I love tennis and just watched the most incredible match between Svetlana Kuznetsova and Francesca Schiavone. The longest match ever at 4 hours 44 mins and they were smacking the shit out of the ball for most of it. Schiavone finally won but they were both awesome.

[Edited 1/23/11 4:35am]

Yeah, that was a great match. Couldn't stand Schiavone's two-syllable grunts, though. But those two ladies were really getting after it.

I was never much a tennis fan until my kids decided to play high school tennis. It's so different than team sports! No one watches your kid play except you and the other parent. And you can't talk to them. How are they supposed to benefit from my obvious expert in-match analysis?!?

LOL, it's a blast. I just wish I was good at tennis. I think our dog could beat me.

I'm really looking forward to the semis and finals in the men's draw.

Im waiting for Andre Agassi to unretire.

BlackAdder7 said:

Im waiting for Andre Agassi to undress.

i don't think he is in that clip, dear.

RodeoSchro said:

Yeah, that was a great match. Couldn't stand Schiavone's two-syllable grunts, though. But those two ladies were really getting after it.

I was never much a tennis fan until my kids decided to play high school tennis. It's so different than team sports! No one watches your kid play except you and the other parent. And you can't talk to them. How are they supposed to benefit from my obvious expert in-match analysis?!?

LOL, it's a blast. I just wish I was good at tennis. I think our dog could beat me.

I'm really looking forward to the semis and finals in the men's draw.

We thought she was saying "F**k ME" for awhile there Her grunts at least were low pitched so weren't bugging me as much as Azarenkas or Sharapovas shrill, high pitched squeals. In Sharapovas second round match, after the second point, the whole crowd was imitating her and cracking up

I hope Schiavone beats Wozniacki at least.

Now that you mention it, I've never gone to watch a kids tennis match unlike most team sports.

I took tennis lessons for a bit but really I'm still quite rubbish.

Nadal looks unstoppable. Roger seems like hes playing quite casually, he better watch out or Djokovic will take him, maybe even Wawrinka after the way he spanked Roddicks ass.

Lots of great tennis to come!

[Edited 1/23/11 15:26pm]

BlackAdder7 said:

Im waiting for Andre Agassi to unretire.

They just announced Agassi is going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame so he's been out of the game for 5 years already and his body was barely holding together then. The most useful thing he could do is work on getting his wife unretired. She'd still kick ass.

mynameisnotsusan said:

BlackAdder7 said:

Im waiting for Andre Agassi to unretire.

They just announced Agassi is going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame so he's been out of the game for 5 years already and his body was barely holding together then. The most useful thing he could do is work on getting his wife unretired. She'd still kick ass.

his autobiography was very interesting to read

BlackAdder7 said:

mynameisnotsusan said:

They just announced Agassi is going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame so he's been out of the game for 5 years already and his body was barely holding together then. The most useful thing he could do is work on getting his wife unretired. She'd still kick ass.

his autobiography was very interesting to read

Yeah, I thought it was really very good and I was never that big a fan.

What an interesting tournament this has been so far.

The Sveta/Fran match was off the chains. I was hoping Kuzy would pull through. Six match points she had. But Schiavone at 30 years old is a joy to watch. Too bad she's fresh meat for Wozniacki though. I would love for her to summon up her French Open form and beat her down like she did there last year. (Serena, how I miss you. )

I did not expect Roddick to get thrashed like that. I thought Stan would choke, but for once he manned up and whupped that ass! Good on him!

ihateonions said:

What an interesting tournament this has been so far.

The Sveta/Fran match was off the chains. I was hoping Kuzy would pull through. Six match points she had. But Schiavone at 30 years old is a joy to watch. Too bad she's fresh meat for Wozniacki though. I would love for her to summon up her French Open form and beat her down like she did there last year. (Serena, how I miss you. )

I did not expect Roddick to get thrashed like that. I thought Stan would choke, but for once he manned up and whupped that ass! Good on him!

The level of play at this Australian Open just shows how much deeper the game has gotten, especially the womens. Kvitova, Petkovic, Benesova, Makarova, Goerges are all up and comers and all showed impressive game.

By the end of the Sveta/Schiavone match I almost wanted someone to step in and say "It's a tie" because no one deserved to lose. I just hope Sveta keeps rolling and takes it as a positive because she was playing so well, plus she outplayed Henin the round before.

I find Wozniackis game so not worthy of number 1, but, yeah more than likely she'll breeze through Schiavone I really hope Schiavone can find a way to get up for it. She's such a great competitor.

