Arrived in time for the Ladies doubles final but only watched the 1st set as I needed food and to meet my partner at the gate to give him his ticket. Watched on the big screen as the Williams sisters took the title 6-2, 6-2.
On to the mens final.
Roger starts well and soon has BP. Takes 5 goes before he finally hits a FH winner and is 2-0 up. Goes with serve until game 6 where Roger had another BP but hits it long and Juan Martin holds. In the 8th game Roger has 3 SP but an ace and 2 smashes from Juan Martin them. Roger then serves out the opening set 6-3.
Roger again gets a break in the 1st game and with a hold of serve the next game is 2-0 up. Juan Martin has a chance to break back @ 2-1 but roger holds on after 4 deuces for 3-1. It is not until the 10th game do we get back on serve with Juan Martin hitting a DTL winner. Roger gets a bit frustrated during this point as he clearly thinks a shot is out but Juan Martin challenges and it is proven to be in. Both players hold their next service games and the 2nd set is decided on a TB. Juan Martin gets a break to lead 4-3 and that is all he needs as he takes the TB 7-5 and we are 1 set all.
BP chance at 1-1 but is hit long and roger holds. It is not until 3-3 does Juan Martin take his BP chance and he leads 4-3 but gives it straight back to Roger. A DF @ SP down gives Roger the 3rd set 6-4.
At this point I really did think it was over for Juan Martin and expected roger to cruise through the 4th set.
We have a break of serve to Juan Martin at 3-2 but Roger breaks back to make it 4-4. No more breaks and again we head into a TB. A DF on the 1st point gives Juan Martin an early break. Again he holds onto this and with no more breaks takes the 4th set in the TB 7-4 and into a 5th set we go for the 1st time in 10 years, Agassi v Martin was the last one.
A break in the 2nd game gives Juan Martin 2-0. Roger has a chance in the next game but hits long and it is 3-0. The next 4 games stay on serve. 5-2 to Juan Martin and he gets 2 MP’s, Roger saves both but a DF gives Juan Martin another chance which he takes alone with the set, 6-2 and the match in 4 hours 6 minutes, 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2.
BLOODY HELL, what a match. I know Juan Martin doesn’t have many fans on here but all credit to the guy for this past 2 weeks. He really has come of age and played some fantastic tennis. As I said earlier once Roger went 2-1 up I thought it was all over but his 1st serve deserted him and Juan Martin hung on in there, didn’t get nervous and played great tennis. Great scenes at the end with Juan Martin flat on his back and crying. Nice speech by Roger giving credit to Juan Martin, unfortunately I could hardly hear what Juan Martin said but I am sure he was also giving credit to Roger. I didn’t get the winner I wanted but can’t argue with Juan Martin winning here and I for one am happy I was there when he won the 1st of Grand Slams as I am sure there will be a few more. So congratulations to Juan Martin, commiserations to Roger.
I only hope that this is a kick up the backside for Andy Murray, he has now seen a younger player ranked below him win a Slam when he should be up there playing in the finals.
Well that is it from me at the 2009 US Open. Apart from 2 days of totally shitty weather I have had a great time, met some nice people and watched some great tennis. I have got more photos to upload but will be doing that when I return to the UK as it takes to long with a hotel internet connection, I will post the link once I have updated.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my reports.
Monday 14 September 2009
DAY 7
Finally the sun is shining and we get a full days play. 1st up Rafa V Del Potro.
Both players had a chance to break in the first 3 games. Del Potro takes his next chance and goes into a 3-1 lead. Rafa has further chances but again missed and it is 5-2 to Del Potro. He breaks again to win the 1st set 6-2. Del Potro races into a 4-1 lead then gets to 5-2. Another game to Del Potro and he is 2 sets up. 3rd set follows a similar pattern and Del Potro is at 5-2 with Rafa serving to stay in the match. 0-40 and Del Potro takes the 1st of his 3 match points and wins the set 6-2 for the match in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.
Hats off to Del Potro he played the match of his life and gave Rafa no chance to get into his game, he had no answers to the shots coming off Del Potro’s racquet. Did his abdo strain play a part? Frankly I think a fully fit Rafa would have struggled with the shots of Del Potro so no excuses, you step on court you are fit to play. Good luck to
Del Potro in his 1st Grand Slam final.
Between the semi finals Arthur Ashe was inducted into the Hall of Fame. I will admit to not knowing much about the man except that he was the 1st African-American to win a Slam. Listening to the speeches I got the impression that he was not only a great tennis player but also a great man off court who gave himself to many causes. A lot of what is done at the US Open is done to keep alive his memory, the Kids Day, Memorial Garden and of course the name of the main stadium. The main speech was given by President Clinton, wow, I get got see an American President!!
