Anytime the best four men in the world make it to the semifinals, you know you are in for a treat.  And yes, for those keeping track, I am talking about Nadal, Murray, Federer and Roddick.  I know Roddick is ranked 7th, but so far this year he is playing as well as anyone, and better than Novak Djokovic (whom he destroyed 3 and 2 in the quarterfinals).  And for the most part, the Semi’s did not disappoint.  The only disappointment was how Federer seemed to check out at 1-1 in the third set against Murray, leaving even the most diehard Federer supports to question just where Federer’s head is at right now (maybe with his unborn child…).  Up to that point, however, the match definitely lived up to billing.  Even better though was the Nadal Roddick match.  Although it was only two sets, Nadal won 6-4, 7-6, it felt much closer.  Roddick seems to have this new Rocky Balboa type mentality, and can grind it out with the best of them, no longer relying on his cannon of a serve to win him matches.  Down a set and 5-3 in the second, Roddick fought back to break serve and force a tiebreaker – something that I swear the Roddick from a couple years ago would not have done. (more…)

Let’s face it, my musings do not usually start with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.  However, at this years BNP Paribas Open (formerly known as Pacific Life Open) it is definitely the Women’s side of thing that has made headlines thus far.  A draw that was already missing the Williams sisters (not due to injury…well physical injury anyway) is now missing 2nd seeded Jankovic, 3rd seeded Dementieva and 6th seeded Kuznetsova.  When big names lose early, attendance to future matches typically suffers.  I mean, who would really get excited about a potential quarterfinal matchup of Na Li vs. Urzula Radwanska. (more…)

Netherlands at Argentina – Argentina is missing Nalbandian and del Potro, but still should have no trouble against an inexperienced Netherlands team featuring up and comer Theimo de Bakker.  4-1 Argentina.

France at Czech Republic – This is the best first round match up.  France is deeper – with Tsonga, Simon, Monfils and Gasquet (all but Gasquet are in the top 10); but the Czech team has two guys – Berdych and Stepanek that can win both their singles matches, not to mention a very experienced doubles team.  In addition they have home court advantage – I’m going with the Czechs in a minor upset – 3-2.

Switzerland at United States – One month ago, the U.S. team was in danger of being relegated to having to qualify for 2010 (first round losers are forced too), but that was before Federer pulled out.  While Wawrinka is capable of upsetting both Roddick and Blake, I can’t see how the Swiss can win any other match.  U.S. 4 -1. (more…)