The ascendant Serb

In the Paris Masters final against Gael Monfils, Novak Djokovic didn't look as indomitable as he did when he rode roughshod over Rafael Nadal in the semis. Give the Serb credit. He hung in, even when his body language telegraphed his fear that the flamboyant Frenchman would pull out a victory in the end. Djokovic won 6-2, 5-7, 6-6 (3). Crazy match. Djokovic was up 3-0 in the second and looked like he had the thing in the bag when his powerful forehand started going South. The win was Novak's first Master's 1000 title, and it puts him in a strong position going into the year-end tournament in London (Nov. 22-29). Especially since he beat Federer in the final in Basel the week before beating Rafa in Paris. He's got to be flying high.

On a less celestial note, I played in a social doubles gathering hosted by my tennis club, the Gay Lesbian Tennis Federation, in Golden Gate Park. There were about 30 of us players of various levels who came to play and eat BBQ. Social doubles is a nice idea in theory, but how can you play and not compete? My erstwhile player traded up to play with more competitive folks. And I ate lots of crow at the racquets of some 4.0 players and higher. Best part of the day was when a truly nice guy, Daniel, gave me some pointers. Not everyone is out for blood.

Serena's triumph, pt. 2

This from Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated:

Though overshadowed by Agassi-gate (is it just reflexive to add "gate" to any scandal?), there was a significant event played last week, the WTA Sony Ericsson Championships. Serena Williams beat Venus Williams in the final and, more important, will finish the year ranked No. 1. Consider this a rare and much-needed dose of sanity.

Nobody does it better

At the year-end Sony Ericsson Championships, Serena was in the zone. The zen zone. In four matches, she only dropped one set. She beat Venus in the finals yesterday 6-4, 7-6(4). After Dinara Safina spent much of 2009 ranked #1 without winning a Slam, Serena's win here should put an end to those tiresome conversations (and blog posts) about who the real best woman player is in the world. Is there really any doubt?

Make her stop!

During the masters championships in Doha, Tracy Austin interviewed the players before they went on court to play their matches. For the players, these interviews are a contractual obligation. For the viewers, they're a waste of time, at best. The players can't be faulted for recycling the same phrases: They're going to play their best, etc. Very dull. Tracy Austin, however, is simpering and ingratiating. Today when she interviewed the Williams sisters before their final, it was especially painful. Both Venus and Serena tried not to seem dismissive of Austin's questions. They weren't altogether successful (nor could I blame them). I love the Tennis Channel (and they're not the only outlet that uses these pre-match interviews) but I, for one, wouldn't think losing these moments with the players would be a bad thing.

Who's your hero?

When erstwhile Tennis Channel reporter Tracy Austin asked Serena Williams who she looks up to, she hesitated, then named Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer and songwriter of Green Day. Serena had just revealed that Green Day are her favorite musical artists.

The little Q&A session, which the Tennis Channel aired during changeovers, was kind of lame. Some of the other questions included: Do you prefer cats or dogs? Would you rather shop for shoes or purses? (Serena chose the former. Venus, in her parallel Q&A, couldn't choose.) Vee also chided her kid sister for selecting Armstrong as her hero. When Austin asked who Venus thought Serena should have named, she responded with Jesus Christ. Frankly, I found it refreshing S. didn't go the predictable Jehovah route.

Another question: What would you be doing if you weren't playing tennis? Vee: A music producer. Serena: An actress, probably a struggling one.

Austin also asked each woman how they want to be remembered after they wrap up their tennis careers. Venus wants to be remembered as fun, nice, a good person. And Serena said for her at the end of the figurative day, it won't be about her collection of Grand Slam titles but the good she's able to do building schools in Africa and helping those less fortunate than her with her tennis winnings. Pretty cool.

Tennis player or otherworldly being?

Gilles Simon has a great game. No doubt about it. He and Djokovic had a great match in the quarterfinals in Shanghai last week. Every time I see the Frenchman (especially since he's sprouted the mangy growth some might call a beard), I think he looks like a werewolf or vampire. I know the sun's rays are damaging, but the guy is in dire need of a tan. He looks freakishly pale and unhealthy.

Rafa update

Andy Roddick and Juan Martin Del Potro both made first-round exits in the China Open. Rafael Nadal, however, got through in a tough match against Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis (are there any other tennis players on the tour from Cypress?) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. This tournament in Beijing will determine which players will book a berth in the year-end championships.