Indian Wells ATP 1000

[jimlosaltos]

Here's quite the match point.

Wu Yibing tops Jaume Munar, who was not pleased 6-7(6), 6-0, 7-6(3)

MP Munar has a great get on Wu's drop shot only to have Wu do a full diving stab on the hard courts to get it BUT his racket hits the net. Munar thinks the point is his, but chair Aur?elie Tourte said the ball bounced twice BEFORE Wu's racket hit the net. 1 min vid at link:

https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1633645146905665537?s=20

[stroke]

Here's quite the match point.

Wu Yibing tops Jaume Munar, who was not pleased 6-7(6), 6-0, 7-6(3)

MP Munar has a great get on Wu's drop shot only to have Wu do a full diving stab on the hard courts to get it BUT his racket hits the net. Munar thinks the point is his, but chair Aur?elie Tourte said the ball bounced twice BEFORE Wu's racket hit the net. 1 min vid at link:

https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1633645146905665537?s=20

Pretty wild, but good call to me. Small margains out there.

[stroke]

Brutal small margains loss for Theim vs Mannarino. Thiem is really struggling to just win matches. So tough out there.

[don_budge]

2023 BNP Paribas Open...Match of the Day (Stan Wawrinka versus Anybody)

Stan Wawrinka pinch hitting for Roger Federer in the "Match of the Day" slot is playing none other than...who? I don't know. I could find out...but it doesn't matter to me. Stan gets the nod in deference to the video I posted of he and his Swiss buddy duking it out in 2017. Two great backhands...a couple of really good character on the tour. Roger long gone and soon to be forgotten. Forgotten in the sense that he had the sense to play the game in the way it was evolved to be played. It was just six years ago but I don't recall seeing anyone able to attack the net and seal the deal quite like he was doing in the 2017 final. Afterwards he made some silly remark or perhaps it was something he did, but Stan in his accepting the runner-up trophy famously said to Roger..."you are such an asshole" or a similar jab. Done in jest. In good taste no less. It was incredibly funny. Ahhh...I miss Roger. Never missed a point of any match he played if I could help it. So much fun to watch somebody actually playing tennis. Trained to approach and volley he never forgot and resurrected this aspect of his game once he traded in the midget racquet for something competitive to his peers graphite bazookas. In this same tournament he thrashed Fafa Nadal in straight sets. Nadal must have been fuming but it was futal to complain. Roger went on the beat the stuffing out of him the last seven of eight times they played. Something like that. Off the top of my head.

So take it away Stan and live to play another day. Stan struggles these days. He doesn't move like the younger fellows any more. It is a game of energy and balance. A game of maneuvoring into good position to execute the swing. The shot. Sort of like golf on the run. You can imagine the difficulties of doing exactly that with a bum knee...or two. Aleksandar Vukic is the opponent. Ranked number 186 in the world.

Where have you gone Roger Federer? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

Paul Simon, a Yankee superfan, told Fran Healy for MSG’s “The Game 365” that the line in the song came to him out of nowhere and that he never expected he would have to explain its meaning to DiMaggio himself.

“I happened to be in a restaurant and there he was,” recalls Simon. “I gathered up my nerve to go over and introduce myself and say, ‘Hi, I’m the guy that wrote “Mrs. Robinson,” ’ and he said ‘Yeah, sit down . . . why’d you say that? I’m here, everyone knows I’m here.’ I said, ‘I don’t mean it that way — I mean, where are these great heroes now?’ He was flattered once he understood that it was meant to be flattering.”

Big win for Stanislas Wawrinka over the number 186 ranked player in the world. Next up...Miomir Kecmanovic. Ranked number 31 and just 23 years old. Stan has his hands full here. He will have his hands full maintaining his match of the day status as well. Sentimental favorite? Not so much. It is amazing how some players have a hold on the heart. I should say one player. Roger Federer. Not forgotten in my book. Tennis will be morning the loss for years to come as it slides into obscurity on the sports level of interest. As of now...who cares? Interest in tennis and golf is always cyclical. Now is the perfect time for a down turn. Not getting any help from the scam Corona Virus protocols. Apparently the scam is over but nobody has bothered to inform Dementia in Chief of that little golden nugget. The vax mandate prevails preventing Novax Djokovic, one of the few real draws left in the sport, from participating in a couple of big tourneys in a key swing for the year.

While on the one hand there is very little of interest in terms of charisma or even style left in the game...there is always some tiny bit of interest in the game left for a veteran afficianado. It's a hobby Bob Brett told me long ago. Years ago at the Stockholm Open here in Sweden. It's a hobby. So Taylor Fritz and young or rather younger Ben Shelton are scheduled to face off in the second round. Ben having dispatched one of the more stylish and charismatic players left in the sport...Fabio "Fabulous" Fognini. Ben with a potentially huge left handed serve that has the ability to handcuff the receiver might just give Taylor something to think about regarding the future of American tennis. At any rate...a good chance to assess Shelton a bit more critically.

