Harrison goes down routinely to Cilic 63 64. Cilic is l5-4 on the year and at #29 and rising fast. His career high was #9 four years ago. Cilic has now won 20 in row vs. Americans since losing to Blake in Australia in 08 (stat via Greg Sharko). Cilic’s l5 wins this year are the most on the ATP Tour, tied with Fognini.
Nishikori looked gassed in first match vs. Elias which he won in three sets and he quit today down 2-4 to Teymuraz Gabashvili who is now in the quarters. Gabashvili, coached by former Argentine top fifteen Guillermo Canas is just about to achieve his career high ranking. With no points to defend here, Gabashvili was #59 in 2009 and he’s at #65 now.
Interestingly, Gabashvili, age 28, has 72 career ATP wins but he’s never climbed into the top 50 yet Bradley Klahn has three career ATP level wins (3-l0) and he’s lodged now at #66.
The Bryan Brothers put on a show with some high speed, super intense drilling this afternoon with coach David MacPherson and another unknown sparring partner named George. Just rapid fire, attack the net with tons of volleys and sparring with a lot of lobs too.
I was surprised to see Jack Sock out on the far practice court at 9 am going two on one with Nick Monroe and Simon Stadler.
Marcos Baghdatis, remember him? He received a wildcard into this event and is now ranked #l55. The former world #8 has earned almost $6,000,000 and won four career titles in his career but at age 28, he’s been heading in the wrong direction. Bag will play American Rhyne Williams tonight for a much needed QF spot.
Saw Marinko Matosevic biking down Atlantic Ave. shirtless early this morning.
All the players are driven via Porsche car to where they want to go, either hotel or in the case of Feliciano Lopez, to his home in Miami.
I saw a couple of players leaving the site with their driver and Porsche car, including Nick Monroe who politely asked his driver to please hurry up because he was running late for his flight.
The media system has changed in the ATP this year. Players no longer do post match interviews in the “interview room” which typically was about an hour after their match, after stretching, recovery, cool down, etc. Instead, now the players do their media in the new “mixed zone” (above photo of Matosevic) which is right off the stadium court. Some media are complaining about it it makes sense for them to want to get their media obligations over with ASAP, also it helps writers beat their deadlines.
No tags
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1 2 Next »Doogie · February 20, 2014 at 6:29 pm
@scoop
Who are the players with the shoulder injuries?
Dan Markowitz · February 20, 2014 at 6:47 pm
Doogie,
I was the one who talked about shoulder injuries because I’m recovering from rotator cuff surgery; Van Winitsky, former Top 30 player said nerve problems in his shoulder hindered his career and the 31 he old Turkish pro my son took aesson from said his shoulder is shot. He can’t serve more than two games.
Nishikori has done this two years running, win Memphis and then not try in Delray. Disappointing. Only Lopez and perhaps SteveJo can take down Cilic now.
Scoop Malinowski · February 20, 2014 at 6:53 pm
Doogie: I’m not privy to trainer’s room information about injuries but I do know that Hewitt has a problem and also I just spoke with Alex Bogomolov’s wife and she said he’s struggling a little with his shoulder. Bogie just finished practicing here with his dad for hard two hours, even though he’s out of the event in singles and dubs. Bogie lives in Boca Raton. Bogie also just gave me a great interview about his Hewitt memories for Facing Hewitt. Nishikori pulled out today with left hip injury.
Doogie · February 20, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Thx scoop.
I just hoped it was not Haas because he has/had lot of shoulder problems in past. And his serve was not that good against S.J.
I just have a feeling, that it will be a very tough year for him (bodywise too).
Could be his last season on tour 🙁
Scoop Malinowski · February 20, 2014 at 7:23 pm
Sock and Harry won doubles vs. Lipsky/Gonzo, 64 75. Harry served for the win was up 40-love but double faulted twice in a row and then missed another first and then Sock missed Lipsky’s return with a wide volley. But Harry won the next no ad point with a nice volley. After the match I told Jack’s bro Eric that Jack should consider taking off his cap. It makes him look like a junior. Jack didn’t wear the hat in the doubles match, or at least in the final games which I saw, and he has a much stronger court identity sans hat. Sock’s a stud with out the hat, looks like a kid with it on. Hope Eric sends the message and Jack gets rid of the hat permanently.
