Faulkner

This is a must-read and addresses a lot of what’s wrong in tennis “journalism.” Choice quote that applies to a lot more than Federer or tennis:

It was a slog for the most part, with some good-to-great performances (Audrey, the Clark Sisters, the gospel artists more than the pop stars unsurprisingly given the venue). I’m sure that sermon could be heard in a lot of black churches (I’ve certainly heard those messages), but it wasn’t appropriate for this particular occasion.

Ronan sez:

I shouldn’t be stunned by this since he’s 37, but dude won the Australian Open this year. The results have been spotty ever since, but he was still winning select titles (Rotterdam, Stuttgart) and making M1000 finals (IW and Cincy). I wanted him to play Novak (and presumably lose). I usually like to see the great Rog beaten, but not like this. This is... sad. But...I’m still not betting against the guy, as he defied expectations with that 2017 resurgence. Very few saw him winning major titles after that almost five-year drought. But age claims us all. And it wasn’t just *this* match where he’s been struggling this year with something *other* than an injury. Maybe with Roger speaking up, tournaments will take extreme heat/humidity more seriously. It’s inhumane not just to the players, but to fans, officials, and volunteers alike.

Carla Suarez Navarro ends Maria’s run of USO night match victories. Finally, someone made Maria pay for that awful serve.

Naomi Osaka defeats Sabalenka, who has quite a shriek when she gets agitated during points. Quite an entertaining match between two future WTA stars.

This. My mom watched ATWT, and Holmes/Dolan were the first Tom/Margo I remember. But going back and watching Marx/HBS and even Colin/Deas, I was surprised at how much more fun and accessible the characters were. Holmes/Dolan were as charismatic as drywall, even though I could appreciate them as actors. On topic, Ellen Parker’s Maureen under Curlee was the only Maureen I knew, but she just radiated so much warmth that I simply adored her. Perhaps my feelings would be more complicated if I’d started watched 7-8 years prior.

I understand why players promote the hotels they stay in while playing in big tournaments for discounts or special rates, but I’m glad this article addresses the security concerns of announcing your whereabouts on social media. Lots of crazies with nefarious intent out there. t

This song still rocks. And I’m still impressed Carrie had it in here.

This is Kei’s new thing... “superhero ripping open the shirt” gesture? lol.

The hell? Coric was screaming at the chair umpire because of his own sweat dripping on the court and making it slippery?

This De Minaur kid is incredible. In a week when Tsitsipas, Kyrgios, and Zverev all disappointed, he and Khachanov impressed me with their fight against former USO champions.

Another hot doc...

When did Masha get all kissy-kissy at the net after the match?

Kohlschreiber upsets Sascha Zverev, who continues to disappoint in Slams. Lendl has his work cut out for him. Kohl faces the winner of Diego/Kei. Nishikori has two sets to love lead.

He’s been feuding with (and fat-shaming) Ben Rothenberg on Twitter today post-match. He’s disgusting.

Kyrgios I thought he was supposed to up his level for the big guys. Federer was basically handing Nick games and now looks to close out the match routinely.