Tennis

[shoothoops]

28 players have defeated all 3 of Federer, Djokovic, Nadal. Only 3 have defeated all 3 on clay, hard court, and grass. Alex Zverev became the 3rs this week with a straight set win over Nadal in Madrid. (The other two players are Andy Murray and Dominic Thiem)

The good news for American John Isner is he defeated one of the World's beat players Andrey Rublev in 3 sets, and, he lost a close 3 setter to another one of the world's best players Dom Thiem. The bad news, is he has fallen out of the World Top 30 for the first time in over a decade. And, it is the first time since 1973 that no American male is ranked in the World top 30. (i think Sebi Korda can be a top 10 player) Isner lnows his strengths and weaknesses. 10 plus years is a long time to be consistently good. Tsitsipas won Monte Carlo, Nadal won Barcelona, neither will win Madrid.

Ash Barty won WTA Stuttgart against Aryna Sabalenka, and they will play again in the Madrid final today.

Rome draw is loaded as last big event before French Open.

[shoothoops]

Aryna Sabalenka, one of the World’s best few players defeated Ash Barty for the Madrid title. Sabalenka is ranked 4th in the world, and 3rd in the 2021 points race.

She finally loses a match, in Rome, in the Round of 16, to.....17 year old American Coco Gauff, 7-5, 6-3. Gauff had just defeated 19th ranked Maria Sakkari (13th 2021 points) in 3 sets. (She also had a win over a good Yulia Putinseva as well.

Gauff has reached her 4th quarterfinal already this year. She will improve her world ranking of 35. (28 in points race). For perspective, the next best ranked 17 year old is 353. There are only 3 other 18 year olds ranked in the world top 250, and none better than 70. And there is only one 19 year old ranked better than Gauff, and just one 20 year old.
17 years old, remarkable.

Fast forward someone ten years older.

27 year old American Jessie Pegula gets a big straight set win over World number 2, (also 2 in points) Naomi Osaka. She backs it up with a win over Ekaterina Alexandrova. Pegula is world #31, 10 in 2021 points race. It’s her best ever rankings.

Simona Halep tore her left calf muscle and is out indefinitely. Tough one there.

Jennifer Brady had to withdraw in Rome due to a left foot injury.

Garbi Muguruza has returned from her injury.

Ash Barty continues to dominate.

Serena Williams playing her first event since Australia, lost to Nadia Podoroska, a good clay court player and French Open finalist last year. Good match play there. Amazing how well she can play without much match play at age 39. Serve let her down, one of her strengths. She will play singles in Parma with Venus for some pre French Open match play.

Sofia Kenin has parted ways with her dad as her coach. It’s the only coach she’s ever had, but, it’s time.


Men.


Gael Monfils has returned to playing after his recent engagement to long time girlfriend and world top 5 player Elina Svitolina.

Alex Zverev won his 15th title in Madrid. That means Rafa Nadal lost in Monte Carlo, won Barcelona, lost in Madrid.

Nadal lost to Rublev in Monte Carlo. He won Barcelona, saving match points vs Tsitsipas. He saved multiple match points against him to take out Shapovalov in 3.5 hours in Rome to advance to the quarterfinals. When asked about the younger players, Nadal, said, “We’re getting older and they are getting better. But let’s see if they can do it in a few weeks.” meaning the big one, The French Open. Nadal has been meaving a few too many balls short, hasn’t been able to get the ball deep into opponent’s backhand at times, and hasn’t been serving consistently well for his level.  He’s still the favorite in Paris.

Rublev, Berrettini, Karatsev, Tsitsipas, Djokovic, Sinner, Carreno Busta, Norrie, all playing well. Isner and Opelka have been solid mid round players on clay as well. Fritz. Canada’s FAA and Shapovalov have been up and down with flashes.

[MuggsyB]

So the geniuses at the French Open put Fed, Nadal, and Djoker all in the same half of the draw?  WTF? 

[shoothoops]

Before getting to this weekend’s French Open, many things have been going on in the tennis world first.

Indian Wells, CA will take place as hoped rescheduled from usual March spot, in October. (World’s 5th largest tournament)

Cincinnati will take place, full capacity fans in August. (3rd biggest U.S. based event.

