Bleacher Report - Articles by Cindy Hopcus

No More Djoker in The Deck

Cindy Hopcus — Sat, 30 May 2009 18:49:49 -0400

The stunned expression on the face of the crowd at the bullring was truly met with similar looks on those of us watching on TV.

Novak has lost. Phillip Kohlschreiber played his best offense and defense today and it was enough to take the match in 3 sets.

Djokovic seemed unable to find his rhythm during most of the match. His legs did not show the usual agility that we've all come to admire in his game.

Phillip had arrived at Round Three with extra confidence. Perhaps it was that feeling of elevated confidence that gave him the ability to defeat one of the best clay court players currently on the ATP tour.

Today was also a day of frustration for Serena Williams. During a crucial break-point in the fifth game of the first set, her volley hit the forearm of Spanish player Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez. The chair umpire did not see the incident clearly and after Serena apologizes to Maria for hitting her, the umpire awarded the break point to the Spanish player.

Only when the TV showed a playback in SLOW MOTION, did we see what Serena saw. The umpire did not correct the call and the emotions of the missed call seem to cost Serena the first set.

Tennis is a game of trust and honesty. I don't know if Maria realized that the ball had struck her arm before it hit her racket, but lets hope that she had an opportunity to see a replay and speak with Serena.

Serena went on to channel that frustration to win the match and continue on toward her quest for the title.

Federer played another four setters today. This time Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu came with renewed energy from the French crowd. Mathieu took the first set and the crowds went wild.

Even with the electric energy supplied by the tennis fans on Court Phillip Chatrier, Roger prevailed with some "Feder-esk" magic of his own.

Roger looked to be flying through the third set in his usual form, when Paul-Henri found his game renewed with the desire to win. The fourth set ended with high drama as the Frenchman blocked Rogers’s first set point.

As anyone who has watched Roger Federer play, then you know that his serve is one of his biggest weapons and that is exactly which tool he used to win the match. He served well and followed it up with a great cross-court hit drawing the error from his opponent.

It was a great day seven at Roland Garros. The weather was magnificent, the crowd was lively and the anticipation of tomorrow’s play is on the minds of those lucky Sunday ticket holders.

The French Open News: Away With Tennis Trash

Cindy Hopcus — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:58:15 -0400

If you have had the pleasure of watching the current French Open matches you might find the following Internet articles very puzzling.

Some articles point out the tragic state of affairs regarding Rafael Nadal's game. Never mind that he hasn't dropped a set in three Rounds, 32 sets in a row and counting.

One article claims that world No.1 is struggling because of his loss in Madrid. I watched his matches and it didn't look like Madrid was anywhere near his mind set.

Another writer insists that Roger Federer's difficult Round Two match against Jose Acasuso was Federer at his best. I didn't see Roger at his best during that particular match. In fact, if Acasuso had held his form it may have been a much too early exit for Federer.

Andy Murray has not escaped the media circus either. Evidently, there is a ridiculous contention of writers who feel that Murray is a new King of Clay, or that he will never win at Roland Garros.

How do these enlightened sport writers come up with this stuff?

Either way, you don't want to take these radically spun tales—it’s mostly nonsense!

The players have all given their best and no one wants to be sent home early. The one thing all the players strive for and need to is continue to play better and better tennis.

Nadal's form is getting better with each passing match. Roger utilized his skills, as did Andy to battle back when it looked grim in their Second Round matches.

Did these two competitors give up?

NO, they kept their heads and found their games to come back and show the world why they are No.2 and No.3 in the world.

There is very little conversation about Andy Roddick in the US. I find that odd since he is the last US player left in the tournament.

I guess his rise or fall, depending upon who is writing the articles, is not as Internet worthy as trashing some great clay—court players.

I love a great tennis match. I appreciate straight talk about games. I don't understand the need to place regurgitated or stale comments about tennis and players into the public arena.

If you are a professional sport writer, then you must keep both feet firmly placed on the ground, and find a way to take the match states and moments to elevated heights.

But never ever start your article in the basement, it may never get out!

