Season ending Tennis and Controversy

The season ending championships in Madrid on the WTA tour has already been a microcosm of what the 2007 season produced. On the men's side, David Nalbandian defeated Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal two times each and Novak Djokovic once in two tournaments, winning both. Off the court, more players have come forward revealing they had been offered money to throw matches and Nikolay Davydenko, the man who set off this controversy, was fined for not giving a good enough effort in a match earlier this fall.

First off, I want to say that watching the women's matches has been particularly entertaining because save Justine Henin, nobody in the top 10 has separated themselves from the pack. Still, the trends from the year have been noticeable in the round robin matches. Jelena Jankovic has played a lot of matches this year and no longer seems to have the legs to be playing at a consistently high level to justify her third seed. She lost all three round robin matches, retiring in her last. The big story was Serena Williams retiring from her match against Anna Chakvetadze after losing the first set 6-4. Chakvetadze continues her surge into the upper ranks and Williams continues to demonstrate a lack of preparation and conditioning. Williams struggled prior to her injury and if she really intends to focus on tennis, she'll have to start from the basics. She plays her best when she's able to cover the court and dominate opponents with her power. Her off-season should be centered around building strength and conditioning to get her back to that level of play.

Maria Sharapova took a lot of time off presumably to let her shoulder heal and it has paid dividends right away as she has worked her way into the semifinals of the tournament. Her game depends heavily on her ability to serve well. What I like about the season-ending championships is that all of the players are good enough that you can really pinpoint the weaknesses of each player. With only the top players qualifying, the early matches are just as tough as the later matches. Unless of course if you are Justine Henin. The most emphatic statement of the tournament so far has to be Henin's 6-0, 6-0 clinic she put on against Marion Bartoli. Not only did Henin punish Bartoli for her previous defeat against the French woman at Wimbledon, she did so in downright embarrassing fashion. Although Bartoli had less than 24 hours to prepare for her match after replacing Serena in the tournament, there was no mercy from Henin. She made it clear that the championship goes through her.

David Nalbandian's recent surge is difficult to gauge in my opinion. Clearly, the season is winding down and Nadal is physically worn. Nalbandian's victories over Nadal are not terribly surprising nor worrisome. The victory over Djokovic is impressive but Djokovic still has to sharpen his complete game before he solidifies his spot in the top 3. Nalbandian was there a few years ago and is looking to regain that form. The victories over Federer are much more impressive for obvious reasons. The first match against Roger, Nalbandian dropped the first set 1-6 and took the next two. The second match was a straight set victory. At this point in the season, Federer does not look as sharp or as motivated to play at his normally pristine level. It's good to see Federer being challenged and defeated by some of the other tour players but it took him two losses against Guillermo Canas before Roger figured out how to beat him. Hopefully Nalbandian has built good momentum toward the 2008 season but don't expect him to dethrone Roger.

The recent controversy in tennis surrounds a match for which all bets were nullified involving Nikolay Davydenko. Since then, Davydenko has been criticized twice during matches for not giving a proper effort and was fined once. Other players have come forward saying they have been offered money to throw matches. Interestingly, so far only those on the men's tour have come forward with these cases. Many players are encouraging clear and open talk about the issue but so far no names have been named. This whole issue is similar in my mind seems to be less scandalous than it appears. If players are coming out and saying they were offered money but rejected it, then the tennis on the court is not compromised. If in any instance a player accepts the payment and throws a match, we have a problem. Davydenko strongly denies all claims that he is involved in match fixing so until there is proof otherwise, there is nothing to worry about. The rules must be clear (to avoid a Patriot-like "misinterpretation of the rules" and the punishment must be harsh for violators. Clearly, the tour will be more attentive to the possibility of match fixing now, but there is no drastic measure necessary.