I'm hoping Serena is training like a demon as we speak and getting in early clay court practice. Would love to see her get another French.

mynameisnotsusan said:

The level of play at this Australian Open just shows how much deeper the game has gotten, especially the womens. Kvitova, Petkovic, Benesova, Makarova, Goerges are all up and comers and all showed impressive game.

By the end of the Sveta/Schiavone match I almost wanted someone to step in and say "It's a tie" because no one deserved to lose. I just hope Sveta keeps rolling and takes it as a positive because she was playing so well, plus she outplayed Henin the round before.

I find Wozniackis game so not worthy of number 1, but, yeah more than likely she'll breeze through Schiavone I really hope Schiavone can find a way to get up for it. She's such a great competitor.

I'm hoping Serena is training like a demon as we speak and getting in early clay court practice. Would love to see her get another French.

I feel you on every point.

Kvitova...damn! That chick is playing scary good tennis. She's the only player I could see beating Clijsters like she stole something.

I'm conflicted on Wozniacki. I can't really begrudge her game per say, but when a big hitter routines her at a grand slam it does expose her shortcomings. Plus, I just can't root for a player who is a slamless number one. It's not her fault the ranking system is flawed, but that's the way I feel.

On the men's side, that Berdych/Djokovic match better be good. I'm glad the Djoker found his serve again. I was so disappointed that Soderling lost yesterday. He just can't get it right down under.

(Serena winning another French would be another shade of awesome. )

ihateonions said:

mynameisnotsusan said:

The level of play at this Australian Open just shows how much deeper the game has gotten, especially the womens. Kvitova, Petkovic, Benesova, Makarova, Goerges are all up and comers and all showed impressive game.

By the end of the Sveta/Schiavone match I almost wanted someone to step in and say "It's a tie" because no one deserved to lose. I just hope Sveta keeps rolling and takes it as a positive because she was playing so well, plus she outplayed Henin the round before.

I find Wozniackis game so not worthy of number 1, but, yeah more than likely she'll breeze through Schiavone I really hope Schiavone can find a way to get up for it. She's such a great competitor.

I'm hoping Serena is training like a demon as we speak and getting in early clay court practice. Would love to see her get another French.

I feel you on every point.

Kvitova...damn! That chick is playing scary good tennis. She's the only player I could see beating Clijsters like she stole something.

I'm conflicted on Wozniacki. I can't really begrudge her game per say, but when a big hitter routines her at a grand slam it does expose her shortcomings. Plus, I just can't root for a player who is a slamless number one. It's not her fault the ranking system is flawed, but that's the way I feel.

On the men's side, that Berdych/Djokovic match better be good. I'm glad the Djoker found his serve again. I was so disappointed that Soderling lost yesterday. He just can't get it right down under.

(Serena winning another French would be another shade of awesome. )

So the quarters have pretty much all fallen very predictably Schiavone had the break in the second set and just couldn't hold on. Wozniacki looked very ordinary for a set and a half and credit to her, when she had her opportunity she took it and played well enough to get through. I hope Li Na can break through against her and make it through to her first final.

I really thought Kvitova would take Zvonareva, maybe fatigue played into it. I just hope Vera stays positive and plays Clijsters better than she did the US Open final.

Radwanska, meh I can't believe her boring ass game has won her $4.5 million in prizemoney before the age of 22

Have been surprised at how one sided the mens draw has been. Fed slayed Stan. Novak just had too much class for Berdych. Murray and Dogopolov was a good match but Murray was too solid, once Dogopolov calms down and plays a bit more percentage tennis he'll be Top 5.

On the upside for the Mens, it looks like the dream semi-finals and finals are going to happen.

mynameisnotsusan said:

ihateonions said:

I feel you on every point.

Kvitova...damn! That chick is playing scary good tennis. She's the only player I could see beating Clijsters like she stole something.

I'm conflicted on Wozniacki. I can't really begrudge her game per say, but when a big hitter routines her at a grand slam it does expose her shortcomings. Plus, I just can't root for a player who is a slamless number one. It's not her fault the ranking system is flawed, but that's the way I feel.

On the men's side, that Berdych/Djokovic match better be good. I'm glad the Djoker found his serve again. I was so disappointed that Soderling lost yesterday. He just can't get it right down under.

(Serena winning another French would be another shade of awesome. )

So the quarters have pretty much all fallen very predictably Schiavone had the break in the second set and just couldn't hold on. Wozniacki looked very ordinary for a set and a half and credit to her, when she had her opportunity she took it and played well enough to get through. I hope Li Na can break through against her and make it through to her first final.

