What I'm Reading: Link Round-Up for Monday 11/30

Scotland's The Daily Record reported that Britain's Andy Murray split with his long-time girlfriend Kim Sears. The break-up could explain why Murray didn't make it out of the round robin portion of the Barclay's ATP World Tour Final.

Speaking of the World Tour Final, Nikolay Davydenko defeated Juan Martin Del Potro to win the title of this illustrious event. It seems that my predictions were pretty far off considering I gave Davydenko really no chance to win this event. Either way, I want to say congratulations to Davydenko for being one of the most consistant players on tour and finally winning a major title.

Are you feeling a little bitter that the tennis season as officially ended till January? Well, Peter Bodo, a blogger for ESPN, gives you all the reasons to be thankful for professional tennis. Unfortunately, he rips the lions in the title to his post. We all know they suck Pete, you don't have to make me feel any worse about being a lions fan.

Apparently, The Austrian Open has been removed from the ATP schedule. There was a tennis tournament in Austria? No skin off my back with this news.

Finally, I can't end this post without some Tim Henman love. Another thing we have in common, we both love the Nintendo Wii.

[Image via The Daily Record]

Federer v. Verdasco Liveblog

6:00|  No such luck seeing Roddick one more time. Now it is time to stop watching the Tennis Channel ,and start watching some football. Thanks for reading my live blog, and have a good night. 


5:58| The post-game report is next, and I am sticking around for one more commercial break to maybe see Andy Roddick again. 


5:57| Federer cruises in his final service game. he won the game at love and locked up the match. He won the final set 6-1. 


5:55| Verdasco finally gets on the board. Nothing to write home about. 5-1 Federer


5:53| This match is so boring now. Verdasco is playing awful.


5:50|  Federer holds serve again. Damnitt Verdasco!!! I knew you were gonna blow it!! 5-0 Federer

5:49| Wow! Verdasco is on the verge of having an epic collapse. Federer breaks Verdasco again easily, and looks to have this match in control. 4-0 Federer.

5:43| I can't stop listening to "Down by the River" by Neil Young.

5:42| I think that was the shortest game of the match. Federer hit four winners in that game to win it without any real resistance. 3-0 Federer


5:41| Federer does break Verdasco in the longest game of the match. It's going to be hard for Fernando to stop the Fed-Express now. 2-0 Federer.


5:39| I have decided the computer screen and the television are making my eyes hurt. I put on some sunglasses to remedy that problem.

5:37| Verdasco fought back hard to force a duece point. 


5:35| Verdasco seems to be in trouble this game. Federer smashed two backhands cross-court that just blew Verdasco off the court.

5:33| Federer won the game at love. He hit an ace to add insult to injury at 40-0. 1-0 Federer.


5:31| Federer will open the third set serving to Verdasco.


5:30| Verdasco had to take a pee break before the second set. Unbelievable they need to get this train-a-movin'.


5:25| Verdasco didn't seem to be handling the pressure in that decisive game. He got broken at 40-15 and lost second set to Federer. First Set: 6-4 Verdasco, Second Set: 7-5 Federer. One more to go.

5:20| Federer pulls the game out. He barely holds serve and Verdasco is looking to close the match out in two sets. 6-5 Federer.

5:18| Verdasco missed a couple very close shots to let Federer go up 40-30. He then forced a duece point.

5:17| Verdasco hits a miracle lob over Federer's head to go up 30-0 on Fed's service game. 


5:16| Verdasco wins a huge point with a Federer unforced error at 30-30.  He then hits a huge forehand to hold serve. 5-5.

5:12|  I see something new every time that Roddick commercial is on. It never gets old.


5:11| Federer holds serve with ease again. Verdasco is really having a tough time winning any points on Fed's serve. 5-4 Federer


5:08| Verdasco rallies to win four points in a row to hold serve. 4-4.


5:06| Federer goes up 0-30. Could be trouble

5:04| Too busy looking up Roddick commercials and forgot to watch this game. 4-3 Federer.

