My Picks for the French Open 2012 May 26, 2012
Posted by johnthrasher in tennis.Tags: 2012, French Open2, predictions, Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros, Serena Williams, tennis
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I can’t believe it’s time for the second grand slam of the year! I feel like the Australian Open just ended! Nevertheless, the pros are in Paris about to start the grandest fight to the finish on terre battue.
So who do I think will win this year’s Roland Garros championships? I’m going with Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. Serena won 2 clay tournaments and was on her way to a third before she withdrew from Rome with a back injury. Sharapova has done the same this year, but I give the edge to Serena since she did beat her in Madrid.
Rafael Nadal is back to the same ol’ grind winning almost every match on clay leading up to the French. It will be a tough one between him and Djokovic, but Nadal is the King of Clay. Something will have to go haywire for him to not clench his 7th French Open title and 11th Grand Slam overall.
Based on the draws here is what I think the semifinals, finals, and championship matches will look like:
Women:
Semifinals: 1 Azarenka vs. 3 Radwanska & 14 Schiavone vs. 5 S. Williams
Finals: 3 Radwanska vs. 5 S. Williams
2012 French Open Women’s Singles Champion: 5 Serena Williams
Men
Semifinals: 1 Djokovic vs. 3 Federer & 2 Nadal vs. 6 Ferrer
Finals: 3 Federer vs. 2 Nadal
2012 French Open Men’s Single Champion: 2 Rafael Nadal
What are your picks for this year’s French Open? Tweet me @jthrasher and let me know!
Also, for the latest scores and updates on Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova, follow the Twitter accounts below:
My 2011 Australian Open Predictions! January 14, 2011
Posted by johnthrasher in technology, Television, tennis.Tags: Australian Open, Kim Clijsters, Li Na, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
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Well there isn’t a ton of drama heading in to this year’s Australian Open, which begins on Monday. On the women’s side Serena Williams is still absent from the game (nursing a foot injury from July), one of my favorites Elena Dementieva retired in November, and Li Na just beat Clijsters in Sydney to win the title.
On the men’s side, the top 100 players are entered, Nadal is looking to be the first man in 42 years to hold all four grand slams at once, and Roger Federer is now 30 – usually the beginning of the end in players past. With all of this considered, including the draw, here are my semis, finals, and champions for the 2011 Australian Open:
Women’s Singles
Semis: 11 Henin vs. 9 Li and 3 Clijsters vs. 2 Zvonareva
Final: 9 Li vs. 3 Clijsters
Champion: 9 Li
It’s a bit of a long shot for Li to win a slam considering she never has, and she’d have to beat Aussie favorite, and U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters to do it probably. However, Li just beat Clijsters today to win in Sydney. Maybe Clijsters is a little more fatigued than usual? Either way I expect Li to make a deep run.
Men’s Singles:
Semis: 1 Nadal vs 4 Soderling and 4 Djokovic vs. 2 Federer
Final: 1 Nadal vs. 2 Djokovic
Champion: 1 Nadal
I really went back and forth about putting Djokovic or Federer in the final, but am thinking that with an aging Federer and a vengeful Djokovic, maybe Djokovic could win. Djokovic has beaten Federer before so it’s not a long-shot really. I just hope that Nadal is over his recent flu that derailed him 2 weeks ago. It would be amazing to see him hit yet another career record!
Lil Wayne Loves Tennis, Predicts U.S. Open Winner From Behind Bars! August 29, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Music, Personally John, Television, tennis.Tags: Lil Wayne, Rafael Nadal, Sports Illustrated, U.S. Open
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Okay I have a WHOLLLLEEE new respect for Lil Wayne! From jail, Lil Wayne wrote a hand-written letter to Sports Illustrated talking about his love for the sport of tennis, and who he thinks will win the U.S. Open this year.
Wow!
Besides the fact he spelled “trying” as “trien,” we actually have a lot in common. Not only do we both love tennis and grillz on our teef, but we both predicted that Rafael Nadal would win the U.S. Open this year.
My favorite “sentence” is
“And by the way, I’m giving the edge to Clijsters in the women’s singles due to Serena’s right foot.”
LOLOL!
My U.S. Open 2010 Predictions! August 29, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Personally John, Television, tennis, Travel.Tags: Caroline Wozniacki, Kim Clijsters, New York City, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, U.S. Open, Venus Williams
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Though I am not entirely sure yet, there is a very high possibility that I will be attending the U.S. Open this year again! I’m really excited and will definitely be reporting on it when I am there. Click here to see my pics, and review of the Open last year.
But, for now I wanted to post my thoughts on who will win this year’s U.S. Open – both men and women. I used USOpen.org’s Bracket Challenge to plan out my quarterfinals, semis, finals, and champions. So without further ado.
