The 3rd Annual Legg Mason Blog (Pics! Vids!)
- Thread starter Topaz
- Start date
Topaz
Legend
they'd probably do well in synchronised diving.
great thread, btw. love your commentaries. will haas be playing today?
Nope. The upper half of the draw will play today, which includes Roddick, DevVarman, Kendrick, and Kunitsyn. Haas will be back up on Fri.
They would probably rock the synchronized diving! It was amazing seeing how they moved exactly the same at times!
And yet...we don't have any Indians in TWMAC! How odd!
Since there is so much less tennis, I do have to do any running around, and last night I actually had a place and had my leg propped up in the front row, until the middle of the Isner match. These people who pay so much for those seats literally show up for maybe a match and a half, and then leave. And then I take my front row seat back!
Haas has also been watching everyone else. Three separate times I have caught him watching someone else's match. I'm thinking he may have some plans for this tournament, but he's going to have to up his play from what I've seen so far.
bjk
Hall of Fame
I have to agree on Young. I watched him practice some serves and he didn't get too many in, and his hitting partner had no trouble returning them. His groundstrokes also lack pace, but they're real smooth. He was practicing next to the twins, and they had a lot more pace than Young.
Personally I would say his dogged perseverance, point construction, reaction time, footwork and speed all make up for the fact that he has no world crushing 'weapon'. Personally I consider all of these weapons, and their combination with excellent first serves, capitalization on these serves, forehand and placement more than make up for any lack of a dominant weapon.
Topaz
Legend
Dent had him. Cold. Dent got tired, and Somddev got very, very lucky. I'm just calling it how I saw it. I've met Somddev, have nothing against him, but I'm going to 'report' what I saw, not blow smoke. In that match, Somddev had nothing special, just was able to physically outlast a rusty Dent.
Well, I did see the match. In any match Isner plays, the serve is going to be 'a' factor. But not always a deciding one. Young held his own...he was reading the serve well. However, the fact that once the point got going, he still got pushed around...well, that doesn't bode well. Isner doesn't have really great groundies, except for a FH here and there. Young's exaggerated FH loop isn't going to help him on a hard court. Stats don't always tell the story of the match. Many times stats make you think one person won, when in fact the other won.
Young is *very* small when compared to the other guys...even the other 'smaller' guys. If he is going to last, he needs to come up with something to deal with the power that the other guys dish out. I said...he is clearly talented...but it may not be enough to go where everyone had said he will end up.
Topaz
Legend
Thur. Aug 14
Wow. Ok. Today started off bad, got a bit worse, then a whole lot better. The biggest problem is that, as I was driving to the site, I realized I had forgotten my camera. Too many phone calls right as I was leaving, and I just forgot to put it in my bag. I considered turning around to go get it, but the later you wait, the worse the traffic gets. So I said 'screw' it.
There are pictures, though, as Sapient literally gave me one of his cameras to take pictures with, and then gave me the memory card, but the card doesn't work in my camera. So, a bit of a wait on the pictures.
Today was TWMAC day, and I was joined by fellow posters Sapient007, TheJRK, Hollywood, Vitaly Evchenkov, the brother Evchenkov, and the mother Evchenkov. Yes, the entire Ukrainian family!!!
Weather was also a worry, but as we got there, it was threatening, but never really did much. I think the starts were a bit delayed, but that was it. We passed the time drinking margaritas and beer at the Singha tent.
(insert picture)
After JRK showed us how he schmoozes the ladies (insert picture) we headed off to the practice courts. We saw Scoville Jenkins practicing (insert picture). Then the family Evchenkov and I headed to the grandstand while the rest of the boys stayed at the practice courts and watched Isner play doubles for a bit.
(continued...)
Wow. Ok. Today started off bad, got a bit worse, then a whole lot better. The biggest problem is that, as I was driving to the site, I realized I had forgotten my camera. Too many phone calls right as I was leaving, and I just forgot to put it in my bag. I considered turning around to go get it, but the later you wait, the worse the traffic gets. So I said 'screw' it.
