Ok, so it’s been pretty busy for me here at the GSTT home base, since half our office is down under enjoying the tennis live, while I man the phones in sub zero whether.  I promise I’m not bitter though, as I was able to watch the Patriots advance to 18-0 and Super Bowl XLII live.  Anyway, I have some random thoughts on the tournament so far:

- My predictions thus far are looking solid, as both Djokavic (not surprising) and Sharapova (a bit more surprising, given her dismantling of Henin) are both in the Semifinals.  I guess my whole “Nadal will get off to a slow start” idea is not too accurate - although, in my defense, he has cruised to the semifinals without playing anyone ranked inside the top 20.

- The Serena Williams/Jelena Jankovic last night on ESPN 2 was pretty fun to watch.  Certainly not the best tennis, but a gritty performance from Jankovic was really worth it for me to tune into that, as opposed to the new “American Gladiators.”  One thing that did get me a bit was the commentating.  They (I’ll refrain from using names) kept referring to the match as the biggest upset and biggest story of the tournament thus far.  Really?  The # 3 seed beating the # 7 seed is the biggest upset and story?  I know Serena is the defending champion, but if I weren’t so lazy, I’d come up with 10 bigger stories than this supposed magnificent upset.

- As it stands, I am lazy, so I’ll just touch on one.  At last year’s US Open, while watching Nadal dismantle Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga, I told my friend that if he stays healthy, Tsonga will be top 15 by end of 2008.  He may not remember me saying it, but it was said, I promise.  He has ripped his way through to the Semifinals again by beating both the 8th and 9th seed, Andy Murray and Richard Gasquet, and then absolutely abusing Youzhny last night.  Speaking of his match with compatriot and friend, Gasquet, my favorite moment that I’ve seen of the tournament thus far is after match point, Gasquet crossed over to the other side to give Tsonga his congratulations, and a man-hug to boot.  Anyway, here’s to hoping Tsonga gives Nadal a run for his money tomorrow.

- Another note on the Tsonga/Gasquet match - I wish I had seen more of it.  Unfortunately, unless there is only a Men’s match being played, ESPN 2 seems to be focusing on Women’s tennis.  If I remember correctly (it was around midnight on Saturday, I was kind of, um, tired), the Women’s match they were showing was Ivanovic/Wozniacki.  I think what ESPN is trying to do is lure viewers in with sex appeal.  On the surface it makes sense - some guy at home without much on TV might come across Ivanovic and watch for a few minutes.  But the problem is, the tennis is not good enough to keep him tuned in or to get him back another night.  I would argue that the intensity and quality displayed by Gasquet and Tsonga would draw the same viewer in for longer periods of time, and more frequently.  And I promise, this was not the only case of ESPN showing poorer quality tennis in favor of sex appeal.

Ok, enough rambling for today…only one link, from Bonnie Ford with a preview of Blake/Federer.  I encourage all to read it, if only to read some of Blake’s own words at the end.

Ok I admit it, I was a little off on my Women’s prediction.  Williams annihilated Sharapova 6-1, 6-2 in match that was never really close.  In doing so, Serena became the first player in 29 years to win the Women’s title as an unseeded player.  This is also Serena’s first WTA title since winning the same tournament in 2005, and the result shot her all the way up to No. 14 in the rankings.  Sharapova’s serve let her down, as her first serve % was just a tad over 50%, and Williams was able to take advantage.  I stand by my claim that Serena was not playing nearly as well as Sharapova leading up to the finals, and was able to get to the finals because she battled better than any of her opponents.  However, that definitely changed against Sharapova, as her tennis looked as good as it has in years. (more…)

I am back in the United States after many flights, layovers, missed connections, etc…but I have a clear head and am ready to discuss the upcoming final matches Down Under.  First off, looking back at my predictions written a few weeks ago, I was certainly off on some things (Safin, Bagdhatis, Mauresmo), but bear in mind that the draw had not come out yet, so I had no idea Safin was going to have to face Roddick in the 3rd round, or Bagdhatis would be playing Monfils so early in the tournament.  On the other hand, I did predict Federer and Sharapova to advance to the finals, not exactly going out on a limb, but at least I got something right. (more…)

Writing to you live from Day 1 of the Australian Open.  The last of the day session matches are just wrapping up and we had some real excitement early on (and by early on, I mean 8:30am when I listened to the Patriots victory over the internet).  Federer was challenged in the first set, as Phau actually served for it, before Federer decided to start trying and completely dismantled his opponent.  (more…)

2007 is just around the corner, and with that comes the first Grand Slam of the year- the Australian Open, from January 15th-28th.  Being so early in the season, don’t be surprised if lots of seeds go down early, as many players will not be in top form quite yet.  On the Women’s side I think Sharapova still has plenty to prove, and will make at least the semifinals, with or without the aide of bananas.  Also look for Mauresmo to come out strong, as she tries to repeat as Aussie Open champ (remember last year when she took home the title after Henine_Hardenne’s infamous default).  As for youngsters, look out for Dinara Safina (Marat Safin’s younger sister) and Ana Ivanovic to build upon last year’s success.

On to the Men’s side.  Would it be obvious to predict a Roger Federer victory?  Yes, it would be, but it isn’t going to stop me from doing it.  As for the best candidates to take him out, look out for a rejuvinated Marat Safin, who may have the biggest game on tour when he is healthy, and David Nalbandian, who has always given Roger trouble.  American’s Andy Roddick and James Blake will be amongst the top seeds looking to get 2007 started off right as well.  There are quite a few young guns who could make a run a well, including Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet, and Andy Murray.  Lastly, let’s not forget fan-favorite Marcos Bagdhatis, who was outside the top 50 last year and made it to the final’s, before falling to Federer.  No matter what happens, the 2007 Australian Open will be a great one, so don’t let the time difference stop you from tuning in.