Scoop Malinowski · February 20, 2014 at 7:24 pm
Not sure about Haas’s shoulder, I will ask Greg Sharko about it.
Pete · February 20, 2014 at 10:39 pm
Let’s go Rhyney Boy! Solidify this break and take him in the final set.
Andrew Miller · February 21, 2014 at 12:42 am
Bag loses? Good win by Rhyne Williams. Bag is now a symbol of how to squander a tennis career.
Dan markowitz · February 21, 2014 at 11:30 am
Good matches today. It’s already 80 and sunny here in Delray Beach at 11 am. At 230 is the match of the day, SteveJo v FLo Lo. Unlike most of the quality players here this week, including Hewitt, Nishikori and Pospisil, who all either defaulted before the event or retired mid-match, Lopez has come to play this week and looks über-fit. He’s beaten two good opponents this week so far, Q-ball and Mannarino, and even though Johnson has also been impressive, the lefty has to be the favorite. It should be a sweaty, charge the net affair with two big guys who both hit a lot of one handed slices.
The late night match stRting at 830, and I imagine both these matches are on the Tennis Channel as Leif Shiras and Ashley Fisher have been around all week, is an all-AmericN encounter between another young gun, Rhine Williams, Rhino, v. Izzie. Isner has had to go 3 set in both his matches this week against two guys put on top of each other might not match Izzie’s 6-10 stature. If Izzie were to lose, it would be the upset of the week, surpassing SteveJo undoing Tommy Haas.
Abe Froman · February 21, 2014 at 11:34 am
too many schwarmas for the bagman…..cant think of too many milestones except his AO final appearance and USO 5-set loss to the punisher (agassi)..
Andrew Miller · February 21, 2014 at 1:11 pm
Bag made Wimbledon semis 2006. Like you said though since losing to Agassi 2006, Bag’s best results have been a few big wins vs. Federer and Nadal, both in 2010 at different Masters tournaments (Indian Wells, Cinci). I think Bag’s always had a love-hate relationship with tennis – not unlike Agassi he loved the crowd, but unlike Agassi he probably dislikes practice and he seems like he’s in it now only to pay the bills at home.
Andrew Miller · February 21, 2014 at 1:13 pm
Isner has a good record vs. other u.s. players. Isner knows he’s #1 in u.s. and enjoys proving that.
Andrew Miller · February 21, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Where’s that journalist who called Fish a journeyman when you need him? He should start calling other players journeymen, get them to up their games and commitment.
Dan markowitz · February 21, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Johnson is playing impressively, up a set and a break on Lopez in very windy conditions. He’s an aggressive player with good hands at net and it looks like he’s improved his fitness and foot speed. Lopez was playing his backhand but Johnson runs around a lot. Looks like there will be. 2 Americans in the semis.
Dan markowitz · February 21, 2014 at 4:47 pm
Another matter, this place does not have a great amount of energy pulsing through the crowd. Maybe because it’s generally an older crowd or the fact that on an overcast Fridsy afternoon there’s maybe only 200 people in the stands. Johnson aces to close the match 6-3, 6-2 and the small crowd is appreciative.
Dan markowitz · February 22, 2014 at 7:46 am
Isner was very good last night in beating Rhino Williams. He is a giant and his serve is other worldly, but after losing the first set, the Bulldog hunkered down and showed l court tennis skills, ramming the former Tennessee Volunteer with a nice display of power tennis, good court movement for. 6-10 player and fine hands at the net.
So the semis matches up with two Americans (Usner and Johnson), three former collegians (Isner, Johnson and Kebin Anderson) and three guys )-6 and taller (Cilic, Isner and Anderson).
Lang · February 22, 2014 at 8:44 am
I was surprised Rhyne won the 1st set. He had trouble with his shoulder/arm and was just spinning his serve in most of the time. His avg 1st serve was 101 mph and Isner still had trouble winning points. He could barely hold his racket and didn’t hit with much pace. Held the racket in his left hand before switching to playing hand before the start of play many times. He was in pain but didn’t want to quit.
Isner also had physical issues (neck). It was a bizarre match for me.
Doogie · February 22, 2014 at 12:21 pm
@Lang
I saw it like you.
