steps. Yeah. This is going to go great.

At least the Argies managed to work in a few episodes of losing their shit hilariously. All credit to Berdych and Stepanek, though. I’ve not seen them playing doubles before and they made a great team, simply outclassing the Argies in every department. Berdych was rock solid and Stepanek wavered once or twice on serve, but came up with some great shots when it counted. They had synchronised fist-pumping and ass-patting and everything.

This photo gives me thoughts I never wanted to have. Not necessarily good thoughts, but … thoughts.

I’m just saying.

An unnecessarily convoluted title for what is, after all, just a bunch of Argie photos.

The long and the short and the hot of it.

“Team” Argentina. You have to love them.

Why so serious?

Show me another DC team that can match this quotient of awesome/ridiculous hair.

I’m serious.

Show me.

Look at him trying to volley. Bless.

Pico is stretchy.

Elf attempts subtle perving.

Elf fails.

Fairly sure Elf just suggested something disgusting.

This is the big one. From a YFB perspective, anyway.

Davis Cup team or police lineup? You decide.

Let’s be honest here. The Argies are still hurting from The Event Which Shall Not Be Mentioned, and they’re a man down. Not just any man, either. The Czechs on the other hand are fresh(ish) from a great win in the last round, and Berdych certainly looked in excellent nick at Wimbledon. He’s also beaten Elf within living memory – as has Stepanek.

The first day of the tie should be plain sailing enough for JMDP, as he faces Ivo Minar. Stepanek has a knee injury (he was suffering at Wimbledon), but is also quite possibly being kept in reserve for the doubles and then what could be a decisive match on Sunday. I don’t expect Pico to beat Berdych, so that leaves the distinct possibility that Elf will play the doubles on Saturday (and let’s be frank, probably lose), THEN have to step up for the potentially decisive fourth rubber against Berdych. All of which could be great fun.

They certainly think so.

Anyway. My expectations are low for this tie. Just beat Ivo Minar, Elf, and then we’ll see.

We’ll see.

Friday
Tomas Berdych (CZE) v Juan Monaco (ARG)
Ivo Minar (CZE) v Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)

Saturday
Lukas Dlouhy/Radek Stepanek (CZE) v Juan Martin del Potro/ Leonardo Mayer (ARG)

Sunday
Tomas Berdych (CZE) v Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)
Ivo Minar (CZE) v Juan Monaco (ARG)

The Argies are getting ready to suck and fail rock and roll in Ostrava against the Czech Republic.

Thoughts:
1) For the love of holy god, Elf, take off the fricking lavendar hat.
2) Pico is such a camera whore.
3) Mayer looks a little too pleased just to be there. Play it COOL, Leo.

I associate Topper with players that suck. Does it really strike fear into the hearts of the enemy?

Well hello there.

As I have mentioned once or twice, I have a bad feeling about this tie. (And I don’t care what anyone says, it’s not DC without Nalby.) But at least we get some Elf-Pico action …

Tandilese go travelling.

Yeah. If I was sitting next to a shirtless Pico, I probably wouldn’t be able to stop giggling either.

(thank you to the lovely people at JMDP’s MTF forum for the pictures)

Fognini e Starace vincono per ritiro degli avversari, la Garbin batte la Brianti in un derby azzurro, avanti Errani e Pennetta, perde solo il debuttante Ghedin. Con i 4 successi di ieri, sale a 9 il numero di italiani al secondo turno: è primato

Fonte: gazzetta.it

LONDRA (Inghilterra) – Sono passati quasi cento anni da quando Gino De Martino fu nel 1911 il primo italiano a giocare Wimbledon. Quasi un secolo dopo l’Italia centra uno storico record qualificando al secondo turno del torneo più famoso e prestigioso del mondo 9 rappresentanti (4 uomini e 5 donne). Il vecchio record di 8, stabilito nel 1996, era stato ripetuto anche pochi anni fa, nel 2005. Se la giornata inauguarale si era chiusa con 4 vittorie e una sola sconfitta, quella di ieri si è chiusa con 5 vittorie e 2 sconfitte (una inevitabile perchè si trattava di un derby, l’altra prevista per l’esordio negli slam di Ghedin). Un record che fa bene a tutto il movimento, ma che non è certo frutto di prestazioni clamorose.