Serena withdrew last week as she recovers from a freak accident a few months ago where she cut her foot on a glass at a restaurant and required emergency surgery. With Serena out of the mix, the field is actually very wide open. For the women’s side I have:
1 Caroline Wozniacki def. 2 Kim Clijsters in the final.
Caroline has been on absolute fire this summer and is the U.S. Open series winner, which means she will add a million dollar bonus to whatever prize money she makes during her run this year. Kim has been doing well this summer, but there is a bit more of a spark in Caroline’s play. Caroline doesn’t possess any major weapons but her consistency seems to be enough to really make it far in this tournament. Here’s how I think the women’s draw will go:
As for the men, Rafael Nadal goes in to the U.S. Open as the No.1 seed…though this is the only major he hasn’t won. I got to see Rafa play last year when I went to the Open. He definitely has what it takes to win this tournament – there’s no doubt about that. With Federer aging, and a not-s0-hot draw, I predict:
1 Rafael Nadal def. 19 Mardy Fish in the final.
Mardy has never played like a champion until this summer. He won a couple of tournaments and is in the best shape of his life. It’s a long shot to have him beating Federer – the greatest player of all time – but Federe has proved that he is not infallible. Here’s how I think the men’s singles draw will go:
In 2 weeks we’ll know the winner of both! Will someone surprise us (like Del Potro did last year) or will we see the No.1 seeds win? I’ll be back after the fortnight to analyze my usually accurate predictions! 
My Predictions Were Correct: Serena and Nadal Wimbledon Champions! July 4, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in MTV TJ, Sports, Television, tennis.Tags: Rafael Nadal, Russia, Serena Williams, tennis, Wimbledon
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Another Wimbledon, and more correct champion predictions from yours truly! Though anyone betting against either Serena Williams or Rafael Nadal would be foolish, both men’s and women’s tennis is pretty much wide open at the moment. Both finalists that the champions beat were first-time Slam finalists.
On Saturday, Serena won her 13th grand slam title, and 4th Wimbledon title beating 21 seed Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 6-2.
On Sunday Rafael Nadal won his 8th grand slam title, and 2nd Wimbledon beating 12th seeded Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.
As mentioned above, I correctly predicted both champions before the tournament even began. So, if you are a betting man and need any advice for future tournaments, let me know!
Speaking of future tournaments, the 2010 U.S. Open is just about a month and a half away, and now that I’ve had my taste of being a part of a grand slam myself (2009 U.S. Open) you can bet that I will DEFINITELY be there, reporting about everything I experienced, including last year when Serena Williams threw up in a bush 5 feet away from me after one of her doubles matches!
See you in Queens!
(click here for My 2009 U.S. Open Experience, detailing my entire day there!)
My 2010 Wimbledon Predictions! June 22, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Personally John, Television, tennis.Tags: Andy Roddick, ESPN, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Sports, tennis, Wimbledon
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Hey y’all! I can NOT believe that Wimbledon has already started! I feel like I was just at the U.S. Open the other day!
This post is coming hot off the heels of Roger Federer’s near-death defeat today at the hands of Alejandro Falla. Not sure how Falla didn’t pull that one off. Either way, here are my predictions that I’ve made after looking at the draw (before Roger played today).
Men:
5 Roddick vs. 2 Nadal
Champion: 2 Nadal
Women:
1 S. Williams vs. 2 V. Williams
Champion: 1 S. Williams
I’m wondering when the door is going to start closing for the Williams sisters when it comes to Wimbledon, but frankly, they are still major threats, and with Serena winning in Australia already this year, it would be stupid to bet against her. The only other person I could see making a run is Justine Henin, since this tournament is the whole reason she came out of retirement anyway.
After watching Roger today, I dare say I don’t see him getting as far as I thought. I had Roddick beating him in the semis, but I guess that will remain to be seen. Both men are somewhat iffy right now, so let’s hope they get to that round and make it a repeat of last year’s final.
I’ll be back after this fortnight with the results!
Click here for last year’s predictions. (Which I got 75% right!)
(PS I totally called Serena vs. Maria Sharapova back in 2004 before Maria had ever won a major, or was THAT talked about. I had Serena beating her, but I called it nonetheless!)
My U.S. Open Experience! September 9, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Personally John, Sports, Television, tennis, Travel.Tags: Caroline Wozniacki, Daniela Hantuchova, Grand Slam, Juan Martin Del Potro, Kim Clijsters, New York City, Nicolas Almagro, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Sorana Cirstea, tennis, U.S. Open, Venus Williams
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On Sunday, September 6, 2009, I got the chance to go to the U.S. Open in New York City! I bought my ticket the night before, and got decent seats on Arthur Ashe stadium. I was so excited to go, and could barely sleep the night before because all I thought about was being there. I have dreamed about going to the U.S. Open since I was 16 and started playing tennis. The all-star lineup made my day at the Open a dream come true, to say the least.
I took the 7 train to Willets Point, which is a stop right between Mets Stadium and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. I got to my seat in the promenade of Arthur Ashe stadium at about 10a.m. On my way to my seat, I saw tennis legend Nick Bollettieri! I wanted to ask him for a photo, but he was talking to someone and seemed engaged in the conversation.
First up was the main reason I was there! Serena Williams! Her 4th round match versus Daniela Hantuchova was to start at 11a.m. Serena had a very easy time winning the match 6-2, 6-0 in about an hour.
