The Final Day

11:30 AM

We’re finally down to the last day. Entering the gate, I see a group of fans from my home town, Los Angeles, and all of them have their faces painted in support of Andy Roddick. Fantastic! This could be the biggest match of his career.

His record against Roger Federer is less than impressive, he’s lost to the Swiss master 18 out of 20 meetings, but he’s shown a new maturity and confidence in this fortnight, and if he plays as well today as he did in the semi-final I think he has a shot at the title. His match against Andy Murray showed that not only can he rocket un-returnable serves, and blast forehands, he’s added, smarts and an excellent touch volley to his repertoire.

Perhaps most impressive to me, was his poise, concentration, and focus. Not once during the semi-final did he get down on himself, or get too excited. He played in the “No Drama Obama” zone. Steadily going after his goal. Not looking forward or backward. Staying focused on what was happening at the moment.

I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to this match more than any other for a long time. No matter what the outcome, I think it will be a great final. I feel the excitement in the air, and although I know the media is supposed to be neutral, I think I can say in this blog, that my hopes are with Andy. I can envision that great grin that will come with this win. So my best to you today Arod!

7:00 PM

WOW!! Andy lost the match but for sure gained respect and fans today. What a final. This was the best Wimbledon final I’ve been to and I’m sure one that will go down in history, not only for Roger breaking Pete’s record, but for sheer quality of play and players. No shouting or grunting. Both Roger and Andy played with respect for each other, the game and the occasion Bravo to both of you! You’ve shown the tennis world what great sportsmanship and tennis really means. In this respect they are both champions in my opinion.

The day was perfectly beautiful. Warm sunshine and fluffy white cotton clouds in a bright blue sky.

I started my day shooting from the top of the stadium I love the view from up there, you really see the whole saga unfold before you. There are great photo opportunities of players serving, diving, coming to the net, and of course wonderful wide angle’s showing the whole stadium.

Andy is serving at 5 all in the first and twice challenges a call that was called in and was out on the challenge. Good thing we have Hawkeye. That bad call could have changed the first set as Roger would have gone up 6-5 if the call had not been challenged and changed.

After the first set, I trade places with a friend who has a seat on the east side of the court. This side is preferred by a lot of photographer’s because you have an unobstructed view of the whole court, and can shoot both ends. However, often this is easier said than done, because everyone is shooting with long lenses, you really have little choice but to go the same way your neighbor is shooting.

Finally I move to a seat on the west side. A lot of people never shoot from this side, but they are missing some good shots. I like to get close ups of the players in their chairs and changing ends. Its also the only place you can get a shot of the players shaking hands at the end of the match.

As you see, I like to move around, shoot from different angles. Try for different shots.

I check out the Royal Box and see Pete Sampras and his wife sitting with Manuel Santana, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg. Talk about the royalty of tennis! Four legends, four of the greatest players in history sitting in the front row!

The match is amazing. There are times when I want to just watch and not shoot photos. At 10 all I comment to the photographer next to me that neither player even looked tired. These guys are incredible. Andy is serving to stay alive on every other game. He does this ten times until Roger finally breaks him with Andy serving at 14-15. I’ve never been so impressed with his play.

Meanwhile, the photographers were going crazy, wondering at which end match point would be, and what equipment to use. With Andy serving at 14-15, I look across at the opposite photo pit and see everyone’s camera pointed at Roger, hoping for the shot of the day if he wins.

Now I know that I’ve talked a lot about Roddick, so I need to even the score and give Roger some space too. No question he played a great match. He basically just stayed the course. Nothing fancy, nothing spectacular… frankly, there really weren’t any spectacular photos, but 14 grand slam title holder, just kept playing the game he plays so well. He toughed out the most games ever seen at a Wimbledon final, 77, and the longest fifth set in Wimbledon history. In the end it became a test of nerves, belief and patience. Something the Swiss tennis genus is very good at.

I think this photo of Roger triumphant, and Andy head down in his chair tells the story. Glory and Grief, Joy and Misery.

