August 21, 2012

Roger Federer ripping a forehand

The Western & Southern Open has only been over for a few short days, but if you’re like me, then you’re probably going through tennis withdrawal. No more happy hours at the Corona beach house, spying your friends from across the court, or wondering why people volunteer to run the parking lot.

I know what you are thinking, “How can I survive 365 days without testing my serve speed or shopping in the Midwest sports tent?” It will be tough (and I mean really tough). In the meantime, however, relive some of the headlines from the week that was.

BROOKLYN DECKER SIGHTING

Andy Roddick lost in the first round (again) but Cincy fans were still happy to spot his modeltastic wife, Brooklyn Decker, in the players box. We must have caught her during one of A-Rod’s many unforced errors. 

THE NEW FOOD COURT

The ATP has become more than a tennis tourney, it’s a world class event. With 14 food vendors, 20,000 sq. feet of grass like turf, and a music stage for nightly entertainment, the newly renovated food court proved just that. 

Fusian – Easy.Casual.Sushi. Make your own roll and start enjoying #sushiforlife. If you enjoyed Fusian at the ATP, I have good news. They’ll be dishing out the chopsticks at the Bengals games. 

Nothing says championship tennis like a little champers for the fans. The Moet champagne tent was a personal fave! 

The VLiNG Hydration Station set up shop by the practice court located next to the Grandstand stadium and was a big hit with the players and fans. We hope you’re back next year. I wanna get my VLiNG on!

WINNERS AND LOSERS

 
Na Li wins the women’s final                                Mardy Fish makes the quarters
over A. Kerber 1-6, 6-3, 6-1                                     before falling to Federer

Venus Williams made it to the semis and looked to be in her best form since being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that sidelined her for much of the year.

The Bryan Brothers, always a bundle of fun and excitement could not claim the title. Unfortunately they fell to the eventual champions R. Lindstedt and H. Tecau 7-5, 6-7, 10-2 in the semifinals.

Coming off a win at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, Novak made it to back-to-back Masters Series finals. And that’s when the luck ran out. He fell to Roger Federer 6-0, 7-6. 

Roger Federer claimed the Rookwood Cup giving him a record five titles in Cincy

THE VOID FELT ROUND THE QUEEN CITY / WORLD

Rafa had to withdraw from the tourney because of a nagging knee injury, and his presence was surely missed. Get well soon because we hope to see you back and in fighting shape next year.

SNOOZE-FEST FINALS

Apparently the women’s final was putting ESPN commentator, and former WTA player, Pam Shriver to sleep. This also could have been photographed during the 19 minute first set drubbing Federer laid down on Djokovic. Yeah, didn’t see that coming. Thankfully Nole stepped it up in the second, but it still wasn’t enough for the Fed Express. 

You might say it’s hard to tell who lost in this picture since both Novak and Roger are wearing beaming smiles. However, context clues would lead me to believe that Roger’s goofier grin and bigger Moet champagne bottle makes him the winner of the 2012 W&S Open. Cheers!  

GOODBYE FROM CINCY

A look at Center Court from the press box during Roddick’s first round loss against Jeremy Chardy. 

As always, the week flies by too quickly. Thank goodness the U.S. Open is just around the corner. I need a tennis IV stat!

*Photo credits: Ken Munson. All Rights Reserved. 

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