Andy Murray is not too happy with Fernando Verdasco who he claims received illegal coaching in the locker room after a break during their four setter yesterday in the sweltering day heat. Then it was revealed by Michael Dickson of the Daily Mail that Marcos Bagdhatis witnessed Verdasco taking an ice bath in the locker room to help him cool off from the brutal heat.
Verdasco has had a nice rebound this year, winning two rounds so far against Murray and his old pal Feliciano Lopez who beat him in the first round last year in four sets. Last year I saw the ending and Lopez was serving it out at 5-1 in the fourth then made a sarcastic remark to his box in Spanish. The tone and delivery were curious so I had to ask a Spanish gentleman near me to translate what F-Lo just said? And he said Lopez said that Verdasco was “the worst player in the draw.” Lopez won and the former pals/doubles partners shook hands as briefly as anyone ever has without an iota of warmth or friendship.
Ben Stiller was at the Nadal match on Tuesday night and posted a comment about Rafa on Instagram: “I love this guy.” Rafa replied that he’s looking forward to getting on the court with Ben again to which Stiller replied that he’s eager to hit again too and he’s been working on his new tactics for three or four years.
Another big Rafa fan is the former boxing champion Donny “The Golden Boy” Lalonde of Winnipeg, Canada. Lalonde was a world light heavyweight champ and once boxed Sugar Ray Leonard. He posted a comment on Rafa’s Instagram: “All I have to say is I’m glad you weren’t boxing in my weight class in my era.”
Marcelo Rios is on vacation with his family and his parents and sister and six kids in the Bahamas right now, aboard a giant yacht which Rios says is his new toy. In one of his Instagram videos he’s in the water with a shark. And other photos show Rios shirtless with a body as ripped and shredded as any bodybuilder.
Mike Tyson was at the US Open again this week with his daughter Milan who is part of the USTA Net Generation gang. Clearly the USTA is grooming Milan, who is 11, to be a future champion. Tyson said he was a big fan of John McEnroe back in the 80s and that he followed his career. I once did an interview with McEnroe about boxing and he said he met Tyson once in the late 80s and he said Tyson was feeling his chest muscles to see how strong John was and John said he replied to Mike that he didn’t need muscles there for pro tennis, his leg muscles were more important. I included the anecdote in my Facing McEnroe book.
A couple of years ago Tyson got caught stealing an ice cream from an usher in Ashe Stadium. The usher reported the incident to police and the story ended up in the New York Post. Tyson, I was told by a mutual friend, is not allowed by his wife Kiki to carry money or a cell phone. So without any money or phone he can’t get into any kind of trouble with some of his so-called friends or hanger ons.
Enjoy Brian Earley while you can. The tournament referee who has become a famous figure at the Open for his treks onto Ashe Stadium with his ever present walkie talkie, whenever rain drops begin to fall, is apparently moving on from the USTA position after the tournament.
Jeff Tarango said he’s staying at the Long Island home of George Soros during the US Open. Really?!? Tarango works as an international TV analyst during the tournament.
Tyson artwork by Bud Boccone.
Murray · Stiller · Tyson · US Open
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1 2 Next »Duke Carnoustie · September 1, 2018 at 12:53 am
That Tyson ice cream story was a big deal, I remember it.
Nice to see Tyson and Scoop palling around. I always said Tyson would be a cool guy to consider a friend.
Didn’t know Del Potro was a big Springsteen fan, he went to his concert last night.
The disgraced NFL player Colin Kapernick was at the Serena match and the left-wing media asked her about it and Serena gave them plaudits. You new that would happen.
Meanwhile in doubles, Tennys Sandgren is into the third round with Jackson Withrow. Sock and Mike Bryan first up against Mack Mack and Nishioka tomorrow at 11.
catherine · September 1, 2018 at 1:57 am
Why not just hand the trophy to Serena now ? Her match was the dampest of damp squibs and she has the easiest draw in the world.
This women’s event is one of the most tedious I can remember at the USO.
catherine · September 1, 2018 at 2:30 am
And some deluded fans paid $300 for a ticket to that match. I suppose the USTA will want a Williams/Stephens final but I’m not sure if they are drawn to meet. The two top seeds of course have departed without so much as a squeak.
For some reason, unreasonably, I just feel really angry that no one can beat a woman who is nearly 37 and has been off for over a year. I’ve watched a couple of Serena’s matches and she’s better but she’s not magic, not as good as in her prime.
