I hate tipping the big matches because usually I go with sentiment. This year at Wimbledon is no different. In tennis they always say 'you learn more from a loss than a win'. Fed learned a lot last year and he is one match away from something totally outrageous when you consider most had written him off.
Let's say Fed in 4 sets. Yes that's sentimental but not really that silly when you do all the sums and put the intricacies of the game into a basket and then pull them out and dissect them. Novak has to come up with a lot of winners, maybe 50 plus to beat Roger. Even that may be too much of an ask for a player of Novak's ability on a grass court.
Fed in 4, just feel obliged to have a crack at it......
30 minutes to game time, go Rog......
Sunday, 12 July 2015
Friday, 10 July 2015
'FINALLY'
Grigor Dimitrov Splits With Roger Rasheed: What's Next For Both Of Them?
After an early exit at Wimbledon and continuing a poor year, Grigor Dimitrov ends his relationship with two year coach, Roger Rasheed.
I do believe that I have been writing this on my site for quite some time now. It's all very well to get a player fit but if you can't teach him the finer points of the game well ........
Roger Rasheed is not a tennis coach, he's a fitness guru, players need to be aware of that fact before they hire him. Rasheed does not spend long with any player because he does not have the tennis smarts associated with the higher levels of the game and the elite level of thinking required. A bit harsh ? No I don't believe so, Roger took Hewitt from World number 1 to 19, he has done nothing with Dimitrov except get him fit.
Grigor needs someone to teach him how to play tennis......
The following is part of a chapter I wrote immediately after the French Open where Grigor lost in round 1 to Sock. I reckon I was onto it like a seagull onto a chip....
'Grigor Dimitrov needs either an ex professional who knows the game well or he needs a tactical genius who has studied the game for many a year and can impart some knowledge of substance.
I would hate to see a player of Grigor's shot making ability turn out to be a 'no hit wonder' who only won some obscure events and who had an occasional win against the big boys. He is at a time in his career where he needs to find someone other than Rasheed for some answers. I think this year may just be the year unless his Wimbledon effort is of significance.
Watch this space.......'
The following is part of a chapter I wrote immediately after the French Open where Grigor lost in round 1 to Sock. I reckon I was onto it like a seagull onto a chip....
'Grigor Dimitrov needs either an ex professional who knows the game well or he needs a tactical genius who has studied the game for many a year and can impart some knowledge of substance.
I would hate to see a player of Grigor's shot making ability turn out to be a 'no hit wonder' who only won some obscure events and who had an occasional win against the big boys. He is at a time in his career where he needs to find someone other than Rasheed for some answers. I think this year may just be the year unless his Wimbledon effort is of significance.
Watch this space.......'
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
'INTERESTING'
A while ago I posted a chapter on Serena Williams regarding her behaviour at the Hopman Cup which was less than exemplary to say the least. I also touched on a subject that has gained some publicity over the past six months or so. It referred to Serena throwing her runners up trophy in the bin at the conclusion of the presentation.
Now some people refuse to buy into it, others have had a say including the guys at Court Talk, Perth's number one tennis radio programme. Their view is simple, Serena threw the trophy in the bin. I stumbled across a few comments on an ABC Grandstand Facebook page just recently.
I have taken the names off it however if anyone wishes to look it up please feel free, it's legitimate. The following comments are from people who do not like Serena who it seems is a great winner but not such a good loser.....
Personally I like the first comment the best, it backs up my claims that Serena did in fact throw the trophy away....
hope she didnt throw that in the bin like her 2nd place trophy from the Hopman cup
Hopefully we don't forget what she's like when she's losing..."I'll shove this f***ing ball down your f***ing throat", and the time she hid in the panic room when the drug testers rocked up because she thought "they were intruders". Um....intruders don't knock. Oh, you mean you hid there for another reason. Riiiight....
Can't stand her. She's as fake as Hollywood boobs. I go for anyone who plays against her.
The following is courtesy of 'The New York Post'. Great little article this one. I see that someone even suggested that Serena retreated to her 'panic room' to grab a bile of her pee that wasn't laced with 'gear'. C'mon that's a bit harsh buddy.
Interesting however that you would go to a room like that if someone actually knocks on your door. Most intruders don't knock, they usually just break in.....
Many theories on this little episode but I will simply stick with my views and they are that I do not have any time for her despite the fact that she is the best female tennis player in the World.
Take a read....
Serena Williams locks herself in panic room in drug-test mix-up
LOS ANGELES — Serena Williams fled to the panic room in her Los Angeles mansion when she mistook a sports association drug tester for a dangerous intruder.
The tennis legend’s assistant called 911 around 6:00am local time last Wednesday and told the emergency operator that a prowler had been spotted at the luxurious property, TMZ reported.
Williams retreated to her panic room in a bid to protect herself.
But the intruder turned out to be a random drug tester who stopped by unannounced for a urine sample.
Cops responded to the 911 call but quickly left the property when the misunderstanding was discovered. It was not known whether Williams submitted to the drug test.
The tennis legend’s assistant called 911 around 6:00am local time last Wednesday and told the emergency operator that a prowler had been spotted at the luxurious property, TMZ reported.