17 year old American Coco Gauff won both singles and doubles (Caty McNally) titles in Parma, Italy. She is the youngest player to win both on WTA Tour since Maria Sharapova in 2004. She is now ranked 25th in the World, and 11th in the 2021 points race. She is also 41st ranked doubles. (McNally is ranked 36) 17 years old, remarkable. She continues to improve all facets of her game. And she is seeded in Paris. Iga Swiatek turns 20 Monday. Then Gauff will be the highest ranked teen in the World. Swiatek and Andreescu are the only 20 year olds ranked better than Gauff, both 3 years older.

Bryan Shelton became the first D-1 College Tennis Coach to lead both a Women’s and Men’s team to a National Title. Georgia Tech Women, and now Florida Men. (Their first) And, his son clinched the National Title at number 5 singles over Baylor. Texas won the Women’s National Title over Pepperdine. Lake Nona continues to produce a fun and electric atmosphere for the Championships.

As far as French Open seeding goes, several ranked players were rewarded for their overall ranking vs 2021 points race stats or how they play on clay.

With the Women, some of the favorites and contenders include: Barty, Sabalenka, Swiatek. There are several others in the next tier. Kvitova playing well. Badosa, Kudermetova etc  That would include Gauff. But she would potentially face Barty in round of 16 if she made it that far. Stephens, Li could win a few. Brady, Rogers, Pegula, have under the radar expectations. Anisimova vs Kudermetova is possibly the best first round match on paper. Kudermetova is a sleeper pick to go far. 

Men’s Draw:

Djokovic would get Federer in Quarters. But I would be surprised if Fed made it that far. FAA with a chance here. Fitz in this group and Musetti. Bottom half, Nadal would have Rublev, Karatsev.
Djokovic vs Nadal semis with those others in the mix. Berretini in Djokovic side and a dangerous player. Sinner also playing well in Nadal’s half.

Other side, Zverev is in form, Khachanov. Nishikori hasn’t played a lot, but he is the type of player that can have some success without it. Ruud, Evans, Bautista Agut, Hurkacz. Thiem isn’t in form but dangerous. That’s a tough section. Bottom half of that side, Tsitsipas is playing as well as anyone, and, he woukd be a big favorite to the semis. Tough 2nd round for Sebi Korda vs Tsitsipas. Otherwise Sebi could have made a run. That’s a tough draw there. There are 7 Americans all bunched together on that side/section. Isner, Opelka, Tiafoe could win a few.

Sebi Korda has improved his ranking to 63, 35 in points race. And he has a chance at the Parma ATP Title this weekend.

French Open as usual runs its tourney poorly, communicates poorly. That hasn’t changed. But it’s still a major. Night tennis a thing to watch for as well.

Much has been mademof Naomi Osaka’s comments of not doing Press Conferences for French Open. This is complex.

1) Mental Health is a legit thing. I am all for more attention and cooperation with it. Perhaps there could be better timing with press obligations. There is nothing less informative than the pre-match interview for example.
2) Timing is curious because Naomi is not expected to do well in Paris. She is still learning how to play on red clay, and, she is not close to be considered a favorite. Pre-emptive strike if you will. She has potential to win on clay and grass in the next few to several years. But for now she is one of the game’s best hard court players on any type of hard court surface.
3) A few to some Int’l journalists do ask poor questions to an extreme. It’s a global sport and there are some cultural differences. But there are also some people bad at their job.
4) This is definitely someone who made $50 million plus last year alone, that would rather pay the fine. Many players can’t afford the fine for no press. It’s about a wealthy star athlete or performer controlling the media narrative. That bothers journalists more than others, fans, etc.. I’ve always been someone that watches sporting events without watching pregame post game or half time. (Sometimes with sound sometimes without depending on broadcasters). So it doesn’t interest me a lot. But I do understand the point a journalist might make saying media and journalists help athletes market their brand and sell their products.

[shoothoops]

Caty McNally (injured calf in French Open qualifying) had to withdraw from doubles with Coco Gauff. Gauff will now play French Open Doubles with Venus Williams. Tough break for McNally who has been playing well. Pretty good backup plan for Gauff as the Williams sisters are why Gauff started playing tennis at a young age. 17 year old pairs up with the 40 year old.

