After a week of play, the 2009 Australian Open has reinforced what most already thought to be the case in tennis: the men's game is gripping on account of the consistently excellent performances of the top players. The women's game is gripping because of the inconsistency at the top, and the wide open fields it creates. Herewith our midterm grades.
So, somewhat inebriated conversation with a friend: "Top 5 All Time On-Court Headcases (Men), Sans McEnroe." In no particular order, and somewhat relegated to our generational recollection: Nastase, Youzhny, Slobodan Zivojinovic, Ivanisevic, Safin (others in consideration --Gasquet, Noah). Is it just us, or is there really an European slant to this? Who'd we miss? -- Anirban Mukherjee, Durham, N.C.
I don't know why the online tennis media seemed to ignore a 20-year-old American beating a former French Open Champion and No. 14 in the world -- on clay. It just happened Monday. Sam Querrey defeated Carlos Moyà 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. What is there not to like about Querrey? Does his unassuming manner not make for good headlines? -- Chris, Menlo Park, Calif.
Is John Isner good for tennis? I remember when Mark Philippoussis came around and he had the huge serve but he also had bombs on his forehand. Isner, in my opinion, only has a serve. If you look at his last 10 matches or so, there are a lot of sets that were won at 7-6 indicating that this guy can only hold serve and that is it. What are your thoughts on the rest of his game? -- Mark, Ottawa
After a week of play, the 2009 Australian Open has reinforced what most already thought to be the case in tennis: the men's game is gripping on account of the consistently excellent performances of the top players. The women's game is gripping because of the inconsistency at the top, and the wide open fields it creates. Herewith our midterm grades.
So, somewhat inebriated conversation with a friend: "Top 5 All Time On-Court Headcases (Men), Sans McEnroe." In no particular order, and somewhat relegated to our generational recollection: Nastase, Youzhny, Slobodan Zivojinovic, Ivanisevic, Safin (others in consideration --Gasquet, Noah). Is it just us, or is there really an European slant to this? Who'd we miss? -- Anirban Mukherjee, Durham, N.C.
I don't know why the online tennis media seemed to ignore a 20-year-old American beating a former French Open Champion and No. 14 in the world -- on clay. It just happened Monday. Sam Querrey defeated Carlos Moyà 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. What is there not to like about Querrey? Does his unassuming manner not make for good headlines? -- Chris, Menlo Park, Calif.
Is John Isner good for tennis? I remember when Mark Philippoussis came around and he had the huge serve but he also had bombs on his forehand. Isner, in my opinion, only has a serve. If you look at his last 10 matches or so, there are a lot of sets that were won at 7-6 indicating that this guy can only hold serve and that is it. What are your thoughts on the rest of his game? -- Mark, Ottawa
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