Open Thread: Washington Semifinal -- #1 Andy Roddick vs. John Isner
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 5:30 PM EDT
in Match Threads
114 comments
After the garbage that was the del Potro-Gonzalez semifinal, the Washington crowd will hopefully have the day salvaged by the night session, in which top seed Andy Roddick takes on unseed John Isner in a battle of ace-happy Americans. It's also a rematch of their 2007 final here in Washington, which is the only time the two have played one another before tonight.
Feel free to awe at the big serving or bemoan the lack of any point lasting longer than four shots. All opinions and sides are welcome. I'll especially like you if you say something about how terrible that first semifinal was too, because...yeesh.
The match starts at 7 PM EST, and is airing on ESPN2 in the US.
See y'all here.
0 recs |
114 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
In the prematch interview, Isner tells Brad Gilbert that he’s feeling tired. That can’t be good for him.
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 7:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
By the way
I hope for the winner of this match to double-bagel Del Potro in the final! He’s not one of my favorites anyway, his game’s extremely boring, and he deserves a beating after stinking up the place today.
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 7:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, agreed, and agreed.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't be any worse...
Well this match for sure can’t be any worse than the earlier SF or the LA women’s match between Cirstea and Stosur…
by TScott415 on Aug 8, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ominous looking skies here, hope rain doesn’t make an appearance…
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
who won Cirstea-Stosur, BTW?
hmm?
Andy shouldn’t baby too much here. Isner’s forehand is more potent these days.
by Soy Latte, Double Shot on Aug 8, 2009 7:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stosur in straight sets.
AND I gave Darren Cahill a tidbit about Stosur losing her four previous finals even though she won the first set every time. If he uses that on air, lemme know!
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very Easy Hold For Roddick...
…shocker.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isner needs to get some free points off his serve if he’s saying he’s tired before the match and he wants to stay in this.
by Jtdrum10 on Aug 8, 2009 7:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Definitely. Even though he’s the king of 7-6 in the third (7 of his 11 wins in Washington have come in that form), straight sets would be to his advantage.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isner isn’t putting much on his groundstrokes at all, he needs to step that up or he could be in for a quick night
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah his groundstrokes seem to have no weight on them at all. Roddick’s have improved a ton lately and he should be able to take advantage soon enough if they get in some rallies.
by TScott415 on Aug 8, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two break points saved by Roddick.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pair of love holds to 3-2
That’s more what I would expect.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
VERY nice slice approach down the line there by Roddick.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
KILL HIM ANDY!
Seriously, Isner has a respectable game, can’t hate him for just being alive anymore.
by Mile on Aug 8, 2009 7:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL, how generous.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
interesting that stands are packed ...
… in DC, but nowhere near that in LA.
by Soy Latte, Double Shot on Aug 8, 2009 7:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yea its crazy the stands there are so empty all the time for the ladies
by TScott415 on Aug 8, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I swear the crowd for Radwanska-Cirstea barely cracked triple digits.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The DC crowds have always been amazing, and the L.A. crowds just about always suck :D.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is odd since Southern Cal has such a huge reputation for being a tennis center for players
by Jtdrum10 on Aug 8, 2009 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True. The crowds are decent at Indian Wells though, and (were) good at San Diego. Just an LA thing I guess. They’re all too busy buying purse dogs.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
returns back in play
= points for Roddick
by Soy Latte, Double Shot on Aug 8, 2009 7:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
7 games in 24 minutes. Not wasting a lot of time out there.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who creates a name like “Soy Latte, Double Shot”? Must be one of thse people from the west coast.
by Mile on Aug 8, 2009 7:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Andy gets his first look at a break point…
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And Isner survives, even with a second serve.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great running
pass and putaway backhand from Andy.
by Soy Latte, Double Shot on Aug 8, 2009 7:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ballsy drop shot from Isner there.
And by ballsy I mean “dumb, but he got away with it.”
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Very good
He doesn’t seem nervous at all.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
140 mph from Roddick.
Fastest serve I’ve seen this week.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is fun stuff after all of the hotmess we’ve been seeing for the last few days.
by Mile on Aug 8, 2009 7:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely. I don’t know that it was on the air anywhere, but Isner-Berdych was good too.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isner needs to be getting more first serves in, Roddick doesn’t need any help on returning
by Jtdrum10 on Aug 8, 2009 7:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm rooting for Isner
I like to see new guys do well.
by srberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isner is only winning 76% of points on his first serve.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WOW
Hell of a running forehand pass off of a nice Isner volley to give Roddick his first set/break point.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Someone just shouted “He’s no Federer, Andy, you can do it!”
Backhanded support is always the most meaningful.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tiebreak time…
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 7:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve read better blogs, but TDF is pretty good. ;)
by Mile on Aug 8, 2009 7:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You’re too kind ;)
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Minibreak for Isner
Easy forehand long by Roddick gives Isner 3-2.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If it was, it wasn’t an obvious one.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't get rattled by that netcord...
