Saturday: Pre-Game Show
Lopy and I are getting ready to go over to the tennis center. I figured, "Why lose valuable sleep watching Federer reach another final?" So I slept in -- so late that Lopy became concerned. But I still think I haven't caught up on my sleep from all the work I did before getting down here. And tennis can be exhausting at times, although at least the weather is much cooler this year. That's been great.
This probably will be another nerve-wracking match. I think James has a greater chance against Rafa than Baghdatis did. Still, there are a few things to consider. The court here is slower than the U.S. Open, and Rafa is playing much better now than he was then. Also, although James has posted some great results lately, he hasn't beat any top 10 player other than an out-of-form Hewitt. And he has had some disappointing losses, such as to Tommy Robredo at the Aus Open. One thing for sure, he hasn't face anything the like one-two punch he'll get against Rafa and then Federer if he reaches the final.
The crowd will be for Blake, though. Many fans here don't know much about Rafa -- it is the "crutch and cane" set as I told you before. And they will pull for the American. But Rafa is used to these situations, and Lopy and I will do our best for our baby bull.
Vamos, Rafa!!!!
I'm now here, and the weather is very windy. I just walked outside and my sun visor blew practically into La Quinta. These are not great conditions for either players.
I've heard no pull-out rumors re Rafa. I was leaving the cafeteria a few minutes ago as he was coming in. I don't know if he practiced today -- I did see Blake out there practicing when we got here.
The feeling in the media room is that this could be a great match. They think James is riding a major wave of confidence, and both players are playing well. Most media are pulling for Rafa, though, because they want to see a Fed-Nadal final that isn't in Dubai.
Sharapova just took the first set 6-1, but Dementieva is up a break in the second. Maybe this will go three. The screaming by these girls is annoying, especially the Sharapova one.
I don't know if I'll be able to sit outside to do the blog. Not only is it getting chilly, but I'm worried my computer will blow to Palm Desert. But I can sit inside and blog. I'll keep you posted.
Oh, Bob and I both are wearing our Nike Nadal Hero shirts today. Hey, every little bit helps....
This probably will be another nerve-wracking match. I think James has a greater chance against Rafa than Baghdatis did. Still, there are a few things to consider. The court here is slower than the U.S. Open, and Rafa is playing much better now than he was then. Also, although James has posted some great results lately, he hasn't beat any top 10 player other than an out-of-form Hewitt. And he has had some disappointing losses, such as to Tommy Robredo at the Aus Open. One thing for sure, he hasn't face anything the like one-two punch he'll get against Rafa and then Federer if he reaches the final.
The crowd will be for Blake, though. Many fans here don't know much about Rafa -- it is the "crutch and cane" set as I told you before. And they will pull for the American. But Rafa is used to these situations, and Lopy and I will do our best for our baby bull.
Vamos, Rafa!!!!
I'm now here, and the weather is very windy. I just walked outside and my sun visor blew practically into La Quinta. These are not great conditions for either players.
I've heard no pull-out rumors re Rafa. I was leaving the cafeteria a few minutes ago as he was coming in. I don't know if he practiced today -- I did see Blake out there practicing when we got here.
The feeling in the media room is that this could be a great match. They think James is riding a major wave of confidence, and both players are playing well. Most media are pulling for Rafa, though, because they want to see a Fed-Nadal final that isn't in Dubai.
Sharapova just took the first set 6-1, but Dementieva is up a break in the second. Maybe this will go three. The screaming by these girls is annoying, especially the Sharapova one.
I don't know if I'll be able to sit outside to do the blog. Not only is it getting chilly, but I'm worried my computer will blow to Palm Desert. But I can sit inside and blog. I'll keep you posted.
Oh, Bob and I both are wearing our Nike Nadal Hero shirts today. Hey, every little bit helps....
posted by Susan at 1:50 PM
15 Comments:
Thanks again for the update, Susan.
Just wanted to say that I love, love, love that you use 'baby bull' so often these days. It really is the most endearing term for our boy.
forgot to sign my post..*blushes*
AvaLeona
Susan, I know you're busy, but ... Someone just said on the Nadal-Blake thread that they heard from someone at IW that Rafa is pulling out. Have you heard anything like that? And why isn't his ankle being taped?
Thanks for all your good work.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your analysis.
Of course the crowd will back Blake but here in France, Europe and all over the globe we'll be cheering so loud for Rafa that i'm sure he'll hear us !!
Vamos Rafa !
Lucie
Ha!Ha! I imagine the pulling out rumour started because someone was reading yesterday's blog and didn't check the date!
(Just like all the gf ones - someone gets the wrong end of the stick and soon faster than lightening something ridiculous is doing the rounds of the net as proven fact!)
Rafael has picked up 45 ATP race points with his Qtr-Final win and is up to $114,000 PacLifeOpen Masters tournament winnings.
A Semi-Final win this afternoon will boost that to 70 points and $228,000.
And a Final win would boost it to 100 race points, $455,000 and give him his 5th crystal shield.
One day at a time.
Susna, is the notorious J-Block there?
De nada, everyone. It's been my pleasure.
Rafa is here, so I assume he's here to play.
Oh, no J-Block, but the crowd definitely will be pulling for Blake. Although Rafa has lots of frans here, too.
Susan Thank you very match to you and Lopyrazzi for all the work...
Hope you two don't fly away during the match...
Marian
Thanks for answering about the rumour. *hugs*
I hope the wind dies down a little for Rafa's match, he was quite uncomfortable in his first match, when it was so blustery.
If both you and Lopy are wearing the Nike Hero t-shirts, we might get to see you on TV this time! :-D
Cheer as loud as you can!!!
I wish I was there. :(
Classes. :(
Cheer on Rafa as loud as you can for me! :D
-rina
They arent showing the match on ESPN2, atleast i dont think. so im relying on your reports!!!! Thanks!
Vamos Susan!
Vamos Lopy!
We will be here sending
MAJOR good thoughts and
cheers!
Last night the announcers
were saying that the wind
hurt Rafa less than a
flatter hitter. Something to do with the power of it.
Not exactly sure how that is . . .anyway, both hit
heavy ball for sure, but
Rafa did fine in the gales
last night!
VAMOS RAFA!
XOXO Mary Walsh
Our baby bull is on court; they are warming up. I'll be starting a new thread. They are playing the song "Let's get it started in here." :D
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