Harsh to say good matches from Isner and Steve J, who both faced injured/ill opponents. Lopez gave up more a less after 1st set.
I know reaching semi for SJ is superb but the win against Lopez was nothing special. Beating Haas was great no question about it.
Doogie · February 22, 2014 at 12:28 pm
All in all a tournament full of injured players.
1. Lu
2. Hewitt
3. Kei
4. Lopez
5. Bogomolov
6. Falla
7. Karlovic
Andrew Miller · February 22, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Nice to see Chris Woodruffs heir apparent do well. Rhyme had an excellent tournament.
Steve Johnson – I mean even against injured opponents this is a big result. Let’s see how he does with kj in this rematch.
I think the big thing is we are two months into season and it is obvious the u.s. players are making their move. They see a Querrey doing worse and dy playing Davis cup and believe they have a shot themselves. There is real competition .
On a sad note sorry to know of the empty seats. The tournaments marketing must be terrible.
Dan markowitz · February 22, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Better turn out last night, Andrew and tonight is best night of tournament with Bryan Brothers v Sock and Harry. I’m surprised there aren’t more people at this event as it’s only $30 a seat up to semis, but there are a lot of ayers who probably prioritize their own training over watching tennis and the old fk down here have the Early Bird special to catch.
I was impressed by Isner last night. His opponent might’ve been hampered, but when the big Carinian lowers the boom, it’s quite a boom. Also, Isner’s not an emotional player but he shows good energy unlike a Williams or Harry, who both get down in themselves. I think Sock hS the potential to be the most personable of US players but he’s still struggling with his game.
I asked Johnson after his win whether he thought slicing his backhand so much was going to get it done against top players and he said he’s working on hitting though it more but if he hits a good slice he feels he can run around his bh and have his opponent hit up into his big forehand. Seemed like a nice guy, dropped some weight and he like Andrew believes that with all the good Young American players from 70-139 in the rankings, a breakthrough is on the cusp.
Gulleromo Canas is down here and the guy must weigh 250. Do you get fat when you come off steroids?
Dan markowitz · February 22, 2014 at 1:09 pm
Also, best match of event tonight, Isner-Cilic.
Dan markowitz · February 22, 2014 at 3:44 pm
Kevin Anderson is one of the best players in the world. He’s up 4-1 against Steve Johnson on an absolutely gorgeous day in Delray and yet he’s only reached 3 4th rounds in his slam career. That shows how hard it is to make a dent in the top of the game . Anderson is the only player out of that stellar crop from the Univ of Illinois (Delic and Ram too) who’s had success on tour. He’s got a ballistic game with one of the best serves I’ve ever seen. Johnson has a good serve, but it’s not on Andrrson’s level. If the USC product breaks Anderson’s serve today, is be surprised.
Dan markowitz · February 22, 2014 at 4:03 pm
Johnson is good, real good. He just brought Anderson to deuce on his serve, but Andy held tough. Johnny is definitely the 2 nod or 3rd best American. He’s got a complete game and competes well. He’s not a head case like Harry. If he wish this match, he’s on serve up 2-1, he’ll be a man on this tour.
Andrew Miller · February 22, 2014 at 4:05 pm
Dan is more positive than I’ve ever seen. Ever.
Kevin Anderson’s way better than I thought he was, no wonder he maintains his ranking. Huge serve, huge forehand, solid backhand, smart management during his matches – shortening up his BH like Leif Shiras says, shortening up his FH and sending it like a rocket at Johnson’s game plan.
While Johnson seemed like he was down for the count given how well Anderson was/is playing, and sure he is doing exactly what Dan said he would do and what he admits to Dan to doing on the BH side (shielding it, hitting slices, hitting around it, avoiding hitting through it) – Sheiras and the Aussie announcer basically said exactly the same thing (it’s a comfortable pattern for Johnson and he does it well or at least very consistently), and despite the fact that this is the longest sentence in history, I LIKE JOHNSON’S FIGHTBACK. (Sadly the announcers called this way of playing, of running around the BH and playing it safe, A SUCCESSFUL JUNIOR TACTIC – I think it’s more like Johnson uses the parts of his game that are more mature and protects the BH). He was down 30-40 b/c he had double faulted to give KA the chance to gain the break in set two and stuck with it, running down balls, hitting an ace, and locking down the first game. So in other words, even if Johnson doesn’t have the same tools, this guy is resourceful and is not giving up. I think the resourcefulness is a real asset. He did the same thing during KA’s first service game of 2nd set – running down balls, challenging serves that the opponent thought were aces and were out by 2 millimeters – just not taking things for granted.