There are pictures, though, as Sapient literally gave me one of his cameras to take pictures with, and then gave me the memory card, but the card doesn't work in my camera. So, a bit of a wait on the pictures.
Today was TWMAC day, and I was joined by fellow posters Sapient007, TheJRK, Hollywood, Vitaly Evchenkov, the brother Evchenkov, and the mother Evchenkov. Yes, the entire Ukrainian family!!!
Weather was also a worry, but as we got there, it was threatening, but never really did much. I think the starts were a bit delayed, but that was it. We passed the time drinking margaritas and beer at the Singha tent.
(insert picture)
After JRK showed us how he schmoozes the ladies (insert picture) we headed off to the practice courts. We saw Scoville Jenkins practicing (insert picture). Then the family Evchenkov and I headed to the grandstand while the rest of the boys stayed at the practice courts and watched Isner play doubles for a bit.
(continued...)
Topaz
Legend
Let's see, I was two margaritas in by now. We got to the grandstand, and watched Roddick's opponent for the evening, Eduardo Swancke, warming up some serves on court #2. The grandstand match was American Bobby Reynolds and Viktor Troicki. This was an entertaining match! A tight first set which Troicki won by one break was followed by an easy set for the American. We left after that, and I haven't checked scores yet, so I do not know who came through that battle. I'm sure the reason we left had nothing to do with Vitaly's 30 second long 'Viktooooooooooorrrrrrr' yell that he spontaneously belted out after the second set!
We also ran into TWMAC 'mascot' Zapvor, as he was going about his ushering duties. (insert picture) We almost needed his help to retrieve my cell phone, which somehow got dropped underneath the bleachers, but Vitaly came to the rescue. (insert picture) We were also joined by the rest of the boys eventually.
After the second set wrapped up we headed over to the stadium.
(continued...)
We also ran into TWMAC 'mascot' Zapvor, as he was going about his ushering duties. (insert picture) We almost needed his help to retrieve my cell phone, which somehow got dropped underneath the bleachers, but Vitaly came to the rescue. (insert picture) We were also joined by the rest of the boys eventually.
After the second set wrapped up we headed over to the stadium.
(continued...)
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Topaz
Legend
However, we got a bit sidetracked by the serve speed booth. Our boys did themselves proud, first with the most interesting 'warm up' moves I've ever seen (insert really hilarious picture) and then with their scorching serve speeds. I think Hollywood clocked in the fastest at 114. Sapient came in with a his wicked underhand serve right around 21. No, that isn't a typo!
(insert various pictures)
Then, into the stadium to watch some of Roddick. We were a bit surprised...as Schwank had a lead! He had a break that he was able to hang onto and take the first set. Roddick answered by taking the third set. At some point, we relocated twice in the stadium, and then ended up high and on the end, but they were actually really great seats!
(continued...)
(insert various pictures)
Then, into the stadium to watch some of Roddick. We were a bit surprised...as Schwank had a lead! He had a break that he was able to hang onto and take the first set. Roddick answered by taking the third set. At some point, we relocated twice in the stadium, and then ended up high and on the end, but they were actually really great seats!
(continued...)
Topaz
Legend
(more pictures)
We were also able to keep an eye on Zapvor from our perch in the sky, as he went about his duties making sure people were absolutely frozen still during the points of the match! A memorable quote from Zap tonight, "They train the ball kids, they need to train the ushers, too!" Evidently, there were too many noob ushers not getting the job done!
Speaking of not getting the job done, I have two videos...one for each match point that Schwanke squandered in that third set. It was almost heartbreaking to see him tighten up like that after doing all the hard work to earn those match points. Roddick didn't tighten up, though, and saved them with big serves and gutsy net play.
In the tiebreak, Roddick just rolled. He is *lucky* to make it through this match! And, to me, it is a sign of where he is...when Eduardo Schwanke gives you major trouble, then you are not at the top of the game anymore. Roddick's serve is great, yes, but these days that is just not enough. Schwanke was putting serves in at the low 100s that Roddick couldn't get back. That is not going to get the job done!!!