I really thought Kvitova would take Zvonareva, maybe fatigue played into it. I just hope Vera stays positive and plays Clijsters better than she did the US Open final.

Radwanska, meh I can't believe her boring ass game has won her $4.5 million in prizemoney before the age of 22

Have been surprised at how one sided the mens draw has been. Fed slayed Stan. Novak just had too much class for Berdych. Murray and Dogopolov was a good match but Murray was too solid, once Dogopolov calms down and plays a bit more percentage tennis he'll be Top 5.

On the upside for the Mens, it looks like the dream semi-finals and finals are going to happen.

Well, shit, so much for predictible, it was painful watching Rafa struggle through his loss to Ferrer.

It's Feds to lose now.

Federer is looking like this isn't even work. I've never seen him play so effortlessly. Not casually, IMO, but effortlessly.

His match with Wawrinka was like watching ballet. I sure do like Djokovic, though. That will be a great match.

Poor Rafa. But he'll get over the virus, and the French should be a great tournament.

On another note - my daughter won her first tennis tournament yesterday! She won the Freshman Mixed Doubles - "A" draw, no less! Not bad for someone that didn't even go out for the team and had to be made to play by the coach!

mynameisnotsusan said:

mynameisnotsusan said:

So the quarters have pretty much all fallen very predictably Schiavone had the break in the second set and just couldn't hold on. Wozniacki looked very ordinary for a set and a half and credit to her, when she had her opportunity she took it and played well enough to get through. I hope Li Na can break through against her and make it through to her first final.

I really thought Kvitova would take Zvonareva, maybe fatigue played into it. I just hope Vera stays positive and plays Clijsters better than she did the US Open final.

Radwanska, meh I can't believe her boring ass game has won her $4.5 million in prizemoney before the age of 22

Have been surprised at how one sided the mens draw has been. Fed slayed Stan. Novak just had too much class for Berdych. Murray and Dogopolov was a good match but Murray was too solid, once Dogopolov calms down and plays a bit more percentage tennis he'll be Top 5.

On the upside for the Mens, it looks like the dream semi-finals and finals are going to happen.

Well, shit, so much for predictible, it was painful watching Rafa struggle through his loss to Ferrer.

It's Feds to lose now.

I was shocked as hell to wake up to the news that Rafa lost. Despite illness and his irritated disposition, I still thought he'd clock Ferrer. I'm not the biggest Nadal fan, but it's a shame he aggravated his hamstring. Credit to Ferrer, he didn't look intimidated at all. I still expect Murray to finish the job.

I expect Federer/Djokovic to go five. I'm a Federer gal, but I'm feeling Djokovic on this one.

Schiavone exceeded my expectations in regards to the scoreline, unfortunatley it was matter of time. Conversely, I thought Aga had the kind of game that Kim could easily take out. Hmm.... I have no doubt that it'll be Wozniacki/Clijsters. I could care less for either of these broads to be honest.

Oh, and Henin retired again.

RodeoSchro said:

Federer is looking like this isn't even work. I've never seen him play so effortlessly. Not casually, IMO, but effortlessly.

His match with Wawrinka was like watching ballet. I sure do like Djokovic, though. That will be a great match.

Poor Rafa. But he'll get over the virus, and the French should be a great tournament.

On another note - my daughter won her first tennis tournament yesterday! She won the Freshman Mixed Doubles - "A" draw, no less! Not bad for someone that didn't even go out for the team and had to be made to play by the coach!

That's wonderful!

Federer is Jesus with a racket.

Yeah, I said it!

RodeoSchro said:

Federer is looking like this isn't even work. I've never seen him play so effortlessly. Not casually, IMO, but effortlessly.

His match with Wawrinka was like watching ballet. I sure do like Djokovic, though. That will be a great match.

Poor Rafa. But he'll get over the virus, and the French should be a great tournament.

On another note - my daughter won her first tennis tournament yesterday! She won the Freshman Mixed Doubles - "A" draw, no less! Not bad for someone that didn't even go out for the team and had to be made to play by the coach!

Federer and Djokovic is going to be close. Both are in great form. I think it'll be 5 sets too.

Rafa looked so un-Rafa like against Ferrer. His intensity and focus is what makes him who he is and his face was just conflicted the whole match. He knew he couldn't win but he didn't want to quit. I hope it's a minor injury. He's just an incredible force of nature, the perfect foil for Federers elegant ease.