Onto Roger v Nole in the 2nd semi final. First break chance goes to Roger in the 5th game but Nole holds. Next game Nole has his chance to break and takes it to go up 4-2 but returns the favour straight back with a DF and we are on serve at 4-3. Set goes to TB which Roger takes 7-3 to win the 1st set 7-6.
At 2-1 Nole is 0-30 down with Roger playing some great shots but he manages to hold. At 5-5, 15-0 what I thought was the play of the match, some excellent net play from both players with Nole finally giving up and literally bending over for Roger to hit the winner, brilliant! At 6-5 Nole had a great chance to get to the TB but from about 6in he nets!! Roger hits a forehand and wins the set 7-5.
Roger gets a chance to break in game 8 but Nole holds. 9th game gives Nole 2 BP’s but Roger holds. Then we get to the last game. 6-5 30-0 to Roger and he hits one of the best shot I have ever seen!!! A shot between his legs is hit for a winner and he has 3 MP’s. He takes the 1st with a FH winner and is in his 6th straight US Open final.
WOMENS FINAL – Wozniacki v Clijsters
Got a free baseball cap as I entered the stadium, nice people at JP Morgan! We then got entertained by David Archuleta, some guy from American Idol. It is an understandable nervy start from Caroline and Kim gets a break to go 2-0. Kim gives it straight back and has and Caroline holds her next serve to lead 4-2. At 4-3 we get some great play from both players, which a point in which I thought Caroline was out of twice but Kim nets. She manages to break back to get the score to 4-4. But again Caroline breaks to let her serve for the set at 5-4 but guess what, another break and it is 5-5. Kim finally gets 2 SP @ 6-5 and she hits a FH winner to take the set 7-5. A total of 7 breaks of serve in the 1st set.
The 2nd set stays on serve until 3-2 where Kim gets 3 BP; she takes 1 to lead 4-2. She holds serve. Kim holds on and wins the 2nd set and the match 6-3.
So happy to see Kim back on the tour and to see her win a Slam at her first attempt back was brilliant. We get treated to some shots of her lovely daughter who was in the crowd with her nanny. We get great speeches by both players and Kim holds aloft the winner’s trophy again.
Finally the sun is shining and we get a full days play. 1st up Rafa V Del Potro.
Both players had a chance to break in the first 3 games. Del Potro takes his next chance and goes into a 3-1 lead. Rafa has further chances but again missed and it is 5-2 to Del Potro. He breaks again to win the 1st set 6-2. Del Potro races into a 4-1 lead then gets to 5-2. Another game to Del Potro and he is 2 sets up. 3rd set follows a similar pattern and Del Potro is at 5-2 with Rafa serving to stay in the match. 0-40 and Del Potro takes the 1st of his 3 match points and wins the set 6-2 for the match in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.
Hats off to Del Potro he played the match of his life and gave Rafa no chance to get into his game, he had no answers to the shots coming off Del Potro’s racquet. Did his abdo strain play a part? Frankly I think a fully fit Rafa would have struggled with the shots of Del Potro so no excuses, you step on court you are fit to play. Good luck to
Del Potro in his 1st Grand Slam final.
Between the semi finals Arthur Ashe was inducted into the Hall of Fame. I will admit to not knowing much about the man except that he was the 1st African-American to win a Slam. Listening to the speeches I got the impression that he was not only a great tennis player but also a great man off court who gave himself to many causes. A lot of what is done at the US Open is done to keep alive his memory, the Kids Day, Memorial Garden and of course the name of the main stadium. The main speech was given by President Clinton, wow, I get got see an American President!!
Onto Roger v Nole in the 2nd semi final. First break chance goes to Roger in the 5th game but Nole holds. Next game Nole has his chance to break and takes it to go up 4-2 but returns the favour straight back with a DF and we are on serve at 4-3. Set goes to TB which Roger takes 7-3 to win the 1st set 7-6.
At 2-1 Nole is 0-30 down with Roger playing some great shots but he manages to hold. At 5-5, 15-0 what I thought was the play of the match, some excellent net play from both players with Nole finally giving up and literally bending over for Roger to hit the winner, brilliant! At 6-5 Nole had a great chance to get to the TB but from about 6in he nets!! Roger hits a forehand and wins the set 7-5.
Roger gets a chance to break in game 8 but Nole holds. 9th game gives Nole 2 BP’s but Roger holds. Then we get to the last game. 6-5 30-0 to Roger and he hits one of the best shot I have ever seen!!! A shot between his legs is hit for a winner and he has 3 MP’s. He takes the 1st with a FH winner and is in his 6th straight US Open final.
