Marathon Match Suspended at 59-all in 5th set

After playing through four grueling sets yesterday, the last thing that John Isner and Nicolas Mahut wanted to endure was a long fifth set. The fifth set began the same of the other four, with few break points and many power serves. It quickly became known that neither player was going to lose any time soon. The previous record for a set in the history of The Championships: Wimbledon, was a 20-18 fifth set won by Mark Philippoussis and Sjeng Schalken in 2000. The longest singles match in Wimbledon history before this epic battle between Mahut and Isner was a five-hour, twenty-eight minute slugfest between Greg Holmes and Todd Witsken. By the time that the fifth set reached 30-all, it was apparent that both players were beginning to feel fatigue setting in. Unfortunately, they had no idea that they would be on court for nearly sixty more games. Normally Court 18 is left in obscurity as the best players and best matches are typically found on the show courts. However, the longer that these two warriors battled, Court 18 became much like another Center Court as large contingents of people gathered outside of the fence. In the one-hundreth game of the fifth set, Isner faced his first break points of the fifth set. Down 53-54 and 0-30, Mahut served three consecutive aces to take control of the game and tie the set at 54-54. At 58-all, both players exited for a bathroom break, before playing two more games. At 59-all, Mahut explained to the referee that visuability was an issue and the match was halted. Isner had ripped 98 aces, while Mahut had fired 95 aces. Both of these men shattered the previous aces record of 78, set by Ivo Karlovic against Novak Djokovic. After six hours in the fifth set and exactly ten hours overall, the match was postponed and will resume on Thursday. The winner of this incredible affair will face Thiemo de Bakker, who himself played a 16-14 fifth set in order to advance. This match has set records for the longest set and longest match in Wimbledon, Grand Slam, and also in the history of tennis. After leaving Court 18, Isner remarked, "Nothing like this will after happen again. Ever." After watching this epic encounter, it is likely that nothing of this caliber will ever happen again. Sources Used: espn.com, wimbledon.org

U.S. Soccer Advances on Donovan Goal

Entering the Algeria-United States match, the United States needed a win to ensure that they would move on to the Round of 16. England had scored early against Slovenia, meaning the U.S. had to win against Algeria in order to advance. In the first half, the U.S. had many opportunities to score, including a questionable offsides call on a Clint Dempsey goal in the twenty-second minute. The United States continued to advance offensively, but were unable to put a ball into the back of the net. In the second half, the United States continued to attack, while Algeria seemed content to draw with the Americans. After a shot that nearly went in for an own goal, the momentum started to change in favor of the U.S. After ninety minutes of play without a goal, four minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock. This was the last hope for the Americans to advance. One minute into stoppage time, the prayers of the United States faithful were answered. Landon Donovan advanced the ball into an attacking position before passing to Jozy Altidore. Altidore then passed to Clint Dempsey. After a shot from Dempsey deflected off of the keeper, Donovan, who is considered the greatest player in recent history for the U.S., found the back of the net with his shot giving the United States a 1-0 lead. The goal was the latest that the United States has scored in a match. Following a massive celebration by the United States team, the Americans held on after a last-ditch attack by Algeria. With the dramatic win, the United States wins Group C and will face the runner-up in Group D in the Round of 16. If the United States can continue to attack like they have been able to in group play, they will be a very difficult team to beat. Sources Used: espn.com

Switzerland shocks Spain 1-0

With a 1-0 victory over Spain, Switzerland has stunned the soccer world. Throughout the first half, Spain dominated the possession of the ball, as well as the number of shots, but could not find the back of the net with any of their shots. Switzerland waited in the first half, stopping every offensive opportunity that the Spanish team had. Early in the second half, however, the Swiss made their move. In the fifty-second minute, Gelson Fernandes took advantage of the Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Casillas reacting slowly to a collision near the net and placed the ball in the back of the net to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead. The Spanish had a few decent opportunities in the second half to tie the score, yet could not capitalize. Spain had a great opportunity to score nearly halfway through the second half as a shot by Xabi Alonso hit the crossbar. Despite Fernando Torres entering the game for Spain in the sixty-first minute, they were unable to mount an offensive attack to comeback. Spain was heavily favored at the onset of this match as they came in as the European champions. Spain is currently second in the FIFA World Rankings, trailing only Brazil, while Switzerland is twenty-fourth. The surprise of the Spanish loss is similar to their loss to the United States in last summer's Confederations Cup, although today's loss in the FIFA World Cup is of a greater magnitude. With the shocking win, Switzerland is now tied with Chile atop the Group H standings, while Spain is tied for third in a difficult position to advance. Spain plays Honduras and Chile in this group and will likely need to win both to advance out of Group H. Switzerland plays Chile and Honduras and with a win in one of the games, they should advance to the knockout stage. Spain was picked as a favorite to win the tournament, but after this loss, their ability to win this tournament is definitely in doubt. The popular slogan used for this tournament is "One Game Changes Everything", and one game can truly change everything, at least for Spain. Sources Used: espn.com, fifa.com/worldcup