Fognini — Due delle cinque vittorie sono state ottenute per ritiro; quella più clamorosa è stata firmata da Fabio Fognini. Il 22enne ligure ha avuto via libera dal ritiro di Denis Istomin sul 3-1 del quarto set con l’uzbeko avanti per due set a uno. L’infortunio alla schiena che ha colpito Istomin è stato per l’azzurro provvidenziale perchè Fognini ha giocato complessivamente male, soprattutto i primi due set persi per 6-1 7-6. Poi nel terzo c’è stato il tira e molla dell’azzurro che è andato avanti un break, si è fatto riprendere e poi è nuovamente schizzato avanti chiudendo il set per 6-4 dopo aver sciupato una valanga di palle break (alla fine quelle sfruttate sono state solo 3 sulle 17 complessive). All’inizio del quarto Istomin ha accusato il malanno e non è più stato in grado nè di servire, nè di spostarsi. E a conclusione del quarto game c’è stata l’invevitabile resa. Fognini attende ora al secondo turno lo spagnolo David Ferrer, testa di serie numero 16, che ha battuto per 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-2 lo statunitense Kevin Kim. Potito Starace invece ha beneficiato del ritiro dell’argentino Josè Acasuso. L’azzurro ha vinto il primo set dominando il tie break per 7 punti a 0, poi ha vinto anche il secondo per 6-3 con Acasuso che lasciava il campo per un forte mal di stomaco. Il campano giocherà ora un match difficile con il ceco Radek Stepanek che ha dato 6-4 6-4 6-1 al colombiano Alejandro Falla.

Tathiana Garbin, 21 anni, n° 54 del mondo. Epa garbin ed Errani — Tre invece le vittorie giunte dal singolare femminile. La veneta Tathiana Garbin ha vinto il derby contro Alberta Brianti dominando l’incontro per 6-4 6-3 in un’ora e 24 minuti. La differente attitudine all’erba è stata determinante per la vittoria della Garbin che ha fatto 4 ace, 19 colpi vincenti e 24 discese a rete. Tax, alla decima partecipazione consecutiva a Wimbledon (mai oltre il secondo turno), affronterà giovedì la spagnola Anabel Medina Garrigues che ha superato per 3-6 6-3 6-4 la polacca Marta Domachowska. Bene anche Sara Errani contro la modesta canadese Stephanie Dubois (n° 104 del mondo). La romagnola (n° 39) è stata brava a recuperare un break e vincere il primo set per 7-5, poi ha preso agevolmente il largo e ha chiuso la seconda frazione per 6-2. Ora c’è la serba Ana Ivanovic che si è salvata soltanto 8-6 al quinto contro la ceca Lucie Hradecka.

Pennetta — La nona e ultima vittoria di giornata è arrivata grazie alla nostra veterana, la brindisina Flavia Pennetta. Flavia, testa di serie numero 15, ha sofferto non poco durante tutto il primo set contro la spagnola Nuria Llagostera Vives. Poi, una volta subito il 6-3 iniziale, Flavia si è sciolta e non c’è più stata storia poichè l’azzurra ha infilato un parziale di 12 game a 1 e ora attenderà al secondo turno la vincente della sfida tra la statunitense di colore Vania King e l’ucraina Miriya Koryttseva.

Ghedin — E’ finita invece l’avventura di Riccardo Ghedin, figlio di Pietro, difensore della Lazio degli anni Settanta. Il ventireenne azzurro, numero 268 del ranking mondiale entrato in tabellone dopo aver superato le qualificazioni, si è dovuto arrendere in tre set al lettone Ernest Gulbis che ha finito per vincere per 6-2 6-4 6-4. La prima partita di Ghedin in uno slam è durata un’ora e 28 minuti nei quali l’azzurro ha piazzato 6 ace, commesso 4 doppi falli e messo a segno 16 colpi vincenti.

Argentina’s Davis Cup captain Tito Vasquez has named his line-up for the quarter-final against the Czech Republic: Juan Martin del Potro, Juan Monaco, Leonardo Mayer and Jose Acasuso.

