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Tennis: U.S. Open 2005

Liz Clarke
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2005; 12:00 PM

Washington Post staff writer Liz Clarke was online Friday, Sept. 9, at noon
ET to chat about this year's U.S. Open tennis tournament

Liz Clarke: Greetings from New York, where it's another lovely day--a
stunning run of terrific weather for this tournament. The men's doubles final
is underway now, and both women's semis will follow this afternoon, with Mary
Pierce taking on Elena Dementieva, and Maria Sharapova facing Kim Clijsters.
Am happy to chat about anything that's on your mind tennis-wise! Liz

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Bethesda, Md.: What match is more memorable? The quarterfinal between Agassi
and Sampas ('91 I think) or the match between Agassi and Blake?

I'm going with the latter because it went five sets and ended with a tie
break. It doesn't get any better than that.

Liz Clarke: I agree with you. And if it gives both of us anymore clout,
former pro Luke Jensen (French Open doubles champ in early 90s) agrees. I was
talking to him yesterday Agassi/Blake, and he brought up the Agassi-Sampras
QF as being terrific as well. But his view was that Agassi-Blake was more
thrilling, and more memorable, because there were so many great rallies. In
his view, Sampras's serve was so overwhelming, that the match was 'SERVE!'
point over; 'Serve' point over! for long stretches.

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Arlington, Va.: It's been a great Open on the men's side (I'm so glad I
didn't go to bed after the second set of the Blake-Agassi match!)but please
explain how anyone (i.e., USA & CBS commentators) can use the word "depth"
with regard to the women's side. The early matches were boring, and it wasn't
until this week that anything interesting happened for the women. Also, when
someone comments that Serena needs to work on "fitness" does that mean she
could stand to lose some pounds?

Liz Clarke: You're so right. In fact I was on the verge of writing something
about how very lop-sided the first week of women's matches were; as I recall
from stats I compiled, the top 7 seeds after 3 rounds (once you take out
Kuznetsova, who lost 1sr Round) had not lost a set. They were steamroll
matches lasting less than an hour in general. Anyway, the day I was writing
that, Sharapova nearly lost to Petrova, so I bagged the idea. but the point
is valid from 10 or so back; there is not much depth, though unexpected
results DO occur.

re: serena, yes, I think fellow pros, commentators all feel that Serena is
carrying too much weight to be as effective as she once was. but that's
hardly the only issue. And I don't get the sense that it's meant as any
aesthetic critique: Just that it's a favor in why she's not as quick on the
court and gets visibly winded more easily. Look at the players having
late-career resurgences: Agassi, Davenport; Pierce--all have trimmed down,
both pounds and body fat, and credit their success, in large part, to that.

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Arlington, Va.: What are your final predictions?

Liz Clarke: ack. Is very hard to pick against Federer, of course. so
Federer-Agassi final, with the Swiss winning.

On women's side, I think Clijsters may just win her first Slam. Not that
you're asking, but I predict Clijsters-Dementieva final, with Clijsters
winning.

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Rockville, Md.: I would have to say that the U.S. Open is my favorite of the
4 slams, mainly because it is viewable at convenient hours. I can never get
in to the Aussie or French Open because by the time I get home at night, all
matches are over and scores have been shown. Wimbledon is fun to watch as
well for its historic feel and elegance, but it is still tough to wake up and
get into matches early in the morning. I know that there is nothing that can
be done, but do you believe this is a reason tennis isn't as big for US
viewers as other sports are?

Liz Clarke: Boy, I don't know about that. I wish it were that simple. I think
the failure is more deep-rooting than the sport's often inconvenient times.
It's still extremely popular in Europe and south America, but is dying in US.
The sport is run by at least 3 entities--(women's tour; men's tour;
International governing body; and here-USTA)--and they generally work at
cross purposes.

I think there's a brilliant dissertation topic for an MBA candidate in the
marketing success of NASCAR (which was a fringe, regional sport 20 years so)
and the marketing failure of tennis (which commanded a huge US audience a few
decades ago, and let it erode). Just a thought.

