tennis Tag

Posted On June 21, 2014By Brian WrayIn Sports, Sports Takes

Wimbledon 2014: A Repeat in the Cards?

It’s Time. Wimbledon. The French Open held relatively true to form on the men’s side, but will Wimbledon cooperate? To answer this, we must analyze the draw (and make some lucky but ‘educated’ guesses).   1st QUARTER It’s easy to say who will likely emerge from this grouping, and his name rhymes with Movak Smoshevidge. But his opponent in the quarterfinal is not so simple to predict. Tomas Berdych usually plays well at Wimbledon (made the Final in 2010), but his path to the quarters is not edged with roses.Read More
If you had read my preview about the French Open, then watched the tournament unfold, you probably think I’m a hack who hasn’t the slightest clue what I’m talking about. And you might be right. So I’ll try again. But this time I’m going to analyze what makes Rafael Nadal a French Open winning machine. And it begins and ends with his psychological make-up. Please stay awake…. Putting Nadal’s Run In Perspective On Sunday, Rafael Nadal extended his French Open champion streak to nine. This gives him a comfortable leadRead More

Posted On June 9, 2014By Harry Edwards FloydIn Sports, Sports Takes

The Finals at Roland Garros

Men’s Final Novak Djokovic entered Sunday No. 2 in the world. His opponent for the French Open title was none other than the world No. 1 Rafael Nadal. On top of being No. 1, Rafa is an 8-time French Open champion. Djokovic was looking for his first title at Roland Garros. The first set went 6-3… Djokovic. The second… 7-5 Nadal. Rafa roared back for a hard fought second set win and brought that energy right into the third set taking five straight games in the stretch. The roles reversedRead More

Posted On June 7, 2014By Harry Edwards FloydIn Sports, Sports Takes

Men’s Finals All Set at Roland Garros 2014

No. 1 and No. 2 in the world face one another Sunday at Roland Garros. Rafael Nadal is 22-19 in his career against Novak Djokovic. The reigning French Open champ will be facing the opponent with the best chances of beating him. The only other player to win double digit matches against Nadal is Roger Federer, and he’s won just 10 over Rafa. Current Wimbledon champ Andy Murray came close to the finals Friday in a tough straight set loss to Nadal at 6-3, 6-2, 6-1. Murray came out hot in theRead More
Stranded Octopus Causes Traffic Jam Tuesday morning a giant polystyrene octopus was left in the streets of central London causing quite the traffic headache. Many passersby stopped to take photos and were told to approach with care. The van transporting the creature broke down in the middle of the road. There were few details given as to where the octopus was headed. The service used for transportation believed it was headed for the World Cup. However the owner of the octopus says it was being taken to a film location.Read More
After the usual 5 month hiatus following the Aussie Open, springtime in Paris has arrived. But a breeze of intrigue and uncertainty has befallen this French Open. The perennial favorites are still the favorites, but where they will finish remains a mystery. Let’s examine these perennial particulars and make some fun predictions…. Roger Federer Whether the year is 2004, or 2014, Federer is always a favorite to win a tournament. If you type in ‘longevity personified,’ you will see his image next to Ron Paul and Jesus. And it isRead More
The tennis clay court season is in full swing (silly puns), and the tennis tour has landed in Madrid this week for the Madrid Open. Sure, some say it’s just another tournament. But those of us who follow the sport know better. The Madrid Open is a revolutionary event where things are done a bit differently than your average tourney, thanks in part to this man: Ion Tiriac Ion Tiriac is financially wealthy, but he also has a wealth of ideas when it comes to shaking things up at theRead More

Posted On March 11, 2014By Brian WrayIn Sports, Sports Takes

Indian Wells: A Sports Fan’s Oasis

Have you ever dreamed you were hanging out with your favorite athletes? That you were essentially in their world? So close, you can feel their quickness, agility, and ungodly talent. So close you can see and hear their interactions with teammates and opponents. Use your imagination. Pretend there are 20 basketball courts lined up next to each other, and there are All-Star players practicing at each one. Lebron plays one-on-one with Paul Pierce. Next to them, Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard play some horse. Oh, and Blake Griffin is tryingRead More

Posted On January 28, 2014By Brian WrayIn Sports, Sports Takes

How Stan became ‘Stan the Man’

Spaniard man vs Swiss man in a tennis match. Without saying anything else, you’re thinking of Nadal vs Federer. Well sorry to disappoint…. because the Swiss man of the moment is none other than 28 year old Stanislas Wawrinka, beating Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final, and breaking the stranglehold of the Big 4 who have dominated tennis the past several years. So, how did he get here? What makes him so good? What is in the drinking water in Switzerland that makes people such good tennis players? Okay,Read More