TUYWPI: Roddick out of the Open after Rafa absolutely dismantled him. Nadal has obviously spent the last 8 weeks working on returning serves with the ball machine set at 150 MPH. I think when everyone started calling Djoker the best returner in the game after Wimbledon, Rafa took it personally.
While I'm sad that Andy is out, I still smile whenever I watch that brash son of a gun. Even if he never makes another final, I will always cherish the 2009 Wimbledon. The finals between he and Federer was the greatest match I've ever seen. And I watched all of Nadal/Federer 2008. And Federer/Nadal 2007. And Becker/Edberg 1990, which had more brute strength on display than any tennis match before or after. I've seen McEnroe beat Borg on replays several times. I vividly recall staying up to watch Jimmy Connors at the US Open against Agassi, then seeing him against Krickstien. I watched Sampras beat Rafter and then climb into the stands and I cried a little bit. Maybe a lot.
But I don't care what Jon Wertheim says, Roddick v. Roger III was the greatest match ever. Watch Roddick afterwards, weeping, spent, and I defy you not to love the guy. Watch Roger walk through the gates of history. 15 Slams. Listen to Andy afterwards, ""Sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off." Roddick wanted to be great, he had the talent, and eventually found the drive. But he ran into two of the four greatest players of all-time. Sometimes luck trumps everything. Sometimes it's just about when you were born. Hats off to the kid who never took his hat off.
Ladies? Can't forget the ladies! Serena is still a gosh-darned runaway train. But Wozniacki looked TOUGH. Outlasted and out hit Schiavone and then proverbially punched Petkovic in the mouth. The match was over before Petkovic was warmed up. I was wrong, Wozzy, and I apologize. BIG Tennis day tomorrow.
(Some football teams will play on Sunday.)
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