World Cup Group Stage Preview

With the competition this is arguably the greatest sporting event in the world right around the corner, I wanted to preview the group stage for each of the eight groups and give my insight as to which teams will advance. Some of the notable groups are Group C; Group G; and Group H. Group C features the United States and England, which will be a much-anticipated battle on June 12. Group G is named the "Group of Death", as it features soccer powers Brazil and Portugal, as well as Ivory Coast as a dark horse. Group H features a very strong Spain squad that is always a favorite in international competition. As the tournament is held in South Africa, I will begin with Group A, featuring the host country South Africa. Group A: The first group in the 2010 FIFA World Cup features traditional soccer powers that have fallen out of title contention, and a host country that is potentially underestimated. France played for the championship in the last World Cup, in 2006, but since then have fallen due to age and inexperience. Longtime star Thierry Henry struggled this past season, and may have trouble producing in South Africa. Mexico seems to be the best team in the group which kicks off the tournament tomorrow. The team that Mexico is bringing to South Africa is being called one of the best that they have ever assembled. For South Africa, they have the home-field advantage, but as a team, they are simply not on the same level as Mexico. They may score a few goals, and steal a few points but they will not have enough to advance to the knockout stage. Finally, Uruguay is a tough team that uses their physicality as well as their goal scoring to win games. For fans that love contact and penalties, Uruguay is the team to watch in Group A. I believe Uruguay will have just enough to advance. Teams Advancing: Mexico, Uruguay Group B: This group is one of the weakest groups in the field, but features one of the greatest players in the world, in Argentina's Lionel Messi. Argentina is head and shoulders above the rest of the teams in this group and will have no trouble moving on as the talent at Diego Maradona's disposal is incredible. Messi, along with Carlos Tevez, and Diego Milito will provide plenty of offensive firepower. Nigeria does not have the ability that Argentina has but they feature solid play from their starters, which should end in their advancement to the knockout round. South Korea and Greece are both teams with experience issues, whose greatest moments seem to be ahead of them. Expect Argentina to steamroll through this group, with Nigeria rounding out the top two. Teams Advancing: Argentina, Nigeria Group C: Much of the suspense surrounding this group centers on one game: the June 12 contest between England and the United States. The game features the two best teams in the group facing off in a match sure to captivate American soccer fans like no other game from the opening whistle. While England is a surefire lock to make its way through this group, the United States does not seem to be as much of a certainty. The Americans game against Slovenia on June 18 could decide who will advance as the second game out of Group C. Personally, I believe the U.S. will be able to defeat Slovenia, although if they do not play well, the U.S. could be heading home early. Algeria seems to be clearly outmatched in this group, and while they may end the group stage with a few points, it will not be enough to advance. Teams Advancing: England, U.S.A. Group D: Before Michael Essien was lost to injury, it was likely that Germany and Ghana would advance from Group D. However, after Essien went down, Serbia appears likely to take the second spot. Germany is the favorite to win this group, while the offense of Serbia will keep them in any game.Australia will also fall short due to their lack of a goal-scoring threat. Expect Germany to advance with little trouble, with Serbia edging out Ghana for second place. Teams Advancing: Germany, Serbia Group E: All of the teams in Group E are teams that would be capable of advancing out of almost any other group, other than Group G. The Netherlands are the strongest team on paper, however a hamstring injury to star Arjen Robben leaves the Dutch possibly without one of their best players. However, with Robin van Persie still healthy, the Dutch should be able to advance. The most exciting match will be between Cameroon and Denmark on June 19. The Danish team is a squad that makes up for a lack of power with impeccable strategy. Cameroon is one of the fastest teams in the tournament, and along with their home-field advantage should be able to beat Denmark. Netherlands will win the group, while Cameroon will edge Denmark for second. Teams Advancing: Netherlands, Cameroon Group F: In perhaps the weakest group in the field, Italy, and Slovakia seem to be the strongest teams. Italy features Gianluigi Buffon, the bonafide best goaltender in soccer, and Danielle De Rossi but little else. In a stronger group, it is likely that none of the teams in Group F would advance. The Slovakian team plays superb offensive soccer, allowing to beat teams they otherwise would have little hope against. This offensive power should lead them to a second-place finish in Group F. Paraguay has suffered injury after injury, that will likely leave them just short of advancing. They should still provide exciting moments, however. New Zealand is perhaps the weakest team participating in the FIFA World Cup and will have little to no chance in this group. Italy's experience will win them the group, while Slovakia will finish in second. Teams Advancing: Italy, Slovakia Group G: The appropriately-named "Group of Death", features two of the top five teams in the FIFA world rankings, in Brazil and Portugal, while also featuring Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast was considered a very strong dark horse just a week ago. Since then, the star of the Ivorians, Didier Drogba fractured his arm in a friendly against Japan. The possibility that Drogba could miss time, leaves Ivory Coast without its most dangerous offensive weapon. Brazil and Portugal should be able to take advantage of Ivory Coast's slight misfortune and run away with the two available spots in the knockout round. However, another dark horse in Group G is North Korea. They should provide a challenge to Brazil and Portugal, but I believe that Brazil and Portugal will be up to the challenge in defeating North Korea and advancing to the knockout round. Teams Advancing: Brazil, Portugal Group H: This group has received attention both for its soccer potential, and the fact that the native countries of the top two male tennis players in the world are represented, with Spain (Rafael Nadal), and Switzerland (Roger Federer). However, the soccer potential will be on everyone's mind once this group commences. Spain is the major giant in this group and should have little trouble advancing. If Chile can defeat Honduras, they will join Spain in the second round. Chile is without a doubt capable of beating a small, yet poweful Honduras squad, and I believe that they get the job done. Switzerland will receive moral support from Roger Federer, but they are not a very strong team and will find difficulty scoring in this group. Expect Spain to win the group by a point or two, with Chile edging Honduras for second place. Teams Advancing: Spain, Chile The World Cup will be a exciting month of soccer for all of the nations competing, and is a truly global event. There will be many tense and exciting moments throughout group play, as each team fights for each crucial point. The energy and determination that the players will exhibit will create drama in the greatest sporting event on Earth. Win, lose, or draw, the World Cup will capture and captivate of everyone involved. Players, coaches, and fans alike will join as one in support of their nation's quest for the cup. Sources Used: sportsillustrated.cnn.com, espn.com

