All Smiles For The Joker

I still can't get the 2011 US Open Finals out of my mind.

Novak Djokovic played one of the most impressive tennis matches I've ever seen. I'd call it "a tennis masterpiece" and, believe it or not, I think he deserves even more credit for it.

It reminded me of such special sports moments as Pedro Martinez's beautiful one-hitter vs. the 1999 New York Yankees. The reason that analogy works is that Pedro had to pitch superbly in that Sept, 1999 game (17 strikeouts, no walks) in order to shut down that outstanding Yankee lineup, which went on to win another World Series. Sportswriter Tom Boswell called it the best game ever pitched in Yankee Stadium.

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By Bill "The Commish" Oakes
Matchpoint TV & Radio

At this years French Open and Aegon Championships controversy has ensued because of no clear policy set by the ATP, WTA, or the Grand Slams in regard to how much light is needed to continue a match when dusk hits. These two tournaments do not have lights, and when it gets dark the tournaments have no standard policy on when to call the match which has led to confusion and frustration from the players.

The ITF tries to say it is open to change with respect to Davis Cup and Fed Cup and how they are working to make it better, but when the ITF President recently spoke in the US, he had to site changes made over 20 years ago as part of his argument, it just made him look silly. Many top players do not play Davis or Fed Cup because of the time commitment, and until the ITF figures that out, it will continue.

Many of you know that American Wayne Odesnik accepted a voluntary suspension from ATP or ITF play for violating the Anti Doping until a tribunal has heard his case in the next month or so. But from what I have heard, the rest of the US players are none to pleased or do they expect Wayne back any time soon even though he maintained his innocence when he was caught with HGH in his luggage at Australian Customs in January.

Recently Pete Sampras took the USTA to task for not contacting him to become a coach or advisor for the current crop of players going thru the USTA Player Development System. Though I am not convinced that Pete would make a great coach, I must agree that the USTA should engage him as an advisor, especially with the younger players. He could provide great insight, and help these players recognize what it takes to become a champion.

Bill Oakes co-hosts “Matchpoint Radio” on 680thefan each Saturday at 8am.