Then the family Evchenkov headed out, and the boys and I went in search of food and sangria. So, no, I did not stay for the last two matches. Sorry!
Full day tomorrow, though, and I promise to not forget my camera this time!
We were also able to keep an eye on Zapvor from our perch in the sky, as he went about his duties making sure people were absolutely frozen still during the points of the match!
A memorable quote from Zap tonight, "They train the ball kids, they need to train the ushers, too!" Evidently, there were too many noob ushers not getting the job done!Speaking of not getting the job done, I have two videos...one for each match point that Schwanke squandered in that third set. It was almost heartbreaking to see him tighten up like that after doing all the hard work to earn those match points. Roddick didn't tighten up, though, and saved them with big serves and gutsy net play.
In the tiebreak, Roddick just rolled. He is *lucky* to make it through this match! And, to me, it is a sign of where he is...when Eduardo Schwanke gives you major trouble, then you are not at the top of the game anymore. Roddick's serve is great, yes, but these days that is just not enough. Schwanke was putting serves in at the low 100s that Roddick couldn't get back. That is not going to get the job done!!!
Then the family Evchenkov headed out, and the boys and I went in search of food and sangria. So, no, I did not stay for the last two matches. Sorry!
Full day tomorrow, though, and I promise to not forget my camera this time!
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
Topaz, I made it out today too! I was accompanied by my son, so our day was a little different than yours.
Mostly, we foraged for food. That boy can sure put away a $6 smoothie! We also scored 2 free Geico gecko hats and a water bottle by trying out the "Don't drink and drive exhibit." You put on some goggles designed to disorient you, and then you walk a straight line. Nice hat. We also got a free pic of son standing in front of the "Best Road Trip In Sports" Bus. He liked that.
Anyway, we arrived to watch Isner and Goldstein take on Whathisname and WhosThatGuy. I hate to say it, but Isner needs a new doubles partner, stat. Goldstein was weak, weak, weak. He contributed little beyond errors. Too bad. I was impressed with Isner's mid-court and net game. I think -- but I can't be sure -- that Isner volleys with 2HBH. Say it ain't so!!
Then we went to see Bobby Reynolds and Victor. Bobby was putting a hurt on Victor in the second when Victor got tight. I kept getting distracted because Victor had such a gorgeous upper body. I like the way Reynolds plays. I'd like to see him do well.
Then we went on to watch Roddick. Like Topaz said, Roddick is not at the top of his game. Not by a long shot. Schwank just pounded Andy's backhand to the point where it got a little dull. Schwank has one nice service return. He seemed to get everything back. Andy seemed a little more opportunistic at net, so that's an improvement over his match with DelPotro last week.
I didn't stay for the late match either. There's only so much tennis an 11 year old boy can be expected to take in one day. Besides, I wanted to see the Olympics.
Mostly, we foraged for food. That boy can sure put away a $6 smoothie! We also scored 2 free Geico gecko hats and a water bottle by trying out the "Don't drink and drive exhibit." You put on some goggles designed to disorient you, and then you walk a straight line. Nice hat. We also got a free pic of son standing in front of the "Best Road Trip In Sports" Bus. He liked that.
Anyway, we arrived to watch Isner and Goldstein take on Whathisname and WhosThatGuy. I hate to say it, but Isner needs a new doubles partner, stat. Goldstein was weak, weak, weak. He contributed little beyond errors. Too bad. I was impressed with Isner's mid-court and net game. I think -- but I can't be sure -- that Isner volleys with 2HBH. Say it ain't so!!
Then we went to see Bobby Reynolds and Victor. Bobby was putting a hurt on Victor in the second when Victor got tight. I kept getting distracted because Victor had such a gorgeous upper body. I like the way Reynolds plays. I'd like to see him do well.
