Clijsters Countdown: 3 Days Until Debut

I've got my tickets for her opening round match in Cincinnati and could not be more excited for this comeback. Personally, I have always viewed the whole medium of tennis as "The Best Sport" and have, consequently, always viewed Kim Clijsters as "The Best Player Ever." For proof, watch this aptly titled video from 2003.


For another impressive testament to the amazingness of Kim, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4EKndqm1Yw&feature=related

Order of Play

ISTANBUL CUP

Centre Court
1. Hradecka vs. Petkovic
2. Bacsinszky vs. Dushevina
3. Doubles Final: Hradecka/Voracova vs. Goerges/Schnyder

Predictions:
1. Petkovic defeats Hradecka in straight sets
2. Dushevina beats Bacsinszky in three sets
3. Schnyder and Georges win their first title together

Czink Sunk

I know its the most cliche title I could place as the heading of this post...but I had to. Migrating back to actual tennis results, Serena Williams beat Melinda Czink 63 76(7) thus advancing to the quarterfinals in Stanford. The first US Open Series tournament for the women, Stanford has had quite a few intriguing match-ups over the past few days, including two Williams victories (V beat Alla Kudr... 61 75.

Yeah, She's Free...Freefallin'

In her worst loss- I'm going to say ever -Nicole "former future Grand Slam champion" Vaidisova fell to an American wildcard in Stanford's first round of qualifying, 61 62. The lopsided match endured for just 48 minutes before the Czech fell to 18-year-old Stacey Tan. This situation alone is horrifying, but the most startling statistic for the 6 time tour titlist is her opponents ranking. At 584 in the world, Tan was competing in her first tour event. Below is a graph detailing Vaidisova's rapid descent. I know, I know...like it needed to be clearer.

Click on the image for better clarity. (yeah it's officially become a running theme).

Discussing Nicole Vaidisova is like wading through a North Korean minefield of emotional instability, uncertain of your fate and constantly fearing the inevitable explosion. From a less metaphorical, more logistic standpoint, Vaidisova's difficulties can be viewed through three lenses: the personal, the professional, and the mental. And just like a psychologist sifting through a troubled mind, analyzing her now troubled career must start from the beginning.

Nicole was born in a moderately sized home during....No I wouldn't do that to you guys. Flash forward to 2004: At 15 years of age, Vaidisova wins her first tour title to become the 6th youngest singles champion in WTA history. Later that year, she wins another in Tashkent. By the end of 2004, Vaidisova is firmly in tht top 100 at 72 in the world. In 2005, Vaidisova transtitions from phenom to established tour hotshot, winnig three titles in as many weeks late in the year. At that point, with 5 titles to her name, Vaidisova joined the elite company of Monica Seles, Jennerifer Capriati, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis and Andrea Jaeger as the sixth woman to win that many titles before turning 17.

Flashback: Kim's 2005 US Open Victory

Thanks to crazyboy2309isback for the video.

Pic This: Today's Results

Uruguayan qualifier, Pablo Cuevas, advanced to the semifinals of the German Open today, defeating Nicolas Almagro 62 64. Ranked just outside the top 100, Cuevas has now won three straight matches against seeded players, with additional victories over Melzer and Kohlschreiber.

Andrea Petkovic overcame Groenefeld in her first career quarterfinal with a 67(6) 63 61 victory. The 21-year-old German will face Yaroslava Shvedova in the next round.

Alize Cornet continues her resurgence in Bad Gastein with a tough 64 26 62 win against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. With Groenefeld and Rybarikova now out of the tournament, Alize is the sole seed remaining.

Tomorrow's Order of Play

BANKA KOPER SLOVENIA OPEN
Friday, July 24, 2009

Centre Court
1. Goerges/Uhlirova vs. Daniilidou/Woehr
2. Safina vs. Camerin
3. Errani vs. Martic

Court 1
1. Brianti vs. Pin
2. Voegele vs. de los Ríos
3. Govortsova/Karatantcheva vs. Pin/Zakopalova

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NÜRNBERGER GASTEIN LADIES
Friday, July 24, 2009

Centre Court
1. Groenefeld vs. Petkovic
2. Meusburger vs. Shvedova
3. Cornet vs. Zahlavova Strycova
4. Koryttseva/Olaru vs. Malek/Petkovic

Court 1 (from 13.00hrs)
1. Olaru vs. Rybarikova