Nadal wins 5th French Open

Hours ago, with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over Robin Soderling, Rafael Nadal won his fifth French Open singles title. The finals matchup was a rematch of the epic encounter in the fourth round of the French Open last year, where Soderling defeated Nadal and shocked the tennis world. However, today was a much different story. Soderling's forehand and serve that he relied on to beat Nadal failed him today. His serve was landing in at a high percentage, however he lacked the firepower with it that he usually possesses. His forehand was also very erratic, allowing Nadal to take full advantage and move on the offensive. Nadal used his trademark heavy topspin strokes to perfection in forcing errors and difficult returns. The first set was close, but once Nadal gained the lead, he never looked back in his quest to regain the French Open crown. After saving four break points when down 0-1 in the second set, Nadal was in full command the rest of the match. With the title, Nadal has won his seventh Grand Slam singles title, tying him with John McEnroe and Mats Wilander. Nadal has also won five out of the last six French Opens, and trails only Bjorn Borg in French Open titles. Nadal is also an unfathomable 38-1 when playing on the red clay of Roland Garros. It is very difficult to think of a player that has been as dominant on a surface as Rafael Nadal has been on clay. Nadal was 22-0 on clay this season as he once again asserts himself as the best clay-court player in the world. Nadal will also recapture the number one world ranking with his win at Roland Garros. This is the second time that Rafael Nadal will hold the number one ranking. He previously was on top of the tennis world after winning the French Open and Wimbledon in 2008. Now that he has the French Open title once again, one wonders if he can win Wimbledon again. Regardless of whether he can win at the All England Club in a few weeks, Rafael Nadal still has many more trophies to collect. Sources Used: tennis.com, espn.com

