French Open '10: Point by point coverage

[chocula]

Trying to post UNSPOILED, so my post may be totally "after the fact". But I am rooting HARD for Sharapova. Not because I particularly like her (She's alright.), Not because I hate Henin (Because I do), but because I want Johnny Mac to be WRONG.

He said that Justine is the obvious favorite. REALLY? I've heard most people are picking Serena. Seriously, why is it SOOOO hard for him to say anything complimentary about the Williams sisters.

Every other American gets unconditional support from him, but the Williams sisters, not so much. He can't even always remember that they're even American.

[tikigirl]

I don't know how any sentient being would not pick Serena, chocula. But I guess that would be assuming JMac is consistently sentient.

ETA Sharapova sounds like Sasquatch out there, for chrissake.

[apocalipstick]

I remember Sod getting all furious with Rafa for Rafa not realizing immediately that it was new balls, so Rafa stopped mid-ball bounce, showed Sod new balls. Then Sod did the whole mock Rafa thing.

In fact, here it is from youtube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwvgnYDTTQ0
At the time, it seemed so petty because they had been playing for what, 4 days?, on and off. Both men were tired, but Sod clearly took offense at Rafa not immediately saying "New Balls." The crowd thought it was hilarious that Rafa forgot. I think Soderling was really mad about the crowd laughing. They were both tired and irritated at the time.

I don't think any of the players liked Soderling until recently. I even remember Federer saying something about him not being a likable guy. I can't find it but I'm almost certain both Andys, Roddick and Murray, have commented on Sod's dislikable personality. It can't be easy to live up to the Great Borg.

However, he really seems to have mellowed in the past 12 months or so. I don't think he expected that drubbing by Roger in the FO final after he had beaten Nadal.

Cilic kinda bores the crap out of me. I wouldn't mind seeing Soderling through to the next round. I wouldn't mind seeing him in the semis. I don't think he's good enough to ever win a slam.

[tikigirl]

both Andys, Roddick and Murray, have commented on Sod's dislikable personality.

That's rich, coming from that pair of pricks. Hee. I'm laughing so hard right now. Even without a mimosa. (Where's f'clese, anyway? Maybe, unlike me, he has a life.)

[lt]

Also, Ted Robinson's eyes remind me of people who took too much Ecstasy in college.

Those wide eyes coupled with the overly-enthusiastic manner of speaking. It's so hard to watch and listen to.

I think Soderling just doesn't feel the need to be best buds with the other players. He has his team, and that's all he needs. What I love about him is that when someone pisses him off (like Gonzo in Miami) he tells them right off the bat. He doesn't let it fester or get bigger than it is. Also, and I will keep going back to this, he says "thank you" to the ball kids when they hand him a towel or tennis balls. That's unheard of. I'll bet he's the friend you have for life once you've gotten past all the defenses and you've both decided you have loads in common.

That said, yes, I have no desire to meet any of these players. Definition of their life is that they're egotistical and selfish and I'm not so into that with my friends. Luckily, it's not like they're going to come knocking on my door anytime soon so I don't have anything to worry about.

[tikigirl]

Luckily, it's not like they're going to come knocking on my door anytime soon

But if Verdasco did knock, you would so totally answer...

And so would I.

[apocalipstick]

When even the dickiest guys on the tour think you're kind of a dick, it's got to be bad! I was hoping you'd shoot mimosa out your nose, tiki. I'm totally alcohol free as I have to attend a high school graduation later this afternoon. I'm jealous!

[tikigirl]

I don't actually have a mimosa, 'poca. It's just a recurring fantasy. I could make a gin and tonic, but that just seems obscene.

[lt]

But if Verdasco did knock, you would so totally answer...

Well, bien sûr! But did you see the piece on rolandgarros.com where they asked the players who should play them in the movie? Fer's answer was himself, because he feels like he'd be a good actor. He smiled and laughed through the answer but you know he really does believe it.

When even the dickiest guys on the tour think you're kind of a dick, it's got to be bad!

Probably he doesn't put up with their dickishness and since they have no clue that they are dicks, they say he is.

Tsonga is hurt. After the Soderling/Cilic match I switched over to a Tsonga/Youzhny feed and Tsonga was flat on his back getting treated.

eta: OH NO!!!! He's too injured! He just retired!

[chestylarue]

Tiki- My mantra with booze and watching European tennis is that it's always noon somewhere.

I actually think that tennis seems to have a good batch of good guys in terms of fellows who may be less egotistical than other sports and may be fun to hang out with. I think tennis as a rule has some neat, interesting athletes.

[tikigirl]

Tsonga was flat on his back getting treated.

I'd be happy to help with that.

I am so not surprised by that Verdasco story. It'd be pretty difficult not to be aware of his own hotness, but...that's kinda not hot, you know what I mean?

ETA okay, based on chesty's very sensible observation, who's up for a drink with me?

[apocalipstick]

Yeah yeah, whatever. High school graduation. If there's one event I probably need to have a buzz to endure, that's it. There will be NINE, count them NINE valedictorians speaking. Nine high schoolers all trying to say "fuck off" to high school without actually saying "fuck off." It's going to be torturous. It might be worse than that Pennetta/Wozniacki second set.

I'll be shocked if Murray/Berdych finishes today.

Did Tsonga just retire? In front of his home crowd? Ouch. OUCH.

[lt]

I'll be shocked if Murray/Berdych finishes today.

They've got about three hours of daylight but if all those clouds make it darker earlier they might run into some problems. See? This is what have Wozniacki on your schedule does. The schedulers think, women's match, that won't be long and then she goes out there and plugs along for three hours.

As unhappy as I was to have to watch the Williams' sister plays doubles I do want to watch Stosur and Petrova play. Their match looks more competitive.

[apocalipstick]

I always got the vibe that Feliciano Lopez loved him some Feliciano Lopez. I wouldn't be surprised if Verdasco is a little that way too.

So sorry for Tsonga, but good for Youz!

[chestylarue]

I feel bad for poor Jo-Willy but happy or Misha. Both dudes have had injury laden careers.

Tiki- I am already having a Pimm's and ginger ale.

Why don't they have lights at the French? It drives me bonkers.