Speaking of American tennis it will also be interesting to see if Mackenzie McDonald will be able to figure out Holger Rune a bit. Rune was last seen limping off the court in Acapulco with leg cramps against di Minaur. Mackenzie seems to be picking up some steam lately. Nothing over the top but gradually nibbling his way up the food chain. He took out Filip Krajinovic 6-3, 6-0 in the first round. I didn't see any of it and I didn't hear anything either...was Krajinovic hurt. Because if not, this fellow used to a pretty tough customer. No slouch at any rate. Mackenzie beat up Rafael Nadal some time ago when Nadal was making a come back of sorts. Can he summon that big dragon out in the desert against the Nordic Rune? Time to step up young man!

Brits in the house. "Bad Boy" Daniel Evans set to square off with "Union" Jack Draper. Evans plays a somewhat retro game and had a brief fling with the Devil's Lady (cocaine) and Jack is up and coming. Evans wants to be a bit of a pugalist here and pin the upstarts ears back before he gets any ideas. Evans has a hard earned ranking of number 29 while young Jack has a number 56 on the Richter scale. There could be some fireworks here. Andy "The Wall of Murray" Murray as some are creatively calling him nowadays slid by in another three set snoozer. Does anyone care about this former Big Three player and his three set exploits? Really? Well he runs into the "Wall" of Busta soon. Wall...wall...everybodys a wall. Only in modern tennis. Torben Ulrich is trying not to throw up in the bathroom. Like me.

[jimlosaltos]

Defending champ Taylor Fritz with some revelations on rehab and new rules.

‘Couldn’t Get an IV’- American Tennis Star Taylor Fritz Reveals How Tennis’ Doping Rules Made Conditions Worse for Him in Mexico

Banned from getting an IV by new rules, he cramped and vomited through the night.

"During the semifinal match at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, American tennis player Taylor Fritz faced a physically grueling and taxing contest. He played against his compatriot Tommy Paul, which lasted for 3 hours and 25 minutes. Despite fighting hard, Fritz lost to Paul in a tie-breaker. He vomited in a basket at 6-5 in the third set."

"In the past, Fritz would have been able to receive an IV to help him rehydrate and alleviate the cramping. He also talked about IVs and how he had to face a tough time due to doping rules.


Excerpt via presser:

Fritz was experiencing full-body cramps that wouldn’t go away, despite his attempts to rehydrate. In the past, Fritz would have been able to receive an IV to help him rehydrate and alleviate the cramping. He also talked about IVs and how he had to face a tough time due to doping rules.

In the past, Fritz would have been able to receive an IV to help him rehydrate and alleviate the cramping. He also talked about IVs and how he had to face a tough time due to doping rules.

https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-tennis-news-couldnt-get-an-iv-american-tennis-star-taylor-fritz-reveals-how-tennis-doping-rules-made-conditions-worse-for-him-in-mexico/

[jimlosaltos]

For context, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey discussed during the NFL season how routine it is for football players to get IVs.

He normally gets an IV before and after a game. But when he was playing for Carolina, where this is high humidity, he would also get an IV at halftime.

[jimlosaltos]

Pretty good shellacking given by Casper Ruud to Diego Schwartzman, 2 & 3, winning 63 points to 44, never broken by a very good returner.

[stroke]

Pretty good shellacking given by Casper Ruud to Diego Schwartzman, 2 & 3, winning 63 points to 44, never broken by a very good returner.

Ruud forehand was an absolute hammer

[stroke]

Tsitsipas out to Jordan Thompson. Thompson has a nice serve and solid game, Tsitsipas just did not get it done. Fritz vs Sheldon, Sinner vs Gasquet, Evans vs Draper, Rune vs McDonald, Alcaraz vs Kokkinakis, Stan vs Kecmonovic, Murray vs Albot, Sock vs Cerundolo, Fucsovics vs the demon, Musetti vs Mannarino today. A lot to be sorted out.

[jimlosaltos]

Bottom quarter is wide open with a lethargic Tsitsipas (reportedly with shoulder injury?) out early, Matteo Berrettini continued to struggle out in first match as well (also rumored injured).
That leaves Rublev seeded 6th. Next highest in the bottom quarter, Norrie 2019 champ at 10.

Third quarter looks like Rudd vs Medvedev. Sadly I get there too late to see that one in person.

Second quarter has Rune, Sinner, Fritz (who is already down a SET to Shelton; that would be an intriguing upset. Shelton has made 16 of 17 first serves in 1st set, which will win a lot of matches.).

Top quarter of course headed by Carlos Alcaraz, who finally appears healthy, which is great. Biggest threat is Felix, who I wouldn't bet on.