5:03| My new favorite commercial

5:00| Federer plays a really strong game. Verdasco responded nicely with a few big shots on some very important points. Verdasco takes a very tight game. 3-3.

Live Blog: Federer v. Verdasco, Sunday 11/22

The first round of the Barclays ATP World Tour Final is on Sunday.

The two matches are between Andy Murray v. Juan Martin Del Potro, and Roger Federer v. Fernando Verdasco

The Federer match will be on the Tennis Channel at 2:00 PM (EST). I plan on watching the entire match, and relaying my comments on Breaking Back throughout.

I think it will be a lot of fun, and I hope you guys all tune in

[Images via Perunotas and Carine06]

Preview: Masters Series Event in London

Three days from now the end of the year tournament in London will begin. The Barclays ATP World Tour final is the biggest tournament of the year that is not a Grand Slam event (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and The U.S. Open).

What makes this tournament so exciting is that only the top eight players on the tour get to participate in this final event. Usually this holds true, but this year Andy Roddick had to pull out due to injury, and was thus replaced with the French Open runner-up, Robin Soderling.

The format of the tournament splits the eight players up into two different groups (Group A and B) of four. In those two groups of four players each player plays every other player in that group. The two players from each group with the best record out of the round robin portion of the tournament go to the semi-finals. Who plays who in the semi-finals is determined by the best individual records from the previous round. The player with the best record from group a will play the player with the second best record from group b. And, vice-a-versa.

The groups are organized as such:

Group A:                                                     Group B:
Roger Federer                                             Rafael Nadal
Andy Murray                                                Novak Djokovic
Juan Martin Del Potro                                  Nikolay Davydenko
Fernando Verdasco                                      Robin Soderling

The big question here is who will advance in these specific groups.

The first group presents a lot of problems for the #1 player in the world, Roger Federer. His record against Andy Murray isn't good. Federer has a lot of problems with Murray, especially on the hard courts this tournament will be played on. Also, Federer suffered his most devastating loss of the season at the final of the U.S. Open in September to Juan Martin Del Potro. Despite all of this, I think it is hard to bet against Federer to make it out of this first round.

Murray is coming off of an injury, so it is hard to tell just how well he will play at this event. However, he does have winning records against every player in the group. I think this gives him a great chance, injury or not, to move on.

Winners of Group A: Federer and Murray

The second group is extremely tight as well. Djokovic is coming off a huge win in Paris, and will be tough to beat in this early round. Nadal had a disappointing result in Paris losing to Djokovic in the semi-finals. Davydenko is of no threat to either player in this round, and I believe the same goes for Soderling.

Winners of Group B: Djokovic and Nadal

I believe the semi-finals will shake out like this.

Semi-Finals:
Federer v. Nadal and Murray v. Djokovic

Even though Federer has a losing record against Nadal, I don't believe Nadal is playing his best tennis. This should make things easy for Federer to move on to the finals.

Djokovic and Murray should be a more interesting match, and could really go either way. Murray is the sentimental favorite for me, and he is playing on his home turf in England. However, I think Djokovic is playing too well right now, and will beat Murray in a tough three-set affair.

Finals:
Federer v. Djokovic

Even though Federer has had the better of Djokovic throughout their careers, I think Djokovic will take the title. He has had the better of Federer recently, and beat him the last time they met in Switzerland.

Winner:
Novak Djokovic

Nevertheless, this tournament should be excitng.

I hope to live blog one of the matches next week. I will be trying to live blog during the final match whomever maybe involved in it.

[Image via InfoTennis]

Maybe I Should Mellow Out a Bit

In an earlier post I listed six particular songs that helped to pump me up before a big match.

All the songs I listed were really heavy, and don't really reflect my actual taste in music. So, the question I have to ask myself is why do I like listening to this heavy rock music before a match, and not something more mellow?

