The U.S. Open, in March?

The temperature here in South Carolina is already beginning to spike somewhere in the 80’s and the water traffic on this little cove is becoming more prevalent.

If it weren’t for the threat of pollen (the interior looked like one huge tennis ball last year when I left for three days last year and intentionally left five windows open – idiot), the doors would be open 24/7.

Okay, so we haven’t quite reached the heat and humidity here that we experience in late August, a time of year when I know the U.S. Open is soon to come, but it damn well feels like it, particularly after watching the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

With a new bambina the stork just brought to the family (no, not the immediate family) and all the updates and visits that go along with such, on top of much work to be done, I didn’t have much time to watch the tournament, yet almost every point I watched was phenomenal.

Perhaps the leprechauns smiled down on my few ounces of Irish blood this St. Patrick’s Day weekend as I had no schedule for watching the tournament this weekend – Isner taking down Djokovic, that killer match between Rafa and Nalbandian, Federer coming back into form and taking out Nadal and the final.

The final match was Federer recognizing what it would take to beat Isner. Not that I believe Roger consciously believed he would simply beat a lower ranked opponent simply because he is who he is, but subconsciously I believe many pro’s have made this mistake.

Yes, I was talking to the TV and as I was coaching Federer from over 2000 miles away, I saw him heed every word I spoke – keep Isner from coming to the net, move him or jam that tall frame if you can, bring him in but keep the ball low. I’m flattering myself.

Honestly, Isner wasn’t beating Federer with what he had, but rather with what Federer was giving him on occasion. Isner was overwhelming to Federer at times as was obvious by a few too many errant shots from Federer heading toward the stands or further out than Roger would expect. Isner was overpowering Federer in many points, but power alone doesn’t win major matches.

As much as I like Isner, for all that I know of him, it was wonderful to see Federer recognize the threat and dig deep down into his bag of shots and come to victory. I can’t wait for the day when Isner has the experience and shot resources to do the same. He will.

Honestly, I would have been as happy for Isner if he had won, only if the game were played in the same fashion, with intensity and both players finding and using what it takes to dent the other’s armor.

I am truly loving what is happening at the upper echelon of the men’s pro circuit.  The tried and true champions aren’t becoming seven year wonders. They are sticking it out, being challenged by many of their peers and competing with the younger guys climbing the ladder.

My Honorable Mentions for this tournament:

David Nalbandian – for staying in the professional world of tennis and playing such an intense match against Rafael Nadal in the quarters. It was a wonderful match to watch.

John Isner – for rising somewhat quickly from his days at UGA and having the composure of a man whom I believe will compete at the highest level, yet could walk away tomorrow and be just as happy. I hope he won’t do so.

Victoria Azarenka – for the relaxed level of confidence she possesses on court and her win over Maria Sharapova, but please don’t dance while your defeated opponent is still gathering her equipment and walking off the court.

From what I understand, the city of Indian Wells, with a population of less 10,000 does a wonderful job of hosting this tournament.

My girlfriend, while watching the finals (she had seen something about Indian Wells a few years ago), said, “We are going there next year”. Okay.

I haven’t been to California in years, but I guess we are going back, going back to Cali.