We have an old saying here in the states—"One man's trash is another man's treasure." This fan requests less trash and more treasure!

I love to read others' opinions on the sport, but after all, it's only one person's opinion and should be tempered with facts along the way.

Passion for the game and players is the key to a great article. When I watch Spanish No.1 hitting an amazing point, my heart races. Murray makes another amazing volley, my mind wonders with excitement:"How does he do that!"

What does Federer do to keep up his tennis game to have held the No.1 spot for so long!

No matter whom you’re rooting for in Paris, just make sure you are writing articles worthy of the players' effort.

These gifted sportsmen and women didn't just pick up a racket yesterday. We watch a lifetime of hard work playing out on the terre battue!

It should always be respected even on a bad day.

Can One Player Really Be Called 'The' GOAT?

Cindy Hopcus — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:38:17 -0400

Tennis today is so technically advanced it cannot be compared to the games of even a mere 20 years ago. Tennis has traveled far from its humble beginnings.

Gone are the casual forehands and volley’s of a gentle game played on grass by women wearing long skirts and hats, and men in long pants and white shirts.

The wood rackets of the past are a far cry from the super charged graphite rackets of today’s game. Even the color of the ball has changed so that it’s easier to see. These advanced rackets are strung with highly engineered polyester strings; strings that help make the impossible shots possible.

So with all the advancements in the game, how can we say which player is 'the' GOAT? Each era produced amazing players for their time and the type of game tennis was then.

You can’t say that big Bill Tilden’s game wasn’t as good as Rod Laver’s, it was simply different. Roger Federer has had an unbelievable run but what if you put a wooden racket and a white tennis ball in his hand, would he have beat Borg or Connor on clay or grass?

What about Margaret Court's game versus Billie Jean King? How would you compare their achievements in tennis with Martina Navratilova or Chris Evert? Steffi Graff had an fabulous record in tennis. The Williams sisters are the strongest women's in the WTA now that Justine Heninhas retired after her fabulous run. I dare anyone to say that these women's accomplishments aren't as important and GOAT worthy as their male counterparts.

The title Greatest Player Of All Time is to subjective to be given to just one player. Respecting all the tennis greats, both men and women, that have come and will eventually go, it would be impossible and unjust to rate them against each other.

I believe that Henry Lacoste would be thrilled with the clay court game of Rafael Nadal. Rafa’s game would not have been possible back in the early matches at Roland Garros. How can you compare Nadal to Borg, the technology is so different. They are both champions on the terre battue.

Fred Perry might have said that Pete Sampras and Roger Federer have taken his beloved Wimbledon to a new level. Perry would have been right, but it is a different game now then back in Perry’s day.

I don’t believe that anyone who is striving for the title of GOAT is ever going to completely own that title. As long as people from bygone eras are around to remember their version of the greatest match ever played, then the GOAT is a mute point.

The GOAT lives on in the heart and mindset of each fan in each era. I will always cherish the matches I grew up watching. With such tennis champions like McEnroe, Connor and Borg, the game seemed at its height of tennis mastery.

You have to love today’s rivalries with Nadal, Federer, and Murray. These players bring a new meaning to “You Can’t Be Serious!”

Rod Laver is right. Today’s game is so different from his time in the tennis limelight that there cannot be just one GOAT. Perhaps they should award a GOAT title to one player from each era and not the game it self.

Amazing records will come and go. The record holders will be revered for their accomplishments and the game of tennis will evolve. Today we have Federer trying to match Sampras’ record of 14 slams. We have Nadal going into Roland Garros with the hope of bringing home a never done before, 5th consecutive title.

The number and types of tennis records we already have make a very long list. Let’s enjoy those records and let the GOAT’s graze naturally in their timely pasture of grass, clay or asphalt.

Roger Federer: Travelling Companion Wanted

Cindy Hopcus — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:24:25 -0400

Now is the time that all great tennis players dig deep and give their all to the game. Sometimes that means getting help from the right people.

The former world number one seed, Roger Federer, is struggling and needs to find his former balance. He should seek a traveling companion (not necessarily a coach) to help him find his confidence.