Vassallo Arguallo will also go along as a practice partner. They’ll practice in Paris after Wimbledon, then go to Ostrava for the tie, which will be held July 10th – 12th.

With Nalbandian unavailable following hip surgery, JMDP will be the first singles player with (in theory) Monaco as the second. Leonardo Mayer beat James Blake in the first round of Roland Garros recently before losing to Tommy Haas. He’s also in the quarter-finals of Eastbourne after beating Benneteau and … someone else (fucking new ATP site won’t work so I can’t look it up.)

But basically … yeah. I’m a big fan of all these guys – well, not so much ol’ horse-face Mayer, or Chucho, really – but I have such a bad feeling about this. JMDP is basically leading the team, which just makes me want to cry and scream “HE’S TWENTY YEARS OLD!”. And Vasquez isn’t exactly being shy about loading the pressure on to his shoulders:

“David was the one who would have adapted best (to the fast surface). That’s an important absence. We’d have better chances with Del Potro and Nalbandian,” Vazquez said.

“But ‘Delpo’ has evolved a lot, he can be (world) number one, he showed that at Roland Garros.”

(via Reuters)

Um, yeah. No pressure. It’s not like he’ll be facing a hostile crowd and two players (Stepanek and Berdych) who have beaten him in very recent memory.

I really do have a bad feeling about this. And even if they win, it just won’t be Davis Cup without this:

Can I deal with more broken-hearted Davis Cup Elf?!

Bird y Magic, una rivalidad constante

Larry llegaba a un equipo en plena reconstrucción y que fijaría en él su pilar básico para crecer. Magic llegó a unos Lakers que unos años antes habían adquirido al mejor pívot de la NBA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. El pívot angelino había sido MVP cinco veces en ocho años (2 con Lakers y 3 con Milwaukee Bucks) y poseía un campeonato ganado en los Bucks años antes junto a Oscar Robertson. En Lakers había hecho olvidar a Wilt Chamberlain, pero aún no había conseguido ganar nada, hasta que el chico de la sonrisa llegó a su lado.

En el primer año en la liga, Larry Bird se llevó el premio al Rookie del año. Magic le contestó ganando el anillo y el MVP de las finales contra los Sixers, con un sexto partido para el recuerdo en el que jugó en todas las posiciones. Al año siguiente, Boston reunió el llamado “Big Three”, formado por Kevin McHale, Robert Paris y Larry Bird. Con estos jugadores, Boston se plantó en las finales y se llevaron el primer anillo de la era Bird. Este anillo sirvió para la consagración de Larry como uno de los mejores. Boston volvía a ganar y Red volvía a acertar en sus decisiones. Pero Boston encontró un gran rival en su conferencia, los Sixers de Julius Erving. Los Lakers con Magic a la cabeza, pararon a estos al año siguiente, llevándose Johnson su segundo anillo. A la siguiente temporada, Erving les devolvió la moneda y se llevó el título para Philly. Entonces, llegó el momento esperado. La final de 1984 será recordada por ser la primera entre Magic y Bird. Larry se podía tomar la revancha de la final universitaria y lo hizo. Ganó el anillo para Boston y le demostró a Magic que podía ganarle. El base angelino tomó nota y al año siguiente se tomó su revancha. Con un gran Kareem, los Lakers ganaron a los Celtics en seis partidos. El showtime prevalecía sobre el orgullo celtic.

Larry y los Celtics clamaban venganza pero no pudieron tomársela contra quien ellos querían. Houston Rockets se había plantado en la final eliminando a los Lakers guiados por un gran Hakeem Olajuwon. Allí se toparon con unos Boston Celtics herido del año anterior. Boston se llevó el anillo, el último de la era Bird. A la siguiente campaña, volvieron a enfrentarse en la final Lakers y Celtics. Allí apareció el gran Magic. El base hizo unas series finales espectaculares y privó a los Celtics de su decimoséptimo anillo. Ultimas finales para los de Boston, empezaba un duro y largo proceso de reconstrucción. A los Lakers del showtime aún les quedaba cuerda para rato. Al año siguiente repitieron título frente a Detroit, siendo el último de la era Magic, porque al año siguiente los Pistons les privaron del anillo en unas finales espectaculares. Se retiraba Kareem, aunque Magic seguía dominando sobre los demás. Pasaron un par de años hasta que los Lakers de Magic jugaran su última final. Perdieron en 1991 frente a los Bulls de Jordan. Magic pasaba el testigo. Se acaba la era del showtime. Empezaba la era Jordan.

