March 26, 2001 - Sampras is a disgrace!
It was the worse incident of a champion laying down and allowing himself to get worked over by an up and coming youngster.
Pete was intimidated, scared, lost, nervous, confused and frustrated, he looked weak, old, slow and outdated. He went down without fight!
Yes, Andy Roddick was hitting big, serving big and playing without fear, but it
was only because Pete allowed him to do so, there was no "Hey kid I'm the man here, you're not ready to beat me yet" instead it was let me hurry up and get out of here, before this kid takes one of my eyes out.
Oh yes, the greatest tennis player of all time
(allegedly) did get hit by a serve, and afterwards, it seemed his arm was unable to move.
What an embarrassment, Pete looked like a punch drunk old boxer.
He's basically going to mail every tournament in and wait for Wimbledon. Time has proven that the greatest champion of all time is just as one sided and antiquated as the surface that made him famous. Go pick out a new lawn mower to trim the grass Pete, good luck in retirement.
March 27, 2001 - Ceiling or the roof!
While listening to the Jim Rome popular sports talk radio show, one of his clones said, "Put a Norelco under that armpit", referring to the Williams sisters hairy underarms.
It's interesting to see the creative camera angles used by the directors to avoid exposing that part of the
Williams sisters bodies on TV.
What's the correct question to ask in regards to this "fashion statement"?
Is it, "Why do Venus and Serena choose to offend us by not shaving their armpits?
Or should the question be, Why does the fact that they don't shave is offensive to us?
One man's ceiling is another man's floor, where do you stand on this?
March 28, 2001 - That's why I like her
Martina Hingis is criticized for being too brash, arrogant and cocky!
Her critics would point to the following comment about her upcoming match with Venus as a perfect example.
``I always have an easier time playing Venus. She gets tighter than the other two girls. She's more emotional on the court. She tends to double fault every now and then and miss the easy ones.''
I see it as a confident player who tells it like it is.
But such quotes are usually posted on locker room bulletin boards as a reminder of what the opponent has to say.
If Venus has any ping pongs she will use Hingis's declaration as fuel for their meeting.
I hope Hingis wins and tells the world, "I told you so"!
The women's game is not better on the court but it is certainly much more entertaining off the court.
March 29, 2001 -
Two for the price of one!
Taylor Dent is around, Andy's made his grand entrance, but where's Mardy Fish?
He has a win over Mark Philippoussis at Indian Wells, he needs to make his presence known right now. America needs champions yesterday.
The ATP tour named Sergi Bruguera the comeback player for the year 2000!
I guess the fact that he's still alive, hitting tennis balls and winning matches with an antiquated style is in itself deserving. The question is , which is more apropos the WTA's comeback player for the year 200 Iva Majoli or
Sergi?
March 30, 2001 - Reverse Induction!
The Ericsson Open is the only Hall Of Fame that inducts current and active performers before the retired and inactive candidates. The latest honoree is Pete Sampras, the second man to receive the honor, the first one was non other than Andre Agassi.
At this rate, Andy Roccick will get in before, Mats Willander, Ivan Lendl or even Thomas Muster, they were all top performers and winners of the event.
The tournament is considered the biggest event outside of the grand slams. I am in favor of it becoming a grand slam, but they would first have to go back to their original name,
"The International player's championship".
To achieve a major status, one can't change name every 10 years and it must go back to a full 2 week event.
(c) 1stserve