Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Live text - US Open

LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times BST)

606: DEBATE

To get involved text us on 81111 with TENNIS before your message. (Not all contributions can be used; UK mobiles only; network rates apply)

By Caroline Cheese

1709: Sania Mirza made 28 unforced errors in that 12-game match against Pennetta, and hit six winners. Not great numbers. Gael Monfils now two sets up against fellow Frenchman Jeremy Chardy.

1706: Another double fault from Amelie Mauresmo, and again it's at break point down. She trails the world number 39 6-4 2-0. Winner of this one plays Flavia Pennetta.

Get involved on 606
From Eagleeeee! on 606: "Hmm, not surprising really. Penneta has to be feeling super confident having had some good results recently. Mirza has always had a shaky game, big hits that can miss big."

A bagel
A bagel
1658: Couple of bagels for you, Sania? Certainly madam. Tenth seed Flavia Penetta routs her Indian opponent Sania Mirza in 50 minutes. And there's a double fault from Amelie Mauresmo which gives Aleksandra Wozniak the first set 6-4.

1649: Double bagel is on over on Louis Armstrong. Flavia Pennetta leads Sania Mirza 6-0 4-0. Not sure if Mirza is injured - but that is a very surprising scoreline if you ask me.

1641: Hope Dinara Safina isn't a New York Times reader. The newspaper's front page today features articles on Afghanistan, US policy in Japan, swine flu - and the state of serving in women's tennis. The headline reads: 'Toss the Ball. Hit the Ball. Oops! Oops!' Safina served up 11 DFs as she scraped past Aussie wildcard Olivia Rogowska yesterday.

A bagel
1636: Over on Louis Armstrong Stadium, Sania Mirza is having her clock cleaned by 10th seed Flavia Pennetta. The Italian has served up a bagel in the first set.

1632: Gael Monfils is not hanging around today. The Frenchman - seeded 13th - has already taken the first set 6-1 against Jeremy Chardy. Chardy is the world number 34, and might have been expected to put up a bit more of a fight.

1626: I agree, that would be a very Safin-esque performance. But let's not forget that the Russian has managed three wins since the French Open. Anyway, I must crash on before this becomes 'Live text - Safin', an idea that was cruelly was given the boot at an editorial meeting earlier today.

Get involved on 606
From yesyesok on 606: "Marat will win tonight, and then in one last shebang will knock out Juan Martin del Potro in round two on Friday, before falling in round three to Chris Guccione. Mon the Safin!"

1624: Of course, we may also say a Grand Slam goodbye to Fabrice Santoro today. Court 11 is your destination if you fancy a last glimpse of the French magician, who is up against Juan Carlos Ferrero.

1620: If you - like Danny in Lytham - wish to send your tributes to Marat, or chip in with any other tennis-related chit-chat - I'd suggest you tap 81111 into your phone or head over to 606 or Twitter.

Text in your views on 81111
From Danny, Lytham, via text on 81111: "I predict Marat Safin to go out with a bang! Some Hollywood shots and hopefully a broken racket as a tribute to his famous tantrums."

1613: Roger Federer and Serena Williams headline the night session, and we'll also see how Juan Martin del Potro, Amelie Mauresmo, Gael Monfils, Kim Clijsters and Lleyton Hewitt get on. Aaah. Kim Clijsters and Lleyton Hewitt... remember?

1611: Away from the tears (from me) in the Louis Armstrong Stadium, world number three Rafael Nadal (feels weird writing that) finally gets to start his campaign today against Richard Gasquet. Before that, Venus Williams tests out her dodgy knee against fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands (she of the wacky outfits). In action early doors: Gael Monfils, Amelie Mauresmo and, er, Flavia Pennetta.

1607: And before you ask: no, I have absolutely no faith in Safin. He plays Jurgen Melzer today and I predict a close first set followed by a 6-1 6-3 capitulation, or something like that. Anyway, winning is not the point. It's all about the show with Marat.

1600: Hello. You find me with a heavy heart, for today we are likely to witness the final Grand Slam match of my favourite player ever: the magnificent Marat Safin.


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