After Serena’s match was finished, the man I hope wins the tournament, world No.3 Rafael Nadal took to the court. He was very energetic, powerful, and played very well in beating the 32 seed, Nicolas Almagro 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.
The last match of the day session might have been the most anticipated. It was world No.3 Venus Williams versus 2005 champion, and wild card, Kim Clijsters. Clijsters is back after 2 years off, and without a ranking. Clijsters ended up winning the match 6-0, 0-6, 6-4. It was kind of sad to see Venus lose the match because her leg was very heavily taped, but it was entertaining nonetheless.
After the day session on Arthur Ashe stadium was over, I ran as quickly as I could over to Louis Armstrong stadium to see the Williams sisters doubles match versus Caroline Wozniacki and Sorana Cirstea. But when I got there, the match between world No.6 Juan Martin del Potro was just finishing up. He played unseeded Daniel Koellerer, and won 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
After the men’s singles match, the Williams sisters came on and I got fantastic seats! I was literally about 6 feet from the court and took lots of awesome pictures. Before the match began I had to get to a closer seat and had to shift my way around Oracene Price, their mother! Oracene is just as popular of a person as Serena and Venus in the tennis-world. Anyone who is a fan of Venus or Serena is a fan of Oracene. Also, Serean’s boyfriend, rapper Common, was in the stands. You can see the picture here. He’s the one in the blue shirt. Oracene is the one in red just behind him.
The best part of the night happened after the doubles match. I was leaving Louis Armstrong stadium with the rest of the crowd when I suddenly hear everyone clapping and cheering. I look behind me to see what people are clapping about, and Venus and Serena are literally walking RIGHT BEHIND me! I couldn’t believe it. I was walking out of the stadium with Serena Williams! My battery was dying on my camera, so the flash didn’t take, but as you can see in the picture below I was literally right next to her.
Needless to say I had an absolute blast fulfilling my dreams at the U.S. Open, and being able to walk out of Louis Armstrong Stadium with the one and only Serena Williams. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love her, and how blessed I am to have been there. I can’t wait to go again next year. Maybe I’ll go to the Australian Open in January!
For an entire gallery of the photos that I took check on Facebook or click here for my MobileMe gallery.
Rafael Nadal Gets Kissed By A Man On-Court! September 9, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Sports, Television, tennis.Tags: Arthur Ashe, New York City, Rafael Nadal, security, U.S. Open.
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Check out the hot and steamy action! Clearly Nadal didn’t care, as you can see him say, “It’s okay!” to the security guards as they pull the man away. Nadal throws his arms up in confusion as to why they would pull a man who just kissed him off of Arthur Ashe stadium.
In his press conference later, Nadal seemed okay with it:
“For me, it wasn’t a problem. The guy was really nice,” Nadal said. “He said, ‘I love you,’ and he kissed me.”
Wimbledon iPhone App June 25, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Geek Talk, iPhone, Movies/Film, Sports, technology, Television, tennis, Travel.Tags: app, Apple, iPhone, iPod, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Wimbledon
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If you’re like me and can’t go 5 minutes without checking Wimbledon scores this time of year, then you’re in luck!
The All England Lawn and Tennis Club has released an iPhone app with all kinds of Wimbledon goodies in it!
Besides updating scores every 30 seconds, the app also offers Wimbledon-related news stories, the schedule and order-of-play, a view of the draw for all events, and even video highlights.
The best part is that it’s free! Check out the Wimbledon app here if you’re following the Championships this fortnight.
Roger Federer Makes Tennis History Twice June 7, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Personally John, Sports, tennis, Travel.Tags: Andre Agassi, Don Budge, Fred Perry, French Open, Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Rod Laver, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Roy Emerson, Sports, tennis
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The picture should pretty much say it all. Today Roger Federer became only the 6th person in history to win all four Grand Slam major tennis tournaments, by beating Swede Robin Soderling 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4 to win the 2009 French Open. The other 5 being Fred Perry, Roy Emerson, Don Budge, Rod Laver, and Andre Agassi. Not only did he make history in that category, but Federer also tied Pete Sampras’ record for winning the most Grand Slam major titles – at 14. One more for Federer and he will be the winningest Grand Slam champion in history.
For those that don’t follow, Federer has made the French Open final the last 3 years, losing to Rafael Nadal each time. A lot of people wondered if he could ever win this tournament, and when Nadal was beaten by Soderling early in the tournament, a lot of people thought this would be Federer’s year.
I woke up in time to watch most of the last set, and I am so excited and honored to be watching tennis history like this go down. After winning this tournament, it’s fair to say that Roger Federer will go down in history as the best tennis player that ever lived.
Here is a list of the majors that Roger Federer has won, which I pride myself in knowing without looking up!
2003 Wimbledon
2004 Australian Open
2004 Wimbledon
2004 U.S. Open
2005 Wimbledon
2005 U.S. Open
2006 Australian Open
2006 Wimbledon
2006 U.S. Open
2007 Australian Open
2007 Wimbledon
2007 U.S. Open
2008 U.S. Open
2009 French Open