Point is KA’s technically superior – that’s obvious. The announcers love KA’s game – says he does everything well, absolutely everything. Is so consistent he reaches at least 4th rd at recent slams. Thinks well out there, uses his head and adjusts during the match etc. But Johnson believes he’s still in this.
And because of that, he’s up 2-1 after hitting a blistering FH to the Anderson backhand. He probably thinks hey, I’m a two-time NCAA champ playing against another NCAA guy who has better shots etc than me and more success. But I belong here. So as long as I’m here, I’m in this set.
Refreshing to see someone play that way rather than make this a foregone conclusion. That to me is a nice sign of a player who says it aint over until it’s over, even if the announcers are basically saying “this match is Anderson’s to lose.”
Andrew Miller · February 22, 2014 at 4:07 pm
BTW Leif Sheiras and whoever else is in the TV booth – both of them (despite the bias that makes them like Anderson’s game more) are doing a great job. They are outstanding analysts.
Andrew Miller · February 22, 2014 at 4:18 pm
Prob. Shiras, Arias and a third person from Australia or South Africa. I’d say it’s Cahill but I can’t tell.
Johnson’s got a bead on the Anderson serve but doesn’t do all that much with it. Would be nice to see Johnson step in on that. Nice to see Johnson do exactly what Arias said to do – crack his backhand down the line. Funny Arias said I think it’s Arias “Johnson’s playing so far behind the baseline that he’s endangering (the prize Porsche car)”.
As Johnson playing better funny to see the announcers start to relate Johnson’s underhand slice with Wilander! Then calling wilander lazy. It’s like an almost compliment.
Arias interesting here: “Anderson pushing Johnson further and further back with each Johnson slice…at some point here Johnson’s going to have to step up and hit the BH – he’s shown he can do it with the passing shot.”
These guys really are good announcers! I’m d.mn impressed.
Andrew Miller · February 22, 2014 at 4:23 pm
Arias: “Johnson, Harrison..Sock….not comfortable with the open stance BH…they seem to just serve and hit FH…need a BH guru to fix this in U.S. tennis…”
Sheiras: “at this level…a player will go in and destroy this – they will seek it out and go after it…”
Arias: “we’ve seen a couple of BHs (from the U.S. players) that aren’t good enough to get to elite level…seen something these players need to work on”.
They more or less said this. You know that’s pretty amazing. They said: (1) a big serve and big FH aren’t enough – you need a BH that works, (2) someone needs to fix these players’ BH so they can hang with other players and compete (3) to breakthrough they need to be comfortable on that side.
Either we could say this is an announcer bias for good looking games with no weaknesses and don’t look enough at effort or other personal qualities, like competitiveness and grit etc. On the other hand, we’re still at the same spot.
NO BACKHAND!
Dan markowitz · February 22, 2014 at 4:32 pm
Johnson never had a break point. Be interesting to see if either Izzie or Cilic can beat Anderson . He looks dynamic.
Andrew Miller · February 22, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Johnson never gave up – great stuff. But he needs to work on that return of serve to drive it and gain some confidence on the BH side. Then I think he’ll be in business.
Bryan · February 22, 2014 at 5:12 pm
Stoked to find Isner is in the semis and also Steve Johnson is in, a good sign for the up and coming Americans. Annoyed with Tennis Channel for showing Dubai and Rio on rinse/repeat last night when we had all these excellent matches in the USA.
Mitch · February 22, 2014 at 5:42 pm
Anderson might be top 10 if not for Berdych. Seems to run into him at every big tournament and can’t get past him.