Then we went on to watch Roddick. Like Topaz said, Roddick is not at the top of his game. Not by a long shot. Schwank just pounded Andy's backhand to the point where it got a little dull. Schwank has one nice service return. He seemed to get everything back. Andy seemed a little more opportunistic at net, so that's an improvement over his match with DelPotro last week.
I didn't stay for the late match either. There's only so much tennis an 11 year old boy can be expected to take in one day. Besides, I wanted to see the Olympics.
Topaz
Legend
What, you mean you didn't have three margaritas???
*hiccup*
By the looks of the scores...it was a loooong night...everything went three sets. Heck, for all I know, they're still playing now!
Did you hear the long howl at the end of the second set of Troicki/Reynolds? Lol, if so, that was us!
V
Vitaly Evchenkov
Guest
oops... 
maybe i shouldn't double-fist margaritas
Troicki is from Serbia... so my Ukranian cheer was wasted.
maybe i shouldn't double-fist margaritas
Troicki is from Serbia... so my Ukranian cheer was wasted.
hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
I though Vitaly busted that cheer out after the first set. Trioki won the breaker right, then Vitaly does the Vicht but yells VVVVVVIIIIIIIIIIIIKKKKTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Then said this ones goin three sets
Then said this ones goin three sets
Topaz
Legend
oops...
maybe i shouldn't double-fist margaritas
Troicki is from Serbia... so my Ukranian cheer was wasted.
Oh, I thought you knew that he was Serbian! LOL!!!
Your Ukrainian cheer is never wasted!
I though Vitaly busted that cheer out after the first set. Trioki won the breaker right, then Vitaly does the Vicht but yells VVVVVVIIIIIIIIIIIIKKKKTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Then said this ones goin three sets
Ah yes, could have been after the first...things were a bit hazy! Haha, I do remember him breaking out the Vicht, too, though! Priceless!
MEAC_ALLAMERICAN
Legend
It's raining Topaz, do you have your raincoat and umbrella?
Topaz
Legend
It's raining Topaz, do you have your raincoat and umbrella?
Heh heh! Topaz is a teacher. And teachers know how to read weather forecasts. I went to the afternoon session, but decided to stay in for the evening session.
So I'm comfy, dry, and getting ready to update yesterday's pictures, and recap what I saw today!
Lots of good pics on the way!!!
I know, I'm such a tease! 
Topaz
Legend
Friday, Aug 15, Day Session
Friday, Aug 15, Day Session
Today's day session was comprised of a doubles match and two quarterfinal singles matches. I only planned to watch the singles matches. I also decided not to stay for the evening session, as I'm a bit tired of watching Roddick play...remember, he is always at this tournament, and I've been going to it for four years now. There are only so many aces and bad approaches I can take!
First up was two players playing...each other. John Isner vs Juan Martin del Potro. Both huge, both big servers, both with big forehands. JMdP with more experience and a better developed ground game. And it showed. He broke Isner once each set, took care of his won serve, and won 6-4, 6-4.
(working on the pictures)
Then, as sometimes happens, you get distracted, run into people you know, they are drunk, you're still drinking margaritas...and you end up 'watching' the next match from the large screen located in front of the food (beer) tents. It was a stinker anyway...Tommy Haas kind of toyed with Alejandro Falla before putting him away. No pictures from this match...but I do have a special surprise picture taken today that I think I will save for the end of this blog!
Also got to 'meet' JMdP at an autograph signing session, and got a nice picture with him as well!
Friday, Aug 15, Day Session
Today's day session was comprised of a doubles match and two quarterfinal singles matches. I only planned to watch the singles matches. I also decided not to stay for the evening session, as I'm a bit tired of watching Roddick play...remember, he is always at this tournament, and I've been going to it for four years now. There are only so many aces and bad approaches I can take!
First up was two players playing...each other. John Isner vs Juan Martin del Potro. Both huge, both big servers, both with big forehands. JMdP with more experience and a better developed ground game. And it showed. He broke Isner once each set, took care of his won serve, and won 6-4, 6-4.
