Boy oh boy oh boy. This US Open has been CRAZY! So many things to discuss, so little attention span in the blogosphere. . .
Here we go:
BAGEL FEST!
I know it’s New York, but what is UP with all the bagel bakin’ going on? We have the now infamous double O served to Amelie by Maria (Amelie was apparently still craving the carbs after noshing on Monday’s Serena Special), an “everything” crammed down Blake’s gullet by Roger (who, for variety’s sake, baked up a breadstick for Nikolay in the semis), one to Haas by Davy, Justine fed one to Jelena, and Youzhny got a Roddick with cream cheese today in the semis. Talk about something to chew on. . .
I AM SHARAPOVA, HEAR ME ROAR!
Yes, I hate her screams and think her whole “Audrey” look is absurd, (could there be anything more cliched than a teenage girl with an Audrey obsession? – GIVE IT UP! – even glamazon millionaires can’t morph into the epitome of chic just because they wanna – Exhibit B: Maria’s hideous taste in press conference headgear) but I’m determined to stop harping on the superficial stuff. Plus, I realize that I, too sported some bad looks in my teens (flashback to scrunch socks, grunge, and Hypercolor)but was blessedly not under “Global Icon”-level scrutiny at the time. What I really want to say is “GOOD JOB MARIA!” Yes, she played like a woman on a mission (albeit one that seemed to depend on strange banana prompts and sips from multiple secret serums) but the main reason I want to congratulate her is for her wonderful trophy speech. Not only was her giddiness sweet, she really surprised me with her kind words regarding Billie Jean King. It was totally unexpected, unscripted, heartfelt and true. Yes, without BJK us ladies would not be enjoying the scholarship money, serious collegiate sports programs, or professional equality (HELLOOOOOO WIMBLEDON!!!????) that we take for granted now. And for Maria to hold up her check for an obscene amount of money (although miniscule in comparison to her $20 million ++++ in yearly endorsements)and say, basically, “Guess what folks, without BJK I wouldn’t be getting this check!” was really smart, strong, and inspiring. Bravo, Maria, for your tenacity and fight (the best part about your game, i.m.h.o.) and for giving everyone a reality check on the state of women’s professional sports (not to mention student athletes and working girls in general.) What with your speech and the feminist tinged “I feel pretty” campaign, you’re going to find yourself on the cover of next month’s Ms. mag (and what would IMG make of that?)
ANDY MOVES BACK IN
Okay, so the “it’s your house” stuff is annoying, but how exciting to have Andy back in the final??? It’s just too perfect – Rodipova (will they come out on David Letterman if Andy joins Maria in the winners’ circle?), Jimbo, the big comeback after slumping in the rankings, facing Roger again in the hopes of rekindling the “rivalry that never was” with the help of 25,000 fans – thank GOD Andy didn’t go down to the uber-Russe Youzhny today! Tomorrow’s final is going to be one for the ages (that said, hubby has Roger in three straight on Bodog.)
ROGER, OH ROGER, HOW GREAT ARE THEE??? (but let’s chat about the HAIR)
Yes, I “heart” Roger, but I’m in good company! Blake’s announcing to the world via the international press that TMF is better than Michael Jordan, okay? So don’t dog me when I say I’ll be in Roger’s corner tomorrow. I for one find it thrilling to see if he can summon up the courage (or, ahem, Mats’s favorite part of the male anatomy), the will and the game to keep chasing history. We’re talking about NINE major titles, folks, at the age of 25! Given when his birthday falls (in August) he could actually have TWELVE before 26. SICK! Yes, I’m riding the Federer Express, and let me tell you, it’s a smooth ride, baby. Hop on!
So tomorrow’s post will bring either tears and regret or pure fan worship – tune in. . .
MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS:
So gratifying to see Jelena ALMOST pulling out the upset against H-H. I feel like a real talent scout, having proclaimed her one to watch after seeing her play in Carson (AND praising her backhand AND commenting on her fun personality – ESPN, here I come!)
Those Lexus spots featuring Andy sitting with random dudes are weird. The Pong ad is much better.
Amelie, oh Amelie, I just don’t know quite what to say. Do better in Australia – ‘kay?
DOUBLES ON T.V.!!!!!!!!! It’s absolute insanity, people! Someone at USA/CBS must be reading my blog. Don’t be shy, Network Executives, go ahead and post some comments! Obviously, I’m on the pulse of the tennis world, here. One suggestion, since you value my opinion: I think doubles is more exciting if you broadcast it from the long side of the court. It doesn’t seem to matter so much for singles, but you can somehow get the sense of the speed and trickiness of doubles better from that angle. But maybe it is impossible to tape that way – I’ve never seen any tennis match done like that before. GO DUBS REVOLUTION.
Martina N., I’m going to look up your smoothie recipe, because it’s gotta be doing something right!
Donald Young couldn’t even make it to the junior boy’s final. I’m still pulling for you, kid! Maybe you can go to Stanford, at least?
BRO IN LAW IS WRONG!!!! Watched a bit of the Blake – Moya match on tivo after returning home from NY, and guess what, they showed the Moya ‘rents sitting worriedly in the audience. His dad’s name is Andres, and he looks NOTHING like Kurt Russell!
Roger’s jacket = A+ It’s not embarrassing or show-offy like the Wimby blazer (although I ended up liking that in the end – especially loved how he wore it so nattily for the Champions dinner, anyway, I digress. . .)The NY jacket has a great fit, a sleek “n” sporty design, and avoids being costumey in any way. (Could you imagine Roger channeling his inner Sean Connery and wearing a Nike-designed tuxedo on court? See how ridiculous this is, Maria? Stop the madness!) Roger’s hair = B Why mess with a good thing, Roger? You had the best hair in tennis! Now that you went shorter (at the hands of Sally Hershberger, I assume?), I just don’t know what to think (is this some kind of reverse Samson thing, maybe?) It may look nice without the headband, but with the headband (which must be worn at all times during the match, being that it is your signature look) your hair appears wig-like and too style-y. (And b.t.w., Anna Wintour sitting with Mirka in the friends’ box is going off the metrosexual deepend – Gwen Stefani is a MUCH better option!)
After tomorrow, I’m “retiring” from my blog, until the Masters in Shanghai (unless something very notable happens, like Roger beats Nadal on clay or something.) This is because I am way too obsessed and should be focusing on other aspects of my writing career (is my agent reading this?) What I’m trying to say is that I’m feeling something akin to the pre Christmas Day sadness I used to feel as a kid, knowing that after tomorrow’s festivities it’s back to hard reality for a while.
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