So, the last strawberry with cream has been eaten, and the 2009 Championships have come to an end. Roger Federer has set a new record for someone to chase, and tennis history, once again has been made on the grass courts at SW19.

The Fourth of July

10: AM

This is the day American’s celebrate their independence from Britain, and it always seems ironic to me that I’m at Wimbledon for this great American holiday. I miss the block parties, beach picnic’s, fireworks, and hanging out with friends. However, I’m not going to let the fact that I’m in London keep me from noting the day. There are a lot of expat’s here so I’m researching my options for good times this evening.

Dress for the day... dark blue jeans, white shirt and red trainers... forgot my American flag bandana, but I’m doing my best to make s statement!

Meanwhile, it’s going to be a big USA day at The Championships. The sisters will be celebrating their Independence Day competing in the women’s singles final, Followed by the Bryan’s in the Men’s Doubles, followed by the Williams’s in the women’s doubles. GO STARS AND STRIPES!!

Shall I risk putting up my pick for the Sister Act? Serena has a 2/1 edge on Venus, having defeated her in 2002, and 2003. Venus got her revenge last year, and I’m betting that she’ll even the score today. Okay, I’ve put my opinion on the line so we’ll see what happens.

The Bryans will be playing a very tough team, Nestor and Zimonjic. This is the team that took out Blake and Fish 10 - 8 in the fifth. The sisters will face third seeded Stosur and Stubbs, a very solid team, but I’m going to go for the gold... an all American champions day! That will be something to celebrate.

And how will their equally famous father spend his fourth? He’s said that he can’t bear to watch the girls play each other, so he is heading back to Florida where he will find out who the winner is, not by TV, the internet, or a call from the sisters but by a sign that his neighbors post on their house reading either “Congratulations Venus”, or “Congratulations Serena”.

1:05 PM

Uh oh, it’s drizzling a little. They are making an announcement right now that this band of rain is expected to pass so no plans for closing the roof right now.

4:11 PM

Okay so I was wrong... it won’t be the first time. Serena was just too tough. Those girls are so opposite sometimes it’s hard to believe they are sisters. Venus, tall and regal reminds me of an Egyptian princess, I can envision her floating down the Nile on a barge wearing a jeweled headdress. On the other hand, Serena is like a boxer, strong, tough, and muscular. I can see her in the ring, pounding her opponent senseless.

5:18 PM

Bad news... the Bryan’s have lost the first set. I’m going to go out and do a few snaps.

7:09 PM

Well Zimonjic and Nestor have just taking the fireworks out of the Bryan’s fourth. The defending champions are going home with the gold trophies once more.

One more to go... Let’s see if the William’s can add the double’s trophies to their 2009 collection.

9:13 PM

That's it .. a big day for the Williams, looks like they will be taking home all of the women's trophys.

Andy vs Andy

Wow, it’s several hours after the match and I’m still amazed. Roddick was at his best today, firing off bullet like aces, running, diving, and never giving up. This will be Roddick’s third trip to the final, proving perhaps that in this instance experience counts more than youth. If you look at the last eight men who were in the quarters, Hewitt, Roddick, Murray, Ferraro Haas, Djokovic, Karlovic, and Federer, Murray and Djokovic are the only youngsters. Both Haas and Karlovic, are over thirty, and the rest are in their late twenties.

From the first match that I saw Arod play here, I quietly thought to myself, “I think he can win it this time”. He’s had a couple of dicey years, but he just has that look of a champion about him again. Totally focused. Mature. He said he’s been working hard and it shows. He’s trimmed 15 pounds off his weight, and new coach Larry Stefanki has been drilling him, and working hard on returns and volleys and backhand. He looks like a much more complete player. No more a man who depended solely on blasting his opponents off the court with his serve.

I’m usually not so much into stats, but I think these are interesting, Murray, actually hit more aces twenty five to twenty one. He also hit more winners, seventy six to sixty four, and had fewer unforced errors, twenty to twenty four, but bottom line Roddick won far more points at the net, forty eight to fifteen, and kept his first serve percentage a lot higher, seventy five to fifty two. Remember when I said that this was going to be a battle of serves? Roddick also kept his serves consistently over 130 mph, at one point hitting 143, the hardest that was his here so far.