WOMENS FINAL – Wozniacki v Clijsters
Got a free baseball cap as I entered the stadium, nice people at JP Morgan! We then got entertained by David Archuleta, some guy from American Idol. It is an understandable nervy start from Caroline and Kim gets a break to go 2-0. Kim gives it straight back and has and Caroline holds her next serve to lead 4-2. At 4-3 we get some great play from both players, which a point in which I thought Caroline was out of twice but Kim nets. She manages to break back to get the score to 4-4. But again Caroline breaks to let her serve for the set at 5-4 but guess what, another break and it is 5-5. Kim finally gets 2 SP @ 6-5 and she hits a FH winner to take the set 7-5. A total of 7 breaks of serve in the 1st set.
The 2nd set stays on serve until 3-2 where Kim gets 3 BP; she takes 1 to lead 4-2. She holds serve. Kim holds on and wins the 2nd set and the match 6-3.
So happy to see Kim back on the tour and to see her win a Slam at her first attempt back was brilliant. We get treated to some shots of her lovely daughter who was in the crowd with her nanny. We get great speeches by both players and Kim holds aloft the winner’s trophy again.
Sunday 13 September 2009
Day 6 @ The US Open
Another rain affected day but I got to see all the matches, eventually! Luckily I had brought with me Friday’s tickets, as they were the tickets needed for today’s matches. If you had Saturday tickets for Ashe you could only go onto Armstrong, which I thought was a little unfair as they honoured the cancelled Friday session tickets.
Rafa and Gonzo came onto court at 12.06 and already the dark clouds were gathering and I was not hopefully that, if the game had gone beyond 3 sets, we would get it all complete. As it turned out Rafa only needed around 30minutes on court as he gets 2 breaks to lead 5-2 in the TB and serves it out to take the 2nd set, Gonzo then hits the self-destruct button.
1st game of the 3rd and Rafa gets a break, which is followed by a lovely racquet smash from Gonzo. Breaks again in the 3rd and 5th games leaves Rafa serving for the match which he does comfortably and he hands Gonzo the bagel to win in straight sets. He now plays Del Potro in the semi final on Sunday.
We briefly see the mens doubles as they only manage the warm up before the rains starts again; I hate the New York weather! Whilst talking the couple sat next to me I find out that they can’t make Monday as they are flying home. They ask me if I know anyone who would want their tickets. I mention that my partner is flying in from Washington DC on Monday and he would take one, sold for face value, $82! My treat for dragging him all the way to the US.
After that bit of good news I sit and wait in the rain for the next 8 hours feeling more pissed off with every passing minute. There is talk by the ground staff that if the womens semi final matches are not complete tonight we could go into Tuesday!
The Wozniacki v Wickmayer match was due to start first on Armstrong so I headed over there and got myself a good seat again. The players finally came out onto court at 9.22. By this time the Kim v Serena match had already started on Ashe. They play 1 point before the match gets stopped! I debated on whether to leave as the other game carried on but decided to stay. I had my free radio on and once Kim won the 2nd set I left to go see the rest of that match.
And what a match!!!! Again it was a free for all so got one of the “posh seats” Joined the match as Serena takes a BP to lead 3-2. Kim gets it straight back for 3-3. She has chances to go 5-3 but an ace from Serena saves the 3 BP. Stays on serve until 6-5 to Kim and fun begins. MP to Kim and Serena hits another foot fault. She decides to take issue with the line judge and according to people when walking out said something about sticking the ball or her racquet where the sun doesn’t shine. Anyway off goes the line judge to the umpire and Serena has another pop. I hadn’t seen her 1st code violation for racquet abuse in the 1st set so didn’t really know what was going on. Obviously she received another for the abuse and language and was defaulted from the match. She walks around the net to Kim, who really didn’t know what was happening, gets her bags and walks off court to a chorus of boo’s from the crowd.
I then left to go home but stopped by the big screen as Caroline was near the end of her match, which she wins in straight sets.
So who had a bet on a Clijsters v Wozniacki womens final?
Rafa and Gonzo came onto court at 12.06 and already the dark clouds were gathering and I was not hopefully that, if the game had gone beyond 3 sets, we would get it all complete. As it turned out Rafa only needed around 30minutes on court as he gets 2 breaks to lead 5-2 in the TB and serves it out to take the 2nd set, Gonzo then hits the self-destruct button.
1st game of the 3rd and Rafa gets a break, which is followed by a lovely racquet smash from Gonzo. Breaks again in the 3rd and 5th games leaves Rafa serving for the match which he does comfortably and he hands Gonzo the bagel to win in straight sets. He now plays Del Potro in the semi final on Sunday.
We briefly see the mens doubles as they only manage the warm up before the rains starts again; I hate the New York weather! Whilst talking the couple sat next to me I find out that they can’t make Monday as they are flying home. They ask me if I know anyone who would want their tickets. I mention that my partner is flying in from Washington DC on Monday and he would take one, sold for face value, $82! My treat for dragging him all the way to the US.