Darkhorse here: Jack Draper took out counterperson Evans in straight sets. Haven't seen yet but stats show Draper saving a spectacular 10 of 11 BPs! Don't often see that stat in a straight sets match on hard courts.

[don_budge]

Tsitsipas out to Jordan Thompson. Thompson has a nice serve and solid game, Tsitsipas just did not get it done. Fritz vs Sheldon, Sinner vs Gasquet, Evans vs Draper, Rune vs McDonald, Alcaraz vs Kokkinakis, Stan vs Kecmonovic, Murray vs Albot, Sock vs Cerundolo, Fucsovics vs the demon, Musetti vs Mannarino today. A lot to be sorted out.

Yada...yada...yada. What a shame. It's all foreplay with no hope seemingly for some kind of climactic ending. Correct me if I am wrong. Please feel free. I won't be offended. My feelings won't be hurt. I promise. For I have seen it all. What is coming isn't going to be pretty. I say no more.

Much of this tournament has fizzled before our very eyes. The absence of what was once the Big Three doesn't help. Rafael Nadal...gone and without a trace. Novak Djokovic...gone for reasons that are not worthy of discussion. It's political. Roger Federer...gone and believe me when I say, "our nations turns its lonely eyes to you". I tried to watch some of the action. All I caught of Jannik Sinner was a painful interview where he simply cannot articulate anything of remotely interesting speak. It's just as well. The Americans...never caught a glimpse. The Brits...saw a bit and it was more than enough. Rune's forehand? Really? Here we go. Can you hear that sound? Like the air leaving the balloon. A sucking sound. It sounds...boring.

Maybe "No Flag Wall" Medvedev can pick up some of the slack of Novax. But he needs an opponent to create some drama. It's as if drama is illegal. Banned. Too much contrast isn't a goood thing. Better to be bland. Boring. Maybe Carlos Alvarez? Somehow I cannot see the beauty. Where have you gone aesthetic tennis? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Match of the day...Joe Dimaggio versus Anybody. Another word salad...over and out.

[don_budge]

Yada...yada...yada. What a shame. It's all foreplay with no hope seemingly for some kind of climactic ending. Correct me if I am wrong. Please feel free. I won't be offended. My feelings won't be hurt. I promise. For I have seen it all. What is coming isn't going to be pretty. I say no more.

Much of this tournament has fizzled before our very eyes. The absence of what was once the Big Three doesn't help. Rafael Nadal...gone and without a trace. Novak Djokovic...gone for reasons that are not worthy of discussion. It's political. Roger Federer...gone and believe me when I say, "our nations turns its lonely eyes to you". I tried to watch some of the action. All I caught of Jannik Sinner was a painful interview where he simply cannot articulate anything of remotely interesting speak. It's just as well. The Americans...never caught a glimpse. The Brits...saw a bit and it was more than enough. Rune's forehand? Really? Here we go. Can you hear that sound? Like the air leaving the balloon. A sucking sound. It sounds...boring.

Maybe "No Flag Wall" Medvedev can pick up some of the slack of Novax. But he needs an opponent to create some drama. It's as if drama is illegal. Banned. Too much contrast isn't a goood thing. Better to be bland. Boring. Maybe Carlos Alvarez? Somehow I cannot see the beauty. Where have you gone aesthetic tennis? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Match of the day...Joe Dimaggio versus Anybody. Another word salad...over and out.

Roberto Bautista Agut is an interesting ATP specimen. He is the quintessential typical tour grinder. In fact, you will find his picture under just that...quintessential typical tour grinder in the tennis player lexicon. But he has reached the grand old age of 34 and is he showing signs of tossing in the towel. He flew all the way over to Indian Wells from Madrid only to go crashing out of the tournament in the second round after drawing a first round by as the 22nd seed. He hasn't had a decent win in a while...unless you call Sir Andy "The Wall of" Murray a decent win these days.

https://www.atptour.com/en/players/roberto-bautista-agut/bd06/player-activity

https://www.atptour.com/en/players/roberto-bautista-agut/bd06/rankings-history

First you eat your way up the food chain...and then it is a one way ticket to Palookaville. Or is it? Tough, tough grinder. But it is an awful lot to ask of the body playing tennis in this manner. It's gotta hurt.

[stroke]

I have always liked RBA, a pro's pro, always goes to work. He has long been a benchmark to the upper echelon of the rankings to me. A very tough out, but he is no doubt, like Gasquet and Stan, towards the end of his career. To me, when you look at these guys that have been around so long, like Stan, Gasquet, Fognini, even Mannarino, RBA is probably the least talented but what a professional.

[stroke]

Garin was all over number 3 seed Ruud, just really too much game, really bullied him out there. Very impressive.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JjEZEqQtckUM3Jkt6

[stroke]

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, or ADF, may be the new RBA.