Scoop Malinowski · September 1, 2018 at 8:35 am
These Williams sisters matches are borderline unwatchable. We know who is going to win every time now. They should put them on court 17 or grandstand. Any fringe tennis fan who watches it will be turned away by how boring it is. Maybe they should arrange draws to prevent them from playing, it’s just a bad boring look. Far more enjoyable to see them play doubles together than play each other in singles.
catherine · September 1, 2018 at 9:55 am
Venus hardly seemed to move her feet for stretches of that match. She kept hitting back to her sister who had no problems putting the ball away. Serena’s serve is still pretty good though. Who’s the best returner left in the draw ?
Chazz · September 1, 2018 at 9:59 am
Well the men’s matches aren’t boring but the results are pretty boring so far. It is looking so predictable. Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and Delpo will be the semifinalists unless something unusual happens.
If a great upset could have happened like Shapo over Anderson, Fritz over Thiem or Khachanov over Nadal, I would be so much more interested.
Scoop Malinowski · September 1, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Catherine I would not be surprised if Venus tanked it, Serena’s needs to conserve as much energy as possible for her 37 year old legs and Venus knows she has no chance to beat Serena or win the tournament. It makes too much sense for it to be a glorified practice session. Honestly, it would not be a shocker if most of their matches were similar. Who could blame them, Zverev said it was the worst feeling of his career to have to try to beat his brother. I imagine the suffering would be even worse for Venus and Serena as it’s been reputed that females are more emotional than males 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · September 1, 2018 at 1:13 pm
Chazz, if Nick Kyrgios was not in this tournament it would be very uneventful so far. Nick Kyrgios is the straw that stirs the drink, as Reggie Jackson used to say about himself. Kyrgios adds a whole new dimension to the tournament and to tennis.
Chazz · September 1, 2018 at 1:37 pm
Scoop, I concur about Kyrgios. I saw part of his last match and Cahill and the other announcer were in awe because they said they had no idea what was coming next. He is an enigma for sure.
Duke Carnoustie · September 1, 2018 at 3:19 pm
Scoop, Clownios is getting clowned by Fed. It’s time to stop believing he has any chance of competing for Slams. Too many young players with their heads on straight like Zverev, DeMinaur, etc.
Chazz, Djoker and Fed would meet in the QFs so both can’t make the semis. I think you meant Zverev then?
The Williams match was horrible yet highly rated by ESPN. But what a terrible advert for tennis. But Serena is the biggest star in the sport.
Yeah the women’s event may be over. Kerber won’t be able to trick her way past Serena if they meet this time. I give Sloane some chance.
The Jack Sock doubles express keeps rolling along!
Chazz · September 1, 2018 at 3:36 pm
Duke, you’re right on the draw, and that makes it a little more interesting. Good QF matches between Cilic-Zverev and Fed-Djoker.
catherine · September 1, 2018 at 4:10 pm
Kerber goes out in 3 sets to Cibulkova. It’s not that surprising. She hasn’t played well in any of her matches. I had no hope for her here. She’s one of the most up and down players and maybe for her the year ended with Wimbledon.
Kyrgios still in that match.
catherine · September 1, 2018 at 4:13 pm
Oh no he’s not 🙂
Duke Carnoustie · September 1, 2018 at 4:19 pm
This is why Clownios isn’t that talented. He has no tennis brain and doesn’t know how to play the game.
3rd set, 5-5, 40-15. He has an easy putaway at the net and tries a stupid drop shot that he puts into the net. Then he loses his serve and the match. You can’t make dumb decisions like that at this level. There is nothing entertaining about doing stupid things.
That was a methodical beatdown by Fed, who made the kid look immature and dumb. The NextGen continues to be a major dud for the sport.
Chazz · September 1, 2018 at 4:29 pm
That Federer shot around the post was one of the most incredible shots I have ever seen. I don’t see it on Youtube yet but it should be posted here.
Duke Carnoustie · September 1, 2018 at 4:32 pm
I agree that the millennials love Clownios and he is popular – which only shows how screwed we are in the future.
But it’s now 14 straight Slams he has played in and failed to reach the QFs.
Joe Blow · September 1, 2018 at 4:54 pm
Surprised that Fed lets Kyrgios play so fast. He really only slowed him down once,Wonder if he thinks when it gets late in the set, Kyrgios will play too fast for his own good..