After that bit of good news I sit and wait in the rain for the next 8 hours feeling more pissed off with every passing minute. There is talk by the ground staff that if the womens semi final matches are not complete tonight we could go into Tuesday!
The Wozniacki v Wickmayer match was due to start first on Armstrong so I headed over there and got myself a good seat again. The players finally came out onto court at 9.22. By this time the Kim v Serena match had already started on Ashe. They play 1 point before the match gets stopped! I debated on whether to leave as the other game carried on but decided to stay. I had my free radio on and once Kim won the 2nd set I left to go see the rest of that match.
And what a match!!!! Again it was a free for all so got one of the “posh seats” Joined the match as Serena takes a BP to lead 3-2. Kim gets it straight back for 3-3. She has chances to go 5-3 but an ace from Serena saves the 3 BP. Stays on serve until 6-5 to Kim and fun begins. MP to Kim and Serena hits another foot fault. She decides to take issue with the line judge and according to people when walking out said something about sticking the ball or her racquet where the sun doesn’t shine. Anyway off goes the line judge to the umpire and Serena has another pop. I hadn’t seen her 1st code violation for racquet abuse in the 1st set so didn’t really know what was going on. Obviously she received another for the abuse and language and was defaulted from the match. She walks around the net to Kim, who really didn’t know what was happening, gets her bags and walks off court to a chorus of boo’s from the crowd.
I then left to go home but stopped by the big screen as Caroline was near the end of her match, which she wins in straight sets.
So who had a bet on a Clijsters v Wozniacki womens final?
Saturday 12 September 2009
DAY 5
Total washout
Got to the stadium and play had already been pushed back to 1pm. Went for a walk around the grounds and had a look at the shops again. By this time play had been pushed back again to 2pm so decided to go look at the “Grand Slam” exhibition. It was ok and helped pass 45 minutes. It was basically telling you the story of all the players that have achieved a “Grand Slam” in their career along with a video showing some of their matches. I found out that Rafa’s match had been moved to Armstrong so headed off over there. It was a “free for all” and got a seat on the 1st row right next to where the players come on to court. Thought “Oh my God I will be literally right next to Rafa and have a great chance to get his autograph at the end of the match” Well you all know what happened next. The rain came down, would stop for 5 minutes then return with a vengeance, even heavier. The start time kept getting pushed back and back and talking to the courtside security and TV guys got the impression that we would get no play at all. This proved to be true and at around 5.30 play was cancelled for the day.
To say I was pissed off is an understatement, so fucking close to seeing Rafa and it rains and rains and rains, I hate the weather. No idea what is going to happen now but I presume we will have to play into Monday, thank God I am here until Thursday.
All in all a shit day where I got wet and cold again and saw no tennis at all.
Got to the stadium and play had already been pushed back to 1pm. Went for a walk around the grounds and had a look at the shops again. By this time play had been pushed back again to 2pm so decided to go look at the “Grand Slam” exhibition. It was ok and helped pass 45 minutes. It was basically telling you the story of all the players that have achieved a “Grand Slam” in their career along with a video showing some of their matches. I found out that Rafa’s match had been moved to Armstrong so headed off over there. It was a “free for all” and got a seat on the 1st row right next to where the players come on to court. Thought “Oh my God I will be literally right next to Rafa and have a great chance to get his autograph at the end of the match” Well you all know what happened next. The rain came down, would stop for 5 minutes then return with a vengeance, even heavier. The start time kept getting pushed back and back and talking to the courtside security and TV guys got the impression that we would get no play at all. This proved to be true and at around 5.30 play was cancelled for the day.
To say I was pissed off is an understatement, so fucking close to seeing Rafa and it rains and rains and rains, I hate the weather. No idea what is going to happen now but I presume we will have to play into Monday, thank God I am here until Thursday.
All in all a shit day where I got wet and cold again and saw no tennis at all.
DAY 4
The day got off to a great start when the man scanning tickets at the gate told me that my ticket wasn’t valid!!! Went to the box office where they checked it out and said it was fine. Went back to the gate and got in no problem. Was mega stressed by this point so I treated myself to a Nike “LOVE RAFA” t-shirt. My free radio broke yesterday so I went and got myself a new then went into Ashe.
The Ladies doubles was half way through so watched the end of that, Williams sisters coming through 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. The weather at this time was very cloudy and windy, glad I brought both jackets with me.
On to Del Potro v Cilic. On serve until the 5th game where Cilic takes his 2nd BP to lead 3-2. Stays on serve for the rest of the set and Cilic takes it 6-4.
Del Potro gets the break in the 2nd set to go up 5-3 and he serves out the set 6-3 to level at 1 set all.
Del Potro gets a break in the first game then holds for 2-0. He gets another BP in game 5 and leads 4-1. At 5-2 he has 3 SP and takes 1 and gets the set 6-2. It is now dark and the lights come on at the start of the 4th set.