Williams retreated to her panic room in a bid to protect herself.
But the intruder turned out to be a random drug tester who stopped by unannounced for a urine sample.
Cops responded to the 911 call but quickly left the property when the misunderstanding was discovered. It was not known whether Williams submitted to the drug test.
'A BIT OF TIPPING'
Just quickly before the Men's quarters start;
Tipping Federer in 4 sets over Simon who is playing well.
Stan may take at least 4 maybe even 5 to get over Reeshard ( the French way of saying it )
Murray in 4 tight sets over the Popstar Vasek
Novak will have his work cut out against Cilic, but will tip him in 4 sets.
All in all there should be no less than 16 sets played in London tonight in the men's quarters, no easy wins...
Let's wait and see.......
*** NEXT DAY*** I vowed some time back never to try tipping scores again in the major tournaments, should have stuck with it. I thought the Gasquet/Wawrinka match would be close but Stan would be too strong.
Underestimated the Frenchman. The other big 3 are in all sorts of form at the right end of the tournament. If I were to tip again I would pick Federer to beat Andy in 5 and Novak to beat Gasquet in straight.....
But I aint tipping again....
Tipping Federer in 4 sets over Simon who is playing well.
Stan may take at least 4 maybe even 5 to get over Reeshard ( the French way of saying it )
Murray in 4 tight sets over the Popstar Vasek
Novak will have his work cut out against Cilic, but will tip him in 4 sets.
All in all there should be no less than 16 sets played in London tonight in the men's quarters, no easy wins...
Let's wait and see.......
*** NEXT DAY*** I vowed some time back never to try tipping scores again in the major tournaments, should have stuck with it. I thought the Gasquet/Wawrinka match would be close but Stan would be too strong.
Underestimated the Frenchman. The other big 3 are in all sorts of form at the right end of the tournament. If I were to tip again I would pick Federer to beat Andy in 5 and Novak to beat Gasquet in straight.....
But I aint tipping again....
Sunday, 5 July 2015
'TRUE STORY'
Now due to some people not owning a sense of humour I have had to tone down some of the content on this site however when I hear certain things I feel I owe it to my three fans to relay the facts. So here's the latest.
If this following chapter goes any further I would like Mr John Newcombe to look back on his commentary of the Federer/ Groth match and correct me if I am wrong. The other night I wrote a chapter on Newk's one eyed approach to commentating, he didn't even know that Juan Monaco was from Argentina, he actually thought he was from Spain. Interesting Newk.
So to last night's match: Newk came out with a statement that no other tennis commentator would be silly enough to do, in fact no other tennis critic on the planet for that matter surely. Here it is. After Federer missed a backhand chip return against one of the World's fastest servers Sam Groth , Newk came out with " Federer's backhand chip return isn't a very good shot ".
Now if I have any of that statement wrong I do humbly apologise Mr Newcombe however I believe that I may just have this one correct. How does that analogy from Newk see the light of day do you think ? Newk is apparently a tennis expert, he gets paid big bucks to commentate at Wimbledon next to a bloke who wouldn't be so stupid to say anything like that, Todd Woodbridge.
Personally I believe that Roger Federer has the BEST backhand chip return in the game of tennis currently. Please send me an email if you can think of someone who owns a better one.......
Regards Glenn
If this following chapter goes any further I would like Mr John Newcombe to look back on his commentary of the Federer/ Groth match and correct me if I am wrong. The other night I wrote a chapter on Newk's one eyed approach to commentating, he didn't even know that Juan Monaco was from Argentina, he actually thought he was from Spain. Interesting Newk.
So to last night's match: Newk came out with a statement that no other tennis commentator would be silly enough to do, in fact no other tennis critic on the planet for that matter surely. Here it is. After Federer missed a backhand chip return against one of the World's fastest servers Sam Groth , Newk came out with " Federer's backhand chip return isn't a very good shot ".
Now if I have any of that statement wrong I do humbly apologise Mr Newcombe however I believe that I may just have this one correct. How does that analogy from Newk see the light of day do you think ? Newk is apparently a tennis expert, he gets paid big bucks to commentate at Wimbledon next to a bloke who wouldn't be so stupid to say anything like that, Todd Woodbridge.
Personally I believe that Roger Federer has the BEST backhand chip return in the game of tennis currently. Please send me an email if you can think of someone who owns a better one.......
Regards Glenn
Friday, 3 July 2015
'WHAT'S NEXT' ?
So what's next for Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov ? Does he do what most have been suggesting for a while now and find a coach who can teach him how to play tennis ? Does he continue down the same path with fitness guru Roger Rasheed and maintain the mantel of being the tour's fittest pro who can't make an impression at the big tournaments ?
I maintain my view of Roger Rasheed who took Lleyton Hewitt from number 1 to number 19, he is not a qualified tennis coach at the professional level, he is a fitness coach. There is a difference.
Dimitrov should not be losing to guys like Gasquet on grass without even winning a set, same as the French Open this year, not a set was won in a loss to Jack Sock in round one.
I don't believe I am being too hard on either of them as Grigor has every shot in the book.