Osaka moving forward with two close sets. (Again, one of the most favorable draws in the event). Kvitova, moving forward.

American Danielle Collins is back and pain free after treating endometriosis.

Spaniard Paula Badosa is now quietly 14-2 on clay. Kvitova moving forward.Angie Kerber is out. Big matches coming up for Anisimova and Keys.

Evans is out for the Men in a surprise.

[MuggsyB]

Osaka withdrew from the French O.  I guess because of anxiety?  I'm wondering why she played at all if she is dealing with mental health issues?  Strange story.

[MU82]

Osaka withdrew from the French O.  I guess because of anxiety?  I'm wondering why she played at all if she is dealing with mental health issues?  Strange story.

Agreed. Something's there for certain. I hope things work out for her.

[Golden Avalanche]

Osaka withdrew from the French O.  I guess because of anxiety?  I'm wondering why she played at all if she is dealing with mental health issues?  Strange story.

Could be the typical "just give it a go" mentality pressure from handlers, sponsors, Roland Garros officials, and/or colleagues.

[shoothoops]

Let's begin and lead with sympathy and empathy instead of suspicion and conspiracy theory.

Why would she try to play? Because that is her job/career. That's what she does. It's one of the four biggest tournaments in her sport. There's nothing "strange" about Mental Health or a story about Mental Health. Lots and lots of professional athletes play every day with Mental Health challenges. They aren't immune from every day life.

Osaka said she wasn't doing press conferences at French Open. The response was all four majors threatening her with fines and disqualification of she doesn't.

Tennis has 3 types of journalists, 1) week to week journalists that know players pretty well and vice versa. 2) Grand Slam journalists that show up for big events. 3) Super Bowl types, tabloid types etc...The French Open is well known for having a lot of bad actor admin and journos at its event.

Osaka is currently one of the world's best hard court players, multiple types of hard courts. She is less experienced and less adept on clay and grass in Europe. While she had one of the most favorable draws of the tourney, she was not considered a favorite. This clay court season and practice have been a struggle. She has practiced at times with some of the world's best clay court players leading up to the French Open. But she does not have the match play. You have to have that too in order to be successful.

Osaka is a big huge International star now, and closely scrutinized. She gets asked a lot of non tennis related questions.

Longer term she will need to commit to clay and grass separately, where she will lose more often than she is used to losing. Eventually it will pay off. It's a lot of work and struggle.

Federer had Interesting self analytical comments today after his match about his path. He said seeing Dan Evans defeat Djokovic during clay court season gave him some confidence that he didn't have. Federer had defeated Evans in a long close grind this year. Federer then said he is aware that doesn't mean he would defeat Djokovic, and, added he would probably  lose to him in straight sets today. But then he added that he is not that far away from competing. He knows he isn't winning The French. He's playing to hopefully compete again at the higher and highest levels. He very much understands where he's at.

Not everyone has the same childhood experiences, environmental factors, or support systems in life. Osaka was the bread winning ticket for her struggling nomadic family. Every situation is different.

With regards to pressers, journos, nothing is less productive than the prematch interview. And, post match interviews would be much more productive and valuable a day later. It would be good to weed out some of the very bad journalists out there, and, to hold them to a higher standard. It doesn't get addressed. Obviously athletes benefit from coverage, media, sponsors too. Any questions about your game or match are fair game.

When Garbi Muguruza lost a tough match today, immediately off court she is asked about Osaka instead of her own match.

French Open issues a statement of "support" for Osaka and says it won't take questions. Lots of irony there.

2021, Mental Health still isn't treated the same as physical health. Sad, pathetic, a shame.

Osaka is far from the first athlete or tennis player to suffer from anxiety issues. Some have been well documented over the years, Mardy Fish, Jennifer Capriati, etc...many others have suffered in silence.

Hopefully it's an opportunity to improve the media portion of professional tennis. And it's an opportunity to highlight Mental Health as equal to physical health. In the end the athletes are the talent. And, they hold the power.

Osaka is coached by Wim Fissette, who is known as both one of the game's better coaches, and, definitely an empatheitc/sympathetic type of person. Osaka was visibly upset during practice leading up to the tourney.

[MU82]

It's an interesting situation -- by far the most interesting thing that has happened (and that probably will happen) at the French Open.