Del Potro races into a 5-0 lead and serves for the match but Cilic gets a break back to avoid the bagel but gets a breadstick instead as Del Potro wins 6-1 and the match to go into Saturdays semi final.
Was hungry at this point so decided to get some food before Rafa, Nachos again, $7.50 and a large pretzel, $3.75.
Then it was time for my man Rafa. Rafa serving well and only lost his 1st point on serve at the start of the 8th game. Gonzo has 2 SP @6-5 but fails to take them and we go into a TB. Rafa gets a mini break straight away to go 3-0 up, gets another break to make it 4-0 but gives them back and the score is 4-3. Eventually hangs on to win the TB 7-4 and take the first set.
This is where things started to turn to shit!! Rafa takes a MTO for a lower back problem L Up he gets and we start the 2nd set.
2-2 and the rains starts and play is suspended at 8.29, it was that horrible fine rain, the kind you don’t even notice. Anyway off the players go. We are treated to highlights of the Sampras v Agassi Quarterfinal from 2001 to help pass the time. Players are back on court at 9.35 and play starts again at 9.43. A DF from Gonzo gives Rafa 2 SP, he doesn’t take them. Gonzo holds serve for 5-5. No more breaks and we go to another TB. This is the point where things turned to total and utter shit as at 3-2 to Rafa it starts to rain again and play is suspended at 10.20. We are treated to highlights from the Mens 1985 final between McEnroe and Lendl and also Roddick's win in 2003. A glimmer of hope as the rain stops and the court is dried; why the fuck do they not cover the court!!!!! But news of a much heavier rainfall just outside New York finishes off the night and play is cancelled at 00.05.
Pissed off, tired and cold I make my way home on the subway knowing that if Rafa or Gonzo are to win this they will now have to play 3 days in a row, bollocks. As I type this it is 01.10 and I have no idea what the schedule is for tomorrow. Play was due to start at 12.30 with Serena v Kim with maybe the other semi being played on Armstrong; I guess I will find out when I wake up tomorrow morning.
That’s all for Day 4.
The Ladies doubles was half way through so watched the end of that, Williams sisters coming through 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. The weather at this time was very cloudy and windy, glad I brought both jackets with me.
On to Del Potro v Cilic. On serve until the 5th game where Cilic takes his 2nd BP to lead 3-2. Stays on serve for the rest of the set and Cilic takes it 6-4.
Del Potro gets the break in the 2nd set to go up 5-3 and he serves out the set 6-3 to level at 1 set all.
Del Potro gets a break in the first game then holds for 2-0. He gets another BP in game 5 and leads 4-1. At 5-2 he has 3 SP and takes 1 and gets the set 6-2. It is now dark and the lights come on at the start of the 4th set.
Del Potro races into a 5-0 lead and serves for the match but Cilic gets a break back to avoid the bagel but gets a breadstick instead as Del Potro wins 6-1 and the match to go into Saturdays semi final.
Was hungry at this point so decided to get some food before Rafa, Nachos again, $7.50 and a large pretzel, $3.75.
Then it was time for my man Rafa. Rafa serving well and only lost his 1st point on serve at the start of the 8th game. Gonzo has 2 SP @6-5 but fails to take them and we go into a TB. Rafa gets a mini break straight away to go 3-0 up, gets another break to make it 4-0 but gives them back and the score is 4-3. Eventually hangs on to win the TB 7-4 and take the first set.
This is where things started to turn to shit!! Rafa takes a MTO for a lower back problem L Up he gets and we start the 2nd set.
2-2 and the rains starts and play is suspended at 8.29, it was that horrible fine rain, the kind you don’t even notice. Anyway off the players go. We are treated to highlights of the Sampras v Agassi Quarterfinal from 2001 to help pass the time. Players are back on court at 9.35 and play starts again at 9.43. A DF from Gonzo gives Rafa 2 SP, he doesn’t take them. Gonzo holds serve for 5-5. No more breaks and we go to another TB. This is the point where things turned to total and utter shit as at 3-2 to Rafa it starts to rain again and play is suspended at 10.20. We are treated to highlights from the Mens 1985 final between McEnroe and Lendl and also Roddick's win in 2003. A glimmer of hope as the rain stops and the court is dried; why the fuck do they not cover the court!!!!! But news of a much heavier rainfall just outside New York finishes off the night and play is cancelled at 00.05.
Pissed off, tired and cold I make my way home on the subway knowing that if Rafa or Gonzo are to win this they will now have to play 3 days in a row, bollocks. As I type this it is 01.10 and I have no idea what the schedule is for tomorrow. Play was due to start at 12.30 with Serena v Kim with maybe the other semi being played on Armstrong; I guess I will find out when I wake up tomorrow morning.
That’s all for Day 4.