I guess it has something to do with the fact that the heavy rock music gives me more energy and gets me excited to start playing. There might be a problem with listening to these songs is it gets me too hyped up, and I cannot relax while I am playing my match.

So, the next time I play tennis I will listen to six completely different songs that I really love which might mellow me out and help me to focus on playing my game. The six songs I will listen to are listed below.

1. The Meeting Place: The Last Shadow Puppets
2. Fluorescent Adolescent: Arctic Monkeys
3. Dear God: Mosnters of Folk
4. Dig a Little Deeper: The Watson Twins
5. Ragged Wood: Fleet Foxes
6. The Great American Smokeout: The Snake The Cross The Crown


[Image Via I Am MintCondition]

What I'm Reading: Link Round-Up for Monday 11/16

This weekend held the final of the last Masters Series event in Paris before the year end round robin event in London.

Novak Djokovic narrowly beat Gael Monfils in a three set thriller. Monfils had a good shot at taking this match down, and I think he is finally starting to come into his own.

Next week is the beginning of the end of the year Masters Event in London. Only the top 8 ranked players in the world qualify for the tournament.

The tournament should be exciting considering all the big names that will be playing in this event. The complete list of players includes Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, and Djokovic.

The Bleacher Report provides a preview on the event. The article thinks Djokovic has a good shot at it being the defending champion.

For more information, Ricky Dimon at Tennis Talk will write a preview of what we can expect to see from every player at the final tournament. He starts with profiling Fernando Verdasco.


I just can't see Federer not winning this event, even though he went out early in Paris. His only real challenge would come from Andy Murray, but he seems to still be suffering from a lingering injury.


Speaking of Federer, Paul Kimmage of the Times Online writes a great article on Federer's life as a new father. It's nice to see just how human these professionals really are.


Plus, Tim Henman is mentioned. Yeah!

[Image via Sports Illustrated]

Wild and Crazy Tennis

(Via Drew Nolan)

To commemorate Friday the 13th, I thought it would appropriate to take a look at some of the more bizarre moments in the history of tennis. Enjoy!

The Women of Tennis

(Via Drew Nolan)

Lets face it, there are some amazingly beautiful tennis players. While this can be said about most sports, it seems as if every female tennis player could easily make the transition from athlete to model. I don't claim to know much about tennis, and I have difficulty pronouncing most of the names below. That being said, after doing some extensive research, I have concocted a list of the top five most beautiful tennis players on Earth

1. Anna Kournikova 
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Age: 28
Career Prize Money: $3,584,662

(via HollywoodTuna)

2. Maria Sharapova
Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia

Age: 22

Career Prize Money: $13,067,900

(via DallasObserver)

3. Ashley Harkleroad

Birthplace: Rossville, Georgia

Age: 24

Career Prize Money: $1,009,244

(via JerseyChaser)

4. Caroline Wozniacki
Birthplace: Odense, Denmark

Age: 19

Career Prize Money: $3,250,358

(via LetsGoViral)

 5. Maria Kirilenko

Birthplace: Moscow, Russia

Age: 22

Career Prize Money: $2,343,064

(via GlobalGiants)

Who's Who of Mario Tennis

(Via Drew Nolan)

It's no secret that I love Mario Tennis, which was released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64 video game console. It's true that the video games of 2009 outperform Mario Tennis in terms of graphics, game play, and depth. I won't dispute that. But there's something so simple and addictive about Mario Tennis that the game has remained relevant long after it should have died out.

One of the most appealing things about the game is that almost anyone can learn how to play. The game only requires the use of two buttons and a joy-stick. Plus, it's always nice to be able to revisit the things we loved as kids. It's for this same reason I love watching reruns of Saved by the Bell and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Somethings just never get old.

I consider myself something of a Mario Tennis expert. The most important bit of advice I have is to always choose your character wisely. Choosing the wrong character can easily lead to an embarrassing defeat. That being said, here is some advice on picking your character...