I'm not sure how you define "conspiracy theory" in this case, shoot, but it is normal for folks to ask questions and to try to understand what's going on with Osaka.

And she certainly isn't going to read anything any of us write and become even more anxious, depressed, etc.

I haven't seen anything in this thread so far that has been disrespectful -- same is true of the many statements I've seen from her fellow athletes.

The topic is interesting. It would be surprising if tennis fans (and others) didn't discuss it.

[shoothoops]

The first person who posted about it said they guessed it was anxiety, and, that it was a strange story? This implies that anxiety and mental health is a strange story.

Osaka's social anxiety and depression is well known in tennis, and even on video from tourneys going back years at pressers.

Obviously many casual observers, non tennis media, celebrity etc...will jump in with opinions without doing a little homework first. 

Her struggles on clay exacerbate her anxiety. And no event organizers and media are more disliked in tennis than French Open. Their lack of supportive response is not surprising.

When you become a big International star, you become a big target. Professional tennis players are routinely targeted and verbally abused by International gambling circuits. Madison Keys started a successful Kindness charitable organization in part because of it. As I mentioned in previous post, tennis part of the solution is embracing the losing struggle on clay and incremental improvement. It's okay to lose and not be successful. Not every kid is loved unconditionally for example. I also briefly .mentioned a less talked about aspect of her youth

I would expect her to surround herself with the best support and treatment she can get, and, hopefully return for grass or hard court season. Otherwise, next year.

At minimum I believe post match pressers will change and become optional.

Vulnerability deserves to be rewarded instead of shamed.

[shoothoops]

Only four top 20 players left in bottom half of Women’s Draw heading to the 2nd round. Top heavy draw. And points race is better indicator of in form players. (Sabalenka, Serena, Bencic, Azarenka). It already was a good opportunity for Serena, based on draw, and based on style of play matchups. Sabalenka the favorite to advance out of entire bottom half of draw. Serena does have a recent slam win over her though.

Kvitova, playing well on clay is out after her win due to a fall and injury at her press conference.

Big opportunity for Spain’s Paula Badosa to make a big run. ...also for teens Fernandez and Tauson, whichever one can advance early.

In the top half of the Women’s draw, Swiatek will be a big favorite in the bottom section to advance far. Opportunity for Kenin or Pegula as well. The top half of the top half is loaded.

[MuggsyB]

In the end she needs to take care of herself so hopefully this is a step in the right direction.  She stated she has suffered from anxiety and depression since winning the 2018 USOpen which if you recall was an awful and unfair experience for her.

 I just think the timing is a bit strange and her statement before the tournament about not doing press after her matches connotes that she wasn't mentally ready to play.  It could be that her timing was chosen to move the needle on mandatory press conferences?  We're talking about the highest paid female athlete in the world and doing press comes with the territory.  There is no way she entered the French Open and thought it was conceivable she could avoid press conferences without penalties. 

[MU82]

The first person who posted about it said they guessed it was anxiety, and, that it was a strange story? This implies that anxiety and mental health is a strange story.

IMHO, you are reading too much into it.

Otherwise, I agree with the rest of your post.

[shoothoops]

IMHO, you are reading too much into it.

Otherwise, I agree with the rest of your post.

He’s now posted twice doubling down calling it strange and questioning the timing.

[shoothoops]

Rublev is out in Nadal’s section. That leaves Sinner and Karatsev as the two likely in form challenges there.

Berrettini remains as biggest in form challenge on that side top half for Djokovic.

On the other side, Tsitsipas on the bottom half and Zverev on the top half.

[21Jumpstreet]

In the end she needs to take care of herself so hopefully this is a step in the right direction.  She stated she has suffered from anxiety and depression since winning the 2018 USOpen which if you recall was an awful and unfair experience for her.

 I just think the timing is a bit strange and her statement before the tournament about not doing press after her matches connotes that she wasn't mentally ready to play.  It could be that her timing was chosen to move the needle on mandatory press conferences?  We're talking about the highest paid female athlete in the world and doing press comes with the territory.  There is no way she entered the French Open and thought it was conceivable she could avoid press conferences without penalties.

