I'm really glad you've stooped to being a shill. Otherwise I wouldn't know about your podcast! Thought of you as I made my Indian Wells plans, did a drive-by on the cowbell, and lo, there was this post. Thanks. :1)

I only heard last night that Rafa pulled out. Sorry to all of his fans, this is devastating news. It's particularly unfair that one of his biggest assets, his tenacious physicality, is what causes him the most grief. But he's always bounced back before, so there's no reason to believe he won't do it again. ** For those people who can't refrain from acting like jerks... Don't feel you're required to start in with the nasty remarks again just because the subject has been mentioned. :-P I was disgusted when I read some of the "knees" post comments.

I only heard last night that Rafa pulled out. Sorry to all of his fans, this is devastating news. It's particularly unfair that one of his biggest assets, his tenacious physicality, is what causes him the most grief. But he's always bounced back before, so there's no reason to believe he won't do it again. ** For those people who can't refrain from acting like jerks... Don't feel you're required to start in with the nasty remarks again just because the subject has been mentioned. I was disgusted when I read some of the "knees" post comments.

Those Olympic photos/mugshots are amazing. How on earth can someone make lovely Gisella Dulko look that bad? And Jankovic's head looks like an egg. I think someone played a practical joke and put a fun-house lens on the camera. Of course, Kirilenko and Feli are still pretty. And, yes, Sherlock, Petra too. :)

Those Olympic photos/mugshots are amazing. How on earth can someone make lovely Gisella Dulko look that bad? And Jankovic's head looks like an egg. I think someone played a practical joke and put a fun-house lens on the camera. Of course, Kirilenko and Feli are still pretty. And, yes, Sherlock, Petra too. :)

So funny. I'm flipping channels and just found Serena selling clothes on HSN. Ha! One lady who called in (and bought 3 of Serena's runched tops in different colors) said, "Didn't I just see you win a tournament a couple of days ago? And Wimbledon the week before?" "Yeah", she said, waving a hand casually, "I'm not really sure what city I'm in right now!" Hilarious. :-)

I agree, Tim. Britain will only love Andy more after today. He played brilliantly, and opened his heart to them.

The best thing for me today was that Roger did not wilt under strong, steady pressure from Andy. Maybe he can exorcise that demon for the future, even when not on grass. That tendency to lose his resolve when pushed hard has been difficult to see over the last couple of years. Maybe he will start finding that extra gear more often when he needs it, like the old days.

Dear Pete Bodo, I love you, guy. I have never gotten on your case about anything during all those years I've been posting or lurking here (since spring 2008). BUT. Dude. I reeeeeally want you to admit strongly and publicly that you were wrong when you, yourself, have repeatedly called Fed's self-belief delusional. Roger Federer was NOT DELUSIONAL. There. I feel better now. :-)

(reposted from last thread) CL, Oh, don't frown, even every so slightly. :) I guess I just accept that people's different allegiances make them perceive things a little differently, no matter how much we may wish they might see what we see. As long as posters are at least moderately reasonable with their statements (and I think Nam1 is good to talk to generally), I'd rather try to accept their point of view and keep things from escalating. Especially when the comment is only mildly critical, with obvious attempts to provide caveats. I just hate having posters I like leave the site when things get pissy, which has happened time after time on all sides of the aisle. It bums me out...

Darn, is everyone on the the other thread? I'll repost there...

CL, Oh, don't frown, even every so slightly. :) I guess I just accept that people's different allegiances make them perceive things a little differently, no matter how much we may wish they might see what we see. As long as posters are at least moderately reasonable with their statements (and I think Nam1 is good to talk to generally), I'd rather try to accept their point of view and keep things from escalating. Especially when the comment is only mildly critical, with obvious attempts to provide caveats. I just hate having posters I like leave the site when things get pissy, which has happened time after time on all sides of the aisle. It bums me out...

"Whatever good is said about him today, double it from me on his account." Thanks for that, noleisthebest. Much appreciated. Obviously, you just have to wait a while for the shoe to be on the other foot. :-)

Moving over to RR post. (putting on Kevlar)

c1, I think it is just Andy's tic, especially when he's nervous. Like Rafa's shorts tug and Roger's hair fiddling. Annoying, but it's just his idiosyncrasy. :)

Thanks, Aube. And thanks also for you eternal exuberance. :-)

BTW, I have never seen Andy play this aggressively, even when under pressure. He really looked like a potential Grand Slam champion today. He didn't even whinge for 3 sets! Seriously, he finally put it all together today. As long as he can stay positive about today, it won't be long before he can do it.

chegu Add one more... *waves* Tari!!!!! Missed you at Indian Wells this year!

Nam1, I know you might not still be around, but please don't feel you have to run off. I actually agree with you, Roger is naturally reticent (and awkward) when on a public stage. He would be unlikely to stray far from his usual platitudes, the well worn talking points, even when he is completely sympathetic. I think it is part of the Swiss character. He is much more relaxed, decisive and natural in smaller groups. Although, lip-reading, I could see that he gave heartfelt encouragement to Andy once he came back next to him after Andy's teary speech. I saw a friendly smile, with a comment like, "the tears are ok, obviously I'm one who undertands that." And there was a nice hug between them. Of course, some of the Federer fans are a little high on emotion and jumped on you when you (mildly) brought up that he talked mostly about himself. Hope you don't take it too strongly.

So, can we possibly get close to retiring the "weak era" argument regarding Fed? I know, it'll never happen. But I can dream. :)

Thanks zenggi and crazyone. I guess I'll get out from under the blankets and bravely watch the match. :)

I am being a complete wuss. Scoreboarding with the TW comments instead of turning on the tv. What do you think...is it safe to actually watch the match? Or is it just going to be a glorious, historic, pathetic shankfest?

Good Godkovic, people! So Rafa bumped the guy. And the Earth continues to turn. I see it as pretty similar to what most players do, including my darling and classy Roger. "Shut up!!!" "Don't f**ing tell me to be quiet, I'll talk if I want to!" It's hard to keep your emotions from getting away from you when you are in an intense battle. It was a bump, not an axe murder.

"No it wasn't. Challenging his own serve that was called in in hope to negate Novak's return winner in AO 2012 final, was even less classy." I agree with Blue Moon, I don't find any problem with this. If the call on the serve was incorrect, then Novak shouldn't have been able to win a point on it. Class has nothing to do with it.

Sorry to all of the Rafa fans. I honestly feel for you.