USTA National Men's Open, Women's Open, Mixed Open Indoor Championship 2007
- Thread starter WBF
- Start date
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
GL to you too bro.
J
J
Update time!
I hate City traffic. How people slave through it day after day is beyond me.
Today was interesting. I showed up very early; I'm staying in Holmdel, NJ, far from the action, and wanted to get in early to prevent any unforseen delays and to get some reading done. I ended up seeing a few old teammates, watching a few matches, and did very little reading.
The players: There are enormous variations in level. You go from local club players who shouldn't be competing in local 4.5 tournaments, to big D1 players and experienced players who have competed on the tour.
One of the people I knew who played on my former team after I was not on the team was crushed by the 6th seed, while his friend (also from the team) took the 5th seed out in straight sets (I didn't see this one, not sure what exactly happened, but he's a lefty, so you never know! damn lefties...).
I squeeked through myself, with tennis that probably gave off the impression of the aforementioned club players who should not be in a 4.5 tournament. Despite 2-losing count (deuces) double faults *per game*, I overcame my nerves/lack of fitness/lack of warmup and won a close match. One thing I remember from college tennis: I ****ing hate the super-strict short warmups. I wasn't loose until deep in the second set, and by then I had fallen back on my weak defensive game.
Anyhow, I had a good time. I was not a fan of the courts though... only 9 bubble courts for a tournament this size? Ridiculous. Not to mention the cramped area. It seemed far less social than tournaments like those held at Longwood Cricket Club or that hall of fame club at at Newport (where it's all open, and people can congregate with each other, vs. being relegated to a tiny waiting area and bleachers). I was also *incredibly* perturbed to find that my next match is FRIDAY. It's nice to recuperate but I had planned on leaving early or playing the next day and leaving early. *******s. I will not be playing at this tournament or these courts again if I can help it.
If j0lly doesn't get around to it, I may bust out some 640x480@30fps (sigh, just a digital camera) and get some footage before (if I am early) or between my matches!
How did you do j0lly! Or are you one of the people playing tomorrow?
PS: What is the deal with jerks and cell phones? I witnessed two people take calls and CONTINUE to talk on the phone to the point of an official removing them from the bubble. I despise rude people.
I hate City traffic. How people slave through it day after day is beyond me.
Today was interesting. I showed up very early; I'm staying in Holmdel, NJ, far from the action, and wanted to get in early to prevent any unforseen delays and to get some reading done. I ended up seeing a few old teammates, watching a few matches, and did very little reading.
The players: There are enormous variations in level. You go from local club players who shouldn't be competing in local 4.5 tournaments, to big D1 players and experienced players who have competed on the tour.
One of the people I knew who played on my former team after I was not on the team was crushed by the 6th seed, while his friend (also from the team) took the 5th seed out in straight sets (I didn't see this one, not sure what exactly happened, but he's a lefty, so you never know! damn lefties...).
I squeeked through myself, with tennis that probably gave off the impression of the aforementioned club players who should not be in a 4.5 tournament. Despite 2-losing count (deuces) double faults *per game*, I overcame my nerves/lack of fitness/lack of warmup and won a close match. One thing I remember from college tennis: I ****ing hate the super-strict short warmups. I wasn't loose until deep in the second set, and by then I had fallen back on my weak defensive game.
Anyhow, I had a good time. I was not a fan of the courts though... only 9 bubble courts for a tournament this size? Ridiculous. Not to mention the cramped area. It seemed far less social than tournaments like those held at Longwood Cricket Club or that hall of fame club at at Newport (where it's all open, and people can congregate with each other, vs. being relegated to a tiny waiting area and bleachers). I was also *incredibly* perturbed to find that my next match is FRIDAY. It's nice to recuperate but I had planned on leaving early or playing the next day and leaving early. *******s. I will not be playing at this tournament or these courts again if I can help it.
If j0lly doesn't get around to it, I may bust out some 640x480@30fps (sigh, just a digital camera) and get some footage before (if I am early) or between my matches!
How did you do j0lly! Or are you one of the people playing tomorrow?
PS: What is the deal with jerks and cell phones? I witnessed two people take calls and CONTINUE to talk on the phone to the point of an official removing them from the bubble. I despise rude people.