This person needs to be of strong character, understand the pressures of being a tennis star, and be willing to continuously bolster a top performer’s ego.

This man (ladies need not apply, sorry), must have experience with the media as well as a large fan base that has come to expect perfection from their much beloved champion.

Travelling is a must. He must be willing and able to see the world, stay in five star hotels, and be fluent in many different languages—he must order room service internationally.

Trust is a key component of this working relationship—all the conversations and sessions between the champion and his hired confidant must always and forever remain in the vault. No tell-all books will be written in the future.

He must have a good sense of humor. Humor can be used to lighten the moments when the pressures gets to be too much for a mere mortal. Laughter can sometimes find a place in the champion’s heart when he is struggling and needs to release the tension.

Above all, this position requires understanding. It is not easy being the “former” world number one. You must always remember to treat him with respect and also find a way to realign his “stubborn” ways. He is a champion and should be reminded daily!

Only serious personnel need apply.

There is No Subsitution For Watching Your Favorite Sport Live

Cindy Hopcus — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:02:01 -0400

The view from my hotel room could not compete with that of my seat in the Loge area or the grounds of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

My views of this journey began five months earlier when I selected and paid for my tickets to the 2009 PNB Paribas Open. I spent months day dreaming about which tennis stars would be in attendance and which would autograph the many objects of tennis memorabilia that I planned on taking with me.

As life happens, something’s just didn't materialize they way I had envisioned them, something’s, but happily not everything! I got sick just before the event and so my experience in Palm Springs was spent at the venue some of the time and stuck in my hotel room the rest of it.

All the major players, minus a few early round departures, were in their magnificent form strolling between practice courts and the outside stadiums that would provide them with a cheering section to help them vanquish their opponents. The tennis garden never looked lovelier.

I was busy looking out towards the grassy area where many players were involved in a pick up game of soccer (very big in tennis!). Who should walk right up behind me but El Rey himself, Rafael Nadal.

Turning around at the request of my husband, there was Rafa standing right next to me. I can tell you my heart was beating faster than the revolutions of his well hit tennis balls. He was so very polite and signed my Spanish flag.

As a fan, most of you can imagine how much positive energy these encounters have on your outlook of the game as well as that amazing moment when you come face to face with a human version of your favorite athlete.

I wish that every sports fan could have a positive "moment" with that special athlete, those athletes that make them scream at their TV's cheering them on to victory.

During my few days at the event I saw and obtained many autographs from players and personalities. Darren Cahill was there coaching Verdasco, he, as well as Fernando, graciously signed my memorabilia.

Nick Bolletieri and Bud Collins told some wonderful stories to those lucky enough to have had the good fortune to spend a few minutes with these legends.

David Nalbandian is much larger and more personable than the camera portrays him. Tsonga was there wearing a stocking cap and unfortunately ignoring the fans who asked for his autograph (poor form Jo-Willy). The Spanish players Lopez, Ferrer, and Robredo were having a great time signing away and playing fabulous tennis.

For the Nole fans, there was plenty of Novak to go around. DJ was in good form off the court and greeting the people who came across his path with genuine appreciation for their attentions. Unlike Tsonga, Gasquet, Simon, and Monfils were happy to sign and talk with the kids and adults who were clamoring for a quick acknowledgment from their French tennis idols.

Some of the tennis elite were less willing to rub elbows with the masses. Unfortunately Andy Roddick and Andy Murray were always carted back and forth on golf carts and could only manage a blank stare at their fans as they quickly drove past. Perhaps their game focus was too great to realize what they were missing off the courts.

James Blake and Roger Federer were stellar ambassadors for tennis again this year. The staff at the event was up to the task and made the players and attendee’s comfortable.

The WTA was well represented by top players and some wonderful surprises too. The Russian players were very happy to say hello to the crowds even when the language barrier was sometimes evident, they were true professionals who saw the opportunity to give back to the fans who were so happy to seem them.

The young American WTA players were having a great time and seemed calm amid the large number of fans that crowded around them.