9 year olds like Kyrgios, anyone over 25 that respects his lack of effort, after they have reached a point in life where by then should have realized how much hard work, and dedication means, is beyond me. Don’t care how much talent he has. Derrick Coleman should have been the greatest power forward..more talent than Karl Malone in his pinky..one gave a damn, the other didn’t
catherine · September 1, 2018 at 5:17 pm
Naomi Osaka bt Sasnovich 6-0 6-0 which isn’t a great advertisement for the game. Not at this level.
Hartt · September 1, 2018 at 6:10 pm
Scoop, I don’t agree that the tourney would be uneventful without Kyrgios. Shapo’s matches alone have provided lots of interest. The drama of Felix having to withdraw and Denis comforting his good friend, saying that in the future they would be playing the USO final against each other. Then two long, close matches, first against Seppi and then Anderson. Even when Shapo isn’t at his very best he is still an entertaining player to watch. And he has the love for tennis, commitment and discipline to go far with his his talent, unlike Nick.
Scoop Malinowski · September 1, 2018 at 7:44 pm
Hartt, you are right, I exaggerated. Nick is a good added spice but tennis doesn’t need him. If Nick joins the NBA or the circus next week, tennis will survive. +
catherine · September 1, 2018 at 8:03 pm
All this newly discovered bromance, gushes of mutual admiration between Nick, Federer and certain members of the press following that match – I think I preferred Nick the way he was – a bad boy. I can believe that. And it’s more interesting as well.
Kerber’s press conference was sparsely attended. What a difference a result makes. No one cares if you lose. She looked flattened, as if she’d wept a bit. A little more cheerful and chatty in German, a wintry smile or two. Angie never blames anyone but herself. Her serve was pretty wretched this match.
Domi said she used a new tactic v Kerber but she didn’t tell us what it was 🙂
Hartt · September 1, 2018 at 8:17 pm
And a huge upset – Kohlschreiber beat Sascha in 4 sets. Kohli had some of his beautiful shot making, but he had some bad UFEs as well. Sascha just could not find the extra level he needed. I like both players, in fact both are treat-eligible. But this was a big shock.
After the handshake Kohli had the biggest celebration I’ve ever seen from him, and his wife simply beamed.
He will play either Kei or Diego next, so it will be a match between short players.
Scoop Malinowski · September 1, 2018 at 8:25 pm
This is another dreadful loss for Zverev. Even with the all time guru of coaches in his corner, he fails miserably. I detected a poor connection between Zverev and Lendl at the practice I saw last week, there was no bond. If I was an expert body reader I would say Zverev is not fully on board with the idea of Lendl being on his team, out of loyalty to his father. I saw no warmth or close contact between the two. I’m not sure if Zverev subconsciously lost to get rid of Lendl. Mere speculation of course but we will see. Zverev had troubles working with the really nice guy Juan Carlos Ferrero, Lendl is not quite as nice and friendly as Ferrero. We will see.
Duke Carnoustie · September 1, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Well I may have to apologize to Clownios since he was not the worst of the NeztGen. That honor goes to Sascha, who was absolutely dreadful.
Kohli was solid but he didn’t do anything spectacular to win. He just stuck with it and let the kid self destruct. That was a humiliating defeat. Sasha showed nothing.
I really expected Sascha to win multiple Slams. I admit I am wrong.
It’s all bad news for Fed since it means Rafa and Djoker will collect more Slams in coming years.
Joe Blow · September 1, 2018 at 10:59 pm
Scoop,
What’s it like without credentials? Are you there ? Hanging out near the entrance to the players lounge? Are you secretly texting attendants in the locker room? Bribing them with copies of Facing Safin?????
Duke Carnoustie · September 2, 2018 at 12:04 am
Interesting that Kohlschreiber got married about a month ago to that blonde who he has been with for a long time. The same day as his wedding, he lost to Istomin in Kitzbuhel at night.
Duke Carnoustie · September 2, 2018 at 12:18 am
Fun fact on Sascha in the Slams this year:
Aussie: loses 6-0 in final set to Chung.
French: loses 6-1 in final set to Thiem.
SW19: loses 6-0 in final set to Gulbis.
USO: loses final 6 games to Kohlschreiber.