Time to Switch it Up (Drew Nolan)

(Via Drew Nolan)

Justin,

Here at Breaking Back, it is clear that you run a tight ship.  Your content is always cool and fresh, and is presented in a way that makes me want to read it. Frankly, everything about Breaking Back is on point. I only have one complaint: I'm thinking the title needs to go.

Now look, I understand it's a clever, tennis-related title. That being said, I really don't think it does justice to the rest of your blog. You need a title that grabs the attention of the masses. It needs to be relevant, interesting, and maybe even a little controversial. To help come with up a new title, I did some brainstorming. Here are five of my favorite prospective titles.

1. Fuzzy Balls: Bouncing Back to Glory
2. Kiss My Ace
3. Oh, My Fault: A Second Chance at Tennis Glory
4. It's All Love, All the Time
5. Smashin' that Ace

What Drew's Reading: Link Round-Up

(Via Drew Nolan)

In an attempt to sell lots of books set the record straight, Andre Agassi recently admitted to using Crystal Methamphetamine throughout the course of his career. But fear not, tennis fans, because Agassi says that today's tennis drug program is much tougher.

The program is apparently so tough, that Yanina Wickmayer was afraid of getting tested. As apart of the program, tennis stars have to report their whereabouts to the World Anti-Doping Agency. Wickmayer failed to do so on three separate occasions, and has been suspended for a year.

Maybe John McEnroe's ridiculous behavior throughout the course of his career was drug related? I'm thinking Angel Dust. That would make perfect sense.

Remember Serena Williams' tirade at the U.S. Open? Well as it turns out, Serena will not be banned from the upcoming Australian Open. She will, however, get hit with a fine. I think she can afford it.

Cal Sophomore Jana Juricova didn't threaten to kill an innocent line judge like her idol Serena Williams, but she still managed to win the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Women's Single Tennis Championship. The tournament, despite its obnoxiously long name, is considered one of the most important collegiate tournaments in the country.

Tennis obviously isn't much of a contact sport, but injuries are still fairly common. Don't believe me? Well check this and this out. Ouch.

And last but not least, the video of the week.

A Grumpy Intruder

(Via Drew Nolan)

When Justin asked me if I wanted to take over Breaking Back for a week, I jumped at the opportunity. Now look, I don't claim to know anything about tennis, except for the fact that Anna Kournikova is a goddess. I've dabbled in the world of tennis in the past, but I never really paid attention to the sport on the professional level, or any level for that matter. Frankly, I would much rather play Mario Tennis than watch a balding, crystal meth addict running around in flamboyant outfits. But I digress.

For the next week, I hope to bring some new and exciting content to Breaking Back. So be on the look out for some crazy, ridiculous posts that I will some how try to relate back to a sport I really know nothing about. Enjoy!

Breaking Back Guest Blogger

Dear Readers,

Next week I am going to be guest blogging on Kali Zigrino's media blog. I will be checking back here periodically and posting a few things here and there.

Don't be worried though! Andrew Nolan, who blogs at The Grumpy RA will be filling in for me.

I am sure he will provide some excellent insight and  perspective on the game of tennis, and maybe a little humor.

I look forward to reading his thoughts, and I hope the rest of you do as well.

- Justin

If my Racquet Could Talk

What exactly would my flexpoint radical say?

I like to think of him writing me a letter of all his thoughts rather than talking to me out in the open. Mostly because a talking tennis racquet would scare the crap out of me.

So, if my racquet wrote me a letter I think it would sound something like this.

Dear Justin,

You know things haven't been good between us in a long time. You never take me out anymore! I just sit in the house all day and you never bother to take me out so we can have a good time. I feel like we are strangers living in the same room. When was the last time you bought me anything? You never make me feel special by getting me re-strung, or changing my grip. I must be the frumpiest looking tennis racquet in all of Albany. If you do not start showing me more attention and pampering me a little bit I will call the authorities and tell them about that time you threw me against that fence! Don't think for a second I forgot that! I still have the scars! You need to take a good long look in the mirror and remember all the great times we had together, and ask yourself if you really want to let this relationship wither and die.

