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

Genie Bouchard: North Star

These days when you talk about tennis in Canada most will automatically focus on Milos Raonic for obvious reasons. Milos is knocking on the door of the top 10 in what is arguably the greatest top 10 class of all time. That being said, should you peel back the layers of the onion in Canadian tennis you will find a special and welcome surprise.

Eugenie Bouchard was born in the tiny city of Westmount Quebec. While it is a bilingual city it is a predominantly English speaking town. The well-to-do area may have a significant hand in the well mannered and well spoken nature of Genie. Of course that could also simply be attributed to the fact she is Canadian.

While all of a sudden Canada seems poised to become an international player in the world of tennis both in the ATP and WTA,  there is something about this young Canadian that stands out. There is something about her that undeniably unique that draws you in. There is a special something that could perhaps have the greatest impact on tennis in this country.

Genie began playing tennis at the age of 5 and like most successful players the talent was immediately evident. When she was 15 she began training at the National Centre in Montreal. It was there Tennis Canada began to hone in her talent and attitude for the game. Tennis Canada continues to progress with their program. With current names such as Aleksandra Wozniak, Stephanie Dubois, Rebecca Marino and future talents such as Sharon Fichman, and Gabriela Dabrowski, the Canadian’s are a legitimate mainstay in both pro tours. Then there’s Genie…

By the end of the month Bouchard will have turned 19 years old. To hear her in interviews, see her in action you would be easily fooled into thinking you were taking in the presence of a 5 year veteran. Genie brilliantly represents herself in front of the camera and in all forms of media. She seems rather relaxed and gets the fact that she is in the spotlight for all to see. While at the moment that spotlight is a bit dim, it does promise to increase in luminosity very soon. 

Currently Bouchard is working part time with former Wimbledon finalist Nathalie Tauziat. For Genie it is apparent that success is her main objective. Up to six hours a day this youngster trains and while her promise seems limitless judging by her work ethic, she understands the program and is leaving nothing to chance.

In 2012 Genie made history for the country of Canada by becoming the first player, male or female to win a grand slam title, pro or junior, when she claimed the junior girls Wimbledon title. It was a moment that perhaps most Canadian’s missed, or still haven’t heard about but give it time. It’s players like Genie and results like Wimbledon that breed tennis consciousness in nations long deprived of success. It’s results such as hers that will become the turning point should she crack the top 10 one day or even better, win a pro level slam. Genie is also decorated in doubles as well. She is a two time grand slam doubles champion winning the 2011 and 2012 Wimbledon titles with two different partners. Talk about picking the right stage to conduct your masterpiece. 

Perhaps her most high profile and defining moment came at her home country’s tournament, The Rogers Cup were Genie played an epic match against former top 20 player Shahar Pe'er.  After pulling off the upset she hooked up with Na Li and despite losing, she proved she could play with the elite. In an earlier blog of mine where I praised the future of Canada in tennis, ESPN analyst and former player and coach, Darren Cahill tweeted me in response to my blog saying “keep a close eye on Genie. She’s going to be very good” By the way did I mention Cahill has coached Agassi, Hewitt and Verdasco to name a few? I think his opinion is sound.

I mentioned earlier that there was something uniquely special about Genie. Along with her ability and poise on the court, not to be ignored is the fact that Genie is stunning. Genie looks like a perfect casting job for the ultimate Hollywood blockbuster tennis film.  We have all seen the benefits other tennis players have been able to reap from this intangible. I personally believe that if Genie can break through in tennis as a legitimate WTA player, that she has the potential to grab the undivided attention of a country and thrust into fandom many fringe tennis fans and even non tennis fans, Similar to what Danica Patrick did in auto racing over a decade ago.

Genie is the total package; personality, looks, intellect, likability, and God given talent she is kind of like a female Tom Brady or even more poignant, Roger Federer. She is the type of person where you sit back and marvel to yourself saying “really? All that went in to one person?” She is a marketing gold.  Tall, blonde, talented, well spoken and successful. It’s not too often an athlete comes along that truly possess everything people look for in an sports star. It isn’t clear at this point if the teenager is willing to embrace all the external attention. For now tennis is first and first and foremost because without results on the court, options for the young Canadian will dwindle. However should Genie succeed on the court I truly believe she could blow the roof off this country and quite simply become one of the most popular female athletes in Canada’s history.

So now that I have claimed Genie Bouchard could in fact take over and rule Canada, and that she seems like the perfect all-round athlete, what about her slam chances? Well many players have won junior slams and went on to have nothing but a cup of coffee in the pros but I do think that the potential is there for Genie. In fact I believe that she has slam champion potential written all over her. The question now is can she maintain her magnificent progress? Can she stay injury free? But perhaps just as important, how can she handle the pressures that will no doubt follow her as she ascends in the rankings? 

Her tennis inspirations are Serena Williams and Roger Federer, should she play and pattern herself after them, I think she’ll be just fine. Whether Bouchard wins a slam or makes number 1 in the world or top 10, she is a special player and one that I know Canada will be able to stand behind and cheer for. The good times for Canada in the sport of Tennis are just beginning and once Genie asserts herself as a bona fide WTA star, the sky’s the limit. One thing is for certain she will have Canada in the palm of her hands with every well struck ball on the rise. 