Day 3
Arrived late today as it was doubles first up and didn’t really fancy that, preferred to stay in be. Got to my seat at 13.05 in time for the TB which Paes & Dlouly won.
On to the first of the ladies Quarterfinals. Can’t say I know much about these 2 but it was an ok match, better than what I thought it would be. A few breaks were swapped about before Wickmayer took another and served out for the set 7-5. Lost count of the breaks in the 2nd set, LOL but again Wickmayer gets an extra break and serves out the 6-4 and wins the match.
Got myself some lunch, grilled veggie wrap and large water, $14, and can I just say the wrap was fucking disgusting, awful, only eat half and threw the rest.
It was then time for Nole v Nando. Players came out onto court looking like the Tango Twins!! A few chances for both players to break but none converted so to the TB we went. A DF from Nando gave Nole a mini break. He gets another at 4-2 and serves out to win the first set 7-6.
Nando gets the break at the beginning of the 2nd set. He gets another at 3-1, which he takes to lead 4-1. Went for a “comfort break” and snacks (popcorn $4.50) so I missed the rest of the 2nd set, which Nando won.
1-1, 30-30 3rd set; how the fuck did Nando miss that smash at the net, nearly choked on my popcorn!!! Nole gets the break at 2-2 but gives it straight back and it is 3-3. Shocking shot from Nando give Nole 2 BP at 5-5 and with Nando going wide give Nole a break for 6-5. He gets 3 set points and takes the set 7-5.
At the start of the 4th the weather changed and went cool and very windy and I was starting to feel a bit sick after scoffing all my popcorn, LOL. Nole gets a few more breaks and serves out the set and match to win 6-2.
My need for food arose again and I got a cheese pizza, $8.50 before the night session matches. Didn’t take any notes but you could see that Oudin was nervous and the 1st set was over in 37 minutes with Cazza winning it 6-2. Similar story in the 2nd set and the same score line, Cazza into the semi final against Wickmayer.
Then came the final match of the evening, my 2 favourite players, LOL. First set was a whitewash. At 5-0 I was thinking, bagel or breadstick. Seeing that I am in New York it has to be bagel and I was correct!
Slightly better from the Sod in the second as he gets on the score sheet but Roger breaks in the 6th game. Goes with serve for the rest of the set and Roger takes it 6-3. I was now thinking which would come first, Roger winning in 3 or 11.15pm. As you know I was totally wrong as the Sod get the 3rd set on the TB.
Not sure if you could see on TV but it was very windy, at least were I was sat and I was getting very cold and tired. I gave it till 11.30 when the score was 2-1 on serve and left. Caught bits on the big screens around outside as I was heading for the subway and checked online when I got back to see that Roger won in 4, 4th set TB.
Apparently the weather is turning, sure felt it today so the schedule may change. Got Womens doubles up first tomorrow then Mixed doubles final followed by the Del Potro v Cilic with the night match Rafa v Gonzo. No idea how it will change but that is was the plan is for Thursday.
Hope you have enjoyed.
On to the first of the ladies Quarterfinals. Can’t say I know much about these 2 but it was an ok match, better than what I thought it would be. A few breaks were swapped about before Wickmayer took another and served out for the set 7-5. Lost count of the breaks in the 2nd set, LOL but again Wickmayer gets an extra break and serves out the 6-4 and wins the match.
Got myself some lunch, grilled veggie wrap and large water, $14, and can I just say the wrap was fucking disgusting, awful, only eat half and threw the rest.
It was then time for Nole v Nando. Players came out onto court looking like the Tango Twins!! A few chances for both players to break but none converted so to the TB we went. A DF from Nando gave Nole a mini break. He gets another at 4-2 and serves out to win the first set 7-6.
Nando gets the break at the beginning of the 2nd set. He gets another at 3-1, which he takes to lead 4-1. Went for a “comfort break” and snacks (popcorn $4.50) so I missed the rest of the 2nd set, which Nando won.
1-1, 30-30 3rd set; how the fuck did Nando miss that smash at the net, nearly choked on my popcorn!!! Nole gets the break at 2-2 but gives it straight back and it is 3-3. Shocking shot from Nando give Nole 2 BP at 5-5 and with Nando going wide give Nole a break for 6-5. He gets 3 set points and takes the set 7-5.
At the start of the 4th the weather changed and went cool and very windy and I was starting to feel a bit sick after scoffing all my popcorn, LOL. Nole gets a few more breaks and serves out the set and match to win 6-2.
My need for food arose again and I got a cheese pizza, $8.50 before the night session matches. Didn’t take any notes but you could see that Oudin was nervous and the 1st set was over in 37 minutes with Cazza winning it 6-2. Similar story in the 2nd set and the same score line, Cazza into the semi final against Wickmayer.