Sincerely,

Flexpoint Radical

My Favorite Spinal Tap Quotes

People ask me all the time, "Justin what is your favorite movie?". Well, there is not really an answer to that question.

I have many favorite movies, but not one clear cut favorite. If I had to pick just one, I would say it is the 1984 mockumentary "Spinal Tap."

Why is this movie so funny? Well, it has many memorable quotes which provide non-stop laughter. Below are my 11 favorite quotes from this hilarious film.

11. "Certainly, in the topsy-turvy world of heavy rock, having a good solid piece of wood in your hand is often useful". - Ian Faith

10. "May I start by saying how thrilled we are to have you here. We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll". - Lt. Hookstratten

9. (When asked what to put on his epitaph) "Here lies David St. Hubbins... and why not"? - David St. Hubbins

8. "As long as there's, you know, sex and drugs, I can do without the rock and roll". - Mick Shrimpton

7. "You can't really dust for vomit". - Nigel Tufnel

6. "Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported" - David St. Hubbins

5. "We've got Armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening". - Nigel Tufnel

4."This tasteless cover is a good indication of the lack of musical invention within. The musical growth of this band cannot even be charted. They are treading water in a sea of retarded sexuality and bad poetry". - Marty DiBergi

    "That's just nitpicking, isn't it"? - Nigel Tufnel

3." Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation". - David St. Hubbins

2. (When discussing one of the many Spinal Tap albums, "Shark Sandwich") "The review for "Shark Sandwich" was merely a two word review which simply read "Shit Sandwich". - Marty DiBergi
 
1."We're very lucky in the band in that we have two visionaries, David and Nigel, they're like poets, like Shelley and Byron. They're two distinct types of visionaries, it's like fire and ice, basically. I feel my role in the band is to be somewhere in the middle of that, kind of like lukewarm water". -Derek Smalls

[Image via SpinalTapfan.com]

Breaking Back Mailbag: Brief Interview

I recently received an e-mail asking me to answer a few random questions about myself. While the questions really have nothing to do about tennis, they are interesting none the less.

Without further adieu.

1. What is your favorite spring break spot?


Umm I have never really been anywhere for spring break. So, I would have to say my mom's house maybe?

2. Coke or Pepsi?


Coke. I like the taste of coke better. Plus, Grant Hill drinks sprite which is owned by the Coca-Cola company.

3. Have you ever been to a movie underage?

Yup!

4. What is your favorite rock band?


The answer to this question changes all the time. As of right now it is The Snake The Cross The Crown. Mostly because there was a documentary about them released last month that has re-introduced me to their music and thus dominated my ipod.

5. What is your least favorite smell?

                           Bruce (the dog above) when he doesn't get a bath for a week.

6. What is your favorite moment?

Mets. Only disappointment since.

7. What is your most embarrassing moment?


Not being able to find first class freshman year. I wandered Albertus hall like an idiot for an hour or so.

8. If you were a cat, what kind of cat would you be?


Heathcliff

9. Kirk or Picard?


Professor X vs. Priceline Spokesman.

It's a toss up.

10. If you were a food, what kind would you be?


McDonalds' french fry

My Favorite Tennis Players

Since I write about professional tennis a lot I wanted to list my six favorite tennis players.


So, in pictures here are my favorite players I have ever had the privilege to watch.

1. Tim Henman

2. Andy Murray

3. Gael Monfils

4. Jo-Wilfried Tsogna

5&6. Bob and Mike Bryan (Doubles Team).

Top 6 Warm-Up Songs

There are times when I just do not feel up to playing tennis.

I could have had a long night the night before, or maybe i just feel like being a couch potato.

Whatever the reason I sometimes need a little music to get my energy level up, and get ready to play. So, these are my top 6 favorite warm-up songs.