Dan markowitz · February 22, 2014 at 6:53 pm
Ran into Shiras after match and he said Johnson backhand is a problem because guys can get their front foot down against him. I asked Anderson after the match–seems like a very nice guy–what the difference is between playing Johnson and Nadal and he said Rafa has an aura about him and he doesn’t miss balls. But he feels in the rallies. So when I mentioned that to Leif he said there’s a big difference because Nadal has you hitting off your back foot on the backhand while with Johnson guys are on their front foot. HRvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel felt that Johnson’s forehand was also somewhat bloopy and he doesn’t hit thru the court.
Lang · February 22, 2014 at 7:19 pm
“Nice to see Chris Woodruffs heir apparent do well. Rhyme had an excellent tournament.”
Ha, I had no idea who he was until someone pointed him out in Rhyne’s pictures. But I think Annacone had a better career than him.
@Dan markowitz,
There is no doubt that Isner has a big game but having trouble winning points on puff ball serve is not a good sign. He will have to step up if he wants to beat Cilic.
Lang · February 22, 2014 at 7:24 pm
Side note: When Anderson becomes eligible to play Davis Cup for USA, a good possibility that the team will have a record height.
But honestly, I want to see new faces (preferably younger players).
Doogie · February 22, 2014 at 8:13 pm
If u think a BH slice is enough to compete against the top guys, you are on the wrong side – on the very wrong side!!
@ andrew:
The BH problem really is huge for your US guys. At least they mention it now.
Doogie · February 22, 2014 at 8:17 pm
And about the top matches in Delray. Are you serious?? Just watched Rafa vs Andujar and it was huge.
Are u mean the lot of retirement.
I know Delray is on US turf but pls stay objective. In Rio the matches are on a higher level – mountain higher.
There is Ferrer, Rafa, Fog, Dolgopolov!
In Delray Isner is fighting against Russell, and Sela and who retires earlier.
Sorry but Delray is better challenger tournament.
Rio is for real!
Dan markowitz · February 22, 2014 at 10:12 pm
Wouldn’t call Delray a challenger. Granted, everyone but Monica Seles pulled out of Delray with injury , but Andrrson, Cilic and Izzie are from Challenger players. They’re all legit Top 10-20 players. And Nishikori at this stage is probably better than Ferrer and definitely Foggy and Dolgy. Scoop thinks Cilic can be Top 5 soon. Besides, they’re playing on clay in Rio .
loreley · February 23, 2014 at 10:50 am
Gulbis won the Marseille title 🙂
He defeated 2 top-10 players in straight sets a row Gasquet in the semifinal & Tsonga in the finals.
Andrew Miller · February 23, 2014 at 11:13 am
Cilic – Anderson. That’s a good ATP final.
Gulbis defeats Tsonga for the France title.
And it’s Nadal v. Dolgopolov.
for Isner: good he’s going deep in tournaments, but he has to go deep without going three sets in early rounds. One thing I noticed about Agassi when he played late in his career: efficiency. On and off the court as soon as possible to maximize the rest etc for the next match. Isner with his serve should have that on his service games.
Maybe the problem in U.S. tennis isn’t the BH but the return of serve.
Dan markowitz · February 23, 2014 at 12:44 pm
Wow, that is an impressive result for Gulbis . He beat the top and no. 3 Frenchmen in France! But is Marseilles indoors? Must be, I’d like to see Ernie do this at an outdoor event.
Really looking forward to Cilic – Anderson today at 4. I guess they’re giving Cilic more time to recover because he played late lSt night. I went to bed at. 10–not used to the heat down here–and it was still raining so I don’t know how Isner fared or played. Even though the two Americans are out–the Bryan Bros stomped Harry and Sock /and 1 in the semis last night–I want to see how well Cilic is playing. He hasn’t dropped a set here this week but Andy is Yung lights out tennis and I imagine he has the better serve than Cilic.
Heard from a 16 yeR old Floridian who used to be the No. 1 14 and under player in the state until his parents lost their jobs and couldn’t afford for him to take privTe lessons that l the top juniors in Florida are home-schooled so they can optimize their time on court. These kids Re playing 5+ hours a day and doing fitness. It’s amazing with that kind of regimen that still the only native Floridians I believe to make it on tour have been Spadea and Ginepri, but I think he’s even from Georgia.