Apparently Roger Rasheed has every 'move' in the book but that won't take Grigor beyond round three or four against the good guys.
Same old story it seems for one of the game's biggest talents, early exits against lower ranked players, plenty of fitness though Mr Rasheed, that's the main thing ey ?
And just a quick word on Sammy Stosur. Not quite sure what's going on there but to lose 12 games straight to a lower ranked opponent surely says something about her mindset. Sammy keeps offering things to the media like being 'more relaxed this year' and so on however that sort of talk accounts for nothing when you get dealt the equivalent of a double bagel.
Changing coaches as Sammy does will not fix her issues, she needs to see a sports psyche, she owns the shots, not the head. She is just one of many players who will go down in history as a good tennis player who didn't fulfil potential due to a mind that doesn't believe....
I maintain my view of Roger Rasheed who took Lleyton Hewitt from number 1 to number 19, he is not a qualified tennis coach at the professional level, he is a fitness coach. There is a difference.
Dimitrov should not be losing to guys like Gasquet on grass without even winning a set, same as the French Open this year, not a set was won in a loss to Jack Sock in round one.
I don't believe I am being too hard on either of them as Grigor has every shot in the book.
Apparently Roger Rasheed has every 'move' in the book but that won't take Grigor beyond round three or four against the good guys.
Same old story it seems for one of the game's biggest talents, early exits against lower ranked players, plenty of fitness though Mr Rasheed, that's the main thing ey ?
And just a quick word on Sammy Stosur. Not quite sure what's going on there but to lose 12 games straight to a lower ranked opponent surely says something about her mindset. Sammy keeps offering things to the media like being 'more relaxed this year' and so on however that sort of talk accounts for nothing when you get dealt the equivalent of a double bagel.
Changing coaches as Sammy does will not fix her issues, she needs to see a sports psyche, she owns the shots, not the head. She is just one of many players who will go down in history as a good tennis player who didn't fulfil potential due to a mind that doesn't believe....
'REPOSTED'
I thought that after the huge upset win by Dustin Brown over Rafa at Wimbledon last night it was time to repost a chapter I wrote on this guy way back in April last year. He's a talent, no doubting it, I just hope he can back up that win, it's what defines players.....
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Now Dustin
Brown is no household name , Bec Hewitt probably dislikes him as he prevented
her from spending another day in the player's box at Wimbledon last year when
he sent her hubby Lleyton packing early. Today he beat American John Isner the
World's number 9 player in the US Claycourt Championships in a thriller 6-4,
6-7, 7-6. Now this win will go down as a remarkable mindset victory for Dustin
who is in fact ranked 101 as he had two match points in the second set. To put
that behind him and regroup mentally in the final set particularly after a 5-1
lead in the deciding tiebreaker closed to 5-4 was nothing short of outstanding.
What this victory does is rather obvious ;
What really is the gap in standard between a top ten player and a guy ranked outside the top 100 ? It's the mind , that's all . Any guy in the top 200 can hit a tennis ball , that's obvious , but it's what a player can do with a ball that defines him as a player . Just how good are guys like Novak , Rafa and Roger to be able to win each week on the Pro Tour even when they aren't perhaps at their best physically or mentally ?
These guys are brilliant , no other word for them . If Mr Brown was to do some practice drills with Mr Federer it would be rather entertaining , Mr Brown would hold his own , he may even win more than he loses , but Mr Fed is a genius , Mr Brown is an apprentice.
I mean that in all due respect to Dustin Brown , he is a brilliant tennis player and if his ranking were higher he would be a marketer's dream , the long dreadlocks give him an almost 'young Andre Agassi' appeal. If this guy breaks the top 50 you watch the sponsorship dollars that get thrown his way . Mr 'Dreadlock Holiday' is just a tournament win away from his biggest bank account seen since his induction into World Tennis many years ago . I hope he is able to back up his Isner victory , tennis needs Dustin , he is someone just a little different from the regular player , 101 ranking but World Class as far as entertaining. It's what the sport needs.........
What really is the gap in standard between a top ten player and a guy ranked outside the top 100 ? It's the mind , that's all . Any guy in the top 200 can hit a tennis ball , that's obvious , but it's what a player can do with a ball that defines him as a player . Just how good are guys like Novak , Rafa and Roger to be able to win each week on the Pro Tour even when they aren't perhaps at their best physically or mentally ?
These guys are brilliant , no other word for them . If Mr Brown was to do some practice drills with Mr Federer it would be rather entertaining , Mr Brown would hold his own , he may even win more than he loses , but Mr Fed is a genius , Mr Brown is an apprentice.
I mean that in all due respect to Dustin Brown , he is a brilliant tennis player and if his ranking were higher he would be a marketer's dream , the long dreadlocks give him an almost 'young Andre Agassi' appeal. If this guy breaks the top 50 you watch the sponsorship dollars that get thrown his way . Mr 'Dreadlock Holiday' is just a tournament win away from his biggest bank account seen since his induction into World Tennis many years ago . I hope he is able to back up his Isner victory , tennis needs Dustin , he is someone just a little different from the regular player , 101 ranking but World Class as far as entertaining. It's what the sport needs.........
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