2012 US Open

[hirdy_is_champ]

So the Stosur Azarenka match has started, but after 3 games they've gone off coz its now pissing down. Sam is by no means playing badly, but Azarenka is playing ridiculously well and is up a double break 3-0. Worst possible matchup for Sam, she can't even compete.

 

[pepsi]

Nice aggressive play from Sam in that set and for one of thr few times in their matches, she actually starred to dictate and control the rallies. Azarenka a little off compared to before the rain delay. Really hope Sam can get ahead early in the set.

Step 1: win a set (done)
Step 2: do it again

 

[TheStinger]

Azarenka's noise is getting so long that she is dangerously close to still going when Sam is hitting the ball. Surely that is excessive.

 

[juzzo]

Bad luck Sam gave a good account of herself.

 

[pepsi]

That is a shattering loss for Sam. She played so well after the 1st set, was down a break in the 3rd, down 4-0 in the tb and got it back to 5-all.

Fk n US open and their bs 3rd set tb.

 

[hirdy_is_champ]

USO 3rd TB, I hate you tremendously. Regardless, I think Sam can take a lot out of that match, at least now she knows she can beat her, still can't stand Azarenka.

 

[matt_897]

If you had of told she lost 7-6 in the third before the match I probably would accept it, still hurts though (not as much as the Errani loss though). Could of been more aggressive on that match point and it cost her.

Man that would of been nice win, I can't udnerstand how anybody can be a fan of Azarenka

 

[Warsaw]

Devastated. Only caught up with it halfway through the last set, but she was playing some rollicking tennis. There was a break point opportunity I think at 5-5 and didn't like her chances of winning when she lost it.

Still great effort.

 

[hirdy_is_champ]

If you had of told she lost 7-6 in the third before the match I probably would accept it, still hurts though (not as much as the Errani loss though). Could of been more aggressive on that match point and it cost her.

Man that would of been nice win, I can't udnerstand how anybody can be a fan of Azarenka

Crowd were clearly barracking for Sam the whole match, just like the Azarenka Clijsters SF here. Its just a shame Sam will probably miss out on the YEC now, but she really deserves to be there. Despite the loss, I'd argue it was her best mental display since the USO final last year. Easily could've rolled over like a bitch again, but gave it a real crack. If she stays that solid (always a big if with her though), you'd think she'd be able to at least get one more slam before she's done.

Anyway, Serena can take this whole thing now, it won't kill us if she gets another one if its not at Stosur's expense and I'd rather her win than the bloody screamers.

 

[Maryusdemetry]

Ferrer to Gasquet 7-5,7-6 4-3

 

[gaelictiogar]

Azarenka's noise is getting so long that she is dangerously close to still going when Sam is hitting the ball. Surely that is excessive.

It is but the screamers will continue to do it so long as they get away with it. It is gamesmanship. Honestly if I was playing Azarenka and would ask for the tournament ref. it is cheating.

 

[matt_897]

One day I will read the rules on this and see what's allowed or not. I just can't believe you need to grunt like that when you hit a lob like Azarenka did today, it has to be gamesmanship

 

[red+black]

Screamers in tennis, chuckers in cricket, too many PC idiots to really do anything about them.

 

[Spitta09]

Azarenka's grunt is as bad as sharapova because it goes ALL the way until the opponent hits the ball.
Bad luck sam at least she put up a big fight. Thought azawanka would win this easily enough.

 

[bombermick]

Devestating loss for Sam, but that's as mentally strong as she's looked for 12 months.

Now we just need Bernie to learn not to be a soft****.

 

[juzzo]

Hmm when was it he broke up with that smokin blonde. Maybe that rocked his confidence

 

[Sir Vlado]

Didn't think it would be this tough for Azarenka, so a good effort by Stosur to take it as far as she did.

 

[TheStinger]

It is but the screamers will continue to do it so long as they get away with it. It is gamesmanship. Honestly if I was playing Azarenka and would ask for the tournament ref. it is cheating.

It's not just the scream/grunt/noise, it is the length that Azarenka makes it go for. I can understand making a big effort and it coming out as a grunt, but there is absolutely no need for it to go on for 2 or 3 seconds. And it seemed to get longer the better Sam was playing. As I said before, it was getting so long that sometimes she was still going when Sam hit the ball. As you say, it is cheating (deliberately putting your opponent off) and I too would be asking the ref to tell her to either tone it down or shorten it. Maybe even stop all together. But that would be up to the ref.

Shreikapova's is ear splitting, but at least it is short. Azarenka's is loud and ridiculously extended. Needs to be curtailed.

 

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

Invoking the hindrance rule would fix the situation immediately. The chair umpires simply don't have the guts to make calls like that, especially against the top players. It's the same with the time wasting that goes on in the men's game.

 

[Maryusdemetry]

Roddick - Del Potro 7-6, 1-1

 

[Back Pocket Rocket]

Roddick over and out! Murray in massive trouble against Cilic 3-6 1-4

 

[pepsi]

Ahhh this could be a great day at the US open. 1 Andy out, 1 to go.

 

[matt_897]

Ahhh this could be a great day at the US open. 1 Andy out, 1 to go.

Roddick losing isn't good, sad day for tennis. Murray in one of his moods though.

Just got to say a big thankyou Andy Roddick for his career, started his career when I was around 10 or 11 and quickly turned into one of my favourite players (him and Lleyton) while I was growing up. His competitive spirit, his great serve with all its action, his complete honesty and all the great matches I can think of right now, he is a true champion. Huge loss for our game but he announced his retirement when he wanted to and we'll see him in many roles in the future no doubt. Him and Lleyton doing commentary for AO in 10 years time?

 

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

Cilic chokes a double break, makes it to the TB and then chokes again from 4-2. If that was his WTA player impersonation, he ****ing nailed it

 

[JolyV]

Cilic - Murray 6-3,6-6