La rivalidad del Siglo XXI

Mientras Michael Jordan y sus Bulls dominaban la NBA, Lakers y Celtics comenzaron un lento proceso de reconstrucción, más para unos que para otros. Boston sufrió un claro retroceso al ver que su esperanza para el futuro, Len Bias, número dos del draft, fallecía a los dos días de conocerse la lotería. La franquicia verde hipotecaba su futuro y salvo un par de años de la mano de Paul Pierce y Antoine Walker en el siglo XXI, no volverían a conocer unas finales de conferencia.

En cambio, para Lakers fue algo más sencillo. Despues de la doble retirada de Magic Johnson a causa del SIDA, Los Angeles adquirieron al pívot más prometedor de la época, Shaquille O´neal. Al joven pívot se le unió el prometedor escolta Kobe Bryant, y juntos dominaron la NBA durante tres años seguidos, tras la retirada de Michael Jordan. Pero, tras unas finales perdidas contra los Detroit Pistons, el grupo se disolvió y Kobe quedó solo en la lucha por el anillo.

Ambas franquicias se encontraban en un duro proceso de reconstrucción que se solventaría mediante un par de traspasos. Primero, a Boston llegó Kevin Garnett y Ray Allen, dos all-star para ayudar a Paul Pierce en la lucha por el título. Boston se convertía en el máximo favorito al anillo. Hasta que Los Angeles consiguió mediante un traspaso a Pau Gasol.

El impacto inmediato del pívot en el equipo convirtió a Lakers en candidato al título. La NBA se frotaba las manos con la final soñada. Dicha final llegó, se batieron records de audiencia y Boston demostró más carácter de campeón. Ganó a Los Angeles en una final soñada por 4-2. El anillo volvía a Boston dos décadas después. El proyecto de Boston es actual, el de Lakers de futuro. ¿Veremos más finales en estas próximas campañas? No se sabe. Pero hablando de dos franquicias que han dominado este deporte y se reconstruyen con el paso del tiempo, es posible.

Aquí encontrarás la primera parte del reportaje…

http://zonamixta.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/celtics-lakers-una-rivalidad-entre-dos-mundos-i/

Any one who missed yesterdays match at the French Open between Roger Federer and Jose Acasuso really missed a true example of a never say die spirit. Down 5-1 in the third set against an opponent who felt he had a chance to beat a champion, Fedex displayed a kind of grit very rarely seen these days.

“Broken his will” a commentator said. Indeed Acasuso’s face said it all during the entire fourth set. “What will it take to beat this guy? was the question that must have occupied his mind.

In the end the poker faced assassin showed us all the reason why he was World No. 1  for a record 237 consecutive weeks.

I’m sure looking back at the game “Chucho” will cherish this as the game he will always tell his grandchildren about.

Go For it, Roger!!!…………… We need to see you back on top.

Another interesting match that I missed …

I thought Roger was going to roll this one in straights, but instead the first set was very tight. It eventually went to Federer 10-8 in the tiebreak, at which point I assumed Chucho’s challenge would fade away. Wrong again; Chucho upped his level and took the second set 7-5. He then went up 5-1 (I think) in the third set, at which point there was mass frazzling all over the Fed fandom.

Fortunately for the Federators, at this point Chucho did what he does best.

He choked.

Federer broke, and then broke again, and then broke again to take the set 7-2 in the tiebreak.  At which point Chucho really did implode. He lost the fourth set 6-2 and Federer went through to the third round.

I really feel for Chucho on this one, it’s another tough loss. Still, although this tournament needs a big surprise, Federer losing in the second round should not be it.

Onwards and upwards, Roger.