March Madness

So it has been a while since my last blog that there are so many things I wish to write about so I thought I would try something different. Instead of my rather long and in-depth takes on one topic let’s get outlandish, hit light speed and cover some of the things that have caught my attention since the Aussie. Of course staying true to my passion, Canadian Tennis, but not stopping there. So strap in and here we go.
Our Blog starts off at the enchanted land known as Indian Wells.

INDIAN WELLS – Masters Series Event – California

Often regarded as the 5^th slam this event swoops in as a savior every March after the rather harsh and lonely layoff from the Australian Open. While other tourneys take place in-between that time, IW trots in like a white knight saving fans from the insignificant hole in the tennis calendar known as February.

I found the 2013 IW wasn't the greatest tournament ever but it wasn't too shabby either.  At the beginning of the tournament I was rather pumped about the draw and while it mostly played out to form I wasn’t too inspired by any one match. Until the delPo vs Djokovic match.  The quality and drama in that match was something very special. Coupled with the great story of the Nadal comeback and all of a sudden, once again Indian Wells shines like supernova.

LARRY ELLISON – Owner – Super Fan

While I think the world of what Larry Ellison has done for the Indian Wells Masters tournament there is one thing that grinds on my nerves. During the match with Nadal and Gulbis, a very tight and well played match, Ellison is on video several times fist pumping and cheering on the Spaniard who would eventually win. I’m sorry but that is lame. Nadal is not the only player that Ellison is a fan of but am I wrong thinking that the owner of a tournament should at least SEEM unbiased? It’s just not right. Should there ever be a controversy of any kind and it favors a player that Ellison has cheerleaded for in the past, it’s going to look ugly. Please Larry, use the inner voice. If you don’t have one, buy one!

MIAMI – The Bridesmaid

While I grew up with the Indian Wells/ Miami back to back extravaganza, my opinion of the combo is changing and I am not alone. For years it would be 3 weeks of tennis action that was almost second to nothing on the tour. The combo of spring time hard court Masters events, having both men and women competing and most of all prepping the coming slam season was tennis heaven. All that being said, Miami has long been the red-headed step-child and now with Ellison’s plans to further bolster the Indian Wells Masters it would seem that Miami’s catch up plans will separate it even more from the perfect engine in the California desert. In the past players have passed on Miami after a grueling or unfortunate IW’s but now, one has to wonder if more will take the Federer route. Federer opted to avoid Miami all together when planning his 2013 schedule. While eyebrows got raised, it was Federer so it must be ok. Still I wonder how many have or will secretly do the same. Not publicly announcing it at the beginning of the season but planning it and keeping it close to the vest. The bottom line is, when you follow a tournament know as “the 5^th slam” it’s like having Bruce Springsteen open the concert for your garage band. The other thing that hampers Miami these days is the physical nature of the sport has greatly increased and players can only be expected to do so much with their bodies. Tennis has never been more physical and more and more players are going to need “un-official” breaks to rest their bodies. Having two Masters events back to back with not even one week in-between may have to go the way of “Super Saturday” The result of separating the two can only benefit Miami and the tour.

CANADA DAVIS CUP TRIUMPH – Vancouver 

Congrats to Canada who has made their first ever World Group Davis Cup semis. The Canadian’s lead by Milos Raonic defeated the Italians 3-1 and will now face 2010 champions Serbia for a chance to play for the title. It has been a thrill ride for Canadians unlike anything before. This nation is starting to catch on to the tennis bug and this Davis Cup win is providing media coverage unlike anything before in Canada. Great effort boys and good luck in the semis. 

THE UGLY

If you were subjected to seeing the horrible on court, post match interview with Milos Raonic and Arash Madani then you saw one of the most weird interviews in tennis history. The usually well spoken Raonic was clearly on a victory high, least I hope that was the reason cause man it was awkward!

A GENIE EMERGING FROM HER BOTTLE

My last blog was of up and comer Genie Bouchard (see blog below) It was the most read blog I have written gaining attention from some respected tennis media greats. Even Chris Evert tweeted me in regards to my take on Genie. Since then Bouchard has cracked the top 100 and seems ready to begin her ascension in the ranks. Wins over Stosur and off court pal Robson have suddenly drawn attention her way. She also had the learning fortune of playing Sharapova which could only be a bankable experience at this stage in her career.

FEARS FOR FEDS

Bad back aside it is looking like Federer is now firmly in the dog days of his career. What I mean by that is, he is fighting for matches more often then he or we are used to. The greatest of all time is looking mortal thus far this season. When Federer’s serve is not a match weapon the outcome is in serious doubt. Let’s just hope the bad back and loooooong layoff don’t add to the issue. All that being said would it really shock anyone if he wins Wimbledon?

DJOKOVIC – NUMBER 1 IN THE WORLD 

Being hailed as the “complete player” and backing up his past success every year, Djokovic does one thing

better than I have ever seen any pro tennis player do in the history of the game. No not return, not defend,  it’s lose. While he doesn’t lose often Djokovic’s class and grace at the net with his opponent after a loss is second to none. This may not seem like a big thing to most but it is huge for youngsters to see and learn. The wars that he goes through are physically and mentally daunting but no matter what, he walks to that net, win or more importantly lose, and smiles ear to ear often times wrapping his arm around his conqueror and using his other hand to pat gently the other players chest while no doubt congratulating him and wishing him luck. Anyone who has played competitive sports knows how hard a task that is to do. I give Novak a world of praise for showing class at a time when he is, no doubt feeling his worst.

I would also like to throw a bone to Tommy Haas. An all time great playing like one at 35. How great could he have been if he was able to stay healthy?

That’s all for my warp speed rapid fire…. Tweet me your thoughts. Agree? Disagree? I want to hear from you   @maydaypelligra