Any questions for Cilic and Andy?
bjk · February 23, 2014 at 1:40 pm
How many times do you think coaches have drilled into EG’s head that it’s the process and not the outcome:
”
“My long-term goal in tennis isn’t to be Top 20. It’s to be No. 1,” stated Gulbis. “Anything less than that wouldn’t make me fully satisfied. I don’t want to get to 30 years old, look back on my career and say I didn’t make something of it. Everybody’s looking for satisfaction in life, and my joy and happiness is based on my tennis career.”
Congrats to Ernie on winning the title in France. Big things ahead, with luck.
Dan markowitz · February 23, 2014 at 2:25 pm
According to Greg Sharko, it’s the first time Gulbis ever beat two Top 10 players in same tournament, but he won’t go up in rankings because his points from Delray will come off.
Watching the Bryan Bros playing up close and live is a religious experience. Their size, quickness, teamwork, precision and creativity of shot is sterling. Elgin and Cermak are not exactly Smith and Lutz, but Bryan’s are impressive.
Andrew Miller · February 23, 2014 at 3:55 pm
Anderson Question: “Noticed you made some adjustments during the Johnson match – shortening up your backswings on the groundstrokes – and that you also seemed to zero in on the opponent’s weaker wing – the backhand – and take advantage by imposing your game against the weaker parts of their game. Was this your plan going in or did you make this up during the match? You brought to mind Sampras out there.”
This is vintage Sampras – hold your service games and pressure theirs, while also playing efficient ball – I don’t think Anderson wasted any opportunities to take the match to Johnson while restricting Johnson’s ability to do the same.
Dan markowitz · February 23, 2014 at 5:18 pm
5-4 Andy. No breaks, but both players fought back from 0-40. This is. Serious match with two giants trading missiles from the baseline. Very similar players, like Roddick when he was lethal, both Cilic and _Andy have big one-two punches. Andy just actually served Nd volleyed to go up 6-5.
Cilic just hit a drop shot winner exposing Andy’s big weakness, he moves like a snail going for a short ball. Tie-Breaker 1st set. Cilic double-fault. He’s had at least five in this opening set, but he gets back the mini break controlling the middle of the court. Cilic 3 aces and double so far in breaker . Andy just hit 138 mph serve and Cilic blocked it wide. Andy at 5-4 w Cilic serving sliced backhand cross court to Cilics backhand and the Croat passed him down the line. Set point Cilic. Andy second serve kicked high to Cilics backhand and he couldn’t get it back.
Cilic another set point this time on serve. Andy having trouble staying with Cilic off ground as he hits another backhand winner.
Bryan · February 23, 2014 at 5:27 pm
I was dumbfounded when Gulbis elected to stay in Europe instead of defend his Delray Beach title, giving those points he had to defend would be harder to come by in France. He ran through Mahut, Gasquet and Tsonga. Well done. Hard to believe he was playing qualifiers last year.
Dan markowitz · February 23, 2014 at 6:42 pm
Anderson has Top 5 serve in game. Cilic had 4?match points and two on his serve, but he dumped makable bh then fh in the net. I
1st time in Delray history, first two sets went to breakers. These are two of the closest matched players in the game. 1st game in 3rd set total point score is 102-102. This is what goes on in press room, Richard Evans just announced Tamira Pascek had 12 match points and lost today.
Doogie · February 23, 2014 at 7:04 pm
Really fun to watch this match – also high quality (esp Cilic return on of serve.)
Impressive how well he returns KA 1st serves.
@scoop:
Cilic will not make top5 this season.
Nole
Rafa
Stan
Murray
Berdych
Fed
He plays very well at the moment but in Top5 there is no place this season.
Dan markowitz · February 23, 2014 at 10:59 pm
I agree with you, Doogie, Cilic is fortunate if he makes Top 10 this year. He needs to improve his serve, particularly his second delivery and that’s why Goran is coaching him now. He’s won the most matches in 2014 so far and he has such a smooth game and great return of serve. Watch out for Andy, he showed he’s ready to move up rankings as well.
Excellent match, hard fought, longest final more than 3 hours in Delray history and both players acted admirably.
Scoop Malinowski · February 24, 2014 at 12:06 am
To recruit Anderson to play for USA because his wife is American is another tell tale sign about the tailspin USA tennis is in right now. If it’s true Courier and USTA will try to procure Anderson…wow, just wow.