Faulkner

Stan folded like a rickety old tent, even when he had the edge and momentum. I just think Federer is getting No. 18 unless Nadal beats Dimitrov and plays absolutely lights out in the final. At least we get all-Williams final. I'd love for Serena to nab 23, but I'd be almost as happy with Venus getting her eighth and pushing ahead of Serena nemesis Justine Henin. I just realized the Bryan brothers made the men's doubles final. With Serena vs. Venus and a possible Fedal men's final, this AO is a total '00s throwback.

VENUS! Loved her reaction. The Williams sisters putting upstarts in their place.

Serena SCHOOLS Jo Konta.

The NYTimes is also pimping Roddick. I figured he would get in. Certainly, if Michael Chang can, Roddick deserves it. I agree there should be a higher threshold of excellence. Clijsters deserves it for competing so well in one of the most competitive eras in the WTA. It's funny: Roddick, like Andy Murray, seems like a genuinely good, progressive guy by all accounts. But he was such a jackass on court that I can't help but despise him.

I'm doubtful about Stan. He's beaten Fed three times but only on clay. Serena had better up her game. She just barely eked out that first set against Strycova. She sometimes can look lazy starting out in matches. Let's see her try that against Konta if she makes it to the next round.

I'm not a Fed fan by any means, but I just don't see who stops him from achieving No. 18 in this field. Perhaps an in-form Nadal, who has always troubled Fed, but Rafa will be gassed from his grueling matches. Hope I'm wrong, though. I hate the slavish cult of Federer.

Wow. I'm stunned. Istomin (No. 117 in the world) takes out Djokovic. One of the most shocking upsets I've seen in tennis. Denis played like a Grand Slam champion.

What heroic performances from Del Potro and Delbonis to win Argentina their first Davis Cup!

Two of the most handsome men in tennis.

Well I hope Novak pulls it together. We saw flashes of the old Novak in WTF semifinal (granted, Kei also played like [!@#$%^&*] most of the time). Perhaps the time off will be rejuvenating. He is inarguably one of the greatest to ever pick up a racquet, and if he retired tomorrow, his legacy would be set.

Well, that was embarrassing for Kei. For a top player who can be so dangerous, he sure can tank big matches. I'm one of those rare Nole fans, so I'm happy with the result. Murray looked vulnerable against Raonic (who really should have won today), so it'll be interesting to see what level he brings against Djokovic tomorrow.

Very interesting piece. I haven't liked American male players since Agassi. They do have a smug, insular, entitled quality. I once had a soft spot for Stevie Johnson since he seemed like an unassuming guy on court, but once he started whining about DelPotro's much-deserved wild card at the USO, it was over. And I can't even rally around the Bryan brothers either in doubles. Hopefully, Tiafoe and Mmoh will live up to their potential and give tennis fans people to root for.

Not to mention Maria's absence. Sport needs villains. I oddly missed her and I wasn't expecting to, if only to see her humiliated by Serena on a regular basis.

Agreed. I watched that match and was screaming at the television each time Kei hit a misguided dropshot. It was insane. I hope Michael Chang rips him a new one for that.

I loved it too. The old chemistry was still there. Even Debbie, while still slightly ditzy, was a welcome sight. If I were a current View co-host watching that, I'd be quaking in my boots.

Grant Aleksander was so great as Alec. That was the last truly good era of the show.

Just saw Jason Brooks (Peter Blake, DAYS) on an episode of How To Get Away with Murder.

Cynthia can scrap. I like the new brawler Cynthia. It took a while, but she came prepped this reunion.

Agreed, Claudia behaved obnoxiously.

Meh. The Richards sisters droning on about their "happiness." The ladies protest too much. Lisa V. has never had a duff tagline, has she? Adore her.

Oh dear. The '80s were not a good time for men's hairstyles.

I laughed when Andy cited the viewer tweet that said Nene's makeup was too much. Her face was pure Shangela.

This band has been my obsession all year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCJ7_NPtNEo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOIYLIgOY1Y

She looks great there.

I'm assuming it'll come back alongside Girls in January.