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Akron, Ohio: Just curious, if Jimmy Connors has made any comments on the
amazing run of Andre Agassi? It brings back memories of Jimmy's run back when
he was 39.

Liz Clarke: Yes, so many former players, fans, journalists have invoked
Connors' run in 1991 in wake of Agassi's charge here. Connors was scheduled
to show up here at National Tennis Center last night for a gala in honor of
World team Tennis, and I was among those eager to ask him his views on your
topic. But he sent word he couldn't make it to NY. read into it what you
will. he doesn't have much to do with tennis anymore; but he may have felt
his place as the sport's defining, defiant lion was being eclipsed a bit.

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San Francisco, CA: A legit question and a venting-steam question I don't
expect you to answer.

--How are unforced errors really determined? It seems like a subjective call
to me. What makes a missed shot definitively unforced?

-- How has Michael Barkann (USA Network) gotten himself an annual gig as the
roaming reporter and post-match interviewer? He doesn't seem that
knowledgeable about tennis (not that he needs to be to schmooze with Regis)
and is just an idiot, in general.

Liz Clarke: What a great 1st question. Unforced errors are indeed subjective
and determined by a statistician, who watches match from box above court. I
believe statistician is hired by IBM, which compiled official stats, but am
not sure. I should find this out--as well as whether there is a checklist or
criteria for defining unforced errors. great question.

on your other comment, I'm not familiar with the person you mentioned. I will
say, tho, that I've been so impressed with the insights of many of the former
players who do commentary--P McEnroe, Mary Carillo, especially; J McEnroe;
Courier, Tracy Austin. Oftentimes the courtside people are thrown into roles
that they're not as well versed in. Don't know if you heard courtside
post-match interview with Lleyton Hewitt after he won a tough 5-setter, but
it was so lame that the audience booed the reporter.

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Washington, D.C.: You really think Dementieva is going to win today? Sure,
she beat Lindsay. But Lindsay was not playing her best and Dementieva did not
look solid to me. Mary Pierce, on the other hand, is looking pretty solid.

Liz Clarke: You are so right. Lindsay played horribly; gave the match away.
And Pierce is the only SF who has yet to drop a set. And of course no one
would place money on what I think :-).

But I just think that Dementieva is an incredible fighter. She certainly has
strokes as powerful as Pierce's; she wont be blown off the court. Everyone
mocks her serve, which is a sad thing to behold. but it's so very peculiar
that it can be, in some sense, a weapon in itself. if it clears the net, of
course.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Liz -

I've been enjoying your reports from Flushing. I am a former teaching pro and
vet of many trips to Queens. If Agassi gets through Ginepri and assuming
Federer beats Leyton, can Andre make it an intersting final or is Federer
simply on another planet? Was the Agassi-Blake match the most energetic Open
crowd you've witnessed? Ted R. and Johnny Mac loved it from the USA booth.
Also, do you give your email address for non-chat business?

Liz Clarke: Thanks for the kind words. This is a wonderful assignment and I
am humbled every day trying to find words worthy of the matches.

Re Andre, have spoken at length this week to his trainer, Gil Reyes, and Brad
Gilbert, his former coach. Gilbert is esp emphatic that Agassi can rebound
from the 5 setter with no problem. Says Agassi is a beast; with 4% body fat
now; and given 2 1/2 days to rest, will be good as new. So if Federer wins,
which i think he will, it will not be because Andre is old and weary (unless
of course sciatica flares up, and then he is done). In my view, on anything
other than clay, Federer truly is an alien--playing in an orbit no one can
touch.

and my email for anyone & everyone is [email protected].

many thanks

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Washington, D.C.: Liz - I thought Connors was still involved in tennis
through his participation on the Senior's tour. Is he done with that too? I
went to the tour when Johnny Mac and Wilander brought it to DC. I don't think
Agassi's run this year compares to Connors' since Agassi is still a top-5
player and Connors definitely was not in 1991.