1. Holy Diver: Killswitch Engage
2. You're Ever So Inviting: Underoath
3. Planning a Prison Break: The Receiving End of Sirens
4. Welcome Home: Coheed and Cambria
5. Jamestown: The Movielife
6. Never Scared (Remix): Bone Crusher

What I'm Reading: Link Round-Up for Tuesday 11/3

CNN is reporting that the #1 German tennis player Tommy Haas has pulled out of the rest of the end of the year tournaments because he has contracted the swine flu.

I always figured being in top physical condition would keep you immune to the swine flu. I guess that is not the case, good luck Tommy!

Over at TennisX they profile Marcos Baghdatis' first tournament victory since 2007 in Zagreb, Croatia.

The Cypriot fell out of shape (he isn't the skinniest guy on tour) after making a miracle run to the Australian Open final in 2007. He became one of my personal favorites because of his light-hearted attitude and what seemed to be a love for the game.  Hopefully this victory propels him back to the top of the men's rankings.

According to the Mercury News, Andre Agassi's admittance to using     crystal meth will call for an anti-doping investigation.                                       

However, since it happened more than eight years ago, the ATP cannot do anything to Agassi. The investigation is pretty much pointless.

Staying on the same subject, The United Kingdom's Daily Mail provides a must read story by Piers Morgan on Andre Agassi, and why doing crystal meth is a forgivable offense.

Plus, he writes a little about Tim Henman, what's not to love?

Speaking of Tim, Bleacher Report looks back to the 2003 Masters Series event in Paris in which my man Tim Henman went on a miracle run to capture the title.

Oh how i miss those days, please come out of retirement Tim!

[Image Via J_Circle_Sh]                                 

Public Transportation and its Discontent

Like most residents of the great city of Albany, New York, I try to shy away from driving my own vehicle anywhere.

Traffic is usually a nightmare, and I hate trying to parallel park in a spot that is usually way to small for my car to even fit into.

This becomes a problem when I want to try and play tennis during the winter months.The amount of snow doesn't usually make playing tennis outside possible, so I have to go find indoor courts to play on. However, since being a student at the College of Saint Rose allows me to ride the bus for free it gives me an alternative mode of transportation.

This is where the real problem arises, I hate taking the bus.

The bus is always extremely crowded, and having to stand next to 500 or so people is not an ideal situation for me.

I hate having to be on the buses' schedule. I want to leave when I want to leave, stop making me go by bus time!

The amount of time it takes for me to get anywhere on the bus is also outrageous. Having to stop at every intersection to pick up one more person to cram in a congested bus really irritates me to no end.

I would agree that having free public transportation is helpful, but in my experience i try to avoid the bus at all costs.

My Favorite Lidz

I know that I have stated before that I don't like wearing hats during my tennis matches, I do like wearing them during my down time.

Major League Baseball hats are my favorite to wear. Since I own a large variety of them, I decided it would be fun to list my top six MLB hats.

6. Alternate Toronto Blue Jays Home Hat. This hat is cool because it is a hat that has a throwback look to it, but is made of the new material that the official major league hats are made out of. Plus, the team wears the hat and this uniform, which is hilarious.

5. Arizona Diamondbacks on Field Hat. I gotta represent the state i grew up in for the most part. So, i have to pay my respects to my old stomping ground, Phoenix, AZ, and Chase Field.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers Authentic On Field Hat. I like Dodger blue, and Manny Ramirez. So, i like the hat.

3. New York Mets Authentic On Field Road Hat. Sometimes you just need a two toned hat.


2. New York Mets Authentic On Field Alternate Hat. Sometimes you don't need a two toned hat.

1. New York Mets Inaugural Season On Field Hat. I love this hat because it was only available this season, and the patch is nice. Also, I got it on my trip to Citi Field, which was a blast.

Is it obvious that my favorite team is the Mets??