Looking ahead to 2008 there are a few stories to keep an eye on. Lindsay Davenport looked exceptionally sharp during her few months on the tour after giving birth. She is going to be a major factor in the Australian Open. Serena Williams' latest injury will likely keep her from repeating at the Aussie Open but like I said, if Serena commits to getting in shape, she will always be a threat to win the majors. Martina Hingis retired from the tour for a second time, this time under cocaine usage allegations. I tend to agree with Hingis that someone on cocaine probably wouldn't be able to compete at the level she does. Spoiled brat as she was, she brought a lot of skill and talent to the tour so her presence will be missed. Hingis was never able to rediscover her early success but found a way to be competitive in a game that has significantly changed since she first broke out onto the tour. Hingis is another name on the list of stars such as Jennifer Capriati and Monica Seles that were forced out of competition before they could be given a proper farewell. There are a few other questions I have: What ever happened to Anastatia Myskina? Where is Amelie Mauresmo? Have people realized that James Blake and Andy Roddick have both peaked? Is 2008 the year that Sam Querrey, John Isner, and co make a large splash for American tennis?

Never Underestimate Mothers

The finals of the US Open were supposed to be the crowning moment of a summer of great tennis. But, the real excitement came one week after the everyone had left Flushing. Lindsay Davenport, who gave birth to her first child in June, defeated Daniela Hantuchova in Bali in a three set match clinching her first title in her first singles tournament after a one year hiatus from the tour.

What was surprising about Davenport's victory is that she was healthy. After struggling with injuries and going through a pregnancy, Lindsay Davenport finally showed up to a tournament fresh and eager to play. Before retiring from the tour, Davenport seemed to be at the top of her game, but her body simply would not let her perform to her abilities. Davenport picked up right where she left off, but this time with a healthy body. She was even in decent shape, beating the top two seeds in three set matches.

Davenport dropped the second set of her match against Jelena Jankovic but put together an impressive third set, winning 6-2. Remember that Jankovic was on the verge of beating Venus Williams to claim a spot in the US Open Semifinals. But similar to that match, Jankovic was not able to come up with the shots in the final set. Against Daniela Hantuchova in the finals, Lindsay Davenport again dropped the second set and again won the third convincingly, 6-2. Hantuchova had finally put together a good tournament after falling in the first round of the Pilot Pen and US Open. But her chronic inconsistency showed again in the loss to Davenport.

Davenport entered the tournament with the goal of proving, as a mother, she could still play at the highest level. She said more than that in her path to victory and with a few months of training, could be a real threat at the Australian Open. At 31 years old, Davenport is not too old to play but certainly aging. With a baby to look after, it's not likely she plays a larger number of tournaments. But she will come to Australia prepared to make a run. If Justine Henin does not play or if there are one or two upsets, I think Davenport has a better chance to win than any other up and coming player. By defeating Jankovic and Hantuchova, Davenport has proved she can still win big matches. But the Williams sisters, Henin, and a healthy Sharapova will be tougher opponents, especially in the slams.

Speaking of the slams, I cannot end without some comment on the US Open. Though the finals ended up being anti-climactic endings to an otherwise amazing tournament, I do have some final thoughts. On the women's side, I hate to say it, but I TOLD YOU SO! Henin did not drop a set the whole tournament and beat both Williams sisters on the way to her 7th slam title. If she can stay injury free for a few more years, she will separate herself from the active players in grand slam titles and establish herself as the undisputed dominant player of this generation. I already know it, but the rest of the world might not be convinced.

As far as Roger Federer's win is concerned, it was hardly surprising, like Henin's. Federer looked more human at the US Open, dropping opening sets to Feliciano Lopez and John Isner. But what separates Federer from the field was his ability to win the big points. In the final, Federer had to save seven set points in the first and second set. I am not sure if I am more impressed by the fact that Federer did indeed save those points and win the ensuing tie breaks or disappointed by the fact that Novak Djokovic was unable to capitalize on those points. Djokovic is a great but still unproven player who has been on the verge of becoming the first non-Federer/Nadal winner since Andy Roddick won the Open way back when. I guess Djokovic is just not ready to assume the role as the third wheel in the Nadal/Federer rivalry. Still, if Djokovic wins a slam next year and if Nadal can defeat Federer at Wimbledon, 2008 might be the year that the Federer dominance comes to an end. Might.

