US OPEN. OY VEY! Those disgusting "fans" booing the new CHAMPION.

[bunnie3]

Posted: 9/2/18 at 2:52am

Opine here.

Updated On: 9/8/18 at 02:52 AM

[javero]

Posted: 9/3/18 at 4:15pm

I fell asleep at the start of 3rd set and couldn't believe my eyes when I checked the scores the next morning.  Well done Cilic!  The upsets have made this year's tourney extremely eventful.

[bunnie3]

Posted: 9/3/18 at 7:17pm

Cilic just won again in straight sets vs the Belgian. Wk 1 is waay more exciting than this week is gonna be. Djokovic also won today,of course. Not a fan of Nadal ever, so I always hope he loses. Sharapova, right now starting. Would like to see the underdog win here, too. It s just my nature.

[javero]

Posted: 9/3/18 at 10:06pm

I watched the entire Cilic match on tv but nodded thru the Sharapova-Suarez Navarro match.  Regarding Sharapova, I'm reminded of Billie Jean King's suggestion that players really should seek out a specialized coach to beef up a part of their game that's a real liability.  I'm well aware of Maria's shoulder problems but she's going to have to seriously improve her serve if she expects to win another major.  Other than the case of Serena, Pliskova, and a couple other top players, the women really seem to struggle with holding serve these days.  It's nearly comical.  And many of the service motions on the women's side are either just plain ugly or stiff like a board.  I like watching players who play to win versus those who play to avoid losing.  Well done Carla!!!

[bunnie3]

Posted: 9/4/18 at 9:44pm

I m always rooting for the underdog, but wtf is going on with Nadal?

[javero]

Posted: 9/5/18 at 12:07am

Probably nerves.  He seemed really tight in the first set but recovered mid-way the 2nd.  I'm fighting sleep right now early in the 4th.

[bunnie3]

Posted: 9/5/18 at 9:36am

I hope you you didn't t fall asleep before the end!! Longest match in US OPEN history there. 5 hours! And 5th set tie breaker, not be believed!!! I hope you DVR d it....breathtaking! I almost had a heart attack watching that! Feel REALLY bad for Thiem. He was MASTERFUL. Rafa shoulda lost, imho.

[javero]

Posted: 9/5/18 at 12:51pm

I struggled till the end but it was worth it.  What a match, one that Thiem should have won.  He'll likely rue the loss for awhile.  Thiem's serve and groundies are out of this world, but this transition game and net play are abominable for an elite player at his level.  He hit several topspin backhand approach shots that sat up for Rafa to hit an easy passing shot. 

While I'm a fan of Nadal's hustle, I never really cared for his style of tennis nor Lleyton Hewitt's when he was still on tour.  They both make tennis look painful.  I delight in watching Nole methodically pick Nadal's game apart.  He exposes all of Nadal's weaknesses out there like his inability to hit the backhand pass down the line under pressure and his tendency to serve to a righty's backhand in the ad court under pressure. It's been painful watching Nadal do the same to Federer through the years.

I'd like to see Nole and del Potro in the men's final.

[bunnie3]

Posted: 9/5/18 at 3:20pm

You know WAAAAAAAY more about tennis than I, Javero! Do you play? I m just a casual fan, but have enjoyed tennis since the late 60s. I also hated it when they changed the tie break rules in the 70 s. Used to love seeing Connors play for hours on end! Also, miss the old days without technology when there were REALLY huge arguments regarding calls! You had to just suck it up.

[javero]

Posted: 9/5/18 at 10:07pm

I played on the junior circuit as a kid back in the 70s but haven't set foot on a tennis court in nearly 20 years.  Like you I really miss the old days when "finesse" was still a part of the sport at the pro level.  I just don't care for much of mindless ball bashing you see out there now nor the fact that a player can literally win a major with a single weapon...the serve.  I really wish that both the ATP and WTA would institute the following changes: (1) elimination of the 2nd serve, (2) elimination of the let serve, and (3) banning of the two-handed backhand. And on the women's tour, elimination of ON COURT COACHING which I don't think paints the women in the most flattering light. 

I really miss the time when Connors, McEnroe, and Lendl hated each others' guts on and off the court and were not coy about it.  On more than one occasion whenever Johnny Mac crowded the net, Lendl and Connors would try to take out his midsection which was a fair play.  It only heightened the drama on court during their matches.  Considering that most of the top players on the men's tour today are not particularly good volleyers, I don't understand why their opponents don't draw them into the net more and turn up the heat.

Most of the drama these day comes from the women with their eye rolls and tactical grunting on court, as well as the off-court barbs during their pressers.  I miss when Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin, and Serena loathed the mere sight of each other.  They produced some of the most compelling tennis in the history of the sport after the Evert-Navratilova rivalry.  Jen, Justine, and Serena were clear rivals who hated losing to each other.  I also miss Monica Seles being absolutely merciless with her opponents on court including the legendary Steffi Graf.  Monica was a beast out there and Serena's childhood idol.