French Open Women's Final Preview

After a stunning thirteen days in Paris, two women are left in the tournament vying to be crowned the queen of clay. At the onset of the tournament, all the buzz surrounded Justine Henin and the return to the major was she has enjoyed the most success. However, one finalist, Samantha Stosur ended the hope of Henin to become a five-time champion at Roland Garros with a quarterfinal win over Justine. Stosur went on to knock off Serena Williams in the semifinals. Francesca Schiavone defeated an injured Caroline Wozniacki still feeling the effects of an ankle injury in the quarterfinals, before advancing to the finals after Elena Dementieva retired in the semifinals. For both of these players, the final of a major, at least in singles play is unchartered territory. Schiavone has reached the final of the French Open in doubles, while Stosur has won two Grand Slam titles, including the French Open in doubles. Stosur features arguably the second most powerful game on the WTA tour after Serena Williams. Schiavone has a strong forehand, and an above-average backhand and serve. Stosur can generate great pace on all of her shots, making returns difficult. If Schiavone can neutralize Stosur's power by effectively using her slice backhand followed by a swift approach to the net for a volley, she could win the French Open and become the first Italian female to win a Grand Slam title. If she cannot force Stosur to change her game and control the pace of points, it could be a quick defeat for Schiavone. In the end, I believe that Schiavone will need to be at her absolute best to defeat Sam Stosur, with the way that Stosur is playing right now. If Schiavone can force Stosur far from her comfort zone with deep slice after deep slice combined with putaway volleys, she can win. However, I believe that the form that Stosur has exhibited over the past two weeks will carry over into the final and result in victory for her. Sam will also be benefitted from her previous Grand Slam experience in doubles. I predict a quick victory for Stosur with few troubles along the way. Verdict: Samantha Stosur wins her first singles Grand Slam title in straight sets. Sources Used: espn.com, tennis.com

2010 NBA Finals Preview

In the 1980's, the Boston Celtics versus the Los Angeles Lakers was the premier matchup in professional basketball. The Celtics had star forward Larry Bird leading the way, while the Lakers had Earvin "Magic" Johnson. When these two teams would meet, all eyes would be the matchup. During the Bird-Magic era, the Celtics and Lakers met three times in the NBA Finals, with the Lakers winning two out of the three. The rivalry between Boston and L.A. has always been important, and although the players have changed, the matchup is just as fierce as it was in previous years. The Lakers and Celtics have met a total of eleven times for a championship, with the Celtics winning nine times. These two teams met two years ago in the NBA Finals, with the Celtics winning in six games. Many of the same players that competed two years ago will play in this series. Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers into battle, while the big 4 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo do so for Boston. In order to determine a champion, I will analyze the Celtics and Lakers by position in their starting fives, and also in their bench play. Point Guard: Derek Fisher is the seasoned veteran who has been known to hit the big shot when needed. Rajon Rondo is the young, electric point guard who can score, rebound, and assist with ease. Rondo is quickly becoming one of the premier point guards in the NBA, while Fisher is starting to decline in his numbers, but it still a great three-point shooter. Rondo has much greater assist numbers than Fisher, which is important as the role of a true point guard is to pass first and shoot second. Along with his knack for finding the open man, Rondo is eleven years younger than Fisher. Fisher may hit a few three-pointers, but Rondo will be much more consistent. Advantage: Boston Shooting Guard: At shooting guard, there is a matchup of two of the best shooting guards of the last fifteen years. For the Celtics, Ray Allen mans the position, whereas the best player in the NBA not named Lebron James, plays the position for the Lakers. Kobe Bryant is a scoring machine who is routinely mentioned in MVP conversation. Ray Allen is still a formidable scorer, however he has started to decline. Bryant's superior scoring ability and his ability to make the players around him better, gives the Lakers the advantage. Advantage: Los Angeles Small Forward: Paul Pierce has been a consistent scorer throughout his career, while Ron Artest has mainly been more of a liability than an asset to teams during his career. Artest has shown glimpses of good play, but Pierce has been a consistent offensive force throughout his career. in order to be successful, a player needs to be consistent and Paul Pierce has that. The consistency of Pierce will prove key in this matchup, amd will offset any good moments that Artest may have. This gives an advantage at small forward to Boston. Advantage: Boston Power Forward: The matchup at power forward features two of the best at the position in the NBA. Both players are forces on offensive, while also being proficient rebounders and defenders. However, Pau Gasol's offensive numbers are slightly more impressive than Kevin Garnett's, and Gasol is also younger than Garnett. Gasol has averaged a double-double over the course of the season. The strength and offensive ability of Gasol gives the Lakers the edge at power forward. Advantage: Los Angeles Center: Both teams feature a good, young center with Andrew Bynum for the Lakers, and Kendrick Perkins for the Celtics. Bynum has dealt with injuries throughout the season, while Perkins has been mostly healthy. Perkins has amassed six technical fouls, meaning one more technical will result in a one-game suspension. It is unclear how Bynum will perform in the NBA Finals, after being injured much of the season. A suspension is the only way that the Celtics would not have an advantage at this position. Advantage: Boston Bench: With Nate Robinson, Rasheed Wallace, and Glen Davis, the Celtics have a much deeper bench than the Lakers. The Lakers have Lamar Odom and a number of marginal players on the rest of their bench. The Celtics have an ability to replace nearly their entire starting five with players that can control the offense well. Advantage: Boston After analyzing the Celtics and the Lakers by position, I have found that the Celtics possess superior players at three of the five positions, plus a deeper bench than the Lakers. These positional advantages will ultimately lead the Celtics to another victory over the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Verdict: Boston in six games Sources Used: espn.com, nba.com