Last edited:
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
I only give out asskickings and lollipops, and im all out of asskickings.
Lost a close one, would have been routine except for the fact that I left my serve at home.
At least the T-Shirt was nice this year.
J
Lost a close one, would have been routine except for the fact that I left my serve at home.
At least the T-Shirt was nice this year.
J
Ahh, sorry j0lly! Yeah, I was getting worried about the t-shirt's given the heinous descriptions of old ones... Are you going to play in the consolation draw on Saturday?
Topaz
Legend
Sometimes people enter, understanding the high level of play, and understanding that they are going to get killed...they enter anyway for the experience and to learn.
While I understand what you are saying Topaz, I don't understand why some of the people out there even bothered. It is one thing to join understanding that you might not be on the same level of people in the tournament, but there were people who played that would have difficulty against poor 4.5 players. I watched one guy warm up who couldn't even *rally* with someone hitting right to him, not very hard. When the match started it was a complete joke.
These players will gain *nothing* from this experience, and they ensure that the people who had to play them get no chance at a consolation match (Basically limiting them to *one* good match for an expensive tournament if they lose the next round, as the first match was ridiculously stupid and pointless). They would be better served to take lessons from a pro, or find people a level or so above them if they want to "learn".
Skraggle: The players who were rolled were either club players from new york or talented players who went up against the top players. I saw a so-so college or high school level player rip through a local club player, and on the court next to them I saw a decent college player get pummeled far worse by a good D1 player.
PS: I am now happy that they gave us a day of rest. Holy crap am I sore!
These players will gain *nothing* from this experience, and they ensure that the people who had to play them get no chance at a consolation match (Basically limiting them to *one* good match for an expensive tournament if they lose the next round, as the first match was ridiculously stupid and pointless). They would be better served to take lessons from a pro, or find people a level or so above them if they want to "learn".
Skraggle: The players who were rolled were either club players from new york or talented players who went up against the top players. I saw a so-so college or high school level player rip through a local club player, and on the court next to them I saw a decent college player get pummeled far worse by a good D1 player.
PS: I am now happy that they gave us a day of rest. Holy crap am I sore!
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
You see that a lot actually in these level tournaments. When people are very close. It is just a matter of some small thing. I have friends whom I could beat 6-0 or lose to 6-0.
J
PS: With regards to my post, I don't want to come of as an elitist *******. If I played one of these people, I would be the last person to be rude, make any comments, or cause any problems. I just complain about it here 
Topaz: Yes, I agree. I suppose I should have said that they would gain more through cheaper, more accessible methods. Perhaps a local open tournament? Perhaps a 4.5 tournament? Perhaps a 4.5 or open ladder league? A national open tournament doesn't seem like the optimal place.
Topaz: Yes, I agree. I suppose I should have said that they would gain more through cheaper, more accessible methods. Perhaps a local open tournament? Perhaps a 4.5 tournament? Perhaps a 4.5 or open ladder league? A national open tournament doesn't seem like the optimal place.
Topaz
Legend
You should enter one. Don't worry about the score, just play.
AP328
Rookie
Interesting...thanks. I guess I can see that. If one player is off for a set, they could quickly get down a few games.
On the other side, I had a different experience recently. I played in my first USTA singles tournament last month (been playing 90% doubles the last two seasons). It was a local tournament with a small draw at my level. I played my regular doubles partner in the semis. I lost 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (12-10) and the match lasted three hours. Nearly every game went to deuce multiple times. It was a great match and a lot of fun.
In comparing my situation to the one I asked about, I realize two things:
1) There are more unforced errors than winners at lower levels.
2) It is less likely that both players at high level would not play well at the same time.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
I agree. It can be educational if you have the right frame of mind. A bit
more expensive than most regular open tournaments though. Might be
best to play an open tournament w/a consolation round so you get at least
2 matches. The thing is, if you play against someone way better, they may
end up just playing at about 50% and still beat you in order to conserve
energy for their next round and you might mistakenly think that you can
hang with them.