Completely get what you’re saying, and perhaps she is trying to change the “comes with the territory” part. Whether it be her mental health or even her decision to try and change the status quo, I applaud her for the decision to withdraw. Would I like to hear from her, absolutely. I admire her for using her platform. Would I like to see her continually fined and disqualified, absolutely not.

[MU82]

He’s now posted twice doubling down calling it strange and questioning the timing.

Ok. You are allowed to be outraged at whatever you want.

Go Rafa!

[shoothoops]

Ok. You are allowed to be outraged at whatever you want.

Go Rafa!

No one is outraged. What I said is that Mental Health and or anxiety issues aren't strange. It's no different than not playing because of a calf injury. Clearly she tried to play and she chose not to continue after the first round.

[jficke13]

Good call. Those press conferences appear to be dangerous.

[shoothoops]

Former World number 6, and one of the tour’s most popular players, Carla Suarez Navarro played her first match since finishing treatments last month for Hodgkins Lymphoma. She fell in 3 close sets to Sloane Stephens.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

It seems like “media access” is a relic of a bygone age. The fact that tournaments and teams mandate it seems odd. Why put them on stage to simply give rehearsed quotes with little insight?

[shoothoops]

Bencic is out and now zero top 20 ranked players left in that part of the draw. (I’ve been a proponent to seed based on points race vs ranking.)

Life at Roland Garros. One of the following will reach the Women’s Semifinal:

Kasatkina
Cirstea
Trevisan
Zidansek
Siniakova
Kudermetova
Hercog
Garcia
Tan
Vondrousova
Badosa
Kovinic
Bogdan

(Like the way Badosa and Kovinic are playing this Spring.)

With Caty McNally resting her recent injury for grass season, Coco Gauff’s dad gave Venus Williams a last minute call to fill as Coco’s doubles partner. And they are giving it a go. 40 and 17 years old. (They train part of the time at the same place)

[shoothoops]

It seems like “media access” is a relic of a bygone age. The fact that tournaments and teams mandate it seems odd. Why put them on stage to simply give rehearsed quotes with little insight?

Actual question asked of American teen Coco Gauff this week:

“You are often compared to the Williams sisters. Maybe it’s because you’re Black. But I guess it’s because you’re talented, and, maybe American too...”

One of the more respected long time American tennis journalists asked Serena Williams about her shoes following her match (She wrote in French different words and sayings on her shoes) not understanding French and misinterpreting what was said. He’s a terrible interviewer.

Similar to broadcasting, the journalists that are respected, respect the game and talk about the game. Break down the game. They are the ones who are there week to week on tour and know how to build relationships with individual players.

Some journalists will say that they can gain insight at pressers that can better explain something. Someone referenced Justin Thomas in golf recently explaining the grain of the grass that caused him to miss a big shot etc....

Almost Nothing worthwhile comes during pre game pre match interviews. Nothing. I have rarely seen it.

Sideline reporting is often more effective off camera getting the info and relaying it back to the booth. Not much there on camera.

Half time. Coach what do you need to do better in the 2nd half? We need to score more points than the other team. Thanks coach.

Post game. This is often more trying to find a buzz worthy quote in joy, anger, sadness etc...as opposed to more time separation, more thought, more in depth analysis etc...It’s more of a heat of the moment which is often not a complete description of anything.

Casual fans and casual observers are often the target audience of these short and often shallow exchanges in the moment. They want to see and hear from the star or talent. Even broadcasters such as in game analyst Dick Vitale, who, we all know is better served as a PR pitchman for basketball as opposed to being an analyst, have followings as entertainers.

Flexibility, balance etc vs mandatory is a place. There are good bad and indifferent journalists as is the case in any profession.

[MU82]

Bencic is out and now zero top 20 ranked players left in that part of the draw. (I’ve been a proponent to seed based on points race vs ranking.)

Life at Roland Garros. One of the following will reach the Women’s Semifinal:

Kasatkina
Cirstea
Trevisan
Zidansek
Siniakova
Kudermetova
Hercog
Garcia
Tan
Vondrousova
Badosa
Kovinic
Bogdan

I'm not Mr. Tennis like you are, but I do like to watch the big events ... and I literally have never heard of any of these players. (Or if I did hear of any of them briefly, I've already forgotten.)