My next view came from, of all things, my laptop. Here in the U.S., the tennis coverage is not as it ought to be. FSN had the TV rights this year and chose to show very limited coverage. Unfortunately if you missed those few hours of coverage you missed the match (and I do mean single match) of their televised day.

The network was unfortunate in their choice of which matches to show, they completely missed the late night match of the fort night, showcasing Nadal and Nalbandian. I would say check out the taped replay, but they did not make one! Tennis Channel has no competition when it comes to covering tennis in the U.S.

Now stuck in bed at the hotel with no view of tennis in sight, I remembered my wonderful laptop.

I simply opened up the ATP World Tour web page and went to their live coverage of the Open. The price of this video stream is not more than a good ticket at the real event and that price gives you the ability to view any of the ATP/WTA matches for the entire year!

Watching from your hotel room is not the best way to get your money worth from your ticket, but it beats watching a blank TV screen. Many thanks to those wonderful men and women at the webcast office for caring about those fans who suffer from lack of coverage of their favorite sports!

Nadal’s final was a master’s class in how to play in the wind and still come up with the goods! Miss Zvonareva was able to guide her shots through the turbulence more often than Ana, but both ladies gave it their best shots.

Until tickets go on sale again next fall, I will just have to hold onto my views and the happy memories of my time at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Tennis' Magic of "The Ticket"

Cindy Hopcus — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:00:03 -0500

I am holding tightly to my magic ticket, waiting in line with thousands of others anticipating where the day will lead us. We have not one, but several goals to achieve today. Each adventure we take will lead us to a new understanding for the game and a different perspective on how the game works.

Those ticket holders around me seem anxious to take in the energy of the event. A sea of smiles everywhere; some of the ticket bearers are running to their designated areas, while others walk casually as though their appointment with destiny can wait.

Not all tickets hold the same magical power, you see. Some tickets allow the holder to enter a world they have only seen on television, a world in which now their heroes are able to hear their cheers. Their delight expressed with each magnificent shot is followed by an audible whisper of awe that may propel their player to win the coveted point.

This ticket brings something extraordinary to its owner. This magical ticket allows that person to become the type of athlete that they have only dreamed of.

With each amazing game, the ticket holder becomes more than a spectator at the match. They become transformed into their favorite tennis star.

You can watch their bodies lurch with excitement during an intense rally. With every body blow at the net the ticket holder is volleying their own winner at the opponent. You can see the adrenaline rush in the eyes of each lucky ticket holder as they embrace the effort made by the gladiators on center court.

These ticket holders experience a special celebration of joy and heartache other persons watching on television are not invited to. They feel the weight of a silent crowd as it hears the sound of the ball hurling through the air to be met with a crushing return.

These lucky few become part of the match. Their ticket has given them the ability to transcend time and space to become their favorite tennis icon, even if it is only for the duration of the match.

The next ticket is a fierce sight to behold. This ticket allows its owner to get through to places near or on the court that make the other ticket holders green with envy. This ticket is so special it doesn’t get scanned and placed back into a pocket or bag; no, it has to be displayed by those few who are able to acquire it in all its splendor to be admired and coveted.

This ticket is elusive and precious to be sure. It creates an opportunity for a mere mortal to actually meet with the tennis players in the confines of their kingdom and perhaps become immortalized in a photo along with the likes of Federer, Nadal, Murray, Serena, or Venus.

This extraordinary ticket comes with a price. This price is sometimes equated with money, but it may also represent years of hard work and appreciation for tennis that has brought its owner to the level of respect bestowed upon those who wear this ticket.

Anyone can buy this experience if they choose to pay the going rate, but it is the coaches, the venue staff, and the legions of trainers, physios, and family members who truly wear this honorable ticket with pride.

They understand the significance of the achievement and struggles it took to earn that coveted ticket. These people have worked in inclement weather, sometimes for little to no pay, often leaving their families for lengthy periods of time to travel with the players to each event.

These grand ticket holders have taken their love of the game and its disciplines to heart and live the experience in and away from the glitz and glamour of a major tournament.

