Just a monumental win by Alexander Zverev over Roger Federer in Hopman Cup 76 67 76. To take down an icon like Federer in his “house” is a feat that only a very special player can do, and Zverev has shown us again that he is extraordinary and has obviously learned a valuable lesson after blowing the match point against Rafael Nadal in Indian Wells a year ago. It is not outside the realm of possibility that Zverev can win a major this year.
Serena Williams three set loss to Brengle is another sign that last year could have been her last hurrah. I saw Brengle training in Bradenton last month with Heather Watson and she is now in the equation about which WTA players can have a breakout year in 2017.
Just wondering where are Ernests Gulbis and Taylor Fritz? Both players have yet to emerge this year.
37 year old Radek Stepanek is into the R16 of Doba after beating Baghdatis and a Belgian wildcard I have never heard of before…Jared Donaldson could break into the top 100 for the first time after qualifying and reaching the second round of Brisbane where the 20 year old American lost in three tough sets to Kei Nishikori who is now wearing Nike shoes with his Uniqlo attire (Donaldson is no longer coached by Taylor Dent after three years together).”
I saw an interview with Pete Sampras who said he’s not interesting in coaching any players right now because he didn’t want to travel and his “heart wouldn’t be into it” but Pete also added that he wouldn’t rule out coaching in the future. (Federer Art by Karl Rosenstock)
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« Previous 1 2Scoop Malinowski · January 7, 2017 at 4:08 pm
Andrw: Blake definitely had Rafa’s # in the beginning and talked about it in Facing Nadal – but then Rafa solved the Blake puzzle 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · January 7, 2017 at 4:18 pm
Thank you Catherine- whoa it’s pretty obvious Andy Warhol liked tennis about as much as Agassi likes golf – I could just see Warhol sitting there dozing off under that white wig –
catherine bell · January 8, 2017 at 2:56 am
In the British press Andy M is now called ‘Sir Andy Murray’ in every mention.
Sounds really ridiculous, as if they’re making fun of him.
He can always ask that the title be dropped while he’s playing. He can do that.
Wish he would.
Hartt · January 8, 2017 at 6:22 am
Poor Andy! At the players party Jamie and Soares were interviewing players for the ATP site and when they talked to Andy Jamie teased him with “Sir Andy.” So if Andy requested his title be dropped while he’s still playing, even the media would not call him “Sir”? Sounds like a plan.
catherine bell · January 8, 2017 at 9:54 am
Hartt –
Well, how many people refer to Mick Jagger as ‘Sir’ ? Or Paul McCartney ? Or Rod Stewart, of recent creation, come to that ? However, it’s possible Rod’s wife would stand more on ceremony and prefer to be called a Lady.
Don’t know about Kim.
Still, I lean to the view that gongs for people active in sport are a trifle silly, and can cause resentment.
Scoop Malinowski · January 8, 2017 at 9:58 am
Hey: Do I need to title my next book Facing Sir Andy murray or can I title it Facing Andy murray? 🙂
catherine bell · January 8, 2017 at 10:37 am
Scoop –
I think it’s up to you. I’d go for ‘Facing Andy Murray’ and maybe put a note in front saying that he was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours 2017 too late for your book title !
If you want to be scrupulously accurate and classy you can find out (from Google eg) exactly which kind of knighthood he was awarded, there are several of them, and put that in.
Whichever, I don’t think Andy would be offended by your title – but Judy might 🙂
catherine bell · January 8, 2017 at 10:46 am
PS
Andy is a Knight Bachelor (Kt) – the lowest possible rank of Knight.
Andrew Miller · January 8, 2017 at 11:16 am
Dimitrov upends ATP with Brisbane title. His arcades as match prep echoes Nadals love of video games, shows superG no fluke. Bottom line Raonic may want to play some pac man before his next match or Dimitrov will super Mario his way through the first slam of year.
Scoop Malinowski · January 8, 2017 at 4:42 pm
Thanks Catherine 🙂
Andrew Miller · January 8, 2017 at 8:13 pm
Scoop I can tell you appreciate Blake. I liked Blake a lot but found his go for broke style bewildering and believe the lack of a more complete approach shortened his career unnecessarily. But Ginepri ranking didn’t recover from its us open high and Pat Mac may have made a mistake in not playing both guys in Davis Cup. The more I think about it maybe PMAC felt he always needed Bryan bros because of the guaranteed doubles win but that thinking is anti competition and maybe he needed a split from depending on them so much to give other guys like Fish Ginepri and Spadea more playing time. It’s almost unheard of to doubt the Bryans and they were indeed nearly unbeatable. But maybe PMAC should have split them up and had another singles option.
Andrew Miller · January 8, 2017 at 8:17 pm
In other words Davis Cup creates champions. So you might as well rotate players. Coach Courier may want to begin rotating the young guys asap.
Scoop Malinowski · January 9, 2017 at 9:30 am
Captain Patrick won the Davis Cup and that’s all that matters – never easy to win that Cup –