IMHO many of the mid-level pros today are content with cashing runner up checks earned at the majors and tour events, while banking on their looks/appeal to land endorsement deals. There's so much prize money and appearance guarantees being offered that a relatively unaccomplished singles player like Anna Kournikova recently can haul in truck loads of money despite not winning a single tour event.  You'll likely recall that Billie Jean King and several other pioneering women had to beg for a pittance of prize money while attempting to launch the WTA.  The only two companies who were even remotely interested in sponsoring the women's tour back then were Tampax and Virginia Slims, a cigarette brand of all things.

Updated On: 9/6/18 at 10:07 PM

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 9/6/18 at 6:35pm

"I played on the junior circuit as a kid back in the 70s but haven't set foot on a tennis court in nearly 20 years.  Like you I really miss the old days when "finesse" was still a part of the sport at the pro level.  I just don't care for much of mindless ball bashing you see out there now nor the fact that a player can literally win a major with a single weapon...the serve."

I don't think anybody wins a major with just a serve. Even somebody like Cilic who won one major has a huge forehand in addition to a serve. The players with multiple majors are solid all around and can hurt you in different ways. Heck, Stan Wawrinka has a better backhand than forehand - lol .I still play tennis, did not take up the sport until my early 40's. I see guys playing doubles in their 70's and 80's - lol.

Updated On: 9/6/18 at 06:35 PM

[javero]

Posted: 9/6/18 at 7:08pm

Hi yankeefan7!!!  It's been awhile since our paths crossed on bww.  I was just waxing nostalgic for the good ole days of wooden rackets, positional tennis, and conventional volleys.  Regarding one trick wonders winning majors, Goran Ivanisevic comes to mind.  Don't mean to diminish his accomplishments, but w/o his serve he arguably would have struggled to get into the top 40 let alone win Wimbledon.  And despite being a huge Serena fan, I'm comfortable suggesting that her serve won her 2 Wimbledon titles as well.  Neither ever played professionally with the tennis-elbow inducing popsicle sticks known as wooden rackets

Your taking up the sport in your 40s is inspiring.  I have a few colleagues who've been trying to get me to join an over-50 league in my neighborhood.  I'm too lazy to go there right now.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 9/7/18 at 9:22am

"I was just waxing nostalgic for the good ole days of wooden rackets, positional tennis, and conventional volleys.  Regarding one trick wonders winning majors, Goran Ivanisevic comes to mind.  Don't mean to diminish his accomplishments, but w/o his serve he arguably would have struggled to get into the top 40 let alone win Wimbledon.  And despite being a huge Serena fan, I'm comfortable suggesting that her serve won her 2 Wimbledon titles as well. "

Very true about Goran and good point about Serena. I would add Sampras to your list also. Great player but that serve probably won him a few extra majors and is why he dominated Agassi. The new technology gave everyone more power from the baseline and basically eliminated the serve and volley players. (McEnroe, Becker, Edberg etc). There are some players who will serve and volley once in awhile like Federer but it is rare. To see positional tennis and volleys now, you need to watch doubles matches - lol

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 9/7/18 at 9:25am

"Your taking up the sport in your 40s is inspiring.  I have a few colleagues who've been trying to get me to join an over-50 league in my neighborhood.  I'm too lazy to go there right now."

You need to do it, you will be glad you did. I just read article where it said people who play some type of racket sport like tennis live longer. The article said it is not just the physical activity but the social and competitive aspect of playing that is good for you. It was very interesting to read.  Being a junior player many years ago, I am sure once you try again it will be muscle memory and the game will come back to you !! Just do it !!! - lol

[javero]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 1:16am

I can NOT believe the behavior of those fans who boo'd when Naomi Osaka's name was announced was the new champion.  I'm going to leave it at that regarding the women's final because two women in my circle called me a misogynistic pig after I refused to join their post-match pity party for you-know-who.  The last time they goaded me to to defend "the bros" was after Hilary lost to Trump via the electoral college.  I suspect that any connection between the two events is purely coincidental.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 6:46am

"I can NOT believe the behavior of those fans who boo'd when Naomi Osaka's name was announced was the new champion.  I'm going to leave it at that regarding the women's final because two women in my circle called me a misogynistic pig after I refused to join their post-match pity party for you-know-who.  The last time they goaded me to to defend "the bros" was after Hilary lost to Trump via the electoral college.  I suspect that any connection between the two events is purely coincidental."

