Metz 2017: Semifinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [5] Mischa Zverev (GER) vs [Q] Peter Gojowczyk (GER) H2H – Zverev should win so long as he can get to the net.  He also may want to grab some headlines while his brother is off playing the Laver Cup. [7] Benoit Paire (FRA) vs Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) – Paire is likely to win, but this is a huge opportunity for the Georgian.

Laver Cup Poll

How interested are you in the Laver Cup? — Dan Martin (@DanMartinTennis) September 22, 2017 Here’s @RogerFederer‘s take on the opening day’s #LaverCup play. #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/dduRF4wlsa — Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 22, 2017 My opinion is that it is a good idea, but this spot on the tennis calendar makes little sense to me.  It…

The Battle of the Sexes Part 3 – Social and Cultural Relevance

Tennis has had a number of figures involved in key social issues in the 20th and 21st century.  Arthur Ashe’s stance on both Civil Rights and the HIV/AIDS crisis come to mind along with Billie Jean King’s pursuit of equal prize money for women.  Venus Williams has been lauded as the successor to King’s drive…

The Battle of the Sexes Part 2 – Making Sense of the Mother’s Day Massacre

As mentioned previously, Bobby Riggs beat Margaret Court 6-2, 6-1 on Mother’s Day 1973.  Margaret Court won the Australian, French, and US Opens in singles and doubles in 1973.  Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in 1973.  Margaret Court had a career 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Billie Jean King.  Confused? Winning Really…

Davis Cup 2017: France and Belgium Reach the Championship Round

What. A. Win! @David__Goffin completes a stunning 67(4) 64 64 64 win over Nick Kyrgios to force a live 5th! #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/DUHWunvHLw — Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 17, 2017 The match-up between France and Belgium in November should be fun because I think both countries are invested in the outcome of this tie.  Of course,…

Davis Cup 2017: Day 3 Predictions Australia vs. Belgium

Predicted Winners in BOLD Australia vs. Belgium: Australia Leads 2-1 All Matches in Belgium on Clay David Goffin (Bel) vs. Nick Kyrgios (Aus) Australia needed to win the doubles point as it is likely the underdog in each of these matches.  I think Goffin on clay can weather the power Kyrgios will throw at him….

ESPN’s Layoffs, Print Media Downturn, and Blogs like Mine

 “Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.” – John F. Kennedy, 1961 Unintended consequences are often jarring.  I personally value print media.  Yet, when ESPN announced deep cuts to its staff in April I could not help but think about the impact websites, podcasts, blogs, and apps have had on the media….

US Open 1992: The 25th Anniversary of an Epic Men’s Event (Part 2)

Part 1 Investigated the 1st through 4th rounds The Final 8: Edberg’s Marathon Run to the Title The Quarterfinal Round: 2 of the 4 Matches Went 5 sets The Highlight Match did not go 5 sets, but the 1992 Australian and French Open champion Jim Courier took on the 1992 Wimbledon champion and boyhood rival…