(working on the pictures)
Then, as sometimes happens, you get distracted, run into people you know, they are drunk, you're still drinking margaritas...and you end up 'watching' the next match from the large screen located in front of the food (beer) tents. It was a stinker anyway...Tommy Haas kind of toyed with Alejandro Falla before putting him away. No pictures from this match...but I do have a special surprise picture taken today that I think I will save for the end of this blog!
Also got to 'meet' JMdP at an autograph signing session, and got a nice picture with him as well!
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Topaz
Legend
Nice photo of Reynolds committing a foot fault.
I think that was warm-up...notice the extra ball in the background, and people are walking in.
Spinmasterj
New User
Is that Michael Shabaz of Virginia practicing with Haas?
If so that's good for the cavs
If so that's good for the cavs
Topaz
Legend
Ha! No, I wasn't able to catch up with Cindy on Thursday...I had my hands full with the TWMAC boys...I was tempted to put them all on leashes!!! :twisted:
Topaz
Legend
Sat. Aug 16 - Semifinal Day!
Today featured both singles and doubles semis. The match-ups looked good on paper, but alas...kind of a stinky day of tennis as far as the quality went.
But first! NOBODY was on the practice courts today! Not even trusty Spadea! I did catch Kevin Ullyett warming up with his doubles partner Bruno Soares on center court, though:
Cliffy and Killer were getting ready to go on air:
Notice how Cliffy wears the full suit (check out those shoes!), and I can tell you for a fact that Cliffy and Brad wear jeans. Anyway...
First up was the match that I thought would be the best. #2 seed and on-fire Argentine Juan Martin del Potro against German veteran Tommy Haas. The match started great...the first four games were very tight between the two and well played. And then...JMdP broke Haas at 2-all. And you could see Tommy's shoulder's slump, and dP just gained confidence from there and rolled through the entire rest of the match, 6-2, 6-1. Yikes! Not a pretty score. My observations: JMdP is playing with great consistency and patience, and isn't afraid to pull the trigger when he's got the shot. He was able to push Tommy around, even though Haas has greater variety. He was trying...pulled out all the tricks in his book...just did not work today. Haas's errors piled up, and I believe most of them were forced, not unforced (haven't actually seen any stats to back that up, though).
Coin toss:
Lots of various pictures of warm-up and the match:
(continued...)
Today featured both singles and doubles semis. The match-ups looked good on paper, but alas...kind of a stinky day of tennis as far as the quality went.
But first! NOBODY was on the practice courts today! Not even trusty Spadea! I did catch Kevin Ullyett warming up with his doubles partner Bruno Soares on center court, though:
Cliffy and Killer were getting ready to go on air:
Notice how Cliffy wears the full suit (check out those shoes!), and I can tell you for a fact that Cliffy and Brad wear jeans. Anyway...
First up was the match that I thought would be the best. #2 seed and on-fire Argentine Juan Martin del Potro against German veteran Tommy Haas. The match started great...the first four games were very tight between the two and well played. And then...JMdP broke Haas at 2-all. And you could see Tommy's shoulder's slump, and dP just gained confidence from there and rolled through the entire rest of the match, 6-2, 6-1. Yikes! Not a pretty score. My observations: JMdP is playing with great consistency and patience, and isn't afraid to pull the trigger when he's got the shot. He was able to push Tommy around, even though Haas has greater variety. He was trying...pulled out all the tricks in his book...just did not work today. Haas's errors piled up, and I believe most of them were forced, not unforced (haven't actually seen any stats to back that up, though).
Coin toss:
Lots of various pictures of warm-up and the match:
(continued...)
MEAC_ALLAMERICAN
Legend
Cliffy has on some sharp shoes, but really great action clips of JMDP.
Topaz
Legend
Ullyett/Soares:
Granollers/Prieto:
One break each set was all it took for the #1 seeds to advance to the final, 6-4, 6-4. Pretty good match.