That was awful behavior and there is a NY Post columnist who wrote great article calling out these "fans". To do this to a young woman who did nothing wrong but play some excellent tennis against their favorite is just wrong. Why were these fans booing her? It was not her coach who cheated by sending signals to his player. She did not slam her racket down and break it which is a code violation. She did not berate the chair umpire and demand apology. My goodness, the opening of the awards ceremony seemed more about how wonderful Serena was than the actual champion, just a disgrace. Sadly in the country we live in today, seems a whole bunch of people can't handle when the person they want to win loses very well.

[South Florida]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 6:54am

That's New York, ever watch the golf tournaments.  We're in our own league in classless.  I wouldn't mind there being heckler tournaments, once a year, Flushing for the tennis, The Black Course at Bethpage for the golf.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 8:04am

"That's New York, ever watch the golf tournaments.  We're in our own league in classless.  I wouldn't mind there being heckler tournaments, once a year, Flushing for the tennis, The Black Course at Bethpage for the golf."

You can't just totally blame NY because people attending these events are from all over the country. I don't really follow golf but I don't think I have ever heard of a winner of a major being booed during award ceremony.

[South Florida]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 10:16am

People from all over the world were there, but I'd guess the booing was mostly NYers.

 

[Islander_fan]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 11:51am

South Florida said: "People from all over the world were there, but I'd guess the booing was mostly NYers.

"

That is a silly broad generalization to make. 

 

The one thing I will say is this. Williams's coach admitted that he was coaching her during the break in play. But, he made a good point. That, this is something that coaches do all the time. That he couldn't understand why a ref, who's aware of this phenomenon, would penalize someone for it specially at the championship of a grand slam event. 

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 1:05pm

The one thing I will say is this. Williams's coach admitted that he was coaching her during the break in play. But, he made a good point. That, this is something that coaches do all the time. That he couldn't understand why a ref, who's aware of this phenomenon, would penalize someone for it specially at the championship of a grand slam event. "

You are right, it is done all the time by why put your player in that position in a GS final? Really, he does not think Serena can figure out what to do in a match after winning 23 GS titles - lol. Second, this does not mean one thing if she does not slam and break her racket which caused her to lose one point.  If she does not lose her composure and berate the umpire after losing a point she does not lose a game due to her outburst. The game lost basically sealed the match. Finally, it is such a shame to see somebody in tears winning a title when there should have been huge smile on her face.

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 3:22pm

Well put Yankee.

I will add that with her statement that she does not accept coaching from the stands, of ALL people, her coach should know this so why was he doing it if it wasn't needed?

[javero]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 3:51pm

The two women whom I alluded to earlier would not let it go so I had to give them both the business earlier today.  I'm sick of being called a misogynist or being told to stop mansplaining whenever I offer insights into a sport with which I have a nearly lifelong affiliation both on and off the court.  I'm a huge fan of Serena's "tennis" but allow me to share the case against her: (1) Osaka was winning from start to finish; (2) Osaka completely surrendered the game immediately following the one Serena lost due to the game penalty yet still recovered to win the match; (3) like elites everywhere Serena has developed a sense of entitlement and a notion that the rules of the sport don't apply to her; (4) she's not the first woman to have given birth on this planet; and (5) she and the other elite women on tour are OVERCOMPENSATED... their matches are the best 2 out of 3 sets at the majors while the men are forced to play the best 3 out of 5 for the same pay.  Pay scale after the jump.

2018 US Open Prize Money to Reach $53 million

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 4:21pm

Javero,your point (5) falls flat - all players are over-compensated, both male and female. The argument that "they only play three sets" is ridiculous - as if the men have actually earned the ridiculous six-figure sums they give out in prize money. It's not an hourly rate.

[javero]

Posted: 9/9/18 at 4:44pm

Jay Lernez-Z, the number of sets contested is very much the apple of discord in the ongoing debate over the pay disparity between the two professional tours.  The French Open and Wimbledon tournament organizers are ultra conservative and continue to award the men more prize money than the women.  However, the Aussie Open and US Open went to the other extreme by awarding equal prize money which made several male pros object based on the disparity in the number of sets played per match.  The two tours have never been able to agree on a suitable metric on which to base prize money.  Both Williams sisters stepped into the fray years ago advocating for equal prize money at all 4 majors.  If the number of sets per match is not a reasonable metric then what exactly is with respect to equal pay?

Venus, Serena Williams join Billie Jean King's equal pay push

ETA: The players can only command the prize money that the marketplace is willing to offer up.  Tennis as a spectator sport has grown immensely over the course of 40 years.  It now competes with the big three sports in the US for ad revenue generated from eyeballs glued to screens and butts in seats.  And the top players earn far more off the court in sponsorship deals, endorsements, and product placement, especially high-end brands like Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer.

Updated On: 9/9/18 at 04:44 PM