Stosur takes down Serena

Yesterday, the number one seed in the French Open women's draw was defeated. Serena Williams fell to the seven seed Samantha Stosur in three sets by a score of 2-6, 7-6, 6-8. Stosur has perhaps the second most powerful game on the women's side after Serena. Normally, players will not succeed when they hit to Serena's backhand, however Stosur used her kick serve to perfection in neutralizing Serena's biggest weapon. The win for Stosur was her second in five tries against the top player in the world. Her previous win came in Stanford one year ago. Usually Serena is unbeatable in majors as she has twelve titles, but Stosur was able to counter every offensive opportunity that Serena had. Stosur has been a top doubles player in the past, as she ascended to the number one ranking in 2006. With the win, Stosur advances to the semifinals and will play Jelena Jankovic. With top three seeds now out of the tournament, Stosur has become the favorite to win the French Open. Stosur reached the semifinals of the French Open last year, where she lost to eventual champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. Stosur should have little trouble in being victorious on the red clay of Roland Garros and holding the trophy on Saturday. With two more wins, Stosur will capture her first singles Grand Slam title, after winning the French Open and U.S. Open in doubles competition. Stosur controlled the match from start to finish, eventually taking down the best player in majors in three sets.

Ken Griffey Jr. announces retirement

Today, Ken Griffey Jr. announced his retirement from professional baseball. Griffey was hitting just .184 this season as age and injuries had continued to take their toll on the one-time feared hitter. Griffey also had zero home runs this season. Over the past few years, Griffey has struggled as the numerous injuries he has suffered throughout his career began to catch up with him. Griffey was drafted first overall by the Seattle Mariners in 1987, and made his major league debut two years later. During his time in Seattle, he was one of baseball's greatest hitters while also showing magnificent defensive prowess. Throughout the 1990's, Griffey was awarded a Gold Glove after each season. After 1999, Griffey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Griffey would spend eight full seasons with the Reds, most of which would be injury-plauged. Griffey would hit thirty-five home runs in 2005, but would never regain those power numbers again. 2007 would be Griffey's last productive season in which he would show glimpses of his previous ability, with thirty home runs. After struggling for the past three seasons, Griffey has retired. Griffey ends his career with 630 home runs, which ranks fifth on the all-time list. While it may have been time for Griffey to retire, he will be forever known as a player who was the best player of his generation. There is much debate over the number of home runs Griffey would have hit had he not dealt with injury problems. In my mind, Griffey would be the all-time leading home run hitter in MLB history, had he not had numerous injury issues. Sources Used: espn.com

Swedish Giant Slayer

Today on the red clay of Roland Garros, Robin Soderling accomplished the unthinkable yet again. Although the victim this time around was not a four-time French Open champion, he did take down arguably the greatest player ever to step onto a tennis court, in Roger Federer Throughout the match, Soderling pounded forehand after forehand at Federer, along with serves clocked at one hundred forty miles per hour. The defeat for Federer marked the end of his streak of twenty-three straight Grand Slam semifinal appearances. Federer's streak was more than twice that of the previous high of ten shared by Ivan Lendl and Rod Laver. The win for Soderling marks the second consecutive year in which he has beaten the French Open defending champion. In similar fashion to his monumental upset of Rafael Nadal last year, Soderling was able to push Federer throughout the match and stay within striking distance. After Federer and Soderling split the first two sets, Soderling was able to take the third set 7-5 after a lengthy rain delay. The third set featured an incredible save on match point in which Solderling hit a backhand overhead volley for a winner. After the third set, Soderling closed the match with a 6-4 victory in the fourth set. After twelve losses, Soderling was able to conquer Federer on one of the grandest stages in tennis. The final score of the match was 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. 6-4. Soderling seems determined to match his performance from last year of reaching the finals in Paris. With Rafael Nadal on the opposite side of the draw, Soderling has a strong chance to repeat as a finalist. Robin will face Tomas Berdych in the semifinals. Berdych dispatched Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets to reach the semifinals. The loss by Federer also means that Rafael Nadal will regain the number one world ranking if he can win the French Open, which he is definitely capable of doing. It will be an interesting Sunday in Paris if Soderling and Nadal can advance to the final. Sources Used: espn.com, tennis.com