Totally unsurprising yet completely satisfying to see Roger Federer take his third U.S. Open by taking apart Andy Roddick. I've complained a lot lately about Roddick's increasingly bad attitude on court, so I should mention that his attitude in the final was much improved -- the Connor's influence was still there, but without the asshole posturing. Maybe playing someone he as more respect for tamps down the bad Andy. During the second and third set, Roddick was truly fun to watch again. Two things on the women's final: First, I'm glad Justine Henin-Hardenne lost, because I carry a grudge. Second, I'm among the many wanting Sharapova to take the decibel level down. Way down.
Oh, and a special note to Dick Enberg, CBS and everyone else who got all wet and excited to have Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open in Federer's box: It's not making tennis look any cooler when you fawn all over another sport's idol. It raises lots of overcompensation issues. And, when Federer wins his third consecutive U.S. Open title, and the first question you ask in the ceremonial post-match interview is about Tiger Woods -- that makes you an ass. And then they wonder why tennis remains mired in the second tier.
Comments