US Open: A champion goes down

I was watching the Open today and watched my favorite player in the draw, Marat Safin, go down in straight sets to Stanislas Wawrinka 3-6, 3-6, 3-6. The commentators noted that it must be tough for Safin to have all that talent and not be able to harness it all the time. I think Safin is secretly Jean Grey.

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Now the similarities are nowhere near those between Nadal and the Geico Caveman. But there is one key factor that makes this comparison valid. Both Jean Grey and Marat Safin have unlimited talent and neither has been able to harness it effectively. Instead they prove to be dangerous opponents every time they engage in battle, but nobody knows who will show up. Will it be Jean Grey, member of the X-Men, student of Professor X? Or will it be the Dark Phoenix with unlimited yet uncontrolled power and ability? The same Jekyll and Hyde presents itself with Marat Safin when he walks onto the court. The two time Grand Slam champion could be silenced at any moment by the self destructive maniac with no control of his emotions or forehand.


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I still think Safin has the most talent of anyone on tour, even more so than the Titan that is Roger Federer. Safin just cannot seem to keep a cool head when things go south. Opponents go from fearing the shots coming off his racket to the possibility of getting hit by shrapnel coming off his racket after it hits the court. I can only hope that Safin starts Tai Chi and/or meditation and comes back a new person in 2008. Fat chance.

In other US Open news, everyone is waiting for someone to challenge Roger Federer. That probably will not come until well into next week considering Federer's side of the draw is filled with wild cards/qualifiers. Depending on whether or not Novak Djokovic pulls out a five set victory against Radek Stepanek, Lleyton Hewitt might have an easier route to the final weekend. On the women's side, the draw is so lopsided that the second week should have a ton of great matches. I still like Justine Henin as the favorite. Serena looks sluggish. Sharapova's shoulder has not been tested and she's struggled against the top players. Venus looks good at this point in the tournament but she has not had much preparation for the Open.

Finally, Sharapova's dress is just ridiculous. I actually think that there should be some sort of dress codes. Now don't get me wrong, I like to see the tennis skirts like the next guy, but the light reflecting off Sharapova's dress has to be distracting to her opponents. I'm starting to like Sharapova less and less: her interviews are pretty boring, her game has broken down against the Williams sisters, especially in Grand Slams, and her dress plus black jacket with see-through sleeves is just a hideous outfit. Plus, she's definitely not as good looking as Anna Kournikova. I actually like Venus' new line of clothing so far and Serena has been less obscene than usual. Maybe it's just that I'm annoyed by Sharapova.

Throwback Thursday

Yesterday was a big throwback day because three former NBA all stars were in the news for considering or making comebacks. The biggest story is Reggie Miller contemplating a comeback with the Boston Celtics. Penny Hardaway already signed with the Miami Heat while Allan Houston is looking at several teams as he considers a return to NBA action.

But before I jump into the NBA comebacks, I'd like to make a little Throwback Thursday dedication to Pete Sampras. He came out of retirement to play team tennis and senior events but does not seem to want to return to the regular ATP tour. I was browsing YouTube last night and stumbled upon this video.



For anyone who has become enamored with Roger Federer and amazed by what he can do, just remember that Pete Sampras is the best ever. He made Agassi look like a fool! Of course I'm not trying to take away from Federer's consistent dominance of the sport in recent years because that would be more foolish than Agassi's strategy in the video clip. Although no strategy could have been effective against Pete at that point. But I digress. Federer is great, but Sampras was the best against some of the best of all time. Nadal doesn't measure up to Agassi, Roddick doesn't measure up to Ivanisevic, and Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin don't play at the level they did six or seven years ago.