Go Rodeos daughter!

ihateonions said:

Credit to Ferrer, he didn't look intimidated at all. I still expect Murray to finish the job.

Ferrer really did play well. Murray should straight set him though.

I expect Federer/Djokovic to go five. I'm a Federer gal, but I'm feeling Djokovic on this one.

I think the high of Davis Cup for Djokovic has really boosted him. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a 5 set classic, both with match points. It'll be really close, no doubt.

Schiavone exceeded my expectations in regards to the scoreline, unfortunatley it was matter of time. Conversely, I thought Aga had the kind of game that Kim could easily take out. Hmm.... I have no doubt that it'll be Wozniacki/Clijsters. I could care less for either of these broads to be honest.

Yeah, I'd much rather have Li Na or Zvonareva in the final but Clijsters will probably win

Oh, and Henin retired again.

Cold The power of the game that pushed her out first time around is just too punishing on someone as slight as she is. She had a great career and she could stick around and pick up the odd random title here and there but half a step slower and a touch less power makes all the difference in tennis.

Li did it! Saved a match point a long the way too.

Her post match interview on court was too cute.

There's room for one more miracle.

ihateonions said:

Li did it! Saved a match point a long the way too.

Her post match interview on court was too cute.

So glad she was rewarded for being the aggressor. She's got a good sense of humour

She took out Clijsters in the Sydney final a fortnight ago, I'll be so stoked if she wins the whole thing.

Cmon Aussie Kim - a true champion - a genuine ambassador for the sport. You are an inspiration for upcoming players - clearly the best in the world!

mynameisnotsusan said:

ihateonions said:

Li did it! Saved a match point a long the way too.

Her post match interview on court was too cute.

So glad she was rewarded for being the aggressor. She's got a good sense of humour

She took out Clijsters in the Sydney final a fortnight ago, I'll be so stoked if she wins the whole thing.

She hits the ball hard but didn't start winning points until she put spin on it. Na/Clisters should be a great match.

Poor Roger. I didn't get to see the match (it came on at 2:30 AM here) but straight sets? Wow, how fast his game changed.

But good luck to Djokovic.

Those two dudes were hitting the crap out the ball! That first set was especially beautiful!

Roger was not the same after failing to serve for that second set though. He had no answer for the Djoker, who was dictating and hitting crazy ass winners from every part of the court. He plays like that in the final, Murray/Ferrer don't have a prayer.

ihateonions said:

Those two dudes were hitting the crap out the ball! That first set was especially beautiful!

Roger was not the same after failing to serve for that second set though. He had no answer for the Djoker, who was dictating and hitting crazy ass winners from every part of the court. He plays like that in the final, Murray/Ferrer don't have a prayer.

They are toast

Djokovic was scary good and always looked the better player.

I've never seen Roger frame so many shots but he has to be allowed an off night.

mynameisnotsusan said:

ihateonions said:

Those two dudes were hitting the crap out the ball! That first set was especially beautiful!

Roger was not the same after failing to serve for that second set though. He had no answer for the Djoker, who was dictating and hitting crazy ass winners from every part of the court. He plays like that in the final, Murray/Ferrer don't have a prayer.

They are toast

Djokovic was scary good and always looked the better player.

I've never seen Roger frame so many shots but he has to be allowed an off night.

We'll see. It's Djokivic v. Murray in the finals.

On the one hand, I like Djokovic and hope he wins. But on the other hand, Murray will lift an entire nation if he wins a Slam, so he's got that going for him, which is nice.

I suppose American TV will carry the finals tape-delayed so I don't have to wake up at 2 AM Sunday morning to see it. If not, DVR here we come!

Congratulations Kim Clijsters, 2011 Australian Open Women's Singles Champion!

Li Na outplayed her for a set and a half and just wasn't able to maintain her focus. Kim was clearly frustrated but managed to keep it together and stepped up when she needed to and deserved the win in the end.

Well, that was one more set than I thought Li would win. Good tournament for her.

It's just a matter of time when Kim becomes number one again.

I believe it's 7 slams in a row for players over 25.

I think it will be Murray time tonight.

Congratulations to Novak Djokovic 2011 Australian Open Men's Singles Champion

Straight sets and he never really looked challenged. Unbelievable retrieving and court coverage and his forehand has become a lethal weapon. Poor Andy seemed powerless.

Here's a link to 50 parting shots about the Australian Open

http://sportsillustrated....index.html

Roll on the French Open!