There was about two hours to kill in between sessions...I filled it by watching some peeps try their luck at the Valspar challenge and drinking wine. I really wish they'd provide something to do other than listen to a way too loud (but very good) blues band. At least it was not crowded, and you could set up camp at a table quite easily. Closing the bathroom was a bad idea though!
(continued...)
Granollers/Prieto:
One break each set was all it took for the #1 seeds to advance to the final, 6-4, 6-4. Pretty good match.
There was about two hours to kill in between sessions...I filled it by watching some peeps try their luck at the Valspar challenge and drinking wine. I really wish they'd provide something to do other than listen to a way too loud (but very good) blues band. At least it was not crowded, and you could set up camp at a table quite easily. Closing the bathroom was a bad idea though!
(continued...)
Topaz
Legend
The evening semi had Viktor Troicki taking on Igor Kunitsyn. I had picked Troicki, but I thought it would be a battle...thinking that the Serb might have had a let down after upsetting Roddick last night.
Kunitsyn showed a lot of net smarts to open the match, and actually approaches a lot throughout the entire match, but it wasn't enough today. Troicki (pronounced Troy-skee) was dominant on serve (even with that peculiar service motion) and just gained confidence as the match went on. He is a flashy player, great at defense, and shows his emotions on court. Igor went kind of flat...and then just started missing too much. The Serb moved on to the final 6-4, 6-2 (or 6-1? Can't remember right now.).
The coin toss with DC mayor Adrian Fenty (in tan suit):
Various pictures...Troicki has the white shorts, Kunitsyn the black shorts:
(continued...)
Kunitsyn showed a lot of net smarts to open the match, and actually approaches a lot throughout the entire match, but it wasn't enough today. Troicki (pronounced Troy-skee) was dominant on serve (even with that peculiar service motion) and just gained confidence as the match went on. He is a flashy player, great at defense, and shows his emotions on court. Igor went kind of flat...and then just started missing too much. The Serb moved on to the final 6-4, 6-2 (or 6-1? Can't remember right now.).
The coin toss with DC mayor Adrian Fenty (in tan suit):
Various pictures...Troicki has the white shorts, Kunitsyn the black shorts:
(continued...)
Topaz
Legend
Troicki being interviewed by Leif Shiras after the match:
Two good points from the match:
I really was a bit disappointed in this match...I had thought it would have been much closer and dragged out. Perhaps Kunitsyn didn't have much left? Or just couldn't Troicki once the Serb gained some momentum.
(continued...)
Two good points from the match:
I really was a bit disappointed in this match...I had thought it would have been much closer and dragged out. Perhaps Kunitsyn didn't have much left? Or just couldn't Troicki once the Serb gained some momentum.
(continued...)
Topaz
Legend
great photos, Dropshot!
I like the one of Cliffy best.
I thought you might! That is one slick suit he's wearing! And the shoes!!!
Topaz
Legend
Ahhh, thanks Ubel!
Actually, I hate to disappoint my fans...but I'm not going to go in for the finals today. Just pooped, and short on funds and hey...it will be on TV!!!
So, I do have a few more pictures to add from the other days, but I'm waiting for them to be sent to me. But other than that, this is the end of the Legg Mason blog for this year! Thanks for reading!
Actually, I hate to disappoint my fans...but I'm not going to go in for the finals today. Just pooped, and short on funds and hey...it will be on TV!!!
So, I do have a few more pictures to add from the other days, but I'm waiting for them to be sent to me. But other than that, this is the end of the Legg Mason blog for this year! Thanks for reading!
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MEAC_ALLAMERICAN
Legend
zapvor
G.O.A.T.
mrs. schriphan looked ridiculous.
i thought they should have put lopez on the stadium. at one point he was chasing down a dropshot, and right before he hit it he looked up at the crowd in teh grandstand and missed it. i think it was too close for comfort. kendrick played well though.
i thought they should have put lopez on the stadium. at one point he was chasing down a dropshot, and right before he hit it he looked up at the crowd in teh grandstand and missed it. i think it was too close for comfort. kendrick played well though.