                          

                        Genie Winning the Junior Girls Wimbledon Title

Win Lose and the Draw

I am not saying that Djokovic didn’t deserve his 3^rd Australian Open title!

I feel it important to start with that because clearly he is the best hard court player in tennis right now. What I will say is that Djokovic’s draw in the 2013 Australian Open was remarkably uncomplicated to say the least. In fact I think George Costanza had more difficulties fleeing a fire at a children’s party than Djokovic did getting to the finals.
I believe such a draw helped place him in the driver seat in the finals where he took on and beat, Murray who just two days ago went 5 sets and 4 hours against Federer.

Now while you can argue that Murray himself had an easy draw, it wasn’t really supposed to be that way. Not many saw del Potro cancel his quarter final reservation with Murray but a disappointing loss to the Frenchman Chardy cleared a path for the Scotsman. It wasn't so neatly paved on paper though, at the beginning of the Aussie Murray was looking at a very challenging route with delpo, Federer and Djokovic as the likely obstacles to his first Australian title and second straight slam. But Chardy made it clear that the matches are won on the court and not on paper.

I know that you could also say the same when analyzing the Djokovic vs Wawrinka epic. Suddenly the Jokers draw wasn’t so cut and dry. While Wawrinka may have provided some needed drama in the top half, that unexpected war was really all there was. Ultimatley having Ferrer as his semi final date gave Djokovic plenty of time to recover. Its the later rounds when those close matches leave their mark.

The uneven draw was evident in the broadcasts. The bottom half was clearly the night to be watching on the men’s draw where often times the top half was scrambling in search of storylines. From better players to more entertaining players to the home town hero like Tomic and the up and coming with Raonic. This may have been one of the most lopsided draws I can remember.

Break down the top 8 players if you will and don’t take their Aussie 2013 performances into consideration but analyze how they looked going in. You split up Federer and Djokovic then split the 3 and 4 seeds, to the bottom goes Murray and Ferrer settles in on the top half. Next up, two heavy hitters in del Potro and Berdych. While both can play a big game only one knows how to do it in slams. delpo on the bottom, Berdych on the top. Now the 7 and 8 seeds. Tsonga and Tipsarevic. I happen to think Tips is an underrated talent but you ask 100 players in the ATP who they’d rather not face in a slam, 90% minimum say Tsonga. So let’s look…

TOP                                                                BOTTOM
Djokovic                                                         Federer
Ferrer                                                            Murray
Berdych                                                         del Potro
Tipsarevic                                                     Tsonga

So what can be done about this? Nothing I guess….. Or what if something can be done. Maybe a conversation should be started? Couldn't hurt.

This wasn’t the first time a draw has been lopsided. In 2010 Nadal’s conquest of the US Open and career grand slam was a monumental achievement however, that year Nadal’s path to the finals was probably the easiest I have ever seen in a tennis slam. Gabashvili, Istomin, Simon, Lopez, Verdasco, Youzhny before finally tested against Djokovic in the finals who was coming off a 5 setter with Federer. While Simon is a good player, if he is the toughest man in your draw to the finals, you are in good standing. Verdasco up until that time was brutalized by Nadal regularly and Youzhny, while I personally like his playing persona, he is not your typical semifinal caliber opponent in this era of the game.

So I ask again, is there a fair way to manipulate the draw?  Surly when this year’s OZ draw was all said and done the Australian tournament directors were probably thinking how stupid live draws and podcasts are.

Part of the beauty of the draw is exactly the anguish as well. Just ask Federer and Djokovic. How about this stat, since the 2007 season, Djokovic and Federer have been on the same half of the draw 18 of 24 slams. Remarkable luck or for these two, misfortune of the draw. I excluded this year’s Aussie as they were seated opposites being 1 and 2. While Nadal fans would argue that Murray is a comparable combatant on the other half of the draw, the fact of the matter is, Murray, a few years ago, wasn’t as consistent in making those late draw rendezvous as the other three. Fed/Djok have played 9 of the last 18 slam semis against each other. Djokovic with a 5-4 record in that time. When you do the math, these guys are splitting duties in the finals 50% of the time and their prize has usually been a rested Rafa. The most amazing stat in all this? Since 2008, Federer and Djokovic have been on the same side of the draw in every Wimbledon Championships but more unbelievable is they only met once in that span, last year with Federer taking it in 4.

So is there a way to avoid a clearly lopsided draw?

Wimbledon seeds players on their own volition but is that enough? How often do the changes dramatically affect the draw? Not often at all. I think that if they are going to alter the rankings, based on the favorites, there should be no holding back.  For example in 2011 when del Potro made his return to New York after winning in 2009, he was ranked 18^th. Now the big man was looking to restore his form at that time and hardly resembled his 09 self but that would have been a great time to move him up higher.

