So what is the biggest upset of the day tournament so far?
Novak Djokovic losing to 75 ranked Marat Safin
Maria Sharapova losing to 154 ranked Russian, Alla Kudryavtseva
Andy Roddick losing to 40 ranked Serb, Janko Tipsarevic
I think Maria “wins” this one, considering that she is the 3rd seed and former Wimbledon champion, while Alla is a complete unknown not even in the top 100. Marat is obviously capable of anything, given his talent, and Janko is the kind of dangerous defensive player who drives Andy crazy. Djokovic’s loss probably helped his compatriot, mentally, giving him even more desire to go big for his country.
Other, lesser, upsets of the Nalbandian/Kolya variety continued today with 9 seeded James Blake going down in five to 94 ranked Rainer Schuettler of Germany and the recently injured Dani Hantuchova falling to 42 ranked Russian Alisa Kleybanova.
Other top seeds were tested, with Nadal losing the first set to Latvian cutie Ernests Gulbis and Venus Williams having a tough first set against Brit Anne Keothavong. I’m really starting to question Venus’s form – she’s looking might scratchy out there. Nadal looked good, though, once he adjusted to Ernests big-hitting game. I’m sure his biggest worry after taking the second set was finishing in time to catch Spain v. Russia in Euro Cup.
The retirements and pull outs are another enduring theme of “The Championships” – with Grosjean tapping out against Gasquet and Lindsay giving Gisela Dulko a walkover.
Nadal’s biggest fourth round threats – Youzhny and Stepanek – are playing against each other in the next round, after both winning tough five setters today. Will the victor have enough in the tank once he gets to Nadal? Methinks not!
Let’s hope Roger avoids the upset bug tomorrow, when he takes on 53 ranked Frenchman Marc Gicquel! At this point, is anyone safe?
Sharapvoa image: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Roddick image: REUTERS/Alessia Pierdomenico
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