Things seemed to have changed quite a lot since I played in a couple National Events. Back then, you didnt sign up...you were invited and the best amateurs in the country were invited and played. it was very hard to get invited especially to the clays and the hards. so you either got an invitation or you squirmed your way through the qualies like I did. 5.0 was the lowest level you would find and there werent many of those. these events would get the top singles players from Div1 colleges and such.
thats surprising. i dont have anyone like that who plays at my level. the matches are tiebreakers, 7-5's and such. think when you get to the 5.0's and above, guys play consistently well and you arent gonna get any easy W's let alone easy sets save for injury or something
Jaymon Crabb: generally a nice bloke but a grinder on court (another Aussie who plays that style). Not sure what he's doing playing the USTA Nationals though. Last I heard he coaching his girlfriend (a WTA doubles player). Is he coaching in the NYC area?
Alrighty, an update and a few vids (bad).
I woke up this morning at around 5:30 for a match at 9:30, expecting terrible traffic. Leaving Holmdel, NJ at 6:00AM, the roads were busy, but smooth going the entire time. I arrived at 7:30, a little miffed at waking up so early, but happy I missed the brunt of traffic.
I took a few videos of the 8:00 matches, but seeing as these are mostly college players, people looked lethargic at best.
We went out at 9:30, and I felt a bit wobbly during warmups. Missed every single volley I took! We start playing, and my opponent took the early lead, blasting through me in 3 straight games. I loosened up, dusted the rust off my serve and return, and took the next 6 games. Strong second set as well, apart from two solid holds by my opponent. It was a very fun match, he was very polite and courteous, never made a bad call, and may have given me one or two (I do the same thing; if you can't see it for sure, you call it in).
Heading back tomorrow at 8:00AM to play Robert Alexander, who dispatched the guy who beat the 5th seed quite handily (I was told he is a far better player than the 5th seed was). Does anyone know who this is, or have any information on him? I turned up very little through google!
If I win my first match tomorrow, I will get some far better footage, as the players will be nearly all seeds! If not... I might stick around for a few minutes, but I have a long drive, so it's far less likely.
And without further ado, here are some videos, apologies for any shakiness, and for the low quality of play (although it is certainly higher than these videos make it out to be!).
*Will edit in as soon as I encode them and send them to youtube!
I woke up this morning at around 5:30 for a match at 9:30, expecting terrible traffic. Leaving Holmdel, NJ at 6:00AM, the roads were busy, but smooth going the entire time. I arrived at 7:30, a little miffed at waking up so early, but happy I missed the brunt of traffic.
I took a few videos of the 8:00 matches, but seeing as these are mostly college players, people looked lethargic at best.
We went out at 9:30, and I felt a bit wobbly during warmups. Missed every single volley I took! We start playing, and my opponent took the early lead, blasting through me in 3 straight games. I loosened up, dusted the rust off my serve and return, and took the next 6 games. Strong second set as well, apart from two solid holds by my opponent. It was a very fun match, he was very polite and courteous, never made a bad call, and may have given me one or two (I do the same thing; if you can't see it for sure, you call it in).
Heading back tomorrow at 8:00AM to play Robert Alexander, who dispatched the guy who beat the 5th seed quite handily (I was told he is a far better player than the 5th seed was). Does anyone know who this is, or have any information on him? I turned up very little through google!
If I win my first match tomorrow, I will get some far better footage, as the players will be nearly all seeds! If not... I might stick around for a few minutes, but I have a long drive, so it's far less likely.
And without further ado, here are some videos, apologies for any shakiness, and for the low quality of play (although it is certainly higher than these videos make it out to be!).
*Will edit in as soon as I encode them and send them to youtube!
DrewRafter8
Professional
WBF, if this is the guy from NC, then I've heard he is nasty. I think I remember a 5.5 friend of mine telling me they played and that he pushed him hard. I don't really know for sure b/c he's from the opposite side of the state from me.
Wonnnnderful! Good though, I've been looking for a very challenging match. I've had some *fun* matches thus far, hopefully this guy will do the job and put me out of my misery
As for the videos... I am furious at youtube. I am browsing the internet. Connected. I try to install the mulitfile uploader, but it keeps opening the exe and not starting the download, WHILE I FRIGGEN BROWSE THE INTERNET. How is it telling me there is no connection if there IS A CONNECTION. Whomever coded this needs to be fking shot, networking isn't exactly rocket science. I will not waste any more time. Painful multi single file uploading commencing...
Alrighty here we go! The following are single point clips of the round-of-64 for the Men's Singles draw, taken at 8:00AM.