Still not with me? Do I need to hit you with one to make my point do I? This year’s Aussie wasn’t enough? Neither was Nadal’s 2010 walk through Central Park to collect a US Open title? I’m guessing that the delPo scenario didn’t do it for you so how about this…

As of today Nadal is the 5^th player in the ATP world rankings. In February he will be making his return in some smaller events before he is set to defend some big points in the clay season. Should Nadal come back rusty his ranking could slip even lower creating a situation so unbelievable and frightening to all involved. Nadal could be an 8^th seed or even (long shot at best) lower heading in to the French Open. Now take into consideration what that means. The greatest clay courter and French Open champion of all time oh ya AND defending champion could, if he were lower than 8 in the world, meet Djokovic or Federer in the round of 16. If he is the top 8, Djokovic, Federer, Murray or Ferrer would have him in the quarters. Keep in mind the French Open is not known for readjusting the rankings like Wimbledon. While it adds all kind of drama and it is part of the sport, wouldn’t it seem like a miss-fire to see Djoko or Nadal or Federer out before the quarters?  

The random draw is as pure a format as you can get to decide brackets for such tournaments. It by definition is as arbitrary and unbiased as you can get. It’s those reasons alone that make “the draw”, a draw for tennis fans. Its drama and its part of the game. A great part that every so often, leaves us wincing like a swift kick to the groin. That’s okay i guess, cause right now, this era of tennis, the cream always rises to the top.

Ready For a Leap of Faith

Well, here we are again heading back to Vancouver for yet another Davis Cup World group tie. This time against Spain, the winner of three of the last five Championships. Very reminiscent of last year’s unenviable task of taking on the French but oddly enough, perhaps there is a bit more room for optimism.

Canada is heading into 2013 with a great year of experience behind them. Experience in handling expectations, as farfetched as they may be as well as experience in dealing with pressure. The pressure that is riding on the backs of the Canadian men as they head in to battle.

Tennis Nation in Canada is no longer a meek and indifferent entity, we care now! There it is on the TV, and again on the radio… mentions of the Canadian squad and their titanic upcoming  battle draw interest now and why? Not only cause we can win but we want to win.

That’s right, we want tennis success these days - we see the light. Milos Raonic has captured the imagination of this country. With his steady and ongoing climb in the rankings come a fist full of hopes and mouth full of dreams. We want to consume, we are ready to consume. While the entrée in this city is a plate full of Toronto Maple Leafs with a side of Jays and Raptors, the dessert is a tasty but not overly sweet Tennis Canada brule. I am not going to lie, that got way out of hand. That being said Argos are clearly the coveted appetizer.  Of course the rest of Canada can substitute their city’s team. Like a plate of Cancucks and sides of Lions and Whitecaps… again, I digress…

Let’s face facts however, how many modest tennis fans are familiar with Davis Cup? The truth is, the Davis Cup format is nowhere close to the appeal or prestige of a Wimbledon crown or even a Rogers Cup for that matter, but the opportunity to defeat a world group powerhouse would raise the profile significantly. And while Canada still is a bit thin roster wise, there is no shortage of support from Tennis Canada and there should be no shortage of belief.

So why is this a more winnable tie? Why is there room for more optimism this year? Unlike the French who brought with them a bus load of depth, the Spain team is doing just the opposite. Electing not to come to Vancouver for one reason or another is Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez. All top 40 players. Instead it will be the under celebrated Nicolas Almagro leading a still steady and capable Spanish squad. There is nothing here to take for granted. Spain’s depth chart is the best in the world, no question and their pedigree is undeniable but all the withstanding Canada’s fate is in their own hands. The key is, to come up big. Sounds like a brilliant plan doesn’t it? I know I just over simplified a Davis Cup tie but consider that Raonic is arguably the best player on either side, and holds a 2-0 record on the Spanish ringer, Almagro, should the big man play to his capabilities it is very realistic that Canada takes his two matches leaving one more to claim. There is no reason to think that Pospisil can’t handle a win or that the doubles genius of Daniel Nestor couldn’t come up big one more time. My point is, This Davis Cup tie is winnable from a Canadian’s prospective.

The high flying Spaniards will be a jack up team - missing some big guns, you can be sure that this group has something to prove and speaking of something to prove, Almagro will have some extra incentive to lead Spain in to Canada after last season’s comments by Czech champion Tomas Berdych who called out Almagro as Spain’s weak link. Perhaps that can swing against Almargo placing even more pressure on him. We also know he is coming off disastrous collapse at the hands of Ferrer in the Australian Open quarters. In the two meeting against Raonic, one on hard and one on clay, Almagro has failed to even grab a set. 

So as I started, here we are again, primed and ready for something amazing to happen. Now the question is, can promise be fulfilled?

Good luck boys

If ever there was a moment in this country’s tennis history to provide so much inspiration and belief, the men in red and white can watch this clip below of Daniel Nestor’s mammoth win over Stephan Edberg in the 1992 DC. and then look beside them and see the man himself continuing to inspire and continuing to lead by example. Now that is one heck of a teammate. 

                                                      Nestor def Edberg 1992