Their golden ticket is more than a way to access better courtside seats or be close to the players; their ticket has taken them on a different adventure, one that only a few are chosen to travel.

K.O. in Round One at Australian Open!

Cindy Hopcus — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:58:32 -0500

Well it’s that time again when Nadal fans the world over were treated to a tennis clinic courtesy of Nadal. I must give credit to his opponent, Rochus. The Belgian had an uphill climb from the start and his willingness to stay into the ring and not give up should be herald too! Rafa came to win, and the one two punch delivered.

To those people watching who say that Nadal cannot play on hard court, I hope you had your feast with plenty of water to wash it down. His Uncle Toni has been at work again reinventing Nadal the 09 model. It seems to have been a success. Although female fans the world over miss the sleeveless shirt.

What I noticed about the Spanish phenom is that his serve was better and that his shot placement with his new follow through seems spot on. If you don't believe me then listen to the playback from the ESPN commentators. Brad Gilbert and Darren Cahill both stated that this year the 22 year old jumped out of the blocks!

So far the usual seeds came through with flying colors and that makes the AO even more interesting. Sorry to see Feliciano Lopez departure so early in the tournament, as well as Querry, Hewitt, and Ginepre. Rest up guys because soon it will be clay court season again!

Federer and Djokovic came to the party to show their skills on day one also. Giles Simon seemed to make one amazing shot after another. Andy Murray came to show us what all the press is talking about, but his opponent was not up to the task. The heat on the courts took more than one good player out of contention.

Watching the best in the world play tennis is even more fun because of the crowd participation. The Aussie contingent never lets you down. There is such a great presence of European, South American and American fans too that it looks like the UN at a giant tail gate party.

What happens tonight will be great fun to watch, or is that TVO? Even a 16 hour time difference makes getting up in the middle of the night well worth it! Thanks to all the U.S. television viewers for hanging in there. Who knows maybe we'll be seeing more televised tennis tournaments here in the states in '09!

Up Top Down Under

Cindy Hopcus — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:29:35 -0500

In most of the Northern Hemisphere it is cold and wet and it feels like the world is asleep. Thank heavens tennis is back like a heat wave bringing energy to our lives through the gift of television.

I printed out the men's single draw to get a glimpse of the weeks to come. I was happy to see the number 1 next to Rafael Nadal's name and it reminded me that 2008 however great it was is past and 2009 is here with all its ups and downs not unlike a great roller coaster ride.

Listening to everyone fuss over Andy Murray makes me grin. He has been playing great tennis as of late and he seems to be finding his feet with each passing slam. The big questions is can Andy handle the pressure of the crowds, the press and the weight of his country's hope? I think that the odds makers are wrong on this call, sorry Andy.

Federer is graciously giving interviews to remind everyone that he is there to play and to win regardless of the odds makers view of the open. Can he equal the great Sampras? He sure is going to try, though there is that pesky problem of the others who have recently been able to unlock the key to "how to beat Roger".

The returning champ, Djokovic, is busy playing a warm up and so the media hasn't been buzzing as much about him yet. I'm certain though that his talent and ego will soon be felt in OZ as days pass and challengers fall by the way side.

The other strong contenders are chomping at the bit for a little press time to regail their stories of triumph they are sure will thrill us over the next fort night. Tsonga, Simon and Gasquet have played some great tennis against each other and so who knows what surprises they may have in store for us.

He is back, Lleyton Hewitt is back. I'm calling him the "bionic bunny" this year. I don't think he will go deep this year due to the talent of Gonzalez. It will be a great match to watch partly because of the home crowd who always deliver great energy and also because these two have never played one another! I believe that Hewitt will have a better year in 09 and that he is far from hanging up his racket!

Now for the US players, all of them. Roddick will see action but I don't believe he will be able to go past the quarterfinals. Blake will be fabulous as always, and I wish him the best of luck in his draw. Sam Querry will surprise us with some amazing shots.

I see Nadal/Federer in the final with Nadal in four sets. Who ever told Rafa that he needed to mature his image at 22 was wrong! We miss the sleeveless shirts and long pants, Bring Them Back! Nadal on top down under!