Now that we're clear on that, let's move on to basketball. Starting with Penny Hardaway, I suppose from the Miami Heat stand point he replaces Eddie Jones who was recently signed by the Dallas Mavericks. He also may play a larger role if James Posey goes elsewhere via free agency. But from Penny's standpoint I think the decision to come back is based on not wanting to end his career with a bitter taste in his mouth left there by the futility and frustration of playing for the New York Knicks. He gets a chance to reunite with Shaq and with a healthy Dwyane Wade, a chance at an NBA title. All around, not a bad move for either side, as Penny is only 36 and might be fresh after taking a year and a half to rest those creaky knees.

Let's move on to Reggie Miller. My friends all know me as the biggest Reggie Miller fan in existence. It would be hard to see Reggie in anything but Indiana blue and yellow. But does this make sense for Reggie? It's understandable for a player who spent 18 seasons in the NBA to miss the atmosphere and camaraderie of an NBA locker room. Reggie was offered a deal last year from the Mavs and smartly rejected that offer. Although Reggie would not have been intimidated by Steven Jackson's defense in the playoffs and probably would have lit up the Warriors. But Reggie made the right choice. He retired with dignity and respect and he should probably stay retired. The only thing that might justify him coming back is if he hit the game winning shots that clinched the NBA championship for the Celtics. Otherwise he would be thrown into the Karl Malone-Gary Payton category. Whether that criticism would be just or not is irrelevant because the similarities would be too obvious to overlook. So Reggie, we loved you for what you did and you have nothing to prove to anyone else. If Reggie wants to play for the love of the game, I would not protest. Jerry Rice is my all time favorite football player and I respect that he continued to play because he loved what he was doing. But there is no reason to play if winning a championship in one season is the goal. The Celtics chances with or without Reggie are good, but at 42 years old, how many seasons can Reggie offer to the Celtics?

Now, Allan Houston. Oh Allan Houston, the streakiest of shooters, the overpaid, the injured, the retired. I think Allan Houston wakes up every morning and wishes he was Grant Hill. I'm not sure, but I think I'd rather have Grant Hill's ankles than Allan Houston's knees. But an old Allan Houston means a less reliable shot and therefore a streakier shooter. There are plenty of young guys in the league that can provide that service. He was never much of a leader because the Knicks always had Patrick Ewing. I doubt he can jump very high anymore. Why are we even talking about this? STAY RETIRED ALLAN!

French Open Week 2

There's no guarantee we see a Nadal vs. Federer final. But really, is anyone up to the challenge? I was happy to see Novak Djokovic playing to win and reaching the semifinals to set up his match against Nadal. Djokovic might be the type of player that men's tennis needs to challenge the two power houses. Everyone else, including former top players like Carlos Moya, look like amateurs against Nadal and Federer. Still, I doubt Djokovic will be able to seriously challenge Nadal in this year's tournament.

On the women's side, the most exciting event of week two was Justine Henin's victory over Serena Williams in the quarters. While Serena could intimidate and outplay most top players even when she's not at the top of her game, she could not do the same to Henin. That match, in my mind, solidifies Henin as the top player in women's tennis today. She has won at least one grand slam in every year since 2003 when she won two. She has reached four other slam finals and looks to add yet another French Open title to her collection. With the retirement of Kim Clijsters, the injuries plaguing the Williams sisters, and the inconsistency of Sharapova, Henin quietly put together an impressive four years of tennis. She should be the heavy favorite going into the finals against first time finalist Ana Ivanovic.

I was surpised that Guillermo Canas put on such a lackluster performance against Nikolay Davydenko. Perhaps he was looking past Davydenko, anticipating another match up with Federer. Canas is one player who managed to discover some flaws with Federer's game, beating him twice this year. Canas and Djokovic have potential to be threats to win in the future, but this year's French Open will be a rematch of the budding rivalry between Nadal and Federer. The match should prove to be a thrilling one.