Dirt, Grass and Chaos

Mr. Cranky Pants

You gatta hand it to Nadal after capturing his 8^th French Open title, he once again proved that the clay courts are his and his alone. Nadal also once again proved what a fighter and competitor he is on… and off the court. There are few if any who have mastered the art of defeating the mighty Federer but that mountain was seemingly too small for Nadal. He then squared off against the ATP with their “Blue Clay” experiment and it was the ATP that would feel the tenacious wrath of The Mallorca native. Now his latest opponent, a worthy one I might add, it appears that Mother Nature is on the war path of the cranky Spaniard. French Open rain delays are not an option for the King of Clay as he openly criticized the organizers at their efforts to maintain a working schedule. The fact that after his tirade the rest of the tournament went off without a hitch, I’d chalk that one up to Rafa getting the better of o’l mother Nature. My opinion… with those wonky knees he better start devising a game plan for his greatest opponent yet, the pesky Father Time.

Quarter Past Fed

Well we now know who will be the trivia answer for “who was the man that halted Roger Federer’s consecutive quarter final streak” the one, thee only Serhiy Stakhovsky. More on him later. The fact is that yet another sign of the ever weakening force field, that once shielded the greatest player of all time, is continuing to dissolve. The titles and numbers behind Federer’s case to be the greatest are all firmly in check but it’s some of those smaller less heralded feats that make even the most skeptical Federer observer give him the nod as numero uno. 36 straight quarter finals in grand slams is a record that is truly extraordinary. Hey even winning a slam isn’t as potent a case for greatness course Gastón Gaudio and Thomas Johansson may say otherwise. Federer’s streak is forever etched in the tennis history books but what about the stories of Federer yet to be told? Was this just a slip up? Will order as we knew it be restored? Or will this open the door to fans, writers and even Federer himself accepting the fact that, despite 10 years of proving otherwise, early round upsets can happen to everyone. EVEN Federer?

Northern Perspective

Well it really is who does what and where it’s done that matters. Wimbledon 2013 was yet again a major disappointment for Milos Raonic in a country that is now starting to doubt and tune out the once sought after prospect of the North. The chats went from “ this Canadian Roanic is good eh, finally a Canadian tennis player with some hope” to “ I guess Raonic was flash in the pan eh?” No joke. The amount of people that represent those extremes and talk to me about it after every tournament is staggering. In reality though it is good to hear. While 2nd round upsets are not what Canadians want nor expect, the anger or disappointment proves how ready the nation is to celebrate a tennis star. In my opinion I pin pointed when this Raonic struggle began. That being said, the “why” it has happened still eludes me. The irony of this all dates back to Canada’s huge Davis Cup win over Italy where Raonic locked up the tie and set up Canada’s first ever semi final date. The post match interview struck me as odd. The well spoken and laid back Raonic, caught up in extreme emotion, was rather boisterous and at times rude with his interviewer. While he seemed on cloud 9 with the win, Raonic made it very clear that there was work to be done and this was not the extent of the heights he envisions for Canada. On one hand it’s great to hear but I remember thinking to myself, lets enjoy this! Not just cause we move to the clay courts next tie to take on Djokovic and the Serbs but because this was an achievement to celebrate and enjoy. My concern is perhaps Milos is trying too hard to carry a country on his back without realizing how much he’s done for Canada already.

Then there is Genie Bouchard... her third round Wimbledon was a success story on so many levels. A huge win over former number 1 Ana Ivanovic on centre Court probably topped the cake but it was more than the result on the grass, one year removed from winning the girls Wimbledon title, the talk at bars, groceries stores, water coolers was “hey how about that Canadian girl Bouchard” it was amazing to hear and even greater to be able to stand proud and reply “ya, she’s doing great”!

 

 

Draw Breakers

Tennis is not a sport that appreciates an upset. I firmly agree with those who said this first. While the 2013 Wimbledon draw was rife with them there was very few underdogs getting any love whatsoever. The fact is, in a sport that is one on one, you need both the "ones" to be intriguing storylines at the very least. And even though Stakhovsky was definitely a storyline 48 hours ago to the fans who paid top dollar to see Federer play in round 3, the Ukrainian was an undisputed  heel. But its not just the upset that potentially ruins a draw it’s the follow up by the underdog that really grinds the gears of the tennis fan. All too often and history shows this, a major upset does NOTHING to boost a player from obscurity into seizing momentum and making a play deep in the draw. Look at this year for example. Stako falls next round after stunning Federer. Darcis fails to even get on the court after taking out Nadal. De Brito took out Maria Sharapova then swiftly followed her on a flight out of town. Even last year… Rosol decided that beating Nadal was a great way to end a tournament, even if it was only round 2. Its part of tennis.  A really really annoying part that has no answers. We just need to hope it happens as little as possible. It’s the beauty of the draw but at the same time, the beast. But this problem dates back many years. Remember when Pete Sampras lost his 4^th round Wimbledon match to a certain Swiss player who next round bowed out routinely to Tim Henman? Wait, okay maybe scratch that guy from this argument. He ended up doing ok in the end.

THANKS

Okay everyone thanks for reading this blog! Starting soon with my next blog there is going to be some exciting changes to GAME SET N BLOG ! Please stick with me and I promise things will only get better! Thanks for the support. It has been overwhelming. Follow me on twitter at "maydaypelligra" to stay tuned with my announcements!

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