Then came the final match of the evening, my 2 favourite players, LOL. First set was a whitewash. At 5-0 I was thinking, bagel or breadstick. Seeing that I am in New York it has to be bagel and I was correct!
Slightly better from the Sod in the second as he gets on the score sheet but Roger breaks in the 6th game. Goes with serve for the rest of the set and Roger takes it 6-3. I was now thinking which would come first, Roger winning in 3 or 11.15pm. As you know I was totally wrong as the Sod get the 3rd set on the TB.
Not sure if you could see on TV but it was very windy, at least were I was sat and I was getting very cold and tired. I gave it till 11.30 when the score was 2-1 on serve and left. Caught bits on the big screens around outside as I was heading for the subway and checked online when I got back to see that Roger won in 4, 4th set TB.
Apparently the weather is turning, sure felt it today so the schedule may change. Got Womens doubles up first tomorrow then Mixed doubles final followed by the Del Potro v Cilic with the night match Rafa v Gonzo. No idea how it will change but that is was the plan is for Thursday.
Hope you have enjoyed.
DAY 2
Left hotel at 10.55 as I didn’t fancy watching the doubles first up on Ashe and I wanted a rest for the night matches. Had breakfast at a local diner, Swiss cheese omelette with hash browns and diet Pepsi, $11.25.
I forgot to mention yesterday that American Express have a radio station here and I got a free headset radio which gives you match commentary from ESPN and CBS, helps me keep track of the other matches. Anyway I arrived in my seat at 12.20 and caught the end of the doubles match, which the Bryan brothers won. The seat I was in for the day session today is mine now for the rest of the tournament (day sessions & finals) and I was impressed. I am half way up the top tier above where the players come onto court.
First full match I saw was Kim v Li. It was a straightforward 1st set for Kim, 6-2 with some good play but too many errors from Li. 2nd set was slightly more interesting as Kim had a slight wobble but managed to come through and win 6-4 for a straight sets victory.
And onto Andy Murray……….FUCK!!!!! I gave him a big MTL cheer when he came onto court from all you guys. 2 BP’s to Andy in the 6 game but can’t take any of them. Cilic has 1 himself next game, which Andy saved with an ace. The break comes in the 11 game to give Cilic a 6-5 lead, which he serves out, set 7-5.
2nd set starts and Cilic gets a break 1st game. Next service game from Andy is a shocker and Cilic breaks again. Andy has a few BP’s but doesn’t take any and Cilic serves the set out 6-2.
3rd set starts the same way as the 2nd, break to Cilic. At this point I knew it was over, no movement, no fight, nothing from Andy. He wanted to be anywhere but on that court and it showed. Lots of people started to leave at this point and I was tempted to join them but I always stay to the end and Cilic deserved a cheer. Set ends 6-2 and Andy is out.
I then went onto Armstrong, as I knew Tsonga v Nando was due up next after the Ladies doubles. Caught most of that match, which Stubbs & Stosur won in straights.
Ben – gave Tsonga a big fanboy cheer for you when he walked onto court! Bad start from Nando, Jo breaks to go 3-1 and Nando is hitting the serve speed board and giving away his racquet! Break back chance to Nando in game 7 but he nets it. Set points to Jo, he eventually takes 1 and wins the first set 6-3.
Early break for Nando to go 3-1 up. Jo has a chance to break back but misses and the crowd start to get pumped up as Nando goes to 4-1. It is now 6.30 and the night session is due to start in 30 minutes. I need to get to my seat and get some food, do I stay and watch this or go watch Serena………….I think I will stay here! 3 BP go astray from Jo in the 6th game. Nando get 2 set points and wins it with an ace, 7-6.
Stopped taking notes as the crowd was really getting into the match and I decided to just enjoy the experience. Anyway 4th set, 1 break and Nando wins 6-4 to take the match 3-1.
Made a mad dash over to Ashe and got into my seat about 5 minutes before Rafa came on court. Was feeling slightly nervous and stomach churning, never did get any food!!
Not a good start from Rafa as Gael takes the 2nd of this first breaks points to go 3-1 up. Rafa gets the break back in the 9th game and it goes with serve and we have a TB. A few FH errors from Rafa and Gael holds to take the TB and the set, 7-6.
Gael has BP in the first game and I thought, “oh shit” but it is long from Gael and Rafa holds. Rafa breaks in the next game, gives it back then breaks again, bloody roller coaster ride with Rafa! Holds serve and finally takes his 4th set point to win it 6-3.
Early break for Rafa at the start of the 3rd set. He gets another to go 4-1 up and Gael calls for the trainer. We hear via the radio commentary that he wants his wrist re-strapping and nothing serious. Another break comes along and Rafa takes his 2nd set point to wrap it up 6-1. At this point I knew he would win but still wanted a good match from Gael who does enjoy getting the crowd going, yes even I was clapping for him!
