Meet the new king of New York

It's come to feel almost inevitable that when Roger Federer is in a Grand Slam final (which has been most of the time the past five years), he'll win. And mostly, that's the case, because Federer (called the Greatest of All Time -- or GOAT -- after winning a Slam at the French this year and exceeding Pete Sampras' record of 15 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon months ago) is brilliant and knows how to dig his way when need be out of the jaws of defeat. Not this time.

Juan Martin Del Potro ended Fed's five-year reign at the U.S. Open. 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2. Lots of heart and gritty play from the 20-year-old Argentine (who beat Nadal resoundingly in the semis, allowing the Mallorcan only 6 games). DelPo has won me over with his sweet personality, humility, and stellar shots. A wild conclusion to an unpredictable, exciting tournament.

Feeling the joy

Kim Clijsters couldn't really celebrate Saturday night after the surreal, bizarre ending in her semi-final victory against Serena Williams, who lost the match on a penalty point. I won't repeat that sad story, since even people I know who don't follow tennis were talking about it today at work.

Last night Kim Clijsters got to let loose for real after defeating Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3 in the U.S. Open women's final. She's the first mother to win a major since Evonee Goolagong won Wimbledon in 1980. Her victory was far from assured. The teen Dane played solid and smart in the first set, but Kim played aggressive, great tennis in the second set. Her win is all the more amazing given that she just returned to the tour this summer (the Open was her third tournament) after getting married and having a daughter, the lovely blond, curly haired Jada (now 18 months old). So, Kudos to Kim, who's often called the best liked, friendliest woman on the tour.

From Paula Poundstone, who I don't think of as a tennis pundit, referencing Federer's amazing between-the-legs shot in his semi against Djokovic yesterday:
"Now we have to have affordable health coverage to cover all the guys who will sever their testicles trying to make that tennis shot."

Serena's footfault, cont.

Kim Clijsters should be the story of week two after coming out of a two-year retirement to return to the tour. Clijsters is in the finals tonight against Caroline Wozniacki, a match she will likely win. But no, Serena is the story after she went off with much vitriol at a lineswoman last night (see previous post).

Tom Perrotta (no, not the novelist but a writer for Tennis magazine) has an interesting take on Serena's meltdown and foootfaults.

Bad behavior

What got into Serena Williams tonight? Playing Kim Clijsters in the semis at the U.S. Open, Serena couldn't get her game together. Clijsters beat Serena (6-4, 7-5) using a combination of aggression, speed, and solid shot-making, but the World #2 also beat herself. She wasn't getting many first serves in and she was winning a dismal 33 percent on her second serves (which lacked their usual kick).

When Williams smashed a racquet in frustration when she double-faulted to hand Clijsters the first set, I thought maybe a little anger would help her get her head in the game and get her game together. Nope. I've seen Serena play flat, and though I wouldn't accuse her of that tonight, I have to level a worse charge.

As Serena served down one set at 5-6, 15-30, a linesperson called a foot fault on Williams' second serve, putting the score at 15-40. Serena, who didn't appear to foot-fault according to the replay, went off on this woman, who appeared half her size. According to the LA Times, which cites the accounts of courtside spectators, Serena said: "You don't know me. You better be right. I could shove this ball down your throat." Really awful. Unsportsmanlike.

Her hideous outburst and the earlier racquet abuse combined for a point penalty. With that, she lost the match and her dream of capturing her third Slam of the year. A shame, really, and horrible to behold in someone I admire and support. She showed no contrition in the press conference afterwards. I'm left with a sour feeling.

Gotta give kudos to Klijsters, who I imagine will beat Wozniacki in the final tomorrow, for playing a great, focused match and looking like a real champion.

The tennis addiction

Can Federer win the U.S. Open again? Of course he can (and I write this as a huuuge Rafa fan). Possible surprise U.S. Open winners could be Del Potro or one of the Andys. Sadly, I don't think Rafa has returned to his stellar self yet. At least Nadal and Federer are on opposite sides of the draw (though I'm not betting they'll meet in the final). Just a hunch.

Will Serena find her A game and win another slam this year? I wouldn't put it past her.

We're five days away from the U.S. Open. I debated going to NY to see the action up close and personal, but unfortunately fiduciary common sense had to prevail. Ah, well.

Until the real action starts, allow me to take a moment or two to talk about my experience with tennis. My dad taught me how to play when I was 11 or 12 (late by today's standards). My younger sister, however, got pegged as the athletic one and competed from 12-14. I never really found a toehold, though I played tennis (poorly and with little confidence) on the high-school tennis team.

When I picked up my racquet again this spring, something had shifted. For one thing, I have greater flexibility, thanks to doing yoga regularly for the past 15 or so months. That has made a huge difference.

I have a natural two-handed backhand (thanks, Dad!) and have worked to improve the mechanics of my forehand and serve, for starters. I'm playing at the 3.0 level, by the way. I've also been playing on a team. Matches definitely get the adrenalin pumping, but they're not so terror-inducing as they were in May.

The thing is that I want to be on the court every day (I manage to play 2-3 times a week). For the first time in my life, I'm thinking of myself as an athlete. That's a pretty stunning development for a lifelong reader and spectator.

I have a decent serve, which gives me a modicum of pleasure. I'm taking lessons and going to a clinic now and again. It's a real joy. If only I could do more of it.