3 out of 4 Slams he lost the final 6 games he played. He needs a psychiatrist. If he was Clownios, we would say he is tanking. It’s time for the ATP to fine these guys.
catherine · September 2, 2018 at 2:12 am
Well, bad day for Germany. We’ll see about Lendl and Sascha. Can’t picture Ivan giving up after one loss though. Zverev will break through. He may take a while to develop.
Things livening up on the women’s side – Maria flies past Penko, which was predictable, and Sabalenka disposes of Petra 6-1 in the second, which wasn’t.
I know who I want to win this tournament but I’m not saying.
I’m wondering how some players get a day’s rest in NY and some don’t seem to ?
Hartt – your treats eligible women aren’t doing too well – you might consider re-allocating 🙂
catherine · September 2, 2018 at 2:43 am
Anyone know anything about Sabalenka’s coach ? He’s an ex-player but I’ve forgotten his name.
Duke Carnoustie · September 2, 2018 at 2:53 am
Sabalenka coach is the clever Russian Dmitry Tursonov, who was in the top 40 I believe for some time.
Tursonov had a good career but his greatest contribution may have been to Polansky’s amazing achievement as a lucky loser this year in Slams.
Last year, Tursonov used his PR to get into three Slams just to pocket the money, he didn’t win a set and retired vs. Norrie at the USO. That caused the Slams to change the prize money rule for players who entered and just tanked like Dmitry. Now they can withdraw before and get half the cash, so more lucky losers get in.
catherine · September 2, 2018 at 3:07 am
Thanks Duke – it’s Tursunov in some spelling so I was a bit confused. He’s got this amazing haircut. They seem to have a good relationship from what I’ve seen and from things Aryna has said.
I hope Sabalenka can fulfil her promise. She’s building a strong fan base already. That second set v Kvitova was immaculate. No fear. Can’t believe her endurance – just afraid fatigue will kick in.
Hartt · September 2, 2018 at 5:37 am
Duke, “that blonde” is Lena Alberti. She is very supportive of Kohli, I think she is at all his matches. And she must be very understanding, for him to play in a tennis tournament the same day as their wedding!
Hartt · September 2, 2018 at 5:53 am
Did anyone see the Cilic vs de Minaur match? I happened to see the very end and it was wild. De Minaur had come back from being 2-5 down in the fifth set, but it looked like Cilic just had to finish him off. Cilic looked like a madman, he was sweating profusely and had this wild look in his eyes. When it looked like the match was basically over Alex broke and they continued to battle on.
Cilic did manage to win, but what a scrappy, determined performance by the young Aussie. The fans were beside themselves, cheering like crazy for the kid. When Alex walked off the court, he looked so exhausted that a gust of wind could have blown him over. But he had indeed given it everything he had.
Hartt · September 2, 2018 at 6:22 am
Further to the discussion about the Kohli vs Sascha match. I was as surprised as anyone that Kohli won that match, and it is true that Zverev wasn’t at his best. But Kohli deserves a lot of credit for playing well. He moved Sascha around a lot, made it a very physical match. He used his wonderful variety and made effective use of the slice. Kohli is very good at making a couple solid shots and then going for the winner, hitting close to the lines. And of course that beautiful BH was on full display.
Scoop Malinowski · September 2, 2018 at 8:56 am
Duke, Tursunov was a lot better player than that, he won seven titles and was 20 in the world in 2006. His best results were QF at Cincy and 4th round at Wimbledon. He’s also one of the very best interviews in pro tennis, ask him anything and he gives you more than you bargained for. Great guy. He also coached Vesnina for a year until she got hurt earlier this year. He was with Vesnina when she won IW last year.
catherine · September 2, 2018 at 9:29 am
Scoop – Tursunov sounds a good fit for Sabalenka. She listens to him during occ and always seems very calm, whatever is happening on court. Dmitry may have something to do with that.
Scoop Malinowski · September 2, 2018 at 9:49 am
Tursunov is one of the coolest guys in tennis and a very funny guy, he had some hilarious blogs on the ATP site and he could pull off some funny stunts like taking and hiding Federer’s tennis bag before a match in Canada about ten years ago. I have interviewed Tursunov many times and he’s always gracious, insightful, thoughful, and very funny. Like I said, one of the very best interviews in tennis, and fortunately for me he’s been a part of several of my books. His views on Safin were one of the best parts of Facing Marat Safin. Also his views on Federer were one of the highlights of Facing Federer.
catherine · September 2, 2018 at 10:04 am
Maybe one day you’ll interview him for ‘Facing Aryna’ 🙂
Chazz · September 2, 2018 at 12:15 pm
I don’t think you can minimize how bad that loss was for Zverev. We heard about how crushed he was after losing in the first few rounds of slams in recent years. This one had to sting even more considering he lost to an almost 35 year old that has never made it past the 4th round. Kohli is a good solid player but Zverev should be stronger than him at this point. It just confirms that maybe he isn’t built for the best of 5, 2 week tournament format.