The score seems close, 6-4 4-6 7-6 (9/7) 7-6 (7/5), but the truth is, from my seat in the photo pit, Andy R seemed in control of the match. He gave me one little worry, when he was serving for the third set at 5-2, dropped his serve and let the Scot level the set to

five all before closing it out, in a breaker, but throughout the whole match, I was sure that he was going to win. Maybe it was his calm. Even when it looked like the British number one was making a comeback, Arod, kept his cool and stuck to a game plan.

The Brits wanted this win badly, but it wasn't Murray's day, and now at least they have a player that is a contender. There is no doubt that Andy M will stay on top for a number of years, and take home a few titles of his own, but for now they will have to wait until 2010 for another chance at breaking their record dry spell of men's champions.

As for the final. I can hardly wait. Roger kept Andy from holding the gold cup in 2004, with a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 win, and in 2005, defeating Roddick 6-2, 7-6, 6-4. A much more mature Andy Roddick will be going for a first Wimbledon title, and the Swiss will be going for history, hoping to surpass Pete Sampras Grand Slam title record.

Quotes from Roddick:

“I’m just going to pretend that when they cheer for “Andy” that they are cheering for me.”

“I've developed a little bit of rapport with the fans. Maybe you guys helping me by asking me a bunch of goofy questions and me giving a bunch of goofy answersOver the last couple of years I didn't think I'd have the chance to

Talking about his conversation with his wife after he lost here last year. “ She didn’t really know much about tennis, so she thought I was playing real great”

“ She thought I looked cute in the shorts.”

Question; Can you describe to us how much you want this title, how much it means to you?

Andy Roddick;, Smiling. “No, I probably couldn’t “

Well, I’m willing to bet it means a whole lot.

Photo of the Day.

Drama is Spelled S-E-R-E-N-A

1:00 PM

Grunting, Shouting, Crying, Praying … and finally Smiles. Yes, that is the drama of Serena Williams in the Semi-Final today. Most of the time I had the impression that she was very angry at something... I wasn’t sure if the anger was directed at Dementieva , or the ball she was trying to hit the cover off of , or just general bad humor.

The day was hot and humid, and Williams fired up Center Court in the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history. The American number two seed, played an error ridden first set, but came back, and saved a match point to win the second set. The third was another epic, ending with Serena winning 8-6.

One thing I have to say is Serena always provides us with multiple photo opportunities and entertainment. It was two hours and 48 minutes of passion, emotion and theatrics, between the American and the Russian Dimentieva. It was also the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history.

Venus match against Russian Dinera Safina was the polar opposite. The defending champion took out Safina in fifty two minutes posting a score of 6-1, 6-0. I don’t know if that is the shortest semi-finals in Wimbledon history, but it certainly would be a contender.

This sets up an exciting Fourth of July final between the sisters. They have already played each other in three finals, and one or the other of them has been in the final here seven of the last eight years.

Venus is going for her sixth title and her third Wimbledon in a row. She hasn’t lost a set in this Championship. Serena has won here twice, and is looking for revenge for Venus beating her in last year’s final.

6:20 PM

I’m editing my semi-final photos, and thinking that I should start my blog, when I notice that James Blake and Marty Fish have won the first set in their men’s doubles semi-final, against the second seeds, Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonic. This would be a huge win for the unseeded Americans and would set up an all American final against the Bryan’s.

Tired and hot as I am, I still feel like I need to go shoot some of this match and give our guys some support. I’m the only photographer out there and it’s kind of nice to have the whole platform to myself. Blake and Fish are playing great! Who knew what a good doubles team they were.. Maybe their Davis Cup teammates, the Bryan Bros. have been coaching them. They win the second set, and I’m thinking about staying for the third, but it’s already 7:00, and I still have to edit my semi-finals and the Press dinner starts at 8:00.

8:20PM

OH MY WORD .. The doubles is still on .. They are just starting the fifth.