Liz Clarke: I am not sure about Connors' participation in seniors tour. I do
know that he returned to Wimbledon for the first time in years this year b/c
he had a paying gig as commentator for BBC. He was very prickly to everyone
else; has no interest in promoting the game, or his role in it, as far as I
can tell, unless money changes hands. I loved the heart he displayed on court
but have been disillusioned by the heart of the man.

as far as which run was more stunning--yes, what Connors accomplished at 39
in 1991, as a wild card, no less, is greater than what Agassi has done here.
There's nothing freakish about what Agassi has done in that he is a top 10
player, getting top-10 results routinely. but what IS freakish, sad to say,
is the grace and sportsmanship he brings to the game every time he steps on
court. I wish that were not worth noting; but it is b/c it stands out so much
by contrast to most of today's top athletes.

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The Scene ... : Can you tell us what it's like to actually be at the Open?
I've never been to a tournament -- only watch on TV -- and I'd love some
up-close, behind-the-scenes descriptions! What are the players like? Do you
have a favorite story from this tournament? Thanks so much!

Liz Clarke: wow, I wish I had forever to answer you question b/c if you had
told me at age 12, or 22, for that matter, I would ever be covering this, I
might have fainted. First thing you must know if that the first week is the
best. so come sometime in the first day or two; all the players are here,
often playing on small side courts where seats are really close. they also
practice here, and you can roam around and see them hit with hitting
partners, coaches, usually relaxed and chatty. if I could I would take you to
the players lounge, which is off limits to public. Reporters go there looking
for coaches, trainers to explain what's going on with the athletes in terms
of preparation, fitness, routine, etc. but as you troll for them, you cant
help but glimpse other details. I have loved, for ex, seeing steffi graf wait
in the hall leading to the court for agassi after his matches. She has their
son jaden Gil with her, and he is a gem, and runs out to meet his dad, so
excited, afterward. it is a private moment, so you feel a bit voyeuristic,
but it is very sweet b/c all the little boy wants is to see his dad again.
There's also a little playground outside players lounge for the children to
play in, which is neat to see. even press conferences can be very
revealing--as far as who has a sharp mind, sense of humor, etc - and you cant
get all of this into a story.

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Arlington, Va.: Are pro tennis players tested for steroids?

Liz Clarke: yes they are , women and men alike, after matches adn during the
season. on that front the biggest story this year has been the positive
results of 4 argentinian men. Canas, for one, was just slapped with a 2 year
suspension for it.

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Arlington, Va.: Re: Serena's fitness - yes, she is so clearly out of shape.
If you caught her at Wimbledon you saw she had a very noticeable pot belly!
My question is what would she have to gain by trying to play anyway? $$?
Points? Endorsement obligations?

Liz Clarke: Oh I don't think there's any question about Serena's love of the
game. And her love of competing. and winning. I certainly cant speak for her,
but what I see is that she is transformed when she steps on court. as far as
money, she has earned more than $15 million career earnings, which is surely
dwarfed by her income from endorsements. Without results on court, the
endorsements (as well as acting gigs) will gradually disappear. but I don't
see any evidence that she's competing for $$. Surely she's not competing for
points b/c she is playing so infrequently now. The question remains, tho,
where does tennis fit in with all the other things Serena enjoys
doing--acting, fashion design, reality TV show; celeb-about-town.

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Arlington, Va.: Would you say that the National Tennis Center has been more
crowded this year than in years past? I was surprised by how many people I
saw on the grounds last week and how many empty seats I saw in Ashe for the
late-night matches this week.

Liz Clarke: Godd question that has drawn much comment. The grounds have been
very crowded. and the tournament has set several attendance records this
year. It's tricky to judge crowds based on the empty or full seats you see on
TV screen b/c there is so much else going on at the same times. The second
biggest court, Louis Armstrong, has overflowed for several matches. to me the
key will be whether TV ratings improve. they hit an all-time low last year
for mens and women's final. that is the surest measure of the game's
popularity, at least in US

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Arlington, Va.: Re: courtside reporter (CBS's) after the Heweitt-Dent match.
I didn't realize that the crowd booed her but she got off lucky. I couldn't
believe how stupid her comments and questions were and, moreover, I couldn't
believe Hewitt's restraint and grace in his reply. (Though I don't think
Hewitt has actually ever decked a reporter.)