I only saw parts of De Minaur-Cilic but it was fascinating that Cilic couldn’t figure him out for the first 2 sets. Tiafoe should take at least a little consolation in that. Cilic is a beast at the US Open so it would have been a shocker if De Minaur took him out and he almost did.
Duke Carnoustie · September 2, 2018 at 12:56 pm
Scoop yes Tursunov was a true Russian, unlike these frauds like Zverev and Tsitsipas. He liked to smoke and was a great humorist.
If you want some odd and probably incorrect analysis on tennis, this guy thinks Clownios can’t win because his swingweight is low…
https://impactingtennis.com/2018/09/01/breaking-misconceptions-about-nick-kyrgios-why-he-cant-win-when-it-gets-tough/
catherine · September 2, 2018 at 1:19 pm
Duke when has Zverev ever pretended to be Russian ? He’s of Russian extraction and German by birth and nationality. He can’t be held responsible for his parents.
Where’s the ‘fraud’ come in ?
Lots of Europeans are of mixed heritage. It’s a matter of historical geography.
Joe Blow · September 2, 2018 at 2:05 pm
SW told her coach not to talk about her, yet she uses her baby in a commercial. Probably has her people, telling people, theyre not allowed to make eye contact with her…
Dan Markowitz · September 2, 2018 at 2:20 pm
Nadal’s looking terrific. He’s going to win back to back Opens. Something he’s never done at a slam besides the French I think. Maya has him serving to forehand side of boxes not only to the backhand. He’s going to kill Thiem.
Duke Carnoustie · September 2, 2018 at 2:55 pm
Tennys Sandgren is into the doubles QFs and yet to lose a set. He is playing well but the team of Sock and Bryan will still be the U.S. doubles team in Croatia.
catherine · September 2, 2018 at 2:56 pm
When Serena wins the USO she’ll have her baby out on court plus her husband and she’ll make a speech accepting the trophy on behalf of ‘all the working moms out there’ and the whole stadium will dissolve in tears, enabling photo opportunities worth trillions of dollars. Serena herself will not be available for further comment except via her ‘private secretary’ – just like Royalty.
My guess ? – exit Patrick M.
catherine · September 2, 2018 at 3:29 pm
Going back to the discussion of Sascha’s match and Lendl’s involvement, it’s obvious from comments Sascha made that Lendl is looking to next year to see any improvement in Zrerev’s play, particularly in GSs. This is the approach he took with Murray the first time around. So the result here doesn’t mean much.
Duke Carnoustie · September 2, 2018 at 6:27 pm
Sascha will be fine. I expect him to win Dubai, Monte Carlo, Munich and Washington next year.
The forgotten woman Pliskova faces the queen of tennis next. Tuesday night will be rocking.
Bernard Tomic captures Mallorca and gains 80 rankings points. Slowly but surely he is on his way back.
Scoop Malinowski · September 2, 2018 at 7:41 pm
Thiem has beaten Rafa several times and is playing mind blowing tennis right now, Thiem will be dangerous for Rafa. I still see Djokovic subduing Rafa just like at Wimbledon, a great epic battle but Djokovic prevailing in the end by the slimmest of margins. But it will be a tightrope journey to survive and escape everything Nadal throws at him which will be a tornado of an onslaught.
Scoop Malinowski · September 2, 2018 at 7:42 pm
Not surprised Sandgren is faring so well in doubles, he looked excellent vs Djokovic in singles and he’s becoming an elite player this year, with his Aus Open QF, Houston F and now this doubles run. Sandgren is becoming a serious threat, and he’s worthy of Davis Cup consideration.
Scoop Malinowski · September 2, 2018 at 7:43 pm
Catherine, I think Sloane is going to rain the Serena parade, Sloane is fired up and she has unfinished business in her grudge rivalry with Serena. Sloane is really really fired up this tournament, I love her intensity.