I sat in one spot, and had to zoom in through netting to get some video, so those may be blurry or out of focus. Alas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSvlGTlc2uQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWfwB1FVnq8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkYMCAqSimY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHrWGEoUlss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq5sZCtqjXw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpXQX-68BeY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MArUWgATePE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpD2TJOt400
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY3I3jA5kPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPAzhieT-Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT4jd9g-F2w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDQXpS1YcpA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkMrH8VGcDE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwhUKFL-yTE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvbl0e9dycw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jhbgbda7bE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38O0VgDvg-k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xejADFULQds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUDQPV5FnPw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Kt3ZqBDk_k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOgJm1NiWd8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dI9sVO42TE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwY2H0dMP14
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcDkuYfB7ck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOA75-bZ4F8
Whew...
I sat in one spot, and had to zoom in through netting to get some video, so those may be blurry or out of focus. Alas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSvlGTlc2uQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWfwB1FVnq8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkYMCAqSimY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHrWGEoUlss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq5sZCtqjXw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpXQX-68BeY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MArUWgATePE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpD2TJOt400
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY3I3jA5kPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPAzhieT-Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT4jd9g-F2w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDQXpS1YcpA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkMrH8VGcDE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwhUKFL-yTE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvbl0e9dycw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jhbgbda7bE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38O0VgDvg-k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xejADFULQds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUDQPV5FnPw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Kt3ZqBDk_k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOgJm1NiWd8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dI9sVO42TE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwY2H0dMP14
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcDkuYfB7ck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOA75-bZ4F8
Whew...
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
He was pounding it. Of those three courts, he looked like the best player by far. There was another player on a similar level to him playing behind me, but I didn't get the chance to cross over to the other bleachers! I'll try to find out who he is, I believe he won that match.
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
Robert was an excellent player.
His fitness and strategy trumped my game. I was in the points where I wasn't winded, but after a few lengthy points each game, I couldn't keep up and gave away short free points. I also failed to adapt my game, instead trying to blast through the whole time (He pointed this out after the match, was a very friendly guy). A sore arm leading to weak forehands and few first serves didn't help. 6-0 6-0 with competitive points when I wasn't worn out, pathetic points when I was.
I was too embarassed to take videos afterwards. I must have looked like a schlump!
Now to get fit
Good luck in the consolation if your playing j0lly!
His fitness and strategy trumped my game. I was in the points where I wasn't winded, but after a few lengthy points each game, I couldn't keep up and gave away short free points. I also failed to adapt my game, instead trying to blast through the whole time (He pointed this out after the match, was a very friendly guy). A sore arm leading to weak forehands and few first serves didn't help. 6-0 6-0 with competitive points when I wasn't worn out, pathetic points when I was.
I was too embarassed to take videos afterwards. I must have looked like a schlump!
Now to get fit
Good luck in the consolation if your playing j0lly!
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
Robert was an excellent player.
His fitness and strategy trumped my game. I was in the points where I wasn't winded, but after a few lengthy points each game, I couldn't keep up and gave away short free points. I also failed to adapt my game, instead trying to blast through the whole time (He pointed this out after the match, was a very friendly guy). A sore arm leading to weak forehands and few first serves didn't help. 6-0 6-0 with competitive points when I wasn't worn out, pathetic points when I was.
I was too embarassed to take videos afterwards. I must have looked like a schlump!
Now to get fit
Good luck in the consolation if your playing j0lly!
Thanks man, Congrats on a good run. If anyone understands being on a sinking ship, and persisting in firing your cannons instead of jumping on the life raft it is me.
J
CAM178
Hall of Fame
LOL! Herein lie the levels of tennis. When you think a guy is good and slaughters you, he then gets destroyed in 45 minutes in the next round. And nice use of the word lovely.
That's one of my favorite words to use besides 'Nice!' and 'Sweet!'Yeah, I was wondering about the 'so called' comment, but I don't think any offense was meant. The difference is that you played in it, WBF, and you should be damn proud of how well you did, considering that you did little to no training for this tourney.
At least I'll have time to train!
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
Remember in the beginning when you said Crabb was playing.
Remember who I said was playing?
When I come to texas, or you come to NY you owe me a beer.
J