Liz Clarke: am so glad you heard this b/c I feared no one would know what I
was referring to. (in short, hewitt just WON a dogfight against Taylor Dent,
and the courtside reporter began her question to Hewitt: "So, he destroyed
your confidence and exposed all your weaknesses! Your thoughts?"

Hewitt was VERY restrained, let the crowd react for him, in a sense. He
wasn't as kind in the press conference afterward...:-)

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Washington, D.C.: Is Capriati ever going to come back, I miss her racquet
throwing and loud and obnoxious antics.

Liz Clarke: it's interesting how no one seems to care. you hear virtually NO
one in the game even asking about her; there is more talk, stunningly, about
whether Seles is coming back.

but I did ask about Capriati just last week and was told she is still working
out (tho no one has evidence of this), with an eye toward returning for 2006
Australian Open. She will be 30 then, I think. (shoulder surgery is what
sidelined her, but many of her peers have returned far more quickly from
comparable surgery)

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Wyomissing, Pa.: What can be done with the schedule to bring the men's
quarterfinal into a more friendly time instead of late-night TV.

Liz Clarke: I am no wizard, but it should not be that hard. IF this were the
NFL, for example, you couldn't imagine the commissioner leaving it up to
fate--and factors beyond NFL's control--just what time the Super Bowl would
start.

In this case the start time of Agassi-Blake match depended on how long the
previous match (Davenport-Dementieva) lasted. The women's match started late,
for one, b/c afternoon match ran long. Then women's match ran long, as well.

So, you could determine in advance that you wanted this much hyped QF to
started at 9 p.m. for ex, or 8 p.m., and put it on Armstong Court. OR make it
the first match of evening program on center court. the USTA is trying to get
all featured matches on center court, understandably, but sometimes that
results in a giant traffic jam and everyone is late.

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Alexandria, Va.: On the subject of Serena's "potbelly".... Hello Mr. Meany
... I surely saw Davenports and Clijister's belly ... sooo that was just mean.

Liz Clarke: yes, the issue is competitiveness here. not sveltness. Serena
said just this week she learned long ago to "embrace my curves." I just don't
know if she can embrace being ranked 8th for long....I hope she cant.

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Arlington, Va.: I stayed up until the end -- at least here, there was no
interruption in coverage other than the time it took me to turn the channel
from USA to CBS. And Ted on USA did a very good job of explaining what was
going on-of course if anyone was trying to tape the match on USA so they
could get some sleep, then they would've missed the end. I was annoyed that
the switch had to be made though, it was in mid-game. Furthermore, the
commentating on CBS was not nearly as good (Patrick McEnroe is good, but the
other guy with him was just awful compared to Ted Robinson for USA). Was the
stadium sold out? It looked to me like there were quite a few empty seats
right after the match ended...maybe people just left right at the end of the
match? I can't imagine leaving before the end or it not being sold out.
Tennis isn't in that much trouble, that two Americans (one being Agassi for
crying out loud) in the quarters don't sell out the stadium, is it?

Liz Clarke: The stadium was raucous til the end. But it's true that several
thousand (a guess) left. the stadium holds 23,000 roughly. and it was at
least 10% empty. The QF was a work night / school night, for what it's worth.
And it ended past 1 a.m. Many fans here don't live in the immediate
neighborhood; they come to Long Island from NJ, CT, Manhattan etc. So I am
sure some HAD to leave, whether babysitter issues or what. It's just a shame
the match started so late; esp a shame given that it was just the remedy
tennis so desperately need for the current indifference of the game. such a
pity.

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Liz Clarke: it's time to sign off. While we chatted the Bryans won men's
doubles 6-1, 6-4 over world's no 1 duo. So the US already has one title to
celebrate.

thanks so much for the terrific questions, thoughtful observations. I really
enjoyed it. and enjoy the rest of the Open!

Liz

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