Great composure by Isner for 4-2
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, hell of a half volley for a 6’9’’ guy.
5-2 Isner
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And then a phenomenal slice that caught Andy off guard for another minibreak.
6-2 Isner.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
7-3 Isner takes the first.
Utterly incredible stuff from him, and the first set Roddick’s lost since one you may remember. You know, that 16-14 one.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just announced...
…it’s a sell out here in Washington, 7,500.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Roddick needs to convert on this break point here.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that was crucial for him to get ahead in this set. He has been trailing early in many of his sets this week but I doubt he could come back from a set and a break down
by TScott415 on Aug 8, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too casual from Isner on that second break point, Roddick breaks for 1-0.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isner just about killed ten spectators with that smash.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isner and 3rd set tie breakers
Isner is gonna have to battle here, as Andy is definitely looking ready to rumble. But, Isner is 7-0 in 3rd set tb’s in Washington. That is just incredible…
by the fan child on Aug 8, 2009 8:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely incredible. 7 of his 11 career wins in DC have come that way.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That kind of clutch bodes well for Isner in terms of slams – he’s gonna make a huge jump in the rankings this week no matter what – good for him…
by the fan child on Aug 8, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely, but he doesn’t seem to have the same fight so far in his career when playing outside the US.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Noted…American tennis definitely doesn’t travel well – luckily they won’t have to travel until after Labor day…
by the fan child on Aug 8, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome backhand to bring up some BPs for Andy
by TScott415 on Aug 8, 2009 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He pretty much sealed the set there…time for a decider…
by the fan child on Aug 8, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2-4 15-40...
Two more break points for Roddick to go up another break
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And he does
This is the best Roddick has looked all week.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Set point Roddick
…and a backhand clips the back of the line for 6-2.
We’re going three, people.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Set Point for Roddick...
…and a backhand clips the back of the line for 6-2.
We’re going three, people.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Predictions?
I say Roddick, 6-4
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Isner doesn’t break in the first couple games this set he has no chance.
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he'd have a shot in a breaker
But early break against and he’s toast.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quick 0-30 for Roddick on Isner’s first service game, this could be all she wrote.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That was practically a serve.
From the baseline, right in the corner of the ad-side box.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And my prediction will come after this game :P
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 8:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Johnny so clutch.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Roddick is challenging, but that looked good to me.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Shows what I know.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two great backhand passes in the last three points from Roddick!
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Second break point saved by Isner.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And Isner Holds
That was huge.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Aces somehow get Isner through that game, and one good volley to help it along.
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m agreeing with Ben’s prediction, 6-4 Roddick.
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You don’t get too many points like that last one. Didn’t see Roddick put the hand up either, hmm…
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 8:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What happened there?
Missed whatever happened with Roddick’s hand…
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HA
That missed drop shot was almost reminiscent of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7MQQ34Z1TU
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Baby crying between serves
Glad Isner didn’t double fault.
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 8:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
2 holds down, 4 to go for Isner. Not bad.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 8:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well said – a break for Isner looks very unlikely…If he gets his return game dialed in, he could be even more dangerous on the hard courts…great match so far…
by the fan child on Aug 8, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some real nice finesse from Roddick.
His slice is very underrated.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The View from the Press Box
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man that’s pixelated, almost looks like a painting.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As Much As I want Isner to get a big win...
I also want to see Roddick v. Del Potro…
by the fan child on Aug 8, 2009 9:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
With how bad del Potro looked today, I’m thinking this is a de facto final.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but he wasn’t tested today – he’ll rise to a challenge – it should be a fun match…I think Andy’s looking more determined though…
by the fan child on Aug 8, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
3-3
Halfway to the tiebreak…
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tougher lob than it might have looked like on TV, but still a bad miss by Isner.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
4 Holds Down, 2 To Go For Isner
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Moment of truth...
4-4, Ad-Roddick
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice volley by Isner that even a Gimelstobian dive from Roddick can’t get back.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
5 down, 1 to go...
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
5-5, 15-40...
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice body serve saves the first.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But an inside out forehand misses on the second, break to Roddick for 6-5.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Isner finally folds. He gave it a really good run, but Roddick was too good in the end.
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 9:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the big man’s played his best match ever today, much better than his performance against Berdych or Tsonga or any match in Indy this year or Washington last year. It’s so sad that he has to lose in the semifinal when someone who put in a performance like Del Potro did goes through.
by Togtdyalttai on Aug 8, 2009 9:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And Roddick holds to love, wins 6-7(3), 6-2, 7-5
Hell of a match by both.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for being here folks...
…we’ll do another open thread for the final tomorrow, 3 PM EST Sunday.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 8, 2009 9:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanShots on The Daily Forehand
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