Another break early on and Rafa in up 3-1 but Gael gets the break straight back and it is back on serve. A DF gives Rafa 3 more BP’s and another DF gives it to him for 5-3. Rafa serves it out for the match. Obviously very happy that my man won and I get to see him play again. Gael got a great reception when he left court and rightly so, shame I didn’t get any acrobatics but I did get the splits!!
Anyway onto the subway for the trip back to the hotel. Had not eaten since breakfast so I made a detour to Burger King and got some fries and onion rings. Eat them when I got back to my room at 00.45, my head hit the pillow at 01.00.
Again hope you have enjoyed reading.
I forgot to mention yesterday that American Express have a radio station here and I got a free headset radio which gives you match commentary from ESPN and CBS, helps me keep track of the other matches. Anyway I arrived in my seat at 12.20 and caught the end of the doubles match, which the Bryan brothers won. The seat I was in for the day session today is mine now for the rest of the tournament (day sessions & finals) and I was impressed. I am half way up the top tier above where the players come onto court.
First full match I saw was Kim v Li. It was a straightforward 1st set for Kim, 6-2 with some good play but too many errors from Li. 2nd set was slightly more interesting as Kim had a slight wobble but managed to come through and win 6-4 for a straight sets victory.
And onto Andy Murray……….FUCK!!!!! I gave him a big MTL cheer when he came onto court from all you guys. 2 BP’s to Andy in the 6 game but can’t take any of them. Cilic has 1 himself next game, which Andy saved with an ace. The break comes in the 11 game to give Cilic a 6-5 lead, which he serves out, set 7-5.
2nd set starts and Cilic gets a break 1st game. Next service game from Andy is a shocker and Cilic breaks again. Andy has a few BP’s but doesn’t take any and Cilic serves the set out 6-2.
3rd set starts the same way as the 2nd, break to Cilic. At this point I knew it was over, no movement, no fight, nothing from Andy. He wanted to be anywhere but on that court and it showed. Lots of people started to leave at this point and I was tempted to join them but I always stay to the end and Cilic deserved a cheer. Set ends 6-2 and Andy is out.
I then went onto Armstrong, as I knew Tsonga v Nando was due up next after the Ladies doubles. Caught most of that match, which Stubbs & Stosur won in straights.
Ben – gave Tsonga a big fanboy cheer for you when he walked onto court! Bad start from Nando, Jo breaks to go 3-1 and Nando is hitting the serve speed board and giving away his racquet! Break back chance to Nando in game 7 but he nets it. Set points to Jo, he eventually takes 1 and wins the first set 6-3.
Early break for Nando to go 3-1 up. Jo has a chance to break back but misses and the crowd start to get pumped up as Nando goes to 4-1. It is now 6.30 and the night session is due to start in 30 minutes. I need to get to my seat and get some food, do I stay and watch this or go watch Serena………….I think I will stay here! 3 BP go astray from Jo in the 6th game. Nando get 2 set points and wins it with an ace, 7-6.
Stopped taking notes as the crowd was really getting into the match and I decided to just enjoy the experience. Anyway 4th set, 1 break and Nando wins 6-4 to take the match 3-1.
Made a mad dash over to Ashe and got into my seat about 5 minutes before Rafa came on court. Was feeling slightly nervous and stomach churning, never did get any food!!
Not a good start from Rafa as Gael takes the 2nd of this first breaks points to go 3-1 up. Rafa gets the break back in the 9th game and it goes with serve and we have a TB. A few FH errors from Rafa and Gael holds to take the TB and the set, 7-6.
Gael has BP in the first game and I thought, “oh shit” but it is long from Gael and Rafa holds. Rafa breaks in the next game, gives it back then breaks again, bloody roller coaster ride with Rafa! Holds serve and finally takes his 4th set point to win it 6-3.
Early break for Rafa at the start of the 3rd set. He gets another to go 4-1 up and Gael calls for the trainer. We hear via the radio commentary that he wants his wrist re-strapping and nothing serious. Another break comes along and Rafa takes his 2nd set point to wrap it up 6-1. At this point I knew he would win but still wanted a good match from Gael who does enjoy getting the crowd going, yes even I was clapping for him!
Another break early on and Rafa in up 3-1 but Gael gets the break straight back and it is back on serve. A DF gives Rafa 3 more BP’s and another DF gives it to him for 5-3. Rafa serves it out for the match. Obviously very happy that my man won and I get to see him play again. Gael got a great reception when he left court and rightly so, shame I didn’t get any acrobatics but I did get the splits!!
Anyway onto the subway for the trip back to the hotel. Had not eaten since breakfast so I made a detour to Burger King and got some fries and onion rings. Eat them when I got back to my room at 00.45, my head hit the pillow at 01.00.
Again hope you have enjoyed reading.
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