8:30PM

The Press Dinner. A much anticipated event every year. People get a chance to take a break, mingle and gossip with colleagues and the food and wine is always nice.

11:22 PM

Yep, I’m still here. Blake and Fish lost 10 – 8 in the fifth. I’m sort of sorry that I missed that match, but the dinner was very nice and very welcome.

That’s it for today. Tomorrow is going to be a big day with the two Andy’s playing in the semi-final.

Murray Mania

12:30 PM

Murray Mania continues here. Henman Hill, or as some are now calling it, Murray Mound, is a sea of excited faces all turned toward the giant video wall showing the Scot playing Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarterfinal. Did I say “all”? Well not quite all, this guy has apparently decided to catch up on some reading.

I’m calling this Murray Mania, but the truth is; yes they want him to win, want to break the 72 year drought in having a men’s champion at this most prestigious of tennis tournaments, but I don’t feel the same sort of mad infatuation that the fans had for Tim Henman. There are only a couple of people with small flags in the stands, not “Go Tiger!” signs, no “We Love You Tim” signs. No painted faces, not crazy hats. I also notice that unlike the former British number one’s match’s where there was never a free seat in the photo pit, for Andy’s match’s there are always available seats.

I wonder if this is because Tim was a “proper English Gentleman” and Murray is a Scot. Somehow it seems like Murray is about expectation, and Henman was about hope. Then I wonder if they are afraid to get hope too high after having so many disappointing years with Henman.

Well, this could be the year to end their disappointment. Murray is totally focused and is playing the best tennis of his life. If he wins this title, he will take over the number two spot from Roger Feeder, and with Nadal injured, would have a shot of passing the Spaniard to gain the number one world ranking.

3:00 PM

Murray has ousted Ferrero in straight sets, and next will meet the winner of Roddick/Hewitt. Either of these players could stretch the Scot, and make him play a much tougher match than he’s had so far, so the semis could be very interesting. If it’s Roddick, it will be a duel of serves, and if it’s Hewitt, it will be a duel of will. Hewitt is one of the grittiest players on the tour, he never gives up and has won the title once, and so is no stranger to the pressure of Center Court.

4:45 PM

Thirty one year old Tommy Haas has come through with a nice win over twenty two year old Novak Djokovic. Nice statement for the over thirty crowd, to see the oldest guy in the draw defeat the Serb who is 9 years his junior. Getting older sometimes means getting better. Haas is a great guy and has been plagued with injury so it’s nice to see him back in the game.

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5:20 PM

It seems as though there are as many people out socializing as watching the matches. I think Wimbledon is the most social of all the Grand Slams. It’s as much about just “being there” as actually watching the tennis. I over heard one woman at the Champagne bar confide to her friend, that she didn’t know anything about tennis, but she just loved to come here, have drinks and see who she might meet.

Music from a live jazz band, Pimm’s and Champagne add to the party atmosphere. For the non British reading this, Pimm’s, is a very popular summer drink in Britain. They reportedly sold 100,000 glasses during the Wimbledon fortnight. Its gin based, but the exact recipe is secret. There are many variations on the cocktail, but basically it is one part Pimm’s mixed with tow parts Schweppes lemonade (7up to Americans), and garnished with mint, fresh orange slices, cucumber and strawberry.

I’ve tried it, and it’s quite good but lethal. One of those drinks that tastes good and refreshing and innocent, but isn’t.

7:38 PM

Roddick and Hewitt are in a marathon. I had a feeling this would be the case. Both of them are playing well, and I feel it’s sort of a “never give up, never give in” thing for both of them Hewitt is coming back from surgery and Roddick is trying to regain his stature as a top player.

7:48 PM

OH MY WORD... 4 all in the fifth, the tension is killing me. I’m thinking about running over to court one to catch the ending, but getting over there for the change is going to be a real challenge.

8:01PM

YES!! Andy took the fifth 6-4! So it will be Andy and Andy in the semi final. Should be great with a lot of good photos. I’m looking forward to it!

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