2018 U. S. Open Championships...ATP 2000...New York, New York U. S. A.

[klacr]

I didn't see the match because it was early hours over here. By all accounts the heat and humidity were terrible. Novak has also struggled twice with heat this US Open. At 37 years old we are probably asking too much. Quarter finals day is also set to be torridly hot.

I have never experienced high humidity coupled with extreme hit. My father worked in Brazil and said the heat and humidity were suffocating at times. Anyway, by all accounts they aren't conditions for older tennis players.

I feel sorry for Roger. People expect him to come good every single time.

The heat and humidity NY don't compare to Florida...or Brazil. I was there and some students of mine were there and it was not a problem for us Floridians.
Roger's match last night was sad. Millman played hard and kept it close. Fed had his chances no doubt but just could not capitalize. The greatest closer in tennis just looked human.
And as quickly as Federer is out of the tournament, so is my interest in the US Open. Djokovic and Nadal...it is now your show.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[stotty]

I didn't see the match because it was early hours over here. By all accounts the heat and humidity were terrible. Novak has also struggled twice with heat this US Open. At 37 years old we are probably asking too much. Quarter finals day is also set to be torridly hot.

I have never experienced high humidity coupled with extreme hit. My father worked in Brazil and said the heat and humidity were suffocating at times. Anyway, by all accounts they aren't conditions for older tennis players.

I feel sorry for Roger. People expect him to come good every single time.

[tennis_chiro]

I was really waiting for the FBI to show up and tell him his kids were rescued from the kidnappers and he could start to play for real and stop stalling. It made no sense at all. I've never seen Mirka looking down at her phone so much in a match that was in peril. Did you see the lack of expression from Robert? Something was very wrong. He was able to serve 122 right to the end and he was able to lunge for the passing shots he created by going in so much and on weak approach shots. It will be interesting to hear the rest of the story.

don

[don_budge]

A mind game for all of us to ponder now.

[arturohernandez]

Saving energy?

[don_budge]

It is sort of strange that he is acting like he just doesn't care at this point.

[don_budge]

I'm hoping that he is playing it soft. Two sets to one...Millman. Maybe we will see the real Roger Federer.

A mind game for Djokovic to sort out.

[arturohernandez]

I think he just can't play at the same level consistently anymore. It's not lack of heart. Just a slight drop that is physical. Can't beat father time forever.

[don_budge]

Anybody watching Fed. He doesn't look good. Not sure why.

I'm hoping that he is playing it soft. Two sets to one...Millman. Maybe we will see the real Roger Federer.

[arturohernandez]

Anybody watching Fed. He doesn't look good. Not sure why.

[stotty]

Stroke - looked at Khachanov's FH in slow motion, looks like he does raise his elbow in the backswing and drops the shoulder to some degree but not nearly as much as Kyrgios or Sock. He definitely has the pre-acceleration into the flip that Brian Gordon talks about. What I find interesting, is how earlier in the backswing he lets go with his left hand and separates his arms. Not nearly as much as Gulbis but does to some extend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8cAUVGkU3I

He does have some shoulder drop. No doubt he has a very violent flip. And he waits about as long as he can to do it kind of like Sock. I guess he is the new modern ATP type 3 Brian talks about.

It's gets confusing when the ATP forehand gets morphed around. In the pure ATP forehand, of which Roger is the sole owner by all accounts, the hitting arm is on a diagonal and the racket head should be above and to the right of the hitting hand. It's considered a critical element. It's part of the muscle enhancement process that causes the arm to lag slightly behind, or at least that's the way I understand it.

With Khachanov and a few others we don't get racket head above but rather below the hitting hand. To me this seems a big fundamental difference and I am not sure what the trade offs are between the above and below methods.

[stotty]

It would also be nice if he got some input from Rafter and Fitzgerald on how to put his speed to use getting to the net a lot more. With his quickness, he could get to the net a lot more if he learns how to use some old fashioned low slice approach shots and geometry of the court.

don

Yes he's a fabulous little workman. He is Kyrgios's opposite. He does so many things well. He's no mug at the net either and doesn't have that fear of it like Zverev and a few of the other new kids on the block have. But, yes, his attitude defines him and he reminds of another fairly decent player...Rafa someone or other I think his name is.

[tennis_chiro]

It would also be nice if he got some input from Rafter and Fitzgerald on how to put his speed to use getting to the net a lot more. With his quickness, he could get to the net a lot more if he learns how to use some old fashioned low slice approach shots and geometry of the court.

don

[tennis_chiro]

I watched the last three sets of Cilic/deMinaur. Mesmerizing. Alex is only 19 and 152 lbs and looks it. I would love to have a month to teach him how to toss the ball and make a backswing so he could get his serve in. But you can't teach speed and I don't know if you can teach an attitude like this kid has. Doesn't quit. Best mental toughness I've seen of all the new kids on the block. In my book, definitely top 10 in 2 years, probably in 1 1/2, but getting into the top 5 is going to take some technical improvements and sometimes they just don't meet the right coach. But, boy, is he fun to watch!!

don

[stroke]

Both Kyrgios and Zverev were disappointing. Kyrgios rolled over like a wet lettuce after the first set and Zverev just wants it so badly he gets over anxious. He gets particularly anxious on his forehand, which is a major problem. His forehand isn't as secure as it needs to be.

That said, Zverev's backhand just gets better every time I see it. He is the most natural two-handed player you could ever wish to see and has the freest and loosest backhand on tour. It's a positively gorgeous shot. I think it's the most beautiful backhand out there and I'm including all the one-handers in that.

I am really enjoying Jim Courier's commentary on Amazon Prime. I like the inside seat knowledge he passes on to the public.

I agree about that bh. His time will come. I still think when it comes, the next ones will follow quickly.